Signing Off in Seattle

After almost 4 decades, longtime Seattle Anchor Lori Matsukawa is signing off.

Matsukawa has been at KING for 36 years and says that June 14th will be her last day.

“What a pleasure it’s been to work at KING 5 – a legacy station,” Matsukawa said when asked to sum up her career. “I always tell people the best part of being a television journalist is being able to tell the stories of the people who call the Northwest home. Over the decades, I’ve witnessed a lot of change, most of it for the better. And what an honor it has been to write the ‘first draft of history,’ she added.

“From the beginning, Lori has embodied and truly lived the values that we hold near to our hearts,” said Jim Rose, KING 5 president and general manager. “She is a leader in our community, a friend and mentor to everyone in our building, and one of the greatest journalists we’ve ever seen. To say she’ll be missed by her colleagues, and everyone at home, would be a tremendous understatement.”

Tegna has already named her replacement.

Beginning Monday, June 17, KING 5 morning anchor Joyce Taylor will step into the evening anchor role. Her shared commitment to serving KING 5 and the community on and off the air makes her a natural fit for the position.

“I could not be more honored. I have two of the most extraordinary women in broadcasting to thank - Lori Matsukawa and Jean Enersen - for being trailblazers, paving the way, raising the bar and showing me by example that hard work and a dedication to truth and community are the pillars of a long and meaningful career in journalism,” Taylor said to her colleagues when the news was announced.

H/T KING

---