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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: Attacks on ballot boxes threaten democracy

Election agencies across the nation were cautioned about emerging threats to destroy ballot drop boxes and it has come to pass.
2 years ago

Harger: Demonization of opponents is dangerous for Democracy

In just two weeks, we'll start seeing the first wave of election results roll in, giving us a pretty good idea of who our next group of elected leaders will be.
2 years ago

Harger: Three weeks until Election Day and 2016’s lessons still matter

With Election Day rapidly approaching, the pace in newsrooms across the country is shifting into high gear.
2 years ago

Citizen journalist Photog Steve recalls hunting down his latest stories

Photog Steve joined"Seattle's Morning News" to discuss three compelling stories he's been following this week.
2 years ago

Will a two-letter typo cost King County taxpayers $2 million?

The owner of a local construction company says a minor clerical error — the omission of "Re" in the word "Rebid" — could end up costing King County taxpayers an extra $2 million.
2 years ago

Harger: Walz visit a reminder WA is a mere ‘ATM’ for politicians visiting during gridlock

Tim Walz is swinging through the Emerald City for a fundraiser, potentially turning rush hour into a parking lot.
2 years ago

Harger: As violent crime drops nationally, Washington takes a wrong turn

Violent crime is down across the nation. It's a rare bit of good news these days. But here in Washington, it seems we're not getting the memo.
2 years ago

‘Boeing can’t afford to drag this out:’ KIRO Newsradio hosts react to strike

The Boeing strike, which has significant implications for both Boeing and the local community, was a hot topic on KIRO Newsradio.
2 years ago

Harger: There’s no sugarcoating it, Auburn is overrun with gang violence

I recently reported on the growing wave of gang violence in Auburn -- the kind of violence that keeps you up at night.
2 years ago

Harger: 8,555 tags and counting: The unchecked graffiti problem on the Seattle freeways

Over 8,000 graffiti tags were found to be scrawled across the Seattle roadways during a recent count KIRO Newsradio completed.
2 years ago

Auburn residents live in fear as gang violence surges

The escalating crime rates, particularly the surge in gang-related violence, have left many in Auburn questioning their safety.
2 years ago

Charlie Harger: The melting pot that is the Washington State Fair, and how it came at the perfect time

What struck me as I wandered through the Washington State Fair was the sheer diversity of people, all mingling together, seemingly getting along just fine.
2 years ago

Harger: Social media is about to become a political battlefield with looming election

You know the candidates, the issues and the stakes. But now, being joined by the broader public, social media is about to become a battlefield.
2 years ago

Harger: Should Seattle say “adios” to the South Lake Union streetcar?

Duolingo gave me a useful lesson for Seattle’s transportation leaders as they grapple with the future of the South Lake Union Streetcar.
2 years ago

Harger: Kamala Harris needs to start answering some press questions

For the last 15 days, Kamala Harris has been the presumptive Democratic nominee and hasn’t given a single interview.
2 years ago

Harger: Once again, Gen X is left out of current political landscape

In the soap opera of American politics, Boomers and Millennials take center stage, while Generation X is once again relegated to the background.
2 years ago

Harger: Local media must keep shining light on crime-riddled Aurora Avenue

Day and night, you see women forced to walk the sidewalks, often stepping into traffic, risking their lives to find customers along Aurora Avenue.
2 years ago

Who will be Trump’s VP pick? Washington State GOP Chairman shares insights ahead of RNC

As the Republican National Convention prepares to kick off on Monday, speculation swirls over Trump's VP pick for the 2024 election.
2 years ago

Harger’s guide to neighborhood etiquette this Fourth of July: ‘Be sober when setting off explosives’

I really love fireworks. But you know what drives me crazy when celebrating America's independence this Fourth of July? Fireworks.
2 years ago

Harger: It’s time to try something different regarding presidential debates

Is it going to change anyone's mind? It's hard not to be cynical about the CNN Presidential Debate coming up Thursday evening.
2 years ago

Nationwide fake jewelry scam affects local residents

Police around the country are warning about a scam where people are selling counterfeit jewelry in parking lots, a crime spree that is occurring locally.
2 years ago

Video shows gunfire erupting near a kids baseball game in Auburn

Shots fired near a youth baseball game in Auburn Sunday evening caused panic among players and families and it was captured on video.
2 years ago

39-year-old man convicted of groping teen on flight from Dubai to Seattle

A Seattle federal court jury has convicted a 39-year-old citizen of India for abusive sexual contact with a minor on a flight.
3 years ago

Harger: White House Press’ ‘Nerd Prom’ is a bad look

This dinner -- affectionately nicknamed "Nerd Prom" -- is a terrible idea and does a disservice to those of us working in local newsrooms.
3 years ago