Stephen A. Smith has dominated the sports airwaves and has started to make noticeable inroads into the realms of politics and culture through his podcast and appearances across various shows on various networks.
Last week, Stephen A. and SiriusXM announced a new deal that will bring ESPN’s biggest personality to the satellite radio giant this September through the hosting and producing of two new shows, one focused on sports and the other on news, entertainment and politics.
“To say that I’m excited would be an understatement,” Smith said in a release. “I’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.”
The first show will be a new daily sports talk show that will air weekdays on Mad Dog Sports Radio beginning on September 2nd. And since it’s on SiriusXM, you know the filters will be completely off.
The second show, which he will be creating, will be a weekly show focused on current events, pop culture and social commentary. The channel has yet to be announced.
No figures have been released as of yet, but the fact that SiriusXM will be the exclusive audio home of Stephen A. means that it’s a major deal.
“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.”
So now Stephen A. will be heard on ESPN’s First Take, appear on additional programming on the network including NBA Countdown and could expand to NFL coverage as well. Then you will hear him every day ranting about sports, politics, pop culture and social issues on two shows on SiriusXM daily and weekly.
While that’s great for Smith and his fans, you have to wonder if it’s going to become Stephen A. overkill for everyone else.
That’s not to bash him as he deserves the fame, exposure, opportunity and financial windfall. He has worked hard and built his empire through success and failure, including being pushed to the side by ESPN at one time in his career.
He began his journalism career at the Winston-Salem Journal, before moving back to New York and The Daily News and then ultimately landing at The Philadelphia Inquirer, which is where he caught ESPN’s attention.
But moving to TV wasn’t easy.
He didn’t do his homework and thought his personality could overcome his mistakes. Well after his ESPN show Quite Frankly was canceled in 2007 and then ESPN essentially fired him two years later, he checked his ego and dug deep into understanding the media business.
In 2012, he was the voice that transitioned 98.7 KISS FM in New York from an urban-focused station to ESPN Radio, which allowed him to restart his career with the company.
And while he still made mistakes in his return, like blundering the Ray Rice coverage (which earned him a week-long suspension), he rose to prominence over the next decade and eventually became the network’s $120 million man.
But now that he’s the face of ESPN, will there be too much Stephen A.?
Will fans tire of his takes on basically everything in the world except maybe the stock market?
This fall, when he begins interacting with callers on SiriusXM, will he become the next Kevin Hart, who at one point seemed to be everywhere, in every movie and on every talk show talking about everything with everybody?
Or will he find a way to make it all work without getting over-exposed and burned out?
I dont know what will happen but remember, even Hart, Chris Tucker and David Chappelle had to step out of the limelight after all their success in a short time span.
While time will tell what happens, one thing is for sure.
Stephen A. Smith knows the media game, and now that he’s learning how to reach diverse audiences, his brand and bank account continue to grow.
“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 restarted. Buckle up! I’m coming!”
Actually, Stephen A. Smith has arrived.
But now we have to see just how much people will be willing to take.
