Mr. Hugh Smith

i will always remember you Hugh. I watched you all through the years growing up here in Tampa. I am a Tampa Native. You were the news man news man. every time ,I saw you brought integrity and commanded respect when you reported. I never got to meet you in person,but ,I will always remember your presence. I miss all of the original on air team. I am 50 now,and miss those days.
Your loyal listener and friend Robert S

Rest easy, Hugh.

Ward, I'll never forget the time you told that female lieutenant "that's not the president that's my FATHER!!!

Well Pop, you Walter's lead in for so many years, it's ironic that you passed before he did.

YOU were still the best and I miss you terribley.

Ward, I just read your new entry about your father. I was thinking yesterday that it would be a year since his death. I worked with Hugh on the Minnesota Daily. He appointed me associate editor when he was editor-in-chief. I kept in contact with him for awhile and then lost contact until just a couple of years before his death. He had a stellar career as a newsman, and will be fondly remembered by many who knew him and worked with him.

[email protected]

It's been a year since you passed and not a day goes by that I don't miss our visits, laughs;time with the grand kids and cheeseburgers. I use your coffee cup and wear you Nautica jacket everyday.
It's not the same without you.

During the early 1970s I worked at WTVT as a news stringer covering Pasco County. Hugh Smith was always very patient with this then-young woman. At the time I started my stint with WTVT, I was clueless about the world of broadcast news. Hugh was a great help, and always very patient with me. I worked most closely with Jule McGee, but Hugh was always available to answer any question I might have or to give guidance when needed. He taught me much about professionalism, just by example.

I had the honor of working with Hugh at MIX 96 as well as a few years prior when he and son Ward made guest appearances on the Q Morning Zoo. To say I learned a lot from Hugh is a huge understatement. He was there for me in the newsroom and as a loyal friend. He never lost his razor-sharp wit or sensitivity to people and animals. He made an impact on me and obviously many others in the community and the broadcasting profession: he was the 'real thing'--a consummate pro--and a dear friend...

Hugh was the consummate newsman; he shows up for work at 3 a.m and he's in coat and tie. To do a newsbreak at 5:30 a.m.! It took awhile before we got him to get in there in his shirt sleeves. He didn't like to ad lib so much...he was very much about the preparation. We treated him with respect and he did a great job for us.