MediaMaven

Just a snapshot, but Chris Daniels, who I have admittedly criticized here before, nailed the substance behind the Holloway umbrella deal for Climate Pledge Monday (paving the way for Sonics) and the Ferguson presser about Gov's talks with Adam Silver.   KING could only muster rookie Sebastian Robertson (Drew Mikkelsen must have had the day off), Portland transplant Brandon Thompson at KIRO (well they have no sports, anyway) and Fox 13 (I missed WA Sports Wrap), from which I could not determine who covered.    Must be spring break.  

Talented Chief Photog Matt Mrozinski bids farewell after his postion was eliminated at KING 5.  Looks like it actually happened in late February even before the Nexstar takeover.   He apparently declined staying on at a lesser photo position.    Writing was on the wall.  Another blogger called it collateral damage.    Here is his message about the departure: "My position as Director of Photojournalism at KING 5 was eliminated. I’m not posting this for sympathy — truly. Think of it more as a press release. I stay humble, but I know there are many people who have supported me here, followed my career, trusted me to help shape theirs, and poured their hearts into the work alongside me. If your first question is how I’m doing — I’m good. I had hoped for a better farewell, of course. These moments always bring mixed emotions and reflection, as anyone who’s experienced them knows. Ultimately, deep down I've known it was time for countless reasons, but I...

Because KIRO 7 has no sports department, main nees anchor Gary Horcher gets the call to co-host Game Day Live after the CBS games sign off for the night.  Even gets to interview a Gonzaga player (Jason Rubright) from '95 to make it current!    Wow.  Never heard of him, but OK.  Not exactly a household name analyst. Talk about a weak try to pretend the station knows anything about sports or the tournament as the Zags choke to an 11th play-in seed.  Sad all the way around. Gary helped during the Super Bowl, but this was minor league.  Hire a freelancer who knows the game.  They are out there, Cox.

  Word that Friday was the last day for Fox 13 Good Day Seattle Executive Producer Adrian Garcia.   Word is he's headed to NBC Boston.  He's been with the station since 2020 and EP since 2024, according to Linkedin, so not quite two years in the post.   

The network announced that CBS Radio will be shut down in May after 100 years.   Mr..Murrow is rolling over in his grave multiple times today.  Here's the on- air reaction at 97.3 KIRO mornings with Charlie Harger, Chris Sullivan and Manda Factor.   Not a pretty sight, today, for an industry in peril.    https://x.com/i/status/2035061518577143844

From Mariners beat reporter Ryan Divish of the Times  "I've been told that if you watched games on ROOT via a cable provider last year, you will be able to watch them again this year. The exact channel isn't known yet.  I've also been told that MLB and the cable companies might not announce the programming package/channel till the morning of opening day.  Why? Cause they know it doesn't matter, you'll still pay and watch." Still waiting for an announcement from KING on a small broadcast schedule, but the Nexstar purchase deal was just approved. 

KING, KGW, KREM and Tegna staff nationwide (WFAA, Dallas, KUSA, Denver, WXIA, Atlanta), among others, sadly know what's next.     Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Closes Acquisition of TEGNA Inc. March 19, 2026 Company Receives Approval of Transaction from Federal Communications Commission and U.S. Department of Justice  IRVING, TX (Mar. 19, 2026)—Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXST), today announced that it has closed its acquisition of TEGNA Inc. following approval of the transaction from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Nexstar’s Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Perry Sook commented: “This transaction is essential to sustaining strong local journalism in the communities we serve. By bringing these two outstanding companies together, Nexstar will be a stronger, more dynamic enterprise—better positioned to deliver exceptional journalism and local programming with enh...

  KIRO Radio host John Curley gives Eric Johnson a chance to defend his almost decade-old 'Seattle is Dying' KOMO documentary, which was heavily motivated by Sinclair and its well-known biased agenda to tear down cities.  Yet, after pillaging the city, Johnson was later honored by Seafair as the KING Neptune.  I  guess Seafair didn't die?  Hmmmm.   His follow up doc was even worse journalism. Here's the interview.   Thanks for nothing, John Curley.   Johnson's allegations here are unproven except to him.   Curley bought them like a cheap hair restoration. https://x.com/i/status/2034735273473712556

Obtained this email from a friend of a friend from Fox 13 Seattle, a message sent to some staff declaring that the titles of Mariners front office execs are too fancy and meaningless anyway, so they can be shortened for on-air.    Right, we wouldn't want the viewers to know what the interviewee's job is while they speak, would we?W Wondering if that was sent out by the the 'Executive Supervisor for Primetime Digital, Social, Linear and Replay Content'??  Or a less fancy, shorter title, perhaps??   

