For community. For Democracy. KUOW Impact Update April 1–June 30, 2021

From our News Director

I’ve been spending my first weeks on the job learning the ropes at KUOW, figuring out my way around (virtually) and getting to know the people behind the stories you hear every day. What I’m seeing is a very talented staff hard at work to keep you informed.  

The past 16 months have been challenging to say the least and the news team has worked hard to report on protests for racial justice, police reform efforts, and a tumultuous election. We’re continuing to report on the coronavirus and its effects on our community. We know that ongoing coverage of public health and infectious disease prevention is vital to keeping our listeners and readers safe as we continue to navigate the pandemic's many twists and turns.

As we look to economic recovery efforts, the Seattle mayoral race, and the issues our community cares about most — including the homelessness crisis, policing and immigration — our team is committed to telling fact-based stories as we chart a path forward with many unknowns still ahead. We look for creative ways to bring you the information you rely on. We're committed to bringing you the news you trust and the voices that represent the communities we serve. 

I’m fortunate to lead a newsroom full of dedicated, collaborative and supportive journalists. We have each other’s backs and will do what it takes to bring you the news. That’s part of the culture at KUOW and it’s one of the things that make it such a great place to work.

I’m proud to share our recent work and its impact with you today. Thank you for your trust in KUOW and our newsroom — I look forward to more chances to connect with you in the coming months.  
Gigi Douban
KUOW News Director

Stories With Impact

An informed public makes our community stronger. Here's a look at some of KUOW's recent local reporting and the impact it has had on our community — whether it's driven policy change, helped our community navigate important events, or amplified voices previously unheard.

Exposing new details about the Whatcom oil-train disaster  

In December 2020, an oil train derailed 80 miles north of Seattle, with three cars bursting into flames. KUOW's John Ryan began investigating the story, working to piece together what exactly had caused the train to crash. In early June, Ryan broke the news that sabotage is believed by rail officials to be the primary cause of the derailment. KUOW's reporting made national headlines and led to a call for legislative hearings from state Senator Doug Ericksen. 

Disclosure: BNSF Railway is a financial supporter of KUOW. The station's financial supporters have no say in our news coverage. 

Credit: National Transportation Safety Board

Amplifying key issues in a crowded Seattle primary field 

As our community gets ready to vote in a new mayor this fall, KUOW’s “If I were mayor” series sought insights from primary candidates and community members on the issues facing our city. The series asked both candidates and the public for their ideas on addressing houselessness, policing, pandemic recovery, climate change and more.

KUOW launched this series as a resource to voters as they work to differentiate candidates and participate in our democratic process. 

KUOW Graphic / Teo Popescu

Holding local police accountable for use of force 

On September 20, 2020 Redmond resident Andrea Thomas Churna called 911. Thirty minutes later, she was shot multiple times by police outside her apartment. Seven months later, there were no clear answers about what happened and why the investigation into her death had stalled.

KUOW’s Ashley Hiruko shed new light on the case, piecing together a detailed account of the events of that night. Three days after Hiruko’s investigation was published, Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe sent a community message promising “a thorough, comprehensive, and transparent review” of the incident.  
Photo courtesy of Andrea Churna's family
 

Tracking the case of the missing catalytic converters 

Seattle fell prey to a national trend when catalytic converter theft shot up more than 3,800% in King County over the past year. KUOW producer Brandi Fullwood helped our community understand the vital role catalytic converters play in reducing exhaust emissions and what’s being done locally to address the unprecedented rise in thefts. 

KUOW Photo / Isolde Raftery
The Bread of Life Mission at the corner of First and Main in Seattle.

Documenting economic recovery one street at a time

As our region begins to reopen, KUOW reporter Joshua McNichols visited neighborhoods across the Puget Sound to connect with locals and business owners about what they are doing to recover and reinvent, and what is still needed to create a more equitable future for the neighborhood.

McNichols asked for main street recommendations from listeners and readers, taking us from downtown Seattle to Puyallup, Kent, Tacoma, Whidbey Island, Bellevue, and Mount Vernon, to highlight the diverse experiences of a region and a community rebuilding after the pandemic.

