Gregg Bell’s run as a McClatchy NFL beat writer is over. The 93.3 KJR midday host said his final day at The Tacoma News Tribune came amid sweeping company layoffs.
What We Know: Bell spent 21 years as an NFL beat writer for McClatchy Media, according to his post on X. Meanwhile, McClatchy cut more than 90 staffers across 17 publications. Moreover, those cuts hit already thin newsrooms in Tacoma, Olympia, Bellingham and the Tri-Cities. Additionally, Bell co-hosts middays on 93.3 KJR alongside Christopher Kidd.
What They Said: Gregg Bell on being laid off by The Tacoma News Tribune (via X): “This was my final day at the Tacoma News Tribune. 21 years as an NFL beat writer for McClatchy Media. Laid off. Company slashed 40% of us. Honored to end the national TNT Seahawks legacy set by the late John Clayton, Mike Sando, Dave Boling, John McGrath, Eric Williams, and Todd Milles. Thank you!”
Gregg Bell (via 93.3 KJR ‘Chuck In The Morning’ show): “That was a hell of a sports section, and it went everywhere. Olympics, Final Fours, Super Bowls, and it’s just poof gone. They’ve just eliminated the whole damn thing. It’s the way print journalism is now.”
Gregg Bell (via 93.3 KJR ‘Chuck In The Morning’ show):“They [McClatchy] ruined an institution.”
What Remains Unclear: It remains unclear all names associated with the cuts by McClatchy Media. Also, how each of the publications plan to replace their cuts with coverage is also unknown. Bell will continue working his midday program with KJR. In addition, he plans to continue providing the same level of Seahawks coverage elsewhere.
What It Means: Ultimately, Bell’s exit closes a storied chapter in Seattle sports coverage. The Tribune beat once belonged to the late John Clayton, Mike Sando and Dave Boling, among others. Moreover, Bell put it bluntly: “They [McClatchy] ruined an institution.” Still, his KJR microphone gives him a daily platform as Seattle’s football season rolls on. Plus, he’s hints at a new avenue to continue providing the same standard of Seahawks coverage he always coming soon.
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