Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

The Director's Cut Blog has learned that Kathie Lee Gifford has been named co-host of the fourth hour NBC News' "Today." The announcement was made today by "Today" executive producer Jim Bell. Gifford will make her debut alongside Hoda Kotb on April 7, 2008. She will be seen from 11 a.m. until noon on WKYC which airs the 4th hour on tape delay. "I am excited to welcome Kathie Lee to 'Today,'" said Bell. "She is a morning television icon and is on a short list of personalities known by her first name alone. We are looking forward to her signature warmth and sense of humor in the fourth hour. Her addition to the 'Today' family makes us stronger than ever, and she and Hoda will continue the 'Today' tradition of smart, topical and fun morning television." "I am truly honored to join the 'Today' show family, many of whom have been friends and colleagues of mine for years," said Gifford. "And I...

It's a girl! Congratulations to Channel 3 News reporter Carole Sulivan on the birth of a new baby girl. Carole and her husband, Mike, welcomed their second child into the world on March 27th. You can send Carole your congratulations: carolesullivan@wkyc.com

The "Toyota Concert Series on Today" will continue its tradition of bringing "Today" viewers the hottest artists in the industry continuing all the way into the fall. America's favorite morning program will also feature some surprise guests and blasts-from-the-past performances, which will be announced throughout the series. Following is a list of the concerts scheduled to date. All are Friday performances unless otherwise noted. APRIL 25 - Paula Abdul MAY 2 - Neil Diamond 9 - Mary J Blige 16 - Surprise Reunion concert 23 - Alanis Morissette 26 - B-52s (Special Memorial Day Concert) 30 - Donna Summer JUNE 6 - Chris Brown 13 - Kenny Chesney 20 - Rihanna 27 - Coldplay JULY 4 - Ashlee Simpson 11 - Rascal Flatts 18 - Natasha Bedingfield 25 - Miley Cyrus AUGUST 1 - Sheryl Crow 15 - TODAY at the Beijing Olympics 22 - TODAY at the Beijing Olympics The "Today Show" airs weekday mornings on WKYC from 7 to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon; Saturday morning from 7 to ...

SEASON FINALE DATES THIS MAY (All Times are Eastern) Tuesday, April 15th: THE BIGGEST LOSER (8 to 10 PM) Thursday, May 8th: SCRUBS (9:30 to 10 PM) Monday, May 12th: MEDIUM (10 to 11 PM) Tuesday, May 13th: LAW & ORDER, SVU (10 to 11 PM) Thursday, May 15th: EARL (8 to 9 PM) Thursday, May 15th: THE OFFICE (9 to 10 PM) Thursday, May 15th: ER (10 to 11 PM) Wednesday, May 21st: LAW & ORDER (10 to 11 PM)

As you have been hearing if you are a Cleveland radio listener, Rover (aka Shane French) is moving from K-Rock to WMMS starting next Tuesday. Rover stopped by the WKYC Studios this morning to talk with our Good Company Today crew about what to expect from his new show on 100.7 FM. We can't wait to hear him on his new radio home. To watch his interview and others from celebrities stopping by the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center, you can click on the "Director's Video Vault" on the right hand menu or CLICK HERE for new interviews daily. Photo courtesy: cleveland.com

UPDATE: 3/31/08 - Video added of the special -- see below The Indians Home Opener against the Chicago White Sox is this Monday, March 31st. As the official broadcast home of the Cleveland Indians, WKYC Channel 3 will present special, live opening day coverage beginning at 1 pm called "Indians 2008: It's Our Time Now." For those Tribe fans at the office, away from a TV set or just living outside our viewing area, WKYC.COM will provide a live stream of our special. Plus - between 1 and 1:30 pm - we'll be giving away a pair of tickets to the sold out home opener. If you are winner, you can tell the boss you are leaving early and heading to the game. VIDEO FEATURE: To watch our special, click on the following segments: Segment #1 Segment #2 Segment #3 Segment #4 Segment #5 Segment #6 Segment #7 Segment #8 Segment #9

