Longtime right wing talk radio host Dori Monson died suddenly this weekend after being hospitalized last Thursday following a cardiac arrest, his employer Bonneville Seattle announced on its website today. Monson was sixty-one.
“The KIRO Newsradio family and Bonneville International Corporation – along with the immediate family of Dori Monson – are deeply saddened to announce Dori’s sudden passing Saturday night at a Seattle hospital,” the company wrote.
“Dori’s career in radio started in 1982 at the University of Washington, and included work at KING-TV, KING Radio and at KIRO since the early 1990s.
“A man of deep faith and a fierce advocate for girls’ sports for more than twenty-five years, Dori coached Shorecrest High School to its first state girls basketball title in 2016,” the brief announcement and obituary went on to say. “Despite health issues over the past few years, Dori enjoyed deep sea fishing with KIRO and ESPN colleagues, and playing pickleball with his family. He leaves behind a wife, three adult daughters, a dog and many of his show’s loyal listeners.”
Our team at NPI is sorry to hear this news.
We didn’t agree with Dori Monson about hardly anything; he wasn’t a fan of our work, and we weren’t fans of his. Having spent time with Dori in his studio in between segments of his show a few years ago, though, I got a chance to get acquainted with the person behind the loud, opinionated on-air persona.
When not in front of his microphone, I observed that Dori was courteous and pleasant. He was welcoming and good-mannered. He wanted to ensure that while I was his guest, I was comfortable in the studio, and hydrated.
I appreciated that.
That is the Dori Monson that I’ll be remembering, not the Dori Monson who repeatedly trashed and insulted people on air for entertainment.
The Dori who got himself suspended from Bonneville and fired by the Seahawks for transphobic comments and gave corrupt initiative promoter Tim Eyman a platform to keep his grift going and promoted the candidacy of militant extremist Republican Joe Kent in Southwest Washington was not a role model.
Our team cannot celebrate or honor Dori’s work in broadcasting given that we found it repugnant and completely at odds with the values we cherish: empathy, mutual responsibility, inclusion, freedom, and fairness.
However, we do offer all of his family and friends our condolences.
They’ve lost someone dear to them and our team knows how painful and difficult that is from experience, as over the years we’ve grieved the death of several board and staff members, including two who passed very suddenly.
It’s tough to unexpectedly lose someone you love. We hope Dori’s family and friends find ways to mourn that bring them peace and healing.
Huge loss. Terrific man. Full of common sense. Terrific watch dog. I was originally surprised that he was so humble and kind when he introduced himself to me on a “Dori Monson Celebrity Cruise” through the Mediterranean. An incredibly memorable time with he and his wonderful wife. I looked forward to his open, honest and sincere talk show, even scheduling drives and short trips around it. Huge blessings to his family. So sorry for your loss. There are no words.