ONYX PROFILE
DIRECTOR OF BRANDING AND PROGRAMMING FOR STAR 94.5 ORLANDO AND JACKSONVILLE, POWER 106.1, AND HOT 99.5 OWNED BY COX MEDIA GROUP.
B
orn on the small but culturally and historically rich island of Bermuda, Elroy Smith had ‘big city’ dreams. He was determined to pursue a career in entertainment and become a behemoth in the industry. His rise came quickly after joining an R&B group and performing to a captive audience of five-thousand screaming fans. He was well on his way until his star fell as quickly as it soared. Smith was expelled from the group, crushing his quest for bright lights, dashing all hopes, and deferring his best-laid plans. So, it seemed. Smith turned his pain into power while pivoting his focus to becoming a Bermuda radio personality. A respected radio executive took interest in Smith’s ambition and drive and suggested that he learn more about the realm of broadcasting. There was just one obstacle. Unbeknownst to the radio executive, Smith had dropped out of high school. Smith did not give in or give up. An opportunity arose to attend the former Graham Jr. College in Boston. Within a year and a half, he graduated with an associate degree in broadcast journalism, allowing him to transfer to Emerson College. While completing his studies, he landed an internship at the former A.M. 1090 W.I.L.D. radio station in Boston. Defying the odds, he would reach one of his many goals by receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and a business degree from Cambridge College in Massachusetts. Upon graduating from Emerson College, Smith landed a full-time job at W.I.L.D., the only R&B radio station in the city. After, three years later, he was elevated and appointed as the Program Director. He would flourish as a leading, award-winning, and sought-after program director in key markets in Dallas, Philly, San Francisco Chicago, and recently, Orlando. Smith currently is the director of Branding and Programming for Star 94.5 Orlando and Jacksonville, Power 106.1, and Hot 99.5 owned by Cox Media Group. He and the CMG team are passionate about serving the community, from hosting domestic violence forums, to encouraging listeners to believe in their right to vote, while providing great music on each of his stations. He has coached and worked with countless notable radio personalities and music industry talents such as gospel maven Yolanda Adams,
54 ONYX MAGAZINE
Elroy Smith
Orange County Mayor Demings, Radio Host Monica May and Smith
Smith, Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson, Former President Barack Obama
and Charlamagne of the nationally syndicated, the Breakfast Club. Steve Harvey, of the Steve Harvey Morning Show and comedian, television host, and actor, began his radio career with Smith. He also has worked with radio industry pioneers, Tom Joyner, the late Doug Banks, and nationally acclaimed comedian and actor, George Wallace. Smith’s career highlights include the Midwest Radio Music Association Icon Award; Living Awards Foundation Honoree; R&B Hip Hop Operations Manager/ Program Director of the year for Billboard Magazine; State of the District Media Award by U.S. Congress 2006 and he was ranked this year, as one of the top radio programmers in America by Radio Ink publication. Of all the industry distinctions, Smith is most proud of his family and lives in Orlando, Fla., with his wife, Vonda Smith, of 26 years. They have three children. He is a member of the Orlando Church of Christ.
