South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will host a live taping of the South Carolina Lede podcast and This Week in South Carolina featuring Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives Murrell Smith. The event will take place at the SCETV studio in Columbia on Jan. 8, from 6-8 p.m. Speaker Smith will join host Gavin Jackson and Statehouse reporter Maayan Schechter for a wide-ranging conversation previewing the 2026 legislative session and the key discussions, debates and policies poised to shape South Carolina.
The South Carolina Lede is a podcast that explores the people, issues and policy decisions driving South Carolina’s political landscape. Listeners can hear in-depth interviews and analysis twice weekly. In addition to hosting the podcast, Jackson serves as a SCETV news and political reporter and anchors This Week in South Carolina, a weekly public affairs program featuring conversations with the state’s leaders, policymakers and journalists. This Week in South Carolina airs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. on ETV.
Speaker Murrell Smith has represented South Carolina’s 67th House District since 2001 and has served as Speaker of the House since 2022. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and a co-founding member of Smith Robinson Law Firm.
This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Early registration is encouraged.
Additional coverage of South Carolina politics and public policy can be viewed on SCETV and listened to on SC Public Radio. Live feeds of the House and Senate are available each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on ETV World during the legislative session and streamed online via the SCETV website.
QUOTES
“SCETV strives to ensure that South Carolinians have clear access to the conversations shaping the direction of our state. Welcoming Speaker Murrell Smith for this upcoming discussion provides an important opportunity for the public to hear directly from one of the state’s key leaders ahead of the new legislative session. Events like this reflect our commitment to elevating timely dialogue and supporting an informed, engaged public.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Our goal is to help audiences better understand the policy decisions that affect communities across South Carolina. Hosting Speaker Murrell Smith for this taping allows us to provide meaningful insight into the issues that will guide the months ahead at the Statehouse. We’re proud to offer this kind of access and context as part of SCETV’s ongoing public service mission.” –SCETV Assistant General Manager/Deputy Director Dr. Stephanie Cook
“Public access to state government is central to our work. Conversations like this one help create transparency and give residents a firsthand look at the priorities that will shape the legislative session. We look forward to hosting Speaker Smith and creating space for a thoughtful, informative discussion.” –SCETV Director of Government Transparency and Public Affairs Aimee Crouch
“I appreciate the opportunity to sit down with Speaker Murrell Smith for this special taping of the South Carolina Lede and This Week in South Carolina. His perspective heading into the 2026 session will offer valuable context for our listeners and viewers as we begin another year in state politics. I’m excited to bring this conversation to the public from our studio.” –South Carolina Lede and This Week in South Carolina Host Gavin Jackson
FAST FACTS
- SCETV will host a live taping of the South Carolina Lede podcast and This Week in South Carolina featuring Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives Murrell Smith.
- The event will take place on Jan. 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the SCETV studio located at 1041 George Rogers Blvd. in Columbia.
- The South Carolina Lede is a podcast that explores the people and issues shaping South Carolina state politics. This Week in South Carolina is a weekly public affairs program that highlights the state's political leaders, news and policymakers.
- Speaker Murrell Smith has represented South Carolina's 67th House District since 2001 and has served as Speaker of the House since 2022.
- This event is free and open to the public. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
