Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

TV Week is reporting today that Tom Brokaw's last day as moderator of "Meet The Press" will most likely be on Dec. 7, according to the New York Times. Brokaw filled in as the interim moderator after the death of Tim Russert in June, and there has been much public speculation as to who will be the show's next permanent host. However, according to the Times, NBC News is still determining who that replacement will be. A lot of speculation has been placed on possible replacements including NBC's David Gregory, NBC Political Director Chuck Todd, PBS's Gwen Ifill, or Discovery's Ted Koppel who is leaving that network before the end of his planned contract.

AKRON -- Thousands will spend millions to buy them on "Black Friday" weekend, but if you get one, you might not be the only one watching it. Akron Police are investigating more than 100 home thefts of big-screen TVs over the last two-and-a-half months. Now officers are warning owners to take precautions so that they're not advertising their high-tech gadgets to opportunistic thieves. "Maybe at least close their blinds," said Lt. Charles Brown, Akron Police. "Potential burglars can look inside and see the flat-screen TV, and they can also possibly see where you're at in the homes." While many owners might be overconfident that the size of a big-screen television would be a deterrent, Brown warns that thieves have little trouble hauling the big, sometimes bulky, television set out of your house. Police also suggest that you turn on your television at night, and then walk out to your sidewalk to see if you can see the television through...

Special to the Director's Cut By Kristine Frazao Using sex to sell is not exactly a new advertising tool but when it's in the middle of the shopping mall, some shoppers say retailers are taking it too far. Outside Fredricks of Hollywood at Horton Plaza in San Diego, California, there is a sign that's making some shoppers blush. On the windows of Victoria's secret - a similar sight, though some say it's not so bad. SDSU Marketing Professor Mickey Belch says over the last few years, the FCC has loosened their standards when it comes to advertising on television and the trend is trickling down. "For the longest time you couldn't even show a woman in a bra in advertising," said SDSU marketing professor Mickey Belch. "You could show the bra, you could show a woman with a sweater on with the bra over top. You couldn't show a bra." Even though these stores specialize in bras and underwear, some asking if it's just the underwear they're s...

Here's our update of what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Thanksgiving Day Holiday Programming Schedule 11/27: 9 AM to 12 PM: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 12 PM to 2 PM: National Dog Show Presented by Purina 2 PM to 4 PM: NBC Movie: "Miracle on 34th Street" NBC Announces Midseason Premiere Dates NBC has revealed midseason premiere dates for new and returning series starting during the month of January: January 4 - Superstars of Dance at 9 PM (Finale air 1/26/09 at 8 PM) January 6 - The Biggest Loser: Couples at 8 PM January 9 - Howie Do It at 8 PM January 16 - Friday Night Lights at 9 PM Best Wishes to Jennifer Murphy and Bill Safos Our best wishes from the Director's Cut blog to two long time employees: Jennifer Murphy and Bill Safos as they pursue new opportunities in their lives. Your blogger had the pleasure of working with both of them at Channel 3 News for a number of years. They are both true professi...

After all these years working at Channel 3...and all the reported sightings of Elvis - well, I have to admit, this one makes me a believer that Elvis lives. WKYC Akron Canton Newsroom Chief and Anchor Eric Mansfield discovers he has God given talent that will serve him well in another life - or did in a past life, perhaps. Eric is starring in the Weathervane Playhouse of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. As Eric tells us, "If you're familiar with the show, you know that it's the Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers .. and eventually Joseph is taken to Egypt where he becomes an advisor to Pharoah. With constantly-changing musical genres, Joseph finds Pharaoh to be Elvis ... hence my get-up." So, Elvis lives...in Akron and he's Eric Mansfield in disguise. And, now you know. Read more on Eric's Blog "Have I Got News For You": ericmansfield.blogspot.com

McLEAN, Virginia -- Ken Paulson, editor of the nation's largest newspaper, told staff in a memo Sunday evening that USA Today plans to cut about 20 newsroom jobs early next month. USA Today is owned by WKYC parent company Gannett. That's almost a 5 percent cut from a newsroom that employs about 450. The newspaper cut about 45 newsroom jobs last November, and other papers owned by its parent, McLean, Va.-based Gannett Co., endured two rounds of layoffs this year, in August and October. The newspaper industry is struggling, not just because of the weak economy but also from a years-long decline in circulation and the migration of advertising dollars to the Internet. Gannett stock closed at $7.29 on Monday, up 15.35% Source: The Asssociated Press

