The WSAB is sad to report that J. Shannon Sweatte, one of Seattle’s longest serving and most respected broadcasting executives, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024 at the age of 88. Sweatte was known for identifying and mentoring countless air personalities, account executives and staff members during his highly successful career managing radio stations in the Pacific Northwest.
Shannon earned his management stripes at Kaye-Smith owned KJRB-AM Spokane before moving to Seattle in 1974 become Station Manager of Top 40 giant KJR-AM. He moved to Golden West Broadcasters in 1981 to serve as General Manager of Gene Autry’s KVI-AM and added managerial duties of sister station KPLZ-FM in 1983. When Autry sold his Seattle AM/FM combo to Fisher Broadcasting in 1994, Sweatte was named Vice President and General Manager of KPLZ-FM, KVI-AM and KOMO-AM – a position he held until his retirement.
Sweatte served as Chair of the WSAB Board of Directors in 1980-81 and was named the WSAB’s Broadcaster of the Year in 1994.
Shannon was dedicated to serving the community, and among the highlights was when he was named volunteer President of Seafair, Seattle’s annual summer festival, in 1979.
Shannon’s childhood sweetheart and wife of 67 years, Janet, passed away in January. He is survived by his children, including daughters Patti (Mike) Anderson, Kathy (Paul) Fiascone, Nancy (Marc) Hill and son Ron (Barb) Sweatte (who is Director of Engineering for ImagiComm Communications, whose stations include KAYU-TV Spokane).
We also see that BJ Shea has updated his social media.
11 thoughts on “WSAB message regarding passing of Shannon Sweatte; BJ Shea out at KZOK”
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Rob • October 11, 2024
Is it confirmed that they dumped the rest of the show? Sarah’s beaver and beer blogs are still on the site. She was on there with the other two guys the morning after it was announced that BJ left. Is it possible they are going to syndicate BJ to other markets?
Lou Robbins • October 11, 2024
The KZOK website has been updated and Sarah shows to be holding down the morning show after BJ Shea left the building. I don’t think they will be adding a big crew on mornings, unless these people are volunteers.
Lou Robbins • October 11, 2024
My tastes in music are wide, but not including rap, scat singing or anything with a ukulele.
Lou Robbins • October 10, 2024
Sara—everybody— gone! It’s syndicated jocks all day.
Update– actually, as of this date, KZOK website info shows Sarah remaining in mornings.
EstoyListo • October 10, 2024
Did they also drop Sarah? I haven’t listened since Danny Bonaduce retired.
Lou Robbins • October 10, 2024
Looks like KZOK has dumped the local talent, opting for iHeart jocks. Bye bye KZOK.
Lou Robbins • October 10, 2024
KZOK is automated. The playlist of maybe 200 songs is old and tired. There is still an audience for this?
louis • October 11, 2024
Have about 1200+ songs on a thumb drive set to random play. Better selection, no commercials, no politics.
Mike Merry • October 14, 2024
Sarah is local to Seattle. Maybe you’re referring to the other shifts?