Bob Smith. Credit: PROVIDED PHOTO

Regular listeners of WXXI radio during the noon to 2 p.m. time slot have surely noticed the absence of Bob Smith, the longtime host and producer of “1370 Connection.” 

Bob Smith. Credit: PROVIDED PHOTO

WXXI ann
ounced earlier today that Smith suffered a stroke in April and that he is undergoing rehabilitation. Smith
has stepped down from the talk show.

Smith is an institution in Rochester media. He hosted 1370 Connection for 25 years, interviewing many regional and state political leaders. One of the remarkable qualities of his hosting talents is his ability to engage the community in respectful conversation about controversial topics. There’s no doubt that listeners learned something from him and his many guests.     

But Smith covered far more than politics; he also delved into home repair, antiques, music, and history. 

WXXI is conducting a national search for a new host for 1370 Connection, according to a written statement. And WXXI plans a special two-hour program dedicated to Smith’s work for mid-October. 

This article appears in Aug 28 – Sep 3, 2013.

I was born and raised in the Rochester area, but I lived in California and Florida before returning home about 12 years ago. I'm a vegetarian and live with my husband and our three pugs. I cover education,...

One reply on “WXXI’s Bob Smith steps down”

  1. “One of the remarkable qualities of his hosting talents is his ability to engage the community in respectful conversation about controversial topics.”

    This is the polite way of saying that Smith never asked the hard questions or challenged the puff piece answers he received. A trait unfortunately shared by the rest of the local media.

    I suspect it’s too much to hope that the next host will be more interested in getting the facts and less interested in his/her guest’s delicate sensibilities.

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