Philly.com is reporting this afternoon that former CBS3 Philadelphia anchor Larry Mendte (and husband of former WKYC Anchor Dawn Stensland) has been seentenced to 3 years probation, 6 months home confinement, 250 hours community service, computer monitoring plus a fine. We first began following this story right after Memorial Day when Mendte's home was raided by the FBI and was determined he had hacked into the email accounts of his one-time KYW colleague Alycia Lane. Again, we wish to stress that Dawn was in no way found to be involved in Larry's email hacking, nor had any knowledge of it. For more on this breaking development, CLICK HERE

We came across this video that seems to sum up everything we are doing to inform the public about the February 17, 2009, transition to digital television. Question is, are we getting the message across? We Report, You Decide... take a look:

CLEVELAND -- Actor Will Smith came to Cinemark Valley View theater for a red carpet appearance to promote his new movie "Seven Pounds" and benefit the Cleveland Food Bank. As part of the event, Smith donated 200 turkeys to the Cleveland Food Bank for the holiday season. Channel 3 News Anchor Romona Robinson walked Smith down the red carpet and got a one-on-one interview with him. Click here to see photos from the premiere. "Seven Pounds" premieres nationwide on Dec. 19. VIDEO FEATURES: Romona Robinson's live report from the red carpet Romona Robinson's full one-on-one interview with Will Smith

Congratulations to WKYC Assistant News Director Howard Fencl for his recent appointment to the Board of Directors for the Press Club of Cleveland. The Press Club of Cleveland unites news-breakers and news-makers through a variety of social and educational activities. By becoming a member, you will have opportunities to make friends and business contacts, as well as to participate in the annual Excellence in Journalism Awards. Howard tells the Director's Cut Blog that he is excited about his appointment, "and that going forward I'd like to expand membership to embrace new media." Howard has been Assistant News Director since September 2007 and just finished up graduate work at Hiram College earlier this spring as he keeps his hand in education, as well.

ATLANTA (AP) -- A restaurant industry spokeswoman says a new study linking obesity and fast-food ads is based on old information. At issue is a study suggesting that banning fast-food ads on TV could reduce the number of obese young children by 18 percent. The number of obese older kids could drop by 14 percent. The study is based in part on several years of government survey data from the late 1990s. A spokeswoman for the National Council of Chain Restaurants says restaurant menus have changed a lot since then, including healthier options. She also argues that parents -- not kids -- have control over most of a family's food spending. The study is being published this month in the Journal of Law & Economics. Source: The Associated Press

With the holidays fast approaching, retailers are taking a softer approach to draw customers to their stores and websites. In addition to deep discounts, retailers are rolling out commercials that focus on the emotions of the holiday season. This holiday, Santa Claus and all things merry and bright may hold the key to what motivates consumer spending. They are the hugs and other emotions that tug at heartstrings and if retailers get their wish, wallets too. From department stores to discounters, the trend this season in advertising, a soft-sell approach with messages reflective of the tough economic times and the spirit of the season. "What retailers try to do is they try to make an emotional connection with the consumer, by bringing campaigns that bring a lot of nostalgia. You give people that warm and fuzzy feeling of the way things used to be," said Mike Gatti, executive director of the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association. Sears is tapping into the...

Here's our daily update of what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Tonight's WKYC Evening Programming Schedule: 6:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 6 PM 6:30 PM: NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams 7:00 PM: The Point After 8:00 PM: Biggest Loser: Families 10:00 PM: Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit 11:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 11 PM 11:35 PM: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (Guests: Larry the Cable Guy; Chris Matthews; Adele) "The Point After" Tonight at 7 PM Channel 3 Sports celebrates last night's big last minute win over the Buffalo Bills with a special "The Point After" broadcast tonight at 7 PM featuring the radio voice of the Browns Jim Donovan, former Browns Coach Sam Rutigliano, The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi and Jim's radio partner and former Browns player Doug Dieken. You can watch the show on-line beginning at 7 PM on wkyc.com Thanksgiving Programming on WKYC WKYC is all set to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday as w...

