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Published on Sunday, 03 October 2010 16:02
A new show has premiered this weekend on various radio stations nationwide and will premiere tomorrow on Chicago public radio stations. Talk show host, author and political commentator Tavis Smiley has teamed up with speaker, author and Princeton professor Dr. Cornel West for a new radio program entitled "Smiley & West." The first show made its debut this weekend via the Public Radio International network.
Although they are not always on the same page politically, the two hosts have been friends for many years and have worked together professionally many times in the past. Dr. West has been a regular contributor to Smiley's radio & television shows.
The hour-long radio program will feature with the duo discussing current affairs in politics, culture and contemporary issues. They plan to focus on subjects that are not currently being covered widely by mainstream media, but still deserved to be addressed.
The show will also have a segment called "Take 'Em To Task," where listeners can interact with the hosts about any issue they may disagree with the hosts on. Each show will also have a segment with a special guest sitting in with Smiley & West, including politicians, celebrities and other newsmakers. New York Times columnist Frank Rich is this weekend's guest and comedian/actor Garry Shandling is scheduled for next weekend.
"Dr. West is a long-time friend and I am honored that he has agreed to go on this journey with me," says Smiley. "This new venture, Smiley & West, will not only set the pace for tomorrow's news but will be a conduit for the insightful conversation that America is thirsting for. I'm excited that alongside one of America's greatest thinkers, we will encourage, enlighten and empower the listeners together."
"Many of America's most important discussions aren't necessarily happening in the boardroom or between the pundits on cable television," West said. Rather they're happening at BBQs, cocktail parties, barbershops, and salons between real people. With this new endeavor, Smiley & West, Tavis and I hope to really tap into the concerns of everyday people."
In the Chicagoland area, the "Smiley & West" show will air on Chicago Public Media's WBEZ-FM, WBEQ-FM & WBEW-FM on Mondays at 11:00am, according to the radio show's distributor, Public Radio International.
Podcasts of the shows and more information on the hosts can be found on the new
Smiley & West website.
