 Al Smith announced last week that he is ending his 33 year
run as host and producer of Comment on Kentucky
on November 16.
Al is one of the greatest people I have ever known. He is a man I dearly love and who I want to
be when I grow up.
His impact on Kentucky
and the nation is incalculable.
Comment on Kentucky
is a great concept developed by Al
and Len Press, the visionary founder of
Kentucky Educational Television.
I grew up in Northern Kentucky and KET was my only television news source about the state I lived in.
Like many
Kentuckians, my television news came from out of state (Cincinnati in my case) and KET was an
important part of my learning process.
Being on Comment on Kentucky
for the first time (1984) was a great thrill for me. I've been on frequently and never get tired
of it. Len Press
Thus, I will get that same thrill next Friday (June 1) when
Al has me as a guest on the show.
Comment on Kentucky informs but also
educates. The show brings up issues and
ideas that stir debate and gets people talking.
Comment on Kentucky
viewers learn "the story behind the story." Although the show has a number of "regulars,"
Al will often host journalists from
different regions and allows viewers to get a true statewide perspective.
It will be impossible to truly replace Al. His leaving is similar to when Walter Cronkite retired. My advice to his successor is to keep to Al's
vision as closely as possible.
Al is not just my role model, he is someone who has advised
me in all aspects of my life, including my health.
Although the weight loss and fitness regime I started two
months ago will be ongoing, there have
been some noticeable results. When I
appear on June 1, it will be the lowest weight Comment on Kentucky viewers have ever seen me at.
I don't have a suit that fits me and hope my tailor will be
cooperate by Friday. Otherwise, I may
be on the show in an extremely baggy suit or in running shorts.
I'll ask Al for advice on the best option.
Don
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