(December 24, 2013) Josh Smith is excited for the opportunity his new sportscasting job provides him to live in a new state. An STAA client, Smith is joining KCHI AM/FM in Chillicothe, MO as a morning announcer and play-by-play broadcaster.
A native of Arkansas, Smith is eager for both the career opportunity, and the chance to forge a new path in his life. “Now it’s getting used to being on my own and not having friends and family around,” he says. He quick adds with a smile, “The toughest part is out of the way — getting my first full-time gig.”
Smith has spent the past year as a weekend sports reporter at The Point 94.1 KKPT in Little Rock, AR. He also worked at 103.7 The Buzz in Little Rock while earning his degree from the University of Arkansas. He graduated this past spring.
“I am on air-talent, which is exactly what I wanted,” says Smith. “And I get to showcase, and improve, my play-by-play and color commentary skills. Just being in a full-time environment teaches anyone to grow up in a hurry and learn things you may not have known before, like working with and for people who have been in the business for as long as I’ve been alive.”
KCHI station owner Dan Leatherman has hired STAA clients in the past, so when this opportunity opened, he reached out to STAA once again. Smith learned of the job through an STAA email. “I continued to strive and apply for jobs throughout the summer after graduating in May, and finally the big break came.”
Smith suggests that other sportscasting job seekers solicit advice from others. “Listen and learn,” he says. “And pay attention to people like [the late Jim Valvano], ‘Don’t give up, don’t ever give up!’ I know it may seem like a long long road while waiting to get the big break, but continue to fight.
“[KCHI] a great opportunity for me to get my career started and the fact that I get to start a state away from home is an added bonus. Thank you [STAA] for everything. I will continue to be with STAA and spread the word about it.”