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Showing posts from February, 2009

Meet the NBC All Stars: Jimmy Fallon

Long a renowned comic talent, Jimmy Fallon's ability to deliver versatile, standout performances on the screen has allowed him to join the exclusive ranks as one of the "Saturday Night Live" alumni at the forefront of a diverse line-up of television and film projects -- while always staying grounded in his stand-up roots. Most recently, NBC named Fallon as the replacement for Conan O’Brien on "Late Night" emanating out of New York City. The show -- which will serve as a platform for comedy, music and A-list talent to promote their upcoming projects -- is being executive-produced by Lorne Michaels and will premiere in March 2nd. In the months leading up to the broadcast debut, Fallon has produced video blogs that run online nightly at 12:30 a.m. on NBC.com. Fallon first garnered attention in 1998 when he joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" and quickly became an audience favorite for his impressions of Jerry Seinfeld, John Travolta, Adam Sandler as ...

News: Meet The Man Behind Closed Captioning

Special to the Director's Cut Blog By Leon Smitherman Wichita is home to some fascinating people - some famous, some not. It's also home to a man little heard of, but his work has certainly been noticed by all. To say Bill Kastner loves electronics would be an understatement. His basement is filled with old radios and other gadgets that would look more at home in a museum. He likes his entertainment old school - no Facebook or chat rooms. Bill does his social networking using a ham radio and Morse code. "In high school I had a stammering problem, so I resorted to Morse code and that was a means of talking to people without having the stammering problem," Kastner said. That childhood infatuation with radios led Kastner to pursue a career in electronics and he eventually earned his masters degree in electrical engineering from K-State. After working on memory systems for the Minuteman Missile back in the 60's, Bill moved his family to Dallas where he...

"Late Night" trumpet player making a Cleveland appearance

CLEVELAND -- For 16 years, Mark Pender graced NBC airwaves, tooting his horn on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." But now, his adventure is just beginning. In June, Pender will make his debut playing in the band on the "Tonight Show." He's making the move with Conan to L.A. On Friday morning, Pender made a special appearance on Channel 3 News Today. If you missed it, he's making a weekend appearance at Fat Fish Blue. Mark Pender will play Saturday night at 9 p.m. at Fat Fish Blue. There is a $15 cover charge at the door. For more information: CLICK HERE

Director's Alert: Former WKYC Alum, Win Smith, Passes Away

One of our friends and former colleagues at WKYC, Win Smith, passed away. If you did not know him, Win was a hard-line, classic newsman who was the ultimate assignment editor in WKYC's Westinghouse and NBC ownership days. For a time, Win ran the assignment desk AND produced the 6 p.m. Every day. There were no editorial meetings. It all came out of his head...he assigned it...then he produced it. WKYC Assistant News Director Howard Fencl tells the Director's Cut Blog, "In the 1980s I had the privilege of working on the 6 p.m. with Win every day. He was, by then, wanting to slow it up a bit, and he was doing associate producer duties while I line produced. But I always knew in my heart I really was working FOR Win, anyway." According to his colleauges, Win had a wicked sense of humor and an addiction to smelly cigars which he fortunately gave up. Nobody had a better gut instinct for news. He was a devoted father and a tireless fan of OSU. Funeral Mass will be this Satur...

News: NBC Teams Up With Jerry Seinfield For New Show

NBC announced Wednesday a new comedy-reality series created by superstar comedian and producer Jerry Seinfeld's Columbus 81 Productions. Mr. Seinfeld has partnered with Ellen Rakieten, a 23-year veteran of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on this project. This new series titled "The Marriage Ref" (working title) will feature opinionated celebrities, comedians and sports stars who will candidly comment, judge and offer different strategies for real-life couples in the midst of a classic marital dispute. The announcement was made today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. Describing his new creation, Mr. Seinfeld said, "This is not a therapy show, it's a comedy show. After nine years of marriage I have discovered that the comedic potential of this subject is quite rich." "It will be revealing, edgy, controversial and very, very funny. Picture well-known people weighing in on a couple's relationship i...

