KIRO FM has a new news boss!!

"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 "the gold standard for radio journalism in Seattle." So much for his old station, eh?

Comments

Rebecca Stevenson has left KOMO

"I am no longer at Komo 4." Thanks. Longtime Weather Anchor Rebecca Stevenson confirms that she left the station just before Christmas. Her last Facebook posts are 12/17. She has the Seattle station Quintafecta, having worked at the old NWCN, KING, KIRO, KCPQ and KOMO. Looks like her decision. Wants a new chapter. She was doing mainly weekend evenings for KOMO. Perhaps Stella Sun will move there. She has been sharing weekend mornings with Theron Zahn.

Where is Frankie?

Many have missed KIRO 7's weekend PM weather anchor, Frankie Katafias, so I reached out to some of my sources to find an answer. She is apparently taking a few months of leave, but not known specifically what the reason may be. Although there is uncertainty, it could be a personal or family matter. I am told she is expected back at some point in the new year. She is a great asset to what has become a troubled station. Meanwhile former KOIN Portland chief met holds down the fort.

Frankie Flees KIRO7

UPDATE: Frankie got married!!! Acting on tips from two of my loyal readers, I see that Weekend Weather Wizard Frankie Katafias is indeed missing from the KIRO 7 website. Freelancer Scott Haveson filled in this past Sunday and we know that reporter Brandon Thompson has hit the weather wall in the past as a fill-in. No word on if Frankie fled on her own or was told to. She came to Seattle in 2022, so maybe it was a three-year deal that ended?

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