MediaMaven

The style advisor for Internet sports writer Corbin Smith has badly and irrevocably lost his/her way.  The worst, distracting, hilarious, poor-fitting scorchingly RED blazer paired with the totally unmatched tie he wore on the Seahawks pre-game show is beyond redemption.   Fox 13 Sports Director Aaron Levine, always dressed professionally, has to shade his eyes for this co-hosts outfit, not to mention the mutton chops.  Stick with the web, Corbin, although I hear he has discontinued that work path.    People will write me and say he has the right to wear what he wants.  It is NOT a right.  It is a matter of  common sense, viewer taste and on-air credibility.    He's not Steve Harvey. 

Hearing strong rumors that KING5's The Ultimate Seattle Sports Show with Paul Silvi and Chris Egan, originally launched in late April for a 6-month trial run, has apparently passed all of its on-air and streaming goals.  The show reportedly now has a FULL green light going forward as the fall sports season swings into high gear with Mariners, Hawks, Huskies, Cougs, Kraken, et al.    The show is seen now at 3 pm on KING with an 8 pm replay.    

KING5 is muscling up in the reporting department.  We were the first to tell you about the addition of Heidi Kirk from N.C. and now we can confirm that Rachel Louise Just has joined the team.   He last worked for KNXV in Phoenix, but moved to Medellin, Colombia, South America, last December for a Spanish language immersion program.    Now she's back!    She previously worked in Michigan and, prior to that, was an MMJ at the ABC/FOX Montana.   Rachel is a grad of Purdue, so perhaps we'll see some stories that are real boilermakers!

  Mariners get a big come-from-behind win on Saturday on Fox 13, but its Extra Innings post-game show opened with a news reporter and digital sports producer opening the program (perhaps they were rushed to the set to stall - and he needs a longer shirt) and when the show went a second time to the stadium for more comment, anchor Lauren Helmbrecht and Sports Director Aaron Levine were not quite ready for prime time. Well, so much for 13's run to compete with KING sports.  Yikes. .

See what I did there? KING 5 has a new reporter!   She's Heidi Kirk, who comes here from the highly respected WRAL-TV in Raleigh, N.C., where she worked for a little less than three years. Prior to that she worked at a small market Maryland station.   He linkedin profile says she also interned for CNN's Jake Tapper.

Matt Calkins, who resigned from the Seattle Times today because a column on transgender athletes was spiked by his bosses.  He is getting good support from Seattle media obserurnesdvers.  More from Matt: https://mattycee.substack.com/p/agreeing-with-sophie-cunninghams https://x.com/i/trending/2090496802487201837 From Aaron Levine of Fox 13: Matt has never shied away from tackling some of the hottest-button issues and I give him tons of credit for that. Wishing you nothing but the best going forward, Matt, and truly appreciate and admire the full explanation in your Substack. From Ian Furness of KJR: "When a columnist is muted by a newspaper, the paper of record for the region, we have reached a dangerous place. The fact that it has happened multiple times to Matt is even worse."⁸

Some of you may have heard or read that Scripps has completely removed anchors from the 7 and 11 newscasts at its station WMAR in Baltimore, still a top 30 market.  It runs only sequenced local taped reports along with hubbed national stories from its 24/7 streaming service.     For me, it touches a nerve.  That's me in the middle. I worked there from 74-87 and, even though WMAR was a pioneer and legacy station and the first station in Maryland (1947), it ended up with four different owners from 86-91, suffered thru an ill-fated talent strike in 83 and just two years earlier in 81, lost its CBS affiliation because of low ratings and too many pre-emptions for Orioles telecasts and specials.  The decline put a bullseye on the station for a long time and Scripps has made zero progress managing it since 91, culminating in this decision to try something totally different there and in about a dozen smaller markets.  They just laid off about 20 WMAR staffers ...

  Kelly Franson was a meteorologist for KIRO from 2014-2017.  Now she's in a totally different field!  This is from her social media post: 🌦️Broadcast Meteorology ✍🏼Public Relations 🩻 Radiologic Technology  This change may be a surprise, but it's been in the works for a while!  I didn't know medical imaging was a career choice until I was already immersed in meteorology. I remember thinking that if I had to do it all over again, I'd probably choose x-ray or ultrasound, but didn't think much about it at the time.  Fast-forward to when I began to think about getting out of TV. I checked into Rad Tech programs in several places, at several different times, but could never make it work until now. Thanks to family, friends, and supportive coworkers, I finished up prerequisites last semester and officially started a two year radiologic technology program today!

