It is Stephen A. Smith’s world and we’re all just living in it. The ESPN First Take host has had a busy week over the last few days.
For the first time ever on Friday, Smith will co-host Good Morning America on ABC. It goes along with a recent trend of sports media personalities getting their shot at network morning television.
From sports to news
Smith’s ESPN colleagues Joe Buck, Laura Rutledge and Malika Andrews have all guest-hosted Good Morning America throughout the year. The show already features former SportsCenter anchor Robin Roberts, along with FOX NFL analyst Michael Strahan.
Similarly, CBS NFL analyst Nate Burleson is one of the featured hosts on CBS Mornings. Meanwhile, NBC has deployed NBC Sports broadcaster Mike Tirico, 13-time NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade and FOX NFL sideline reporter Erin Andrews on the TODAY Show as of late.
Hosting Good Morning America is the latest chapter in Smith’s ever-evolving role in the media landscape. Earlier this year, Smith signed a new deal with ESPN which allows him to do a variety of work outside of ESPN.
Will Stephen A. stay at ESPN?
Although Smith has teased a potential presidential campaign, he recently expressed his commitment to the Walt Disney corporation saying, “I’m happy and honored to remain a member of the Disney/ESPN family for, at least, the next five years. There’s only bigger and bigger things ahead. It starts with continuing to put in that work.”
Outside of the Disney doors, Smith is a regular political commentator on FOX News and NewsNation. On Wednesday, Smith walked off the set of NewsNation’s town hall expressing frustration and sympathy for a voter who told panelists during the event he was working two jobs during the government shutdown.
He recently joined SiriusXM to host a daily sports talk radio show, along with a weekly political program. His podcast remains one of the most popular sports/political crossover shows on YouTube.
Although Smith’s work outside of the mothership is being stretched thin, he is still staying very active within the worldwide leader. Smith made his Monday Night Countdown debut on September 22, and is scheduled to make at least two more appearances on the pregame show this season.
Molly Qerim’s replacement revealed
In addition to his hosting duties on ESPN’s First Take, he serves as the show’s executive producer. With the recent departure of Molly Qerim as the show’s moderator, Smith helped pick her recently-named replacement in Shae Cornette.
Smith stated on the addition of Cornett to the show, “Hosting First Take is no easy assignment. It requires confidence, toughness, and real sports insight — and Shae brings all of that and more. I’ve seen her command the desk with poise and passion every time she’s hosted. She’s the real deal, and I’m thrilled to have her officially join the team.”
