KUOW statement: Joe Fain's KUOW board seat bid ends after review

Today, former State Senator Joe Fain’s candidacy for membership on the KUOW / Puget Sound Public Radio board of directors has ended. In a meeting of the executive committee, the board amended the slate of candidates for consideration and removed the former State Senator’s name. The final vote on the remaining board candidates will take place on September 18, 2025.

The review and vetting process for board candidates is an important step and in keeping with KUOW’s journalistic ethos to look at topics thoroughly and engage with multiple perspectives. This creates space for the open discussion of ideas through the transparent exchange of perspectives, rigorous fact-checking, and encourages civic participation while reinforcing the foundational role of a free press in sustaining democratic values and informed decision-making.

KUOW continues to stand by our past coverage of rape allegations against former State Senator Joe Fain. Our reporting was well-researched, fact checked and corroborated through multiple sources. As a news organization, we hold our journalism to high standards and are guided by principles of fairness, accuracy, transparency, and honesty. You can read about our editorial policies and practices here.