The first digital video recorders started popping up in American households in 1999. Now, about 20 million people have DVRs. On Tuesday, AT&T unveiled a new DVR that expands the machine's capabilities. AT&T's new DVR works anywhere in the home from one location and can record four shows at once. It also has another feature in which one can pause a recorded show and start watching it again in another room. As many as seven TVs can be connected to one unit. Prices for the new DVR range from $40 to $160 per month, which includes Internet service. Source: NBC Newschannel

We are less than 100 days from the conversion to digital television (DTV) and if you have questions, you are not alone. That's why WKYC is teaming up with hhGregg to educate viewers on what they need to do to be ready for the switch to DTV. This weekend, all northeast Ohio hhGregg stores will be providing live, hands-on demonstrations with converter boxes, television sets and printed instructional handouts. To locate your nearest store: CLICK HERE They'll give customers all the information they need to get tuned in for digitial television. The stores will also have special deals for Channel 3 viewers. Stores are open Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The bad guys fear him. We all love him at Channel 3. He's Tom Meyer - "The Investigator." As we told you earlier this week, Tom was inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame by the Press Club Thursday evening at LaCentre in Westlake. Tom was among a group of award-winning journalists recognized for their outstanding contributions. In nearly 35 years in TV - 30 of them in Cleveland - Tom's chased down many a bad guy. He's been pushed, shoved, spat on, and even punched in the face in pursuit of a story. But he's never backed down. Tom works his sources like few other reporters. And he has lots of sources, from top government officials to low-ranking union workers. His cell phone - programmed with the Illini fight song, his alma mater - rings constantly. The first thing you notice when you walk into Tom's office inside the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center are the shiny Emmy Awards lining his shelves - a total of 54 - and more than any other...

Here's our daily update of what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Tonight's WKYC Evening Programming Schedule: 6:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 6 PM 6:30 PM: NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams 7:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 7 PM 8:00 PM: My Name Is Earl 8:30 PM: Kath & Kim 9:00 PM: The Office 9:30 PM: 30 Rock 10:00 PM: ER 11:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 11 PM 11:35 PM: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno WKYC and HH Gregg Team This Weekend Are you counting down the days to the DTV transition? Is your TV set ready for the big change. WKYC is teaming up with our friends at HH Gregg this Saturday and Sunday at all locations across Northeast Ohio. We'll have hands on demonstrations about how to get your old TV set hooked up and tuned in for All Digital Television coming this February. Of course, it wouldn't be a bad idea to buy a new HD TV in the process and enjoy the best television has to offer, picture quality wise. A Bad Economy Could Be Good For Local Viewership...

NBC News has announced that long-time Nightly News announcer Howard Reig has passed away in Venice, Florida. He was 87. Howard was the voice of Nightly News from John Chancellor to Brian Williams, but that was just part of a long and varied career. He had the distinction of being the first staff announcer employed by General Electric and the last. In over 63 years in the business he was a radio actor, hosted live big band shows and got to know Duke Ellington in his prime. He was an on air pitch man who shared the screen with J Fred Muggs and voiced some of the more well-known commercials of the 60s. He is survived by his 4 children and 5 grandchildren. For more on the career of Howard Reig including his classics commercials, a photogallery and more, visit his website: howardreig.com Photo Courtesy: NBC News

Here's our daily update of what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Tonight's WKYC Evening Programming Schedule: 6:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 6 PM 6:30 PM: NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams 7:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 7 PM 8:00 PM: Knight Rider 9:00 PM: Life 10:00 PM: Law & Order 11:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 11 PM 11:35 PM: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Check Out the New Channel 3 News Sponsor Tonight Channel 3 News has a new sponsor starting tonight at 6 PM. Be sure to tune in to see another one of our really cool high definition opens. Most of these billboard opens are still created in house, then married to our new Gannett news opens. So far, our past sponsors have included Ford Flex, Ford Lincoln, Time Warner Cable and others. Station History Updated on WKYC.COM For those of your interested in WKYC's 60 years of on-air broadcasting, we have updated our station history page on wkyc.com including a look at some of our major accomplishments over the ...

