Jerod Smalley

Jerod Smalley is a highly accomplished and experienced journalist who currently serves as the co-anchor of First at 4 and NBC4 at 5. With a background in sports reporting, he first joined NBC4 in 2004 and served as the Sports Director from 2006 to 2023. Throughout his career, Smalley has covered numerous high-profile sporting events around the world, including the Rio Olympics, Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and World Series. He has been recognized by the Associated Press as Ohio's Best Anchor six times and has won multiple awards for his sports coverage. In addition to his professional achievements, Jerod is a dedicated father to his two sons who have been diagnosed with autism. As a result, he launched a campaign at the station to promote autism acceptance and raise money for research and educational programs. He also anchors NBC4's 'The Autism Puzzle,' which features local stories about people living with autism, and has earned four regional Emmy Awards for this series. Jerod is actively involved in the Columbus community, serving on the committee for Walk Now For Autism Speaks and as a board member of OCALI and the OHSAA.