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.

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