Harry Smith returns to NBC News as contributor

Harry Smith is returning to NBC News as a regular contributor, two years after ending his 12-year tenure with the network.

Smith will contribute a series of “Common Good” feature stories across “Today,” “NBC Nightly News” and NBC News live events, according to People.

His return begins Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, as part of NBC News’ live “Common Ground” event, hosted by Savannah Guthrie and Mike Tirico. Smith is scheduled to speak with professional violinist and Music Kitchen founder Kelly Hall-Tompkins about her work as a musician and doctor.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do what I have done for so long: tell America’s story,” Smith said in a statement. “I have long believed that there is more that unites us than divides us. It’s in our bones. It’s part of America’s DNA.”

Smith previously spent 12 years at NBC News, where he worked as a correspondent and contributed across the network’s news programming. He also presented the recurring “Sundays with Harry” feature on “Today” and served as a substitute anchor for “NBC Nightly News.”

He left NBC News in March 2024, receiving an on-air farewell from his “Today” colleagues. Following his departure, Smith returned to his alma mater, Central College in Pella, Iowa, to teach.

Before joining NBC News, Smith had a lengthy career at CBS News. He anchored “CBS This Morning” and later “The Early Show,” while also contributing to “CBS Evening News,” “48 Hours” and other CBS News programs. He left CBS in 2011 before joining NBC News.

During that time, his reports were seen on “Rock Center” and other programs. 

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