Sunday, November 12, 2006

KODE anchor gone without a trace


The reason for the abrupt departure of KODE anchor Tara Brown depends on whom you ask.
Some readers have told me it came as a result of a principled stand by Ms. Brown over a decision made by the higher-ups in the KODE news department.

Others describe it as either a "prima-donna" move by Ms. Brown or a shrewd maneuver to enable her to leave the station and take a position at another television station.

One thing cannot be denied- Ms. Brown is no longer being mentioned in the intros for KODE's 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts, at least not the ones I watched Friday night. On Friday, Ms. Brown's photo was still on the KODE website. Now, it has been erased from the television station's homepage, though her photo and biography are still on the KODE website's "Meet the Team" section as I write this.

Here is the information on that page, since it may not be there by the time you check out the link:

Tara Brown anchors the 5, 6 and 10 pm newscasts. Before arriving in Joplin, Tara anchored the 6 & 10 pm news in Harrisonburg,
Virginia. Her first anchoring job was in South Dakota, where she got up before the roosters crowed in an early morning show. But Tara's very first TV gig was reporting in Vancouver.

Born and raised in Canada, Tara found herself in the national spotlight after becoming Miss World Canada 1991. Tara traveled all over the world including a trip to South Africa where she represented Canada in the Miss World Pageant. After her reign ended she graduated from Columbia Broadcasting in Vancouver, British Columbia...and the rest is history!

Tara leads a life of gratitude and while thrilled with all of her many professional accomplishments, she is most proud of her own family life...She credits her husband Duane as being her biggest supporter. "He plays Mr. Mom in our house," she says. "And when I'm home, I spend as much time with my two daughters as possible." Tara says her biggest accomplishment is yet to come..."when I survive the teenage years with my two daughters." Tara says she loves what she does and thanks God everyday for her many blessings.

Favorite Movie: The Passion of the Christ

Favorite Book: Easy -- the Bible

Favorite Food: Chocolate covered anything!

Favorite type of music/band/group: Contemporary Christian and Christian Rock

***

Ms. Brown walked out on KODE Monday, cleaning out her desks and leaving the station after a disagreement over the use of a sweeps package on the McDonald County cult/ritual sex story, a story on which Ms. Brown has led the way since the arrests of leaders of the Grand Valley Independent Baptist Church in late August.

Sources have told The Turner Report Ms. Brown was angered by an order to turn over the videotape of her report to KSNF to use on its broadcast. Ms. Brown was adamantly against that idea, but finally agreed to let KODE's sister station use the tape the following day. That idea did not fly with station officials, who reminded Ms. Brown of the shared services agreement that Nexstar Broadcasting, owner of KSNF (and obviously, the party in control since Mission is obviously a dummy corporation), and Mission Broadcasting have.
At that point, the sources say, Ms. Brown walked out and immediately cleaned out her desk.
***
Ms. Brown's detractors do not depict this as a principled stand in favor of her story and its use on KODE. They say Ms. Brown was grandstanding in an effort to find a way to walk out of her contract with KODE and accept a position with a station in a larger market. Reportedly, Ms. Brown's contract allowed her to leave KODE, which is in one of the smallest markets in the United States, to go to a top 50 market. Ms. Brown's detractors indicate she has a job in waiting at a larger market, but not a top 50 market.
***
As usual, the one place you can count on not getting the news when something like this happens is from area news outlets. KODE had the luxury of putting an experienced reporter, Gretchen Bolander beside the remaining anchor, Brian Hamman, the next night for election coverage. Ms. Bolander, as usual, was professional and the KODE coverage was solid.

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope she knows Jesus isn't real.

Anonymous said...

Talk about burning a bridge, she torched it! She left the day before election coverage and during sweeps. No two week notice, nada.

Anonymous said...

good job of digging randy! this seems like a pretty 'fair and balanced' post. however, i do get the feeling that your sources are a bit more intimate with the subjects and persons discussed than we might be led to believe. i just can't place your possible informant at KODE. ahh, we may never know. but how about some authentic perspective from you. randy, what does browns departure mean for KODE? who should replace her? does she have a future as a school teacher? talk to us randy, be the voice of reason.

Anonymous said...

Your speculattion about somebody elses job change is not accurate and only comes from second or third-hand biased sources.
You still know nothing, just keep proving it!

Anonymous said...

I would say the bulk of Randy's information came from Ms. Brown and a hand full of KODE critics at KSN.

Anonymous said...

I don't think KSN has much of a history of using KODE reporter-stories on-air. Not only would it make no sense, it would make KSNF look extremely inferior to KODE if they admitted that their sister station did a better job than they could.

