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05-05-2024 6:04 pm • PDX and SEA Weather
MLK Breakfast
KOIN Television has announced that veteran broadcast journalist Ken Boddie has been promoted to political director for the television station effective April 3. The newly created role will enable Boddie to report in-depth political stories across all KOIN’s newscasts, along with continuing as host of “Eye on Northwest Politics,” a show he created two years ago.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to be at the forefront of what will be a dynamic political season locally and nationally,” said Boddie.
“As voters, we have some big decisions to make, and I want to help KOIN viewers make informed decisions through our political reporting.”
Commenting on the promotion, KOIN-6 Vice President and General Manager Tom Keeler said, “KOIN-6 understands how important this election season is to our viewers. We’re demonstrating the depth of our commitment to political coverage by promoting an extremely experienced and well-known anchor to this role. Ken is someone viewers trust to give them the facts and make sense of an often confusing political process.”
Boddie will transition to his new role and step down from KOIN-6 News This Morning, to allow him more time to dig into political coverage. Travis Teich, who has served as the show’s breaking-news anchor since 2021, will move into an anchor role alongside Emily Burris.
As part of his new role, Boddie will be a cornerstone of KOIN’s debate and election coverage. He will also produce weekly commentaries and continue producing community-based stories. That includes his key role in KOIN ‘s partnerships with the Waterfront Blues Festival. Boddie will also have the opportunity to further cement KOIN’s relationships with a number of community groups.
“Ken’s deep ties to and engagement with the community are something all of us aspire to as journalists,” said KOIN-6 News Director Rich Kurz. “We’re thrilled to have Ken in a new role that utilizes his vast experience and deep connections to the community to better serve our viewers.”
Boddie will also continue anchoring KOIN newscasts from time to time.
“I will be available to back up any of the anchors at KOIN when needed,” said Boddie. “This will broaden my reach within the organization, and perhaps even give more viewers the chance to see me in that role during other parts of the day.”
Boddie is a graduate of Cornell University. He started at KOIN in 1985, first as a producer and assignment editor, then in front of the camera as a reporter and anchor. Over the years, he has been KOIN’s business reporter, legislative reporter and city hall reporter.
In 2016, Boddie was awarded one of Portland’s highest civic honors when he was named an honorary Royal Rosarian. He has received numerous civic awards and has been recognized by the Associated Press for his work.
Boddie is also known for his community work, especially with young people. He is a former board member of PDXJazz, which produces the Portland Jazz Festival every February. His support of local musicians is well known, as he often emcees at events in Portland’s vibrant music scene.
In 2021, Boddie won a regional Emmy for his story about his response to a racist letter he received in the fall of 2020. The following year, he won a regional Emmy for his role anchoring Eye on Northwest Politics.
Boddie is also a 2017 recipient of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Silver Circle Award, which is awarded for journalistic excellence with at least 25 years in television. NATAS is the EMMY Awards Organization.
