From winning Emmy Award to becoming Hall of Fame member: Byron Barnett's career highlights explored as renowned reporter passes away at 69

Veteran 7News Boston reporter Barnett died at 69 on August 3, 2025, after battling cancer. Barnett also appeared in the Hall of Fame of Massachusetts Broadcasters and is known for his reporting and decades of service covering major events such as crime stories, court cases, fires, weather, and human interest features. He also hosted the Urban Update.

7News reporter Steve Cooper took to social media to announce his death, saying,

"Sad announcement from 7News today as we remember one of the legends of the Boston broadcasting world...Byron Barnett who spent nearly 40 years at 7News prior to his retirement has passed away. Byron was kind, caring and above all a true professional. He will be missed."

Byron Barnett is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and other family members. It is unknown if Barnett had children. His family issued a statement saying,

"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."

More about Byron Barnett's career highlights

According to 7News WHDH, Byron joined the channel's newsroom in 1983 and spent 38 years at the station before retiring in 2021. Barnett gained recognition for his reporting on major events including the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the Oklahoma City bombing, the trials of Aaron Hernandez and Whitey Bulger, and the release of American hostages in Lebanon.

The veteran reporter was also present in Washington, DC during Barack Obama's inauguration as the first Black president. During his Hall of Fame speech, Barnett reflected on his long career in reporting.

"Since then, I have been blessed with, what I feel has been a fantasting career. Traveling to interesting places and meeting interesting people, and watching history unfold before my eyes."

At the time, he noted that one of his proudest accomplishments was working with other TV reporters to lobby the Massachusetts Legislature to ban non-compete clauses in contracts for broadcasters. Barnett also mentioned that his interview with Muhammad Ali was a highlight of his TV news career.

Barnett also received an Emmy Award along with other distinguished honors, such as a Sigma Delta Chi Award, the National Association of Black Journalists' Region One Journalist of the Year Award, the YMCA Black Achievers Award, the 2013 Silver Circle Award from the Boston/New England Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts & Sciences, and several additional community service awards.

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