Gannett Announces Quarterly Dividend, 90% less

McLEAN, VA - Gannett Co., Inc.'s (NYSE: GCI) Board of Directors [Wednesday] declared a quarterly dividend of 4 cents per share, payable on April 1, 2009 to shareholders of record as of the close of business March 6, 2009. This is a reduction from the first quarter dividend rate of 40 cents per share. "Today's action by the Board is another prudent response to the full-fledged recessions in the U.S. and UK and the continuing difficulties in the credit markets", said Craig A. Dubow, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "The reallocation of more than $325 million of free cash flow annually to pay down debt will further strengthen our balance sheet, provide us with even more financial flexibility and position us well to continue to seize opportunities for growth. This dividend represents the 163rd consecutive dividend paid by the company since 1967."

Director's Alert: Andy Richter Reunites with Conan O'Brien on the new "Tonight Show"

The Director's Cut blog has learned that Andy Richter, former sidekick for Conan O'Brien when he launched as host of "Late Night," will reunite with Conan as the announcer on "The Tonight Show." Conan O'Brien will have a familiar face when he begins his new "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" on NBC where he will reunite with Andy Richter ("Late Night with Conan O'Brien") -- for the first time on a daily basis in almost nine years -- as the network announced that Richter will return to its late-night lineup as the announcer for the new show that begins June 1. In addition to his announcing duties, Richter will participate in comedic pieces. Few performers enjoy the chemistry that Richter and O'Brien developed over their seven years together on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Richter will join O'Brien for the first time on a daily basis since May 26, 2000. "Andy is one of the funniest people I know...

News: TV, Internet and Mobile Usage In U.S. Keeps Increasing, Says Nielsen

The Nielsen Company reported that viewing of video on television, Internet and mobile devices - the Three Screens - continues to increase and has reached new heights. In a report it conducted in the 4th quarter, Nielsen found that the average American watches more than 151 hours of TV per month, an all-time high. Meanwhile, Americans who watch video over the Internet consume another 3 hours of online video per month and those who use mobile video watch nearly 4 hours per month on mobile phones and other devices. Nielsen also reported that digital video recorded and other timeshifted television is watched at double the pace as video online at 7 hours, 11 minutes per month. Yet in a potential indicator of how audiences could timeshift in the future, young adults (age 18-24) watch video on the Internet and on a DVR at the same rate -- about 5 hours per month. Other notable facts from the report include: Except for the teenage years, viewing of traditional television increases with age; th...

Good Luck Greg!

One of the people you often do not hear about, but sometimes see on our wideshots in the studio is our floor director and teleprompter operator. At WKYC, one person, a Production Assistant, does both - much to my amazement. On Friday, we said goodbye to one of our longtime Production Assistants, Greg Klinc, who has been with WKYC for a number of years. It's been a pleasure to have Greg on our staff and we wish him well as he leaves us for warmer pastures in Orlando where he will become a full time Director. In addition to being a great floor director, Greg was also a fill-in Technical Director/Director at WKYC - and did an outstanding job. Best of luck in Orlando, Greg - we will miss you!

News: Seniors get a helping hand for DTV switch

Special to the Director's Cut Blog By WKYC Reporter Dick Russ GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio -- Seniors scratching their heads over this DTV transition have been offered a lifeline. The Geauga Department of Aging has begun helping seniors confused over the transition that was pushed back from February 17th to June 12th. Carol Vobornick is one of several seniors that use the department to help with everyday assistance--and this technological change is creating new reasons for the helping hand. "When I took it out the directions [on the converter box] and I saw the remote control, and all the things that went along with hooking it up--I said I need help." That's when Bill Dreimiller showed up. His area of expertise is growing with the number of seniors confused over the transition. "I've worked on four installations so far, while delivering meals and cleaning up yards." There are over 27 different programs and offered by the Geauga County Department of Aging; the onl...

