KHVN-AM, the only 24/7 gospel radio station in the Dallas market has parted ways with longtime voice and former program director, Carmina Barnett. The news came as a shock to nearly everyone in the listening area as the radio and gospel music industry grapple with the news and its many implications. Barnett served as Program Director for nearly 10 years and was promoted to Director of Operations, last summer.
Barnett has been the voice and face of the station as of late but has been part of the station for nearly two decades. At present, there are no details available for the sudden ouster and calls to the station have yielded no formal statements from Mortenson Broadcasting, parent company of the gospel music station.
Work in radio is no sure thing and not even your next segment is guaranteed
The ever changing world of radio is hard to keep up with. Advertisers, listeners or lack thereof and owners all factor in on the decision to axe staff or nix a show, regardless of its perceived popularity. This year has been brutal for even well known on-air personalities whose last segment came sooner than they’d liked. Last year, the “hardest working man in radio” Tom Joyner decided to call it quits this year and named Rickey Smiley as his replacement. Over the weekend, DL Hughley‘s nightly television show ended on TV One, though his show remains on UrbanOne (radio). In the wake of the news, the gospel music and faith communities have come together to express their support for Barnett and to issue a call for action to Mortenson Broadcasting.
In the years following the passing of the legendary Joe Bagby, KHVN has continued to thrive with Barnett at the helm, garnering a Stellar Award and a perennial nominee when not on the winner’s platform. The future is up in the air as the community and the only 24/7 gospel station in the number five media market in America prepare for a new normal.
We thank Carmina Barnett for her many years of service at KHVN and as this season closes, we are certain that her stellar work will speak for her wherever she chooses to further her career in radio. This is a developing story, check back for updates.