Charlie Harger

Charlie Harger is the host of Seattle's Morning News on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. A lifelong KIRO listener since 1981 (when he was six), Charlie began his radio journalism career in 1996 as the news director for Green River College's KGRG. After a few years in the tech industry, he returned to his true passion—news radio—in 2002 at another Seattle radio station, where he worked in every newsroom position there over 19 years. In 2021, Charlie fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining KIRO Newsradio as the station's News Director. Charlie's investigative reporting has gained international attention. He exposed critical safety concerns with Boeing's 737, 777, and 787 aircraft manufacturing. He conducted one of the only interviews ever granted by Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, leading to reopened investigations across the state into potential additional victims. His radio documentary on 9/11 eyewitness Tami Michaels contributed to her important testimony against attack plotters at Guantanamo Bay. He also broke the story of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray's resignation amid serious allegations. In 2015, Charlie was named Major Market “Radio Reporter of the Year” for the Western United States by the Associated Press Television Radio Association (APTRA). He has received multiple APTRA and Murrow Awards for investigative reporting, enterprise coverage, and documentaries, among others, and was nominated for an Emmy. Although Charlie takes the news seriously, he doesn't take himself too seriously. He's passionate about telling the stories of people in the community—especially those whose voices often go unheard. While committed to covering important issues, he also enjoys sharing fun and memorable stories that bring a smile or a laugh. Charlie, his wife, and their two active kids live in Auburn. He's lived in the south end for more than 25 years. They share their home with two wiener dogs and a rambunctious Great Dane. Find Charlie on X: @KIROCharlie