Legendary Southern Indiana TV News Anchor Announces Retirement

Brad Byrd began his career as a local television journalist in 1978. He has been a constant fixture in the Tri-State anchoring our local nightly news for the past 46 years. He calls the decision to move on from TV news 'Heartbreaking'.

PHOTO: Brad & TJ Byrd

See the amazing news promos from the 1980s below.

weht news 25 YouTube

The way we get our local news has changed over the past forty-something years, but Brad Byrd has remained behind the anchor's desk for many incredible reasons.

Awards

The National Easter Seals Society Consistent Best Telethon Host
Multiple Regional Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, Associated Press, and SPJ awards
National Edward R. Murrow Award for “Excellence in Writing”
Ball State University Telecommunications Distinguished Alumnus Award

ON THE HORIZON: THE TIME TO LET GO… After anchoring weeknights for more than 46 years the station today announced on Facebook I would depart WEHT/WTVW on July 2nd. I’m ok but at times it’s been a heartbreaking process to see this through. I am not retiring in the literal sense. I hope to work on new projects and provide a voice for Journalism in this next phase of my life. And yes it will give me more time to continue this love story I've shared with TJ for 34 years. I will thank you all in my own way come July 2nd. Your support and friendship have helped make me better--that I do not take for granted.

WEHT / BRAD BYRD / YOUTUBE

Charitable Work

Brad Byrd loves helping the community and shows it with every charity he is involved in. The first time that I met Brad was at the annual Easterseals Telethon. I was star-struck! After watching him on the local news for my entire life, it was really cool to watch him host the telethon.

EASTERSEALS

Brad Byrd co-founded Cruising for Hearts, a major fundraiser with his wife T.J. For that effort Brad and T.J. received the AHA’s Heart of Life Honor.

Brad Byrd and his wife T.J. taking the '53 Super out in Newburgh, IN

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=663683968475357&set=pb.100045012798566.-2207520000.&type=3

See more about Brad Byrd's career HERE.

The 1980s featured some really awesome local television news promos. Some of them were like movie trailers. So, let's go back to the 1980s, and watch Brad Byrd in action.

Brad Byrd and Shannon Hurd TV Promo 1988

Viewers Share Memories of Brad Byrd

'Brad, I am 50 yrs old and from Lewisport KY and nothing is more iconic than seeing your old news reports I grew up watching you and I still do. You have been a staple in the news reporting my entire life.' ~ Chad S. White

1988 - News First 25 WEHT Promo "The I Team"

Nearly 30 Years ago

The News 25 Team: Wayne, Shelley, Marc Robbins, Bill Riales and Brad Byrd.

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Source: Legendary Southern Indiana TV News Anchor Announces Heartbreaking Retirement