A note to pass along from Danielle Fink in our new WKYC blog: Swing by and Spray Marlene Olbrysh, longtime newsroom administrative assistant, is turning in her time sheet for the very last time on Thursday. Marlene has touched everyone's life in one way or another in the newsroom, if not the whole building! Her infectious laugh, quick wit, and "motherly love" for her staffers will be greatly missed! One chapter may be ending for us, but an exciting adventure is just beginning for Marlene, her husband Nick, and their family! Little does she know that we all programmed her number into our speed dials! Good luck, we love you, visit often, and WHO WILL ORDER THE HO-HO CAKES?!?!?? Pictured are Marlene (l) and Diana Pollack(r) -- two women who keep Channel 3 News churning like a well-oiled machine. Enjoy your free time now Marlene. We'll all miss you! VIDEO FEATURE: To watch video from Marlene's retirement from our 6 PM news 3/27/08: CLICK HERE

I've been getting many emails from our viewers about the switch to digital television and the whole process involved with getting your 2 free coupons for the converter boxes. Since the boxes can cost more than coupons, I've been asked to let people know where to get the cheapest boxes available....so the out of pocket expense is minimal. Since I have not personally looked for a converter box yet, I will look to those of you who have to share with out readers where to get the best value for the lowest cost. Please drop me an email to fmacek@wkyc.com and I'll gather and post your recommendations for everyone to share.

Ohio Media Watch is reporting this afternoon that former WKYC radio man Jack Armstrong has died in North Carolina. Big Jack Armstrong (born John Charles Larsh 1945 to 3-22-2008)... aka Jack Armstrong, Jackson W. Armstrong, Big Jack Your Leader... was a Top 40 disc jockey of the 1960s and 1970s. First surfacing at WCHL in Chapel Hill, NC in 1960, the 14 year old DJ began his radio career. Personable, friendly, young, and with the ability to talk at speeds beyond that of most humans, Larsh was well liked and well received by audiences. He developed 2 imaginary sidekicks - the Gorilla, who speaks in a raspy bass, and likes women, banana juice, and whiskey, in that order - and the Old Timer, who wheezes, tells lame jokes, and was always getting shot after one of them. Larsh worked at several stations in the Deep South in the early 1960s, including WCOG in Greensboro, NC, and WAYS in Charlotte, North Carolina. His first big break came in 1966, when he landed a job at WIXY/1260 in Cleveland...

As part of the WKYC Information Center, several of our staff members are taking a cue from the popularity of the Director's Cut Blog to do a little bloggin' of their own. Here are a couple of new blogs to check out when you get a little web surfing time. Swing By and Spray - a blog from our evening Assignment Editor Danielle Fink about what goes on while at the desk when talking to viewers and listening to the scanners in the WKYC newsroom. WKYC Fantasy Sports - WKYC Producer Chris Hyser and Overnight Assignment Editor Russ Simeone talk fantasy baseball as the season gets underway. For more blogs from the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center: CLICK HERE Many of our staff members also have profiles on Facebook. You can sign up for a free account and then join our groups and interact with many of us online about the station and the news stories we cover. Just search "WKYC". To join Facebook: CLICK HERE

We found Bruce Drennan of "All Bets Are Off" on Sportstime Ohio today went right from St. Patty's Day festivities to his Easter Parade. He doesn't miss a beat. "Be very, very quiet... you wascally wabbit!" If you missed my St. Patty's Day commentary on Bruce, see below! This stuff is just too good to make up.

The Director's Cut Blog has learned that WKYC Reporter Chris Tye will be joining Lydia Esparra on the Weekend 6 & 11 PM anchor desk starting April 4th. WKYC News Director Rita Andolsen made the announcement this afternoon. Chris Tye is an EMMY award winning reporter and substitute anchor at WKYC, who has covered Cleveland's biggest stories in recent years. He assisted MSNBC, CNN and Channel 3 with wall-to-wall coverage in the Jessie Davis' murder case, he traveled with the Indians through the 2007 post-season, and has hit the campaign trail--interviewing nearly every Presidential candidate as they swing through Ohio. Chris is a Chicago native, who first chose Cleveland when he attended John Carroll University. He joined WKYC from WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids, before that he reported the news of northern Michigan at WPBN-TV. Chris' writing and reporting has been honored by the Associated Press, the AP, and in 2003 he was named "Reporter of the Year" ...

