Harry Smith Breaks the Internet: 7 Key Facts About the Viral Sensation Everyone’s Talking About

Lede Veteran broadcaster Harry Smith is trending again thanks to a rare double-header of career news: the beloved former NBC News correspondent has begun teaching full-time at Iowa’s Central College just months before he receives the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award, sparking a surge of interest among journalism fans and students alike. From Morning TV to Midwest Classroom Smith said goodbye to the TODAY studio in an on-air champagne toast after 12 years with NBC, telling viewers he was “leaving with nothing but gratitude” as he pivoted toward academia. By autumn, he was in Pella, Iowa, leading a storytelling course whose waiting list filled within hours. Students describe the class as “half master class, half newsroom,” with Smith critiquing assignments the same way he once polished network scripts. Honored With the Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award Washington State University’s Murrow College announced that Smith will accept its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in October, citing his “decades of integrity and uncommon curiosity”. The honor places him alongside broadcasting legends such as Tom Brokaw and Christiane Amanpour. Rediscovering Roots—and Inspiring the Next Generation Returning to the Midwest is more than a nostalgic detour for Smith, who credits his early radio gigs in Iowa for shaping his career. “It’s an important part of my origin story,” he told the Des Moines Business Record, adding that teaching lets him “pass the microphone” to young reporters. Why His Move Matters • Hands-on mentorship: Students gain newsroom-level feedback from a journalist who’s covered six presidential campaigns and reported from 50+ countries. • Industry insight: Smith’s network connections translate into guest lectures from producers, editors and on-air talent. • Regional spotlight: Central College’s media program is suddenly attracting applicants nationwide, boosting Iowa’s profile as a training ground for storytellers. What’s Next for Harry Smith Beyond the classroom and award circuit, Smith is developing a podcast that will explore “how local stories ripple into national conversations,” according to colleagues. Rumors of a memoir are also circulating, fueled by his recent reflections on three decades in broadcast news. Key Takeaways – Harry Smith’s transition from NBC News to Central College renews focus on experiential journalism education. – The upcoming Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award cements his legacy while amplifying student interest in his courses. – Expect expanded multimedia projects and speaking engagements as the veteran anchor writes his next chapter in the heartland. Search-friendly keywords: Harry Smith, NBC News, TODAY Show, veteran journalist, Central College professor, Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award, journalism education, Iowa news, broadcast journalism legend.