Detroit Radio: Paul W Smith Re-Ups At WJR

Paul W. Smith

Paul W. Smith's voice will continue to grace Detroit-area radio waves for another seven years.

According to Crains Detroit, Atlanta-based Cumulus Media signed a seven-year contract for its veteran morning show host on WJR 760 AM.

“I’m thrilled, especially considering the length,” said the 60-year-old Smith, who can be heard weekday mornings 5:30-9 a.m. “My belief, from what I’ve heard from a number of people in our business, is that this is unheard of.”

Smith, who was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in November, has been on WJR since 1996, when he took over for J.P. McCarthy, the station’s voice for 30 years. Smith had worked across the country, from New York to Ohio, before landing back near his hometown of Monroe. And he certainly didn't want to leave now.

Don’t expect big changes from the newsman, though. Over the next seven years, Smith said he intends to bring on more newsmakers and “continue to be a reliable source of level-headed information and entertainment.”

He also intends to keep bringing his trademark optimism, whether it’s about Detroit itself or even the Lions.

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