Fox 13's plan to move its Washington Sports Wrap show to 11 a.m. weekdays as an added play started with it being nothing more than a throwaway placeholder in its Monday debut (which it is anyway).   It was listed on screen as an encore presentation and was it ever!   It was a show produced late last week before the Seahawks pre-season game Saturday and that game was promoted in a first block graphic as you see above!  Fox 13 couldn't have fixed a graphic to add Saturday's score and have anchor Lauren Helmbrecht just fix the voice over?   Guess that was too much trouble.   Nothing on the Mariners winning the Houston series either.   Couldn't add one home run highlight and fix the audio.  The bosses obviously didn't care about a debut show being fresh  and current.  Waste of time.   Lazy and sloppy.   PS.  The show airs at 6:30 pm weeknights.  I realize there was no Sunday WSW show to time ...

Reporter Mo Haider, who left KOMO in 2024 to go to KTRK, the ABC O&O in Houston, is returning afte two years there to join the KGW Portland Sunrise Team, per his soical media post.   Why anyone would rejoin Tegna right now is puzzling to me, but there it is.  Mo spent three years at KOMO.

The Radio Television DIgital News Association announces its winners: KIRO-FM takes the Breaking News Award for "Seattle ICE Protests Turn Violent" in the Large Market Radio Category.   Former KIRO7 reporter Gwen Baumgardner and ex-KCPQ reporter James Lynch were part of the live field coverage and Tom Hutyler anchoring. In small market radio, congrats to KLCC Eugene, OR, for Best Newscast. Cory Howard of KHQ, Spokane, takes Excellence In Writing. Not TV winners this year in our region. https://www.rtdna.org/2026-regional-edward-r-murrow-award-winners

This is going back in time a bit, but Jake Milstein left KIRO-TV in 2018 at News Director and started a totally new chapter working in Cyber Security, working for two difference companies.  Now, he says he is leaving Contrast Security, where he rose to VP level positions, and now teases new adventures ahead on linkedin.com    Good luck, Jake, and be glad you aren't at KIRO anymore! And just in, his new job. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jakemilstein_im-excited-to-share-that-ive-joined-zscaler-share-7495983626640211968-1seV/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAFWTKaUBTwc4NGLVz4TARZHYT8qQaNhaM2E

Our friends at ftvlive.com report that KOMO talent is trying to decertify SGA-AFTRA.  Also have a story from Publicola. https://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2026/8/13/komo-talent-vote-on-union-representation     Here's the vote tally from NLRB. Case Number: 19-RD-390809 Date Filed: 07/16/2026 Status: Open Location: Seattle, WA Region Assigned: Region 19, Seattle, Washington Tally Issued Date:08/12/2026 Status:Open No. of Eligible Voters:22 Void Ballots:0 Total Ballots Counted:16 Challenged Ballots:0 Votes for Labor Union:7 Tally Type:Initial Ballot Type:Single Labor Organization Unit ID:A Votes Against:9 Challenges Determinative:No Labor Union:Screen Actors Guild- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Union to Certify:Screen Actors Guild- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Here's more from Publicola: On August 12, the reporters, anchors, and other on-air staff at KOMO TV, a station owned by the conservative media company...

From: Mireya Garcia:   Today was Studio 13 Live’s Final Episode!  But don’t worry, I am not going anywhere. All the things you love about the show are moving to the 9 and 10am hour of Good Day Seattle. So, we will see each other there! Huge thank you to my friend, Radio King, and fill-in host Bender with Mornings with Jodi & Bender for suiting up and joining me live on set on this special day. ❤️  I’m so excited to keep working with this incredible crew on the best morning show in Seattle!

