
KIRO Newsradio Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Format with Special Alumni Broadcast
Jul 15, 2024
SEATTLE, WA – Seattle’s KIRO Newsradio is thrilled to mark the 50th anniversary of its “Newsradio” format with a special broadcast featuring several prominent alumni. This landmark celebration highlights the station’s rich history and enduring impact on the western Washington community.
KIRO-AM, founded in 1927, transformed the Seattle airwaves on July 15, 1974, by adopting the groundbreaking news radio format and becoming “KIRO Newsradio.” As one of the first commercial stations in the U.S. to focus solely on news and talk programming, KIRO quickly became a resounding success. By 1985, KIRO Newsradio was the top-rated station in the Seattle market and one of the ten
most highly-rated stations nationwide. In 2008, the station transitioned from 710 AM to 97.3 FM, continuing its legacy of innovation.
To celebrate this milestone, KIRO Newsradio will host a special edition of “Seattle’s Morning News” on Monday, July 15, 2024. Bill Yeend, the first morning news anchor from 1974, will return to the station for the event. Joining him will be other prominent alumni who have made significant contributions to KIRO and the Seattle broadcasting scene.
Dave Ross, a fixture at KIRO since 1978, and Ursula Reutin, who has been with the station since 1988, will host the special broadcast. Ross and Reutin will share the mic with their returning colleagues, offering listeners a nostalgic journey through KIRO’s storied past. The alumni news anchors will each be invited to deliver an up-to-date newscast featuring KIRO Newsradio’s current generation of reporters.
Special editions of “Seattle’s Morning News” and “The Gee and Ursula Show” will air from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM on KIRO 97.3 FM, bringing together voices that have shaped Seattle’s news landscape for half a century.
Our media colleagues are invited to join us and help cover this special event.
WHO: KIRO Newsradio, Bill Yeend, Dave Ross, Ursula Reutin, several prominent Seattle radio news anchors and reporters.
WHAT: 50th Anniversary of “Newsradio” format.
WHERE: Bonneville Seattle: 1820 Eastlake Ave E. Seattle, WA, 98102
WHEN: July 15, 2024 6am-10am
VISUALS: Prominent alumni talking about KIRO Newsradio’s history, alumni anchoring newscasts, archive video is available.
About KIRO Newsradio:
KIRO Newsradio has been a trusted source of news and information for Seattle residents since 1927. With a commitment to delivering timely, accurate, and engaging content, KIRO Newsradio continues to lead the way in broadcast journalism, both on-air and online with MyNorthwest.com.
About Bonneville International Corporation:
Bonneville International is an integrated media and marketing solutions company dedicated to building up, connecting, informing, and celebrating families and communities. Founded in 1964, Bonneville currently operates radio and TV stations, local websites, chart topping podcasts and other digital distribution assets in six western U.S. markets. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Bonneville is a subsidiary of Deseret Management Corporation. For more information about Bonneville International, please visit www.bonneville.com.
Media Contacts: Jessica Kelley – Marketing & Promotions Manager, Jkelley@bonneville.com | Charlie Harger – News Director, Charger@bonneville.com | Bryan Buckalew- Director of News and Talk Programming, Bbuckalew@bonneville.com