Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

Every once once in a while, I get the courage to go up to one of our main anchors and ask if they could let me ask them a mix of serious and zany questions about their work at Channel 3. This time around, I chose our main male anchor, Tim White. He's not only a good friend to me, but his military duty has been an inspiration to us all over the year here at WKYC. Therefore, I hope you enjoy a little look up close and personal with Tim. Question: You started your career in radio at the age of 14 in your hometown city of Clare, Michigan, doing high school news. Can you remember what you were thinking when the on-air light went on that very first time? Tim: I was all of 14 and a freshman in high school when I did my first radio show. The town had one small radio station that was on the air from sun up to sun down. I talked my way into the job of being the "high school reporter". I wasn't sure what that meant, but I wrote out about 10 pages of notes on a yellow leg...

This is a group of classic Channel 3 Promos from around 1991 and early 1992 from the "Director's Cut" archives. This latest batch includes cameos from Gretchan Karr, Nick Cellini, Larry Cosgrove, Terry Burhans, Dick Feagler, Leon Bibb, Jodine Costanzo, Art Edwards and many more! Feel free to post your own comments and share your memories. Just click on the videos to watch. If you can't view them on this page, CLICK HERE Our special thanks to editor Sarah Montgomery for her assistance is editing the promos for us.

In this edition of our "Meet the NBC All Stars," we are featuring Country superstar Billy Ray Cyrus who joined the NBC family this summer as host of the new hit show "Nashville Star. Spanning the last 15 years, Cyrus has had a phenomenal career, not only in the music world, but in film and television as well. Last summer, Cyrus released his tenth album, "Home At Last," on Walt Disney Records. The first single from the album, "Ready, Set, Don't Go," is a heartfelt ballad he wrote for his daughter, Miley, as she prepared to leave for Los Angeles from Tennessee to start production on "Hannah Montana." The duet (featuring Miley Cyrus) and album both topped the Country charts. Billy Ray recently recorded the Sheryl Crow-penned track "Real Gone" for the forthcoming "Country Sings Disney" CD, slated for release in July. The song will also be included on his next studio album which is currently being recorded in Nashville and...

The Better Business Bureau accuses an Ohio company of running a misleading ad campaign for a TV set-top box called "Miracle ClearView." In newspapers across the U.S., Universal TechTronics of Canton has advertised free devices that it says enable the viewer to access free television channels and services. But the BBB says consumers actually pay about $100 for what it says are merely digital TV converter boxes available in stores for around $20 with a government coupon. Universal TechTronics vice president John Armstrong denies that the ads are deceptive and says the consumer watchdogs don't have their facts straight. He says the boxes are free, but customers pay $59 for a warranty that covers the product for five years, plus roughly $10 for shipping. VIDEO FEATURE:

Here is another new blog to check out when you get a little web surfing time. Knots Lines - a blog by WKYC Reporter Mike O'Mara as he brings you views from the deck of the sailboat "Adagio" as he sets sail from Sandusky Bay. For more blogs from the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center: CLICK HERE . We also have a list of our favorites in our right hand menu under "Favorite Sites." 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

Updating a story we first brought you 3 weeks ago on the Director's Cut Blog, Larry Mendte - the husband of former WKYC anchorwoman Dawn Stensland - has been officially fired by his station, KYW, in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Inquirer first broke this story in late May/early June when FBI agents raided Mendte's home and seized a computer amid allegations he was involved in breaking into his former co-anchor, Alicia Lane's, email at work. Alicia was let go from the station earlier this year. According to today's Inquirer's article, " Sources said an internal investigation at CBS3 disclosed that software that secretly captures keystrokes - including passwords - had been installed on a station computer." The article also stresses that so far no charges have been filed against Mendte and that his wife, WTXF anchor Dawn Stensland was NOT suspected of any wrongdoing. Stay tuned for more on this one! TO READ MORE ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION: Philadelphia Inqurier...

