By Ismail Sy
After filming an episode with First Take, Stephen A. Smith talked with students during a Q&A session at the 2024 NABJ Convention, where he discussed the importance of longevity in the journalism industry.
Smith, who’s worked at ESPN, Fox Sports, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, stressed that his journey through journalism has not been an easy one. However, he credits his passion and honesty to his sustainability.
One student came away optimistic about his own future in the industry after the session with Smith.
“I wasn’t surprised by his passion since it takes that level of commitment to have a long career like he’s had. It was motivating to hear and he made me optimistic about my own future and what I can potentially accomplish,” Syracuse University student Kai Murphy said.
Smith also credits his ability to block the outside noise for his rise through the industry. However, he also said every once and a while, it is okay to address critics.
“I don’t care about other people chirping about me. Now, every now and then, it’s alright to cuss somebody out. Get it out of your system and let them know you’re [he] from Hollis Queens,” Smith said.
Smith also has ambitions outside of sports media and he has shown that in the last couple of years. For example, he has appeared on Fox News, as well as incorporating current event topics into his podcast, “The Stephen A. Smith Show.” He outlined how important it is for him to diversify his skillset and continue to create new challenges for himself.
“When there’s an election year, I don’t want either candidate to feel done unless they talk to me. If Denzel Washington has a new movie coming out, I want to talk to him about it,” Smith said.
Smith said that he is not tired of winning and wants to keep winning in order to continue to keep his position.
Dhani Joseph of Syracuse University sees Smith’s drive as something to use for his own potential career.
“He really put into perspective what hard work really means and how he set himself up for success. Even though he’s one of the biggest names in journalism, he is still unsatisfied. That’s something that stood out to me,” Joseph said.
Smith said remembering the importance of the profession will take those who are in it far and lead to success in the industry.
“You have to keep in mind that no one forced you to be a journalist. No one forced you to do this. You voluntarily choose to do it,” Smith said.
Be the first to comment