Justin Smith (presenter)
Justin Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 16, 1968 Echuca, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Writer, journalist, media presenter |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Known for | Columns for Herald Sun; appearances on Sunrise and Sky News Australia; radio presenting at 3AW and 2UE |
Justin Smith (born 16 December 1968) is an Australian writer, journalist, and media presenter. He contributes columns to Melbourne's Herald Sun and regularly appears on both Sunrise and Sky News Australia. Smith has published three novels, with his latest work, Cooper Not Out, released in January 2022.
Early life
Hailing from Echuca, Australia, Smith is the son of dairy farming parents. His education took place at Echuca Village Primary School followed by Echuca Secondary College.
Radio career
Smith embarked on his radio journey at age 17, working across stations in New South Wales and Victoria such as 2QN Deniliquin, 3SH Swan Hill, 2LF Young, 3BO/3CV Bendigo, 2AY/Star FM Albury, and 3AW Melbourne. He entered the metropolitan radio scene with 3AW before transitioning to 2UE, both under the Fairfax Radio Network umbrella. Since December 2024, Smith has served as a substitute host on ABC Radio Melbourne, covering the Mornings slot among other shows.
3AW
Joining 3AW in 2001, Smith advanced to senior producer of the popular talkback program 3AW Mornings with Neil Mitchell by 2002. He stepped down from this position at the close of 2013 to assume a prime-time on-air role at 2UE. Throughout his tenure, Smith also acted as a fill-in host during Mitchell’s absences and frequently appeared alongside him on air.
On weekdays, Smith previewed 3AW Mornings with Neil Mitchell during the Australia Overnight broadcast. From August 2013 onward, he contributed weekly segments to Breakfast with Ross and John, Melbourne’s top-rated radio show, focusing on contemporary news topics.
On Anzac Day in 2013, Smith produced and presented national coverage for Fairfax Radio Network from the Tarin Kowt Dawn Service in Afghanistan. This assignment involved a week-long training program designed to replicate military conditions. These broadcasts were part of Australia's nationwide commemoration for its fallen and injured service members.
Smith’s final day at 3AW was 10 January 2014 after completing a summer fill-in stint hosting Neil Mitchell's show. Mitchell publicly recognized Smith’s vital role in their successful eleven-year partnership.
2UE
From 20 January 2014 until December 2015, Smith hosted the weekday afternoon drive program (3 pm-6 pm) on Sydney’s metropolitan station 2UE.
Writing
Smith has contributed articles to Fairfax media platforms including The Age and the online presence of 3AW.
Awards
Smith has earned six Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) across roles as a writer, presenter, and producer. Highlights include:
- Best Show Producer – Talk & Current Affairs (2008)
- Best Producer (2009)
- Best Producer (2010)
- Best Producer (2011)
His work with Neil Mitchell’s program contributed to four Melbourne Press Club Quill Awards and secured the 2013 Walkley Award for breaking the Ford closures story. The program also received the Community Service Award in 2012 for a collaborative broadcast with Joy 94.9 addressing depression among gay teenagers.
Charity and community work
Smith holds advisory board membership at the children's charity tlc for kids and serves on the board of the Australian Childhood Foundation. In August 2013, Victoria’s Premier Denis Napthine publicly commended Smith for his role in organising a 3AW live auction that raised $170,000 to purchase equipment for road trauma patients at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital.
Personal life
Smith is married to Merryn Kelly. He pursued studies in radio at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and completed coursework in Australian politics at Charles Sturt University.