Scott Smith is just your average junior communication major — with his own radio show.

The 20-year-old hosts one of Rockford’s most popular radio shows, “The Ditchweed Radio Show,” heard on 104.9 FM WXRX. It airs from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturdays, and from 2 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Sundays.

“There are a lot of [disc jockeys] on the radio, but not as many personalities,” he said. “I strive to be a personality. I try to be as entertaining as possible. I feel to be successful, you can’t be afraid to take risks.”

Smith’s program director, Jim Stone, said the station is pleased with the results.

“He does a fantastic job,” he said. “He sounds great and is very unique to the world of radio. His age doesn’t hurt him at all. In fact, it will open a lot of doors for him in the future because he is so young.”

Smith started in radio at age 15 as a board operator for an FM station in his hometown of Freeport, Ill. His persistence eventually paid off into on-air opportunities. While in high school, he was named 2000 State Champion in Radio Speaking for Speech for individual events.

“I would go to school and then work at the radio station,” he said. “By the age of 16, I was an on-air personality for the station. I held the afternoon drive position for over three years and even hosted the morning show for a period last year. I also was responsible for producing and serving as voice talent for commercials and station promos.”

Such work led to his own show at WXRX. During “The Ditchweed Radio Show,” Smith plays a mix of rock music and holds contests. His favorite activity, however, is opening the “Weed Lines” and talking to callers.