Philly Radio: Jay Scott Smith out at KYW Newsradio

Jay Scott Smith

KYW Newsradio anchor Jay Scott Smith has been laid off from his position at the station after four years.

The 43-year-old Smith alluded to his layoff in a tweet on Thursday, writing that while “he’s had a lot of great days ... today ain’t one of them.”

 Audacy confirmed Smith’s departure, as well as that of a digital content producer, in an email to The Inquirer. The company declined further comment.

Smith said that he was laid off on Thursday as part of newsroom cuts at the station, and that he was the only on-air talent let go. The layoff, Smith said, was unexpected, but he will miss his role as the station’s afternoon drive anchor.

I’ve had a lot of great days. Admittedly, Today ain’t one of them. Thanks a lot for putting up with my nonsense for the last 4 years.

Hope to be back soon.

— Jay Scott Smith (@JayScottSmith) March 2, 2023

“I loved what I did there. I loved working with all of the guys in that room,” Smith said. “I hate that it ended this way, and I wish I had gotten the chance to formally say goodbye.”

A Detroit native, Smith has been in radio for nearly two decades. He got his start in 2005 at WQHH-FM in Lansing, Mich., and has since worked for outlets including Detroit News, MLive.com, the Asbury Park Press, and TheGrio. He came to Philadelphia in 2015 as a reporter, anchor, and producer at WHYY, where he worked for three years.

He joined KYW Newsradio in 2019, and became the station’s afternoon drive anchor in late 2020. He credits former KYW brand manager Alex Silverman, who left the station last year, with giving him an opportunity.