Monday, July 15th is a day of celebration for Seattle news/talk station KIRO Newsradio 97.3 as it marks 50 years serving the Pacific Northwest.
The station hit the airwaves in 1927 on the AM band at 650 AM before moving to 710 AM in 1937. It ultimately moved to 97.3 FM in 2008. On July 15th, 1974, the station moved to its news radio format that it has held for 50 years.
“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,” the company said in a statement celebrating its anniversary. “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.”
As part of its celebration, current and former station personnel like Bill Yeend, Dave Ross, and Ursula Reutin will host a special broadcast of Seattle’s Morning News.
“The alumni news anchors will each be invited to deliver an up-to-date newscast featuring KIRO Newsradio’s current generation of reporters,” the Bonneville Seattle station shared.
On social media, the station has shared throwbacks to its 20th anniversary, while also showcasing past TV commercials for the outlet.