Here's our daily update of what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Tonight's WKYC Evening Programming Schedule: 6:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 6 PM 6:30 PM: NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams 7:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 7 PM 8:00 PM: Biggest Loser: Families 10:00 PM: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 11:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 11 PM 11:35 PM: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Back in the Office Sorry for the lack of updates on Friday and Monday. Your blogger took a nice long weekend trying to get those darn leaves all blown into my neighbor's yard. Mission accomplished. Channel 3's "The Investigator" Gets Another Title One of Ohio's most honored investigative reporters, Tom Meyer, will get to add the title of member of the Journalism Hall of Fame. Tom will be inducted this Thursday evening at LaCentre in Westlake for his 30 years of service in broadcasting. During this time, he has won 53 regional Emmy Awards and more than 150 other award...

Special to the Director's Cut Blog By WKYC Reporter Mike O'Mara NORTH OLMSTED -- "Time is ticking, time is ticking!" said Mohammed Wahdah, the DTV guru at the hhGregg store in North Olmsted. Standing by a stack of digital converter boxes, Wadah has been trying to get the message out to consumers. "Look at the beautiful picture on this television," says Wadah. "In 100 days, if you want this kind of quality, you'll need a digital ready TV or one of these converter boxes." By law, full-power television stations nationwide must begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format on February 17, 2009. Digital television (DTV) is an innovative type of broadcasting technology that will give you crystal-clear pictures and sound, and more programming choices than ever before. While the benefits of DTV are remarkable, millions of households risk losing television reception unless they take a few easy steps to receive a digital signal. "...

It seems like I'm writing farewells to my co-workers on an alarming, regular basis - and the fact is, that's true. And it hurts personally and professionally. The changing media environment is having a tremendous impact on everyone involved in the media from radio, to tv to newspaper. Only the economy is to blame. Friday was long time reporter Obie Shelton's final day at WKYC after his contract was not renewed by the station, according to the The Plain Dealer who reported this news last week. Obie had been with WKYC for 22 years. Before that, Obie worked at WEWS. Obie's signature bow ties, warm smile and friendliness will be just three things that the heart of Channel 3 News will be missing as we move forward. We had a nice going away party for Obie on Thursday and he looks forward to the new challenges that await him. As many of your know, Obie is a gifted musician and will have time to explore his 2nd love. Look for Obie to perform with the Cleveland Philharmonic Orch...

Here is another one of those pieces of video showing the dangers of "working" in the media business - and it comes right from the White House where none of the Republicans, including the President's dog, is feeling jovial these days. Barney Bush doesn't seem to be taking the news that a new dog will soon have run of the White House very well. The Scottish Terrier snapped at the hand of Reuters reporter Jon Decker Thursday near the White House briefing room. Decker and radio correspondent April Ryan had stopped to chat with Barney's handler when the bite occurred. Barney chomped on Decker's finger as the reporter reached out to pet him. The bite broke the skin. Decker, who was amused by the incident, was treated by the White House physician. He's been put on antibiotics and will return to the White House tomorrow for a tetanus shot.

Congratulations to WKYC 6, 7 & 11 PM anchor Romona Robinson who was honored Thursday with the Diversity in Media Distinguished Leadership Award. The ceremony was held at Kent State University in front of a large gathering of her peers and co-workers. Kent State selected Romona for the honor this year because she represents the highest standard of excellence in broadcast journalism, community service and diversity. In an interview for the Director's Cut Blog, Romona explains, "I'm both honored and humbled by this recognition. I want to thank Kent State University and commend them on their Diversity program." "I've worked tirelessly in Northeast Ohio, trying to serve as an example to youngsters that through hard work your dreams are possible," she added. Our congratulations!

