I am the weekend morning anchor for KING 5 and I also report three days a week for KING 5 Mornings.
I joined the KING 5 team in August 2021, and I could not be more thrilled to be part of this community! My husband and I visited Seattle and other parts of the PNW for the first time in 2015 and we fell in love with the region. Six years later, the “maybe” idea of moving to Seattle became a reality!
I enjoy sharing stories from the community that will give more people a voice and help others in the process. In the past, some of my most meaningful reports included those on a young man with Down syndrome going to college and living on campus on his own, and a mother who is raising awareness after her daughter died by suicide. I am also proud to say I helped launch all-Spanish digital newscasts at my previous station.
I started my journalism career as a magazine writer and editor in 2006, but my first “interview” was conducted with the biggest marker I could find in my house when I was about six years old. The marker was my microphone. I used to ask my papa questions while he got ready for work and considered that my way of practicing to be an anchor and reporter. My mama and papa eventually bought me an “echo microphone” for my interviews. (I don’t think my older brother and sister enjoyed that equipment addition too much.)
I was born and raised outside of Chicago and grew up consuming news from TV broadcasts, radio and newspapers. Next to news, being an athlete has always been a big part of my life. I was a gymnast and dancer for many years and then began focusing on long distance running. I ran competitively from fifth grade through my freshman year of college. I was All-State in Illinois for cross country and the 1600m in track. My most memorable achievement was becoming 1600m and 3200m conference champion, cross country conference champion and finishing as state runner-up at the IHSA finals my senior year of high school. My running ability changed during my scholarship collegiate experience and I would later find out it was caused by cancer. I am now cancer-free and look at fitness in a much different light. I am grateful to be healthy and able to run altogether. My goals are now to enjoy my health and perhaps improve my half marathon (1:39) and full marathon (3:33) PR times!
Before moving to Seattle, I was a journalist in Syracuse, New York, where I completed my master’s degree in magazine, newspaper and online journalism at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. I quickly became immersed in the community as a reporter and a city resident.
In 2011, I helped launch Syracuse Woman Magazine -- the area’s first and only award-winning women’s publication. It’s still in circulation online and on stands. I served as managing editor of SWM for more than four years before accepting an opportunity in digital and broadcast journalism for a national cable news company. In 2015, I switched gears to be a full-time on-air TV journalist, which was always my childhood dream.
I spent my final two years in Syracuse as the weekday anchor for CBS 5 This Morning and CBS 5 News at Noon at WTVH. During that time, I continued reporting and hosting several on-air fundraisers for charities in Central New York.
I am a huge sports fan. I was truly raised that way and confirmation is in a photo of me in a Cubs onesie as a baby on my papa’s shoulders. Although I have an allegiance to certain Chicago sports teams, you will see me cheering for Seattle teams. I love that Seattle is a sports city! I am happy to say I already know some familiar Seattle sports figures quite well – Breanna Stewart and Mike Hopkins - because of my Syracuse ties. If I am not running or watching sports – I exercise my mind by playing Fantasy Football. You can say I am pretty good. I always make league playoffs and was crowned champ of the 2020 NFL season. I am only slightly competitive.
My husband, Niko, and I have three dogs -- Jack, Bear and Bogey. Two of our dogs are rescues and I have a great passion for helping other animals find their “forever homes” as well. I have been a long-time “dog mama” and will become a human mama in November as we await the arrival of our first child!
Family is very important to me. I give much thanks to my parents for always believing in me and encouraging me. I am first generation American. My mama and papa met each other and married after coming to the U.S. from their respective countries of Mexico and Afghanistan. I love sharing my culture and learning about others as well.
For local stories and fun posts from me, you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If you have a news tip, please email me at fjadran@king5.com.
