KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It's with heavy hearts we report that Ken Schwall, a WBIR legend who equally informed and brought joy to so many East Tennesseans during his 36 years on the air, has died.

Ken inspired generations of journalists at Channel 10 with his big heart, quick wit, dedication and sense of humor. But more than that, he helped foster a sense of community in East Tennessee with his often hilarious slice-of-life stories about East Tennesseans who were both ordinary and extraordinary.

Ken was quintessentially "Straight from the Heart."

Before he was the guy hounding two-legged dogs, chasing down standoffish nativity donkeys and questioning quirky mallgoers at the end of every evening newscast, Ken was a serious reporter. Seriously.

"I was a real news reporter," Ken once told us. "

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