Patti C. Smith
Patricia Card Smith
In July of 2016, Patti Card Smith began operations as an international media consultant, specializing in the creation, operation, programming and strategic planning for broadcast media properties across the globe. Patti also works with companies that desire assistance in their day to day operations, as it relates to their media needs. Prior to taking on this new role, Patti most recently served as the president and general manager of KVUE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Austin, Texas, owned by TEGNA, previously named Gannett Company, Inc. She held this position for over seventeen years, being brought to the station by the Belo Corporation, when they purchased the station in 1999. Prior to joining KVUE in June of 1999, Smith held the position of general manager of the NBC affiliate in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas from 1990-1999.
A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, Smith began her broadcasting career in 1975 at KTBC-TV in the production department. Her career spans over 41 years in the television industry and encompasses increasingly responsible positions in the sales, news, production and promotions departments. Prior to being named as general manager, Patti worked in, and ultimately managed, every department within a television station.
Under Patti’s leadership, KVUE was honored with numerous national and regional awards in recognition of excellence in broadcasting. Some of the most notable include the George Foster Peabody Award, the highest honor for journalistic integrity in broadcasting, presented to the station in 2015 for their investigative special, “The Cost of Troubled Minds”. Additionally, in 2007 the station was honored with the Edward R. Murrow Foundation’s most prestigious award, the National Award for “Overall Excellence”. In 2002, KVUE was presented with the National Association of Broadcasting’s Educational Foundation’s “Service to America” award, the highest honor in the country for public service performed by a radio or television station. In 2000, 2005, 2008, 2012 and again in 2016, the Texas Association of Broadcasting honored KVUE with the Bonner McLane Public Service Award, the highest honor in the state for exemplary service to the community. Personally, in 2016, Patti was honored as “A Woman of Distinction” by the Girl Scouts of Central Texas for her positive impact as a role model for others. In 2015, Patti personally was awarded the “Ethics in Business and Community Award” for an individual, by Recognize Good, a non-profit organization. This award is presented annually to businesses, non-profits and an individual that exemplifies ethical practices in their business dealings and day-to-day endeavors. Further, in 2002, Patti was honored as a “Trailblazer” by her peers from the Austin AWRT membership, in recognition of her achievements throughout her career in broadcasting. In 2004, Smith as executive producer, received the national “Gracie Allen Award” for best documentary, “Texas on the Air”, which chronicled fifty years of Texas broadcasting history. 2004 was also the year in which Smith was honored as the Texas Association of Broadcasting’s “Broadcaster of the Year,” in recognition of her longstanding commitment to excellence in the industry amongst the over 1300 radio and television stations within the state.
Over the years, Patti has been asked to address audiences to share her professional opinion on a variety of topics related to broadcasting. She has been a featured speaker at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas State University in San Marcos, and has participated as a panel member at the Poynter Institute, just to name a few.
Smith has served on a variety of charitable and industry related boards over the years. Currently, she’s a member of the Moody College of Communication’s Advisory Council, for the University of Texas in Austin. Patti is also a board member of the Headliner’s Foundation, serving as co-chair. She’s also a member of the Texas Association of Broadcaster’s Board of Directors and is currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of the Central Texas Better Business Bureau. She also serves on the Capital Area CrimeStoppers Board and is also a member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters Pioneer Club in recognition of her years in Texas broadcasting.
She is married to David and has two daughters, Aubrey and Brandi, both of whom reside in Austin. Aubrey is joined by her husband, Joel Munguia, and their two sons, Caden and Hudson.