WRAL's Ken Smith reflects on years of NYE coverage, morning role

I first met WRAL's Ken Smith when I was working on as an online producer on nights and weekends. Ken was the weekend evening anchor for many years and would often come back from his breaks with a fresh pie from Whole Foods to share with the staff.

Soon, I got to hear that famous Ken Smith laugh. It is distinctive and echos throughout the newsroom.

Then, we bonded over our love of the N.C. State Fair. I've been covering the fair for nearly my entire time at the station and I always end up hanging out with Ken and checking out new food. He introduced me to Al's Fries.

It has been a joy to work with Ken throughout the past decade but I've not been able to get him on the Out and About Podcast until now!

This week, Ken talks about his love of the fair and musical theatre. He talks about the night he proposed to his wife after a show at Durham Performing Arts Center. He also shares his memories about hosting WRAL's First Night Raleigh coverage throughout the years including hosting with comedian Sheryl Underwood one year.

"One thing about First Night Raleigh is that you never knew what you're going to encounter," Smith said.

Smith also talks about his new morning duties at WRAL News. He is now anchoring the 7 and 9 a.m. newscasts, handling Live Center duties at 8 a.m. and reporting three days a week for the evening news. He helped launch WRAL News at 9 a.m. on FOX 50 last year.