Gregg Hersholt, longtime KIROFM morning anchor, and great friend of BlatherWatch and our core mission, has been hired at KXL in Portland. He'll be afternoon news anchor (4-7p) and Managing Editor, starting Monday.
"I've known Gregg for years and he's an incredible journalist and broadcaster making him the perfect choice to anchor our afternoon news block," said Alpha Broadcasting's Director of Programming/Spoken Word Stations, and our favorite author, Brian Jennings.
Hersholt was with KIRO for 26 years and previous to that worked at KJR-A and KVI-A/Seattle and KYTE-A and KLLB in Portland.
Jennings, self-describes as a "talk radio guru" and, by his own lights, invented right-wing talk radio in 1992 at KVI in Seattle and has been going out to lunch on that ever since.
Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Alpha Broadcasting owns and operates KXTG-FM, KUPL-FM, KINK-FM, KUFO-FM, KXL-AM and KXFD-AM. Alpha Broadcasting was formed by Larry Wilson, Bob Proffitt and Endeavour Capital, also in Portland. Larry Wilson founded Citadel Communications Corporation before it was sold to Forstmann Little & Company in 2001 for $2 billion.
It's nice to know there's a market where they don't shoot people over fifty.
Posted by: Andrew | April 01, 2011 at 11:02 PM
KIRO's loss is KXL's gain. KTTH is not quite in the league of KXL as a talk/news station. However, KIRO-FM is nearly as good as KXL on the weekends though.
Posted by: KS | April 01, 2011 at 11:06 PM
I can't imagine why Gregg would want to be back in radio after making an honorable departure from a thankless business, but more power to him, and best wishes for success. Morning anchor Steve Leader is also a former KIRO newsman, so clearly KXL has a good eye (ear) for Seattle talent.
Posted by: BT | April 02, 2011 at 12:39 AM
Does this mean Greg is leaving his West Seattle base of operations?
Posted by: howie in seattle | April 02, 2011 at 07:13 AM
It's funny how Greg used to talk about how great it was that his tenure at KIRO was ending and he could spend time fishing, reading and sleeping. He said he was looking forward to 'starting his life' outsdie of radio. It was all a sham. Hersholt was obviously fired.
Not much truth coming out of hosts at KIRO lately.
Posted by: Truth | April 02, 2011 at 07:29 AM
Of course, Hersholt was fired by the Bonneville Mormons. He never said or suggested otherwise. He was simply showing a sense of loyalty and respect to the company, something they failed to show him and several other long-time employees.
Bonneville has completely lost it's soul and is no different from thousands of other corporations which have no concern for their most important asset: their people.
Unlike many 50 and 60-somethings who have been kicked to the curb by the new corporate america (small 'a' on purpose) Hersholt has been able to quickly find a new, good job.
Anyone who doesn't understand why he'd want to do that is ignorant of facts.
Posted by: Itchy | April 02, 2011 at 07:36 AM
Good luck to Greg.
Posted by: Mike Barer | April 02, 2011 at 08:09 AM
"...able to quickly find a new job..."
Uh...it's been about a year since Hersholt was fired. Sounds like he was not in a financial position to "retire" after all. Sad that he has to go out of market, but if he needs a job, glad he was able to land one. And yes, Bonneville is in the throes of forgoing experience in favor of youth. We'll see if it gets them anywhere.
Posted by: Radio Queen | April 02, 2011 at 08:13 AM
Truth-iness is the kind of person who stomps the light out of any positive situation. A simple congratulations would have sufficed.
Posted by: iswingfromchandeliers | April 02, 2011 at 10:52 AM
An outstanding broadcaster who, like many, deserved better from Bonneville. Hersholt's excellent on-air work speaks for itself. He's also fortunate to be working for a broadcasting company and owner (Larry Wilson) who have true roots in the industry.
Posted by: casual observer | April 02, 2011 at 11:42 AM
He had a great voice in Seattle and I thought he did a good job. And to make the assumption that he needs a job when perhaps he just likes working radio is ridiculous and ignorant.
