Harger Named Morning Host, KIRO/Seattle

• Bonneville’s KIRO Newsradio/Seattle keeps it in the family with the announcement that News Director Charlie Harger will be the new host of Seattle’s Morning News. He will succeed the legendary Dave Ross, who is retiring after a remarkable 47-year career at the station. “Honestly, no one can fill Dave Ross’s shoes,” said Harger. “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.”

Harger started listening to KIRO as a kindergartner at Seattle’s Wedgwood Elementary in 1981. Fast-forward to 2021, when he fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining KIRO Newsradio as News Director. Harger began his journalism career in 1996 as the News Director for Green River College’s 89.9 KGRG/Auburn, WA. After a brief stint in the tech industry, Harger returned to news radio in 2002, joining KOMO Newsradio/Seattle, where he worked as an editor, anchor, and street reporter for 19 years.

Over the course of his career Harger has been recognized with numerous awards, including “Major Market Radio Reporter of the Year” for the Western United States in 2015 by the Associated Press Television Radio Association (APTRA), along with multiple APTRA and RTDNA Murrow Awards and an Emmy nomination.

“I want to help everyone start their day a little better informed and more connected to what’s happening around us,” Harger said. “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.”