Spotlight Feature: So Long Conan, We'll See You Soon

The expectations were high on day one for NBC: Replace Dave Letterman with someone that could keep the momentum of the show going while building it into their own. The choosen one: Conan O'Brien. Now Conan O'Brien is promising not to cry tonight as he ends his 16-year run at "Late Night." O'Brien joked on NBC's "Today" show that he's gotten injections and has had a lot of therapy to do away with his emotions. Seriously, though, O'Brien says he doesn't know how he'll react when his final show ends tonight. He takes over the "Tonight Show" June 1. Jimmy Fallon replaces O'Brien March 2. On April 25, 1993, Lorne Michaels suggested O'Brien try out to be David Letterman's successor as host of Late Night with David Letterman, with Andy Richter signed on to be his sidekick. O'Brien auditioned on the set of The Tonight Show, where he interviewed Mimi Rogers and Jason Alexander. O'Brien resigned his position on ...

Director's Alert: Local Emmy Award Submission Deadline Extended

We just received word from the Lower Great Lake Chapter of NATAS that due to technical problems, the Emmy submission deadline has been extended. According to their release: "The Emmy Express system stopped verification of membership at 1am. EST on Feb. 20th. Emmy Express has been notified and are working on the issue. EMMY SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS BEEN EXTENDED TO MONDAY, FEB 23. WITH DVD RECEIVED BY WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25 One work around is to fill out your entry, which will show NON-MEMBER rates. SELECT PAY LATER. Until we can adjust the entry to the correct rate."

Blast from the Past: Action 3 News Mini Cam

One of our regular readers, Dan Hirschfield, sent us some photos from the 1981 Cleveland Airshow that he scanned from a batch of 35mm slides in his collection. They included a series of pics of a WKYC "minicam" crew taping a guy riding a motorcycle through a bunch of flaming wood. Dan points out that if you look really hard at the second to last pic in the sequence you can just see the motorcycle in the middle of the inferno and the last pic is the motorcyclist himself safe and sound discussing his feat. It's a flashback from the days of the ol' WKYC suburban. Dan says he does not recall if the reporter on scene was John Darling or Mini Cameron. We've brought the still images back to life with a little Director's Cut magic. Thanks Dan for sharing with us. If you have any old vintage WKYC photos, please send them to us and we'll feature them on the blog. Our email is: fmacek@wkyc.com

News: Transition to all-digital television begins today

Today, hundreds of television stations across the country will switch from analog to digital transmission even though Congress voted to delay the deadline for the conversion until June. As of today, more than 600 stations across the country will transmit only digital signals to begin a new era in television. Today had been the deadline for all full power stations to turn off analog, and turn on digital but Congress voted to give stations a choice to delay that deadline until June 12. Older TV's that use an antenna will need a converter to continue getting a picture with digital transmission. Millions of people are still on a waiting list for coupons in a government program to help offset the cost of those converters. Markets that decided to move ahead with the conversion had to agree that at least one station in the market would transmit an analog signal for news, public affairs, and emergency alerts for 60 days after the switch. Mark Wigfield of the FCC says ...

Feature: "The Tonight Show" Experience

As Jay Leno winds down his tenure as host of "The Tonight Show" this May, NBC takes a look back at 50 years of the program from Steve Allen to Conan O'Brien's pending debut. The Tonight Show Experience Timeline: Explore 50 years of comedy history with video, photos, and milestones. 50 Years of Memories... 1 Website... Click on the picture to begin your multi-media experience:

Get To Know Team 3: Monica Robins

Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins steps into our "Get to Know Team 3" Spotlight. Recently, we had the chance to spend a few quality moments with Monica to find out more about both her reporting life and things she likes to do outside of work. We have worked with Monica since she came to WKYC and you'll find she has quite a few interests that you might not know about. Question: You have worked as a videographer, editor, producer, news anchor, health anchor and investigative reporter during more than 20 years as a broadcast professional. Have you found being so flexible has benefited your career? And, do you recommend that others in the business have multiple skills in this new age of television? Monica: Absolutely. I truly believe it's the only way to survive in this ever changing business. No one should think they're too old to learn something new. I also think in these unsure days, flexibility = job security. Question: You worked in Columbus as an i...