Portland is a great town. A lot of people I know would love to live there. It has the "Seattle feel" which Seattle used to have. And a year isn't much. Sounds like he'll be going to family - a lot of Seattle people already down there. I think it's great that he left with class and is being welcomed with class somewhere else. It doesn't always happen that way.
I'm no expert on Hersholt but it sounds like a good gig and he went for it. Why not? Congratulations!
Posted by: joanie | April 02, 2011 at 12:48 PM
I don't think it's fair to conclude that Hersholt was mistreated in his exit. He could have had a severance package with a non-compete for all we know. Maybe I'm giving Bonneville too much credit, but Hersholt didn't seems too broken up about leaving.
Posted by: Andrew | April 03, 2011 at 01:09 AM
what's the old "Seattle feel"? A Ben Paris type joint downtown where ya can eat in the resteerant, looking up at the mosseheads on the walls, and then stroll right into the sporting goods section? hahahaha i'm glad we're no longer bumpkinville....yeah its a littl e colder and more impersonal downtown now.... no way to avoid that when you're city finally gets all growed up, unlike Portland, Seattle's perennial weak sister... ....."old Seattle feel' is Pat Cashman and Lisa Brooks...they appeared on KIRO the other night as subs for Curley and , sadly they don't hold up well. time has passed them by....they sounded like Jerry and Jean Lundegaard at the family dinner table in Fargo, the movie....
Posted by: Tommy008 | April 03, 2011 at 02:02 AM
"old Seattle feel" was pre-gentrification Capitol Hill, the moments before "Seattle culture" had become a marketable thing.
Posted by: Andrew | April 03, 2011 at 03:06 AM
KIRO's blatant age discrimination is about to bite them in the courtroom. I know of at least 3 people who are working on lawsuits right now with AARP lawyers.
Andrew is right. They're out to hunt and kill anyone over 50. That's why they quickly kicked Ryan Hatch upstairs, because it was revealed about the staff meeting where he made people over 45 stand up, and promoted only those standing, not sitting. Ursula Reutein was taken out of the News Director job after she turned 45 (guess those Mormons need their breeding stock young) . The jig is up. You can't get around the law.
Posted by: Everyman | April 03, 2011 at 06:20 AM
...to make the assumption that he needs a job...is ridiculous and ignorant.
No, what's ridiculous and ignorant, not to mention arrogant, is someone who admittedly doesn't know much about Hersholt making even more assumptions.
Fact: Gregg was shown the door - they let him stay on the air for a week for a face-saving exit - that was decent of them
Fact: B'ville paid out his remaining contract (about 6 mos)
Fact: The "retirement" was unexpected and Gregg was not financially prepared for it
Fact: He took the Portland gig because he needed it
Fact: Gregg has no intention of moving to Portland. His
family is staying here and he will commute home to Seattle
on weekends
Fact: Gregg is a consummate professional who is doing what he needs to do. Portland is lucky to get him.
And yes, I know these facts to be true.
Posted by: Radio Queen | April 03, 2011 at 09:06 AM
Where did I disagree with any of them?
You, like the rest of your club, love to argue over nothing. What's with that?
And I repeat: to make the assumption that he needs a job . . . is ridiculous. Unless you are Mr. Hersholt or his wife, you are absolutely and unequivocally unprepared to know his financial status. And if you are Mr. Hersholt or his wife, you're sure not going to rant about yourself on this blog. Talk about arrogance...
You know, RQ, you make some really ignorant comments so this is just another in a long line.
Posted by: joanie | April 03, 2011 at 09:39 AM
"The Seattle Feel" - I loved Ben Paris. Surrounded by the NW wild. Now we've got stupid little men who fantasize about being millionaires over their aging computers admiring traffic, over-development, noise, crime, and children who can't play outside anymore.
I don't miss blue Sundays but I do miss everything else - the Salmon, the Rainiers and the Doghouse,. Although I have to admit the seventies were the best.
