Seattle Radio: KNWN Hires 3 Experienced TV Reporters

Northwest Newsradio 1000 KNWN Seattle and 97.7 KNWN-FM Oakville, Washington, has announced the addition of three prominent Seattle-area television anchors to its daily lineup.

The move by Lotus Communications, the station’s owner, aims to strengthen its all-news format by integrating familiar TV personalities into its radio roster. The station, known as "Seattle’s only all-news station," provides 24/7 coverage of local, national, and world news, and this enhancement reflects its commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest media market.

The three anchors joining the lineup are:

• Aaron Wright: Previously an anchor at KIRO-TV, Wright has been paired with Marina Rockinger to co-anchor the afternoon drive slot from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. His experience in television news brings a seasoned voice to the station’s midday programming.
• Denise Whitaker: A long-time KOMO-TV anchor since 2004, Whitaker will transition to Northwest Newsradio in June 2025, following her departure from KOMO-TV. She’ll co-anchor the morning show alongside Brian Calvert, leveraging her extensive reporting background and deep ties to the Seattle community.
• Chris Nguyen: Also from KOMO-TV, where he joined as a weekday evening anchor in 2024, Nguyen steps in as an interim morning co-anchor with Calvert, replacing Manda Factor, who recently moved to Bonneville’s 97.3 KIRO-FM. Nguyen, notable as America’s first Vietnamese anchorman, brings a fresh perspective until Whitaker’s arrival.

General Manager Andre’ Riley expressed enthusiasm about the hires, stating that the trio’s “extensive experience and deep roots in the Seattle television news landscape” would elevate the station’s commitment to delivering high-quality news. 

Northwest Newsradio, which simulcasts on 1000 AM and 97.7 FM, operates from studios in KOMO Plaza in Seattle’s Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, maintaining a partnership with KOMO-TV despite its 2021 ownership shift from Sinclair to Lotus.