Director's Alert: WKYC and WOIO Announce Video Sharing Partnership

Read the original Director's Cut Article about LNP's that we predicted last year was coming to Cleveland: CLICK HERE ------- CLEVELAND -- WKYC and WOIO have announced a video-sharing arrangement designed to pool resources and allow both stations to cover more stories, while keeping the focus on content unique for their stations and their brands. Videographers from both stations will participate in a pool coverage system to cover basic events of mutual interest, including news conferences, court hearings, groundbreaking ceremonies, and other pre-planned events. "This new collaboration will allow both stations to shift more resources toward enterprise stories that support our individual style of newsgathering", said Brooke Spectorsky, President and General Manager of WKYC, Cleveland's NBC affiliate. Bill Applegate, President and General Manger of WOIO/WUAB CBS 19 echoed that sentiment, saying "We, like all businesses, are looking for ways to be more efficient w...

From the Wires: For millions, digital TV deadline still is now

SAN DIEGO - Despite a government extension for the shutdown of analog TV signals hundreds of stations say they will still make the transition come this Tuesday. Because it is costly to keep broadcasting analog signals, nearly 500 stations say they will make the switch this month and not June 12 -- the Federal Communications Commission's new deadline. The FCC has gotten about 43 stations to halt the switch on Tuesday but the others plan to move forward. It means TV viewers like Isidro Diaz of San Diego who surfs channels on his old television about three hours a night will have an even more limited number of programs to watch. Diaz, who recently lost his job says eventually he'll come up with $200 for a digital television. The Obama administration sought the delay in the analog TV shutdown after the government ran out of money for the $40 coupons that subsidize digital converter boxes. The program has a waiting list of 4 million coupons; each household can get up to two. Source:...

News: Former WKYC/KYW Radio Guy, Sports Producer Passes

Here's a note we wished to pass along earlier, but have just gotten around to. According to the News Herald, John Wellman passed away on February 4th. Mr. Wellman had worked for many years in radio at KYW/WKYC as well as WEWS as a producer and was a radio broadcast spotter for the Cleveland Browns. He loved sports according to those who knew him. Funeral services were held earlier this week.

From the Wires: NY's blind governor says NBC's `SNL' insensitive to disabled

Editor's Note: So, Saturday Night Live is in trouble because it makes fun of people - especially those with disabilities. We find it ironic that this is the first time anyone has complained, especially after all those skits of former George W. Bush for years and no one cared. Apparently, this guy isn't the most righteous of folks either. ----- MORRISVILLE, N.Y. -- The legally blind governor of New York says a second parody of him on the television show "Saturday Night Live" promotes insensitivity against the disabled. Democratic Gov. David Paterson said Thursday that the show's continued parodies hurt disabled people not in a position to fight back. A segment on Paterson aired last week featured "SNL" cast member Fred Armisen -- with one eye closed most of the time, the other focused on his own nose -- unable to see fellow cast member Seth Meyers or a prop. Armisen portrayed the governor as a clueless blind man with a past of youthful drug use and womani...

New Feature: Even More Weather Stories from wkyc.com

Now you get even more great weather stories from northeast Ohio and around the world. Channel 3's "Weather Headlines" are now available as an RSS feed for your blogs, Netvibes, Widgets or other techie toys when you need dependable, accurate weather info. To subscribe to our WKYC Weather Headlines RSS Feed, click on the following link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ClevelandWeatherNews

Director's Cut Does "Twittering"

A reminder for our new blog readers that we are available on "Twitter" with real time updates posted as soon as we write them. You get breaking news and weather from the Director's Cut Blog, the Fair Weather Fans Blog, and wkyc.com as it happens. Plus, we occasionally jump in with other fun updates live from the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center about the local television industry and entertaining newsbits from the wonderful world of television. Just click on the picture to find our Twitter page where you can sign up to follow us at absolutely no cost. Knowledge is power, so be the first to know. You'll also find us on Facebook and MySpace. Those links are posted in the hand column of the blog.

