Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.
With a little flair.
Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.
This Week: Kim Holcomb, Evening Magazine
Kim Holcomb began reporting for Evening Magazine in April 2008.
Prior to that, she reported and anchored the news in Yakima, WA, Boise, ID, Las Vegas, NV, and Phoenix, AZ, where she was honored with the prestigious Edward R. Murrow award for writing. She moved to Seattle in 2006, working as a general assignment reporter for KING 5 before joining Evening Magazine.
During her time with Evening, she’s traveled to exotic places, told the stories of remarkable local people, and interviewed some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Highlights include flying on a trapeze for a story, winning four Emmys, and sharing an office with Jim Dever. Not necessarily in that order.
Kim has a degree in political science from the University of California, Riverside, and a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University. She spent a year working as a visiting professor at UNLV.
Kim couldn’t live without music, movies, good conversation, vacations to the coast, occasional karaoke and strong coffee. She has dozens of books percolating inside her head and hopes to write one down someday. She’s married to NWCN Evening Anchor Rob Piercy, and they are the proud parents of a son and daughter.
Q: What’s your favorite kind of story?
A: Hard to answer, because I genuinely enjoy just about everything I cover. I love the opportunity to try new things (I’m adventurous – I’ve gone skydiving, crocodile swimming, zorbing, trapeze flying, etc.) But I prefer being an observer. Doing stories about people’s remarkable skills, or life-changing choices, or emotional reunions – it’s fascinating and humbling to be allowed that kind of access.
Q: If you could have someone else’s job, what would it be?
A: Published author! My childhood dream was to become a novelist. It morphed into journalism when I hit high school. (And when I learned how much discipline is required to write a book…)
Q: Finish this sentence: “A good PR person is …”
A: Accessible, genuine and honest. “Fun-to-hang-out-with” is icing on the cake.
Q: What skills do new journalists need?
A: I’m not convinced social media is a “skill” (for me, Twitter is more of an entertaining compulsion,) but it’s certainly become an extension of what we do. Knowing how to shoot and edit is also a huge asset.
Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?
A: My hidden “skills” are pretty unimpressive. I have a weird ability to speed-read Shakespeare. I completed the P90X fitness program without collapsing. And I make a mean bacon, macaroni and cheese from scratch (hence, the need for P90X.)
The PR Pro Takeaway: You have to admire a journalist who will swing from a trapeze bar for the sake of a good story. No such thing as ‘too much reporter involvement’ for Kim. Her passion and exuberance are clear in her storytelling so pitches with an element of fun are right up her alley.