Howie Carr

Howie Carr
Name	Howie Carr
Birth place	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation	Columnist, Radio personality, Author
Known for	Boston Herald column, WRKO talk show, coverage of Whitey Bulger

Howie Carr is an American conservative columnist, talk radio host, and author known for his decades-long career in Boston media. His work, primarily for the Boston Herald and radio station WRKO, focuses on New England politics, organized crime, and investigative reporting. Carr gained significant prominence for his relentless coverage of the Winter Hill Gang and James "Whitey" Bulger, often criticizing the Federal Bureau of Investigation's handling of the case. His acerbic commentary and bestselling books have made him a polarizing yet influential figure in Massachusetts political and media circles.

Early life and education

Howie Carr was born in Boston and grew up in the suburb of Needham, Massachusetts. He attended Needham High School before enrolling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During his time at university, he began his journalism career writing for The Daily Tar Heel, the student newspaper. He graduated with a degree in journalism, which provided the foundation for his future career in New England media.

Journalism career

Carr began his professional journalism career at the Lowell Sun before joining the Boston Herald American, which later became the Boston Herald. He established his reputation as a hard-nosed investigative reporter, particularly through his extensive coverage of organized crime in Boston. His reporting on the Winter Hill Gang, James "Whitey Bulger, and the corrupt relationship between Bulger and the Federal Bureau of Investigation became a hallmark of his work. This coverage later formed the basis for several of his books, including The Brothers Bulger. As a columnist for the Boston Herald, his twice-weekly pieces often target Massachusetts politicians, labor unions, and government corruption, earning him both devoted readers and fierce critics.

Radio and media presence

Carr expanded his reach into talk radio, hosting a highly rated afternoon drive-time program on Boston's WRKO for many years. His radio show, known for its conservative viewpoint and combative style, frequently features interviews with local politicians like former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and discussions on national issues. He has also been a frequent guest on Fox News Channel programs and other national media outlets. His media presence solidified his role as a prominent voice in New England's political discourse, often sparring with figures from The Boston Globe and liberal talk radio hosts.

Political commentary and influence

As a conservative commentator in a predominantly Democratic state, Carr's political influence is often exercised through his criticism of figures like former House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran and the Kennedy family. He is a staunch supporter of law enforcement agencies like the Massachusetts State Police while remaining a persistent critic of government waste and corruption. His commentary played a role in shaping public opinion during major Massachusetts political scandals and elections. Carr's endorsement is sought by some Republican candidates in New England, though his abrasive style also galvanizes opposition.

Legal issues and controversies

Carr's career has been marked by several legal challenges and controversies. He was a central witness in the 2007 federal corruption trial of former Massachusetts State Senator Dianne Wilkerson, regarding a story he published in the Boston Herald. He has faced multiple libel lawsuits from subjects of his reporting, including one from a former Massachusetts Institute of Technology administrator, though many were dismissed. His relentless pursuit of the Whitey Bulger story also drew threats and placed him in conflict with figures connected to the Winter Hill Gang. These incidents have cemented his reputation as a fiercely adversarial journalist.

Personal life

Howie Carr maintains a private personal life but is known to reside in Massachusetts. He is married and has children. An avid follower of Boston sports, he often references the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and Boston Bruins in his columns and radio show. Outside of media, he has been involved in charitable events and local community functions. He continues to write, broadcast, and make public appearances, remaining an active and contentious fixture in the region's media landscape.

Category:American columnists Category:American radio personalities Category:Writers from Boston