Posted on 12/20/2011 10:57:41 AM PST by ravensandricks
Ron Smith, who came to Baltimore 38 years ago as a weekend TV anchorman but found his greatest success on radio as WBAL's "Voice of Reason," died Monday night of pancreatic cancer at his home in Shrewsbury, Pa.. He was 70. Mr. Smith spent more than 26 years on WBAL's airwaves, most of it in the afternoon drive-time period until a move to mornings last year, passionately talking politics from a conservative point of view. But it is not his politics for which he will likely be remembered as much as the informed conversation he helped create on Baltimore radio — and the way he publicly shared his final days with listeners of WBAL and readers of The Baltimore Sun.
(Excerpt) Read more at baltimoresun.com ...
Anyway, for those in Maryland, D.C., Northern Va. Southern Pa. and Southern N.J., this guy was a hero. Almost completely without the bluster and nonsense so many radio talkers live on, and a seeker of truth rather than a blind follower of ideology. He was easily one of the top three or four influences that made me a conservative and has been sorely missed since getting sick.
Semper Fi Ron - how sad ...
I hated when they moved him from the afternoon drive time. I teared up when I read that he had finally succumbed to the cancer. He was definitely an icon, and will be missed.
RIP, Ron.
WMAL radio in DC spoke of his passing in each of its news segments yesterday. I must confess, I never heard Mr. Smith. It never occurred to me there would be an articulate conservative on Baltimore radio. Lucky Balmer.
That’s kind of ironic. I started listening to him in 1996 or 97 when I was living in DC and found absolutely nothing worthwhile on the radio down there. He was always at least thoughtful and occasionally brilliant.
Agreed ... I'd always lose him in the winter though, when it got dark at 5pm, and they redirected their power ...Does anyone know what happen to 'Uncle Alee' - they were a pair, back in the 80's ...
We lost a great local voice. RIP, Ron.
Ron was one of the great ones. I really missed him when they moved him from afternons. There is nothing currently comperable.
I lived in York County (PA). Listened to Ron faithfully when in the office. I recall the power, direction problems that you describe. Also he got pre-empted or shortened whenever the Orioles played... and they were horrible.
He warned this was only the beginning. How right he was.
RIP.
Ron Smith was good company on the afternoon drive home. I was so use to him, I’ve not tried whoever it is that WBAL moved into the afternoon drive slot, when they moved him to mornings. RIP Ron.
Last I heard, he had a radio show out in Seattle or Portland or somewhere. That guy (Alan Prell) was definitely a few drumsticks short of a picnic.
He will truly be missed in the area.
They have setup a foundation in his name for cancer research.
RIP Ron
RIP, Ron. Bummer. I used to listen to Ron all the time, and particularly liked the Ron Smith vs. Alan Prell back & forth that used to be on WBAL a number of years ago. But ever since WBAL radio became more “centrist” a couple years back, and most of the conservative syndicated talk radio shows moved to WCBM, I haven’t listened to Ron or anyone else on WBAL.
>>> I thought it was interesting that the hosts on 98 rock were talking about their experiences with him and how influential he was.
I know that Mickey often sat by Ron’s side during Ron’s show when it was on in the afternoon and just kind of took it in. No idea what the guy’s politics are, but I know he really admired Smith’s professionalism and thoughfulness. I haven’t listened to Mickey and Amelia in a long, long time, but I’d imagine he learned a thing or two just by watching.
Semper Fi, Ron - and rest in peace.
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