Tuesday Night Football to Air Tonight on NBC, First Since 1946

Tuesday is usually a day off for NFL players, but the Philadelphia Eagles host the Minnesota Vikings Tuesday night in a nationally televised game that was switched from Sunday night due to an impending blizzard.

You can catch the game right here on WKYC starting at 8 p.m.

The decision to postpone the game at Lincoln Financial Field was made Sunday amid the threat of a storm that eventually dumped about a foot of snow in the Philadelphia area. The storm was accompanied by high winds.

"The discussions with the league were all about public safety. That was paramount," says Don Smolenski, Eagles chief operating officer. "That, I think, in the end really was what drove the decision."

This is the first NFL game played on a Tuesday since 1946.

Ohio Supreme Court OKs State's Satellite TV Tax

Special to the Director's Cut Blog
By Doug Whiteman, Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to a state sales tax that applies to satellite TV but not cable.

The Ohio Department of Taxation says Monday's ruling is not surprising because similar tax discrepancies have been upheld in other states.

Ohio's highest court ruled 5-2 against satellite companies that complained the tax is unfair. The court affirmed a lower court's decision that the tax does not amount to unconstitutional discrimination because it's based on the different nature of the companies' business activities.

Tax department spokesman John Kohlstrand says the tax generated $54 million for financially struggling Ohio in the most recent fiscal year.

Attorneys for the satellite industry indicated earlier that an appeal was likely.

Breaking News: Channel 3 News Today Begins At 4:30 am Starting January 3rd

Channel 3’s morning news will move to a 4:30am start on January 3rd, it was announced today.

“People lead busier lives, and viewing patterns have changed,” said WKYC News Director Rita Andolsen. “There is now a significant news audience beginning as early as 4:30 in the morning, and we want to serve their needs with the market’s best news, weather and sports coverage.”

“The timing is right,” added Brooke Spectorsky, President and General Manager. “Given how actively this winter has begun, our viewers need weather, traffic and school closings even earlier.”

Channel 3 News Today is anchored by Mark Nolan with meteorologist Hollie Strano. Reporters include Maureen Kyle, Darrielle Snipes, WTAM Traffic reporter Pat Butler, and Bloomberg business correspondents Jayne King and Angie Lau.

Channel 3 News Today was awarded the 2009 regional Emmy for best morning newscast.

Notes From the Newsroom: 12/7/10

By Frank Macek

Time for another behind the scenes look at what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center.

We are fast approaching the end of another year - a much better year than 2009 was for many reasons. We are so happy the economy has finally started to move in the right direction, albiet very slowly.

Not much new news to report from the homestead, which is about to celebrate it's 10th anniversary already.
Seems like your blogger can remember slogging into our "not yet completed" control room in the middle of winter as we started moving some operations into the new building in December 2000. The first month was spent with the technical crew at 13th and Lakeside and the talent back in the old E. 6th street studio. Our first show with talent broadcasting here was in January 2001 on Super Bowl Sunday when Scott Newell and Kristin Anderson anchored. I'll share more memories in an upcoming article.

As part of our 10th anniversary, the station received a number of upgrades this year as I have talked about. The last of our construction is currently being completed as we knocked down several walls and created more open space that will be become home to some of our web operations and editing stations. This should be finished up in a week or two. The painters and the other workers have been working hard to get this project wrapped up so we can begin doing more liveshots in our newsroom.

November sweeps are over and WKYC faired well again in the latest period. Channel 3 News at 6 & 7 pm were number one in the important Adult 25-54 demographic and second at 5 am, 6 am and 11 pm. NBC continues to have a rather weak lead-in to our 11 pm show which has hurt the station to some degree. We are hopeful the NBC/Comcast merger changes NBC's direction for 2011.

Our Facebook Faccebook continues between Romona Robinson and Mark Nolan. We are trying to reach between 25,000 and 30,000 friends on Facebook. If we do, Romona has agreed to get greasy and work Mark's Franken Truck, while Mark will head with Romona for a maniped. What we won't do for Facebook Friends.

