Chris Smith (broadcaster)

Christopher Smith
Born	(1962-07-22) July 22, 1962
Nationality	Australian
Occupation(s)	Journalist, talkback radio presenter
Known for	Work in talkback radio

Christopher Smith (born 22 July 1962) is an Australian journalist and a presenter known for his work in talkback radio. He completed his education at Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield.

Career

Smith has openly shared his experiences battling alcoholism and mental health challenges, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, he revealed reaching "rock bottom" before undertaking major personal reforms.

During his tenure at A Current Affair (ACA) in 1994, Smith admitted to forging the signature of Nine’s corporate lawyer to facilitate the release of a prisoner for an interview. This act led to his suspension for almost a year while the matter was investigated, and he was subsequently given a two-year suspended jail sentence. Following these events, he resumed work at ACA as a producer but encountered significant media criticism.

Smith's career then took him to China, where he worked in English-language radio before returning to Australia in 2005 to anchor the National Nine Early News.

In 2009, Smith faced an indefinite suspension from the Macquarie Radio Network after inappropriate behaviour towards female colleagues, including journalist Magdalena Roze, at a 2GB party. He confessed to excessive alcohol consumption and misuse of antidepressants on that occasion and stated he had no recollection of the incident. Despite concerns from staff members, Smith was reinstated and later that year had his contract renewed. When confronted by a listener on air, he denied allegations of assault.

This incident marked Smith's second known workplace sexual misconduct case; previously, he had been dismissed from ACA for exposing himself at a farewell event in the late 1990s.

In February 2011, Smith hosted a contentious contest on his program that challenged listeners to guess how many asylum seekers who died at sea would be interred in Sydney. The competition drew condemnation from sponsors BBC Worldwide and Pan Macmillan. The Australian Communications & Media Authority ruled that Macquarie Radio Network violated broadcasting standards by airing content deemed offensive and distasteful.

In December 2022, Smith was suspended by Sky News Australia following allegations of inappropriate conduct at the network’s Christmas party. Subsequently, his contracts with both Sky News and 2GB were terminated.

Smith is scheduled to succeed John Laws as the morning host on 2SM starting January 2025.

External links

• 2GB Biography