Paul La Camera, general manager of WBUR Radio (90.9 FM), e-mails Media Nation about a recent report by Adam Reilly at ThePhoenix.com that he may bring former Boston Globe and sometime Boston Herald columnist Mike Barnicle to the public-radio powerhouse to do commentary:
Dan —
I write this as an individual with a personal history in the matter and not in any way on behalf of WBUR. I am also specifically directing this to you, since it appears your Media Nation site has become a certain center for the controversy.
Of course, the matter or the controversy I am citing are related to my long-time association with and still strong feelings for Mike Barnicle.
Not to rehash history of a decade ago, but when I stood with Mike some 10 years ago at WCVB-TV, it was based on what then was a 15-year working relationship during which he served our station in the highest professional manner. As you and others remind me, there was the George Carlin summer reading recommendation, which I continue to believe was blown out of proportion and hardly was a capital offense, particularly in light of 15 years of distinguished and unquestioned work.
If you recall, the frenzy even extended to irresponsible accusations about Mike’s military service claims. I was always grateful that I was able to address and right those charges as well.
Since all of the above transpired, including what occurred at the Globe, Mike has worked for any number of news organizations, including Newsweek.com, NBC, MSNBC, and I understand is currently preparing reports on the Pennsylvania Primary for the Today Show.
As I said to Adam Reilly of the Phoenix, it has been 10 years. From any rational perspective, as evidenced by the above listing of media outlets of the highest standards and standing, it is time to move on.
Mike has a remarkable gift and I continue to believe his voice is missed in Boston.
Sincerely,
Paul La Camera
So — will Barnicle actually pop up on WBUR’s airwaves? Stay tuned.