SiriusXM will make it very difficult for ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith to move forward with any presidential run for at least the next few years.
On Wednesday, Smith announced he will start a new daily talk show on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Radio (SiriusXM Chanel 82), which will pair Smith with long-time friend Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on the channel. The new show starts in September.
Smith will also produce a weekly pop culture and current events program for SiriusXM that will air on a non-sports channel, the company said in a press release on Wednesday. The name of the show, the channel and the air date will all be revealed in the near future.
Smith announced the new programs during an interview with SiriusXM talk show host Howard Stern.
“To say that I’m excited would be an understatement,” Smith said in a statement. “’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That, in itself, is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics and social commentary — let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio…especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!”
“Stephen A. is a singular talent and one of the most influential voices in media today,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “While so many people know him for his unparalleled sports commentary, his interests extend far beyond the borders of sports and into the worlds of politics, news, entertainment and so much more. SiriusXM gives him the unfiltered creative freedom to delve into any topic and allows him to showcase his unique talents and perspectives.”
Smith is no stranger to radio: He previously hosted programs for Fox Sports Radio and ESPN Radio. He currently serves as a sports analyst for ESPN — and recently renewed his contract to stay with the Disney-owned network — as contributes to “Cuomo,” a weekly show that airs on Nexstar Media Group’s NewsNation.