Director's Alert: President Obama Signs DTV Transition Delay

It's official! President Barack Obama has signed the legislation that postpones the digital television transition until June 12 according to our sources. In a statement released this afternoon, the President says "During these challenging economic times, the needs of American consumers are a top priority of my administration." "This law, which was crafted in a bipartisan way and passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate, ensures that our citizens will have more time to prepare for the conversion," he added. As previously mentioned, WKYC will wait until June 12th to shut off our analog signal for over the air viewers. This appears the case with most all other Cleveland/Akron/Canton television stations in our local market.

News: Hundreds of TV stations to end analog on Feb. 17

NEW YORK -- More than a quarter of major U.S. TV stations intend to shut down their analog broadcasts on Feb. 17, sticking to the original date despite the wish of the Obama administration that they delay until June. Congress last week gave TV stations until June 12 to shut down analog broadcasts, hoping to give viewers more time to prepare. Money has run out for the federal fund that subsidizes converter boxes, and there's a wait list for the coupons. The Federal Communications Commission said Tuesday that 491 of the 1,796 full-power TV stations in the country say they intend to keep the Feb. 17 date. The FCC has reserved the right to deny individual stations an early shutdown. For a complete list of stations making switch: CLICK HERE Source: The Associated Press & USA Today

From the Wires: TV Company Apologizes For Burning Down Luxury Hotel

Editor's Note: Sometimes, media becomes the news...as is the case in China where one state owned TV network wound up burning down a luxury hotel. Unfortunately, we can't say "only in America" on this one. ---- BEIJING - China's state-run television broadcaster is apologizing for a fireworks display that sparked a blaze that destroyed a luxury hotel and killed one firefighter. The official Xinhua News Agency reports a handful of others were injured in the fire that was doused early today after burning for more than five hours at the unfinished Mandarin Oriental hotel. A fire official blames the unlicensed fireworks used to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The spokesman says the people hired to set off the fireworks are being questioned. CCTV said it is deeply grieved "for the severe damage the fire caused to the country's property." The Mandarin Oriental is part of a stunning CCTV complex that helped transform the capital's skyline for last year'...

Programming Note: Monday's Special Primetime Lineup

WKYC and NBC will air a special Monday evening lineup of programming due to President Obama's first primetime news conference scheduled for 8 p.m./ET. This will be followed by a new episode of "Heroes" and "Medium" 8:00 p.m. - NBC NEWS: Presidential News Conference 9:00 p.m. - HEROES 10:00 p.m. - MEDIUM 11:00 p.m. - CHANNEL 3 NEWS AT 11 PM 11:35 p.m. - THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO - guests: Simon Baker, Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt, and music from Duffy 12:35 p.m. - LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN - guests: Clive Owen, Judah Friediander, and music from Brett Dennen

From the Wires: New TV World Record Set

We found this little article on the wires Sunday evening and were so moved, we just had to share this with the world. At the Director's Cut Blog, we were shocked someone actually could pull this off without going nuts. Then again, maybe he did. Scary! ---- STOCKHOLM -- Suresh Joachim has broken his own Guinness world record for nonstop broadcast-television watching, clocking 72 hours in the Swedish capital. "I feel fine, I drank between 25 and 30 cups of coffee," Joachim said Sunday. His previous record was 69 hours, 48 minutes, set in 2005. Joachim, a Sri Lanka native who lives in Toronto, watched three seasons of the drama series "24" featuring Kiefer Sutherland, said Swedish TV4 spokeswoman Janina Witkowski. Courtesy: The Associated Press

Director's Alert: WKYC to continue analog broadcast until June 12th

By Frank Macek As part of the decision by Congress to delay the digital transition date until June 12th, WKYC will continue to broadcast on both our analog and digital channels until the new date. WKYC Vice President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky tells the Director's Cut Blog exclusively, "We want all viewers to have enough time to get their converter coupons and buy and hook up their new boxes. We think that is what congress intended with the new June 12 legislation." Mr. Spectorsky adds that 41,600 coupons have been requested, but are on the waiting list in the Cleveland/Akron/Canton DMA - a sizeable amount of viewers who would be in jeopardy of losing their over the air programming from NBC and WKYC. This delay will mean viewers will continue receiving our broadcasts on both WKYC Channel 3 analog and WKYC-DT Channel 2 until June 12th.

