Television journalist Sharify to leave KOMO

KOMO-TV's John Sharify, one of Seattle's best-known journalists, is calling it quits after 18 years with the station, seeking to put his storytelling skills to work in other forms.

"It's time for me to do other things," Sharify said. "This was a great year for me, one of the best I've ever had. ... I've accomplished what I want to accomplish. Let's see what else is out there."

His aplomb as a visual storyteller for KOMO-TV, the local ABC affiliate, has earned him broadcast journalism's top honors.

According to the station's Web site, he has twice won the national Edward R. Murrow Award for writing — most recently this year — as well as 29 regional Emmys, including honors as the Northwest's top TV reporter four of the last five years.

From 2001 to 2005, Sharify — who began his career as Shahab Sharify at New York City's WPIX-TV — earned acclaim as KOMO's "People Helper," offering stories about people in need and earning an Emmy for community service.

The Princeton University graduate also has served as board president for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Northwest chapter.

Sharify is the latest and most high-profile departure for KOMO, which fired longtime reporters April Zepeda, Kevin Reece and Joe Furia in May. The decision to leave was his own, Sharify said.

His last day will be Aug. 3.