Louisville’s Dick Irby retires from FOX-41

October 31, 4:07 PMLouisville City Hall ExaminerThomas McAdam

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  (Photo:  FOX-41)

Television reporter Dick Irby has retired from Louisville’s FOX-41. Friday was the last day for the investigative journalist who became a popular fixture on local television for more than 26 years. Irby announced that he is moving to Arkansas, to be near some of his family.

Irby first came to Louisville in 1976, when he was hired by WAVE-3 TV as its “Troubleshooter.” After spending eight successful years at that job, he took another post at Baltimore’s ABC affiliate, WMAR-TV. He moved back to Louisville and joined Fox-41 News in 1991.

Working primarily as an investigative reporter, Irby became known as a crusader for the people; he was quick to expose fraud, business scams, and corruption in government. He covered state and local government, neighborhood issues, and consumerism. Occasionally, he followed his abiding interest in the local music scene, with his popular Friday night Music Beat segment.

(Photo:  WAVE-TV)

When Rubbertown residents complained of emissions that were making them sick, Irby became a persistent and effective critic of the failures of environmental enforcement efforts. Like a bulldog, he would grab hold of a problem and not let go until a resolution was reached. For example, his investigations into wrongdoing at the city's planning and zoning department resulted in major reforms and personnel changes.

James Richard Irby grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and, except for brief sojourns to Terre Haute and Baltimore, has lived the better part of his life in Louisville. He attended Indiana State University, and variously worked for TWO TV, WAVE TV, WMAR TV, and WDRB TV (FOX-41).

Back in the late 1970’s, WAVE-TV passed out promotional cards at the Kentucky State Fair, titled "WAVE Country Is..." The photo of the youngish Irby at right is from one of the cards, along with the caption: "When it comes to having problems, Dick Irby has loads of them. As the WAVE Trouble-Shooter, Dick spends his days tackling your troubles...no matter the size, stature or number. Dick began coming to the rescue of people in WAVE Country after working at WTWO-TV in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Indiana State University grad enjoys lending people a hand. Give this Trouble-Shooter a try!"

Well, we gave him a try, and most folks here in Louisville liked him and his lively reporting style just fine. We’ll miss him.

Read more:   Rick Redding talks about Dick Irby

Watch the video: FOX41 says goodbye to Dick Irby
 

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