Veteran newscaster Robin Smith will be on the air at 10 a.m. for Great Day St. Louis on Friday, July 31, then she will anchor her final noon newscast on KMOV 4 in St. Louis. Smith is retiring after 42 years in local television news.
She started working at News 4 when it was a CBS-owned and -operated station. Previously, she worked for KTVI-TV-ABC in St. Louis, where she anchored, reported and produced several features, documentaries and was involved in investigative reporting.
Smith also worked at KSDK-TV-NBC, where at age 19 she was the youngest known member of any on-air news television staff in St. Louis.
“It’s a composite of 42 years of being blessed with citizens in the bi-state region, to tell their stories and to give them a voice,” Smith said. “That’s what stands out most about the privilege of being the messenger: being allowed to share in their intimate moments with viewers and they give you that trust to tell everyone else their information accurately and fairly.”
Also on Friday, Smith will appear as a guest on the 6 p.m. newscast for the station’s sendoff.
She said a number of factors contributed to her decision to retire, including discussions with her husband, Isaac “Bud” Stallworth of NBA fame.
“My husband and I talked about where we want to be, where we see our life and some opportunities that may unfold for us, so we decided that now might be a nice time to consider some other options,” Smith explained.
Smith graduated from Northwest High School then attended Lindenwood University, where she received a B.A. degree in the double majors of Communications Arts and Psychology. She earned her graduate degree – an EMIB, or Executive Masters International Business – from the School of Business and Administration at Saint Louis University.
Smith earned plenty of peer recognition, Emmy Awards for News Reporting and News Anchor, and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for reporting.
“Countless viewers have literally grown up trusting in Robin’s honesty, integrity and experience as she has brought the story of the St. Louis region home to you,” said Mike Murphy, vice president and general manager at KMOV 4. “She will be missed, and we look forward to enjoying a big celebration come Friday.”
Smith’s retirement adds to several upcoming and recent departures of African Americans from the St. Louis TV news scene. This includes Julian Johnson, Sharon Reed and Brittany Noble-Jones (KMOV); Anthony Kiekow and Lakisha Jackson (KTVI Fox2); and weathercaster Chester Lampkin from KSDK channel 5.
Smith loves her hometown of St. Louis, and she and her husband will continue to make the St. Louis area their family home.
“We have three grandchildren; I have two brothers, two sister-in-laws, two nieces and a nephew; and we’re having a great time spending time with family,” she said.
Smith said she also plans to remain active with as many community organizations as she can. “I hope to continue my charitable activity in the St. Louis metropolitan area,” she said.
She has given her time and talent to the Crisis Nursery, Forest Park Forever, St. Louis effort for AIDS and the National Association of Black Journalists, to name a few.
“I really want to thank all of the viewers in the bi-state region for the trust and the positive energy they’ve sent me for four decades, and I’m humbled to remain worthy of all of the love they’ve given me over the years,” Smith said. “It is really appreciated and heartfelt.”
That positive energy continued to flow her away after her retirement was announced. A post on The St. Louis American’s FaceBook page received hundreds of positive comments and shares.
“Robin Smith at noon will no longer bloom,” Maurice Cribbs commented, “but her smile each day will remain in my brain!”
“I have watched you since I was a little girl,” Toni Bratcher commented. “Always impressed with your professionalism.”
“She was the only black woman with swag on TV and she wore that bun for years,” Sutikya Nicole Bersig commented. “Gonna miss your smiling face, Robin.”
As for that next chapter in her life – those “other options” – Smith is keeping mum about her own news, at least for now. Stay tuned.
Robin, I miss you, you were the best! I grew up watching you daily on channel 4 News ! Your beautiful smile and kind words will never be forgotten 💖