Jordyn McCabe @joProducerrr · 50m I feel so fortunate I spent 2024 with the KOMO and ARC Seattle Morning Crew Ready to see what's ahead in 2025!

  Laurel Porter, who previously stepped away from the anchor desk at KGW, has wrapped up her pubic affairs show hosting at the Tegna station.  She says she will remain in a special corrrespondent role.

Aaron Brown has passed away at the age of 76.   He anchored in Seattle for some 15 years and is most remembered for his legendary work for CNN as 9-11 was unfolding.  RIP https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/obituaries/aaron-brown-former-king-kiro-and-cnn-anchor-dies-at-76/

IN HARM'S WAY IT'S A FOOTRACE OFF TO THE RACES IT'S DO OR DIE IT'S NOW OR NEVER IT WAS A THING OF BEAUTY  THEY WEREN'T ON THE SAME PAGE ICE WATER IN HIS VEINS MANU A MANU   (ALWAYS MISPRONOUNCED) NOT ON THE SAME PAGE WHAT A THROW  WHAT A CATCH WHAT A PLAY WHAT A COACH  WHAT A MOMENT WHAT A TOUCHDOWN  WHAT A TACKLE WHAT A SHOT  UNBELIEVABLE!!! ADD MORE, PLS

Another new year is finally near It will suck for all media from what we hear Tegna and Nexstar and also Scripps Are run by a bunch of total dips  Cuts keep coming  But sales aren't humming  CEOs all paid very well Their workers still live in salary hell AI is not catching on But real looking anchors soon will it spawn  Digital side is all in a titter Moving to bluesky instead of old Twitter  The news will get bumpy Because of more Trumpy Take care 'fore it's much too late Don't let your content submit to more hate  Happy New Year Sent from AOL on Android

A bunch of each, but other suggestions welcome before the new year commences.   Likes and dislikes ok, too, and please fill in events I missed or overlooked.   Random order: BEST: Seattle Kraken abandoning Root Sports for broadcast on a wide-ranging TVKraken Hockey Network available to many more fans The fabled ESPN Linda Cohn joining the KHN for 'select' games. Dave Sims getting the Yankees job and living a lifelong dream KUOW-FM for holding down the #1 radio ratings spots for multiple books KNKX Radio winning a national Edward R. Murrow reporting award 97.3 News boss Charlie Harger moving back to on-air as the new Dave Ross Kelly Hanson getting the New Day NW job at KING, climbing the TV talent ladder! Former KING meteoroloigst Chris Nunley (now in Salt Lake) battling back from a rare form of cancer. Dick Fain and Elise Woodward becoming the best team broadcasting the Seattle Storm and Woodward getting national exposure on ESPN networks Ian Furness improving his sk...

The results are in for December as KUOW-FM (third) gets unseated in the #1 spot.  Not a big surprise when stations make the music switch as early as Thanksgiving.   One of those stations takes the top spot, and, interesingly the sports talk race got really close with KIRO AM beating KJR by just a tenth of a point falling behind even KTTH, Bonneville's conservative talker, into 22nd and 24th places.  KIRO 97.3 dropped a bit despite the long Dave Ross retirement month.   You can see the entire race at  https://ratings.radio-online.com/content/arb039

Sympathies out to one of Seattle's most respected reporters, who not only lost his job this year, but now his Mom.   I thought many of you would want to know more, so taking the liberty of posting a family picture and his thoughts. We lost mom last night and I'm gutted. She was a tremendous woman who loved the Lord with everything she had. If you knew her she’s prayed for you and fed you. No one was better at both. She worked multiple jobs and seemed to show up at every game and event for her children. Knew exactly when to provide the pat on the back or the kick in the rear. No woman was more Tacoma than her. Don't let the smile fool ya. She feared no one and respected everyone. And she could laugh. Man, I'm going to miss that sound. If you knew Mary Ann Jones, you met among the very best the good Lord placed on this earth. I can't believe she's gone. But I know she’s with the Lord and everyone else up there is waiting for her to start cooking.

Jen Mueller, sideline reporter for Seahawks radio also does a web segment called "I Cook, You Measure" featuring athletes working with her on cooking recipes.  It's a winner for charity in 2024. https://x.com/JenTalksSports/status/1871647150347538577?t=lyD92FgNsoSL828-_LKlxg&s=19

Talent-wise, mish-mash overkill.  Too many voices.  Mina looked generally uncomfortable out of  ESPN digs vs Kay Adams.  It was a misfired mix of NFL Network (Erdahl, Dales, Wyche), CBS (Eagle,Watt, and Burleson, J McCourty), ESPN (Rutledge and Kimes), FOX (Olsen), NBC (D. McCourty) previous TV layoff failures  (RG3 and Brees).   I don't know why Teo the fabricator was even on board (best available??).  Can't tell the players without a scorecard.   I liken it to throwing a bunch of announcers at the wall and see who stuck.    Probably all the networks got a piece of the announcing action to placate them after another streamer got the deal.    Also, too many WWE tie-ins, as well, with its far too many promos interrupted by football games.   Everyone has a price for the Million Dollar Man. Commercial pods seemed longer than usual. Clearly the football was bad.  But the streaming held just fine o...