Ana Cabrera, a WSU grad and former anchor at KHQ-TV in Spokane and later at CNN, has been cut from her daytime anchor position at MSNOW.    Her departure is connected to major program and schedule changes announced for June at the cable network.   Here are her comments. “Throughout my career, I've always sought the best opportunities to do this work and have the greatest impact while staying true to myself and my mission as a journalist. “That's what I've always done and what I will continue to do now, understand I am truly grateful for my time at MS NOW for my wonderful colleagues, my amazing team that works so hard every day, and for you, the viewers who put your trust in me to serve you through this most meaningful work.” Link to the full story: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/msnow-morning-joe-lineup-changes-b2941218.html

Jeff Renner former KING5 Chief Meteorologist has been named this year's solo inductee to the NATAS NW Gold Circle for 50 years in the biz. https://x.com/i/status/2033959169586319370 Silver Circle honors to these broadcasters:     Andy Carson – Portland – KPTV     Steve Denari – Portland – KATU     Mimi Gan – Seattle – KING     Robyn Nance – Spokane – KXLY     Don Nelson – Boise – KIVI     Liz Rocca – Seattle – Previously with KOMO     Tracy Sabo – Anchorage – KTUU/KYES 

Lee Stoll, former weekend morning news anchor at KOMO, has landed in a new business after a short stint at Amazon.  Here's her post: "Hi friends! Thanks for sticking with me all these years. I wanted to let you know I have a new job that will fulfill a lifelong dream! I'm so excited to announce that I have joined Windermere Real Estate as a broker. Like journalism, real estate has always carried a real sense of community service for me. As a military kid, I watched my mom transform more than 17-houses into homes. Now it's my turn to help others do the same! Websites and socials are "under construction" (like changing the name of this page to BROKER!) but you can always find me at lee.stoll@windermere.com." Hearing that ex KOMO sports director Mike Ferreri is doing well in the broker biz, also with Windermere.

What would the media landscape look like if and when the Sonics return on a couple of years?  QUESTIONS. Would KING sacrifice the Kraken to put the Sonics on KING and KONG?  Yes, but not exactly.   Hockey could go on the K5 streaming app, with.Sonics on broadcast, both stations, especially with NBC/NBA deal?  But might Fox 13 go hockey on the duopoly if it comes open?   Actually, I would expect a KING/Sonics partnership.   Bring Kevin Calabro back for TV play by play with Gary Payton or Detlef as analysts.   I could also put Detlef on pre-game and weekly studio shows possibly with Kemp.   George Karl on Zoom if he's well?  97.3 vs KJR for radio.   KIRO has the history with simulcasts.  But who does PxP?  Can't waste Calabro on radio.   Looking for your thoughts.  Everything could be different in two years on all platforms.  So what's in your crystal ball?

  KING weekend evening anchor Madison Wade seems to be favoring hair over strong eye contact.  Guess no one is coaching her on look and presentation

I guess KING 5 viewers really crave the two morning anchors exercising.  It makes such a difference for us knowing the latest news.  At least it's on their own post, but didn't know that was their job, to help us with fitness.  I couldn't see Enerson and Bounds doing this, can you? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DExbmwrRrYF/?igsh=MWRpY2xnc3RkazFybg==

Looks like Fox 13 Seattle weekend morning anchor Taylor Winkel has joined her co-anchor Abby Acone for these bizarre posts done in the station studio.     What's the purpose? Where's the maturity and credibility?   The limp-wrist stuff is offensive to just about everyone, yes?  It's not funny. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVowliOEoj2/?igsh=ZWk3bWdwMmFobDU=

  Sources tell me that KING 5 is close to announcing a 12-15 game package of Mariners games on free TV.  Stay tuned for final confirmation near Opening Day.  Book it. You heard it here first.r Meanwhile, Apple TV has two Mariners national games in first half of season, first vs Houston in late March, and later vs Buccos.

This is a curious move brought to my attention by some colleagues:  The Tegna news director in St. Louis (KSDK), who was just hired about 6 months ago, has been transferred to the Tegna station in Houston (KHOU).  Interestingly,, Nexstar own KTVI in St. Louis, but owns nothing in Houston.   So does that mean only the Nexstar ND would be running two newsrooms there, post-FCC approval and consolidation, with TEGNA now rescuing the St. Louis guy?   Same could happen in Portland with KOIN and KGW.  This move may portend the future is very near. By the way, RIch Kurz is the current ND at KOIN in PDX but used to be a manager at KGW, producing its Straight Talk program for years.  Who says you can never go home again?