As always, please don't forget to become a friend of Channel 3 News and Channel 3 Weather. We have special on-line content just for our Facebook friends including your chance to be our "Facebook Friend of the Day," daily behind the scenes promos, sneak peeks at NBC shows, a daily programming guide of what's on Channel 3 and much more.

• Click to become a Facebook Friend of Channel 3 News
• Click to become a Facebook Friend of Channel 3 Weather
• Click to become a Twitter Follower of Channel 3 News
• Click to become a Twitter Follower of Channel 3 Weather

WKYC Promo: We Keep You Connected

Check out our latest November sweeps proof of performance promo:

Light Up the Season: Send Us Your Pictures & Video

CLEVELAND -- It's that time of year! We want to see your holiday lights and share them with everyone!

We want you to help us light up the season by sending us pictures of your holiday light displays. We'll even pick one each night to be featured on Channel 3 News each night at 11 p.m.

There are several ways you can let us know about your own displays or those around your neighborhood.

• Upload your own holiday lights photos
• Upload your own holiday lights video
• Email us suggestions for display to feature on TV
• View holiday light photos from other viewers

Happy Holidays for all of us at WKYC-TV, Channel 3!

Updated: Cleveland's Nielsen Sweeps Schedule for 2011

Correction: We are reposting our Cleveland DMA Sweeps Dates after an error was made in the original document sent to us from Nielsen. July sweeps actually begin on Thursday, June 30th and not June 29th.

By Frank Macek

Many of our readers have expressed interest in ratings periods and when they occur in 2011.

Most joke with us this is when you see the most sensational news stories on the air - and many times you are right.

However, it is also a time when more time and effort are put into the stories that air, giving our audience an in-depth look at stories that don't get as much airtime regularly.

Since Local People Meters were introduced locally in August 2008, television stations in our market (Cleveland, Akron & Canton) are now rated 12 months a year.

You can print out a full schedule of sweeps dates for 2011 by clicking on the picture above or the button below:

NATAS Ready For 2010 Emmy Submissions

Another year has flown past and our friends at the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences, Lower Great Lakes Chapter, asks us to remind you it is ready to accept your submission for the broadcast year of 2010.

A couple of changes for this year's submission.

First is the cost of entering with the new fee structure:

• $75 per name - member entry fee (up from $70)
• $175 per name - non-member entry fee (up from $145)
• $150 per name for an entry that exceeds five names (the fee is the same, but adjusted from entries that exceeded eight names)

Second is the new contact information:

NATAS, Lower Great Lakes Chapter
30400 Detroit Rd.
Suite 304
Westlake, Ohio 44145-1855

Phone: 440-526-EMMY (3669)
Fax: 877-268-6040

The 42nd Annual Emmy Award gala will be held on Saturday, June 18th, 2011 at athe Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Cleveland.

For more information, visit NATAS at http://www.nataslgl.org/

The Facebook Challenge: Romona Robinson vs. Mark Nolan

Channel 3 is having a Facebook face-off!

From breaking stories and weather updates, to our goofy newsroom antics, we like to stay connected.

And, we want some more friends to share the fun with ...and there's something in it for you!

If we get 25,000 friends, our Mark Nolan must head to the beauty shop with me! He'll have enter the "pink" Diva room...for a mani-pedi!

And if we get 30,000 friends, Romona will strap-on a tool belt and become a mechanic on Mark's Franken-truck!

To friend WKYC, click on our Facebook page @ http://www.facebook.com/WKYC.Channel3

Longtime WKYC Videographer Hangs Up His Camera Friday

Larry Baker. Courtesy of the Beacon Journal

Friday will be a sad day around the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center as longtime photojournalist, Larry Baker, caps his lens for the final time as a Channel 3 employee and heads into retirement.

Like most videographers, you see their work everyday but rarely see them on camera or know anything about them. However, everyone in Akron seemed to know Larry Baker. Larry is the last our full-time crews assigned to Akron who will be greatly missed.

Beacon Journal columnist Bob Dyer did an excellent article on Larry Thursday that truly captures the story of Larry's career better than I ever could.

