With the upcoming retirement of Dave Ross and Colleen O’Brien as anchors of “Seattle’s Morning News” at Bonneville Media News/Talk 97.3 KIRO-FM Tacoma/Seattle, the station has announced Charlie Harger as their successor.
Harger has been with KIRO-FM since 2021 as News Director. He previously spent nineteen years at News 1000 KOMO/97.7 KOMO-FM as an anchor and reporter and a broadcasting instructor at Green River College’s 89.9 KGRG Auburn WA, where he had served as News Director while a student.
Harger commented, “Honestly, no one can fill Dave Ross’s shoes. He’s a legend, and I’m just honored to be stepping into this role after him. It’s a big responsibility, and I’m excited to keep the tradition going. I want to help everyone start their day a little better informed and more connected to what’s happening around us. Whether it’s breaking news or a story that makes you smile, my goal is to make sure our listeners feel ready to take on the day.”
KIRO says his investigative reporting has gained international attention, exposing critical safety concerns with Boeing’s 737, 777, and 787 aircraft manufacturing. He conducted one of the only interviews ever granted by Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, leading to reopened investigations across the state into potential additional victims. His radio documentary on 9/11 eyewitness Tami Michaels contributed to her important testimony against attack plotters at Guantanamo Bay. He also broke the story of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray’s resignation amid serious allegations.
He has been recognized with numerous awards, including being named Major Market “Radio Reporter of the Year” for the Western United States by the Associated Press Television Radio Association (APTRA) in 2015. He has received multiple APTRA and RTDNA Murrow Awards for investigative reporting, enterprise coverage, and documentaries, among others, and was nominated for an Emmy.
