Tavis Smiley Commentary on the Tom Joyner Morning Show

The Tavis Smiley Commentary

Date: Tuesday 04-15-07
Time: 8:20a edt
Arbitron Ratings Season: The Coveted ‘Spring Book’

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*J. Anthony Brown did return to the Tom Joyner Morning show today after “walking off” the TJMS Monday, supposedly upset at Tom Joyner. J. Anthony Brown was surprisingly $joyful$ throughout the show.
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Commentary SetUp

*The Commentary’s Preceding Song: “What about your Friends” by TLC

*The Commentary’s Preceding Skit: A Son is highly upset over his Father using the Son’s name for the Mortgage & Water Bill. Father’s excuse: "Boy I have been paying child support for the last 12 Years!" -- Interesting that 12 years was scripted in the skit considering that Tavis Smiley has been with Tom Joyner for 12 years.


Tavis Smiley’s Opening Statement - highlighted:

A. Tavis Smiley expressed so much love for the opportunity that Tom Joyner gave him, even mentioning that her would take a bullet for Tom Joyner...in his left arm. Tavis excepted TOM'S apology for leaking the story earlier than planned.

B. Tavis Smiley stated that he was has been on the TJMS from age 31 to 43 -- 1996 to 2008.
C. Tavis Smiley also stated that at age 43: Tavis feels that most of his life is now behind him
D. Tavis Smiley mentioned his Grandfather often stated: “Answers are found in the graveyard”

Tavis Smiley's Reason for Leaving: Busy Schedule

1. Three Documentaries coming up, with one of them putting a telescope on why the large number of hospitals closing down in Black communities, and another being a feature film.

2. Exhibit: Traveling 15,000 square foot exhibit titled “American I Am”. Tells the story of African-Americans imprint on the United States.

3. Tavis's Publishing Company: Two notable books to come --

a. “Hope on a Tightrope” by Dr. Cornel West
b. Iyanla Van Zant’s new book

4. Covenant Book series continues, including **final installment:
a. Covenant
b. Covenant in Action
c. ** ”Covenant Accountable” - Released in February 2009 (probably at “State of the Black Union” television special on C-Span).

5. 10th Anniversary of the "State of the Black Union" symposium in February 2009
*Most watched C-Span program annually
*Most requested C-Span DVD

6. Two Political Conventions Back to Back
a. Democratic in August
b. Republican in September

7. Current Day Jobs:
a. Public Service Radio
b. Public Service Television

8. TV Series forthcoming:
a. Another America

9. Tom Joyner with Tavis’s input will help select a successor on the TJMS.

In Closing

Tom Joyner and Tavis Smiley closed the commentary with much love for one another. For some reason though, Tavis Smiley was not even mentioned on TJMS following Tavis Smiley's commentary nor were any callers taken to discuss Tavis' resignation commentary. The closing show highlights at 9:55a was the only mention of Tavis Smiley's commentary.