End of an Era: Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason Leaves WRAL
Beloved North Carolina Storyteller Scott Mason Leaves WRAL After Decades
What Happened?
Imagine your favorite teacher who made learning about your home state feel like an adventure. That’s what Scott Mason did for North Carolina viewers for nearly 20 years. But as of August 21, 2026, he is no longer working at WRAL television station.
Important Point: Scott Mason — known to everyone as "The Tar Heel Traveler" — confirmed he has left WRAL. The station’s official webpage for his show now shows a "page not found" error.
Who Is Scott Mason?
Think of Scott as North Carolina’s friendly neighbor with a camera. He didn’t report on big politics or breaking news. Instead, he drove the back roads to find:
- Hidden diners with the best pie
- Quirky characters with amazing stories
- Forgotten landmarks that make NC special
- Everyday heroes doing extraordinary things
His Background (The Short Version)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Born | Raleigh, NC |
| Raised | Massachusetts (moved young) |
| College | Washington and Lee University (Virginia) |
| Grad School | Queens University of Charlotte (MFA in Creative Writing) |
| Joined WRAL | 1997 (as documentary producer) |
| Became Tar Heel Traveler | 2007 |
| Family | Married, three children |
Why Is This a Big Deal?
He’s Really, Really Good at His Job
- 3 National Edward R. Murrow Awards (like the Oscars for journalism)
- 20 Regional Emmy Awards
- 100+ total journalism awards
- 2× North Carolina TV Reporter of the Year
- 6 published books (latest: 201 North Carolina Landmarks and Attractions, 2024)
The Show Was a NC Institution
- Aired Monday–Thursday at 5:55 PM
- Ran for nearly 50 years (different hosts over time)
- Scott hosted his version for ~19 years (since 2007)
- Previous hosts included longtime anchor Bill Leslie
Viewers Loved Him
"Scott you helped me discover so many wonderful places in this my home state… we need more stories like the ones you tell."
— Laura Torres, Facebook comment"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, media observer
What We Know (And Don’t Know)
Confirmed Facts
- August 21, 2026: Mason confirmed to The News & Observer he’s no longer at WRAL
- Facebook post: Shared a Robert Burns quote + new contact info (Wednesday night before)
- WRAL website: Tar Heel Traveler page returns "not found"
- Old links: Previously shared stories now lead to dead pages
- WRAL statement: "We do not comment on personnel matters… Tar Heel Traveler will continue… future plans coming soon"
Still Unknown
- Why he left (resigned? fired? contract ended?)
- What happens to the Tar Heel Traveler brand
- Who (if anyone) will host next
- Whether his podcast is related to the departure
What’s Next for Scott?
He’s not stopping! Earlier in August 2026, Mason launched a Tar Heel Traveler video podcast series on Facebook. So while his TV chapter at WRAL has closed, his storytelling journey continues — just on a different platform.
Timeline of Events
- 1997 — Mason hired at WRAL as documentary producer
- 2007 — Debuts as host of Tar Heel Traveler
- Early August 2026 — Announces new video podcast series
- Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026 — Cryptic Facebook post with Burns quote
- Friday, Aug 21, 2026 — Confirms departure; WRAL page goes dark
- Aug 21, 2026 — Story published by The News & Observer
Summary
Scott Mason ("The Tar Heel Traveler") has left WRAL after nearly 30 years at the station and ~19 years hosting the beloved show. The Tar Heel Traveler webpage is down, old links don’t work, and WRAL says the franchise will continue but won’t discuss personnel details. Mason has already started a video podcast, so his NC storytelling isn’t over — just moving platforms. Viewers are sad and frustrated; media folks say losing him makes WRAL less unique.
FAQ
Was Scott Mason fired?
We don’t know. He declined an interview. WRAL won’t comment on "personnel matters." Could be retirement, contract dispute, or mutual decision.
Is the Tar Heel Traveler show cancelled?
Not officially. WRAL says it "will continue to be an important part of our storytelling" and promises "future plans." But the webpage is gone and no new host is named.
Can I still watch old Tar Heel Traveler segments?
Not easily right now. The WRAL page and old Facebook-shared links show "page not found." Check WRAL’s YouTube or Scott’s new podcast for archives.
What is Scott Mason doing now?
He launched a Tar Heel Traveler video podcast in early August 2026 (before leaving WRAL). Follow his Facebook for new episodes.
Who was the Tar Heel Traveler before Scott?
Several people, including longtime WRAL anchor/reporter Bill Leslie. The franchise existed ~50 years before Scott’s 2007 debut.