I have to say I doubt this version of the story just because KSN would never be so slimy to make that request.

Anonymous said...

"Principled decision"...is 85 vacations day a year principle? let's be honest....this was a long time coming

Anonymous said...

85 vacation days, you must be talking about Tiffany. That girl is off A LOT!

Anonymous said...

Maybe it's just me...but this story says A LOT about the KODE/KSN relationship. Obviously, KODE is the work-horse and KSN reaps the benefits. I don't think KSN id fooling anyone. As a viewer...you can tell the difference in video quality and reporting style. Why have 2 stations if only 1 does the work?
If Brian Hammans would just leave --- then finally KODE could get 2 DECENT talking heads...then KSN would have nothing on them!!! I could send my dog up to do a better job than those two!! Love the station...glad Tara is gone...lets just work on getting Brian out of there!!

Anonymous said...

As a former employee at KODE i will confirm that there were some occasions in which we did provide KSN with almost all of the video for their newscast. I do understand that sharing video is what the two stations are supposed to do, however it does tend to be a little lop-sided. I personally feel that yes Mrs. Brown did want to leave KODE and for that reason alone her sacrifice will make no impact what-so-ever on the higher-ups and things will continue to be lop-sided.

Anonymous said...

glad to see her go. she let her
religion slant her broadcasts.
i quit watching her when they had
a bit about the morning after pill
and referred to it as the abortion pill. gretchen is much better

Anonymous said...

I for one will miss Tara Brown and her professionalism at her job. Yes maybe at time there was a slant on a story where her faith was expressed.
I just think you have to stand for your own principles. At least I will continue to watch KOAM and sometimes KODE for news. (Never have a need to watch KSN, who does?)
For the person that said Jesus isn't real, what if she is right and you are wrong, and you spend eternity...well you know...

Anonymous said...

I don't understand why KSN keeps getting slammed on this site. I don't know ANYONE who watches KODE or KOAM.When you look at the 3 sets and video quality, KSN is clearly miles ahead of the others. Also, Jim Jackson is the smoothest newsman I have ever seen in a small town.

Anonymous said...

I like Jim, but can't stand Tiffany so I don't watch KSN. I wonder why they don't give Shannon Bruffett Tara's job, she does a good job on weekends. KODE has the best weekend news for sure.

Anonymous said...

KODE has the best weekend coverage? Have you seen the southern girl on there? She literally makes my dog howl everytime she speaks!

Anonymous said...

Shannon Bruffett will get the anchor's job. You read it here first.

Anonymous said...

I hope she does.

Anonymous said...

Shannon, really?

Let's get real for a minute. Face the facts. The job of a TV News anchor isn't so much a talent based job but a looks based job.

I don't think that Shannon has the personality to pull it off. Although Shannon does an okay (and I stress okay) job, she isn't 5, 6 and 10 worthy. She is weekend news worthy. She covers the "fluff" well.

Anonymous said...

So if your a Christian and your faith doesn't show through in your news report wouldn't that be putting a slant on things too? She's probably moving on to something better.

BTW Jesus is real !

Anonymous said...

Looks like Tara just figured out how to post a comment. is sitting at home and commenting on a blog really something better?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said... ____________________________
Let's get real for a minute. Face the facts. The job of a TV News anchor isn't so much a talent based job but a looks based job
_________________________________

Well Tiffany needs a nose job and has for a long time so it must be the joke about onherknees that is her talent keeping her around, because to me she has the looks of a hound dog. Nope not jealous ......just truthful.

Anonymous said...

Tiffany isn't bad.....even with the nose. But, Antonio Denardo (sp?) is very hot.

Anonymous said...

Tiffany isn't bad.....even with the nose. But, Antonio Denardo (sp?) is very hot.

Anonymous said...

That was so written by a Globe person.We all know the Globe never missses a story....NOT!

Anonymous said...

Shannon has as much chance of being main anchor as she does to be voted most likeable.

Anonymous said...

Just wait and see, my friend. I just happen to have inside knowledge on this one.

Anonymous said...

I have inside info too, and believe me, it's not gonna happen.

Anonymous said...

dynamic newshound needs better sources

Anonymous said...

Maybe Tara quit because she didn't want to use the new timecard system...because it would actually track how many times she wasn't at work.
There's a thread on medialine about the topic.
http://www.medialine.com/ubb/NonCGI/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=051747

Anonymous said...

