This month, we are going to feature a relatively new face to the Channel 3 News family. While she is new to you, Maureen is not new to Cleveland - she grew up here and now is getting to work in her favorite city. We recently asked Maureen to take a few minutes between writing news stories and answer a few of our questions:Q: What cities have you worked in prior to coming back to your hometown city of Cleveland? Which city (besides Cleveland), do you think has been your favorite?
Maureen: I came back to Cleveland after a few years in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville is one of the country's best kept secrets. The town is quaint with some of the best restaurants. I started reporting while I was in college in New York City. Not to date myself, but I covered a lot of 9/11 and its aftermath. I loved New York City before the attacks, but going through that remarkably difficult and frightening time, I became a New Yorker. New Yorkers have a reputation for being rude, but the way everyone came together to support one another after the tragedy was amazing. I still go back a few times a year to visit my close friends and sister.
Q: Many people may not know that you are related to some pretty well known community leaders in Northeast Ohio, tell us who -
Maureen: One of the most frequently asked questions I get in the field is, "Are you related to Coach Kyle." My dad is the head football coach at St. Ignatius, which is one of the reasons I was compelled to come back home to Cleveland. I also think he is the driving force behind my ambition and drive to succeed. A lot of people would tease me, asking if my siblings and I were forced to do drills at home. But if you know my dad, you know he does push and he doesn't yell - he inspires. I am blessed to have such a wonderful teacher and father. Also, my grandfather is Paul Cassidy - the former Mayor of Parma Heights. He served the community for 43 years before retiring in 2000. Mayor Cassidy started in public service when the area of Parma Heights was booming post WWII. He has been such a wonderful resource when it comes to Cleveland's history and political players.
Q: Since football is in your family's blood...did the tradition continue with your love of the game too?
Maureen: When I was three years old, I insisted on going to all of the St. Ignatius football games. I thought every game was played against St. Edward...but I figured it all out by the time I was 5. It was one big way to connect with my dad, since make-up and hair was out. I love football - especially when I have an emotional connection to the team. But I also keep up with baseball and basketball (living in Kentucky and near the Hoosier state, I learned fast to love basketball).
Q: Professionally, you have worn many hats. What are they? What has been your favorite?
Maureen: One of the reasons why I love this job so much is the fact that I get to do so many different jobs all in one. I've been a radio anchor/reporter, T.V. reporter, anchor and weather "anchor"...yes, weather. I am not a meteorologist, but on Sunday mornings in Louisville, I delivered the forecast. It was a true test of skill!!!Still, my favorite so far is reporting. I love getting out and meeting different people, hearing their stories and finding out what other people do with their lives.
Q: We have both worked in radio... Which do you prefer? - radio or tv - and why?
Maureen: Although radio was good to me and I could wear my pajamas at work, I love working in TV. I am a visual person, as I think many people are. When you can show someone what is happening, I think there is a greater understanding of the story and how it impacts each individual life. But I miss wearing sweatpants into work...
Q: You were a witness to the carnage in New York on 9/11 as a reporter covering the story. Tell us about that experience and how it changed your life.
Maureen: I was a senior at Fordham University during the 9/11 attacks. I was 9 miles away from the World Trade Center. The day it happened, I couldn't take it in. I knew 2 people who died that day. Every New Yorker knew someone. But to comprehend what happened took months. After that, I realized, what happens on the other side of the world doesn't just happen in headlines for us here in the U.S. Decisions made by our government and foreign governments can change our world. I covered those stories as a reporter, but in the back of my mind, what happened on 9/11 happened in my city to people I knew. I had a new understanding of what it's like to be emotionally connected to a story.
Q: Now for some lighter questions... What is your favorite place to hang out when you are not working?
Maureen: We are always working...But I like hanging out in Tremont. It's eclectic and diverse.
Q: What is one thing you could not live without in life?
Maureen: Laughter - hands down. A good example is my 12th birthday party. While most girls my age would have a sleepover and watch "Grease", I wanted to watch "Strange Brew" and "Three Amigos". I'm sure most of the other girls didn't appreciate it. I think laughter and a good sense of humor is the only way to get through life.
Q: Name one thing you wish you could live without in life - and why?.
Maureen: Chocolate...I can't live with it...I wish I could live without it. I would eat chocolate covered shards of glass. It's an addiction.
Q: Since you work for WKYC - a NBC affiliate - you must be a fan of one or two of our primetime shows? What might they be?
Maureen: I love "30 Rock!" Tina Fey is an amazing writer and I think that is one of NBC's greatest shows. I wish I would have gotten into "Heroes"...I have some catching up to do when the DVD sets come out. And - being the news geek I am - I watch "NBC Nightly News."
You can email Maureen. Her address is: maureenkyle@wkyc.com