Ron smith wbal biography of michael

As listeners to the late, great Ron Smith know, the WBAL talk show host and Sun columnist used to introduce Gov. Martin O'Malley on air as Father O'Malley, with religious music running in the background. He was referring to Mr. O'Malley's tendency to frequent literary allusion and reverent tone whether discussing the death penalty or septic systems. If he were to write a religious manifesto, I offer this suggestion for the O'Malley Creed.

I believe in one party, the Democrats, maker of all things in Maryland, and of all things visible and invisible, including those in public office who have been put on trial for corruption like former Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson and State Senator Ulysses Currie and those whose deeds the party will never reveal.

And in me, who by forsaking the beliefs of my Republican father, core tenets of my Catholic faith, marrying into state Democratic royalty, and faithfully serving the higher good of the national party by blamingGeorge W.

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I was reminded some days ago by the inestimable June Smith that on December 19 it will have been 9 years since her Ron left us, and to put it simply: he was the best radio talk show host ever — anywhere.

To be a great talk show host, one must be knowledgeable, articulate, honest and have good judgment. Ron’s encyclopedic understanding of an incredible range of topics and his ability to declaim articulately on them and confront honestly the best opposite opinions consistently made him simply non pareil.

There is no talk show host at his WBAL Radio home stomping ground who can come close to matching him, although they are all serviceable hosts. In addition, in Ron’s years the entire WBAL Radio sociology was exceptional.  Ron was bolstered by the exquisitely knowledgeable news director, Mark Miller, a regular guest, and backed by the superb vice president and station manager, Jeff Beauchamp.

WCBM has some truly brilliant hosts, but even they and the former talk show host Jim