SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES
Ken Schram will be missed
May 30, 2014, 5:14 AM | Updated: 5:18 am
When I was an 18 year old aspiring broadcaster, one of my communications classes made a Sunday night trip to KOMO-TV to be in the audience for their brand new show Town Meeting. It was hosted by a really energetic guy named Ken Schram. In the too-homogenized world of TV news, Schram always stood out. (KIRO Radio/file)
(KIRO Radio/file)
When I was an 18 year old aspiring broadcaster, one of my communications classes made a Sunday night trip to KOMO-TV to be in the audience for their brand new show Town Meeting. It was hosted by a really energetic guy named Ken Schram. In the too-homogenized world of TV news, Schram always stood out.
Fast-forward 20 years. I wanted to get to know this intriguing broadcaster better. So my wife and I had Ken and his wife over for dinner. Whenever anyone knocks on our door, my dog Star always goes nuts barking. And she did again when the Schrams arrived.
Well, during dinner, Ken told a story that involved him knocking on our dining room table. A sleeping Star leaped up and raced to the front door barking. Schram thought that was hilarious. So, for the next hour, every 6-7 minutes, Ken would randomly knock on the table sending Star into yet another barking fit. He thought it was hilarious. I’m pretty sure Ken was Star’s least-favorite dinner guest ever.
But it was impossible to not love Schram. We were far apart politically, but I always respected his positions. And he wouldn’t hesitate to tear into the politicians who were on “his side” if they did something crazy.
And I do consider him one of the most talented and unique Seattle broadcasters ever. He could do it all – radio and TV. I thought his weekly “Schrammy Award” was a great bit.
The last couple years, Ken did quite a bit of fill-in hosting on KIRO-FM. The first time I saw him at the station, he gave me a big hug. Now, I’m not crazy about being hugged. Especially by men. Particularly bearded-men. And I mentioned that on the air right after the hug.
Well, Ken heard me talk about that. So of course for the next two years, every time he would see me, he’d come running at me with his arms outstretched. It led to the ridiculous sight of a 65 year old guy chasing a 51 year old guy around the newsroom.
Now he’s gone. Way too soon. Way too young. Doggone it… I should’ve hugged him back when I had the chance.
Related:
Longtime Seattle newsman Ken Schram dies after lengthy illness
