I often think long goodbyes from TV people are overdone. Layers of pollyanna hyperbole. They talk about the privilege and trust and gratitude of being welcomed into viewers' homes. On weekend newscasts? The right words? Vague next career steps and new chapters?? After being in Seattle for a proverbial cup a coffee? Unfortunately, social media makes these goodbyes possible. They seemed linked to the generation, but the comments aimed at strangers have become far more than we need to know. Is it done to get clicks present and future? To maintain your friends and followers? How bout mentioning the crisis facing the business, the pressures of working under the dark cloud of a Nexstar takeover or being asked to do too much work for the money?
Her unsolved murder series dates back to the 70s in TV when I did the same stuff in Baltimore. They've once again become the flavor of the month all over the country. True crime sells right now. I appreciate her being proud of it, but it's the job to do follow ups on big stories. They are always there and not usually groundbreaking.
Her take may be heartfelt, she has every right to do it, but is it necessary?
Thoughts?
That said:
From Madison Wade of KING 5
"I have some personal news to share 💛At the end of this month, I’ll be saying goodbye to KING 5.This is a post I’ve been putting off writing because it’s hard to find the right words for a place that meant so much to me long before I ever worked here.Growing up in Seattle, I watched KING 5 all the time and admired the journalists and the stories. As a teenager, working here became my dream job. I watched from the outside hoping that one day I’d get the chance to be part of this team. I worked my way up through sister stations in Knoxville and Sacramento to hopefully get the call I would head home someday. Four years ago, that dream became reality.
And now, after a lot of reflection, I’ve made the decision to leave KING and take the next step in my career. It’s a choice I’ve made with a lot of gratitude for everything this station has given me, and even more excitement for what’s ahead.
I’ve had the privilege of telling stories across the Pacific Northwest, working alongside some of the most talented journalists, photographers, producers, editors, and leaders in the business. The people in these photos are the reason this place is so special. They challenged me, supported me, made me laugh through long days, celebrated the wins, and helped me grow in ways I’ll always be grateful for. Chris Egan even officiated my wedding. Leah was one of my bridesmaids. Life-long family and friends.
More than anything, I’ll miss the people. The friends, mentors, teammates, and newsroom family who made coming to work every day such a privilege.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is creating Unsolved Northwest. I poured my heart into those stories, and watching that franchise connect with viewers, and ultimately become Emmy Award-winning, was something I never could have imagined when I first walked through these doors.
For me, the yellow jacket is a symbol of a dream realized, a community I love, and a chapter of my life I’ll never forget.
For now, I’m just feeling incredibly grateful.
Thank you to everyone at KING 5, to the viewers who trusted me with their stories, and to this community that has always been home.
💛
- Madison
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