A giant of sports journalism: RIP Patrick Smith

The radio industry is today paying tribute to Patrick Smith – a man considered one of the greatest sports journalists Australia has ever produced – following his sudden death at the age of 71.

A three-time Walkley Award winner, Smith appeared on Hungry for Sport with Kevin Bartlett on SEN.

Their hour of morning banter over twenty years was legendary listening for Melbourne radio audiences.

In a career spanning nearly half a century, Smith covered AFL, cricket and a host of other sports – winning widespread acclaim for his contributions to both radio and print media.

He is being remembered today as one of the sharpest minds in the business.

In recent years, Smith was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to print media as a journalist.

Bartlett’s son Rhett led the tributes.

“My family and I are so sad at the passing of our dear close friend Patrick Smith.”

“An incredibly skilled writer. Witty, generous and what a joy it was to hear him on the radio with dad every morning back in the day.”

*Photo credit: Patrick Smith’s Sport book