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“First Take” host Stephen A. Smith has made a nice living serving up provocative opinions about sports on Walt Disney Co.-owned ESPN.
But lately, viewers are likely to also see him pontificating on politics, appearing as a talking head on various news programs including NewsNation’s “Cuomo,” Fox News’ “Hannity” and ABC’s “This Week.” He also sounds off on nonsports issues during his streaming show distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
Is Smith, who’s one of the highest-paid on-air talents in sports media, laying the groundwork for a second career in news? Smith told The Times in a recent interview at ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn., that he has been approached by news outlets about having an on-air contributor role that pays him to appear on a regular basis. He would not reveal the names of any suitors.
“Obviously, it’s something I love doing,” Smith said. “Sports will always be my No. 1 priority. As long as ESPN wants me here and wants me to do ‘First Take,’ I’m happy to do that. But outside of that, whatever opportunity presents itself is something I’m willing to entertain.
“I don’t necessarily have to have my own show,” he continued. “But I love being part of the mix. I’m a conscientious observer. I’m a Black man who has seen a lot who has had to deal with a lot throughout my life in the inner city.”
Smith is the attention-grabbing signature host of ESPN’s lineup of daytime talk shows, which are not only a profit center but a platform that keeps the company’s name in the national conversation. He is reportedly up for a new contract next year that could pay him $18 million annually, a 50% bump from his current earnings. His deal is coming up as media companies are under pressure to bring down costs and as pay cuts for talent are becoming the norm.
Smith’s star power may supersede any concerns his bosses have about him wading into controversial issues outside of sports. Six years ago, ESPN Chair Jimmy Pitaro put the kibosh on the journalists wading into the…
Source link : https://www.yahoo.com/news/why-espns-stephen-smith-bringing-100025612.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-09-06 10:00:25
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