DORI MONSON

Dori: Big changes for newly independent journalist Brandi Kruse

Nov 8, 2021, 3:04 PM | Updated: Nov 9, 2021, 9:02 am

Brandi Kruse...

Brandi Kruse is striking out on her own to pursue a new independent show. (Courtesy photo)

(Courtesy photo)

Independent journalist. How does that sound? For my former KIRO Radio colleague and dear friend Brandi Kruse, it sounds important enough to step away from her former news gig at FOX-owned KCPQ-13.

Brandi joined me to talk about what happened to her popular former political TV show, “The Divide with Brandi Kruse,” and her decision to leave KCPQ so she can start a podcast that allows her to do what she believes she does best.

“You’ve actually known about this for a long time because you’re kind of a confidante of mine,” Brandi told me on our Monday show.

What she shared with my Monday listeners is why she made the change:

“I came to the conclusion if I wanted to do my best work — my best work for the public — I didn’t believe I could work for corporate media and work for the public at the same time,” she described.

The catalyst? A disagreement with FOX 13 management about the future of “The Divide,” the talk show Kruse created and has hosted since August 2019.

“We could not work past that disagreement,” Brandi revealed. “I was upset because it meant so much to me.”

It’s why she called me in tears a few weeks ago.

“I knew that I couldn’t do the kind of journalism that I wanted to do,” she said.

So, in typical tenacious Brandi Kruse-style, she is shifting platforms, and kicking it into an even higher gear.

“If I couldn’t do it there (KCPQ 13), I decided I was going to do it on my own,” she said.

On her own is now “[un]Divided with Brandi Kruse” at this link. Her debut post can be found here.

To find out how Brandi feels about her former employer, what she believes is happening with the recent departure of nearly 25% of the FOX 13 news team, the challenges of covering local politics, and whether her sources will stick with her on her new show, check out my entire interview with her:

Brandi’s talent is deep, her commitment is unyielding, and her friendship is invaluable. Expect to hear more from Brandi and “[un]Divided” on The Dori Monson Show.

“Just because I walked away from (my former) job,” Brandi assures me, “doesn’t mean I would ever walk away from you.”

Listen to the Dori Monson Show weekday afternoons from noon – 3 p.m. on KIRO Radio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

9 months ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

9 months ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

9 months ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

9 months ago

Dori Monson Nicole Thompson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

9 months ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

9 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Swedish Cyberknife...

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is a busy month on the sports calendar and also holds a very special designation: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Ziply Fiber...

Dan Miller

The truth about Gigs, Gs and other internet marketing jargon

If you’re confused by internet technologies and marketing jargon, you’re not alone. Here's how you can make an informed decision.

Education families...

Education that meets the needs of students, families

Washington Virtual Academies (WAVA) is a program of Omak School District that is a full-time online public school for students in grades K-12.

Emergency preparedness...

Emergency planning for the worst-case scenario

What would you do if you woke up in the middle of the night and heard an intruder in your kitchen? West Coast Armory North can help.

Innovative Education...

The Power of an Innovative Education

Parents and students in Washington state have the power to reimagine the K-12 educational experience through Insight School of Washington.

Medicare fraud...

If you’re on Medicare, you can help stop fraud!

Fraud costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion each year and ultimately raises the cost of health care for everyone.

Dori: Big changes for newly independent journalist Brandi Kruse