Remembering the ‘authentically, bravely and passionately’ real broadcast legend Jane Shannon



SEATTLE -- Veteran broadcast journalist Jane Shannon passed away this week leaving friends, colleagues and listeners mourning the sudden and tragic loss.

Shannon anchored the afternoon news on KOMO Newsradio Wednesday as normal and then returned to her home in Federal Way. Co-workers at KOMO arrived Thursday, but Shannon did not. After calling her home authorities were finally called for a welfare check.

Shannon was found at home where it is believed she died peacefully of natural causes.

Shannon began her broadcast career in Centralia Washington at KITI radio before working in Olympia and finally arriving in Seattle where she worked at KING AM, KIRO Radio and at KOMO Newsradio since 2010.

“Shannon was not only an award-winning broadcast journalist, but a mother, a master gardener, and someone who loved making just the right gourmet dish for dinner guests,” read a tribute posted on KOMOnews.com Thursday evening.

To listeners knew Shannon for her velvety voice, empathetic demeanor and laser focused quest for truth.

Friends knew her in exactly the same way.

“Who Jane was on-air was who Jane was in real life,” said friend and former colleague Travis Mayfield. “Jane was authentically, bravely and passionately herself no matter where she was or who she was with. She was fearless and she helped others around her realize they too could be fearless.”

KOMO Newsradio staffers took to the air Friday morning to honor Shannon.

“She never tolerated slackers, bullies or the pompous,” recounted Managing Editor Nancy Barrick. “But she would drop everything to help anyone in need.”

Shannon is survived by her two sons and a local community filled with friends and fans who were made better because she lived the beautiful life that she did.