(BLACK PR WIRE) – LOS ANGELES, CA (October 4, 2013) – The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI announced today that it will be expanding to two hours beginning January 2014.

The new two-hour format is a renewal of Smiley’s commitment to conversations of importance to America. The show will continue to focus on a wide range of issues including politics, business, health, sports, arts and culture, and will feature a broad spectrum of newsmakers and commentators. Tony Marcano, formerly of Weekend Edition on NPR, will be the program’s senior producer.

The final edition of Smiley & West will air the weekend of Dec. 27, 2013.

"I was blessed to work with my dear Brother Tavis and we stood on the forefront of bringing prophetic perspectives to loyal listeners on the important issues we face today," said West. "As I move forward, I carry with me the knowledge that Smiley & West leaves a definitive mark in public radio.”

“Creating a radio show to co-host with Dr. Cornel West is one of the highlights of my career," Smiley said. "I have been blessed to work alongside the person I regard as America’s leading public intellectual."

Smiley and West are appreciative to Public Radio International (PRI) for the opportunity and grateful to the listening audience for its embrace. They emphasized that Smiley & West would not be the outstanding show it is without the expertise and hard work of producer Joe Zefran.

Both agree that it is critical to offer differing viewpoints on the airwaves, especially the stories of the more than 45 million Americans living in poverty.

Smiley will be devoting more time to the Tavis Smiley Network, the first online programming network for BlogTalkRadio.

About The Tavis Smiley Show
The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI is a blend of substantive and provocative discussions on a wide range of topics including: politics, health, finance, sports, technology and pop culture. An insightful exploration of the issues that matter from fresh, diverse points of view is the show’s hallmark. The Tavis Smiley Show is produced by Smiley Radio Properties, Inc. in partnership with Public Radio International (PRI) and is hosted by Tavis Smiley. Smiley is the first American ever to simultaneously host signature talk shows on both public television and public radio. TIME magazine honored him as one of the “The World’s 100 Most Influential People,” in 2009. NEWSWEEK dubbed him one of the nation’s “captains of the airwaves.” He is also the creator of AMERICA I AM: The African American Imprint museum exhibition. Smiley has received numerous honorary doctorate degrees, including one from his alma mater, Indiana University.

About Smiley & West from Public Radio International (PRI)
The weekly program from PRI, Smiley & West, is co-hosted by two of America’s most influential public intellectuals, noted broadcaster Tavis Smiley and Union Theological Seminary professor Cornel West. The one-hour program features thought-provoking, intelligent and stimulating conversations. Listen, engage and discuss on www.smileyandwest.com or follow them on Twitter at @tavissmiley and @cornelwest.