KIRO was founded by Moritz Thomsen of the Pacific Biscuit Company and began broadcasting on April 27, 1927 as the 100-watt station KPCB 650. Over the years, the Seattle KIRO broadcast station moved several times. The first location was at Fourth and University. As of 2025, the KIRO station studios are located in the Belltown neighborhood, with a transmitting tower adjacent to the station’s original studios on Queen Anne Hill.
This interior photo shows KIRO studio engineer James Upthegrove and engineer John Dubuque with radio equipment about 1955.
Stamp on verso: Exclusive Photo by Forde Photographers, Seattle, Wash. Handwritten on verso: James Upthgrove (l), John Dubuque
Physical Description: 1 photographic print : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv02572
Credit: MOHAI, Collection on KIRO Radio, 2014.67.11
