Stephen A. Smith takes over SiriusXM with new shows

In September 2023, Stephen A. Smith, a prominent figure in sports commentary, expanded his broadcasting reach by signing a multi-year agreement with SiriusXM. This deal involves the production and hosting of two new programs that are set to debut in September of the same year. One of the shows will be a daily sports talk program airing on Mad Dog Sports Radio, which is associated with the renowned talk show host Chris Russo. The second show is a weekly segment aimed at discussing current events, pop culture, and social commentary, diversifying the content Smith will provide beyond traditional sports talks. Smith's decision to become involved with SiriusXM comes as he continues his work with ESPN, where he hosts the popular show "First Take." His involvement with SiriusXM does not conflict with his ESPN obligations and represents an exciting return to radio for Smith, who expressed enthusiasm for interacting with listeners once again. The announcement about his new roles was made during an appearance on "The Howard Stern Show," where Smith conveyed that he had fond memories of working on Mad Dog Sports Radio in the past and described his new projects as a return to a beloved format. However, the news also stirred controversy within the SiriusXM lineup, particularly affecting Michelle Beadle, the current host of "Beadle and Decker." She publicly expressed feeling blindsided by the programming change, revealing that she and her team received minimal notice regarding the decision and were left in the dark about who would be replacing them. Beadle conveyed her feelings of embarrassment and disappointment over the abruptness of the notification, emphasizing that she had been in the broadcasting industry for over 20 years and had not expected to learn such major information from external sources, including entertainment news outlets. The programming shift raises questions about the dynamics within sports radio and the decisions made by broadcasting networks when it comes to talent and scheduling. With Smith's rising popularity among younger audiences and discussions about his potential political aspirations, this move signifies a trend in which personalities blend sports commentary with broader cultural discussions, appealing to diverse audiences. Smith's transition into this new role at SiriusXM represents a deliberate strategy to reach listeners interested not just in sports, but also in wider societal issues, thus setting the stage for significant conversations in the medium.