News: NBC announces series finale dates for the spring

UNDATED -- Get ready for the season finales for many of your favorite NBC shows this spring on Channel 3. Monday Chuck (April 27th from 8 to 9 p.m.) Heroes (April 27th from 9 to 10 p.m.) Medium (May 18th from 10 to 11 p.m.) Tuesday The Biggest Loser: Couples (May 12th from 8 to 10 p.m.) Law & Order: SVU (May 19th from 10 to 11 p.m.) Wednesday Chopping Block (April 29th from 8 to 9 p.m.) Life (April 8th from 9 to 10 p.m.) Law & Order (May 20th from 10 to 11 p.m.) Thursday My Name Is Earl (May 14th from 8 to 8:30 p.m.) Kath & Kim (March 12th from 8:30 to 9 p.m.) Parks & Recreation (May 14th from 8:30 to 9 p.m.) The Office (May 14th from 9 to 9:31 p.m.) 30 Rock (May 14th from 9:31 to 10 p.m.) ER (April 2nd from 8 to 9 p.m. - 1 hour retrospective) ER (April 2nd from 9 to 11 p.m. - 2 hour series finale) Southland (May 21st from 10 to 11 p.m.) Friday Howie Do It (April 24th from 8 to 8:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 9 p.m.) Friday Night Lights (April 10th from 9 to 10 p.m.) Saturday Non...

Director's Alert: FCC Announces Procedures For Shutting Down Analog Stations with New Date

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a public notice on Thursday, February 5th regarding the procedures full-power television stations must follow is they wish to terminate their analog television service on or after February 17th - in the event the extension of the deadline is enacted into law. Stations must notify the FCC by February 9th of their intentions. WKYC has yet to announce the station's plans. Broadcasting & Cable reports on Thursday that groups committed to June 12 included those of CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo and ABC. Gannett (owner of WKYC) and Hearst-Argyle had pledged to keep the vast majority of their stations on until June 12. For a complete copy of the FCC's public notice: CLICK HERE

DIY: How to hook up your television to a digital converter box

CLEVELAND -- With the switch to all digital television happening soon, do you know how to connect your old tv up to the new digital converter boxes? We can help. For those of you who will continue using your old analog tv sets and receive your broadcast signals over the air, you will need to purchase a digital converter box. Those of you who get your tv over cable or satellite will not affected. The government is expected to resume the digital converter coupon program soon after it ran out of money, as the digital televison switch moves from February 17th to June 12th. However, there is currently a waiting list of about 2 million people who need coupons. This government aided program helps you receive two coupons of $40 each to use toward the purchase of converter boxes. But, once you get those boxes, will you know how to connect them to your tv? Click on the video to see how simple it is.

Director's Alert: House Approves DTV Delay, Sends Bill to Obama

Editor's Note: The House of Representatives, by a 264-to-158 vote, today ended the debate over whether the country is ready for the digital TV transition with a clear "no." It sent to President Obama legislation for a "one-time only delay" that would postpone the digital transition from Feb. 17 until June 12th. Now, if the President signs it, the next question will be what will Nielsen do about the February book that was moved to March? Stay tuned on this one. ---- WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress has now decided to give people four more months to prepare for the upcoming transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting. The House voted Wednesday to postpone the end of analog TV signals until June 12. The move is meant to address concerns that more than 6.5 million Americans with older TVs would not be ready by Feb. 17, the originally mandated deadline. The House took up the question last week but under a special procedure that required more than a ...

