Stevan Smith: Bridging Connections as a Black Media Professional in Content Creation

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, host Rob Lee engages in a conversation with Stevan Smith, a seasoned public media professional. They discuss Stevan's journey in the industry, his love for radio, and the importance of representation in podcasting. 🎙️🔊

Episode Highlights:

• Stevan's background in jazz radio and his journey in public media (00:00:21) 🎷📻
• Stevan's experience working in the radio industry and the impact of his mentors (00:01:17) 🎙️🤝
• Stevan's early influences in music and his love for soul, R&B, and hip hop (00:05:44) 🎵❤️
• The connection between hip-hop and jazz music and Stevan's decision to pursue a career in radio broadcasting (00:06:08) 🎶📻
• Stevan's internship at WEAA and his experience hosting the Strictly Hip Hop show (00:09:46) 🎤🎧
• Stevan's transition to WBGO and his role as traffic manager (00:19:30) 🚗🎙️
• Stevan's move to WNYC and his role as assistant program director (00:23:05) 🏙️🎚️
• Stevan's decision to become the chief content officer at WBGO and his goals for the station (00:25:28) 🤔📈
• The challenges and opportunities in the podcasting industry and the importance of representation (00:28:41) 🎤🌍
• Stevan's podcasting project, My Little Podcast, and his focus on highlighting diverse content creators (00:39:43) 🌈

Key Takeaways:

• The journey of Stevan Smith, from interning at WEAA to becoming the Chief Content Officer at WBGO, showcases the importance of gaining hands-on experience and staying committed to one's passion. 🚀
• The podcasting industry is oversaturated, but creating meaningful and relatable content can still attract a loyal audience. 🌐
• Stamina and consistency are key in podcasting, as well as understanding and catering to the needs of the target audience. ⏰

Check out Stevan Smith's podcast, My Little Podcast, to hear inspiring interviews with creative individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Website: stevansmith.com
Social Media Links:
Facebook: Stevan Smith
Instagram: stevan_radiowav
Twitter: @Stevan_RadioWav
LinkedIn: Stevan Smith

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* this interview was conducted in December 2023.

The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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