We’re excited to share the first Meet the Media feature of 2025!
In this installment of Meet the Media, we chatted with Alex Fryer, editorial and opinion writer at Seattle Times.
Briefly share the path to your current career – why journalism?
I began my journalism career as a volunteer in the KCMU-FM news department at the University of Washington. I was a reporter for the Puget Sound Business Journal and The Seattle Times before taking jobs in consulting and government (including three years at Fearey). I’ve been an editorial writer for the Times since 2021. Writing is the original magic – turning a blank sheet of paper into something that can change the world.
Tell us about a moment in your career you are particularly proud of.
In 2000, I wrote an article for the Times’ Pacific NW Magazine about crane operators at the Port of Seattle. It highlighted the folks on the docks as well as the system of assigning people to load and unload cargo ships. It was really a story about communism and capitalism. Of the thousands of stories I’ve written, I consider it my best work
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I learn new things, talk to people I respect, and make an impact. It’s very gratifying.
What skills have you found to be most useful?
After 30 years in journalism and communications, I can write quickly. I can also hear the best quote in an interview and get it in the newspaper. A good carpenter can look at your kitchen and tell you that a set of cabinets will cost this much and take this long. I can do that with editorials.
What is something unexpected that you have learned during your career?
Generally speaking, people don’t lie. They may fudge, they may omit, but it is rare to have someone look you in the eye and tell an outright falsehood (the future may be very different).
What do you look for in a story?
Two things: Whether people are interested in the topic, and whether I can make a difference.
Fill in the blank:
If I am not working, I am… walking my dog and thinking about stories.
If I could interview anyone, it would be… a Seattle homicide detective.
Good short story writers inspire me.
My favorite thing about Seattle is… Daily Dozen Doughnut Co. at the Market. Half a dozen mini chocolate sprinkles and a cup of coffee and everything seems a bit brighter, even in the dead of winter.
Want to be featured in a Meet the Media? Email mmclaughlin@fearey.com.