Industry sources, speaking off the record, have put together the details on Larry Barker's ouster from channel 7 for readers of "New Mexico Politics With Joe Monahan."

Barker's quarter-century service to 7 apparently meant little when it came time to count the beans, and these days the bean counters are definitely in charge. I am told that 7 management wanted Barker to dramatically increase his on-air contributions. In fact, the sources say, Barker was told he would have to do four pieces a week for the ABC affiliate, including consumer-oriented stories plus his famous "Target 7" spots. Barker and his producer, Charles Wollmann, balked at the prospect saying it would mean a poor quality product.

But 7, facing a slow ratings slide the past couple of years, said it was either their way or the highway. So Larry took the road to channel 13. What about the non-compete clause standard in every reporter contract that says you can't go to work for a competing station for a year? "It was thrown out the window because 7 wanted to end the deal and Barker had a contract in which he could make a case against them," according to a TV business source.

Industry veterans also do not discount the speculation, first reported here, that 7 just might be looking to bank some extra money from the Barker ouster and use it to lure back popular anchorman Nelson Martinez. But rather than unceremoniously dump new anchor Doug Fernandez they would ease Martinez back by having him do the early morning and/or noon news broadcasts. Not a deal Martinez wants, I am told. "7 may wait for Nelson to get a little hungrier, but I think there is still a chance for him coming back, said one TV insider. Martinez is rumored to have been the highest paid TV personality in the ABQ market when he left to pursue acting and music.

As for Barker, he is now ensconced at KRQE-TV with a bunch of former workmates from 7, including Dick Knipfing and Augusta Meyers. And what about Charles Wollmann, Barker's longtime producer? Wollmann has joined a stable of reporters going to work for the Richardson administration. Big Bill is sponsor of the ex-reporter Full Employment Act, and Wollmann took advantage by finding a slot as PR man for the State Investment Council. Wollmann joins 7 alumnus Pahl Shipley, who is doing PR for Governor Bill along with a bunch of other former newsguys.

Bottom line on the Barker ouster: It's all corporate folks. The three big stations are owned by stockholders. In a long ago and far away time they were a bit more insulated from the commercial world. Not anymore.

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
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