Lori Matsukawa is a renowned American broadcast journalist and trailblazing news anchor, celebrated for her 36-year tenure at KING 5 in Seattle. Known for her credibility, professionalism, and dedication to accurate reporting, she has become a trusted voice in journalism, covering major events from civil rights stories to the Olympic Games.
Born in Aiea, Hawaii, Matsukawa’s journey from local beginnings to national recognition highlights her commitment, versatility, and pioneering influence in broadcast media. With multiple Emmy Awards and honors for promoting diversity in journalism, she remains a role model for aspiring journalists and a respected figure in American media.
Key Fact
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lori Matsukawa |
| Birth Date | 1956 |
| Birth Place | Aiea, Hawaii, United States |
| Age | Approximately 69 years (as of 2025) |
| Family Background | Grew up with two sisters; parents were teachers; married to Larry Blackstock; one son, Alex |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Japanese American |
Who is Lori Matsukawa?
Lori Matsukawa is a highly respected American broadcast journalist and former evening news anchor at KING 5 in Seattle, where she served for 36 years. Known for her poise, credibility, and journalistic integrity, she has reported on a wide range of stories, including civil rights-era events, major national news, and international coverage like the Olympic Games.
As a pioneering Asian American woman in U.S. journalism, Matsukawa has been recognized for both her professional excellence and her contributions to diversity in media. She is celebrated not only for her reporting but also as a mentor and inspiration for future generations of journalists.
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Early Life of Lori Matsukawa
Lori Matsukawa was born in 1956 in Aiea, Hawaii, near Pearl Harbor, into a family of educators. Growing up with two sisters and parents who were both teachers, she was encouraged to pursue excellence in academics and extracurricular activities. Her early achievements included winning Miss Honolulu in high school and later being crowned Miss Teenage America, experiences that helped shape her confidence and public presence.
Matsukawa went on to attend Stanford University, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication while actively participating in student media. Her formative years in Hawaii and at Stanford laid the foundation for her journalistic curiosity, storytelling skills, and commitment to community-focused reporting, setting her on a path toward a distinguished career in broadcast journalism.
Full name/Real name:
Lori Matsukawa
Birth date/Birth place:
- Born in 1956
- Raised in Aiea, Hawaii, near Pearl Harbor
Family background:
- Grew up with two sisters
- Both parents were teachers
- Married to Larry Blackstock, a former news director
- Has one son named Alex
School/University:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Stanford University (graduated Phi Beta Kappa)
- Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Washington
Career Journey of Lori Matsukawa
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Lori Matsukawa began her journalism career in local and regional reporting, steadily building her reputation as a reliable and insightful reporter. Her breakthrough came in 1983 when she joined KING 5 in Seattle as an evening news anchor and reporter. Known for her calm demeanor and thorough reporting, she quickly became a trusted voice in Seattle news, covering a wide range of stories from local events to significant national issues.
Peak Years and Growing Influence
During her 36-year tenure at KING 5, Matsukawa reached the peak of her career, earning multiple Emmy Awards and widespread recognition for her impactful reporting. She covered major events including the Olympic Games and civil rights-era stories, while also advocating for diversity in U.S. news media. Her influence extended beyond the newsroom as she became a role model and mentor for Asian American journalists.
Notable Works and Achievements
Matsukawa’s notable works include decades of evening news anchoring, investigative reporting, and coverage of key national and international stories. She was recognized for her leadership in promoting diversity and excellence in journalism, receiving accolades from organizations such as the Asian American Journalists Association and the Association for Women in Communications. Her career legacy is celebrated for professionalism, mentorship, and pioneering contributions to broadcast journalism.
Fame Reason and Future Plans of Lori Matsukawa
Lori Matsukawa rose to fame due to her exceptional career as a broadcast journalist and evening news anchor at KING 5 in Seattle, where she spent over three decades delivering reliable, high-quality reporting. Her emphasis on integrity, clarity, and community-focused journalism made her a trusted household name in the Pacific Northwest. Coverage of major events such as the Olympic Games, civil rights-era stories, and significant local and national developments further solidified her reputation. Beyond reporting, Matsukawa’s commitment to diversity and mentorship in journalism amplified her influence, earning her multiple Emmy Awards and recognition from professional organizations.
Matsukawa’s on-screen presence, professionalism, and dedication to truthful storytelling have made her a respected figure nationally and internationally, while her personal achievements, including pageant titles like Miss Honolulu and Miss Teenage America, contributed to her early visibility and public recognition.
