Sinclair fires the Iowa Traveler from KGAN

[Blue Gardener]

They fired Cary J Hahn! He's been the Iowa Traveler for 23 years and won numerous awards, but Sinclair Broadcasting has decided he is no longer needed. KGAN is the worst TV station in Eastern Iowa. Years ago they had a really good reputation, but Sinclair has ruined it.

[Debi]

1. Holy Crap! No Way!

That's like KWWL (Raycom) letting Craig Johnson go from the weather team x(

What the hell is wrong with these corp. broadcasting companies?

[4dsc]

6. Craig Johnson was let go??

He's an institution.. I used to live in eastern Iowa and know about all these people and its sad to see that they've been given the boot..

[Debi]

7. Some time ago (let go or non-renewal of his contract)

It made several members of KWWL mad and there was an exodus of long-time important people.

[cyberswede]

2. Unbelievable!

I ran into him at either a Kerry or Edwards rally in 2004 (he was a regular attendee, not covering it for KGAN). I told him how my whole family loves his Big Band Memories radio show on KCCK; he was very gracious and friendly. I hope he stays around eastern Iowa! ANd I agree - KGAN is TERRIBLE!!
thx - cs

[petersjo02]

3. I suspect that KCRG or KWWL may pick him up.

Seems like that would be a win-win for eastern Iowa viewers.

[Blue Gardener]

4. I certainly hope so

He is an institution in this part of the state. This should be the final nail in the coffin of KGAN. I hope Sinclair doesn't destroy the footage from all the stories he did over the years. They should be given to a historical society for safekeeping.

[rurallib]

5. Why would any serious business advertise on there.

A boycott surely might be a good idea.

[9119495]

8. Radio and TV are cutting to the bone...

so people turn to satellite and the internet.... It is not the other way around. People would listen to their radios and watch local news if it was any good. What kind of company even bothers to advertise on radio and TV anymore?

I'm amazed at how effieciently Sinclair killed that station.

[SomeGuyInEagan]

9. Wow!

I grew up in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area and my first job out of college was in television in Iowa. Iowa television news viewers are incredibly loyal to anchors and reporters, like many residents in Midwestern states. To fire someone of Hahn's stature and tenure make little sense. Someone like Hahn is rating points in the bank for a local newscast.

I imagine Hahn is already fielding offers from KCRG and KWWL.

[Blue Gardener]

10. The old people around here love him

It's a really bad idea to piss off the seniors. They will get their revenge.

[IA_Seth]

11. Hahn running for Linn Co Supervisor...

As a democrat, and running a primary against one of the most well-liked incumbents (Lu Barron). I'm not sure how this will pan out, but if there is anyone that has the name recognition to beat an incumbent, it is someone like Hahn.

http://rickmsmith.wordpress.com/2008/03/25/tvs-cary-j-hahn-steals-a-page-from-wade-wagners-play-book/

[Blue Gardener]

12. Never been a big fan of Lu Barron

I think Hahn has a good chance of defeating her.