Please check out the article at: http://www.ohio.com/news/first/108874124.html

Here is the video from his final day at WKYC. Click to watch:

WKYC Launches "Hang Up And Drive" Campaign On-Air And On-Line

At WKYC and Channel 3 News, we are launching a new effort to help keep us all safe. We are challenging all motorists to "Hang up and Drive".

Many cities have laws that ban texting and talking on your phone while driving. But some drivers feel they won't get caught --and feel they won't be the ones involved in an accident.

Before you head on out the road, take the pledge to "Hang Up and Drive"

It's simple, log onto wkyc.com, click on the Hang Up and Drive button and download the pledge.
 
Look for exclusive reports coming up on Channel 3 News over the next several months about one of the growing dangers we all face on the highway and how YOU can be part of the solution.

Gannett Names New Chief Financial Officer

News from WKYC's parent company on this Monday.

Paul Saleh has been named senior vice president and chief financial officer of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), Gracia C. Martore, president and chief operating officer, announced today.

Saleh reports to Martore who was promoted to president and COO earlier this year and served as Gannett's CFO since 2002.

"We are extremely pleased to have Paul join Gannett. He brings tremendous experience and an excellent track record leading the financial organizations of some outstanding companies," Martore said. "Paul will be a great partner with the senior management team as we continue to transform Gannett as a leading media and marketing solutions company."

"As Gannett's CFO for the last eight years, Gracia has been a great partner to me and has done first rate work leading our financial organization during an extraordinary time," said Craig Dubow, chairman and chief executive officer. "Gracia has built a world-class financial organization and I am delighted to have Paul join our team as our new CFO."

Saleh joins Gannett from Menza Partners LLC where he was managing partner. Saleh launched Menza Partners after he left Sprint Nextel Corporation where he was CFO from 2005 to 2008. Prior to the merger between Sprint and Nextel Communications Inc., he was executive vice president and CFO of Nextel from 2001 to 2005.

Previously, Saleh was senior vice president and CFO of Walt Disney International where he held other senior financial positions since 1997. Before joining Walt Disney, Saleh was with Honeywell Inc. for 12 years where he was vice president and treasurer from 1994 to 1997 and held other various leadership positions in finance, treasury, investor relations, strategic planning and operations.

He holds a Masters of Business Administration with distinction in Finance and a Master's degree in Computer, Information and Control Engineering both from the University of Michigan. He received his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering also from the University of Michigan.

NBC Looks For More Laughs, Ratings on Thursday In Revamp

NBC will reshape Thursday into all-comedy night and move its two "Law & Order" dramas as part of a midseason shake-up.

The network is shifting "30 Rock" and the freshman series "Outsourced" to the final hour of prime time starting Jan. 20.

The rest of the night's lineup, starting at 8 p.m. ET, will include "Community," newcomer "Perfect Couples," "The Office" and returning series "Parks and Recreation."

"We were looking to add more comedy to our schedule and we believe the best way to do so is to expand our already successful Thursday night," NBC scheduling chief Mitch Metcalf said in a statement Monday.

Tina Fey's "30 Rock" has been renewed through the 2011-12 season, NBC also announced.

The novel approach of comedy in a spot traditionally held by dramas could help fight a 10 p.m. ratings weakness that has beset the major broadcast networks this season. Some of the blame goes to viewers' increasing use of the time slot to catch up with DVR-captured programs from earlier in the evening.

But another bold NBC experiment, putting Jay Leno in the 10 p.m. spot last season, proved a resounding flop. Hourlong dramas aren't extinct at 10 p.m. In January, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is moving up an hour, to 10 p.m. ET Wednesday, from its current 9 p.m. ET Wednesday home.

In February, "Law & Order: Los Angeles," which now airs on Wednesday, will shift to 10 p.m. ET Tuesday. "Parenthood," after returning at 10 p.m. ET Tuesday, Jan. 4, will move to 10 p.m. ET Monday starting March 7, after NBC tries out newcomer drama "Harry's Law," starring Kathy Bates, in the slot beginning Jan. 17.

