It’s with heavy hearts we report that Ken Schwall, a WBIR legend who equally informed and brought joy to countless East Tennesseans during his 36 years on the air, has passed away.

Ken’s departure leaves a void in the community and the hearts of those who knew him, but his legacy of warmth, humor, and dedication will endure for generations to come.

Ken Schwall was more than a seasoned journalist; he was a symbol of community, a friend to many, and an embodiment of the genuine kindness that East Tennessee is known for.

Throughout his illustrious career, he inspired generations of journalists at Channel 10 with his big heart, quick wit, unwavering dedication, and his natural sense of humor. But perhaps most importantly, Ken fostered a sense of togetherness and belonging in East Tennessee.

His stories, often humorous slices of life, showcased the extraordinary in the everyday, making viewers feel connected to their neighbors and their shared experiences.

Ken was “Straight from the Heart” in every sense — authentic, compassionate, and endlessly relatable. Before he became beloved for his endearing antics—hounding two-legged dogs, chasing down standoffish nativity donkeys, or questioning quirky mallgoers at the end of each newscast—Ken was a serious reporter committed to truthful storytelling.

His dedication to hard news was evident in his work, as he once said, “I was a real news reporter. I did actual news. Stuff that meant something; crime, politics. Sometimes they were the same.” This seriousness laid the foundation for his later success in blending hard news with heartfelt, humorous storytelling.

Ken’s journey into broadcasting began humbly at WGAP, a Maryville radio station where he served as a DJ spinning country tunes and hosting a “swap and shop” program. His natural talent for engaging with people and his quick wit made him a local favorite.

Ken fondly recalled how he learned to connect with audiences: “People would call and they had stuff to buy and sell. I would joke around and kid them, and basically that’s what I did on ‘Schwall’s World.’ That’s where I learned how to do it.”

In 1979, Bill Williams, a fellow WBIR legend, recognized Ken’s potential as a TV reporter and convinced him to join Channel 10. Ken’s transition from radio to television was seamless, thanks in part to his distinctive voice and natural charisma.

The station’s news director, Bob Selwyn, saw in Ken more than just a talented voice—he saw a true newsman at heart. Ken’s first story on Channel 10 featured a comic book convention, but he soon became known for covering some of the most compelling and hard-hitting stories in East Tennessee—from the TVA’s displacement of families for Tellico Lake to local political upheavals.

Ken’s reputation grew as a dedicated journalist who delivered stories with integrity and empathy. His coverage of sensitive issues, like the forced relocation of families, was both powerful and respectful.

Bill Williams recalls a particularly memorable story where Ken told of a woman being moved from her home by federal marshals, describing it as “wonderful TV,” emphasizing Ken’s knack for storytelling that resonated deeply with viewers.

For about 15 years, Ken was a familiar face reporting from across East Tennessee, earning a reputation as a trusted and respected journalist. His ability to connect with people, to tell their stories authentically, made him a staple in the community.

Recognizing his talent for storytelling and judgment, WBIR appointed Ken as the station’s news director. Though he disliked being confined to an office and away from the audience, his leadership led to important hires like Moira Kaye, who described him as a “unique, funny, talented, warm human being.”

In the mid-1990s, during a slow news week, Ken’s creative side shone brightly. He began producing humorous feature stories that infused levity into the station’s newscasts. “One week, back in 1995, it was a slow week so I ended up doing stories—five days of features with a humorous twist,” Ken recalled.

This led to the creation of “Schwall’s World,” a nightly feature that wrapped up the 6 p.m. news for nearly two decades. Ken believed in the power of humor to put people at ease, saying, “The key is putting people at ease—finding a situation and finding there’s humor in just about every situation.”