Diane Smith

Diane Smith Headshot
Distinguished Lecturer
Coordinator, Principles of Communication

Communication, Film and Media Studies Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Education

B.A., Communications and Journalism, Binghamton University

About Diane

A New York Times bestselling author, Emmy award winning journalist, documentary producer, and speaker, Diane Smith is a media veteran. Diane’s book Obsessed: America’s Food Addiction and My Own, written with MSNBC Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, was an instant best seller.

Diane has been on the air in Connecticut for more than 25 years at WTNH-TV, CPTV, CTN and WTIC-Newstalk 1080. Diane has anchored the news and public affairs specials. As the anchor and senior producer for program development at CTN, the Connecticut version of C-SPAN, Diane provided live and in-depth coverage of state government and politics. Diane has hosted numerous town hall meetings on topics including the opioid crisis and paid family leave on CPTV.

As president of Diane Smith Media, Diane has produced Emmy award winning documentaries, and videos primarily for non-profits. Diane Smith Media also provides media and public speaking training for clients including Tiffany & Co., Subway, Protein Sciences Corporation and Choate Rosemary Hall.

The Globe Pequot Press has published six books based on Diane’s "Positively Connecticut" TV series, the longest running local TV series in state history.

Diane serves on the board of the Connecticut Women’s Council and the advisory board of the World Affairs Council. Diane was appointed by the CT Secretary of the State to the Civic Health Advisory Board. Diane is a corporator of the I-Quilt Project in Hartford and serves on the Board of Ambassadors for the Bushnell Theater in Hartford.

Diane was honored with the National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award. Diane has received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Culture and Tourism for her outstanding lifetime achievements and contributions to the arts and tourism in Connecticut. The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame honored Diane as a woman of "voice and vision". Diane was honored with the Breakfast Badge Award from the Girl Scouts of Connecticut. Diane holds an honorary doctorate from Charter Oak College.

Diane was inducted into the CT Journalism Hall of Fame and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle for 25 years of distinguished service to broadcasting and the community.

In the Media

In the Media

The Patch: State Candidates to Discuss Issues of Interest to Disability Community

Diane Smith, distinguished lecturer of communication, film, and media studies, will moderate an event for candidates of state-wide offices that will be sponsored by Disability Rights Connecticut, CT Cross-Disability Lifespan Alliance, CT State Independent Living Council, and the UConn Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 12 from 3 – 7 PM, at the Sheraton Rocky Hill hotel.