                See you Thursday, if there's any news.  Thank you for reading and hopefully enjoying.  Be safe

  Here's a pressing question.  Given the Orlando, FL accident when drones fell from the sky and injured a young boy, what are the extra precautions being taken for the annual New Year's At the Needle Show on KING???? https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/new-years-at-the-needle-firework-drone-show-seattle/281-4cd54fe0-5c3a-4226-aeb0-63851ecce9c5#:~:text=Seattle-,A%20firework%20and%20drone%20show%20will%20ring%20in%202025%20at,ring%20in%20the%20new%20year.

Shauna Sowersby News from me: I am stepping down from my role at Cascade PBS on Jan. 3. On Jan. 7, I will begin my new role at The Seattle Times as the state government reporter! I’m sad to leave such a great company but excited for the new opportunity to write for The Times

 Gonna cost the KHQ-TV group just a hair under 30K.  Tsk Tsk. https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/fcc-fines-khq-inc-usd29-000-for-violations-at-three-tv-stations

Fox 13's Weather Wizard Claire Anderson says the big day is nigh! https://x.com/ClaireA_Wx/status/1870949076784812258  

Jamie Tompkins, former lead anchorwoman at KCPQ caught up in the police sex scandal with former chief Adrian Diaz, puts her side of the story out there, courtesy her old station.  The best offense is a good defense as they say in football, right?   Reportedly the station and Tompkins have been talking. No matter what, the entire mess has unfolded publically and there is a lot of collateral damage on all sides.   When you have no police experience and you are promoted by the chief to CHIEF OF STAFF it is going to launch calls of favoritism and more.    Best plan would have been not to accept a job that was apparently created for her, and for which she had no law enforecment of management cred.   Where is Fox 13's reporting on that aspect of the issue???   Hmmmmm    Go to this link for the story: https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/emails-tompkins-affair-rumors-diaz?taid=6766e61ae4667d0001c332b1&utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A%...

Heee's a post from one of KING 5's morning anchors.  What does it mean?   Don't know, but I will keep watch, for sure.   Check the link to see the cryptic comment. https://x.com/jwhittenbergK5/status/1870146021587620123  

Courtesy: dcrtv.com After 426 days on the market,  FoxNews  host  Bret Baier  has sold his DC mansion at 2400 Foxhall Rd NW. The five-bedroom, nine-bath house was initially listed for $31.9 million and recently reduced the price to $28.995 million. The final closing price Is $25 million. This Is the most expensive house to ever sell in Washington. The previous record was $24 million. The buyer Is  Donald Trump ‘s commerce secretary nominee,  Howard Lutnick . AN ALL CASH DEAL! Who needs a realtor when a cabinet members needs a new pad?

Meteorologist Monty Webb, a fixture at KIRO 7 for years and a a freelancer for me at the old NWCN in Seattle back in the day, is retiring from the biz after years at KNDU in Tri Cities.  His last day Jan 3.

Chris Francis, who was fired at KIRO7 in August and worked freelance at Fox !3, has joined a web-based journalism site called Straight Arrow as a sports reporter.  I believe his wife may also work there.  It is a privately funded site run by CEO Joe Ricketts. https://san.com/

https://mynorthwest.com/4020995/dave-ross-colleen-obrien-last-seattles-morning-news-show/ The last walk from Eastlake for Dave Ross as he begins retirement after his final morning show at 97.3 KIRO FM in Seattle.  The Mayor designated it Dave Ross Day!   Personal note:   I hired Dave freelance to do some of his great commentaries on camera at the old Northwest Cable News   He surprised everybody by walking in with a tray of Hostess Twinkies to use as a prop in one of them.   I forget the topic, but probably taxes.   He was so smart and on point and creative, too.   Loved it.

  **BREAKING NEWS**  FROM STEPHEN KILBREATH This is my last week at KING-5. KING has decided not to use on-air freelance employees anymore, citing budget concerns. Stephen Kilbreath, versatile news, weather and traffic anchor, says his freelance days at KING 5 are over.  He is a quality auctioneer, so he will keep on keepin' on.  His post: "My first time doing traffic on KING was in September 1992, 32 years ago!  Most of my work with them has been as a weather and traffic anchor over the last 10-15 years, including a stint as a news anchor for Northwest Cable News. I have loved working with this team, and will miss the friends I have made, some of which are pictured here. I will be on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday morning.

  Final show for these two on KIRO FM 97.3 Thursday morning from 5-9 a.m.  Next up Charlie Harger as Dave, TBD on Colleen.  Thanks and enjoy.

Sorry but KOMO's new main male anchor doesn't quite 'measure up' to his on-air partner Mary Nam.  Maybe don't shoot them together at the wall??   It's not about his height, folks, it's about best positioning for him by the producer and director to make him look good in his new role.   I guarantee you this is noticed.   Why do you think different sized anchors have adjustable chairs at the main desk?

