Steve Smith; Broadcaster, Head of Gay Men’s Chorus

Steve Smith, president of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and a professional broadcaster, has died at 38.

Smith, who had suffered from AIDS, committed suicide, friends reported. He died Monday at his Los Angeles home.

Until overcome by his illness, Smith had been editorial director for KNX Newsradio. He began his broadcast career in 1982 as a producer for KNXT-TV (now KCBS-TV) and moved to the affiliated radio station the next year.

Among his awards were 10 Golden Mikes, 10 Greater Los Angeles Press Club Awards, four National Editorial Excellence Awards, the National Commendation From American Women in Radio and Television and the National Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Smith joined the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles in 1989 and later helped create a documentary about its Eastern European tour, “Out Loud.” After serving on the group’s board of directors, Smith was elected president last year.

A native of Chico, Calif., Smith studied at Cal State Northridge.

He is survived by his parents, Les and Hazel Smith of Stevensville, Mont.; a brother, Greg, of Denver; and a sister, Cindy Smith-Putnam of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

A memorial service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday at AIDS Project Los Angeles, 1313 N. Vine St.

His family asks that any memorial donations go to the AIDS Project Los Angeles Writers Workshop or Addictive Behaviors Program, or to the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.