Byron Barnett, the renowned former Boston 7News reporter died last Sunday, Aug. 3. He was 69.
Originally from Minneapolis, Barnett graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication in 1977. He got his start in reporting at KSTP TV right after college in the Twin Cities before joining Boston 7News in 1983. Barnett has covered stories here in New England for 38 years, from snowstorms to trial dramas, the 1984 riots in Lawrence and major news involving the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger Explosion in Cape Canaveral, where he reported live during the disaster.
“Throughout his four-decade career, Byron cherished the privilege of telling the stories of New Englanders who welcomed him into their lives. After facing cancer with unwavering courage, Byron passed away peacefully on Sunday, surrounded by his loving family,” his family said in a statement announced by 7News.
Most notably, Barnett was known for his political reporting from the Reagan administration to some of the most important historical elections like Barack Obama. He also took initiative in asking the difficult questions.
“Byron Barnett was human first — smart, principled, and honest — everything you look for in a journalist. The work he did reflected our communities with heart and integrity,” former Boston mayor Marty Walsh said in a post on X.
A highlight during his career was when he interviewed the great heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali. Barnett was also the host for the public affairs show “Urban Update,” where he focused on the issues and controversies that impacted Boston.
“Simply, everyone loved the man. He was such a good reporter and communicator who loved a nasty Nor’easter, or ball game, or presidential race. He covered many of them. He famously grilled [Bill] Belichick,” said 7News reporter Jonathan Hall in a tribute on Instagram.
The way he reported as a journalist was one that was gentle yet maintained an integrity that many will remember.
“As someone who can turn up at a scene, whether it’s a crime scene, or disaster, or community conversation, people want to know that they can trust you, that they can trust you with their perspective. That ability he had to connect with people is what made him so phenomenal,” Michael Curry, past Boston NAACP president, told 7News.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Byron Barnett, a renowned Boston journalist and anchor, [and] former host of WHDH’s Urban Update. Byron dedicated his career to shedding light on important community issues, advocating for social justice, and giving a voice to the underserved neighborhoods of Boston,” Colette Phillips, a friend of Barnett, told the Banner.
“Throughout his tenure, Byron was known for his integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to storytelling that made a difference,” she said, adding, “Byron Barnett’s legacy will undoubtedly endure through the many lives he touched and the impactful journalism he produced. Boston and [the] world of journalism have lost a true champion of the community, but his spirit and dedication will continue to inspire us all. My thoughts are with his family, friends, WHDH colleagues and all who knew him during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Byron Barnett.”
Barnett was a veteran member and union leader of SAG-AFTRA New England Local and was highly recognized with honors such as the Sigma Delta Chi Award, the National Association of Black Journalists’ Region One Journalist of the Year Award, the YMCA Black Achievers Award, and the Boston/New England Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle Award in 2013.
He was also inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2017. During Barnett’s induction speech, he thanked many of his colleagues and peers but also acknowledged those who watched him on the news.
“I’m especially grateful to the people of Boston and New England who have welcomed me into their homes and their hearts with their stories of joy and tragedy. I’ve always done my best to tell their stories accurately and to tell them well,” Barnett said during his Hall of Fame induction speech.
After almost 40 years at 7News, Barnett retired in 2021. Over the course of his career, he reported on thousands of stories, many of which significantly influenced viewers. He leaves a legacy that will be remembered by many.
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