From: Steve in Macedonia Q: I noticed a new sports guy on your newscast tonight. Where did he come from? A: Ah, you must mean Al Pawlowski. Nice ethnic name like Macek, don't you think? Ironically, at one time we were both air personalities on Smooth Jazz, 107.3 The Wave and tried to transform the station to "All Polkas, All The Time", but the bosses wouldn't listen and went with Kenny G. instead. Back to your question, Al is "on loan" to us from SportsTime Ohio where he is the host of many of the Indians programming you see on the cable channel like Tribe Report and Indians on Deck . Al's helping us out so our other sports anchors, Jim Donovan and Dave Chudowski, can sneak in some summer vacation time before a busy August including Browns Pre Season Football and the 2008 Summer Olympics from Beijing, China. You can email your questions to me: fmacek@wkyc.com

From: Ross in Mayfield Heights Q: I have seen both Channel 3 HDTV "off the air" on a friend's TV and through my own satellite company. There is a very noticeable signal loss by comparison. Is that really true or is it just me? A: Maybe you need a better TV like your friend's! Chances are the signal loss you notice is because both cable and satellite companies including Dish or DirectTV use compression methods (like MPEG-2) to redistribute the signals they get from us. Because of the huge bandwidth involved, the cable/satellite companies must compress all the signals in order to offer subscribers as many channels as they do. We would recommend that if you really want the best picture quality available, you get your signal over the air. And, remember, it's FREE!! You can email your questions to me: fmacek@wkyc.com

The Director's Cut Blog has returned from a brief vacation after a stretch of time off. While vacation is nice, it's always nice to come back to work (yeah, right?!) since your work routine gets broken when you are off and at times, life seems boring. You get to sleep in late, do nothing - and still get paid for it. I had hoped to be a little further along in planning new features for the blog. But the reality is, I'm not. Several things over the last few weeks have become a distraction - some personal, some professional. So, we just plug away and we'll take it day by day. To be honest, the summer doldrums are here and not a lot of anything is really happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. All is quiet on Lakeside Avenue - for the moment. I was able to think back to this vacation and to compile a brief list of things that a director SHOULD NEVER DO while on vacation: NUMBER 5 ..... NEVER watch your own newscasts to see if the fill-in guy is doing better with you...

As the high definition leader in locally produced programming in Northeast Ohio, WKYC is proud to showcase our region's most important natural resource in a year- long effort. Lake Erie: Beyond The Surface is a thirty-minute HD special. It is the last of four programs dealing with the fate and future of our great lake. Under the cold murky water of Lake Erie lie thousands of shipwrecks, evidence of our rich maritime heritage. For centuries, these waters have provided vital shipping lanes, abundant food, and the power to drive industry. But while the water's generosity seemed limitless, the lake itself was not. It's taken decades to reclaim this greatest of resources. We stand by the shores of a cleaner lake, but also at the crossroads of some key decisions. What does the future hold for this lake? Our region? Channel 3 explores the growth of international shipping, lakefront development, how Lake Erie will be managed to ensure its future, the newest environmental threat and...

We are sad to learn that NBC's Tim Russert has died at age 58. The network says Tim died this afternoon after collapsing from a sudden heart attack the network is confirming on MSNBC.com Tim was the Washington Bureau Chief for NBC News, and hosted 'Tim Russert,' a weekly interview program on MSNBC, a frequent correspondent and guest on other NBC News programs, such as 'The Today Show' and 'Hardball,' and Tim co-hosted the network's presidential Election Night coverage. He also presented the polling results of the NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey on the NBC Nightly News, alongside the anchor of the show. Russert was born in Buffalo, New York, and received a Jesuit education. Russert is an alumnus of Canisius High School in Buffalo, New York and a graduate of John Carroll University and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. MSNBC COVERAGE: NBC PHOTOGALLERY: CLICK HERE A DIRECTOR'S CUT LOOK BACK... The fo...

The NATAS Regional Emmy Nominations were announced tonight, with WKYC receiving the following: Outstanding Newscast Channel 3 News at 7 pm - Tim White, Romona Robinson, Amanda Subler (producer) Channel 3 News at 7 pm - Dave Grendzynski (producer) Outstanding Weekend Newscast Missing Pregnant Mom Found - Lydia Esparra, Scott Newell, Carrie Young (producer), Julie Ocepek (assignment editor) Investigative Reporting Prison Problem - Bill Safos Euclid Creek - Bill Safos Breaking News SuccessTech Academy Shooting - Kim Wheeler, Danielle Fink (assignment editor), Tim White, Monica Robinsn, David Grendzynski (producer), Lisa Lowry (assignment manager), Allen Wohl (director), Romona Robinson, Dave Summers, Brandi Paulson (editor), Amanda Subler (producer), Maureen Kyle, Michael O'Mara, Rita Andolsen (news director) News Report within 24 hours Elliot Ness: Not Untouchable - Paul Thomas, George Payamgis (photog), Chris Mizell (editor) General Assignment within 24 hours Ice Rescue - Dave Summe...

