Leighton Smith (radio host)
Leighton Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 13, 1946 Australia |
| Occupation | Talkback radio presenter |
| Years active | 1980–2018 |
| Known for | Host of weekday morning program on Newstalk ZB |
Leighton Smith (born 13 December 1946) is a distinguished former talkback radio presenter originally from Australia, who built his career in Auckland, New Zealand. Up until December 2018, he was the host of the weekday morning program airing from 8:30 am to noon on the commercial talk radio station Newstalk ZB.
Smith's entry into broadcasting began in Sydney at SCH, where he worked as a "junior disco jockey." In 1980, he relocated to New Zealand for a one-year position with 2ZB in Wellington but ended up staying for five years. After a short stint in Adelaide radio, he returned to Auckland in 1985 to take over the same time slot on 1ZB, which was later renamed Newstalk ZB, continuing there until his retirement in 2018.
His accolades include winning the Best Talk Back Host - All Markets award at the 2013 New Zealand Radio Awards and receiving a Scroll of Honour from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand in October 2018 in recognition of his entertainment achievements.
During a 2007 discussion with the libertarian publication Free Radical, Smith identified himself as leaning somewhat libertarian. He authored and released his book Beyond the Microphone towards the end of 2013.
Smith has openly voiced doubts regarding human-induced climate change, despite not having formal scientific credentials.
He was previously proprietor of Clevedon Hills vineyard near Auckland and has recently marked the release of the 290th episode of The Leighton Smith Podcast.