SALT LAKE CITY — Longtime KSL-TV political reporter Richard Piatt will join Rep.-elect Mia Love's office as communications director beginning in January.
"I am thrilled to have someone with Richard's experience on my staff," Love said in a prepared statement Monday. "I am confident he will assist me in my efforts to represent the people of the 4th District and the state of Utah in my desire to bring a Utah perspective to the important issues in Washington."
Piatt was a part of KSL for 16 years, covering both Utah and national politics, including the last two presidential races.
He called the job a chance to apply his political reporting experience to in-the-trenches public policymaking in a new way that will serve the state of Utah.
"I've got an opportunity to be in on the decision-making process when it comes to public policy, working with someone who is open to hearing all sides of an issue and making a decision that's right for her district and right for Utah," Piatt said.
The offer came unexpectedly, he said, and as he makes plans for the move to Washington, D.C., he doesn't minimize his departure from a career he has loved.
"I feel like the people at KSL are truly my family. It's hard to look around at the faces around the newsroom and not feel emotional about leaving," Piatt said. "I really have had tremendous opportunities here. This career has meant the world to me. It has been my life."