Ken Schram to Leave KOMO: Latest Seattle TV News Departure

Two TV newsmen who have been on the air for decades recently announced that they are leaving their TV stations.

KOMO-TV reporter Ken Schram announced today on his Facebook page that he is leaving KOMO-TV after 35 years.

My position here at KOMO 4 News has been eliminated.
Today is the last "Schrammie" and next Monday will be my last commentary. 

I'd be less than candid if I didn't acknowledge how disappointed I am to have my 35+ year career at KOMO end this way.

Schram was known throughout the area for his "Schrammie," a bobble-head doll "awarded" to local politicians, personalities, policy makers and organizations that exhibit "among the worst of bone-headed decision, and/or the most appalling of asinine behavior."

His post today gives the Schrammie to Bellevue Police Chief Linda Pillo following her announcement of the discipline of two Bellevue police officers after boorish behavior at a Seahawks game and the discovery that one of the officers drove home drunk.

The news about Schram followed the recent announcement that KING5 newsman Robert Mak is leaving after nearly 20 years following the cancellation of his political talk show, "Up Front with Robert Mak." Sunday's show was the finale. Mak left KING for two years to be a spokesman for former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, but returned to helm the local politics show.

Mak told the Seattle Times that KING 5 offered to let him stay, but that he opted to leave. Still, a number of people have started a Facebook page lobbying the TV station to save the TV show.

EDIT 3:15 p.m.: Another local newsman, KOMO reporter Bryan Johnson, retired from the station in early November after 50 years at the station. His first day was in 1959.

Both men have been on local TV for decades. What do you think of the changes? Will you miss them?