The former anchor lady from Portland and Tri Cities WA is in town holding down the traffic beat on KIRO 7 morning news.  Permanent?  Temporary?  Holidays?   Programs here, get your programs. Can't tell the players without your programs!!

Not exactly sure what's up on KIRO 7 weatherwise.  On Tuesday night regular morning man Nick Allard was doing the late shoes, and this gentleman turned up Wednesday morning on Nick's spot. He is Brian Monahan from KIRO's sister station in Atlanta, WSB.  Wayne imported to help fill in for the holidays. Hmmm. You never know what the Incredible Shrinking Station is up to.   Chief Met Morgan Palmer may be on vacation and Frankie Katafias is apparently on personal/family leave.  So that's that.

"SEATTLE, WA – December 18, 2024 –Seattle, WA – KIRO Newsradio is pleased to announce Frank Lenzi as its new News Director. Frank joins KIRO from Seattle's KNWN (formerly KOMO Newsradio), where he has worked for the past 16 years, most recently serving as Program Director and News Director. With nearly 30 years of experience in journalism, Frank brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to KIRO Newsradio. He has held roles as morning editor, managing editor, and most recently, news director and program director at KNWN/KOMO. He led coverage of major events such as the 2009 Lakewood Police shooting, the 2014 KOMO TV helicopter crash, and the 2020 police dispersal of the Seattle CHOP Zone" Lenzi replaces Charlie Harger, who has moved on to take the retiring Dave Ross' role on the morning news. Still waiting to hear about Colleen O"Brien's replacement. Harger worked at KOMO/KNWN News Radio for many years as well. Interestingly, Lenzi calls his new station ...

  From our friends at ftvlive.com, this post was captured on  X.   So far no explanation from the station.  Maybe it was an uncompleted tweet that was prematurely sent?   Who knows, but not a good look and no editor or manager on duty??? https://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2024/12/17/blah

It was encouraging to see a much more energized and entertainingversion of the Kraken Hockey Network pre-game show Tuesday night at good old Climate Pledge.   Hadn't peeked in for a while, so it was time for a fresh look.    Much sharper producing and anchor work!!   Yay 1. Nice opening sequence of fans arriving outside the arena to set the table for the show.  Get people involved off the top.   Always works. 2. PXP man John Forslund went totally upbeat in the booth intro, showing more of his personality, including the wearing of some funny winter head gear for the hosts to bounce off of in the toss. 3. They had a third co-host, Canadian Brett Festerling, who brought a knowledgeable, fresh approach (had not seen him before, and liked his work) 4. Ian Furness and Alison brought real energy to the studio desk. Their volume and pace and inflection and chemistry were on point.  They seem to be much more comfortable together here.  ...

Seattle reporter Erica Barnett has uploaded a link to the investigative documents which led to the firing Tuesday of ex-Police Chief Adrian Diaz, his alleged romantic relationship with TV anchorwoman Jamie Tompkins and his subsequent hiring and promotion of her. Detailed and redacted. https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/OIG/Investigations/COP%20Case%20Documents/Investigation%20Report%20-%200286_Redacted.pdf

Elliott Wiser was the founding News Director in 1995 of Northwest Cable News in Seattle, one of the original regional cable news channels that disrupted and changed news coverage done by local broadcasters, who now see digital news doing the same thing. It's a 30-minute podcast with a TV news pioneer who now teaches digital at the university level in Florida.  The show offers a relective look back at how local tv news arrived at its current perilous position and what he would do to fix it.  If you are interested, here is the link provided by Tom Jones of the Poynter Institute, a journalism think tank.   I recommend it, offering excellent content and context. https://shows.acast.com/the-poynter-report-podcast/episodes/675707ee2dd88df13211854c?utm_source=Poynter+Institute&utm_campaign=08c784f36c-12162024+-+The+Poynter+Report&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-08c784f36c-390935940&mc_cid=08c784f36c&mc_eid=5ab84453a2

Ian Furness kept his Heisman vote a secret beforehand, but we predicted he would give the nod to nearby Boise State star Ashton Jeanty. But the blockbuster/homer surprise was that he completely (and deliberately?) ignored the favorite and eventual winner from Colorado. I guess he wanted to avoid the Travis Hunter bandwagon effect.  Ian, of KJR-FM and the Kraken Hockey Network, posted his ballot and he got roasted on AwfulAnnouncing.com (link below ballot).   He's got some 'splainin' to do Monday on his talk show.. https://awfulannouncing.com/college-football/ian-furness-travis-hunter-heisman-ballot.html

Since the departure of longtime weekend morning anchor Lee Stoll, everybody is on the fill-in list at KOMO.  So far weathercaster/co-anchor Stella Sun has partnered with the always reliable and versatile Theron Zahn, reporter Ryan Simms, weekday morning news anchor Kelly Koopmans and weekday traffic anchor/ARC co-host, Tyrah Majors.   I guess they will let the new news director, who starts on the 30th, make the final decision on a permanent main anchor.   Meanwhile, save a salary.