The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

VETERAN journalist and broadcaster Steve McKinney, whose career in Bahamian media spanned more than four decades and included work in print, television, radio and government communications, died yesterday at the age of 64.

Mr McKinney, who began his journalism career as a cub reporter at The Tribune aged 17, but was best known in recent decades as the host of the talk show Hard Copy, was a prominent figure in Bahamian broadcasting and was known for his outspoken discussions of political and social issues.

His death prompted tributes yesterday from political leaders, colleagues and people who knew him personally.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis described him as “one of the finest journalists” in The Bahamas and said he had devoted much of his life to public service.

“Ann and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Steve McKinney. The Bahamas has lost one of its finest journalists and a son who devoted much of his life to serving the public,” Mr Davis said in a statement.

“Steve began at The Tribune at just seventeen. From that early start in the newsroom, he built a career that took him into national broadcasting and, later, talk radio. Across those different roles, his work kept him in conversation with the Bahamian people.

“Many knew him through his voice. They listened as he discussed the news, questioned public figures and made room for the issues they wanted addressed. He became a familiar presence in their day, and his passing will be felt by listeners as well as by those who knew and worked with him.”

Mr Davis said McKinney believed in free expression and the public’s access to information and had contributed to the development of the media profession.

McKinney was born on April 20, 1962, to Louise Sands and William McKinney and grew up in Chippingham, a community with which he remained closely connected throughout his life. He attended Aquinas College and later completed journalism courses and professional training, including programmes in Jamaica, Canada and the United States.

From The Tribune, he moved into broadcasting and rose through the ranks at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, where he worked as a reporter and sports editor before becoming deputy director and eventually news director.

He later worked at Bahamas Information Services, where he served as a senior information officer and was involved in establishing BIS Broadcasting. He also served as a press attaché to the Prime Minister.

McKinney was involved in the establishment of the Sports Journalists’ Association and was among the journalists who helped establish the Bahamas Press Club.

As host of Hard Copy, he provided a platform for callers to discuss political, social and national issues. The programme became a regular forum for political debate and was known for McKinney’s direct questioning of public figures.

He later established the McKinney Media Group, which included Five Star Films and Documentaries and Peace 107.5 FM.

His career was also marked by several controversies involving his work in broadcasting and government communications.

In 2007, he was removed from his talk show Immediate Response at ZNS following the general election. The matter later featured in wider discussions about political influence and independence at the state-owned broadcaster.

In 2011, he was dismissed from his position as director of broadcasting at Bahamas Information Services after participating in a demonstration against the proposed sale of a 51 percent stake in BTC to Cable & Wireless Communications.

His radio programme Hard Copy also came under regulatory scrutiny that year. The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority requested a copy of a Hard Copy programme as part of an investigation into whether broadcasting regulations had been breached.

McKinney later denied reports that the programme had been taken off the air, saying the issue involved a copyright dispute because he owned the rights to Hard Copy..

FNM Leader Michael Pintard siad yesterday:  “The Bahamas has lost one of its most recognisable voices with the passing of Steve McKinney, broadcast journalist and longtime host of the talk show 'Hard Copy.' For years, Bahamians across the political divide tuned in to hear him work through the issues of the day, take their calls, and press the powerful for answers.

He also highlighted McKinney’s connection to Chippingham, where he said the broadcaster kept his business even as his professional career grew.

“Whether you agreed with him or not, he added to the national conversation with fearless conviction and boundless love for our Bahamas. Our democracy is healthier because of his unforgettable voice,” Mr Pintard said.

Coalition of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain described McKinney as an adviser, confidant and role model.

Mr Bain said he visited McKinney at his home yesterday morning, shortly after his death, and found him peacefully lying in bed with members of his family present.

“He used to call me almost on a daily basis just to encourage me,” Mr Bain said. “He took the step that is almost never done in media, to support me publicly as a leader. Nothing ever happens, and I thank him for that confidence in me, that type of confidence in what keeps me grounded and keeps me passionate to keep going because there are people who believe in me.”

McKinney’s family includes his wife, Treva, daughter Stefka Woos and son Stephen. His daughters Trevone and Odia predeceased him.