This series was also the topic of our first Unpack the Story event, hosted by KUOW community engagement director, Zaki Hamid. 
KUOW Photo / Joshua McNichols

Amplifying young people's perspectives on policing in Seattle

Seattle residents continue to witness the city grapple with policing — from face-offs between protesters and police last summer, to the news that six Seattle Police Department staff attended the insurgency at our nation’s Capitol.

It is common to hear from city officials on this topic, but rarely do we hear the perspective of young people in our community. RadioActive youth journalists Simone St. Pierre Nelson, Morgen White, Jared Lam and Lucas Galarneau interviewed local activists and leaders about the history of policing in our nation and where we might go from here.
KUOW Graphic / Lucas Galarneau
 

Stories That Spurred Discussion

When we think about impact, we're also thinking about stories that broaden conversations and deepen understanding. Here are three recent stories that sparked dialogue, both on and offline.

On Asian America

By Kristin Leong and Diana Opong 
Pictured from Left: Dr. Douglas Ishii, Dr. Tabitha Espina and Joe Kye
KUOW hosted a special broadcast show and YouTube conversation as the final part of On Asian America: AAPI Experiences and Identities, a series of stories that amplifies Asian voices to spark ongoing dialogue about the experiences and contributions of Asian American communities in our state. 

This series was a collaboration between Humanities Washington, KUOW, Spokane Public Radio, and Northwest Public Broadcasting.

“Such a great program today! I had my classic NPR moment when I stayed in the car to tune in. Thank you for this work!” –Yuzu, Instagram 

Seattle Now Podcast: 12th & Pine

By Patricia Murphy and Jason Pagano
KUOW Graphic / Teo Popescu
As our community continues to process the racial justice movements of the last year, KUOW's Seattle Now team connected with the Marshall Law Band — a familiar sound within CHOP and an inspiration to many protesters to keep fighting for change. 

"Love this! I’m elated Marshall Law Band is highlighted for the positivity and change they are bringing to the Seattle community.” – Opal, Instagram 

How a young Black family fought John L. Scott and changed Seattle

By Isolde Raftery
Photo Courtesy of Bob Henry

This story documents one family's battle to live in the home of their dreams, despite an ugly history of redlining and racism that still resonates in our region today. The Henry's story hit home for many KUOW followers and was one of the most viewed web stories this quarter.

“Thank you KUOW Public Radio for honoring the work of strong families like the Henry’s whose simple search for a nice place to raise their family forced them to become unwitting activists and foot soldiers in the ongoing fight for social and racial equity.” –Heija, Facebook 
 

What's Next: Expanding Local Content
KUOW announced a large-scale initiative to expand and innovate our local content offerings, including the development of a new project led by Bill Radke, new local podcast pilots, and a reimagining of our flagship local news show The Record with a new format and a new host this fall.   

New Podcast Piloting Project

KUOW is excited to continue expanding our podcast platform with a new piloting pipeline for community-sourced ideas. We are looking for bold, innovative proposals on a variety of topics and all grounded in the place we call home. Have a podcast idea? You can submit your proposal until August 2. 

Reimagining The Record

The team behind The Record has paused production to reimagine and retool KUOW's flagship local news program with plans to launch a new show in the fall with a new format and host. The station will evaluate how to best serve the current needs of our community and adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape. 

Connecting with Listeners

Bill Radke is working with KUOW’s podcast development team on a new listener engagement-focused project. The project will double-down on Bill’s strengths as a host and creator, as well as his curiosity about our region and the people who live in it.  

Ways to Engage

Whether you're a longtime listener or have just discovered KUOW recently, we'd love to stay connected. Here are more ways to engage with KUOW.

KUOW Newsletters

KUOW Podcasts

Listen

Community Feedback Club

Ways to Support

MAKE A GIFT TO KUOW

Include KUOW in Your Estate Plans

Donate Your Car

Become a Business Sponsor