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| Ken Schwall (1946-2025) |
Ken Schwall, a beloved Knoxville television personality, former WBIR news director, and host of the popular segment "Schwall’s World," passed away Thursday, at the age of 79. Schwall spent 36 years at WBIR Channel 10, leaving a lasting impact on the East Tennessee community through his heartfelt and humorous storytelling.
Schwall began his career in radio, working as a DJ at WGAP in Maryville, Tennessee, where he hosted a "swap and shop" program. In 1979, he joined WBIR as an energy reporter covering the Tennessee Valley Authority, later becoming news director in 1981 for two years.
His most iconic contribution came in 1995 with the launch of "Schwall’s World" (later called "Positively Schwall"), a nightly feature that ended WBIR’s 6 p.m. newscast with lighthearted, human-interest stories. The segment, which ran for 20 years until his retirement in 2015, showcased quirky and heartwarming tales of East Tennesseans, earning him widespread admiration.
Known for his wit, warmth, and ability to put people at ease, Schwall’s stories ranged from covering two-legged dogs to nativity donkeys and unique local characters. His work embodied WBIR’s "Straight from the Heart" motto, fostering a sense of community. Colleagues like former anchor Russell Biven and journalist Jim Matheny praised his mentorship and genuine connection with viewers.
Schwall is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Corina, and their family, including nine grandchildren.