Barbara Ann Moore

Barbara Ann Moore, 78, a former chairperson of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville broadcasting department, died at Life Care Center of Athens on Dec. 7, 2025, after a years-long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Barbara was born on Jan. 18, 1947, in Memphis, Tenn., to parents Edwin E. Moore and Mildred Mayer Moore. Before her illness, Barbara loved hearing from and keeping up with students she had taught during her 41 years as a university teacher, the last 31 years at UT. In addition to teaching a broad range of courses,
Barbara advised dozens of master's theses and Ph.D. dissertations. She received a BA in journalism and MA in broadcasting and film from the University of Memphis and a Ph.D. in mass communication from Ohio University. Barbara had an almost-encyclopedic knowledge of U.S. television history, from the business aspects of the industry to specific details about scripts of popular shows. Her research at UT dealt primarily with radio and television broadcasting.
Among many academic articles and books that Barbara authored or coauthored, Horton Foote's Three Trips to Bountiful (SMU Press, with David Yellin) was particularly well-received, being named one of the best academic books of 1993. Barbara was a voracious reader, especially enjoying histories, mysteries and novels. She liked to attend plays at Clarence Brown Theater and the Tennessee Theater Broadway series.
Until her illness made it impossible, Barbara always lavished love and attention on a long line of small dogs in her care. She also enjoyed at least one long pleasure trip each year, usually in the company of her brother Jimmy or Ohio U friend Nancy Zane. She attended the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville. Surviving are brothers John E. Moore of Knoxville and James E. Moore of Dayton, Ohio. No services are planned at this time.