The Unretired Journalist: 7 Major Milestones In Harry Smith's Career And His Latest 2025 Honor

Harry Smith, one of the most respected and recognizable faces in American broadcast journalism, continues to make headlines even in his retirement. As of December 2025, the veteran correspondent is being celebrated for a career spanning over four decades, marked by prestigious awards and a new, unexpected chapter as an educator. This article delves into the latest updates surrounding the Emmy and Peabody Award winner, focusing on the major honor he received in Spring 2025 and his return to his academic roots.

The news of his 2025 accolade solidifies his legacy as a titan of television news, a career built on curiosity, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to storytelling. From his early days in radio to anchoring major network morning shows, Smith’s journey provides a masterclass in journalistic excellence.

Harry Smith: Full Biography and Career Profile

Harry Smith is an American retired television journalist, celebrated for his extensive work across major news networks including CBS News and NBC News. His career is distinguished by his versatility, having served as an anchor, correspondent, and host on numerous programs.

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• Full Name: Harry Smith
• Born: August 21, 1951
• Birthplace: Lansing, Illinois, USA
• Alma Mater: Central College (Pella, Iowa)
• Spouse: Andrea Joyce (Sportscaster)
• Children: Two daughters, Nora and Julia
• Key Career Roles:
  • Anchor, CBS This Morning (1987–1996)
  • Anchor, The Early Show on CBS (2002–2010)
  • Correspondent, 48 Hours and CBS Evening News
  • Senior Correspondent, NBC News (including Dateline NBC and Nightly News) (2011–2022)
  • Anchor, MSNBC (2011–2022)
• Notable Awards: Multiple Emmy Awards, Peabody Award, Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award (2025).
• Current Status: Retired from full-time network news; Executive-in-Residence and Professor at Central College.

The 2025 Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award

The most significant recent update in Harry Smith’s illustrious career came in April 2025 when he was honored with the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism. This award, presented by the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University (WSU), is one of the highest honors in broadcast journalism, reserved for individuals whose work embodies the integrity and excellence of the legendary Edward R. Murrow.

The selection committee cited Smith’s four decades of impactful reporting, his compassionate approach to complex stories, and his ability to connect with a national audience across multiple platforms. The award ceremony, held on April 1, 2025, served as a powerful tribute to his enduring influence on the industry. The recognition places him in an elite group of journalists who have fundamentally shaped the landscape of television news, further cementing his legacy long after his official retirement from NBC News.

His acceptance speech reportedly focused on the importance of curiosity and the need for journalists to maintain a human connection in an increasingly digital world, themes that resonate deeply with his current professional focus.

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A New Chapter: Teaching Curiosity and Adaptability at Central College

While many journalists enter retirement to travel or simply relax, Harry Smith embarked on a new, fulfilling path: teaching. He returned to his alma mater, Central College in Pella, Iowa, as an Executive-in-Residence and Professor, a role he has embraced with enthusiasm.

His course, often described as being about "exploring the world," focuses on the core principles that guided his career: curiosity and adaptability. Smith uses his vast experience covering global events, interviewing world leaders, and reporting from the front lines of major news stories to provide students with real-world context and inspiration.

This decision to teach is not merely a hobby; it is a commitment to mentoring the next generation of communicators. He emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions, being present in the moment, and understanding the nuances of storytelling—skills that are critical in an era of rapid media transformation. His presence on campus, which began as an initial residency, has become a significant and celebrated fixture, allowing students to learn directly from a broadcast legend.

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7 Major Milestones That Defined Harry Smith's Career

Harry Smith’s career is a tapestry woven with high-profile assignments and enduring programs. These seven milestones highlight his impact:

1. The Radio Foundation (Early Career): Smith began his broadcasting career in radio, working at stations like KHOW and KIMN in Denver, Colorado, laying the groundwork for his on-air presence and storytelling skills.
2. Rise to National Prominence with CBS News (1987): He joined CBS News and quickly became a fixture, co-anchoring CBS This Morning, making him a household name across America.
3. The Early Show Anchor (2002–2010): After a brief hiatus, Smith returned to the morning slot, anchoring The Early Show, where his calm demeanor and insightful interviews became the program's hallmark.
4. Coverage of Major Global Events: Throughout his tenure, he covered nearly every major world event, including the September 11 attacks, numerous Olympic Games (alongside his wife, sportscaster Andrea Joyce), and presidential elections, demonstrating his versatility as a reporter.
5. The Peabody Award (Date Varies): Smith is a recipient of the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, recognized for excellence in broadcast journalism, a testament to the quality and depth of his reporting.
6. Transition to NBC News (2011): His move to NBC News as a Senior Correspondent and anchor for MSNBC showcased his adaptability, allowing him to contribute to programs like Dateline NBC and Nightly News.
7. The Retirement and Teaching Era (Post-2022): His "retirement" has been anything but quiet, culminating in the 2025 Murrow Award and his influential role as an educator at Central College, proving that the pursuit of knowledge and truth never truly ends.

Harry Smith’s ability to transition seamlessly between hard news, human-interest stories, and long-form investigative journalism is a rare trait in the media world. His work on 48 Hours, for instance, showcased his depth, while his morning show roles highlighted his warmth and accessibility.

The Impact of a Curious Mind

The core of Harry Smith's longevity and success lies in his genuine curiosity—a trait he now actively teaches. In an age dominated by soundbites and polarized media, his commitment to nuanced, long-form reporting remains a powerful example. His legacy is not just in the awards he has won or the programs he anchored, but in the countless stories he told with empathy and integrity.

His return to Central College is a profound gesture, closing the loop on a career that began with a desire to understand the world. By sharing his experiences and wisdom, Smith ensures that the values of classic broadcast journalism—truth, clarity, and human connection—will continue to influence the next generation of storytellers.

For those who followed his career from CBS This Morning to Nightly News, his 2025 Murrow Award is a fitting tribute to a career that has done more than just report the news—it has helped America understand itself.