LifeStyle Magazine - Steve Highsmith: Delivering the News with Heart

Steve Highsmith: Delivering the News with Heart

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Written by Dava Guerin

He has the voice. The hair. The on-camera cool. But what most people don’t know about this television news anchor and public affairs show host, is that his heart and compassion are never subjugated in the pursuit of journalistic truth. For Steve Highsmith—who has been a fixture in Philadelphia broadcast journalism since 1981 when he came to Philadelphia as a radio news anchor and news director for WCAU Radio—covering the news is clearly his passion. Like most reporters, Highsmith does his homework, reading everything he can about his subjects before interviewing them, and steering clear of their often well-rehearsed talking points. But for Highsmith, having “an open heart,” is what really makes him tick.

“You have to keep your mind open in our business, but it’s just as important to keep your heart open, too,” Highsmith said. “I remember one story that touched me very much. It was an event that was held at the Sellersville Fire House, where a group of mothers and their children were gathered together to say goodbye to their husbands and fathers who were leaving to fight the war in Iraq. As you can imagine, it was an emotional scene, and everyone there was crying. I couldn’t help but admire their bravery in the light of such an emotional time, and the experience left a big impression me.”

For Highsmith, always keeping in mind that the people he covers are real and have stories and families of their own, is an essential part of his on-air persona. “When I am interviewing someone, I am always thinking about who they are as people. And trying not to close my heart behind every story, especially when they are in pain. That’s not to say that I don’t ask the tough questions or try to get to the bottom of every issue, but I feel people deserve a very basic level of respect,” he said.

Perhaps Highsmith’s compassion comes from his childhood, where he had to adapt to new people and very diverse cultures at a young age. Highsmith is a self-described army brat, living in Germany, Korea, and in Georgia before receiving a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. Shortly after starting school, he began working at the university’s local radio station, thanks to a lead from his college roommate. The position was voluntary, but Highsmith found he loved working in radio, and his talent was recognized by others outside of his college town station.

After a few years on the air, the young man with the booming voice was offered his first professional radio gig. Highsmith packed up his bags, left Notre Dame and began his professional broadcasting career. He spent the early part of his career working for a number of radio stations in Southern Indiana, Southwest Michigan and St. Paul, Minnesota, then moved to Philadelphia and joined WCAU Radio in 1981. Ten years later, New Jersey Network recruited him to host a talk show and anchor the networks’ local news program, “NJN Nightly News.” In 1994, Highsmith became WB17’s chief political correspondent and anchor of the station’s nightly newscast.

When NBC10 began providing news content for WB17, they saw an opportunity to create a weekend political show called “Live at Issue,” and asked Highsmith to become its anchor, and he’s been there ever since. Highsmith enjoys the talk show format because it provides more than a just litany of who was killed today and gives him a chance to delve in to more interesting issues with people from all walks of life.

“I guess you could say my interview style is direct and honest, because unless someone proves to be untrustworthy, they deserve a level of respect,” Highsmith said. “I try to engage them in conversations that are fascinating and insightful, so that viewers can learn something new. This is especially important as we enter the Presidential election season,” he added.

Highsmith gave high marks to the two 2007 Philadelphia Mayoral candidates—Michael Nutter and Al Taubenberger—who Highsmith said, “Ran positive and optimistic campaigns.” But Highsmith also believes that voters need to understand the candidates’ platforms on the issues that will affect them now and in the future.

“Sometimes I think political candidates do not adequately discuss the critical issues in enough depth, and my job is to push their buttons in an effort to do just that. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a crisis like September 11 to wake people up,” Highsmith said. “While no one person has all the answers, it’s up to us as the consumers of news, to demand as many of them as possible. It’s hard to complain if you don’t have the knowledge to address the issues, and I hope I am helping to produce more aware citizens as a result of asking the right questions.”

HIGHSMITH’S HEROES

“I grew up in a generation where hero worship is nothing like it is today,” Highsmith said. “I never looked at presidents and said, ‘I want to be like them,’ but if I had any real hero it was my father.”

Highsmith’s father was a self-made man, and a person described as full of integrity, and a person who always showed us what good leadership really means.

“Some other people have made an impression on me as well, primarily because of their heart and compassion,” he said. “In the 1970s, I had the chance to meet the legendary singer Harry Chapin. I was struck by his kindness and willingness to greet every single person in the room, and sign his autograph. I think he felt a responsibility to be kind to people who were responsible for his success. Plus, he was dedicated to the issue of world hunger, and that was another aspect of him that was so admirable.” Highsmith was also impressed with former first lady, Rosalind Carter. “I only met her for about 30 minutes in the late 1980s, and she had a very obvious intelligence, but it was her graciousness that was so memorable,” he said. “She had a very dignified and down-to-earth way she conducted herself.” Other people Highsmith admires include fellow broadcasters Walter Cronkite and Charles Osgood, a pair knowledgeable about the power of words and how each one impacted the content of the news they delivered.

But some of the real heroes in Highsmith’s life, are people he’s met volunteering for non-profit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club—where he’s been on the on the board for eight years—the Special Olympics, and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD), among others. “For those of us lucky enough to have what they do for a living impact the lives of others, I believe we have a responsibility that comes with that position and degree of success. That’s what I believe we can all give—a little bit of our time; I don’t think that’s too much to ask,” he said.

Highsmith also relishes the relationships with the people he’s met hosting the annual New Year’s Day tradition in Philadelphia—the Mummer’s Parade—for the past 15 years.

“Being on the air for 10 hours straight is not the easiest thing in the world to do, but when you know you are helping continue this great tradition, it’s really quite an honor,” Highsmith said. “What’s amazing about the Mummer’s is that they are all good people, and work so hard to make sure the parade will always be a part of their families’ lives for generations to come.”

THE BUCKS LIFE

Highsmith has lived in Bucks County, along with his wife, Jayne, and his two sons—Ian and Parker—since he’s been married. “My wife is a life-long Bucks County resident, and we love living here,” he said. “There is a great mixture of nature and culture and we enjoy it all. It’s not unusual for us to take a trip to Russell Stover State Park, and then head in to New Hope or Lambertville for dinner. It’s also a great place to think and relax, especially when I’ve been traveling and working a lot of hours during the political season,” Highsmith said.

So what does he think about when he walks in the park or enjoys the beauty of nature from his kitchen window? And what does he think his legacy will be?

“I don’t care as much about having all the answers in life, but it’s more important for me to have asked the right questions,” Highsmith said. “I’ll leave it to others to decide how well I did. But one of the most important things I’ve learned is to be open-minded and have enough heart and soul to keep learning. The great thing about my job is that I’m being tested everyday. You can’t expect to be perfect, and no one is ever universally liked, but the next day I have another chance to get it right.”

Dava Guerin lives in New Hope, PA.

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