Title
Proclamation honoring Ms. Bev Smith's career and achievements in the broadcasting industry.
Body
WHEREAS, throughout Allegheny County's vast history, we have been blessed with exemplary visionaries whose great knowledge and determination have made invaluable and everlasting contributions to our communities; and
WHEREAS, Bev Smith, the Queen of Nighttime Talk Radio, has developed a national legacy since her television and radio career began in Pittsburgh in 1971 when she was named the city's first African-American consumer affairs investigative reporter by WPXI television; and
WHEREAS, in 1975, she was named News and Public Affairs Director of Pittsburgh's Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation, where her talents became recognized quickly, allowing her to host her first show and develop her distinct style of talk show, which became known widely as the “fire brand”; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Smith decided to immerse herself into the issues she chose to confront, which included living with the homeless and talking with inmates on death row. When combined with her “fire brand,” Ms. Smith's talk shows became innovative gems in the broadcasting world; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Smith is acknowledged nationally as one of the most important radio talk show hosts in America. She has received nearly 300 awards, citations and trophies for her monumental contributions to radio and television, and she has paved the road for the success of future African Americans;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Council, on behalf of the citizens of Allegheny County, honors Bev Smith for her historic achievements and lasting impressions on the broadcasting industry. Furthermore, this council names February 17, 2009 as “Bev Smith Day” in Allegheny County.