Tom Barnard to Retire From KQRS After 36 Years

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 30, 2022 | 11:22am CT

Tom Barnard

KQRS/Minneapolis morning show personality and Radio Hall of Famer Tom Barnard shared the news Thursday morning that he will retire from KQRS, his longtime radio home, after 36 years. Barnard ends his run at KQRS with his final morning broadcast on Friday, December 23. He's been a fixture on KQRS since 1986.

Barnard, a Minneapolis native, is known for his wry humor and disarming candor. He was recognized for broadcasting excellence in 2006 with a Marconi Award for Large Market Personality of the Year. Barnard began his radio career in 1971 and has also enjoyed a successful voiceover career. In 2017, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and in 2018 entered the Pavek Museum, honoring Minnesota Broadcasters.

Cumulus Media Chief Content Officer Brian Philips said, "Hometown hero Tom Barnard has defined morning radio stardom for the better part of many Minnesotans' lifetimes. He is the mastermind behind tens of thousands of hours of laughter, irreverence and thought-provoking conversation. We thank Tom for the glory he has brought KQRS during his remarkable run."

Cumulus Minneapolis Vice President/Market Manager Shelly Malecha Wilkes commented, "This is the end of an era. Tom dominated morning radio in the Twin Cities for decades. We are very appreciative of his innumerable contributions and wish him all the best in his next chapter."