Besides beefing up NBC's comedy quotient, the revamped schedule provides original programming through the rest of the season with new and returning series, Metcalf said.

Broadcast networks used to rely on series reruns to pad out the season, but that gave cable and other media alternatives the chance to steal away viewers.

So the networks have turned to bringing in more new shows or giving returning series a midseason start. For NBC, that means the midseason returns of "The Biggest Loser: Couples," "Minute to Win It," "The Marriage Ref," "Who Do You Think You Are?" and "The Celebrity Apprentice," as well as "Parks and Recreation."

Besides the relationship sitcom "Perfect Couples" and "Harry's Law," NBC's new midseason entries are the drama series "The Cape" and the reality show "America's Next Great Restaurant."

--
Source: The Associated Press

Iconic Movie Critic Gene Shalit Leaving "Today"

Gene Shalit

NEW YORK - Gene Shalit has panned or praised his last movie for the "Today" show.

The critic who's known for his bushy hair and mustache said Tuesday that he's leaving the show where he's reviewed movies for 40 years. The last time his "Critic's Corner" appeared on themorning show was in May, when he reviewed "Shrek Forever After."

The "Today" show said it would air a salute to the 84-year-old Shalit on Thursday. Executive Producer Jim Bell says 40 years on the same show is "a feat unlikely to ever be matched."

In a news release, Shalit says he wasn't retiring, and that he'll do work on the Internet and in commercials.

---
Source: The Associated Press

WKYC Adds Matt Granite To The Channel 3 News Team

Matt Granite

Channel 3 News Director Rita Andolsen announced Tuesday that reporter Matt Granite is officially joining the WKYC family as a multimedia journalist.

Matt comes to WKYC from Gannett sister station WGRZ in Buffalo where he has beeen a morning show co-producer and multimedia journalist who loves to help viewers find ways to save money.

The Director's Cut Blog has learned he knows everything there is know about Black Friday deals!

Matt will continue in the same capacity at WKYC as he did in Buffalo for Channel 3 News Today, weekdays between 5 am and 7 am, where his reports can already been seen in the morning.

He is originally from Toronto, Canada, but has been working the United States for a number of years including in Buffalo and the chilly tundra of Fargo, North Dakota. He has also worked as a Washington D.C. correspondent for a CBS affilate station in Vermont and an NPR affiliate station on Long Island.

Matt also has a Master's Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Medill at Northwestern University and an Honors B.A. from the University of Toronto.

Welcome Matt to our WKYC family.

WKYC Teams Up with WTAM/1100 for "Coats For Kids"

Your friends at WKYC/TV 3 and Newsradio WTAM/1100 are again teaming up this year for our annual "Coats For Kids" campaign with a 2010 goal of collecting 35,000 coats and raising $125,000.

All coats collected and funds raised benefit children living in Northeast Ohio.

Here's how you can participate:

• Donate on-line @ http://www.coatsforkidscleveland.org/
• Make a donation by check (payable to "Coats for Kids -Cleveland"

                              Coats for Kids - Cleveland
                              P.O. Box 74767
                              Cleveland, Ohio 44194

• Drop off new or gently-user winter coats throughout the year at Armbruster Moving & Storage at 2160 W. 106th St. Cleveland, 44102
• During the campaign (early November through Early December), you can also drop off coats at any of the following malls: Crocker Park, Great Northern, Legacy Village, Midway, Parmatown, South Park, Great Lakes, at the Howard Hanna real estate office nearest you, or at any BJs locations.
• Volunteer at the "Coats for Kids" warehouse. Contact Loretta Arnond at 216-986-8957

The actual coat distribution will take place December 15 & 16 at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University.

If you have questions or need more information, you can call: 216-986-8957.

"Sunday Night Football" Goes For Guinness World Record This Sunday on NBC

Fans attending “Sunday Night Football” will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for largest Halloween gathering when the last two Super Bowl champions – the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints – meet at the Louisiana Superdome this Sunday on Halloween night on NBC.

