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: Dick Fain, KJR Radio
Dick is a 1992 graduate of Mount Rainier High School where he played basketball and swam on the state championship team. He then went to the University of Washington and was a member of the Husky Marching band. He received his Masters Degree in Sports Administration from Seattle University in 2011.
Dick began his career in broadcasting at KJR in 1997 and worked his way up to sports director and show host. Dick currently is the host of the Live @ 5:30 show Monday through Friday and is the co-host on the Mitch in the Morning show. Dick is also in his 6th year as the voice of the WNBA Seattle Storm and does play-by-play for the UW men’s and women’s soccer teams and men’s baseball team.
He and his wife Janna live in Normandy Park and have a three year old son Dixon and one year old daughter Aubrey.
Q: What’s the best thing about being in the Seattle media scene?
A: I think the Seattle media scene is very fair. I don’t feel that our local media is as cynical or negative as many around the country, particularly on the east coast.
Q: How has social media changed what you do?
A: Social media, especially Twitter has completely changed how I get my information and the speed at which I get it. In the 1990’s I used to read the paper for my information and therefore it was a day old before I went on the air with it. In the 2000’s, I got my info from websites which where the stories were hours old. Now, when I follow the right people, I get instantaneous info.
Q: If you could have someone else’s job, what would it be?
A: I would like to continue to foster my play by play and talk show skills and expand in those areas. As for one person’s job, I don’t think there is a specific answer to that.
Q: Press releases: Love them or hate them?
A: Neither love nor hate, but I don’t need 95% of those I receive on email.
Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?
A: I’m a musician and was trained for 15 years on the piano and played trumpet in the UW Marching Band
The PR Pro Takeaway: Great insight on the speed of news travel in relation to social media. It’s a not-so-subtle hint to Tweet your breaking news tips to journalists, especially to Dick Fain if it is sports related.