S6 Ep29: Weekend Nevada - Live & Local - 4/11/2026 Hour 2

In this live and local episode of Weekend Nevada, host John Potter welcomes long-time News 4 anchor Joe Hart for a deep dive into his 29-year career in northern Nevada journalism. Hart reflects on his early days at a small TV station in Santa Rosa, his journey through the Tri-Cities and Las Vegas, and his return to Reno in 1997, where he’s become a trusted voice in the community. The conversation highlights Hart’s passion for investigative reporting through his 'Ask Joe' segment, including impactful stories on a sewer spill in Sparks that led to new state legislation, a $9 million broadband scam involving the company Uprise, and ongoing struggles with the River Inn redevelopment. Hart also shares personal anecdotes—from idolizing Huntley and Brinkley to receiving a letter of encouragement from a local reporter—and discusses the challenges of public accountability, the decline of investigative journalism in newspapers, and the importance of watchdog journalism. The episode closes with nostalgic reflections on forgotten local landmarks like the old Verdi Inn and Bird Eye In, and Hart’s enduring commitment to serving Reno and northern Nevada with integrity and resilience.