Barbara Bailey returns to work at WKYT

By Scott Sloan - ssloan@herald-leader.com

Longtime anchor Barbara Bailey is back on the air at CBS affiliate WKYT (Channel 27).

Since early August, Bailey had been on leave because of health issues with family members, primarily her mother, who is now doing better.

"As soon as you get that phone call that there's been an accident, your life changes," Bailey said.

She had asked to go to part-time status before she went on leave, seeking a change in responsibilities.

"Sometimes these things work out for the best," Bailey said. "This really works much better for my family situation right now.

"Gosh, I'm even catching up on my sleep."

Bailey normally woke up between 3 and 3:30 a.m. for the 5 to 7 a.m. newscasts, which now have Stacy Ellison joining Bill Bryant. Bailey will co-anchor the noon and 12:30 p.m. newscasts with Bryant and contribute "Better Living" segments at 5 p.m. about health, education and consumer news.

WKYT News Director Robert Thomas said the station was inundated day-after-day with questions about Bailey's absence.

"It's fantastic that she's back now," he said. "It just shows how much she's loved."

Bailey thanked viewers for their e-mails during her absence. "When you're dealing with a difficult situation, it helps that you know people care," she said.