Radio Host Says Tavis Smiley May Have Left Show Over Obama Flak
DALLAS — Tavis Smiley is leaving Tom Joyner’s popular morning radio show after 12 years, and Joyner told listeners Friday he thought the political commentator’s criticisms of presidential hopeful Barack Obama might be to blame.
But Smiley said in a news release issued later Friday: “Contrary to what has been suggested, I have decided to clear some things off my plate so that I can devote my time and attention to some exciting and empowering projects … this summer, this fall and beyond.”
Smiley, who has been on the syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show” since 1996, said in the news release that he’ll elaborate on his decision during his regular commentary on the Joyner show Tuesday morning. He said his commentaries will continue through June.
Joyner said he thinks Smiley is tired of getting flak for criticizing Obama.
“We’re so emotional about this Barack Obama candidacy,” Joyner said on his Dallas-based show. “If you don’t say anything for Barack Obama, you’re considered to be a hater.”
Smiley criticized Obama for not attending an annual “State of the Black Union” symposium Smiley held in February. Sen. Hillary Clinton was the only presidential candidate who accepted Smiley’s invitation.
“I’m catching hell,” Smiley said in an earlier interview with BlackAmericaWeb.com.
Joyner urged listeners to show Smiley the love he needs via e-mails and calls.
“He loves black America and black America has been very critical of him,” Joyner said of Smiley. “It hurts. It hurt me to hear black Americans criticize him.”
Smiley has written several books and hosts the PBS show “Tavis Smiley” and Public Radio International’s “The Tavis Smiley Show.” The former Black Entertainment Television host is working on several projects, including a documentary, a bus tour and a book publishing company.
I appreciate and applaud Mr. Tavis Smiley . Mr. Smiley has brought to light a lot of things otherwise would be hush-hush. In the remarks, Mr. Smiley made concerning Mr. Obama was his opinion. He is just as entitled to his opinion as any other black american. Mr. Smiley, I love you and respect you and your opinion. Keep up the good work.
Tavis, I was extraordinarily devastated to hear of your departure from the TJMS! I am deeply saddened that Black America cannot allow you or anyone to voice his or her honest opinion, be it right or wrong (whomever’s judging). We must understand that we cannot please all people all of the time, however, we must at least continue dialog in a stance of agreeing to disagree.
I hope that your choice to depart was one of potential “over the top” career offers and not the opinions of some. I think whatever your future endeavors are, I hope that you are examining the possibilities of returning to Radio with “the in your face” commentary that has pleased me and many others for quite some time.
May God continue to excel you in all your endeavors! In all things stay in peace and positivity
I love you Tavis and will miss your Tuesday/Thursday commentaries. Even when I don’t agree with you, I emjoy listening to your perspective. Generally, I agree with your viewpoints and am thankful for the opportunity to have heard you over the years. No offense to Tom Joyner, but you are the reason I so often listen to his show.
May God bless your every endeavor.
Valerie of Richmond, VA
Tavis,
I love and respect you. I have enjoyed listening to you on the radio and watching your television show for years. I look forward to your upcoming projects and know you will excel in whatever you. I will always be a supporter of you.
Chanelle of New Orleans, LA.
Tavis,
I am sincerely sorry to hear that you’re leaving the Tom Joyner Show, I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to tell you sir, I have enjoyed listening to you and I seldom miss your television show. Tavis, the one thing I know is that you have weathered the storm in the past and I pray that you continue to grow and prosper; May God keep you under his WINGS!
Vernetta
I’m so sorry to hear what is going on. With our family. That’s how i, look at thing as a family. What every was said it was his right to say. No matter how we took it. Sometime someone in our family will said something and because of who they are. We just said no matter what don’t take it the wrong way. Travis Love’s his people. But we are not the only step he can walk up. He know where he is going. And we as his family wish him all the blessing. But always understand we are family. Don’t put this out there for your neighbor to judge you on. We all knew affliction will come sometime’s from your own household that’s why it hurts the most. But Tavis we Love you and walk into your season………………..God is still Blessing……….
Tavis,
I have always enjoyed your show and I am sad that you are leaving.
With that said I must disagree with your comments about Obama. We all make choice about where we go and who we associate with. We should not be attacked about that but we are sometime.
Mr. Smiley,
I enjoy hearing about any black american accomplishments. It saddens me to know that some black americans don’t give you the respect and honor that you deserve for struggling for the things you believe in and pursue them accordingly, whether you failed and got back up because you didn’t give up. What most black americans fail to do themselves. Instead of trying to belittle or degrade black americans that think and want something out of life, and most of all SPEAK THE TRUTH they need to applaud and be willing to better themselves and stop hating on each other.
TIME IS TOO SHORT AND YOU HAVE TO VALUE YOUR LIFE BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T NO ONE WILL.
I THINK TRAVIS IS A GOOD GUY AND I LOVE HIM AND HIS VIEWS AND THANK YOU FOR LOVING
BLACK AMERICA AND WE LOVE HIM