Hubert Smith, host of "The Hubert Smith Radio Show" and "One on One with Hubert Smith," stressed the importance of local politics in journalism to a group of journalism and electronic media students at UT. Smith called politics "the thing that matters most" to the public.

Smith said local issues are the most important matter affecting people's daily lives. He said that by covering local matters on his television and radio show he has "carved out a niche" for himself in journalism. 

"At this point, why would I spend five minutes talking about Obama and McCain?" he said. "Everyone knows the name of the president and vice president, but what about the city and county representatives?"

Smith's television show is broadcast on Community Television of Knoxville, a public access station that is available to Knoxville and Knox County residents. Smith, a UT alumnus, provides coverage and analysis of local political news, such as Knoxville City Council and Knox County Commission meetings. He explained that his shows are local and for local residents, focusing on the issues regardless of affiliation.

"I'm all about information ... I listen to everything whether it's conservative or liberal. I embrace all opinions and carry no (partisan) flag," he said. "I'm there to talk about the issues. That's what I'm about."

"The Hubert Smith Radio Show" was awarded the Knoxville Voice 2008 Voice Choice Best Local Radio Show Award for "in-depth weekly update on local issues." "One on One with Hubert Smith" is broadcast on Comcast channel 12 at 9 p.m. every Friday.