MediaMaven

Confirmed - new Fox 13 news set in its new Denny Triangle digs will debut tonight.  That gives the show a good dry run with weak lead-ins and a shakedown real-time with less exposure.   Sunday late news follows Fox's strong prime-time lineup with shows  like The Simpsons and should shine a bit more for more eyeballs.  Will we see: A. Virtual Reality Set? B. Huge monitor wall? C. Brick and mortar desk type construction?  D. PNW scenics?  E. All of the above?

Kellie Cheadle, who left KING a decade or so ago to become an Amazonian, which didn't work out, is returning to the station.  She ran The Investigators unit there for years and is likely returning to that job after lead investigator Susannah Frame became News Director and the regional news VP got booted by Tegna.  That unit has not been as award-winning after losing Frame and Taylor Mirferendeski   Kellie to the rescue? 

Seattle radio ratings are out for October and both Bonneville properties are in the top 5, KIRO 710 at #2 and KIRO-FM jumping from a double digit standing last month to #5.  The AM stayed in second place but dropped .7 while FM rose .8.     KNWN sank lower dropping to a 2.8. KUOW leads the pack as usual with a flat book, which seemed a bit surprising in the election cycle.   Sort out the numbers for youselves. https://ratings.radio-online.com/content/arb039

Morning met Nick Allard posted this on social media: "You've probably noticed I'm not on the air at the moment. I've been overwhelmed by how many of you have reached out, and it means more than I can say. I'm taking some time to be with my family and take care of myself. Thank you for understanding, and for supporting the KIRO team while I'm away. I'll see you soon. - Nick"  Nick worked for me for several years at NWCN before joining KGW in Portland and then on to KIRO in 2015.   He's one of the good guys! Rebecca Stevenson, who has rejoined KIRO, will presumably help to hold the fort.

Per Geoff Baker on social media, this: Joining the 'Hometown' team: Spokane native and retired NHL forward Tyler Johnson finally gets to do that with the #SeaKraken as he and HoF netminder Grant Fuhr are added to the roster of Kraken Hockey Network on-air panelists set to debut this month.

We are all waiting with bated breath on the new look newscasts in the new downtown Seattle building  for Fox 13!   We are?  Well, sure, hearing that it's all supposed to debut this coming weekend, but not sure yet what newscasts.  My guess would be Sunday at 10 pm.  They might test it on the weekend morning on KZJO, who knows?  Always good to do a test run.    I expect a full video tour, too.   Set your DVR.  I'll have a review ASAP.