 As main "Chronicle" segments became more involved due to the single-topic format, Kahn and his social commentary segment became occasional until they were phased out entirely in 1985 (WCVB would subsequently produce a number of primetime specials featuring Kahn, which were extended versions of this social commentary segment).However, it was correspondent/contributor Mike Barnicle, a columnist who had stints at both "The Boston Globe" and "Boston Herald", who remained in the long run.Known for his hard-biting, "to the point" commentary and unique outlook on whatever story he covered, Barnicle became the program's source of social and political relevance.