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bradley-warren_the-last-12-days-have-been-a-lot-i-was-ugcPost-7493408847349301248-xn1c/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAFWTKaUBTwc4NGLVz4TARZHYT8qQaNhaM2E  

I appreciate this tip from one of my loyal readers, letting me know Fox 13 Seattle posted a web story and pictures of their new facility scheduled to open in November.  Apparently David Rose got an early tour, which is nice since he failed to show up as lead anchor at the 'Bite of Seattle' shooting.  The layout is similar to KING's 'under one roof' design of 2016.  The story says it will mean better access to 'regional' news stories.   Uh huh.  Sure.  Regional?  Better than being on Westlake??  But the big question is will Met Abby Acone stop doing offensive Instagram posts about sexuality in the new studio?    As they say in TV, 'only time will tell.'   BTW, this will leave KIRO with the absolute WORST newsroom in Seattle TV and I douby Apollo/Cox cares.   Unless they have rehabbed it, it is a rabbit warren. https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/fox-13-seattle-downtown-seattle-move

Hearing from a good source that KUOW-FM broke the recall story on Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson simply by calling the election office every day to see if anyone filed.   Good leg work.   The petitioners are apparently an elderly couple from North Seattle.   

Hired Brock Huard in the 2005 Super Bowl season to co-host a brand new call-in post game talk show after the Seahawks game ended on the networks.  Called The Fone Zone.  Big success with him and Chris Egan and he soon parlayed it into bigger and better things nationally after several years.  From Brock on social:  'Thank you NWCN & ⁦@ChrisEgan5⁩ for the opportunity."  

I may be a little late on this one, but KING's Evening EP, Meghan Stewart has departed her position with no word on what's next.  Apparently, her husband, Chris Smith, who worked in Marketing there, is also gone.  No update. 

Looks like Studio 13 on Fox 13 goes away at the end of this week, according to a source.  Last show live Thursday.   I note on the cable grid that on Monday, a Washington Sports Wrap rerun will start air at 11 a.m. next week in a strange morning and very dated position, but perhaps trying to fill a void whereThe Ultimate Sports Show used to air on KONG at 10 and got some traction, and moved to 3 on KING.     I assume host Mireya Garcia will continuue news anchoring in the mornings and her Spanish newscast.

KING5 sports newcomer Dusty Baker appaently has his own digital segment on "The Ultimate Sports Show, highlighting online fan reaction.  He's on the lower right in the quad box below with hosts Paul Silvi and Chris Egan up top and guest Bill Krueger lower left.  He is also doing a segment called 'King of the Bet.'  I have neglected to mention that Terry Hollimon, a local media personality, UW football alum and public speaker, has joined the show as a semi-regular.  

KUOW still first and up a bit for July.   KIRO down almost a point mirroring the Mariners problems.   KIRO-FM down slightly, KNKX and KNWN did better. https://ratings.radio-online.com/content/arb039

I hadn't seen this before and maybe it's been going on for awhile, but 97.3 KIRO-FM mid morning show co-host Ursula Reutin doing relationship advice.  Found it on IG.   It's branded with the station, but what if her advice for someone goes wrong and consequences result?  Is the station responsible?   Just askin'.   Hearing the station legal team is clearing it. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbtXlAQj3o1/?igsh=N3I5ZG4zcGxkazl4

  This weekend's big 50th anniversary weekend for the Mariners also produced a new member of the team's Hall of Fame as longtime play-by-play man Rick Rizzs gets the nod for 40+ years behind the home plate mic.  He's already announced this is his last season and wanted to top it off with a World Series, but that is in doubt at this point of the season.   Meanwhile, KIRO 97.3 reporter and commentator Luke Duecy writes that he has to undergo some significant and unexpected surgery near his brain.   He posted his story here: https://mynorthwest.com/kiro-opinion/mri-tumor/4263480 And one more, reporter Shirah Matsuzawa got a shot at the FOX 13+ anchor desk Sunday morning.

 Miracles CAN happen.

In my never ending effort to fully cover the Seattle media waterfront, I can report that Abby Acone of Fox 13 has officially tied the knot this weekend.     Photography: Amazaday

Roslyn Jiminez has announced her departure from KOMO after a 2.6 year run.  Per social media she also says she's leaving the TV news biz for good after more than eight years.  The UW grad adds she will soon share what's next.

Can confirm that with the departure to KIRO by KOMO traffic reporter Tyrah Majors, the station has decided, at least for now, to forego daily anchored traffic reports in the morning, presumably leaving traffic issues to news anchors and computer generated images as needed.   Plus, they can always call up WSDOT and SDOT cams.    How much you wanna bet Live Desker Steve McCarron is picked?  How this will change when school resumes and the weather worsens remains to be seen, but it appears smartphone maps, alerts and whatever is available is jumping over on-camera traffic.  They do have a KOMO Traffic Hub online.    Meanwhile, Fox has the dean of Seattle TV traffic Adam Gehrke, KING has Shante Sumpter, and KIRO has relative newcomer Paola Tristan Arruda.     One thing a sharp reader mentioned was that traffic apps don't add context, but a dedicated anchor can.  Good point, but could AI be chosen to fill that gap???  Could thi...

