KING anchor Lori Matsukawa will close out 36 years with the station.
“What a pleasure it’s been to work at KING 5 – a legacy station,” Matsukawa said. “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,’ whether it was the eruption of Mount St. Helens, the attainment of redress by Japanese Americans unlawfully incarcerated during World War II or the inspiring achievements of a diverse group of public servants like Gary Locke, Norman and Constance Rice, Ana Mari Cauce, Ron Sims, Martha Choe, Mary Yu, Steve Gonzales, and Claudia Kauffman.”
The Tegna station didn’t have to search far for her replacement. Morning anchor Joyce Taylor will move into Matsukawa’s evening spot beginning June 17.
“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.
You can watch Matsukawa’s announcement below.