Local newscaster Ventrella to exit job at KCPQ

Veteran newscaster Tony Ventrella is on the move again, departing KCPQ after more than two years. He said yesterday he expects to leave Q13 sometime in January.

"I am doing some new things, and frankly, I'm not sure which of the new things I'm going to do yet," Ventrella said. "I'll certainly do more motivational speaking, a lot more writing. ... I may do some radio. There's a whole new world out there."

Ventrella, 60, said he probably will not do much television. Ventrella, a former sports director for KIRO, has worked at every news affiliate in Seattle since arriving here in 1981.

Q13 news director Bill Kaczaraba told staff Ventrella was leaving "to pursue a variety of opportunities in broadcasting and politics."

"We wish him the best," Kaczaraba said.

Ventrella joined Q13 in August 2002 as co-anchor of "Q13 Fox News This Morning." He has since contributed to "Q It Up Sports" reports as well as hosting the weekly program, "Tony Ventrella Tonight."

Earlier this year, he considered running for the 8th District congressional seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Jennifer Dunn, but later said he would rather continue working in the media and as a volunteer with nonprofit organizations.

— Pamela Sitt, Seattle Times staff reporter