Millions of people around the country rely on news anchors on NBC, ABC, and CBS to give them the morning news with a side of entertainment. All three networks have undergone major shakeups in the last few years.
Now, a popular Today host has launched a new business venture. Are they leaving NBC to take their career in a different direction? Keep reading to find out what’s going on.
Popular Today Host Launches New Business
News and talk shows on television aren’t what they used to be. Many networks are changing hosts or revamping shows due to budget cuts. CBS recently faced mass layoffs after the network’s parent company, Paramount Global, merged with Skydance Media. NBC made a major change to its news programs by breaking MSNBC off into MS NOW.
The morning show, which spans four hours, has different hosts for different hours. All of the hosts are immensely popular with viewers. Viewers are still adjusting to Hoda Kotb leaving the morning program. She did so partly to spend time with her daughters, but also launched a wellness brand.
Now, another Today Show host has ventured into a new business outside the show. Craig Melvin, who replaced Hoda Kotb in January 2025, announced this week that he launched a new business.
He unveiled Melvin Made, a candle company whose profits go to cancer charities. He told PEOPLE magazine that it’s a very personal venture to him. Several members of his family have battled cancer.
“This is one of those hobbies that turned into a passion for me and my family because everyone’s affected by cancer. You’d be hard-pressed to find a family not affected. I’m not trying to make money off candles, but what I think I can do is raise money for a variety of charities that are fighting cancer,” he explained.
The Today host added, “The goal is to use the platform and the megaphone that we have to do as much good as possible.”
He revealed that one fragrance, Pink Jasmine, is named after his niece, who passed away at just three years old from the rare bone cancer Ewing Sarcoma. Craig Melvin actually got into the hobby because of his brother and sister-in-law.
“I bought a kit, and I just started making candles in the kitchen and would give them as gifts and play around with some different fragrances. And my early ones were not very good,” he told PEOPLE.
Fans Question If The Host Is Out At NBC
With the help of a friend from Richmond, Virginia, Craig Melvin improved and decided to launch the candle company. “The goal is to sell these things and raise awareness about a variety of cancers to get people talking about screenings, listening to your body and talking about family histories. This is another tool to do that,” he shared about his new business.
While fans approve of the selfless venture, they worry about what it means for his future at the Today Show. Craig Melvin sparked rumors that he was leaving NBC in November by posting a heartfelt goodbye.
He was actually bidding farewell to his co-workers at MSNBC after it became MS NOW. His candle company seems to be a side gig to spread cancer awareness, not a full-time job. At least for now.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
