XTRA SPORTS AM570
SHOWS YOU THE MONEY
KROQ’S MATT “MONEY” SMITH
JOINS XTRA SPORTS AND THE LAKERS BROADCAST TEAM
Los Angeles, August 2, 2005 – XTRA Sports Radio AM-570, announced today the addition of Matt “Money” Smith to the Lakers Broadcast team. Money begins his dream job with the Lakers Radio Network as the 2005-2006 season begins.
Money joins XTRA Sports AM570 after successful experiences at DreamWorks, and most recently as the sports voice for the KROQ morning show featuring Kevin and Bean. “I've been associated with KROQ for 11 years. I started (here) when I was in college answering phones, and as sad as it is to leave a group of people I consider family, it's equally exciting to work with a franchise like the Lakers and the dominant Sports radio station in Los Angeles – XTRA Sports AM570.”
General Manager Don Martin of XTRA Sports AM570 adds, “We are excited about the addition of Money coming on board. He brings sports credibility along with a music and entertainment background that sets him apart from other talent.”
ABOUT: Matt “Money” Smith
In 1994, after completing his junior year at Pepperdine University, Matt Smith decided it was time to start thinking about his career. As a Pre-law Student (Double Major: Political Science and Speech Communications) he did the logical thing; took a job answering phones For the Kevin and Bean morning show at Modern Rock Radio Station KROQ.
Waking up at 4 A.M. caused Matt to lose a year of his college social life, but those 18 months proved to be invaluable. He turned KROQ PD Kevin Weatherly on to some great new music, including a little band called Sublime. He not only worked with Kevin and Bean, but his love of sports brought him close to then “Sports Guy” Jimmy Kimmel. He was given the nickname “Money” and soon found himself on the air doing an assortment of comedy bits.
After graduation, realizing he needed to support himself (and pay back 38K in student loans) Matt left KROQ for a job at Polygram Records. He quickly moved through the ranks, and after 2 years, left Polygram as one of the first hires at newly created DreamWorks Records. One of the great things about both jobs was Matt’s insistence Lakers season tickets be included before signing a contract.
In 1998 while drinking a Bud Light in Kimmel’s backyard, Jimmy, Kevin Weatherly and Kevin and Bean’s Kevin were discussing what they should do about sports with Jimmy having left to start “The Man Show”. They decided even though Matt had a full time Job, he was the only person that had a shot to successfully follow Kimmel.
For the next 5 years, Smith worked 2 jobs, KROQ from 6 A.M. until 8:15, and DreamWorks from 9 until sometimes as late as 11 PM. To say he has a good work ethic is an understatement.
With Universal purchasing DreamWorks in early 2004, Matt was courted by Weatherly to work full time at KROQ. He acquiesced, became a much bigger part of the morning show, and also served as KROQ’s Music Director.
The constants through Matt’s life have always been his family, his sense of humor, and of course, sports. His playing career ended in High School, but he woke every morning to sports radio, read the Sports pages front to back, and survived for years on Top Ramen and PBR to spend what little extra money he had going to games.
After 7 years of 13 hour workdays, Smith finally realized his dream. For the 2005-2006 season, he will be part of the XTRA Sports 570 Lakers broadcast team. Tackling Pre-Game and Half-time Host duties.
It’s a long way from Constitutional Law, but Matt will tell you it’s where he always knew he would end up.
About Clear Channel Communications, Inc.
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE: CCU), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a global leader in the out-of home advertising industry with radio and television stations, outdoor advertising displays, and live entertainment venues in 65 countries around the world.
