Tom Barnard to retire from KQRS after 36 years

A Minnesota broadcasting icon has announced plans to retire near the end of this year.

Thursday morning, Golden Valley-based radio station KQRS announced that Tom Barnard will leave the station on Dec. 23.

“After 36 amazing years Tom Barnard will be retiring from KQRS,” the station posted on social media. “Join us as we celebrate Tom throughout the rest of the year until his final Morning Show on December 23rd. You’re the best in the business, Tom. We wish you all the best in your next chapter!”

After 36 amazing years Tom Barnard will be retiring from KQRS. Join us as we celebrate Tom throughout the rest of the year until his final Morning Show on December 23rd.

You’re the best in the business, Tom. We wish you all the best in your next chapter! pic.twitter.com/Z9kkzRTHtn

— 92 KQRS (@KQRadio) June 30, 2022

The Long Prairie native started his radio career in 1970 and, once upon a time, was the station voice of KSTP-TV.

He made the move to KQRS as a morning host in 1986 and has been a key part of the highly-rated program.

Barnard was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2018.