Posted by: joanie | April 03, 2011 at 09:46 AM
If 'Everyman' is right and KIRO is "... out to hunt and kill anyone over 50..." I'd be shaking in my boots Mr. Monson and Mr. Ross!
Posted by: Truth | April 03, 2011 at 09:59 AM
With President Obama ready to kickoff his re-election bid tomorrow. I found this website with a few interesting picks for what his top election slogans this time around might look like. Like Joanie, i was duped by his numerous "CHANGE" slogans in 2008. I will not fall for them this time around.
Suggested Obama 2012 Slogans
Posted by: ProgBlogJunky | April 03, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Last word...the comments you tag as ignorant are the ones that make you look like the stupid one. So, yes, I'll wear that badge of honor. Now, how about you just go back to the 70's where you belong, joansie.
Posted by: Radio Queen | April 03, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Here is slogan from our good Progressive friends from Wisconsin. It reminds me something the "GEORGE" has written not long ago.
Posted by: ProgBlogJunky | April 03, 2011 at 11:15 AM
You're welcome to the last word and I give you permission to wear that badge of ignorance with honor. You deserve it. We've made some ground if you recognize it.
Why play the fool, PBJ?
Posted by: joanie | April 03, 2011 at 11:28 AM
aging computers....hahah ..the little lady is sounding like Frank Shires, trotting out his old "typing from Mom's basement" cliche against his critics......last time i checked, a 6 -month old Compaq Presario (perloaded with Windows 7 home premium) and 6 MONTH OLD Hannspree 22 inch monitor doesn't exactly count as aging....she's fighting a losing battle, with desperate shrill attacks now ..... just took a week off and ready to start spring quarter of work on Wall Street (via Seattle).......one could accurately state im just now entering pro status (60 months experience is an agrred on benchmark , for knowing what you're doing level in stocks) yet ive alerady enjoyed trmmendous bursts of triple digit returns....the speed with which i am now turning doubles is truly frightening now........looks like the Jag makeover will be coming quite soon.......the full monty with brand new Chevy 350 short block and chevy transmission erplacing the jag originals.....restoration costs paint tires and chrome wheels...closing in on 20 grand possibly .. as much as i would pay for a mint late model used jag at i-5 motors but of course instead im getting a true classic and a much cooler car... the engine on the 86 xj6 is a bit heavy and underpowered ..hence the chevy swap job.... a very common job , on this car... i dont fantasize at becoming a multimillionaire... i am becoming one... ive done the math.. and the extrapolations..dont have the time to explain this fully, especially to a city school career employee...
Posted by: Tommy008 | April 03, 2011 at 01:04 PM
Fool? Oh wait, you still thinking im the RV salesman? I thought we got over that. Well let me be very very very very Obama clear ok. Read carefully Joanie. You said you were a smart woman but i am still going to make this very simple for you to understand. I am not the RV Salesman. I am not Chux. I am not Coiler. Did that do it for you. Its as Obama clear as i can make it.
Posted by: ProgBlogJunky | April 03, 2011 at 01:07 PM
Hahahaha. If I weren't here, what would you boys have to talk about? Hahahahaha.
Posted by: joanie | April 03, 2011 at 01:20 PM
"i loved Ben Paris"......folks, a dead giveaway that we are dealing with an extremely elderly woman here.......Ben Paris hasn't been around for ages......hahahahahahahahaaa
Posted by: Tommy008 | April 03, 2011 at 01:39 PM
Joanies complaints about modern seattle reminds of some guy complaining about present day Manhattan because you can't here Dutch being spoken on the streets anymore.....the changes that have come to Seattle come to all cities when theitr time has come to put on their big boy pants and stop being an irrelevant backwater, like Portland....
Posted by: Tommy008 | April 03, 2011 at 01:47 PM
Absent-minded are you little t? I told my age. Now, back to your aging computer looking for the ring, Gollum.
