Gregg Bell's Comeback: A Second Chance at KJR

From Layoffs to Liftoff

Just over a year ago, Seattle's sports radio scene witnessed a notable shift when 93.3 KJR announced a new midday host. After nearly ten months of serving as a fill-in by Gregg Bell, the station opted for another direction, welcoming Marc James. At that time, Bell remained dedicated, sticking to his guns as the Seattle Seahawks beat reporter for the Tacoma News Tribune and contributing to the morning show.

The Landscape Shifts

Fast forward to today, and another significant change unfolded when layoffs hit iHeartMedia again, leading KJR to part ways with James. The question loomed: who would step into that midday role now?

“Rich Moore, KJR Program Director, always told me that you never know, and things could change,” Bell recalled, reflecting on his tenure and enduring hope during the radio station's transition period.

A Playmaker's Mindset

Bell exhibited remarkable resilience following the hiring of Marc James back in 2025. Rather than sulking or taking the news personally, he stayed focused on his primary duties, continuously providing quality coverage. His patience and hard work weren't in vain; when the opportunity arose again, Bell was ready to embrace it.

“When iHeartMedia decided to trim a position, Rich Moore asked me if I wanted to host a 10 AM to 12 PM show; I wasn't coming from too far away since I was in regular contact with him,” Bell said, describing the swift transition less than a week after James's departure.

A New Voice for KJR

With a newfound opportunity, Bell took the reins as the new host for KJR's midday segment. This change represents more than just a new time slot; it symbolizes Bell's determination to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

“I've been in business long enough to know it changes in a hurry. So, I made the decision to keep my head down and continue my work for KJR, doing what they asked of me and being a good team player,” he reflected.

Finding His Own Sound

Bell returns to the radio with a mission: to bring his first-person journalistic viewpoint to the airwaves. Although he lacks extensive prior experience in radio, Bell is ready to leverage his extensive background in sports journalism.

“As a first-person journalist, I bring my own reporting to the table. Few outlets have that kind of depth,” he explained. “While others may pontificate from afar, they've not walked in the shoes of the athletes I cover.”

Beyond Numbers: Storytelling in Sports

Bell aims to humanize the athletes he covers, focusing on their narratives beyond mere statistics. By creating a deeper connection with his listeners, he challenges them to see the humanity behind the games.

“Everybody I cover has a story and a path how they got here. My goal is to bring some of that to sports radio. It's time to challenge the listener to learn more about the faces behind the stats,” he affirmed.

Balancing Act

With his new role as a midday host at KJR, Bell acknowledges the balancing act of reporting for Tacoma News Tribune and hosting his radio show. He's committed to his newspaper responsibilities while seamlessly weaving in updates for KJR.

“The newspaper comes first; if news breaks, it's reported there before I take it to the radio audience,” he reassured. “Rich Moore supports that priority.”

Cultivating New Talent

Moreover, Bell is eager to provide a platform for his executive producer, Christopher Kidd. Their chemistry has flourished, and Bell is determined to include Kidd's voice and ideas throughout the show.

“My goal is to give Christopher Kidd a larger voice on the show. I want it to be The Gregg Bell Show with Christopher Kidd,” expressed Bell, acknowledging his collaborator's contributions.

Pioneering Change

While Bell prepares to embrace this latest chapter in his career, he remains grounded, knowing the industry is ever-changing and stability is tenuous. This time, instead of waiting for his next chance, he's taking charge and building his own future.

With an unwavering commitment to storytelling, a journalist's perspective, and a renewed vigor for his new role at KJR, Gregg Bell is ready to carve out a distinct voice—not just within the realm of sports reporting but also in the hearts of listeners across Seattle.