Ron Smith (radio host)

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Ron Smith is a popular veteran talk radio show host on WBAL-AM in Baltimore, Maryland. His show airs weekdays from 3 to 6 pm ET.

During the 1970s, he was an anchor on WBAL-TV.[1] His wife June, an accomplished former real estate agent was the communications officer of Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services[2], and though a supporter and friend of former Governor Robert Ehrlich, was recently considered by the rival O'Malley administration as a returnee to that position as she is considered one of the best appointees ever to hold that position.

Ron Smith's political views can be described as conservative or, more specifically and accurately, paleoconservative. Thomas DiLorenzo, a friend of Smith, categorizes him as an "Old Right" conservative.[3] Unlike the majority of conservative talk radio show hosts, Ron Smith is a critic of the Bush administration and the Iraq war.^[1]

Smith usually takes conservative or paleoconservative political positions, but sometimes criticizes Republicans. He supports Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, but refers to George H.W. Bush as "Joe Isuzu." He reluctantly supported the American invasion on Afghanistan, but opposed regime change in Iraq. Smith also frequently addresses issues about handgun owership on his program.

After the Iraq invasion, Smith's show changed from a traditional talk show format to focus more on interviews with personalities and newsmakers, both conservatives and liberals. When WBAL cancelled Rush Limbaugh's program in June, 2006, his show expanded to four hours, from 2 to 6 pm ET, but was returned to its three-hour format in April of this year when another host was found for the noon to three spot.

Smith has been a familiar face on the Maryland media scene since 1974. A former Marine, Smith is virtually self-taught.

He and Mrs. Smith left Maryland in 1994 when they built a home in Shrewsbury, PA, just north of the Maryland/Pennsylvania state line. Smith has four children from previous marriages, Mrs. Smith has one daughter from her first husband. Together they have six grandchildren. They share their home with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Josie.