Ian Furness Biography: Seattle Sports Radio & TV Career | KJR & Q13
Ian Furness is a seasoned sports broadcaster based in Seattle, renowned for his extensive work in radio and television.
He currently hosts “The Ian Furness Show” on Sports Radio 93.3 KJR and serves as the primary host for the Kraken Hockey Network.
He began his career in the early 1990s as a play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Over the years, he has become well-known for his work in hockey, particularly with the Seattle Kraken.
Furness has also hosted “The Ian Furness Show” on Sports Radio 93.3 KJR, where he covers various sports topics.
His passion for hockey was influenced by his Canadian grandfather, who played semi-pro hockey in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
This passion led him to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, eventually landing his first NHL role with the Kraken.
In addition to his work in radio, Furness has had a significant presence on television, covering the Seahawks for Fox 13 KCPQ for 14 years before transitioning to his role with the Kraken.
His dedication to sports broadcasting and his engaging on-air presence have made him a respected figure in the industry.
Age:
Ian Furness is 59 years old. His zodiac sign is Aquarius, as he was born on February 5th.
He has a mixed ethnicity, with a Canadian grandfather who played semi-pro hockey in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Ian Furness is American by nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Ian Furness grew up in a family deeply rooted in sports and media.
His Canadian grandfather, Norm Buckley, played semi-pro hockey in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and was a significant influence on Ian’s passion for hockey.
Ian’s mother, Carole, was born in Saskatchewan and was a competitive figure skater.
His father, Milt Furness, was a well-respected television news anchor in Seattle, working for stations like KING, KIRO, and KOMO.
Ian spent his childhood in Queen Anne, Seattle, where his family would gather every Saturday to watch Hockey Night in Canada, a tradition that solidified his love for the sport.
He has four younger sisters: Megan, Alix, Stacey, and Paige.
Wife:
Ian Furness is married to his wife, Denise. They have two children: a son named Kiefer and a daughter named McKenna.
Kiefer, a high school student, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, which has been a significant part of their family’s journey.
Ian has shared uplifting stories about Kiefer’s experiences, including a memorable meeting with Seattle Sounders star Jordan Morris, who is also a Type 1 Diabetes advocate.
Height, Weight:
Ian Furness is estimated to be around 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet tall (180-183 cm) and weighs approximately 190-220 pounds (86-100 kg).
Career and Background:
Ian’s broadcasting career began in the early 1990s as a play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League.
He expanded his experience by calling over 1,000 games in the American Hockey League and the International Hockey League.
Transitioning to sports radio, Ian became a prominent voice on KJR 950 AM, hosting a successful afternoon show.
He also served as a sports reporter for Fox 13, covering the Seattle Seahawks for 14 years.
In 2021, he joined the Kraken Hockey Network as a television host, fulfilling his long-held aspiration to work with an NHL team in his hometown.
Early Career
- Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL):
Ian began his broadcasting career in the early 1990s as a play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
This role allowed him to develop his skills in calling hockey games and brought him closer to the sport he loved from a young age.
His Canadian grandfather, Norm Buckley, who played semi-pro hockey, was a significant influence on his passion for the sport.
During his time with the Thunderbirds, Ian built a reputation for his detailed and engaging commentary, which laid the foundation for his future success.
Transition to Professional Leagues
- American Hockey League (AHL) and International Hockey League (IHL):
Ian’s talent and dedication led him to opportunities in the American Hockey League (AHL) and International Hockey League (IHL).
In these leagues, he called over 1,000 games, providing play-by-play commentary that was both informative and entertaining.
His experience in these professional leagues allowed him to refine his broadcasting skills and develop a deep understanding of the game’s intricacies.
This phase of his career further solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate hockey commentator.
Sports Radio and Television
- Sports Radio 93.3 KJR:
Ian transitioned to radio, where he became a prominent voice on Sports Radio 93.3 KJR.
Hosting “The Ian Furness Show,” he covered various sports topics and engaged with listeners through insightful analysis and commentary.
His engaging style and deep knowledge of sports earned him a loyal following, making him a trusted source for Seattle sports fans.
Ian’s ability to connect with his audience and provide thoughtful insights into the world of sports helped him establish a strong presence in the radio industry.
- Fox 13 KCPQ:
In addition to his radio career, Ian served as a sports reporter for Fox 13 KCPQ, covering the Seattle Seahawks for 14 years.
His work in television allowed him to reach a broader audience and showcase his versatility as a broadcaster.
Whether reporting from the field or providing in-depth analysis in the studio, Ian’s dedication to delivering high-quality sports coverage earned him the respect of his peers and viewers alike.