NBC announced the celebrity family match-ups for the new version of "Celebrity Family Feud" that debuts July 1st at 8pm and will be hosted by Today Show weatherman/anchor Al Roker. The celebrities along with five other family members or friends will square off against each other playing on behalf of charities: Bill Engvall vs. Larry the Cable Guy Vivica A. Fox vs. Mo'Nique "American Chopper" vs. Christopher Knight and Adrianne Curry Corbin Bernsen vs. Margaret Cho Ice T vs. The Rivers Raven-Symone vs. Wayne Newton The Kardashians vs. Deion Sanders Tiki Barber vs. Ed McMahon The Hickeys vs. The Camden County All-Stars from My Name Is Earl The Office vs. American Gladiators Vincent Pastore vs. "Girls Next Door" Kathie Lee Gifford vs. Dog The Bounty Hunter

As you have heard me mention many times before, ratings periods are all about the demographics - or the individual age groups - that advertisers target when making their television advertising buys. In the case of WKYC, the overall audience ratings closely matched the demographic ratings for May 2008. Here are some of the demographic highlights for WKYC: 5AM News *WKYC ranked #2 in the key demos. 6AM News *WKYC ranked #2 in the key demos. *KWYC grew from February in Adults 25-54, Women 25-54 and Men 25-54 6PM News *WKYC ranked #2 in the key demos. 7PM News *WKYC ranked #1 in men 25-54 *WKYC ranked #2 in other key demos. 11PM News *WKYC ranked #1 in key demos *WKYC's share size was up 8% from February *WKYC increased NBC's Adults 25-54 lead in by 9%. Weekend Morning News *WKYC grew 30% from February and 27% from May of 2007.

As those of us who work in the business of radio and television know, we encounter many people in our professional journeys as we transit from one station to another. Some of them become friends, others competitors. But we all have a passion for what we are doing through good times and bad. I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Fred Embrescia at age 91. Our paths crossed when I worked for his son, Tom Embrescia, who owned WDOK, WWWE and WRMR. (Ironically, Tom bought WDOK & WWWE from WKYC parent company Gannett who owned the stations for several years). I never knew what Fred's job really was. He just kinda hung out at the station sorting the mail and making sure everyone was working hard, or was that hardly working? No matter what, Fred always brought a smile to your face with that Italian demeanour and grandeur. For those of you around in the days of WRMR/AM 850, Fred was a big part of the "Music of Your Life" format. Every morning, he would join in with ...

News out of Washington today... Congress forgot to budget enough money to mail out the digital converter coupons to consumers. No kidding. Reuters reported today that lawmakers may be asked for more money to get the coupons from the Commerce Department to your homes. The problem arose after consumers who were already mailed the coupons failed to redeem them within the 90 day time limit. Therefore the unused coupons are cancelled out and new ones are issued for those that apply or reapply. This has created a strain on the NTIA budget. The NTIA or National Telecommunications and Information Administration is the the arm of the Commerce Department charged with overseeing the converter box program. Rep. Edward Markey, the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, summed it up best "This sounds like it could be a big problem here." Deep! The NTIA decided to delay an official request following a hearing until July when it will have a better handle o...

Thanks to the folks at TVSpy.com and their daily newsletter, Shoptalk, for their mention about our blog today. As you know, our blog continues to grow at leaps and bounds and we appreciate others in the tv business who recognize the value of being able to publish a daily blog. Although we strive at being informative - we try to not take ourselves too seriously now! Again, thanks to Tom and the great folks at Shoptalk!

From: Jonathan in Akron Q: I love your new wkyc.com design. It's a little hard to find features we are used to from the old website...and I noticed sometimes it's very slow to load. Are you having problems with it? A: We are glad you like the new design. As with any new toy, there are bound to be some issues. Part of the problem is that we are using new technology with the new site. Sometimes, this technology isn't compatible with older browsers that don't use the flash platform. We are working on making some modifications that should help things out. However, it may take a few more weeks to work out the kinks. You can email your questions to me: fmacek@wkyc.com

By Frank Macek Here's something that we've been expecting for quite some time - tv manufacturers are starting to see the huge potential of offering video from the web that you can watch on your new HDTV. We've been pretty confident in our feelings that this was just a matter of time before the content you watch on your big screen comes from the internet, instead of your local broadcaster. However, the challenge for local broadcasters will be to get their local content to the web for you to watch in the same fashion. It's a challenge we are already thinking about and making plans for. According to reports, YouTube videos will be the test bed for Sony LCD flat panels to be one of the first to stream. Sony Corporation last week said YouTube and Wired.com have been added to the video providers for a $300 module it sells for its LCD flat panel TVs. The Internet Video Link module is a small box that fits into the back of some 2007 and 2008 LCD TVs. It connects to the home bro...