Posted by: joanie | April 03, 2011 at 01:49 PM
Another reason we know tommie is trying to pull one over on us about his "expertise" as a day trader is that he spends so much time on this blog. Someone who makes as much money as tommie claims to has a life and doesnt need to post on a blog for attention. Hahahahaha
Posted by: Peter | April 03, 2011 at 02:12 PM
aer you one of Joanie's coterie of as-kissing eunuchs , Peter....seeking approval from her.....lots of logical and factual flaws in your post . but haven't the interest or time to correct them....lets all give the gent an A for effort though...nice try, little fellow....hahahahahaaah
Posted by: Tommy008 | April 03, 2011 at 03:04 PM
Really? Does EVERY SINGLE G-DAMNED SUBJECT end up being about libs and conservatives on this blog? We are talking about radio, personalities, jobs, whether GH was pushed, whether he needs or wants the work.
Where, suddenly, someone has to bring up Obama and his re-election bid. WHY WHY WHY?? It is so pathological. Grow up, knock it off. You don't have to hijack every thread.
Posted by: OldDJ | April 03, 2011 at 04:14 PM
Just sayin': Anyone who thinks a 1986 XJ6 with a Chevy engine is a classic automobile is a loser, guaranteed.
Posted by: Dark & Stormy | April 03, 2011 at 05:45 PM
hahhaaha ...im restoring the car for my own desires and wishes.... obviously you dont realize that not all jaguar engines are created equal....this one is anemic... 175 hp on a heavy steel car....0 to 60 is not fast at all but it has good performance in the upper speed range...i m more intersted in lower end speed, .. around the city....not touring on freeeways........im not restoring the car for jag purists and snobs like you... or for resale value. i couldnt care less about resale.........if this was an xke youd have a point......its a heavy sedan....beautifully built and designed, but with an underpowered overly heavy engine....simple. the owner at British Motor Works in the north end told me the engine swap an excellent idea, as have other British auto repair shop owners. but im sure you know much more about jags then these fellows .....hahahahahhh
Posted by: Tommy008 | April 03, 2011 at 05:57 PM
besides the added hp the Chevy engine is much easier to maintain.....as i said , restoring this cr for me, not anyone else....you purists can go to Hell for all i care....
Posted by: Tommy008 | April 03, 2011 at 06:06 PM
I admired Hersholt. He had a nose for news and delivered it well. That professionalism is missing from KIRO these days. It is more like musical chairs at that signal these days.
Posted by: The Anti-Dori | April 03, 2011 at 07:30 PM
The sad thing is that I'm sure having younger sounding talkers attracts a younger audience. Maybe an age descrimination suit would be justified, but you'd be asking radio stations to shoot themselves in the foot if advertisers wanted to attract thirty year olds and were forced by law to staff on-air talent old enough to be their parents. The world is cruel place.
Having said that, Bill Radke is a bad fit for any demo of any age. KIRO mornings are a non-thing. Nobody actually goes out of their way to listen to KIRO morning commute. Imagine if Jean Enerson retired (or worse) and "Intern Debbie" from "Satellite Control" was given Jean's chair.. for good. Such is Bill Radke. You have to wonder if Hatchet Job and co. weren't thinking to themselves that if they hadn't nixed Hersholt with such haste that they might have scored Bob Rivers within a matter of weeks. Then again I think Rivers is over fifty so... there's that.
Posted by: Andrew | April 03, 2011 at 09:15 PM
Karel is back on KGO ....on right now....they gave hi his old show back...yaaay...
Posted by: Tommy008 | April 03, 2011 at 09:41 PM
Herscholt: Please lose that fucking hat. We know your bald.
No wonder Bonneville fired you. You look like Jed Clampett.
Posted by: Itchy | April 04, 2011 at 08:27 AM
I was down in the SUNNY Portland area this weekend. I'm glad you mentioned he worked at KVI, Michael. I tuned in KXL and it seemed sort of a radical change for him, but maybe not.
Posted by: sparky | April 04, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Knowing how to paraphrase properly is also a great help.
Posted by: essay writing service | April 29, 2011 at 01:35 PM