Veteran Seattle TV journalist Robert Mak has been named communications director and senior policy advisor to Mayor Greg Nickels. He has been the longtime and only host of KING 5 News Up Front on NBC affiliate KING-TV, where he has worked for more than 15 years.
Here's the mayor's entire news release announcing the appointment. Mak replaces Marty McOmber, who has joined Casey Family Programs.
May 27, 2008
Mayor Announces new Communications Director
SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels today named television journalist Robert Mak as Communications Director and Senior Policy Advisor.
Host of "KING 5 News Up Front" and a news reporter at Seattle's NBC affiliate, Mak was recognized three times with the national Walter Cronkite Award for
Excellence in Broadcast TV Political Journalism. He also won ten regional Emmy awards for investigative reporting and news programs.
"Robert brings a keen sense of policy and communications to our team," said Nickels. "He will be a great asset as we continue our key priorities of fixing our transportation system, protecting our environment, keeping our neighborhoods safe, and ensuring all Seattle residents access to safe and affordable housing."
"Mayor Nickels has led a successful agenda addressing climate change,
improving transportation, and fostering healthy neighborhoods," said Mak. "With the Mayor committed to supporting better schools and creating more economic
opportunities for all, this is an exciting time to join the City of Seattle."
Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Mak joined Madison's CBS affiliate in 1987 after working in radio and print. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds a Master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate Schoolof Journalismin New York.
