Elroy Smith Leaves His Bermuda Radio Station

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: Key figure at HOTT 107.5 radio moves on : 12/24/2008 10:42:00 AM : HOTT 107.5 CEO Elroy Smith promises to remain "part of the family" when he walks away from the radio station he helped to set up. : Mr. Smith plans to use what he has learned at "Bermuda's revolutionary station" to fulfill his dream of buying his own radio station in the States. : The Bermudian, who has years of radio experience in America, set up the HOTT 107.5 in 2004 as a alternative to the more traditional offerings available on the airwaves. : It is now one of the most popular radio stations on the island with round-the-clock phone-ins and music shows. : Mr. Smith said: "Back in the beginning I knew we had something, the radio station was like a lightning spark that lit up Bermuda. And it's just gone from strength to strength." : Mr. Smith, who is based in America, said he was thankful for the opportunity to "give back to his country" by setting up HOTT 107.5. : The 'urban contemporary' radio station was launched on July 5, 2004 by playing the same song for 24 hours - but Mr. Smith said he "never imagined" HOTT would become what it is today. : Mr. Smith said: "Of course we hoped the radio station would have a long life, but back then I had no idea of the magnitude of things. : "We've changed radio in Bermuda, we've introduced a different vibe to the airwaves. I'm so proud of what we've achieved." : He added: "But there comes a time in everyone's career when one looks at the whole scenario and realizes they have it capped in regards to their contribution." : Mr. Smith, who taught himself to read when he got to college, got his first job at ZFB as a part-time on-air personality, before going on to work at radio stations in Boston, Dallas and Chicago. One of the highlights of Mr. Smith's career was the 2005 Grammy Awards when Alicia Keys personally thanked him in her acceptance speech for being the first person to play her record. : Mr. Smith, who currently oversees three radio stations in Philadelphia, says his goal is "ownership in the States" but admits it will be a "huge challenge" and "a lot larger than what was going on in Bermuda." : He said: "There are always times when one wants to achieve something larger than one presently achieves. That's what I am striving for." : Mr. Smith will leave the radio station on January 16 and will not be replaced by anyone else. HOTT 107.5 will continue to be run by partners Glenn Blakeney and Scott Pearman with DJ and Senator Thaao Dill in charge of programming. : Mr. Smith said: "The station works well and will continue to soar. Nothing is going to be any different, it will be business as normal. It's like Heinz Ketchup, the ketchup is not going to change!" : But Mr. Smith is quick to add that he's definitely not turning his back on HOTT 107.5 or his home island of Bermuda saying he'll "still be here all the time." : He said: "I will stay part of the family. There's no bitterness, we're all happy. : "HOTT won't just escape from my head, it means so much to me, it's where I learned about radio." : : (Bermuda Sun)

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