Signing Off in Seattle

A familiar face in the Pacific Northwest is preparing for a final sign-off. After nearly a quarter-century at Seattle’s Sinclair-owned powerhouse KOMO, evening anchor Mary Nam has announced she will depart the station at the end of March. In a newsroom memo sent Thursday morning, Nam revealed that her decision to move on from the anchor desk was several years in the making, framing 2026 as the definitive moment to take a professional leap of faith. While she remained characteristically guarded about her specific next steps, she expressed a sense of peace regarding the transition, noting to colleagues that "falling into the next chapter will be the easy part" compared to the long process of deciding to leave.

Nam’s departure marks the end of an era for the Emerald City’s legacy station, where she has been a fixture of the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. broadcasts. Since joining the team in 2003, her career has mirrored the evolution of the market itself. Originally scouted from KXLY in Spokane following her standout coverage of the 2003 Revelstoke avalanche, she transitioned from a tenacious field reporter to a trusted primary anchor. Her tenure has been defined by a versatility that earned her a 2024 Emmy award and a reputation as a formidable moderator for high-stakes gubernatorial and mayoral debates across Washington state.

Beyond the traditional broadcast, Nam also co-hosts the "Hard Turn" podcast with colleague Kelly Koopmans, signaling her adaptability in an increasingly digital-first industry. News Director Mark Neerman praised her deep-seated passion for the region, noting that while the newsroom will feel her absence, the station remains supportive of her "next adventure." Viewers can expect a month-long celebration of her 23-year legacy before her final broadcast on March 31st.