MediaMaven

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!

According to early reports, Neil Everett, who left ESPN co-anchor slot to join the Portland Trailblazers broadcast team is apparently our, despite back-to-back Emmy wins as best sportscaster in the PNW.  Local Seattle guys like Chris Egan of KING and Niko Tamurian of KOMO have not welcome him as a competitor in the awards entries.  He never showed up at the awards dinners either.  Carpetbagger. In addition to Everett, Michael Holton,Tom Haberstroh and Jamie Hudson out as the new owner puts the hammer down. Everett had a great run on the late SportsCenter from L.A. teaming with Stan Verrett before leaving for PDX.

  Ok, here goes, after some deliberation, it emphasizes daily field coverage and consistent performance.    1. Drew Mikkelsen KING.  Great covering the statehouse and the South Sound.  Consistent, solid, versatile, strong presentation every time.  I feel like he really loves his job and he's been at it a long time.  I give him a nod for being with KING the entire time after a stellar stint at KGW in Portland. 2. Chris Daniels KOMO.  This was a close call for #1.   I think Daniels has the best handle on Seattle politics and government that I have seen for a long, long time.   He's trusted by officials.   Determined and has a strong work ethic.  His posts about Seattle sports (not the business of sports) are a little much for me, but he has a following for his work on that side of the line. 3 . Jeremy Harris, KOMO.   I have criticized Jeremy for being overly hyped on a lot of his crime reporting, which is...