In addition to the new lineup at “Northwest Newsradio” 1000 KNWN Seattle/97.7 KNWN-FM Oakville WA, Lotus Communications has announced a series of additional staff role changes at the station.
Jeff Pohjola rises to Director of News & Programming for KNWN/KNWN-FM. Pohjola has served as a reporter at the station since 2015 after previous roles including News Director for Cherry Creek Radio Kennewick WA, anchor/reporter for KIRO Seattle, morning anchor at KGA Spokane, and freelance reporter for both ABC News and CBS News. He takes the programming reins from morning anchor Brian Calvert, who remains in that role.
Director of Operations & Brand Jeff Connell said, “Jeff’s experience, editorial judgment and deep understanding of the Seattle market make him the right person to lead Northwest Newsradio’s news and programming. He will be instrumental as we continue to evolve our programming while maintaining our strong commitment to local journalism.”
With the addition of Bloomberg and Dave Ramsey into the 10am to 2pm timeslot, the station has also noted the other position changes at the station.
Eric Heintz moves from anchoring the 5-6am hour to the role of Morning Editor and sportscaster for the station. Heintz has been with KNWN since 2011 holding multiple editorial, reporter and sportscaster positions during his tenure.
570 KVI Program Director Kevin Dodrill will add APD duties for KNWN to support Pohjola and the station’s programming operations.
Austin Smith rises to Production Director for the Lotus Seattle cluster, while continuing as a KNWN contributor.
Discussing the lineup changes that saw the end of local midday news blocks, Connell said, “As the region’s only full-time news station, Northwest Newsradio remains committed to trusted local coverage when listeners rely on us most—morning and afternoon drive. These weekday additions provide greater depth in finance and in how the political world affects daily life, while recognizing the financial realities facing our business and allowing us to fortify local reporting where it has the greatest impact.”
