WTKR anchor Barbara Ciara is leaving broadcast news. The Hampton Roads, Va. CBS affiliate said Ciara and her fiancé have plans to travel the world.
During her 43 year career in Hampton Roads, she worked at ABC affiliate WVEC and NBC affiliate WAVY before joining WTKR in 2000.
“Not many people in this industry have the opportunity to work at three network affiliates without changing zip codes,” said Ciara. “I consider myself blessed to have had a challenging career without sacrificing my connection to community.”
According to her station bio, she left college in her junior year to take a full-time position at KZAZ in Tucson, Arizona in 1976. Over a five-year period she worked in production as an audio director, technical director, and later in news as a photographer, reporter, assignment editor, producer, noon anchor, and finally news director in 1978. At the time, she was the youngest female and first African-American to achieve the management status of news director at a commercial television station in the southwest.
“Barbara’s leadership, presence and legacy will impact our community commitment for years to come,” said Adam Chase, WTKR president and general manager. “Her panache, sharp wit and contagious laugh will be missed in our newsroom.”
Ciara served as president for the National Association of Black Journalists from 2007 to 2009 and served a term as president of Unity Journalists of Color, representing Asian, Hispanic, Native American, and Black Journalists. She currently serves on the board of trustees for the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Her last day with WTKR will be December 1, 2023.
Starting December 4, Jessica Larche will join Kurt Williams and Patrick Rockey in the afternoon. Blaine Stewart, Erin Miller, Jennifer Lewis, and Myles Henderson will continue to anchor mornings.