Ken Smith is a seasoned journalist with a career spanning across various regions of the United States, marked by excellence in reporting and a commitment to community engagement. Born on the Island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and raised in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Ken's passion for storytelling and connecting with people led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida in 1986.

Ken's journey in journalism has taken him through esteemed newsrooms across the country, including WBNB-TV in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; WRBL-TV in Columbus, Georgia; WSAV-TV in Savannah, Georgia; KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon; WSFA-TV in Montgomery, Alabama; and WRAL-TV.

Throughout his career, Ken has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to journalism, receiving numerous awards and accolades. Among his notable achievements are the 2008 Mid-South Regional Emmy for Best Weekend Newscast, the 2009 Mid-South Regional Emmy for Spot News, and the 2012 Mid-South Regional Emmy for Breaking News. Additionally, Ken received a 2012 National Emmy nomination for Breaking News and has been honored with two Georgia Associated Press awards for Best Spot News and Best Feature.

Ken's approach to news is deeply rooted in the belief that stories are about people and their lives. He strives to make news relevant to the communities he serves, ensuring accuracy and pertinence in every report.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Ken is an active member of his community, volunteering with organizations such as the Special Olympics N.C. and Wake County schools. He is also a passionate advocate for causes he believes in and finds joy in activities such as tennis, hiking, and supporting local cuisine as a self-proclaimed Foodie.

Ken cherishes time spent with his family, including his wife Amanda and their three children, Franklin, Leah, and Louisa. His oldest son, Jamard, resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his own family.

In his leisure moments, Ken indulges in his love for literature, favoring suspense novels, historical books, and biographies. He is an avid reader of authors such as Douglas Brinkley, James Patterson, Dan Brown, and Lee Childs. Ken also enjoys classic movies like "Casablanca," "Rear Window," and the James Bond series, finding inspiration in timeless storytelling.

Having embraced North Carolina as his home, Ken finds solace in the state's coastal beauty reminiscent of his upbringing in the Virgin Islands and the scenic allure of the North Carolina Mountains, especially during the vibrant autumn season.

Reflecting on his career, Ken considers his most memorable assignments to be those that allowed him to witness history firsthand, from the resilience of communities in the aftermath of natural disasters to accompanying troops overseas during pivotal moments in global events. His dedication to storytelling and capturing human experience continues to shape his impactful contributions to journalism.