(January 2, 2019) National sports talk radio veteran Dave Smith is being reunited with a boss for whom he worked more than a decade ago. Smith is joining SB Nation Radio where he will host Thursday nights from 8 to 10 pm and weekends from 9 pm to 1 am Eastern. He will work under COO and Program Director Craig Larson. The pair formerly worked together in Los Angeles.
“I’m really excited to be working for Craig Larson again,” Smith says with a grin. “He was my PD when I did a national show for Sporting News Radio. I also worked with Craig at 1540 The Ticket in Los Angeles where I did local afternoon drive. He’s always been an excellent radio programmer and is a radio lifer, so obviously he is my kind of guy.”
Smith spent the past five years hosting on NBC Sports Radio. He became a free agent when NBCSR decided in November to discontinue most of it’s shows to focus on it’s 24/7 sports update business.
“I was both surprised and emotional because I worked there for five years and had a great experience,” Smith recalls. “I loved everybody I worked with at NBCSR and can’t ever thank Jack Silver, my PD, enough. Five years ago I was wondering if I’d ever work again and then Jack saved my career by not only hiring me, but encouraging me and bringing out the best in me. I’ll really miss everyone at NBCSR, because they are some of the best people I’ve ever worked with.”
Smith contacted STAA immediately after learning of the changes. “On the same day I posted my demo and resume on STAA, [owner] Jon Chelesnik called and told me he spoke with Craig Larson [on my behalf] and to be expecting Craig to contact me. Sure enough, I received an email from Craig an hour later. A few days later I was on board at SB Nation!”
This is Smith’s second stint with STAA. The first was nearly nine years ago. “I re-joined STAA because I was a member a few years ago and impressed by Jon Chelesnik’s professionalism and dedication to getting his clients jobs. Being a former radio guy himself, Jon knows the ins and outs of this business and has the contacts to make things happen for his clients. And what a great decision it was to join because I had a new job in less than a week!”
A new job with a former boss in Larson.
“After 10 years, we’re working together again and I can’t wait,” Smith smiles.
(Visit Dave’s STAA Talent Page).