From: Virginia in Cleveland Q: Where do I find the application for these coupons? A: We have a terrific section here on the blog with a ton of helpful information regarding the transition from analog to digital TV and how it will affect you. Plus there are direct links for the application process to get your coupons from the government for the converter boxes. (Up to 2 per household). Check out the menu on the right hand side under "Digital TV Essentials" and the links to The Guide to Digital TV or Converter Box Coupons . Both articles offer great information for you as we near the February 17, 2009 cut-off date. You can email your questions to me: fmacek@wkyc.com

As you have heard, Sportstime Ohio will launch its HD channel on April 1st giving cable viewers 24/7 access to local and regional high definition sports programming. To celebrate, SportsTime Ohio and B&B Appliance are giving away FREE 32" HDTVs! Every time a Cleveland Indians player hits a home run in the month of April (on STO televised games only), someone wins a free HDTV! For more information & a chance to win, visit the new STO HD website: www.stohd.com

Our fantastic WKYC Promotion Department has put together a series of new imaging spots for the "Channel 3 Today" morning team. Here are 4 promos highlighting the members of our Channel 3 Today Morning team - Mark Nolan, Abby Hamm, Hollie Strano and Barbara Gauthier. Each spot focuses on one anchor and their life away from the studio. Enjoy! VIDEO FEATURE: IF you can't see the promo below: CLICK HERE

Okay it's a slow day around the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. I'm just getting back from a week of vacation...and it's St. Patrick's Day. Darn, I forgot to wear geeen. How could I forget?? I am not Irish - now I remember. Anyways, I'm sitting here watching Bruce Drennan's show "All Bets Are Off" in the newsroom and just had to say something about how Bruce is celebrating the day on TV. All I can say is...it's the best "mug shot" of you yet! We LOVE YA BRUCE! Just having a little fun. I worked with Bruce back at WWWE... so I have tons of great stories and memories of Bruce already. This is just another. Catch his show weekdays from 4 - 7 p.m. on SportsTime Ohio on cable.

From: Jim in Willoughby Q: What happened to your Director's Cut Blog Chats? A: They haven't gone away! I promise. I just had to scale them back a bit after some additional responsibilities came my way here at WKYC that have required my attention recently. As part of the ever changing realm of television broadcasting, I've been also learning how to switch newscasts as the job of Director and Technical Director becomes interchangeable at WKYC. This wasn't a reduction of staffing, but an opportunity to work in a situation where both the directors and the technical directors have not ventured before at WKYC...doing both jobs at once on some shows. It's an equal opportunity for both our directors and TD's to work closer together, easing the burden of having two people do as many shows each day. For those of us who like other new challenges, the situation permits us more time to work on the web and other parts of WKYC's Information Center. As far as the blog chats...

Its slogan is: Watch your favorites. Anytime. For free. Hulu.com, a free online video service, offers free streams of hit TV shows, movies, sports highlights and clips from more than 50 providers, including FOX, NBC Universal, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. and Sony Pictures Television. New content partnerships include Warner Bros. Television Group, Lionsgate, NBA, and the NHL. New content additions to Hulu's library will include feature films like "The Usual Suspects" and Ice Age; shows like Dirt, The Incredible Hulk, Babylon 5, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and The Dick Van Dyke Show; nightly highlights, top plays and full-length games from the NBA and the NHL; and popular made-for-web programming such as Prom Queen and Onion News Network. Hulu.com has the largest selections of legal, free videos from more than 50 top broadcast networks, cable networks, movie studios and web-centric content providers. Hulu's library offers full-length episodes from more than 250 T...

For those of you interested in the new terminology evolving for online video and tv viewing, here is a term to add to your vocabulary: Video Snacking . By definition, the term is the practice of watching snippets of video on a computer or other small screen, such as a cell phone or PDA. Web content providers have known for a long time that on line surfing by office workers greatly increases around midday, but only are now beginning to produce specific content aimed at the when office workers feel more comfortable surfing while eating at their desks. TV stations now have an opportunity to stream short newscasts, provide unique content geared specifically toward the office worker like entertainment reports, health segments or financial updates that can be watched in short time frames. And as we are discovering, ads accompanying this on-line content are beginning to command a premium price as well.