Looking ahead, although Matsukawa retired from KING 5 in 2019, her future plans focus on mentorship, community engagement, and advocacy for diversity in media. She continues to inspire through public speaking, educational programs, and involvement in initiatives that support aspiring journalists. With her extensive experience, Lori Matsukawa remains a guiding force in American journalism, shaping the future of media through her insights, mentorship, and commitment to journalistic excellence.
Physical Appearance of Lori Matsukawa
Age:
Lori Matsukawa was born in 1956, making her approximately 69 years old in 2025.
Height:
Approximately 5 ft
Weight:
Approximately 52 KG
Major Achievements of Lori Matsukawa
Lori Matsukawa’s career is marked by numerous prestigious achievements that highlight her impact on American journalism. Over her 36-year tenure at KING 5 in Seattle, she earned multiple Emmy Awards for excellence in reporting and anchoring, recognizing her commitment to delivering accurate, engaging, and community-focused news. Her work covering civil rights-era stories, Olympic Games, and major national events established her as a trusted and influential voice in the Pacific Northwest.
Beyond journalism awards, Matsukawa is widely celebrated for her contributions to diversity and representation in U.S. media, mentoring aspiring journalists and breaking barriers as an Asian American woman in broadcast news. She was honored by organizations like the Asian American Journalists Association and named Communicator of the Year by the Association for Women in Communications. These accolades, combined with her long-standing reputation for integrity and professionalism, solidify her legacy as one of the most respected journalists in American television history.
Personal Life of Lori Matsukawa
Family:
Lori Matsukawa grew up in Aiea, Hawaii, with two sisters. Both of her parents were teachers. She is married to Larry Blackstock, a former news director, and they have a son named Alex.
Nationality:
American
Religion:
Christianity
Ethnicity:
Japanese American
Marital status/Relationship:
Married to Larry Blackstock since around 1980.
Net worth:
$20 million
Social media presence:
Lori Matsukawa has a presence on Instagram under the handle @lmatsukawa, where she shares occasional posts, including personal and professional updates.
| Platform | Handle/Username | Description |
|---|---|---|
| @lmatsukawa | Former King 5 evening news anchor; posts about personal and professional updates. | |
| X (formerly Twitter) | @LoriMatsukawa | Retired KING 5 news anchor and reporter; shares news and insights. |
Interesting Facts About Lori Matsukawa
- Miss Teenage America: Lori won the Miss Teenage America pageant and previously held the title of Miss Honolulu in high school.
- Hawaii Roots: She grew up in Aiea, Hawaii, near Pearl Harbor, with her two sisters and parents who were both teachers.
- Emmy Winner: Lori received multiple Emmy Awards for her outstanding reporting and anchoring during her career at KING 5 Seattle.
- Diversity Advocate: She is recognized for promoting diversity in U.S. media. Mentoring young journalists, and breaking barriers for Asian Americans in journalism.
- Olympics Coverage: Lori reported on major events, including the Olympic Games. Showcasing her versatility as a national and international news anchor.
Conclusion of Lori Matsukawa
Lori Matsukawa has left an indelible mark on American broadcast journalism, earning recognition for her decades-long career as a trusted evening news anchor at KING 5 Seattle. From her Hawaiian roots in Aiea to becoming a celebrated journalist, her journey reflects resilience, dedication, and a commitment to delivering impactful news. Her work in covering major events, civil rights stories, and mentoring future journalists underscores her role as a trailblazer for Asian Americans in media.
As a multi-award-winning journalist and Emmy recipient, Lori Matsukawa’s legacy extends beyond her reporting. Her advocacy for diversity in media, leadership in newsrooms, and mentorship of emerging journalists demonstrate her lasting influence on the industry. Even after retiring in 2019, her career continues to inspire aspiring reporters. Making her a symbol of excellence and integrity in broadcast journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lori Matsukawa
1. Who is Lori Matsukawa?
Lori Matsukawa is an American broadcast journalist, best known as the longtime evening news anchor at KING 5 Seattle.
2. Where was Lori Matsukawa born?
She was born in 1956 in Aiea, Hawaii, and grew up near Pearl Harbor with her two sisters.
3. What is Lori Matsukawa famous for?
She is famous for her 36-year career at KING 5, award-winning journalism, and contributions to diversity in news media.
4. What awards has Lori Matsukawa received?
She has earned multiple Emmy Awards and recognition from journalism organizations for her reporting and leadership.
5. When did Lori Matsukawa retire?
Lori Matsukawa retired in 2019 after a distinguished career, highlighted in The Seattle Times.
