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Host, Seattle's Morning News

Charlie Harger

About

I’m a journalist with more than 30 years of experience covering the stories that shape life in western Washington. I host Seattle’s Morning News on KIRO Newsradio, where I help listeners start their day informed, prepared, and sometimes even entertained.

My reporting has earned multiple national and regional awards, including several Edward R. Murrow Awards. I’ve also been named APTRA’s Radio Reporter of the Year and recognized for investigative reporting on major stories like the Boeing 737 MAX crisis and interviews with serial killer Gary Ridgway.

I specialize in making complex issues understandable, focusing on how news affects real people. I’m a fourth-generation western Washington resident and have called Auburn home for over a decade.

Before hosting, I served as News Director at KIRO, worked at KOMO for nearly two decades, and taught journalism at Green River College. I take news seriously — but believe the best reporting connects on a human level.

Expertise

  • Broadcast Journalism and Storytelling
  • Investigative and Accountability Reporting
  • Community Impact and Public Service Journalism

Experience

  • Host, Seattle’s Morning News – KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • News Director – KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • Reporter and Anchor – KOMO Newsradio
  • Broadcast Instructor – Green River College
  • Communications and Digital Media – Microsoft and tech startups

Education

B.A., Communications – Thomas Edison State University
M.S., Strategic Communication – Arkansas State University

Achievements & Awards

  • Edward R. Murrow Award – Hard News (2020)
  • Edward R. Murrow Award – Continuing Coverage (2019)
  • APTRA Award – Best Investigative Reporting (2019, 2014)
  • Edward R. Murrow Award – Best Newswriting (2015)
  • APTRA Award – Radio Reporter of the Year (2015)
  • APTRA Award – Best Spot News Coverage (2015)
  • Edward R. Murrow Award – Best Documentary (2014)
  • APTRA Award – Enterprise Coverage (2014)
  • Emmy Nomination – Investigative Journalism (2014)

Social Media Profiles

Harger: WA bought the pool before the bonus check was cashed, now a financial crisis looms

Earlier this week, the Trump administration published its list of “sanctuary” states and cities, and both Seattle and Washington landed right at the top.
3 months ago

We deserve better: WA rest stops are a national embarrassment

Charlie Harger recapped his time spent traveling to New York, attending lavish rest stops along the way. Why can't Washington follow suit?
3 months ago

America could learn a lot from the youth baseball bleachers

Discover valuable insights from youth baseball bleachers that can inspire positive change in American society.
3 months ago

King County Assessor booked into jail amid stalking allegations tied to ex-fiancée

King County Assessor John Arthur Wilson was booked into the King County Jail overnight on suspicion of stalking and violating a court order.
4 months ago

You’ll never see this again: 12U Maple Valley player hits two baseballs in same swing

Witness an extraordinary play in baseball history that you may never see again. A rare moment by a 12U player that astounds fans.
5 months ago

King County shootings drop, but kids with ‘Glock switch’ machine guns are the new warning sign

King County sees fewer shootings, but youth with Glock switches raise alarming concerns for community safety.
6 months ago

‘I-5 Commuters’: The viral duo documenting commuting ‘madness’ in Seattle

Like most of us slogging through the daily crawl on Interstate 5 (I-5), their primary goals were simple: Survive the traffic and arrive at work somewhat sane.
6 months ago

In King County’s opioid crisis, is kindness killing people?

Explore how harm reduction strategies in King County impact the opioid crisis and the concept of Battlefield Addiction.
6 months ago

Democrat Ortiz-Self defends controversial parental rights bill

Democratic State Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self addressed controversy surrounding House Bill 1296 regarding a parental bill of rights.
8 months ago

‘We lived our lives on the air:’ Spike O’Neill remembers Seattle radio icon Bob Rivers

Bob Rivers, whose humor and voice defined Seattle mornings for more than two decades, has died after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 68.
8 months ago

Gary Ridgway mystery solved: Here’s why the Green River Killer was briefly moved to King County Jail

Here is the reason for Gary Ridgway's move to King County Jail and its effects on the Green River case investigation.
8 months ago

House Republican Leader highlights improved relations after Inslee’s exit

The atmosphere in Olympia feels different to Washington House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary of Auburn, who credits Democratic Washington Governor Bob Ferguson for creating what he describes as a more constructive working environment.
8 months ago

Downtown Seattle seeing signs of recovery, but challenges remain 

After years of struggling with rising crime, office vacancies, and economic uncertainty, downtown Seattle is showing signs of improvement.
8 months ago

‘A place where new stories begin:’ Faith-based groups offer help, recovery paths to homeless

Faith-based organizations in Seattle and the Puget Sound region conduct outreach, offering blankets and also a path to recovery to homeless people.
9 months ago

‘SMN:’ City Council member Rivera has concerns over Harrell’s One Seattle plan

Speaking to KIRO Newsradio, Seattle City Council member Maritza Rivera expressed concerns about Mayor Bruce Harrell's One Seattle plan.
10 months ago

After Vegas explosion, worrying trend among highly exposed veterans explained

The Las Vegas explosion has led to a conversation about the hidden struggles many military personnel face, particularly about brain injuries.
10 months ago

Keep your brain sharp: Simple lifestyle changes backed by Seattle research

A recent study from the Allen Institute in Seattle, led by scientist Hongkui Zeng, offers promising insights into how everyday choices can help preserve brain health as we age.
10 months ago

Footage of recent 4-hour Puyallup standoff with man wielding hammer released

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department released footage from a standoff in Puyallup that ended with the arrest of a man wielding a hammer.
10 months ago

King County cracks down on prolific graffiti vandals as small businesses, taxpayers suffer

In what officials described as the largest crackdown on graffiti vandalism in King County’s history, prosecutors have filed 34 felony cases against 17 defendants.
11 months ago

Biden pardons 3 Washington residents in biggest single-day act of clemency

A Seattle man and two others people in Washington were among the 39 people granted a pardon by President Joe Biden on Thursday.
11 months ago

Cliff Mass calls for overhaul in US weather prediction: ‘We should be better’

Prof. Cliff Mass of the University of Washington argues the U.S. is lagging behind other countries in weather prediction.
11 months ago

Harger: Seattle plagued by spreading graffiti along I-5 corridor

Graffiti along the Seattle I-5 corridor is getting worse. Like a bad fungal skin infection, its spreading everywhere along the freeway.
11 months ago

Unique vending machines offer holiday giving opportunities

The Light the World Giving Machines are back in Western Washington, offering a unique way for people to give back this holiday season.
11 months ago

Cliff Mass: Storm warning, expect gusts of 60-80 mph

The strongest storm in years is about to hit parts of Western Washington, according to University of Washington Atmospheric Sciences professor Cliff Mass.
12 months ago