Harry Smith joins NBC News team

NEW YORK, July 12 (UPI) -- Harry Smith has been hired as a correspondent for NBC News, the U.S. television network announced.

Starting next July 18, Smith will contribute his reporting to NBC's recently announced prime-time newsmagazine hour.

The announcement was made Monday by Steve Capus, president of NBC News.

The new broadcast, led by "NBC Nightly News" anchor and managing editor Brian Williams, will feature the correspondents and anchors of NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC.

"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 prime-time newsmagazine show," Capus said in a statement. "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 served as host of 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 served as host of the A&E series "Biography."

Smith lives in New York with his wife, sportscaster Andrea Joyce, and their two sons.