Frank Lenzi

KIRO News Director

Frank Lenzi

News Director KIRO Radio

About

Frank Lenzi runs the newsroom at KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. He has spent nearly two decades covering the people, politics, and problems of the Puget Sound region. He came to Seattle from Portland, Oregon in 2008 and never left. Frank’s reporting is shaped by a belief that local journalism should be useful — that a story should tell you something you didn’t know, about a place you care about, from someone willing to dig. That belief was forged in part by personal loss: his brother, Maj. Gregory L. Stone, was killed serving with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division during the Iraq War. Telling Gregg’s story — and the stories of others like him — remains the work Frank is most proud of. He is also unreasonably passionate about Depeche Mode, AC/DC, and the career of Roger Federer.

Expertise

  • Journalism
  • Radio and Web Reporting
  • Radio News Anchoring

Experience

News Director, KIRO Newsradio (December 2024 – Present)

  • Leads the KIRO Newsradio team with a focus on excellence in journalism and storytelling

Program Director/News Director, KOMO Radio (now KNWN)

  • Held roles including Morning Editor, Managing Editor, News Director, and Program Director

Managing Editor/Reporter/Anchor, AM 860 KPAM

  • Progressed from Morning Editor to Managing Editor at Portland’s news talk station

Newsroom Staff, 1190 KEX Portland

  • First commercial radio job in Portland’s heritage station newsroom

High School Radio (1991)

  • Began radio career at age 15 on a high school station

Education

Bachelor of Arts, University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, 1997

Certifications

—

Achievements & Awards

  • Led teams at KPAM and KOMO Radio that won multiple awards for breaking news, best newscast, and overall excellence

Social Media Profiles

Shots fired, sneakers stolen at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood

An Oregon man is accused of shooting his way into a Washington shopping mall to steal sneakers.
2 years ago

Replacements for stuck NASA astronauts blast off for International Space Station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The replacements for NASA’s two stuck astronauts launched to the International Space Station on Friday night, paving the way for the pair’s return after nine long months. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams need SpaceX to get this relief team to the space station before they can check out. Arrival is […]
2 years ago

NTSB says U.S. has already seen 140 plane crashes in 2025

We are two and a half months into 2025, and according to data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), they are currently investigating 140 plane crashes in the U.S. Three are in Washington.
2 years ago

Seattle Aquarium’s beloved harbor seal ‘Barney’ dies at 39-years-old

The harbor seal known as Barney, loved by visitors at the Seattle Aquarium, died on Friday morning.
2 years ago

Parents of Seattle middle school student killed in crash want answers

The parents of a 12-year-old student killed in a crash outside Seattle's Washington Middle School are desperately seeking answers about her death.
2 years ago

School bus crash leaves two students injured

A crash involving a school bus left two high school students injured Thursday afternoon in Mason County.
2 years ago

Spokane native to command mission to International Space Station

Anne McClain, a Spokane native, will command NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station.
2 years ago

UW settles pandemic tuition lawsuit for $4 million

The University of Washington has settled a pandemic-related tuition lawsuit brought by some of its students for $4 million.
2 years ago

‘I could see a flying car:’ Driver hit by SUV on I-5 overpass crash speaks out

A driver who was nearly killed after an SUV went off an overpass onto I-5 in Tukwila on Friday is saying he’s lucky to be alive. It was a brush with death that has not left Robert Ahktar’s mind.
2 years ago

Dramatic rescue prompts South County Fire to emphasize lifejacket safety

South County Fire has issued a reminder for boaters to wear their lifejackets every time they are out on the water. On Saturday morning, two people fell off a sailboat in the waters off Edmonds.
2 years ago

Mountlake Terrace project to connect the transit center, Veterans Memorial Park with light rail

The City of Mountlake Terrace is working to connect the Veteran’s Memorial Park to the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center.
2 years ago

Tesla Cybertrucks burn overnight in Seattle, KIRO Newsradio reporter threatened with knife while covering

At least two Tesla Cybertrucks burned overnight in a lot near 4th Avenue and Spokane Street in Seattle. The lot serves as a temporary storage space for Teslas arriving from overseas before they are sent to dealerships.
2 years ago

Head-on crash sends two to the hospital in serious condition in Olympia

On Saturday night, police and crews from Lacey Fire District Three answered calls of a crash on State Route 510 near Reservation Road Southeast in Olympia.
2 years ago

Missing Person: Search underway for missing/vulnerable person

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol has activated its Endangered Missing Person Alert for Savanna Copeland from Federal Way. Copeland is 29 years old, 5-foot-7 and weighs 150 pounds. She has brown hair and eyes. Copeland was wearing a brown jacket, jeans, and long black books and was carrying a backpack. She was […]
2 years ago

Man shot in Seattle hotel room was accidental, police update

Around 5:57 p.m. Seattle police and fire answered a call of a shooting at the Sheraton Grand Seattle.
2 years ago

Several road signs stolen in Whatcom County

Multiple road signs were stolen in unincorporated Whatcom County, leaving residential streets vulnerable to avoidable traffic accidents.
2 years ago

U.S. Small Business Administration to leave Seattle and other ‘sanctuary cities’

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) plans to pull out of so-called "sanctuary cities," including Seattle.
2 years ago

Police: Attempted kidnapping suspect on the loose in Everett

Police are searching for the suspect in a reported kidnapping in Everett on Wednesday evening.
2 years ago

Should we worry about recent Washington earthquakes? Expert explains

A series of earthquakes has rattled the Pacific Northwest in recent weeks, raising concerns. A local expert explains if we should be worried.
2 years ago

Guns could soon be banned from more public places in Washington

Under a bill passed Wednesday by the state Senate, guns would be banned in parks, government buildings, and on county fairgrounds when a fair is open.
2 years ago

Trump changes course, delays tariffs on most imports from Mexico until April

President Donald Trump will “likely” suspend the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for most products and services for a month, broadening an exemption that was granted on Wednesday only to autos.
2 years ago

Are hiking, camping and fishing trips about to get more expensive in Washington?

It may soon become more expensive to visit Washington state parks. Senate Bill 5390 would boost the cost of an annual Discover Pass from $30 to $45.
2 years ago

King County officials warn budget cuts will compromise community safety

King County is grappling with a $150 million budget deficit, which will likely result in significant cutbacks, and threats to public safety, according to county leaders.
2 years ago

Gee Scott: Starbucks layoffs could signal trouble brewing for the economy

Starbucks plans to lay off 1,100 corporate employees globally as new Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol streamlines operations.
2 years ago