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KATU's Brian Barker Leaves Television News

By Mitch Nolan — Wednesday, July 1, 2009; 9:18 pm

OMC has obtained a copy of an email sent to employees from KATU News Director Don Pratt:

I have the unfortunate duty of announcing that Brian Barker’s time at KATU is coming to an end. Brian has decided to pursue opportunities outside of TV news. I appreciate Brian’s desire to seek opportunities that are more conducive to his important role as a husband and father, but I regret that we will be without Brian’s energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for the big story. Brian has been someone I could always count on, and I have enjoyed having him on our team.

Please join me in thanking Brian for everything he has done for KATU over the years, and wishing him well on his next adventure.

Brian’s last day will be July 12 (and yes, Brian, you need to give the Blackberry back).

Good luck, Brian, on your future pursuits! (And we knew something was up! ;-)

Comments

Wednesday, July 1, 2009; 9:32 pm — RobertWagner

Well that's a bummer straight outta nowhere...

I credit Brian Barker with a bit more than being a fantastic newsman, I credit him with introducing me to the useful side of Twitter. He'll be missed a great deal.

Good luck Brian.

PS: After you return that Blackberry, just go ahead and get the iPhone you've always wanted to replace it with - you deserve it.

Your rating: None
Wednesday, July 1, 2009; 9:38 pm — JFrasier (not verified)

What upsetting news! He is

What upsetting news! He is one of my favorites at KATU!

Your rating: None
Wednesday, July 1, 2009; 9:43 pm — LynnS

Good for you!

Go, Brian! There is life outside the biz, and it's awesome. Best of luck, wherever it is you're going.

Your rating: None
Thursday, July 2, 2009; 11:47 am — Anonymous Source (not verified)

Interesting that when an

Interesting that when an on-air person like Barker leaves, the news director sends out a complimentary email, thanking him for his efforts. But when a producer, writer, editor, etc hits the bricks, he doesn't seem to care. Great morale boost for the team!

Your rating: None
Sunday, July 5, 2009; 5:33 pm — Anonymous Source (not verified)

That's because...

Don Pratt is a horrible, horrible person who is single-handedly destroying morale at KATU - I've never seen anything quite like it. He's taken a respectable station and destroyed it. Even the people he's hired think he's off his rocker. And, every time he is absent, the newsroom says a collective prayer that he is on a job interview.

Your rating: None
Sunday, July 5, 2009; 8:23 pm — Anonymous Source (not verified)

KATU

What's going over at KATU? It seems they're mired in mediocrity and management doesn't seem to care. Hiring Salesky was a big move but that one could backfire. What else have they done to try and boost ratings? They're a 4th place station sometimes.

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