Seattle Channel Features

Reported news-style features for Seattle Channel’s award-winning show, CityStream.

Seattle Channel – Ferry Memorials

Washington State Ferries tie us together in life, carrying us across Puget Sound to work, to loved ones, and home again. A special program also allows families to honor that connection at the end of life. Through a state-issued permit, families may lay loved ones to rest along many ferry routes that cross the Sound, with about 200 ceremonies held each year.

Seattle Channel – Meet Shogo Ota, the artist behind Seattle’s 2026 FIFA World Cup poster (ArtZone)

An accomplished local artist and designer, Shogo Ota was selected by FIFA to create Seattle’s official 2026 World Cup poster. Producer Michael Crowe explores his journey from Japan to the U.S., the inspiration behind his art, and how he hopes it makes people feel.

Seattle Channel – The Notorious Alki Swimmers

You’ve heard about cold plunges - but what about folks who take it a step further? Some, including the Notorious Alki Swimmers, are enjoying the growing hobby of open water swimming — braving frigid temps for a workout in Puget Sound. Many don’t bother with a wetsuit, even in winter.

Seattle Channel – The Return of Film Photography

The ubiquitous cell phone has made everyone a picture taker. Plus, digital technology means you can take thousands of photos of your summer vacation, for free. But for true photographers, loading a film camera, setting the f-stop and shutter speed and then carefully selecting 24 shots, is a lesson in discipline. Add to this the developing and printing process and this helps explain the allure of film photography and why more and more people have rediscovered film.

CityStream – The Puget Sound and our connections to the water

We are drawn to Puget Sound for many reasons, but its waters connect us in shared and meaningful ways. Kayak alongside EarthView Conservancy Society’s Brian Footen as he traverses all 2,500 miles of shoreline to map human impact and climate change. Plus, discover a little-known Washington State Ferries service that helps families give loved ones a final goodbye. Then dive into the chilly waters of Puget Sound just for fun with the Notorious Alki Swimmers. Join host Michael Crowe aboard the Washington State ferry Walla Walla for the December 2025 CityStream.

Seattle Channel – Meet the master mechanics behind Seattle's 4,000-vehicle fleet

Seattle is a city on the move! 4,000 vehicles comprise the city’s fleet and it’s a huge job to keep it up and running. A group of skilled mechanics is at the heart. Yes, they do all the routine maintenance, but they also fabricate parts, repair dents, and fix complex machinery. And they work on everything from fire engines to utility bucket trucks to giant backhoes. Michael Crowe introduces you to several female mechanics, with decades of experience, who know how to make things go!

Seattle Channel – Seattle’s drinking water: pure from the start

We’re spoiled in Seattle. When we get thirsty, we turn on the faucet and out comes some of the purest, best-tasting drinking water in the nation. That’s because our water is pristine from the start. Many other cities source their drinking water from the same rivers used for recreation and commerce. Not Seattle, our drinking water is stored in protected reservoirs fed by fall and winter rains and melting snow. And the public is not allowed anywhere near it. Michael Crowe details the special care that Seattle Public Utilities takes to insure the purity of our precious water supply.

Seattle Channel – City Light eases electric vehicle concerns with new charging stations

As we struggle with the impacts of climate change, Seattle has a goal to reduce transportation emissions 83% by the year 2030. One way to achieve this is to encourage the use of electric vehicles. But many potential EV buyers remain nervous about charging access and battery range. Seattle City Light is helping by installing level-two curbside chargers at 31 locations around the area..

Seattle Channel – Turning Down the Volume for endangered orcas

A feature on Quiet Sound, a project to slow shipping in Puget Sound, reducing the impacts of noise pollution on endangered southern resident orcas.

Seattle Channel – Protecting urban beavers and their climate benefits

A feature on the ways beaver living within city limits change the hydrology of parks, and build climate resilience.

Seattle Channel – Protecting Seattle’s urban tree canopy

Seattle is renowned for its natural beauty and greenery, something missing within many urban areas of the country. Our decades-old trees provide myriad benefits, including cleaner air, cleaner water, lower asthma rates, climate change resilience, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, the city’s tree canopy is shrinking.

Seattle Channel – A “rest stop” for salmon on the Duwamish River

A project to rebuild salmon habitat in the heart of an industrial area.