KIRO Newsradio’s Charlie Harger and Patrick Janicek nominated for Northwest Emmy
Apr 3, 2026, 5:25 PM | Updated: 6:21 pm
The 2026 Northwest Regional Emmy Awards are coming up next month, and two of KIRO Newsradio’s best have been nominated in the Investigative Reporting category.
“Seattle’s Morning News” host Charlie Harger and video producer Patrick Janicek have been recognized for their extraordinary multimedia work surrounding Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus.
The investigation began when a tip from the community led Harger to ask a question that few could believe. Did Backus really support a pastor who had just pleaded guilty to raping a child?
Harger confirmed that Backus had indeed written a letter in support of Joshua Obadiah Headley. But his reporting revealed something far deeper — a complex network of questionable judgment, apparent coordination, and a lack of accountability involving city leadership, civic organizations, and political institutions.
Janicek brought Harger’s reporting to life on screen, pairing powerful interviews and key documents with Harger’s narration to expand the investigation’s reach.
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KIRO Newsradio amplified voices that went unheard for years
Throughout the documentary, Harger and Janicek amplified the voices of community members, pastors, and advocates who had raised concerns for years. Harger also scrutinized official explanations, public records, and legal definitions that contradicted public statements, raising serious questions about accountability, transparency, and how “restorative justice” language was used in a case involving sexual violence.
“This investigation exemplifies KIRO Newsradio’s commitment to accountability journalism,” Bryan Buckalew, Director of News and Talk Programming for KIRO Newsradio, said. “Charlie and Patrick followed the facts wherever they led, even when the story was uncomfortable or politically sensitive. This Emmy nomination recognizes reporting that put public safety, transparency, and victims first.”
The Northwest Emmy Awards honor excellence in television and multimedia journalism across the Pacific Northwest. Winners will be announced at the ceremony on May 30.
The video documentary can be seen above. The story can be read here.
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