Paul Smith

Paul Smith is a British blogger, writer, and former radio executive. An advocate of social media, Smith coined the phrase "twitchhiking" in February 2009 when he travelled around the world using the social media network Twitter. Radio career Smith began his radio career at commercial station Alpha 103.2 as a 'presenter and dogsbody' before joining Metro Radio and then 96.6 TFM as a copywriter and subsequently Head of Creative, where he also presented football show "90 Minutes". In March 2003, he joined the BBC as a Programmes Editor in BBC Local Radio before moving on to BBC Radio 7 as Executive producer, where he recruited Richard Bacon (broadcaster) as weekday breakfast announcer. At BBC Radio Manchester, he launched and produced the Terry Christian breakfast show, before moving to Galaxy Yorkshire as the producer of Hirsty's Daily Dose. Smith then joined 100-102 Century Radio as Programme Controller, before leaving in September 2007. Twitchhiker In February 2009, Smith launched the Twitchhiker Project, an attempt to travel "as far around the world as possible in 30 days, relying only on the goodwill of people using the social media network Twitter." The rules of the project meant Smith could spend no money on transport or accommodation, he only accept offers of help through Twitter, his travel plans could only be made up to three days in advance and if he was stranded anywhere for longer than 48 hours, Smith had to abandon his journey. After thirty days and with the aid of over 11,000 Twitter followers, Smith had travelled as far as Stewart Island in New Zealand, raising over £5,000 for charity: water. His intended destination had been Campbell Island, several hundred miles further south.