News | Tavis Smiley and Cornell West Pull a Lebron, Bosh, and Wade

Now this is a win for us all.  Tavis Smiley and Cornell West have announced that they will co-host a show together starting next year.  The show will air for an hour on a weekly basis on Public Radio International (PRI) affiliate stations nationwide.  It’s a show that Tavis Smiley is honored to do:

“Dr. West is a long-time friend and I am honored that he has agreed to go on this journey with me. This new venture, Smiley & West, will not only set the pace for tomorrow’s news but will be a conduit for the insightful conversation that America is thirsting for. I’m excited that alongside one of America’s greatest thinkers, we will encourage, enlighten and empower the listeners together.” – Tavis Smiley

The first half of the show will consist of Tavis and West discussing current news topics with a focus towards stories ignored by mainstream media outlets.  Listeners are encouraged to call in to engage directly with the co-hosts on the issues during a segment called “Take ‘Em to Task“.  The remaining 30 minutes will take place between Tavis, Cornel, and a special guest.  The first episodes feature New York Times columnist Frank Rich and comedian, actor and writer Garry Shandling with future episodes including “celebrities, politicians, intellectuals and other newsmakers.”

“Many of America’s most important discussions aren’t necessarily happening in the boardroom or between the pundits on cable television. Rather they’re happening at BBQs, cocktail parties, barbershops, and salons between real people. With this new endeavor, Smiley & West, Tavis and I hope to really tap into the concerns of everyday people.” – Cornel West

Check out www.smileyandwest.com for more details.  I cannot wait for this.