HARRY SMITH NAMED CORRESPONDENT, NBC NEWS PRIMETIME NEWSMAGAZINE

July 11, 2011 - New York, NY - NBC News is honored to announce that Harry Smith, one of television's most distinguished journalists, will join the network's corps of correspondents, effective July 18, 2011. Smith will contribute his signature first-rate reporting to NBC's recently announced primetime newsmagazine hour. The announcement was made today by Steve Capus, President of NBC News.

The new broadcast, led by "NBC Nightly News" anchor and managing editor Brian Williams, will feature the talented correspondents and anchors of NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC. In this role as correspondent, Smith will work closely with Senior Executive Producer David Corvo, Executive Producer Rome Hartman, Brian Williams, and the show's producers.

"A veteran in the industry and highly regarded journalist, we're honored to have Harry on board as one of the correspondents of the new primetime newsmagazine show," said Capus. "His vast experience, covering everything from interviews with world leaders to wars and natural disasters, makes him a perfect fit for this new broadcast. Plus, Harry also brings a well earned reputation for being a great colleague and co-worker - something we truly value at NBC News."

A news anchor for more than 30 years, Smith hosted the CBS News morning shows "The Early Show" and its predecessor "CBS This Morning" for 17 years.

Most recently, Smith served as a senior correspondent for CBS News and substitute anchors for the "CBS Evening News," "Face the Nation" and "CBS News Sunday Morning." He also hosted the A&E series "Biography."

Smith began his broadcasting career at Denver radio stations KHOW and KIMN and Cincinnati radio station WLW (1973-81). From 1981-82, he worked for Denver's public television station, KRMA-TV. From 1982-85, he served as a reporter and anchor for KMGH-TV, the CBS affiliate in Denver. In 1986, Smith joined CBS News as a reporter and was named a correspondent in 1987.

He received his B.A. degree in Communications and Theater from Central College in Pella, Iowa. Smith lives in New York City with his wife, sportscaster Andrea Joyce, and their two sons.

Drawing on the unparalleled strength of America's premier news organization, the weekly, hour-long program hosted by Brian Williams, the anchor and managing editor of "NBC Nightly News," will be an exciting showcase for journalistic excellence. The live broadcast will be built around the week's biggest and most interesting events, meaningful and in-depth stories, and timely newsmaker interviews. In addition to the innovative primetime television program, there will be groundbreaking, constantly evolving digital editions of the magazine that will be available online and via the show's iPad app.