MediaMaven

AwfulAnnoncing.com is confirming early social reports that The Minnesota Timberwolves are hiring ex Sonics/Blazers pxp man Kevin Calabro to be their new TV voice for the upcoming season.  Up and coming star Michael Grady was snatched up by NBC for a schedule of NBA telecasts, which created an opening.   Some may say this is a whistlestop for Calabro as he waits for a possible Sonics Redux.

Have seen posts this week of FOX O&O news anchors learning to prepare and even punch their own newscasts for digital and streaming; preparing clips, interviews, graphics and intros at a tech suite with buttons galore  It's coming and coming fast and before you know it, David Rose and Hana Kim and the gang will be anchor, producer, graphics assistant, technical director, et al.   Here's a look, but it may already be going on in Seattle, for all I know. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1582389053623593

Seattle Kraken TV play-by-play voice, John Forslund, one of the best in the NHL, has signed a deal to stay in the booth.  From social media: The #SeaKraken and @JohnForslund have come to a multi-year agreement to keep the best game announcer in the business onboard as the voice of Seattle hockey ⬇️

  Alyssa Charlston-Smith, fresh from her first year as Seattle Storm TV analyst, showed up to talk about the failed season on KING's The Ultimate Sports Show.    At the same time she's advertised to be part of Fox 13's pre-game show Saturday night before the UW game telecast.  Is she still part-time at 13, so I must say I was surprised to see her on a competing station.  But this just in:  she's now a freelancer, per an unimpeachable source   May turn up anywhere.   How about sportsless KIRO. 

Early reports from our friends at FTVlive.com say WRAL-TV Raleigh, NC, reporter Eric Miller is heading to KING.  No confirmation yet on my end, but getting it out there.   FTV issues a warning of sorts: https://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2026/9/23/leaving-the-nest-for-the-unknown

I'm told multiple engineers are out at Fox 13, leaving just two behind, combined with the production department to get the new studio ready for November in Denny Triangle.  Don't get the wires crossed over there, OK? Meanwhile, looks like Abby Acone's vacated weather position there will not be filled.  She left to join sales at KING. So, more work for Brian, Claire and Ilona.    I get no info at all that things are going well on Westlake right now. 

  First of all, Graham Bensinger's show is not exactly top tier viewing.  Nobody in Seattle probably watches  it.   But, he published a clip that was thought to be off the record just prior to starting the official interview.  Bad news for MM.   Secondly, Dave Pearson, the Seahawks longtime PR man, has been with the team for decades and should have been on scene for this interview, understanding what was off the record and on.  Failure to make it clear to the coach. Now, we hear Bensinger sent the full clips over to the Seahawks in advance and they raised no concerns. Two strikes, Pearson.   Failure.     One more and you're out under a new owner. It's the first full-on fiasco for MacDonald, so perhaps it's just an anomaly.  One the other hand it is a distraction that won't go away in the media and upcoming game telecasts.      I suggest the Seahawks should stop patting themselves on the back. ...