Host, Seattle's Morning News

Charlie Harger

Charlie Harger is the host of Seattle's Morning News on Xվ Newsradio 97.3 FM. A lifelong Xվ listener since 1981 (when he was six), Charlie began his radio journalism career in 1996 as the news director for Green River College's KGRG. After a few years in the tech industry, he returned to his true passion—news radio—in 2002 at another Seattle radio station, where he worked in every newsroom position there over 19 years. In 2021, Charlie fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining Xվ Newsradio as the station's News Director. Charlie's investigative reporting has gained international attention. He exposed critical safety concerns with Boeing's 737, 777, and 787 aircraft manufacturing. He conducted one of the only interviews ever granted by Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, leading to reopened investigations across the state into potential additional victims. His radio documentary on 9/11 eyewitness Tami Michaels contributed to her important testimony against attack plotters at Guantanamo Bay. He also broke the story of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray's resignation amid serious allegations. In 2015, Charlie was named Major Market “Radio Reporter of the Year” for the Western United States by the Associated Press Television Radio Association (APTRA). He has received multiple APTRA and Murrow Awards for investigative reporting, enterprise coverage, and documentaries, among others, and was nominated for an Emmy. Although Charlie takes the news seriously, he doesn't take himself too seriously. He's passionate about telling the stories of people in the community—especially those whose voices often go unheard. While committed to covering important issues, he also enjoys sharing fun and memorable stories that bring a smile or a laugh. Charlie, his wife, and their two active kids live in Auburn. He's lived in the south end for more than 25 years. They share their home with two wiener dogs and a rambunctious Great Dane. Find Charlie on X: @XվCharlie

Will a two-letter typo cost King County taxpayers $2 million?

The owner of a local construction company says a minor clerical error — the omission of "Re" in the word "Rebid" — could end up costing King County taxpayers an extra $2 million.
7 months ago

Harger: Walz visit a reminder WA is a mere ‘ATM’ for politicians visiting during gridlock

Tim Walz is swinging through the Emerald City for a fundraiser, potentially turning rush hour into a parking lot.
7 months ago

Harger: As violent crime drops nationally, Washington takes a wrong turn

Violent crime is down across the nation. It's a rare bit of good news these days. But here in Washington, it seems we're not getting the memo.
7 months ago

‘Boeing can’t afford to drag this out:’ Xվ Newsradio hosts react to strike

The Boeing strike, which has significant implications for both Boeing and the local community, was a hot topic on Xվ Newsradio.
8 months ago

Harger: There’s no sugarcoating it, Auburn is overrun with gang violence

I recently reported on the growing wave of gang violence in Auburn -- the kind of violence that keeps you up at night.
8 months ago

Harger: 8,555 tags and counting: The unchecked graffiti problem on the Seattle freeways

Over 8,000 graffiti tags were found to be scrawled across the Seattle roadways during a recent count Xվ Newsradio completed.
8 months ago

Auburn residents live in fear as gang violence surges

The escalating crime rates, particularly the surge in gang-related violence, have left many in Auburn questioning their safety.
8 months ago

Charlie Harger: The melting pot that is the Washington State Fair, and how it came at the perfect time

What struck me as I wandered through the Washington State Fair was the sheer diversity of people, all mingling together, seemingly getting along just fine.
8 months ago

Harger: Social media is about to become a political battlefield with looming election

You know the candidates, the issues and the stakes. But now, being joined by the broader public, social media is about to become a battlefield.
8 months ago

Harger: Should Seattle say “adios” to the South Lake Union streetcar?

Duolingo gave me a useful lesson for Seattle’s transportation leaders as they grapple with the future of the South Lake Union Streetcar.
8 months ago

Harger: Kamala Harris needs to start answering some press questions

For the last 15 days, Kamala Harris has been the presumptive Democratic nominee and hasn’t given a single interview.
9 months ago

Harger: Once again, Gen X is left out of current political landscape

In the soap opera of American politics, Boomers and Millennials take center stage, while Generation X is once again relegated to the background.
9 months ago

Harger: Local media must keep shining light on crime-riddled Aurora Avenue

Day and night, you see women forced to walk the sidewalks, often stepping into traffic, risking their lives to find customers along Aurora Avenue.
9 months ago

Who will be Trump’s VP pick? Washington State GOP Chairman shares insights ahead of RNC

As the Republican National Convention prepares to kick off on Monday, speculation swirls over Trump's VP pick for the 2024 election.
10 months ago

Harger’s guide to neighborhood etiquette this Fourth of July: ‘Be sober when setting off explosives’

I really love fireworks. But you know what drives me crazy when celebrating America's independence this Fourth of July? Fireworks.
10 months ago

Harger: It’s time to try something different regarding presidential debates

Is it going to change anyone's mind? It's hard not to be cynical about the CNN Presidential Debate coming up Thursday evening.
10 months ago

Nationwide fake jewelry scam affects local residents

Police around the country are warning about a scam where people are selling counterfeit jewelry in parking lots, a crime spree that is occurring locally.
11 months ago

Video shows gunfire erupting near a kids baseball game in Auburn

Shots fired near a youth baseball game in Auburn Sunday evening caused panic among players and families and it was captured on video.
11 months ago

39-year-old man convicted of groping teen on flight from Dubai to Seattle

A Seattle federal court jury has convicted a 39-year-old citizen of India for abusive sexual contact with a minor on a flight.
12 months ago

Harger: White House Press’ ‘Nerd Prom’ is a bad look

This dinner -- affectionately nicknamed "Nerd Prom" -- is a terrible idea and does a disservice to those of us working in local newsrooms.
1 year ago

Seattle City Council debates concluded Tuesday night with District Five

Xվ Newsradio 97.3FM will air four Seattle City Council debates between Oct. 3 and Oct. 17. The events will also be streamed live on MyNorthwest.com.  
2 years ago

Why Wash. pot users should pay attention to the Hunter Biden case

Attorneys warn marijuana users in Washington might be breaking the same law Hunter Biden is accused of breaking involving gun ownership.
2 years ago

Seattle concrete workers threaten to strike

A year after a Seattle-area concrete worker's strike ended, another group of concrete workers threatens to hit the picket lines.
2 years ago

King County tech worker arrested for ‘Office Space’-inspired felony theft

Former Zulily employee Ernie Castro has been charged with stealing more than $300,000 from the company in a scheme straight out of the film “Office Space.”
2 years ago