Here's our daily update of what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Tonight's WKYC Evening Programming Schedule: 6:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 6 PM 6:30 PM: NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams 7:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 7 PM 8:00 PM: My Name Is Earl 8:30 PM: Kath & Kim 9:00 PM: The Office 9:30 PM: 30 Rock 10:00 PM: ER 11:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 11 PM 11:35 PM: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno WKYC to Debut New Ford Vehicle This Afternoon Many people may not remember the days of long, product TV commercials. But on Channel 3 this afternoon, we will be bringing back the magic as we work with our partners at Ford to debut a brand new Ford product during "Ellen", "Dr. Phil" and at the end of Channel 3 News at 6 & 7 PM. Be sure to tune in and watch. FCC OKs Use of White Spaces to Deliver Broadband WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal regulators have approved a plan to open up unused, unlicensed portions of the television airwaves known as "white...

Here's our daily update of what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Tonight's WKYC Evening Programming Schedule: 6:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 6 PM 6:30 PM: NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams 7:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 7 PM 8:00 PM: Knight Rider 9:00 PM: Life 10:00 PM: Law & Order 11:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 11 PM 11:35 PM: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno The Results Are in...And the Winner Is - WKYC According to Nielsen, Cleveland viewers made WKYC their choice for Primetime Election coverage on Tuesday evening, including giving Channel 3 News a 1st place win at 11 PM. Also, our 5 PM Election News special ranked second, beating the established "Live on 5" broadcast on WEWS. Micheal Crichton, Author & Producer of "ER" dies at 66 Michael Crichton, the million-selling author of "Jurassic Park" and "The Andromeda Strain," has died at the age of 66. He was also creator of the award-winning TV hospital series "ER...

We have posted a number of behind the scenes video of our Election Coverage in the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center on Facebook. Because the videos are quicker to upload to Facebook, please click on the following link to go to my profile to see them: CLICK HERE

Here's our daily update of what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Tonight's WKYC Evening Programming Schedule: 5:00 PM: Channel 3 News & Election Special 6:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 6 PM 6:30 PM: NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams 7:00 PM: NBC Election Coverage 11:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 11 PM 11:35 PM: NBC Election Coverage Election Coverage Begins Our election coverage continues this evening at 5 PM with another special edition of Channel 3 News at 5 PM with Tim White, Romona Robinson and the entire Channel 3 News team. Special Channel 3 News at 4:30 AM Channel 3 News Today will begin one half hour earlier on Wednesday morning. Mark Nolan and Abby Ham will have the latest election results and more beginning at 4:30 AM. SNL Sweeps Up Monday Night NBC's special "Saturday Night Live Presidential Bash 2008" dominated last night, averaging a 5.6 adults 18-49 rating from 9 to 11 p.m., according to Nielsen overnights, boosting the network to a...

Here's our daily update of what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Tonight's WKYC Evening Programming Schedule: 5:00 PM: Channel 3 News & Election Special 6:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 6 PM 6:30 PM: NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams 7;30 PM: Channel 3 News at 7 PM 8:00 PM: Deal or No Deal 9:00 PM: Saturday Night Live Presidential Bash 2008 11:00 PM: Channel 3 News at 11 PM 11:35 PM: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Election Coverage Begins Our election coverage is in full swing on WKYC with our first special airing tonight at 5 pm. Tim White, Romona Robinson and the Channel 3 News team take you step by step through one of the most important elections of our time. Meet the Bloggers Once again as part of Channel 3's on-line connection with viewers, WKYC will host "Meet the Bloggers" during Tuesday evening's election special coverage. They will be blogging from the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center about all things politics. You can log onto wkyc...

By DAVID BAUDER AP Television Writer NEW YORK (AP) -- For television news organizations, Election Night is like the Super Bowl -- the year's best chance to show off their talent and technological innovations. A couple of folks sitting behind a desk reading numbers? How 1950s. Tuesday will see holograms and virtual reality, a "magic wall" and a "launchpad," and two New York City landmarks -- Rockefeller Center and Times Square -- turned into TV studios. NBC News will imprint a map of the United States on the Rockefeller Center skating rink, turning states blue or red as they are called for Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain. Giant banners for each candidate will climb 16 stories up 30 Rockefeller Plaza, marking the progress to 270 electoral votes. Three giant video screens put in place by ABC News will loom over Times Square, where Bill Weir will be stationed to get the reaction of people watching the vote. "We wanted the scale and scope of the ...