Pleased to offer an interview with KIRO FM 97.3 morning drive host Charlie Harger. Charlie moved from the old KOMO radio to become News Director there but then has successfully returned to his on air roots. Enjoy:
Q: Charlie how do you like the morning drive role?
I’m really enjoying being back on air. When I moved over to KIRO from KOMO, I thought I’d end up behind the scenes in a management role and didn’t even imagine taking over when Dave Ross retired. I’ve listened to Dave since elementary school in 1980, so this whole experience has been overwhelming and humbling. KIRO is such a big part of Seattle, and I feel lucky to be a broadcaster here. The former hosts of Seattle’s Morning News have all been so supportive, and you can still hear some of their voices (Bill Yeend, Gregg Hersholt, Dave Ross) in the show liners.
Q: You brought former colleague Manda Factor over from KNWN and it seems to be a comfy chemistry on mornings, true?
Working with Manda has been great too. I started out as a part-time board operator for her KOMO show back in the early 2000s, and she’s been hugely supportive ever since. Having a co-host with that kind of credibility and trust with the audience really makes a difference.
Q: You have added your own news commentaries to the mix. What brought that change to your repertoire?
Dave’s commentaries were a centerpiece of the show for decades and some of the best writing I’ve ever heard. I wanted listeners to get to know me and my style before jumping into those. Coming from the news side, I’d never really shared opinions on-air, so it’s been new for me to come in every day with a take. I put a couple hours into writing those three-minute pieces, making sure they’re well-researched and not divisive. My goal is that people can listen and even if they disagree, still feel welcome. I may very well have one the next day that lines up with what they believe, because I’m not an ideologue. I like sharing ideas, and it’s okay to disagree. Remember, my show is a news-first show, so I still have to maintain trust and credibility.
On top of that, the job itself has changed a lot. We record a lot of interviews in our video studio now, and I even produce longform reports for video. Between that and live-streaming the whole show on YouTube, the line between radio and TV feels thinner every day.
Q: How about a quick line on the future of terrestrial radio?
I think AM/FM will always have a role, but digital is clearly where things are headed.
Q: Short, sweet and, yes, inevitable. Tnx. And finally, a little personal info please.
On the personal side, my new hours have been great. With two busy teenagers, I get to go to games, recitals, practices, and just be around more. We’ve also got a 5th wheel trailer, so when I’m not at a weekend baseball tournament, we’re usually camping somewhere.
Thank you Charlie Harger and good luck.
Thanks for the interview! Even though I truly miss Dave Ross and Colleen O’Brien, I love Charlie Harger and Manda Factor in the morning! The transition has been good and I look forward to many years with this KIRO team.
ReplyDeleteAn old school class act! I’ve heard some of his commentaries and feel his point of view is missing from today’s media. My hope is people hear them and appreciate his insight and wisdom and turn the temperature down. Perhaps down the road they get picked up nationally .
ReplyDeleteRich
Charlie and Manda expanding beyond Seattle is an interesting idea. I could see them going regional, airing on stations across the Pacific Northwest. As for going national, they would be a point of difference from much of what makes up national talk radio today. But if that were to happen, would they have to give up Seattle's Morning News? Or would Seattle's Morning News have to be retooled into a national content heavy show?
DeleteI do miss Dave and Colleen, but the change to Charlie and Manda seems to be going well. Seattle's Morning News is a little different now, yet it still feels comfortably familiar.
ReplyDeleteICD9. I was really just thinking of Charlie’s commentary being picked up by a Network, like Dave’s did for awhile
DeleteRich
Oops! I misinterpreted what you were thinking there. I apologize for that. Your idea is still a good one. Some of Charlie's commentaries could certainly resonate nationally. I don't think there would be much in the way of national interest when Charlie comments on state and local matters (depending on what they are...sone would undoubtedly resonate nationally), but his take on national and global affairs could draw an audience.
DeleteCharlie is one of the best in local radio news as a writer, reporter and anchor (I would add professor since he taught at Green River Community College). The exclusive interviews that he did with Gary Ridgway (aka Green River Killer) was truly an amazing piece of work that really made you feel you were in the room with the guy. It really is bone chilling to be hearing this person and maybe uncomfortable, but Charlie delivered and kept his cool doing these interviews. No frills. No special sound effects. Even when I was working at KOMO (on the TV side), Charlie was just as polite and professional when you had a question on how to best turn this story for radio when he had his own deadlines to deal with. Charlie is a legend in my book. I wish I had the chance to work again with him. Cheers!
ReplyDelete