For this week’s Media Monday, we’d like you to meet Greg Thies, News Operations Manager at KING-5.
- How did you find yourself at KING 5?
I started back at KIRO-TV back in 1984. I’m a photojournalist by trade. My passion for TV news and photojournalism was fueled by an internship I had as a San Diego State student at KCST (now KNSD), which really helped define what I wanted to do with my degree and where I wanted to build my skills and grow. In 1991 I was promoted to News Operations Manager, overseeing the photojournalists, editors and news engineering. In 1995 KIRO was sold to Belo Corp, and then the world of station swaps and changes began. Belo acquired Pro-Jo in 1997, which owned KING and they sold KIRO. In 1999, I rejoined Belo and was hired over at KING-5 as their News Operations Manager.
2. Which of your stories that you’ve worked on are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the stories and events I’ve been involved with that have impacted the community and also shown all the hard work and good folks in our community do like our NW Harvest Food drive, our Pride and Peace special. I work with so many great people that help in so many great ways. I’ve been blessed to work at seven Olympics, getting to know and showcase our local NW athletes, the dedication and hard work they put in, whether they make it to the games or not – so inspiring and cool.
3. What is your favorite thing about your job?
There’s always something different in every day. New challenges to figure out, new smiles to enjoy. Best of all, have had great people to work with – great professionals and good souls that care about each other and the work they do.
4. What do you look for in a story?
Emotion. Memorable moments – whether in words, or pictures or sound.
5. What is your day like at your job?
A day without unplanned events or things to deal with is unusual. I have my list of things to do or meetings to be in, but mostly find myself listening to those who walk up and need an answer or direction, or an ear, or me to add something to my list of things to do. 🙂
6. Who do you most look up to in the journalism industry?
The storytellers, they are our heart and soul. No matter what the screen or platform, making a connection to the consumer and making stories relevant to their lives, staying honest, factual and true is critical. We have them inside our own station, group and many at the net level. If I start naming I start missing others. So tough one to give you names.
7. What is your favorite news outlet?
KING-5 and NBC News naturally. I’m going to miss the hyper-local journalism of the Issaquah Press/Sammamish Review, who recently announced they were closing. That kind of super local connection to community and information will be incredibly missed and opens a huge hole in the information community members need. A very sad trend we’ve seen in other local communities.
8. What is your guilty pleasure?
Aha…a good Washington wine, red…. And (not necessarily at the same time ) Tiramisu ….(for starters) .
9. Fill in the blank:
- If I am not working, I am…Enjoying family time. Ref’ing Soccer, Skiing, Enjoying a beach.
- If I could interview anyone, it would be…Abe Lincoln
- My favorite thing about the Seattle area is…The wonderful amount of things to do outside, on the water, hiking in the mountains, the really cool diversity of people to meet and talk with.