Industry News

KIRO, Seattle Celebrates 50 Years of Newsradio

Bonneville’s KIRO Newsradio in Seattle is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its news/talk format with a number of special broadcasts featuring prominent alumni. KIRO-AM was launched in 1927 and became news radio on July 15, 1974. The company says, “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, KIROim 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.” KIRO-FM is presenting a special edition of “Seattle’s Morning News” today with Bill Yeend – the first morning news anchor back in 1974 – returning for the event. 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.”

Industry News

Beasley Philly VP and Market Manager Joe Bell Celebrates 50 Years

Beasley Media Group Philadelphia vice president and market manager Joe Bell was honored with a surprise celebration of his 50th anniversary in broadcasting at the company’s offices in Bala Cynwyd on Friday (3/10). The ceremony included remarks from CEO Caroline Beasley and proclamations from the Philadelphia City Council and its mayor, the Honorable Jim Kenney, as well as the presentation of a custom gold record plaque and a “Joe Bell 50” Sixers jersey from the 76ers by vice president of sales Paul Blake. Bell says, “I got into the business because it looked like fun. It was fun in 1973 and it’s still fun in 2023!” Pictured above is Bell (at center) surrounded by the staff of Beasley’s Philadelphia radio stations.