Veteran TV reporter who walked away from NBC News is making a comeback

Veteran journalist Harry Smith is returning to NBC News as a contributor more than two years after his exit from the network.Smith, 75, will report on feature stories for the “Today” show, “NBC Nightly News” and NBC News live events as a special correspondent for the “Common Good” series.He officially returned Monday during “Common Ground,” a live NBC News special event sponsored by Comcast, where he reported on a doctor who played classical music on his cello to help treat patients with cancer and genetic diseases.“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 told People magazine of his new role reporting on heartwarming, community-based stories.Smith left NBC News in March 2024 after working for the network for 12 years, returning to Central College in Iowa, his alma mater, to teach a class on curiosity. “I have nothing but gratitude,” Smith said on the “Today” show in 2024 when he announced his retirement.“Every time I would always come on this show, I was always welcomed so generously. “I’ve had just this unbelievable array of phenomenal experiences since coming to NBC, and so I’m really full of nothing but gratitude.

Every time I’ve come on, everyone would drop their phones, pay attention to the story and then respond.”During his time at NBC News, Smith conducted high-profile interviews with celebs including Cher, Madonna and Julia Roberts; occasionally anchored for “NBC Nightly News;” and had a weekly segment called “Sundays with Harry” on the “Today” show.When he first joined the network, Smith contributed to newsmagazine “Rock Center with Brian Williams” before it was canceled in 2013.Smith previously worked at CBS News for 25 years, hosting “CBS This Morning” and its predecessor, “The Early Show,” for a combined 17 years.NBC News did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment....