Watch: Newsroom Colleagues Remember Barney Brantingham - "He Loved Santa Barbara More Than Anybody I Know"
An impromptu, online celebration of the life and times of the late, great local newspaper columnist, with those who fought with him in the daily war of words
Barney Brantingham was “the heart of the newsroom,” the world’s greatest Fiesta fan, and a “newsman’s newsman” — a kind and generous colleague who “loved SB more than anybody I know.”
Those were a few of the recollections and reflections on Thursday from a dozen journalism colleagues of the iconic Santa Barbara newspaper columnist, who died last week at 93.
A gathering of the local newspaper tribe, the gang from the SB News-Press diaspora came together for a special edition of Newsmakers TV to share memories, funny stories and touching remembrances of their old friend and co-worker, whose column for decades defined, revealed and shaped the town.
“We were all so lucky,” said Josh Molina, wistfully describing his years at the deparated historic daily, which he joined as a young man who was then in awe of Barney’s long-established reputation as a local celebrity. “We don’t even know it in the moment.”
Joining the genial host for a celebration and commemoration of Mr. Brantingham’s life were once and future journalists Camie Barnwell, Tom Bolton, Melinda Burns, Scott Hadly, Jane Hulse, Josh Molina, Starshine Roshell, Nora Wallace, Len Wood and John Zant.
Check out their tributes and roastings of Barney via YouTube below, or by clicking through this link. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and other platforms, or on Soundcloud here. TVSB, Channel 17, airs Newsmakers TV weeknights at 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. on weekends. KCSB, 91.9 FM, broadcasts the show Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Further reading and viewing:
“Why I Quit the News-Press” - Barney Brantingham, SB Independent
“Barney Brantingham 1932-2025” - SB Newsmakers
Barney Brantingham, the Face of Santa Barbara Journalism for Decades, Dies at 93” - Josh Molina, Noozhawk
“Barney Brantingham, former Santa Barbara News-Press and SB Independent Writer, Has Died” - Jean Yamamura, SB Independent
“Citizen McCaw: Who Owns Your News?”