Recent Milestones
- Kraken Hockey Network (KHN):
In 2021, Ian achieved a significant milestone by joining the Kraken Hockey Network as a television host.
This role marked a dream come true for Ian, as he had long aspired to work with an NHL team.
His enthusiasm for the Kraken and commitment to delivering high-quality broadcasts have made him a beloved figure among fans.
Ian’s journey to the NHL is a testament to his hard work, passion, and dedication to the sport of hockey.
His ability to provide engaging and informative commentary continues to enhance the viewing experience for Kraken fans.
Ian Furness’s notable coverage:
- Seattle Seahawks: Covered the team for 14 years at Fox 13 KCPQ, including their Super Bowl XLVIII victory in 2014.
- Seattle Kraken: Joined the Kraken Hockey Network in 2021 as a television host, covering the team’s inaugural NHL season.
- Radio Show: Hosts “The Ian Furness Show” on Sports Radio 93.3 KJR, featuring interviews, sports analysis, and local team coverage.
- Special Stories: Highlighted Seattle Sounders’ Jordan Morris’s soccer camp for kids with Type 1 diabetes, a cause close to his heart due to his son’s condition.
Awards and Recognitions
Ian Furness has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career, reflecting his dedication and impact in the field of sports broadcasting. Here are some notable highlights:
- Emmy Awards: Ian has been honored with multiple Emmy Awards for his outstanding work in sports broadcasting. These awards recognize his excellence in delivering high-quality sports coverage and his engaging on-air presence.
- Edward R. Murrow Awards: Ian has also received Edward R. Murrow Awards, which celebrate excellence in electronic journalism. These awards highlight his commitment to providing accurate and impactful sports reporting.
- Washington State Association of Broadcasters Awards: Ian has been recognized by the Washington State Association of Broadcasters for his contributions to the industry. These awards acknowledge his significant impact on sports broadcasting in the region.
Ian Furness has worked with many notable colleagues throughout his career in sports broadcasting. Here are some of his key colleagues:
- John Forslund: Play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Kraken.
- JT Brown: Color analyst for the Seattle Kraken.
- Dave “Softy” Mahler: Host of “The Softy Mahler Show.”
- Dick Fain: Co-host of “The Softy and Dick Show.”
- Aaron Levine: Sports Director and anchor at Fox 13.
- Angie Mentink: Sports anchor and reporter at Fox 13.
These colleagues have worked alongside Ian Furness, contributing to the dynamic and engaging sports coverage that he is known for.
Net Worth and Salary:
Specific details about Ian Furness’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed.
However, considering his extensive career in sports broadcasting, including roles such as hosting “The Ian Furness Show” on Sports Radio 93.3 KJR and serving as the primary host for the Kraken Hockey Network, it’s reasonable to assume he has achieved a substantial financial standing.
While exact figures are unavailable, sports radio hosts with similar profiles at major networks can earn from $100,000 to several hundred thousand dollars annually. Additionally, endorsements and partnerships likely contribute to his overall earnings.
Is Ian Furness Married?
Yes, Ian Furness is married to his wife, Denise. They have two children: a son named Kiefer and a daughter named McKenna.
Ian often shares stories about his family, highlighting their importance in his life and career.
How Old Is Ian Furness?
Ian Furness was born on February 5, 1966. He celebrates his birthday on February 5th each year.
Did Ian Furness Play Football?
Ian Furness did not have a professional football career. His primary focus has been on sports broadcasting, particularly in hockey. He has covered football extensively as a sports reporter and broadcaster, but there is no record of him playing football at a professional level.
Where Is Ian Furness Working?
Ian Furness is currently thriving in his career as a sports broadcaster.
He continues to host “The Ian Furness Show” on Sports Radio 93.3 KJR, where he covers various sports topics and engages with listeners through insightful analysis and commentary.
Additionally, he serves as a television host for the Kraken Hockey Network, covering the Seattle Kraken’s games and providing engaging commentary and analysis for fans.
Ian’s dedication to sports broadcasting and his passion for hockey have made him a respected figure in the industry. He remains active and influential in his roles, contributing to the sports media landscape.
Kraken Hockey Network (KHN)
- Television Host: Ian joined the Kraken Hockey Network in 2021, where he serves as a television host. He covers the Seattle Kraken’s games and provides engaging commentary and analysis for fans.
Sports Radio 93.3 KJR
- Host of “The Ian Furness Show”: Ian hosts his own show on Sports Radio 93.3 KJR, where he discusses various sports topics, conducts interviews, and provides in-depth analysis.
Ian Furness is active on multiple social media platforms:
Through these platforms, Ian Furness engages with his audience, sharing sports commentary and personal updates.
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