My name is Brian, and I am a longtime news broadcaster working at NWCN and living in Seattle,
Washington. In addition to my work in the news, I host a really cool Internet show about wine, and equally cool show about beer, serve as a guest speaker for many groups, and tell the stories of non-profits through my own small business. I perform voice work for all kinds of projects, and love to host events and help charities raise money and awareness.
This is my place to better connect with friends, colleagues, clients, and anyone else interested in knowing more about me and my work.
Yep, this is me --->
“Brian Calvert is a class act. I've worked with him on both sides of
the fence, both as a fellow colleague in the broadcast news industry and
as a media consultant coordinating stories for his show. He is
one of my favorite people to work with - a consistently kind,
professional and incredibly talented individual.”
Some of my favorite TV and Radio stories:
TV STORY Chance McKinney: Rising Star on the Verge of a Big Win
TV STORY: Going Back 100 Years to Seattle's First World's Fair
TV STORY: Baby Maggie And All Her 8s
The Greatest Gift is to See Kids Giggle
A Very Interesting Night with Ghost Hunters
Every Office Needs A Laugh
He's a Lego Maniac
The First Ever "Social Media Video Game"
America's Hottest Husband?
Young Entrepreneur's New Take On A Campfire Favorite
Sister Teaches Me A Thing or Two About Christmas
Thanksgiving 2009: "The story of the first Thanksgiving"
Georgetown Ghosts
A Different Way To See The World
Tribe Works Hard To Keep Language From Extinction
The Muppets (and their creator) Take Seattle!
Do You Remember Your Favorite Teacher?
Spelling Bee For Adults? Call It A "Spelling Beer!"
The Theater You're Welcome To Talk In
SERIES: Driving Pet Peeves
PART 1: LISTEN
PART 2: LISTEN
PART 3: LISTEN
PART 4: LISTEN
PART 5: LISTEN
crooner Tony Bennett, Summer '90
One of my first breaking news assignments was standing here the morning of 9/11.
1988-2011: And so it begins. . .
My professional broadcast career began in the late 1980's in my hometown of Grants Pass, Oregon.
It's a great place along the Rogue River in southern Oregon. Local broadcast legend "Big" Jim Wilson took me under his wing, and taught me the ropes of diction and enunciation. I grew up in the business at KAJO, which he owned. For 7 years, I worked for Jim and his sons Carl and Matt. The trio also served as father and big brother figures during my early years as an adult, and I'm sure I'm a better guy for it today. Working with them, I learned the broadcast business at every level, an experience budding radio announcers just don't get anymore.
While reading news was part of the job, we also played music at KAJO. At the time, the station played a little of everything, but a lot of music from the 40's and 50's. This is where I "discovered" some of my favorite artists: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett (I actually MET Mr. Bennett when he made a concert stop in Ashland), Ella Fitzgerald, and Harry Connick Jr.
One day, I had the good fortune of a GM from Portland driving through Grants Pass, and hearing me on KAJO. Yeah, I know what you're thinking "Really, that's how the 'big city' discovered you?" It's true, and I bet Tim McNamera still tells the story to this day. He talked to his people, and his people (the very talented Mike Dirkx) invited me to take a job in the Rose City.
So, I did.
The station was KXL, and it was there I began reporting. I didn't think I'd enjoy reporting, but it just took a few stories to hook me. I went on to host the morning news at KXL, where I was paired with some of the best female announcers in the business: Mary McDermott, Crystal Carlisle, and Rebecca Marshall.
After several years in Portland, I received another call. This time, it was KIRO in Seattle, again wondering if I'd be interested in migrating north.
I bit, and began my Seattle career as a full-time reporter. It was the first time I wasn't the anchor, and it was just fine. I won my first Edward R.Murrow awards for reporting while at KIRO.
In 2002, the owners of KOMO dumped the old talk format, and gave Seattle a 24/7 all-news station (think CNN, only no pictures). I was the first person invited to be a part of the team, and I enthusiastically accepted. My KOMO career began as a reporter, and in 2003, I won a national Edward R. Murrow award. And just when I thought things couldn't get better, my career took another surprising turn. I was approached by weathercaster Steve Pool about learning his craft. Again, I enthusiastically accepted, and in a matter of weeks, was on TV.
In 2006 I became KOMO Radio's News Director, and this assignment taught me more about me, and more about working with others than anything I've ever experienced. In 2009, I returned to hosting the afternoon news, then even had a chance to create a new show middays called "Nine2Noon." I'll always be thankful for the opportunities I was given at KOMO.
Me and President Carter - February 2009
As you can imagine, one of the perks of the media is meeting so many interesting people. It's not everyday you get to meet a former President, let alone, interview him! Politics aside, President Jimmy Carter is one of the most gracious guys I've ever met, a real class act.
Connect With Brian
