Elaina Smith and her journey from SDSU student to country music host in Nashville, Tennessee

Elaina Smith (‘11) is making her mark in country radio. An award winning host known for her interviews with the hottest stars in Nashville, Tenn., Smith hosts the nationally syndicated radio show “Night with Elaina,” is the voice of the American Country Music Awards and People’s Choice Country Awards and now is joining Backstage County, the fastest-growing nationally syndicated program for country music. 

Her time navigating tough career decisions and discovering her love for country music has led to an impressive career. But it all started with a JMS class assignment. 

While at SDSU, Smith interned with Entertainment Tonight and Insider LA and worked weekends as a radio promotions assistant to help pay her expenses. That job turned into her first radio opportunity when she auditioned for the Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw Morning Show.

As she worked as a morning host, JMS Professor Arceneaux gave her media class a unique assignment.

“It actually all started with a project that Professor Arceneaux gave to our media class, and he wanted us to apply for a job outside of college,” said Smith. “And I hadn't really thought about doing that yet, but I had to because of this assignment and he said it needs to be realistic.”

With that, Smith applied for a morning show position in Seattle.

“I remember him pulling me aside and asking, ‘Hey, we need you to actually do something that you're qualified for.’ And I'm like, ‘Well, I'm actually on this other morning show right now,’” said Smith. 

She didn’t get the job in Seattle, but the radio company gave her the push she needed to start attending radio conferences. Networking and talking to some of the biggest names in the industry became key as she pursued a career in radio after graduation.

A chance conversation with Mike McVay, owner of McVay Media, led to her first job out of college.

“When I was getting ready to graduate, I sent him a bunch of stuff and then said, ‘Hey, here's where I'm applying to your stations across the country,’” said Smith. “And that's how I ended up getting my first job.”

Right out of college, Smith moved to Florida and worked as a morning host for a show called Space Coast. Eventually, she made her way to Nashville, where she launched her cult favorite radio show Nights With Elaina.

Almost immediately, Smith fell in love with Nashville and the country music community.

“When I moved to Nashville, it was like learning a foreign language,” said Smith. “When you immerse yourself into it, you learn really fast. So I became fully a country music fan, probably like a month into moving here.”

Her show aired six days a week across 150 international radio stations for five hours a night. Smith kept busy interviewing country stars and talking about music, life and celebrity news.

“In the end, I think you can always bring it back to the music and the fans,” said Smith. “And whenever I was struggling with finding content, I would go to the phones or ask about concerts, just find that connection.” 

After 10 years of hosting Nights With Elaina, Smith decided to branch out to new opportunities. This past month, she started as a radio host with Backstage Country and has many exciting plans ahead.

Smith emphasized the importance of meeting as many people as possible in the industry and maintaining those connections to land a job in radio. But above all, she said success often comes down to being authentic and kind.

“To everybody that might be reading this, I love to have all alumni and students be a part of my network,” concluded Smith. “Because if I can ever help you, reach out. When I say to create those relationships, I'm one of those people you can create relationships with.”

Smith said you can reach her through Instagram @elainadsmith. You can also look out for her on Backstage Country, her first show aired on February 17th.