KOIN 6 News: People Make The Difference

In an era when high-tech equipment often decides who provides the best news coverage, KOIN 6 News establishes a balance between cutting edge digital technology and the human factor - the people who bring you the news.

It is people, not just technology, that has helped KOIN capture Oregon Association of Broadcasters “Station of the Year” honors for the past two years running. At KOIN-TV, People Make The Difference.
“It really is true in this news room,” says anchor Kelley Day. “Work is fun, but the reason I really like going to work every day, is the people.”
Mike Donahue, the dean of Portland news anchors with more than 25 years on the air, compares the KOIN 6 News team with his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees. “No individual stars, just a team of players doing their best,” says Donahue. “And in a given newscast, the outstanding performance could come from any one of us.”

“I think Mike is our Eric Sevareid,” says anchor Mark Hendricks. “Nobody else in town has his combination of experience and enthusiasm. Shirley and Jeff, too, have a tremendous depth of knowledge of this area, and like Mike are very cool in stressful situations.”

Capt. Warren Petrie, who pilots and reports from Newschopper 6, has emerged as one of KOIN 6 News’ most recognizable team members. “I’m constantly surprised by Warren Petrie’s ability to report and fly, in conditions that can be unbelievably stressful,” says Hendricks. “I think the New Carissa coverage showed Portland and the world how able he is. If you look back on some of KOIN’s shining moments in the past couple of years, many of them feature Warren.”

KOIN takes an active role in supporting nearly every major community event in the Portland area. The list includes the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade, the Queen’s Coronation, Rose Festival Airshow, Clark County Fair, Bite of Portland, and the Fred Meyer Challenge golf tournament. KOIN supports dozens of community service organizations dedicated to serving the needs of children and families, such as Take The Time, and Jeff Gianola’s involvement with Wednesday’s Child.

KOIN 6 News also connects with the community through the KOIN 6 OMSI Weather Lab. KOIN has moved its entire weather operation to its new location inside the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry. The Weather Lab is complete with computers, forecasting equipment, a weather set, cameras - and of course, people. The KOIN Weather Team works in full view of countless OMSI visitors.

News Director Kerry Oslund sums it up best. “The only thing sustainable in television news is people. We’ve got choppers, the other stations have got choppers. We’ve got radars, they’ve got radars. But, what they don’t have is Jeff Gianola, Mike Donahue, Shirley Hancock, Kelley Day, Jim Little, Mark Hendricks, Nurse Kris or Captain Warren Petrie!”` Or KOIN’s unwavering sense of commitment to the people of the Northwest.

www.koin.com