From: Don in Cleveland Q: Frank, you mentioned some time ago in one of your articles on high definition about how you thought Blu Ray would beat HD DVD in the format race. It came to be true. What do you see happening next? A: Even though Toshiba threw in the towel on HD DVD, the battle for Blu Ray is far from over. Here's why. Blu Ray is still going to be battling against regular DVD's for consumer loyalty. Keep in mind, Blu Ray and the equipment needed to watch them is still relatively expensive compared to a tradition DVD player. I think it will still take a few years before Blu Ray will gain any firm ground in that battle - even with the proliferation of HDTV. Also I suspect in short order, Blu Ray itself may be on the verge of extinction. Other distribution platforms like Video on Demand (VOD) will become more common place as cable and Internet based systems, like AT&T's U-Verse, lay the infrastructure to deliver more products right into the living rooms of consume...

by Frank Macek As you know, Congress was so dead set on enacting legislation to move up the start of Daylight Savings Time from April to March. What you may not know is this move is having a negative impact on evening TV viewing already in just the first few days since Sunday morning's change. The intentions of legislators were good for those who felt the extra daylight will help conserve energy, although one could immediately argue against that notion. However, it's also giving viewers the chance to get more work down in the evening hours while spending less time in front of their tv screens. According to national Nielsen trends, Sunday night saw a nearly 7% slip in the 7 pm hour compared to a week before. For younger demographics, the slip was even more dramatic - down 12% for adults 18-49 who simply chose not to watch TV as early. Monday was not any better with three 8 pm shows on NBC, ABC and FOX seeing the worst series numbers. Tuesday remained off. Will this get any bette...

It's getting to be that time of the year again - Indians fever is striking at the very heart of all us winter weary Clevelanders. But, we've got the cure. Coming up March 31st, it's the 2008 Season Home Opener as the Cleveland Indians take on the Chicago White Sox live on Channel 3 in High Definition. Once again, WKYC Channel 3 is your official Cleveland Indians station. Plus, this year we'll be bringing the action to you from the newly renamed Progressive Field (formerly Jacobs Field). Here's WKYC's Game Day lineup: Special pre-game coverage will begin at 1:05 pm Indians on Deck at 2:30 pm First pitch at 3:05 pm VIDEO FEATURE: If you can't see our Indians promo below: CLICK HERE

The following are pictures taken from Winter Haven, Florida, where Channel 3 followed the Indians for the first week of Spring Training. This gives us a chance to shoot all the video we need to create all the new graphics and promos you will seeing on the air this season on SportsTime Ohio and WKYC. This is Day #5 from 2/23/08. Click on your browser "refresh" to view pictures if you don't see them playing.

For those of you lucky enough to be outside of the Ohio region, we'll share with you some of what you could have been enjoying this weekend - if only you were here. Northeast Ohio is pretty much shut down this weekend...thanks to a good old fashioned butt kicking snowstorm. Come visit soon! Snowstorm Photo Gallery: To View: CLICK HERE Photo Courtesy: Kim Graves, WKYC Producer

As we first told you late last week, Akron Canton news anchor Eric Mansfield brought to light an important story last Sunday at 6 & 11 PM on Channel 3 News. Refugees relocated from Thailand to Northeast Ohio in hopes of finding a better life are living in squalor. Can anyone help them? Eric hopes so. VIDEO FEATURES: To watch Part 1 of Eric's package: CLICK HERE To watch Part 2 of Eric's package: CLICK HERE

The following are pictures taken from Winter Haven, Florida, where Channel 3 followed the Indians for the first week of Spring Training. This gives us a chance to shoot all the video we need to create all the new graphics and promos you will seeing on the air this season on SportsTime Ohio and WKYC. This is Day #4 from 2/22/08. Click on your browser "refresh" to view pictures if you don't see them playing.

In one of the most hotly contested campaign seasons in history, Cleveland and Ohio are playing a crucial role in the race for the White House. And WKYC has continued its commitment to covering the politicians and issues that are important to our region. Only Channel 3 hosted and carried live coverage of the 3 biggest political events this month; The State of the City, the 10th District Congressional Democratic debate and the Democratic Debate between Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Viewers have responded by making Channel 3 their destination for election updates and analysis. The debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama was the highest rated program in Cleveland, outdistancing American Idol by over 40%. The audience stayed with Channel 3's post debate coverage and Channel 3 News at 11pm, making them the number one programs versus all competitive programming. Nationally, the Debate was the highest rated show in the entire history of MSNBC. Tuesday Ma...