CLEVELAND -- For the past 40 years, the Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board has worked to serve and protect residents with issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. At Wednesday morning's meeting, the board's leaders outlined future needs and rewarded successful programs, workers, and advocates who stepped up to help those with mental health issues over the past year. Channel 3 News and its Senior Political Correspondent Tom Beres won the media "Helping Hands" award. In May 2007, Tom did a story about "Living Miracles," a support group for those coping with mental health issues. Members discussed their personal struggles and efforts to dispel stereotypes of mental patients as dangerous "ticking time bombs." The story was aired just after the Virginia Tech massacre by a gunman with mental health issues who did not get help he needed.

WKYC has launched a brand new website this afternoon. Metromix.com is your complete, comprehensive guide to all things entertainment going down in C-Town, from concerts and clubs to music, movies and more. It's an all-access pass you can access from home, from the office, from your phone, from just about anywhere ... and in an instant, you are linked to everywhere you were, everywhere you are and everywhere you need and want to be! The following is a news release from Metromix: Metromix.com Comes to Cleveland WKYC-TV Launches New Local Entertainment Website CLEVELAND, OH (June 5, 2008) -- WKYC-TV announced today the launch of Metromix.com ( http://cleveland.metromix.com/ ), a hip, new website for socially active taste-makers and young professionals looking to be one-step ahead of Cleveland's latest trends and hotspots. Within a complete, comprehensive database of venues throughout Greater Cleveland and the surrounding areas, site users can search thousands of bars, clubs and r...

The first-ever, simultaneous Lower Great Lakes Chapter nomination parties will be held in Indianapolis, Toledo and Cleveland on Thursday, June 12th, 2008. Here's your chance to enjoy a fun social gathering with your friends and fellow television broadcasters while you find out which entries have been nominated for an Emmy at this year's Emmy Gala coming up Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Marriott Key Center Grand Ballroom in Cleveland. In Cleveland, Jack Moffitt, former general manager of WUAB and NATAS Gold Circle recipient, has arranged for Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Road to host the Emmy Nomination Party from 5:30 - 8:30 PM in the indoor/outdoor garden area. Producer/Director and Chapter Governor Mike Vendeland has stepped up to be the first nominations reader at the Cleveland party. All three events are free for chapter members and will include appetizers and a cash bar. Non-members and the general public will be charged a $5.00 cover. The 39th Annual Emmy Awards will be he...

If you were watching NBC programming last night, you no doubt noticed the Stanley Cup Finals went a tad long.. like into 3 overtimes long. Some speculated on the radio last night (hello Greg Brinda, WKNR) that Channel 3 News at 12:50 a.m. was taped and not done live. The answer is nope.. we all stayed until the bitter end to bring our viewers the latest news and weather. Whether we wanted to or not is another story...but we were here and we were live.

WKYC was a big winner at The Ohio Associated Press Broadcast awards that were announced Sunday in Columbus. The following were presented to WKYC in the large market category: *First place for Best Spot News Coverage for "SuccessTech Shooting". *Second Place for Outstanding News Operation. *Second Place for Best Reporter in a large market for Tom Meyer. *Best Regularly Scheduled Weather for large market for Betsy Kling. *First place for Extradordinary Coverage of a Scheduled Event in a large market for Dave Grendzynski for "Indians/Red Sox Game 5". Congratulations to everyone involved at WKYC. This comes after the station received the regional Edward R. Murrow Award for "Overall Excellence."

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting today that KYW Anchor Larry Mendte, the husband of former WKYC News Anchor Dawn Stensland, is under FBI investigation about whether Mendte gossiped to the media about messages from co-anchor Alycia Lane's email from her lawyer. Alycia was fired from the station earlier this year. The story broke on Saturday when FBI agents raided Mendte's home and seized a personal computer. According to an article posted on the Inquirer's website: " CBS3 anchor Larry Mendte opened former colleague Alycia Lane's private e-mail account hundreds of times over many months, sources told The Inquirer yesterday, and the FBI is investigating whether he passed on gossip about Lane to the media. In part, federal officials are trying to determine whether Mendte intercepted communication between Lane and her lawyers about her lawsuit against CBS3, which fired her in January." Mendte remains employed at KYW, but has been taken off the air pending the...