Second episode of “The Uncle Barky Show” features veteran news anchor Tracy Rowlett

by Laura Evans

Veteran journalist Tracy Rowlett stopped by Stratos on Saturday, January 19 for the second taping of Ed Bark's new talk show "The Uncle Barky Show". During the interview, Tracy recounted his history as a journalist for radio and broadcast television and his experience working at WFAA and CBS 11.

Rowlett was candid while voicing his concerns and opinions about creating credible news casts and the effect that crime and vanity stories have had on the declining ratings for television news. He also talked about his decision to not retire in July and his new two-year contract with CBS 11.

Uncle Barky #2 - Tracy Rowlett (Clip 1)

Ed plays "This is your life" with Tracy Rowlett. Rowlett tells the story of his early days in radio and television, and admits he went by the name "Dick Tracy" for a short but sweet period of his professional life in Wichita, Kansas.

Uncle Barky #2 - Tracy Rowlett (Clip 2)

Rowlett talks about setting the bar at Channel 8, Marty Haag's influence on the news cast, and his move to CBS 11. Ed and Tracy reminisce about their feuds back in the BELO days.

Uncle Barky #2 - Tracy Rowlett (Clip 3)

Rowlett talks about the ups and downs of Channel 11, the problem with "crime news" and consultant-driven news casts, and his new two-year contract with CBS 11.

Uncle Barky #2 - Tracy Rowlett (Clip 4)

Rowlett talks about former and current broadcasters such as Iola Johnson, Troy Dungan and Dale Hansen. Q & A begins with the audience asking Rowlett about live broadcasts and the effect that online newspapers have had on television news broadcasts.

Uncle Barky #2 - Tracy Rowlett (Clip 5)

Q & A continues with questions about Rowlett's opinion of Katie Couric and the impact of bloggers on news broadcasts. Rowlett also shares special news stories that touched him the most.

Mike. B & Chad contributed to this story