MediaMaven

  Fox 13 has the Seafair Torchlight Parade on Saturday at 7. We saw how badly they covered the Fireworks Show on July 4th, mailing it in with a cheap look and the wrong talent.   They have a chance to redeem themselves with the right staff hosting and covering along the parade route.  We shall see.  DVR set.  Insiders tell me the place is going downhill and fast.  Studio 13 a dead show walkin'.  More staff departures is common.  PS - looks like Lauren Helmbrecht has replaced Alyssa Charlston-Smith as #2 in sports to Aaron Levine.  No performance and on camera presence comparison, sorry.  

It's been quite a while since I posted a media interview here, so I thought I would dust off the delay and present a great conversation with Jen Mueller, who in weeks is heading into her 18th season as sideline reporter on Seahawks Radio.  She is a versatile, talented broadcaster, emcee, top-notch motivational speaker with a custom website and a chef extraordinare.    Enjoy and please offer feedback.   Thanks to all. 1. You've been missed on the Mariners games and All Access with the end of Root Sports.   How did you adjust to not being part of the broadcast team this season?     "It was actually my decision to step away.  I'm proud of all the years I spent with the broadcast and grateful for the moments, highlights, post-game interviews and Gatorade baths I was a part of.  It's special to be part of a sports community and television broadcast.  And I knew it was time for a new challenge and a chance to run my business, 'T...

A tip from a loyal reader says former KOMO reporter Mo Haider has left KTRK, the ABC in Houston.  Looks like the two year deal ended, one way or the other.  Here's a post from a Houston blogger: "As I wrap up my time at KTRK, I just wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to all of you," Haider wrote in the memo to the Eyewitness News staff.  "This is the strongest and most talented team I've ever worked with, and I feel lucky to have been a part of it. For as long as I can remember, this station has set the bar and the standard for local news. When I first arrived, it was easy to see why. I learned so much during my time here, and I credit all of you for that." Grass not greener?   Not sure on this one.

Joe Freeman, the Blazers beat writer at The Oregonian says Kevin Calabro has decided to leave the Portland team as its lead play-by-play man.  Here's the social media post: "Kevin Calabro tells me has decided to step away from Blazers broadcasting and will no longer call games for Portland.   Th e team and its veteran play-by-play man had been in discussions on a new contract, but he called the offers "subprime" and he has decided to move on."  Calabro is the beloved former Sonics announcer and says he will be looking for a new NBA role behind the mike.  He also did a stint on KIRO radio drive time afternoon sports talk way back in the day.  Calabro's comment:  “Easy decision. Not worth my time,” Calabro said. “Which is sad because it’s a great roster and the people there are great.” His decision comes after much maligned new owner Tom Dundon ousted four announcers Tuesday, including Neil Everett, who came over from ESPN L.A. and Michael Holton. A loya...

Hank Price of Tvnewscheck.com has written a great piece about the Nexstar-Tegna saga with particular insights about Tegna employees, like those of KING, KGW and KREM, who will be caught in the crossfire. I urge you to read it.   I PS.  Hank helped me when I got my first ND job in Richmond in 87 and I cannot praise enough his knowledge of the business.   I was personally caught in the Gannett/Tegna malaise when I was at NWCN, so he speaks nothing but truth here. https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/price-tegna-employees-deserve-better/?fbclid=IwdGRjcATN6oJjbGNrBM3pxGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHlRu3BbhXQzZmv7GFqi_JJa3Z8I-L-DiMXghnMAa94Y6IOJ0a8uoUmii5BB5_aem_jF2h7JyB2ksEywEbCWV8AA

If you set the 'wayback machine' some of you out east may remember Tove Tupper from her reporting days at KREM in the early 2010s. She left TV and eventually moved into school public relations. Now, her longevity and service has earned her National School Communicator of the Year for 2026.  She's the Chief Communications Officer for Highline Public Schools in King County and has worked there for 13 years.  Tove is a Pacific Lutheran U grad as well.   The award comes from the NSPRA.   Congratulations!