  Looks like KING reporter Jim Nelson forgot to get his TV reporting shirts cleaned.  Serious story, sloppy attire.   Thanks to a loyal reader for passing this along.  This keeps happening!  Ring around the collar. 

KOMO News morning Holly Menino still made to look subordinate to Patrick Hussion.  She might be asking "How's the smoke up there, Pat?"   Ridiculous to insist on this two-shot.  Does anybody in management watch this show? Meanwhile, saw NO traffic reporting at 6 Thursday morning on KOMO.   Tyrah Majors had that gig before leaving for KIRO.   Has the station cut back on traffic?? Not to mention that Menino has apparently added co-anchoring duties with Steve McCarron on ARC Seattle, following Majors departure.   Have seen no announcement.   Still not balanced. 

Taylor Schuss has announced that he is leaving KING 5 after four years. No new destination posted.   He previously worked for Tegna at KUSA in Denver. 

We know Elise Woodward has been named the new play-by-play voice of UW football, replacing Tony  Castricone, whose job also included being Director of Broadcasting for the university as well as handling basketball duty.   That job will NOT go to Woodward, and it was posted today on linkedin.com.    Are you listening, Kevin Calabro?   Here's the post: " Learfield is seeking a talented and engaging Director of Broadcasting to serve as the primary radio voice for University of Washington men’s basketball and support Huskies athletics across multiple sports and media platforms. This highly visible role is responsible for delivering men’s basketball play-by-play coverage, producing compelling audio and digital content, and enhancing the overall fan experience through storytelling and multimedia engagement. The Director of Broadcasting serves as a key representative of both LEARFIELD and the University of Washington, working closely with athletics personnel,...

  Just want to direct your attention to our friends at ftvlive.com for two posts about the Spokane wildfires.  One from an anchor/reporter who wants prayers and another blasting the coverage by KXLY.   Fwiw https://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2026/8/3/let-us-pray https://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2026/8/3/where-is-your-coverage

  Jessie Kane Lyle, who recently left the News Director job at KREM in Spokane, says she is staying with Tegna as a sales account manager.   She's had a great 6.5 year run there, and, prior to that at KING, but said on social media today: "I'm appreciative of the opportunity to grow within Tegna.  I'm looking forward to learning a different side of the business as an Account Manager.  Here's more proof that life is about consistently learning and developing." Jessie met her husband at KING back in the day.

I watched the show and felt it was an underwhelming production-wise.  Mediocre camera work, music blaring, a mic drop-out and no directing for pace.   Just slow to me by comparison.  I realize a production company is doing the work.  But I thought it was far better when KING aired it. Any thoughts?  Their first Seafair year of three. 

KIRO reporter Jake Chapman broke into national CBS PGA golf coverage at 2:10 to carry a Governor's press conference about the terrible and tragic Spokane wildfire crisis.   Bold move from a new ND, but this could have been recorded and played back at 3 pm instead of interuppting a sports event heading for a conclusion.  However, KIRO airs a paid program at 3, so pre-empting that would cost money.  I wonder if that was considered.    On the other hand, pre-empting golf in Seattle for a Spokane story will likely cause the station phones to light up.   That always happens fwiw.    BTW, KOMO aired paid programming at 2:30, Fox 13 in Seafair Live, KING in WNBA.   KIRO broke away from the newser after a half-hour and brought weatherman Van Winkle in for a fire forecast.  By the time golf returned, it was already decided at 2:45.     I am a big believer in doing coverage like this on TV when the story demands ...

This post from KXLY ND Melissa Luck on X. "The more pictures I see and more people I hear from, the more shocking it is. Hearing from friends now who have lost homes/have friends who have lost homes. From everything I've seen, this is likely the worst disaster in our city's history." KREM met Michelle Bos posted this pic of all of the smoke rising:

s Fox 13 used high personality Weather Wizards to co-anchor Seafair afternoon coverage, Brian MacMillan and Claire Anderson. So much better than the Wixey/Mayofsky team on Torchlight and Rose/Radford on the July 4 Fireworks show.  They're learning!!  Bonus:  They added former KGW anchor Steph Striklin, who is an aviation reporter and aspiring pilot, per social media.