By Ron Smith
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-997449.mp3
Kentucky – It's safe to say long-time Kentucky journalist Al Smith has led a full life. During his teenage years, he was an award-winning writer and speaker. But then, Smith nearly lost it all because of problems with alcoholism. He recovered to become a successful newspaper owner, the head of the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the host of Kentucky Educational Television's "Comment on Kentucky" for 33 years. The soon-to-be 85-year-old has collected his memories and experiences in a new book, Wordsmith: My Life in Journalism. Al Smith recently sat down with Kentucky Public Radio's Ron Smith (no relation) to talk about it.