Bev Smith Biography

Bev Smith began her television and radio career in 1971 when she was named Pittsburgh’s first African American Consumer Affairs Investigative Reporter for WPXI Television. In 1975, she was named News and Public Affairs Director for Sheridan Broadcasting and hosted a lively talk show on its flagship station, WAMO. Since then, Smith has taken her “firebrand” style of talk show to KDKA and WTAE in Pittsburgh, WNWS in Miami, WKIS in Orlando, and WRC in Washington DC. She also hosted the popular national television talk show "Our Voices" at Black Entertainment Television for over 13 years.

Smith is currently the host of "The Bev Smith Show" heard on the American Urban Radio Networks, where she is fondly known as "The Queen of Late Night Talk." She has hosted the show since 1998 and is the only African American woman radio talk show host who has a nationally syndicated show in the country. She captures her audience with the latest newsmakers. Never afraid to tackle any issue, she has lived with the homeless, walked the streets investigating prostitutes, raised money for babies with AIDS, and talked with inmates on death row. She has interviewed personalities such as Bill Cosby, Vice President Al Gore, Jesse Jackson, Maxine Waters, Al Sharpton, and a host of other guests. ”The Bev Smith Show" offers a unique community connection that African Americans know and trust will deliver critical information and entertainment news.

Smith is especially passionate and devoted to educating the public about literacy. She has worked with a number of organizations focused on improving literacy, including Reading is Fundamental and Head Start. Often on her show, she chats with a number of experts, educators, and guests to find solutions to help improve literacy in America. Additionally, Smith has been honored for her work fighting AIDS. The Black Aids Institute has honored her for her contributions to educating the public about this disease.

Over the years, Smith has received nearly 300 awards, citations, and trophies for her contributions to radio and television, including the 1990 Radio Air Crystal Award for her live radio town meeting, “Children Killing Children over Drugs.” Mayors from Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Cincinnati, and Columbus have declared special Bev Smith Days. For the past four years, Talkers magazine has selected her as one of the “Talkers 250: Featuring the Heavy Hundred.”

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Bev Smith's expertise is in high demand. To book Bev Smith for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Bev Smith's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Bev Smith's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Bev Smith for your next speaking engagement.