Stephanie Domurat is leaving her anchor post at KGW in Portland, another escape from Tegna.  She previously worked at KPTV there.  No word on exactly what's next. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stephaniedomurat_its-time-to-announce-some-bittersweet-news-share-7433555133298425856-1akV?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAFWTKaUBTwc4NGLVz4TARZHYT8qQaNhaM2E

Tegna has a producer-in-residence program where it recruits talented college students to be mentored inside its stations.   One such person is Kimberly Blum, who is a graduate of the program at KING and will be returning there after leaving the U of Florida/WUFT. That's a huge jump for sure, but I know the program, invented and run by former KREM News Director Noah Cooper, is a success and keeps the difficult producer developmental and hiring pipeline open.     Post and pic: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kimberly-blum_plot-twist-im-sticking-around-im-incredibly-share-7436772008698310656-mw3L?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAFWTKaUBTwc4NGLVz4TARZHYT8qQaNhaM2E

  It was just a week ago we posted that KOMO weather anchor Stella Sun got tangled up in a car collision.  It's happened again, this time to Gee Scott Sr. of KIRO radio 97.3.   Be careful out there.    Here's a post with pics on X.    https://x.com/i/status/2031096667047670074

The web writer put the death of a dog above the deaths of two humans?  It's been fixed, apparently since the original post, but WHAT?  Even stupidity defies the 'Sinclair Effect.' Check the link. https://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2026/3/8/dog-gone-it

KOMO losses since main anchor Eric Johnson retired in June 2024: Denise Whitaker left, Chris Nguyen left, Lee Stoll left, Hannah Knowles left, Rebecca Stevenson left and now Mary Nam says goodbye at the end of March.  Reporters like Mo Haider, Ryan Simms and Paul Rivera also departed.   I may be missing a few. I don't know the specific reasons behind the individual decisions (good or bad, personal or professional), but I don't see 10 comparable talent departures anywhere else in the Seattle market.   Add in the KOMO News Director and News Operations Manager, who both retired in December 2024, and you have an even dozen.   The photog union isn't happy either these days.   BTW,  previous and current ND worked previously for Sinclair,in Tulsa and Vegas, respectively. True believers.  So, is it the political leanings? Makes you wonder.  Now, in fairness, I must make mention of budget-cutting Cox in Seattle.  Jesse Jones axed, ...

Anchor Mary Nam announced Wednesday that she is leaving KOMO at the end of the month after two decades to pursue a new chapter.   M ary, a WSU grad and Emmy winner, anchors the 4&6 and has also been teaming with  KOMO's Kelly Koopmans on a 'Hard Turn' podcast.    Sources are telling me that KOMO leads the market in ratings in afternoon-evening, so this will be a bit of a blow to the status quo.  It will rattle the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach.  But she was not pushed out, says my source, her call. “2026 is the right time for me to take the leap,” she shared in an email to colleagues. “Beyond that, I'm not sure what is next but given how long it's taken me to tiptoe to this ledge, falling into the next chapter will be the easy part. (Metaphor over. Don't ask me about the landing)” she added.   “I look forward to squeezing in as much conversation, laughter, and the good stuff during this month,”   https://komonews.com/new...

Seattle Police has paid the Seattle Times $160,000 to settle a suit about how the department handled public records requests.   Multiple public records were sought by a reporter about the tenure of ousted police chief Adrian Diaz, which was tied to allegations of sexual harassment and also favoritism in the hiring and promotion of former Fox 13 anchor Jamie Tompkins to be his chief of staff.  This settlement may pave the way for more reporting on the strange end to Diaz's run as the top cop.    Here's more: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/city-to-pay-seattle-times-nearly-160000-in-spd-records-settlement/#:~:text=The%20city%20of%20Seattle%20on,requests%20from%20the%20same%20person. Tompkins

Rhonda Shelby, who once worked at Seattle's KOMO, is departing Sinclair's KATU in Portland this spring after 30 years there.  Emmy/Silver Circle winner and former KOMO Seattle. More at the link: https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2026/03/longtime-portland-tv-meteorologist-announces-retirement.html?utm_campaign=theoregonian_sf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

KOMO's Stella Sun posts that she was involved in a bad collision in Seattle. Thankful to be alive! I was at a red light waiting to turn left when a Honda coming from the opposite direction hit a SUV then slammed into my car. The video was shot moments after the crash. I was very close to getting crushed. Thank you @SeattlePD @SeattleFire for your help 🙏🏼 https://x.com/i/status/20285347596y60683456

KOMO owner Sinclair has ended weekend morning news at WJLA-TV in DC per a post from anchor Kellye Lynn, who worked for me years ago in that market at regional cable.  The ND there now is Jon Brady, ex-KCPQ news boss.  Makes me wonder about KOMO weekend a.m.   They do two hours sandwiched around GMA on Saturday and Sunday with lots of packaged segments.   KIRO has already abandoned its weekend a.m. shows.    Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18HAVTtSwp/

I'm going with Eric Thomas on KIRO. Better than the talent on the other three stations.  Strong delivery, authoritative, smooth, too.  I also love his versatility in handling sports.   He has grown on me.   The others are solid but not as strong.   Thoughts?