Spring Training bloggin' style with "From the Truck"

It's almost Tribe Time and Sportstime Ohio and WKYC have got you covered for a behind the scenes look at our brand new training facility in Goodyear, Arizona. Our very own Indians game director Pat Murray and producer Jim Murphy are once again blogging about their experiences as they settle into their new digs for this year's Spring Training and Cactus League games to be played in the desert before coming home for the Tribe's home opener. You'll find regular updates and lots of photos on their special blog "From the Truck." Bookmark the link: www.wkyc.com/weblog/from_the_truck A SAMPLING OF WHAT YOU'LL FIND ON THEIR BLOG:

Video Gem: Porn Interrupts the Superbowl in Tucson; viewers "shocked"

Editor's Note: You have may have already heard about this, but we have some reaction to go along with the viewers in Tucson who got porn instead of the Superbowl. It's another kind of "wardrobe malfunction" we best guess. ---- Tucson, NBC affiliate KVOA is investigating pornographic material viewed during the Super Bowl by some Tucson area Comcast viewers. Just after the last touchdown by the Cardinals, approximately 30 seconds of pornographic material was shown. It appears this material was only viewed by some Comcast customers. Cardinals fan Lorraine Ferrick, caught more than her favorite team on TV last night. "I almost wanted to turn it off, but I didn't, I thought it must be a joke," she says. During the 4th quarter, after Larry Fitzgerald's 64 yard touchdown catch, Ferrick saw the unthinkable. "It almost made me sick to my stomach," she says, after watching about 30 seconds of pornography, "it was a shock, w...

Man shares extensive collection of old tv cameras

DTV transition is just another step in television's evolution. Looking at our modern television studio cameras today, there more like computers than cameras -- true high definition, lightweight, and all robotically controlled. But it didn't use to be this way. Before the change over to digital television, one man likes to look back at the cameras television stations used to use. Winder, Georgia resident Bobby Ellerbee has one of the best collections of studio cameras in the country. Like RCA's first color camera -- and would you believe it once belonged to Red Skelton? "He had his own production company to do all his shows called Red-Eo-Video, that was bought by CBS and rolled into CBS' Television city in Hollywood and they later sold the camera's to NBC," said Ellerbee. This camera changed television forever -- just like the switch to digital television will. But Ellerbee says this isn't the first switch to high definition. "I...

Learn the difference: HDTV versus DTV, what the conversion means for you

Special to the Director's Cut By WKYC Web Reporter Kim Wendel While Congress still debates whether to keep the changeover to digital television (DTV) on Feb. 17 or move it to June 12, people are still asking "What does the term 'high definition' really mean and will all TVs now have 'high definition' picture and sound after the changeover?" The short answer? Unless you already have a high definition TV, you will get digital transmissions but not get 'high definition' viewing once the changeover occurs. The difference is that all programming will be transmitted to you digitally and will be available for all to receive. Whether or not you decide to buy an HDTV or upgrade your cable or satelllite to HD to view it in high definition is up to you. Digital television (DTV) and high definition television (HDTV) are two separate things. Digital television (DTV) is the newest type of over-the-air broadcasting technology that allows TV stations to provide dr...

Monday's Bits & Pieces for 2/2/09

Here's our update of what's happening around the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center, on NBC and around the television industry: Happy Groundhog Day For those of us who live in Cleveland, we are destined for another 6 weeks of winter, despite many folks prayers the worst is behind us and that sunny skies are ahead. Now for the news of the day... "Chuck" in 3 D Monday Night NBC will present a special 3D version of the hit series "Chuck" tonight at 8 p.m. on WKYC, followed by new episodes of "Heroes" and "Medium." You'll be looking at the future of television since most folks in the industry below the next logical step after high definition television will be 3D. Hopefully that transition will go smoother. Romona in the Spotlight Check out this month's copy of "Cleveland Magazine" where we find an article with our very own Romona Robinson and her thoughts about becoming our solo news anchor at 6 & 11 PM. We couldn't help...

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