Barbara Ciara Retiring From WTKR Norfolk After 50 Years In Journalism

Barbara Ciara

Barbara Ciara, managing editor and evening anchor at WTKR Norfolk, Va., is leaving broadcast news. Ciara published her first news article in a college newspaper, which started a 50-year career in print and broadcast. She is marking the milestone by refocusing her life goals. Newly engaged, Barbara and her fiancé have plans for world travel.

Ciara completes a career at WTKR where she started in 2000. She spent the last 43 years in the Hampton Roads spotlight, working at WVEC and WAVY before landing at WTKR.

“Not many people in this industry have the opportunity to work at three network affiliates without changing ZIP codes,” Ciara said. “I consider myself blessed to have had a challenging career without sacrificing my connection to community.”

Ciara’s journalism spans the globe. She reported from Afghanistan in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Nearly a decade earlier, Ciara covered Operations Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom from active military locations in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Ciara also provided coverage from GITMO after Cuban refugees escaped communist rule. On the home front, Barbara’s reporting includes investigative journalism and interviews with prominent figures like Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, not to mention, an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

“Barbara’s leadership, presence and legacy will impact our community commitment for years to come,” said Adam Chase, WTKR VP-GM. “Her panache, sharp wit and contagious laugh will be missed in our newsroom.”

Ciara was president of the National Association of Black Journalists from 2007 to 2009 and served a term as president of Unity Journalists of Color, representing Asian, Hispanic, Native American and Black Journalists. Ciara currently serves on the board of trustees for the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Ciara said she is most proud of her journalism that gives a voice to the voiceless, and has been awarded several Capital Regional Emmys, and nominations. Her most recent Emmy win in 2020 was for the longform documentary The New Canaan Experiment – Teaching Tolerance.

Ciara’s last day with WTKR will be Dec. 1. Starting Dec, 4, News 3’s Jessica Larche will join Kurt Williams and Patrick Rockey in the afternoon. Blaine Stewart, Erin Miller, Jennifer Lewis, and Myles Henderson will continue to inform viewers on News 3 This Morning.