Byron Barnett, a longtime television news reporter for WHDH-TV in Boston, died Sunday at age 69 after battling cancer. The veteran journalist passed away peacefully in his native Minneapolis, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family.
Barnett joined 7News in 1983 and spent 38 years at the station before retiring in 2021 during the pandemic. Throughout his four-decade career, he covered major national events and became known for his political reporting and willingness to ask tough questions during press conferences.
The reporter documented several historic moments during his tenure, including the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986, where he was reporting live from Cape Canaveral when the disaster occurred. He also covered the Oklahoma City bombing, the trials and deaths of Aaron Hernandez and Whitey Bulger, the 1984 riots in Lawrence, and the release of American hostages from a hijacked TWA flight in Lebanon.
Barnett was a familiar presence on the presidential campaign trail in New Hampshire, covering every campaign since Ronald Reagan in 1984. During his career, he secured interviews with prominent political figures including Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton. He was present in Washington, D.C., for Obama’s inauguration as America’s first Black president.
Sports fans particularly remembered Barnett for his persistent questioning of former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick at press conferences. However, Barnett often noted that his interview with boxing champion Muhammad Ali remained a highlight of his early television news career.
Beyond breaking news coverage, Barnett served as host of the long-running public affairs program Urban Update on WHDH. The show reflected his commitment to covering local stories that mattered to New England communities, from crime reports and court cases to severe weather events and human interest features.
In 2017, Barnett was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. During his induction speech, he reflected on a lesson learned early in his career as a reporter at KSTP-TV in Minnesota, emphasizing the responsibility journalists have to their audiences. He expressed gratitude for what he considered a fantastic career, noting his privilege in meeting interesting people and witnessing history unfold.
Barnett received numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Emmy Award, the Sigma Delta Chi Award, and the National Association of Black Journalists’ Region One Journalist of the Year Award. He also received the YMCA Black Achievers Award and the 2013 Silver Circle Award from the Boston/New England Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences, along with several community service awards.
Colleagues and public figures shared tributes following news of his death. Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh described Barnett as human first, calling him smart, principled, and honest. Walsh noted that Barnett’s work reflected communities with heart and integrity.
7News reporter Steve Cooper called Barnett one of the legends of the Boston broadcasting world, describing him as kind, caring, and above all, a true professional. WHDH reporter Jonathan Hall, who shared news of his colleague’s passing, said “simply, everyone loved the man.”
News anchor Amaka Ubaka credited Barnett as a mentor who provided guidance on thriving as a Black reporter in Boston. She noted his willingness to take time to speak with everyone in the newsroom. Other colleagues remembered his warmth, professionalism, and ability to connect with people during their most difficult moments.
Boston 25 News reporter Bob Ward, who covered many stories alongside Barnett, praised his graciousness and tenacity. The MBTA Transit Police characterized him as a total gentleman who maintained fairness and balance in his reporting.
Barnett was also recognized for his advocacy work within the journalism industry. He worked with other television reporters to successfully lobby the Massachusetts Legislature to outlaw non-compete clauses in broadcaster contracts, helping improve working conditions for journalists across the state.
His family released a statement noting that throughout his four-decade career, Byron cherished the privilege of telling the stories of New Englanders who welcomed him into their lives. They indicated he faced cancer with unwavering courage before passing away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Barnett is survived by his wife Kathleen and other family members. WHDH-TV has established an email address for condolences and memories at rememberingbyron@whdh.com.
