October 17, 2013

LAWT Wire Service

 

The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI announced recently that it will be expanding to two hours beginning January 2014.

The new two-hour format is a renewal of Smiley’s commitment to conversations of importance to America. The show will continue to focus on a wide range of issues including politics, business, health, sports, arts and culture, and will feature a broad spectrum of newsmakers and commentators. Tony Marcano, formerly of Weekend Edition on NPR, will be the program’s senior producer.

The final edition of Smiley & West will air the weekend of Dec. 27

“I was blessed to work with my dear Brother Tavis and we stood on the forefront of bringing prophetic perspectives to loyal listeners on the important issues we face today,” said Dr. Cornel West. “As I move forward, I carry with me the knowledge that Smiley & West leaves a definitive mark in public radio.”

“Creating a radio show to co-host with Dr. Cornel West is one of the highlights of my career,” Smiley said. “I have been blessed to work alongside the person I regard as America’s leading public intellectual.”

Smiley and West are appreciative to Public Radio International (PRI), they said,  for the opportunity and grateful to the listening audience for its embrace. They emphasized that Smiley & West would not be the outstanding show it is without the expertise and hard work of producer Joe Zefran.

Both agree that it is critical to offer differing viewpoints on the airwaves, especially the stories of the more than 45 million Americans living in poverty.

Smiley will be devoting more time to the Tavis Smiley Network, the first online programming network for BlogTalkRadio.

Category: Arts & Culture