SEATTLE'S MORNING NEWS

Manda Factor ‘beyond excited’ to join Seattle’s Morning News as new co-host

Apr 7, 2025, 9:22 AM | Updated: Jun 16, 2025, 11:22 am

manda factor seattle morning news...

Charlie Harger and Manda Factor host Seattle's Morning News weekdays from 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM and the KIRO Newsradio App. (Photo: David Burbank, KIRO Newsradio)

(Photo: David Burbank, KIRO Newsradio)

A new team member has joined “Seattle’s Morning News” on KIRO Newsradio!

Local news Icon Manda Factor is teaming up with Charlie Harger every weekday from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. to bring you the “news that matters with the experience that counts.”

During her debut on Monday, Factor and Harger took the time to discuss their long-standing connections in the Seattle radio industry. A seasoned radio journalist, Factor shared her background and excitement about joining the team after a long career in news.

“I grew up in Olympia, moved around for radio jobs along the way, and landed back in Seattle, near my family,” Factor said. “I started listening to KIRO when I was probably seven or eight years old, news junkie, through and through. I used to interview my family members when I was young, running around with a cassette deck.”

Manda Factor’s long-standing connection to Seattle news

With both hosts having long-standing ties to Seattle’s news scene, Factor revealed to listeners that Harger used to produce for her more than two decades ago:

“You used to push the buttons for me many, many years ago at the same time of day, but a different place,” Factor said.

Factor has received multiple Edward R. Murrow and Associated Press Television Radio Association (APTRA) awards. She was an attendee of both the University of Washington (UW) and Washington State University (WSU). Originally from Olympia, she has kept strong connections to the Puget Sound area throughout her career.

“I am beyond excited to join Charlie and the KIRO team,” Factor said. “There is so much happening in the world, and I’m passionate about diving into those stories for our listeners.”

Listen to “Seattle’s Morning News” with Charlie Harger and Manda Factor weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Seattle's Morning News

wa election night...

Charlie Harger

Harger: 6 things I’m watching on election night, starting with a $250K check that would have been blocked 2 weeks ago

Drop boxes close at 8 p.m. sharp, and I’ll be on the air at KIRO Newsradio and YouTube Live from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. These are the six things I’m watching for.

5 hours ago

King county graffiti...

Manda Factor

King County graffiti defendant ordered to pay thousands in restitution

A defendant convicted of graffiti-related property damage and a firearms offense is in jail and has been ordered to pay $12,607 in restitution.

19 hours ago

king county elections...

Manda Factor

King County prosecutors monitor voter intimidation, election interference

King County monitors voter intimidation and election threats, ensuring a fair voting process with dedicated legal support.

23 hours ago

Democrats...

Charlie Harger

Harger: Democrats have a 92% chance to win the House. Trump had 29% in 2016

Right now, the people who bet on elections are forecasting the weather in the other Washington, and the forecast looks sunny for Democrats.

1 day ago

Vancouver BC...

Charlie Harger

Harger: Vancouver keeps its evening sun Sunday. Washington falls back. Pick one already

Vancouver, British Columbia is done changing its clocks. When the rest of us fall back at 2 a.m. on Nov. 1, B.C. will stay right where it is.

4 days ago

Seattle Public Schools...

Charlie Harger

Harger: 21 Seattle schools could merge. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is leveling with families about why

About 150 parents and community members filled Robert Eagle Staff Middle School Monday night to talk with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner and his staff. They asked about academic rigor, school safety, and what comes next.

6 days ago

Manda Factor ‘beyond excited’ to join Seattle’s Morning News as new co-host