On a Mission to Educate and Illuminate

On NBC10, myphl17 or around the region, Steve Highsmith works to understand the world around him and make a difference in it.
By Maria Martino Evans

On any given day, broadcaster Steve Highsmith may lend his rich baritone to emcee a charity fundraiser, chat with the Bacon Brothers or promote the Mummers and their good works.

On this day, he’s coming off an interview with Governor Ed Rendell about the state of the legislature, the stalled budget and the Phillies being in the World Series.

Community and politics—the areas that matter most to Highsmith, who hosts the Mummers Parade on myphl17 and is Director of Community Relations for myphl17, political reporter for NBC10 and anchor of “NBC10@ Issue.”

BUCKS COUNTY BOUND

With a father in the U.S. Army, Highsmith lived in Germany, Korea, Georgia, Hawaii, Virginia and Florida before receiving a scholarship to Notre Dame, where he worked at local radio station. Next came positions at stations in Indiana, Michigan and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

“I learned to like something at every place I was,” he said. “But this is the region I like best.”

Highsmith came to Philadelphia in 1981 as an anchor and news director for WCAU Radio. A decade later, he joined New Jersey Network and, in 1994, became then-WB17’s news anchor.

In a transient industry, Highsmith found permanence among the farms of Bucks County. He married Jayne, who grew up here. They have two teen-aged sons.

CLEARING THE STATIC

He of the booming voice and cool demeanor aims to moderate the political conversation, lowering the decibel of discussion that so often constitutes news these days and getting to the heart of the matter. With heart.

“I’ve learned that honest and sincere people come at things from different angles,” he said. “The manner in which you conduct an interview and invite someone into the conversation matters. I think it’s a function of how much I moved when I was young. It’s very easy to fear something you don’t know. That’s why we have to educate everyone.”

As the media industry changes, Highsmith has also taken the conversation online. He blogs at http://stevehighsmith.wordpress.com/ and is on Twitter.

MR. MUMMER

Highsmith’s fascination with the Mummers only grows with the years. He has covered 17 parades and gotten to know thousands of people.

“Yes, they are entertainers first, but they have literally raised money for the city, mentored kids and saved neighborhoods. A lot of Mummers are working-class, but they are also judges and lawyers and city councilmen. They are all of us,” said Highsmith, who is proud to “bleed sequins and feathers.”

Highsmith also adores NASCAR—perhaps a holdover being in a demolition derby at age 19—but his pursuits are a bit milder now. He unwinds by walking around Lake Galena or through Doylestown or pursuing his latest interest: astronomy.

And he relishes his relationships with many non-profits, such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. He serves on the Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.

“I have a unique job. I get paid to go out and listen to people,” he said.

Steve Highsmith has spent his career bringing those conditions to light—and trying his best to make things better.

Maria Martino Evans lives in Pipersville, PA.