Career Timeline of Shane Smith (journalist): Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 7, 2025

Discover the career path of Shane Smith (journalist), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Shane Smith is a Canadian journalist and media executive, best known as the executive chairman of Vice Media. He transformed Vice from a punk magazine into a global multimedia company with digital channels, TV production, a record label, creative agency, publishing house, and film division. Smith's focus has been on creating content that appeals to a younger audience, often exploring controversial and underreported topics. He is a prominent figure in the media industry, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to build a successful and influential media empire.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1994: Smith Joins Voice Magazine

In 1994, Shane Smith joined Montreal's Voice magazine, later Voice of Montreal, where Gavin McInnes and Suroosh Alvi worked.

1996: Renaming of Voice Magazine to Vice

In 1996, Shane Smith, along with Gavin McInnes and Suroosh Alvi, bought Voice magazine from its publisher and renamed it Vice.

2006: VICE Media Expansion into Digital Video

In 2006, VICE Media began expanding into digital video following advice from Spike Jonze.

2006: VICE moved to creating news content

In 2006, VICE moved to creating news content and social criticism on multiple media platforms. Shane Smith remained an owner, traveling to various locations for the online TV series VICE Guide to Travel.

2010: Partnership with Intel for The Creators Project

In 2010, VICE Media partnered with Intel for The Creators Project and made deals with Viacom, YouTube, and HBO, led by Shane Smith.

April 2013: Premiere of "VICE" on HBO

In April 2013, Shane Smith and VICE correspondents launched a new series called "VICE" on HBO, covering news stories globally.

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May 2014: "VICE" Renewed for Two More Seasons

In May 2014, HBO picked up "VICE" for two more 14-episode seasons, which aired in 2015 and 2016.

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June 2014: Time Warner Negotiation to Acquire Stake in VICE Media

In June 2014, Time Warner negotiated to acquire a minority stake in VICE Media, planning to give VICE Media control over the programming of HLN. The deal fell through.

November 2015: Disney Invests in VICE Media

In November 2015, Disney increased their stake in VICE Media through A&E with a $200 million investment to assist in funding programming and growth.

December 2015: Second Disney Investment in VICE Media

In December 2015, Disney made a second $200 million investment in VICE Media through A&E for a roughly 10% stake, to assist in funding programming and growth.

2015: Interview with President Obama and Eagles of Death Metal

In 2015, Shane Smith accompanied President Obama to El Reno Prison and conducted the first public interview with the Eagles of Death Metal following the Bataclan shooting.

2015: Airing of "VICE" Season on HBO

In 2015, Shane Smith's "VICE" aired its season on HBO, after being renewed the previous year.

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2015: VICE Partnerships with Various Companies

In 2015, VICE partnered with companies including Verizon, Rogers Communications, Live Nation, Spotify and Snapchat, becoming a launch partner for Snapchat's "Discover" platform.

2015: Possible VICE IPO Mentioned

In a 2015 interview, Shane Smith mentioned the possibility of VICE going public.

February 2016: Launch of VICELAND

On February 29, 2016, VICE Media officially launched VICELAND with investment support by Disney and A&E.

June 2016: VICE Media Announces International Deals

On June 22, 2016, VICE Media unveiled international deals that would make its programs available in over 50 new territories by the end of 2017.

December 2016: HBO Broadcasts "Vice Special Report: A House Divided"

On December 9, 2016, HBO broadcast "Vice Special Report: A House Divided", which explores the political dysfunction in the US during the Obama presidency. Smith interviewed influential politicians, and it was nominated for an Emmy award.

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2016: Smith on Content Creation

In 2016, Shane Smith told CNBC that it's the best time in history to be a content creator.

2016: Airing of "VICE" Season on HBO and Expanded Deal

In 2016, Shane Smith's "VICE" aired its season on HBO. HBO and VICE announced an expanded deal including a daily news show on HBO Now, 32 VICE-produced specials over four years, and an expansion of the existing show.

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February 2017: "VICE" Started its 5th Season on HBO

On February 24, 2017, "VICE" started its 5th season of weekly broadcasts on HBO under the expanded episode deal.

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2017: VICE Media's Program Availability Expands

By the end of 2017, VICE Media programs became available in over 50 new territories, totaling over 80, due to international deals unveiled in June 2016.