Brian Smith has been in the public eye in more ways than one over a long career in the media and in business.
He is probably best remembered as a sports presenter, news reader and reporter on Melbourne television programs on Channels Nine, Seven, the ABC and SBS and on radio 3AW, 3UZ and the ABC.
Some of the most notable sporting events he has covered during his media career include the Davis Cup, Australian Open Tennis Championships, Australian Open Golf Championships, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and AFL Football.
He is the consummate media all-rounder having also done numerous voice-overs for corporate videos and commercials with his unmistakable distinct voice.
Brian has owned and operated pubs in rural Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne meeting and greeting people from behind the bar which, he says, is one of the best places to meet people from all walks of life.
During his time as a publican he became actively involved in community affairs and even became the unofficial spokesman for Nagambie, where he ran the Royal Mail Hotel – when television, radio and newspaper cameramen and journalists came chasing a story.
Away from the beat of the media and hotel environment, Brian is a registered Civil Celebrant specialising in weddings and funerals which he describes as a most rewarding occupation filled with mixed emotions, lots of laughter and lots of tears.
He says, however, the times when you expect tears to flow, the solemnity in a chapel is often broken by uproarious laughter. He can share some delightful stories without causing any embarrassment to those concerned!
His charismatic style of hosting puts Brian Smith up there with the best in the business.