Are you kidding about who watches KODE and KOAM over KSN??!! I will not watch that show regardless that I think Jim Jackson IS the best anchor with Dow as a quick second. KSN can't hang on to viewers because of Tiffany and Gary's immaturity levels. When you are doing any newscast, be it at 5 or at 6, it must be worthy of viewing. IF they would get rid of Tiffany (maybe she and Gary could get their own show SOMEWHERE ELSE!!) and Gary then I would love to watch Jim Jackson again. Fact is the station along with Tiffany (the stupid acting, laughing little school girl) and Gary (the idiot prankster that thinks he is a great comic) have sold Jim out and why he stays there must be out of necessity. I liked Tara Brown but can't say much for caring for Brian. I can't stand Lisa Olliges but adore Dow. Antonio is a cute girl but doesn't keep me interested in the news because I feel like she is looking at how cute she is in the monitor all the time and forgets where she is.
Now....that said....all we need is one good station with Jim and/or Dow and good reporters in the field and this area might be worth watching again.

Anonymous said...

Tara Brown was one of the best anchors that KODE-TV had and will ever have. She stood up for what she believed in and reported the real news regarding the McDonald county Cult Case. it is a shame that someone was paid off to dump her for doing the best job possible. How can you people scrutinize her? Why not pick out the log in your own eyes instead of the tiny speck in hers?
Tara Brown reported it as true and accurate as KODE TV would allow on the church cult. Come on people-we need more reporters such as her that reports the truth and is consistent. Just think of the many other things Tara was finding out about McDonald County that needs to be brought to someone's attention. I want to thank you personally, Tara. I wish you the best of luck wherever you go and in whatever you do.
Also, I met Alan Matthews in person. He appears friendly and good-natured on the early morning newscast. However, in person, he was quite rude and did not want to be bothered. He left a bad taste in my mouth. Gretchen Bolander is pretty solid and dependable. Antonio Denardo, she's okay, but get real. She's not much of a news broadcaster in my view.
Again, Tara, best of luck to you.

Anonymous said...

I have to disagree about Tara being the best, I am saying that Malorie and Jimmie were the best this area could ever experience and since both of them have left, KODE has gone down hill from there.

Anonymous said...

Just something for you all to think about: Tara has a history of this kind of thing. She "up and quit" over her beliefs at her anchor job in Harrisonburg VA very much like she apparently just did in Joplin. And most notably, as Tara Paat, she gave up her Miss World Canada crown in 1991 over an ethical conflict she had involving the Pagent authorities and marketing. Whatever you want to say about Tara, she STANDS UP and is a woman of strong values. You go girl!!

Anonymous said...

i work at kode and tara did nothing and NEVER showed up, and ksn takes all of OUR video and scripts with nothing for return.

Anonymous said...

Tara is now at WEAR TV in Pensacola, FL. Saw her tonight for the first time, heard she was from MO (I am too) and decided to look her up. From all the complaints I read about Ms. Brown's religious bias, I must say she will fit in very well here and be welcomed.

Anonymous said...

Tara Brown is now on at 3 in the morning broadcast at WEARTV in Pensacola. I don't know how good of a reporter she was up there. So far she has ruined the 3 in the morning time slot. She comes off as self absorbed. Her ad lib's are horrendous. She wear enough make up on the morning show, it makes her look like a working girl of the night, referring to what is also know as a @#O$E. She has ruined what was a decent and enjoyable broadcast to wake-up and get our local and surrounding area's news. WEARTV must have made a deal with the devil to put her on. She seems to have a hard time reading the teleprompter even. Is there anyway, you guys up there will take her back. I would pat for her bus ticket to get there.

She was a Ms World Canada? Unreal, there must be a very small pool of people that entered the 1991.
I know Canada has a lot of very beautiful woman. Then she drops out of the contest over " what the story is down here" - The pageant filming crew ran out of tape while they were feeding hungry children .
That could not be the real reason. Budget's are real and if they did run out of tape. She should have been happy and thankful to have been able to been a small part of helping feed any hungry children. PERIOD!

I believe it was that she knew she didn't stand a chance of placing in the contest and tried to use that as her excuse to run and like it seems she does where ever she is. If TB doesn't get her way, she blames someone or something as the fault. Canadian's - PLEASE TAKE HER BACK! TB is a really bad television personality and so far, not any type of a good example for our children to listen to. Her first day on 3 in the morning, she said how she would pose nude, like if she looked like Christina Aguilera and would show her baby bump. That was a hard one to explain so early to a 5 and 7 year old. Question, Dad, is she saying she wants to be one of those naked ladies in Playboy? I know our youth of today grow up very fast in this new world of information. It is hard to guard them from so much smut and other dangerous maters that they are confronted with. I had enjoyed spending time in the morning's before they were off to school and all of the drug's and other things they are exposed to. I beseech you in Canada - PLEASE take HER BACK!.

