KING 5's Robert Mak joins Mayor Nickels' office

One of Seattle's best-known political reporters — KING 5's Robert Mak — has been hired as Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels' communications director, the mayor's office announced today.

Mak, known to many viewers as host of the public-affairs program "KING 5 News Up Front," said he wasn't looking for another job when Nickels' office approached him a few weeks ago.

But after 21 years as a television news reporter, including 16 at KING, Seattle's NBC affiliate, Mak said he decided to pursue a new challenge.

"It combines my background in communication with my interest in government," Mak said. "It's really about life experience. When you look back at your career, I want to be able to say I tried different things and learned different things."

Mak, 41, will be paid $160,000 and start his new job June 9, according to Nickels' office. He will also have the title of senior policy adviser to Nickels.

He said his decision had nothing to do with any changes at KING and expects the station will continue its "Up Front" program with a different host.

"I think KING TV has a rich and long tradition of public affairs and civic journalism, and I fully expect that show will continue," he said.

Mak has won 10 regional Emmy awards for investigative reporting and news programs.

Jim Brunner: 206-515-5628 or jbrunner@seattletimes.com