KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM morning hosts Dave Ross and Colleen O’Brien have each decided its time to step away from the Seattle news/talk brand.
Ross has been with the station for 47 years. He began his career in 1978 as a news anchor before beginning his talk career in 1987. He moved to mornings in 2013. Meanwhile, O’Brien joined him in the daypart in 2014 after previously working afternoons at KOMO Radio from 2004 to 2008. Together, the pair have hosted Seattle’s Morning News from 5-9 AM for the past decade.
The pair’s final day together will be on Friday, December 19th. A content series focusing on Ross’ long tenure with the station will precede his departure.
“Dave’s curiosity and talent for making complex topics accessible is truly unique,” said KIRO Director of News and Talk Programming Bryan Buckalew. “While his daily presence will be greatly missed, we honor his extraordinary career and the lasting legacy he has created at KIRO Newsradio.”
“Dave has not only been a trusted voice in Seattle but a powerful example of journalistic excellence,” added Bonneville President/CEO Tanya Vea. “For nearly five decades, his dedication to truth and commitment to the Seattle community have left a lasting impact on KIRO Newsradio and beyond. We are deeply grateful for his service and the legacy he leaves behind.”
In addition to his time at KIRO, Dave Ross also anchored commentaries for CBS News Radio and hosted a daily technology feature for the Associated Press.
Ross said of his departure, “After 47 years the time has come for me to retire. Which is exactly what I’m going to be doing next month. I’ve found that keeping a wood stove burning and the generator running is a full time job, and I can’t be here and do that at the same time.”
The Seattle morning host remarked that he’s been thinking about for the past two years. He added, “This has been a great place to work, especially with my Seattle’s Morning News family. David Burbank, formerly James Rynasiewicz who I’ve kept in touch with, Chris Sullivan, Colleen O’Brien, Andrew, Nick, actually, the various Andrews. I think almost every producer is either an Andrew or a Nick.”
Bonneville Seattle Senior Vice President and Market Manager Cathy Cangiano said, “Dave Ross is more than just a broadcaster; he’s the heart and soul of KIRO Newsradio. His ability to present a balanced perspective and his distinctive voice have made him an irreplaceable part of our team. Dave prefers not to make a big fuss, but we can’t let this moment pass without honoring his incredible service to our station and our community.”
In an article on KIRO’s website, O’Brien said her decision is separate from Ross’ retirement. “I’ve spent years of careful consideration and self-reflection,” shared O’Brien. “People have asked me, ‘What are you going to do?’ I don’t have an easy, quick answer — just a deep knowing that I’m ready to see what else life has to offer. What else can I do? What am I capable of?”
O’Brien added, ‘“I think I’ve stayed longer than I really should have out of loyalty to this team and to the listeners. They let me live out a dream, accepted me and listened every morning. It’s been a dream, but I know that I want to see what else life has to offer. I want to go get my hands dirty, do something else.”
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