Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason Suddenly Parts Ways with WRAL
Beloved "Tar Heel Traveler" Scott Mason Leaves WRAL After Nearly 30 Years
What Happened?
Long-time North Carolina TV journalist Scott Mason — better known as "The Tar Heel Traveler" — is no longer working at WRAL. For nearly 30 years, Mason drove across the state sharing stories about hidden gems, quirky characters, and the special places that make North Carolina unique.
Important Point:
On Wednesday, August 21, 2026, Mason posted on Facebook that he had left the station. He included a quote from Scottish poet Robert Burns: "Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn." He also shared new contact information for fans who want to stay in touch.
The Show That Charmed North Carolina
What Was "Tar Heel Traveler"?
- A human-interest segment that aired Monday through Thursday at 5:55 p.m. on WRAL
- Mason visited diners, small towns, family homes, and local landmarks
- He highlighted everyday people with extraordinary stories
- The franchise existed for nearly 50 years — Mason hosted his version starting in 2007
What Happened to the Show’s Online Presence?
- The official WRAL webpage for Tar Heel Traveler stories now shows a "page not found" error
- Links shared on Facebook and other sites also lead to dead ends
- This suggests the content was removed or archived around the time of Mason’s departure
WRAL’s Official Response
Mike Friedrich, WRAL News Director, released this statement:
"As a matter of policy, we do not comment on personnel matters. Separately, WRAL’s Tar Heel Traveler has been a valued franchise for nearly five decades and will continue to be an important part of our storytelling. We look forward to sharing more about the franchise’s future plans with our viewers soon."
Key takeaway: The brand "Tar Heel Traveler" will continue — but without Scott Mason.
Who Is Scott Mason? (The Quick Version)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Raised | Moved to Massachusetts as a child |
| Education | • Washington and Lee University (Virginia) • Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Queens University of Charlotte |
| Joined WRAL | 1997 (as documentary producer) |
| Started Tar Heel Traveler | 2007 |
| Major Awards | • 3 National Edward R. Murrow Awards • 20 Regional Emmy Awards • 2× NC TV Reporter of the Year • 100+ journalism awards total |
| Books Published | 6 (most recent: Tar Heel Traveler: 201 North Carolina Landmarks and Attractions, 2024) |
| Previous Jobs | TV stations in Richmond, Winston-Salem, Chattanooga, Dayton (Ohio) |
| Family | Married, three children |
What Mason Has Been Up To Lately
- Early August 2026: Launched a Tar Heel Traveler video podcast series (announced on Facebook)
- August 21, 2026: Posted farewell message on the WRAL Tar Heel Traveler Facebook page
- Same day: Confirmed to The News & Observer he is no longer employed at WRAL but declined an interview
How People Reacted
Fans Showed Love & Support
"Scott you helped me discover so many wonderful places in this my home state… I pray this means onward and upward to many more years of telling the stories of the Tarheel state."
— Laura Torres, Facebook comment
Others Criticized the Station
"A successful long-running human-interest feature gives a station personality and community identity. Removing it can make the newscast feel more like every other station…"
— Rick Autry, viewer comment
A Look Back: The Tar Heel Traveler Legacy
- The segment predates Mason — previous hosts included longtime reporter/anchor Bill Leslie
- Mason’s version ran for 19 years (2007–2026)
- He turned the show into a beloved institution — part travelogue, part love letter to NC
- His storytelling style: gentle, curious, deeply human
What’s Next for Scott Mason?
Based on his recent moves, it looks like Mason is building his own platform:
- Launched a video podcast (August 2026)
- Sharing new contact info directly with fans
- Continuing to tell North Carolina stories — just independently
Summary
- Scott Mason ("The Tar Heel Traveler") has left WRAL as of August 21, 2026
- He announced it via Facebook with a poetic quote and new contact details
- The WRAL Tar Heel Traveler webpage and story links are now broken
- WRAL says the franchise will continue — but without Mason
- Mason is a highly decorated journalist (Murrows, Emmys, 100+ awards)
- He’s already started a video podcast to keep telling NC stories
- Fans are upset but supportive; many hope he continues independently
FAQ
Why did Scott Mason leave WRAL?
A: Neither Mason nor WRAL has given a specific reason. Mason declined interviews, and WRAL cited policy against discussing personnel matters.
Is the "Tar Heel Traveler" show cancelled?
A: No. WRAL says the franchise will continue as "an important part of our storytelling" — but with a new host or format.
Can I still watch old Tar Heel Traveler segments?
A: Currently, links to past stories on WRAL’s site and Facebook lead to "page not found" errors. It’s unclear if they’ll be restored or moved.
Where can I follow Scott Mason now?
A: He shared new contact information in his August 21 Facebook post on the WRAL Tar Heel Traveler page. He’s also launched a video podcast series (announced early August 2026).
How long was Scott Mason at WRAL?
A: Nearly 30 years — hired in 1997, hosted Tar Heel Traveler from 2007 to 2026.
This story was originally published August 21, 2026 at 10:58 AM by Anna Roman, The News & Observer.