Posted on Friday, October 13, 2017 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
The Rickey Smiley syndicated morning show, based in downtown Atlanta, will be around for several more years.
Reach Media signed an unspecified multi-year agreement to extend his time on the radio. He's currently on 65 affiliates including Hot 107.9. Typically deals for popular personalities such as Smiley can go for five years.
Smiley started his syndication show in 2008 out of Dallas. In 2009, he moved to Atlanta.
“You know we keep it real every morning,” Smiley said in a press release. “So, get ready everybody, I’m going to continue keeping it live with the rest of my crew. Thanks to Reach Media, Radio One and to all my listeners and followers for letting me be a part of your morning routine.
Recently, the National Association of Broadcasters rewarded Smiley with the 2017 Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year, which is the equivalent of an Emmy or Oscar in the radio business.
Smiley has a new book coming out October 24 called "Stand By Your Truth: And Then Run For Your Life!" His promotional sell point:
"I'm very passionate about everything that I do and I don't play any games. I just keep it honest. I don't put on airs. That's the only way you can be. If you tell one lie, you've got to tell another lie. I'm cool with who I am. What you see is what you get."
A stand-up comic, the Birmingham native recently performed at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and has aired multiple seasons of TV One's "Rickey Smiley For Real" reality show.
His current team includes Da Brat, Gary Wit Da Tea, Headkrack, Juicy, Rock T and Special K, along with the program's producers, Hollywood and Beyonce' Alowishus. Many of them participate daily on syndicated TV gossip show "Dish Nation," which airs on Fox 5 here.
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