Ms. Brown, if you read this. Give up your day job and learn a new trade. You stink at what you are trying to do know. I wish you good luck, but PLEASE do yourself a and the viewers a huge favor and get off the air. I would say try radio, but it is hard enough to understand you already. try to speak clearly and not cut off the words you try to speak. WEAR -this is one of the poorest choices you have made in a very, very long time. SHAME on YOU!

No longer a 3 in the morning viewer. I feel sure I am not the only one from conversations down here in Pensacola, Florida.

Anonymous said...

Tara Brown is now on at 3 in the morning broadcast at WEARTV in Pensacola. I don't know how good of a reporter she was up there. So far she has ruined the 3 in the morning time slot. She comes off as self absorbed. Her ad lib's are horrendous. She wears enough make up on the morning show, it makes her look like a working girl of the night, referring to what is also know as a @#O$E. She has ruined what was a decent and enjoyable broadcast to wake-up and get our local and surrounding area's news. WEARTV must have made a deal with the devil to put her on. She seems to have a hard time reading the teleprompter even. Is there anyway, you guys up there will take her back. I would pay for her bus ticket to get there.

She was a Ms World Canada? Unreal, there must be a very small pool of people that entered the 1991 contest.I know Canada has a lot of very beautiful woman. Then,she drops out of the contest over " what the story is down here" - The pageant filming crew ran out of tape while they were feeding hungry children .
That could not be the real reason. Budget's are real and if they did run out of tape. She should have been happy and thankful to have been able to been a small part of helping feed any hungry children. PERIOD!

I believe it was that she knew she didn't stand a chance of placing in the contest and tried to use that as her excuse to run and like it seems she does where ever she is. If TB doesn't get her way, she blames someone or something as the fault. Canadian's - PLEASE TAKE HER BACK! TB is a really bad television personality and so far, not any type of a good example for our children to listen to. Her first day on 3 in the morning, she said how she would pose nude, like if she looked like Christina Aguilera and would show her baby bump. That was a hard one to explain so early to a 5 and 7 year old. Question, Dad, is she saying she wants to be one of those naked ladies in Playboy? I know our youth of today grow up very fast in this new world of information. It is hard to guard them from so much smut and other dangerous maters that they are confronted with. I had enjoyed spending time in the morning's before they were off to school and have to deal
with the drug's and all of the other things they are exposed to. I beseech you in Canada - PLEASE take HER BACK!.

Ms. Brown, if you read this. Give up your day job and learn a new trade. You stink at what you are trying to do know. I wish you good luck, but PLEASE do yourself a and the viewers a huge favor and get off the air. I would say try radio, but it is hard enough to understand you already. try to speak clearly and not cut off the words you try to speak. WEAR -this is one of the poorest choices you have made in a very, very long time. SHAME on YOU!

I am one of many who are no longer a 3 in the morning viewer. I feel
110% sure,I am not the only one - from many conversations inregard to WEARTV down here in Pensacola, Florida. TB, please find another job. One that you may be good at.

R Lee said...

I would have to say that Tara was one of the best anchors that worked at Channel 3 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She was always professional and personable.

I find it interesting that people make such mean spirited and judgemental statements about someone. I believe those statements are made by hurting people who only want to hurt someone else. It's certainly easy to take pot shots at someone who can't defend themselves and then hide behind "Anonymous said". I assume if they weren't ashamed of what they typed they would have signed their name.

If you don't like watching her, turn the channel... but please keep the hostile personal remarks to yourself. As my very wise grandma use to say, if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all.

Anonymous said...

Not did she vanish on KODE but now she has vanished from WEAR TV3 in Pensacola Florida. Wonder whats going on in her life. I miss her every morning.

gatorfan said...

She seems to be gone from WEAR-TV now. Couldn't read the teleprompter, stumbling over or not knowing certain words. She is not mentioned in the opening credits or on WEAR website. Mollye Barrows is sorely missed in the morning. Jared, Christian and Mollye seemed to have a good on air working relationship. Tara didn't seem to have the on air camaraderie with her coworkers at WEAR.

Anonymous said...

I wonder what happened with WEARTV in Pensacola, FL? There is no reference to her being employed or released from WEAR.

Anonymous said...

I work with this woman, and she is a poor example of a Christian. Not only does she enjoy the booze, but met her latest husband in a bar and would leave her two children for both days every weekend to be with him for almost a year before they finally married. Meanwhile, she misses at least one day a week at work, and is a blamer of the worst sort. No one much cares for her. Sorry, Tara, your rep isn't good.

Miss Sherman Peabody said...

Hah! You need to read a bit about shared services.

Anonymous said...

Agree