As I mentioned earlier this week, WKYC presented our viewers with expanded coverage of the March 4th Primary on Tuesday including our partnership once again with "Meet the Bloggers" - a group of some of the most influential political bloggers in town. One of the ways we are moving WKYC's Information Center forward is to embed bloggers with our reporters and technical crews in the field. Take a look one of our first endeavours that shows some of the behind the scenes at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections on Tuesday Night. You'll also find more video on their website: www.meetthebloggers.net VIDEO FEATURE: If you can't view the video below: CLICK HERE

NBC lights up summer with a burst of original program premieres as part of "NBC's All-American Summer." NBC to celebrate America, its communities, athletes, songs, heroes, talent and Gladiators all summer long as part of "NBC's All-American Summer" - the network's run-up to its exclusive coverage of the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. The network will ignite a late spring and summer of original programming paced by the premieres of series favorites "American Gladiators" (Monday, May 12, 8-10 p.m. ET), "America's Got Talent" (Tuesday, June 24, 9-11 p.m. ET), "Last Comic Standing" (Thursday, May 22, 9:30-11 p.m. ET) and the network debut of "Nashville Star" with new host Billy Ray Cyrus (Monday, June 9, 9:30-11 p.m. ET). In addition, NBC will unveil the new suspense and horror anthology series "Fear Itself" on Thursday, May 29, 10-11 p.m. ET, as well as two new alternative series "Celebrity Circus...

The following are pictures taken from Winter Haven, Florida, where Channel 3 followed the Indians for the first week of Spring Training. This gives us a chance to shoot all the video we need to create all the new graphics and promos you will seeing on the air this season on SportsTime Ohio and WKYC. This is Day #3 from 2/21/08. Click on your browser "refresh" to view pictures if you don't see them playing. Photos Courtesy: WKYC On-Air Promotions Manager, Mac Mahaffee

WKYC will air a special presentation this Sunday, March 9th called "School's Out: Building a Foundation for our Region's Future" Emmy award winning producer Dennis Goulden helps us understand that when it comes to the global marketplace, do Ohio students have the necessary skills to compete? Local civic and corporate leaders lay down the facts about the challenge we face, and the people and programs linking us to the workforce of tomorrow. Join Education Reporter Kim Wheeler, Senior Political Correspondant Tom Beres and Channel 3 News anchor Romona Robinson for "School's Out" Building the Foundation for our Region's Future" this Sunday March 9th at 7pm. VIDEO FEATURE: *If you can't see the promo below: CLICK HERE

From: Anonymous Q: Jim Donovan did a nice job, but where was Tim White on election night? A: Tim has a terrible cold and little voice.. So Jim Donovan agreed to pinch hit for Tim. This way, Romona didn't have to anchor our entire election coverage by herself. By the way, Jimmy did do a great job. We were thrilled with his insight, knowledge and his humor during the evening. BTW, WKYC was clearly the area's choice for election coverage last night with a very strong showing at 6, 7 & 11 PM. Our election special at 10 PM also beat WEWS's live coverage. You can email your questions to me: fmacek@wkyc.com

DIRECTOR'S ALERT: -READ MORE ON THE DEATH OF TIM RUSSERT ON OUR HOMEPAGE: CLICK HERE This time around, we are featuring Tim Russert who certainly has a few ties to the Cleveland area, having gone to John Carroll University and Cleveland Marshall College of Law and - most recently - moderated NBC's coverage of the Democratic Presidential Debate at Cleveland State University on 2/26/08. So, let's Meet Tim Russert, one of NBC's All Stars. Tim is currently the Managing Editor and Moderator of "Meet the Press" and political analyst for "NBC Nightly News" and "Today." Russert also serves as senior vice president and Washington bureau chief of NBC News. His two books -- "Big Russ and Me" in 2004 and "Wisdom of Our Fathers" in 2006 -- were both New York Times #1 bestsellers. He has received forty-seven honorary doctorate degrees from American colleges and universities and has lectured at the Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Reagan Pr...

The following are pictures taken from Winter Haven, Florida, where Channel 3 followed the Indians for the first week of Spring Training. This gives us a chance to shoot all the video we need to create all the new graphics and promos you will seeing on the air this season on SportsTime Ohio and WKYC. This is Day #2 from 2/20/08. Click on your browser "refresh" to view pictures if you don't see them playing. Photos Courtesy: WKYC On-Air Promotions Manager, Mac Mahaffee

The following are pictures taken from Winter Haven, Florida, where Channel 3 followed the Indians for the first week of Spring Training. This gives us a chance to shoot all the video we need to create all the new graphics and promos you will seeing on the air this season on SportsTime Ohio and WKYC. This is Day #1 from 2/19/08. Click on your browser "refresh" to view pictures if you don't see them playing. Photos Courtesy: WKYC On-Air Promotions Manager, Mac Mahaffee