An official Guinness World Records® Adjudicator will be on site at the Superdome to validate the game as the world’s largest Halloween gathering, defined as a group of people in costume in one place.

Fans need to wear a costume in order to be counted toward the world record. In addition to participating in the quest for a Guinness World Record, fans wearing costumes can participate in the Saints Costume Contest and may appear on “Costume Cam” on NBCSports.com.

The Saints are hosting a Halloween costume contest in Champions Square outside the Superdome prior to the game. Winners will win Saints prizes, including merchandise and pregame field passes. For more information, click here: http://tinyurl.com/2fle2uh.

Sunday Night Football Extra, the live stream of every “Sunday Night Football” game featuring additional camera angles on NBCSports.com, will feature its first-ever “Costume Cam,” a camera on site in the Superdome that will capture fans demonstrating their Halloween spirit. For more information on SNF Extra, click here: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/26393211.

Notes From The Newsroom: 10/29/10

By Frank Macek

Time for another behind the scenes look at what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center.

Happy Halloween this weekend!

We are now entrenched in November sweeps which should prove very interesting this year. NBC's fall programming continues to be weak for the most part which will likely impact our news ratings to some degree. However, we indeed to fight a hard battle. November sweeps started yesterday (October 28th) and will run through Wednesday, November 24th.

Our sincere sympathies to the family of former WKYC Programming/Production Assistant Donna Kropf who passed away suddenly last Friday morning. Donna was a wonderful and kind lady who was friends with everyone she met and worked with. We certainly will miss her, but have very fond memories of some funny times here at WKYC.

Construction has finally begun here in the newsroom as we begin an expansion of sorts. Since we moved to our new editing and newsroom system in late September, everyone now has the capability of editing at their desks and thus we no longer need dedicated edit suites which used to be behind our main Assignment Desk. Instead, we will be knocking down a few walls to give some more room to some of Channel 3's other online projects including WKYC.COM, "Moms Like Me" and "Metromix Cleveland." Plus, these new areas will give us some fresh locations to put reporters throughout the newsroom when reporting about the 'net.

Television stations in the Cleveland/Akron/Canton market are reaping a nice stimulus with political advertising this year. According to the Associated Press, one research group expected stations to take in a record $3 billion dollars in revenue. Unfortunately, political spending is seen as a critical - but temporary - source or revenue. During the midterm elections of 2006, revenue was about $2.7 billion.

Speaking of politics, Decision 2010 coverage planning is in its final stages. NBC and WKYC will have unparalleled coverage on Tuesday night beginning with Channel 3 News at 6, 7 & 11 PM. Plus, we'll have cut-ins all evening long for one of the most important midterm elections in recent memory here in Ohio. Join WKYC's political team led by Senior Political Correspondent Tom Beres on Tuesday, November 2nd. The Director's Cut Blog reminds you to vote! Protect your rights.

As always, please don't forget to become a friend of Channel 3 News and Channel 3 Weather. We have special on-line content just for our Facebook friends including your chance to be our "Facebook Friend of the Day," daily behind the scenes promos, sneak peeks at NBC shows, a daily programming guide of what's on Channel 3 and much more.

• Click to become a Facebook Friend of Channel 3 News
• Click to become a Facebook Friend of Channel 3 Weather
• Click to become a Twitter Follower of Channel 3 News
• Click to become a Twitter Follower of Channel 3 Weather

Social Media: Is This What We Are Becoming?

Check out this video from a Dallas TV station that pretty much sums up the evolution of social media into today's mainstream television (or soon will):

NBC Announces Special Holiday Programming

The holidays are right around the corner. This year, WKYC and NBC will air several special movies and specials through the end of 2010.

Here is a sample of what's coming up this year:

Thursday, November 25th
*8:00 - 9:00 pm: Special - Taylor Swift: Speak Now
*9:00 - 10:00 pm: NBC Special - NBC's People of the Year

Friday, November 26th
*9:00 - 11:00 pm: Movie - "Enchanted"

Saturday, November 27th
*8:00 - 10:00 pm: Movie - "Bee Movie"

Tuesday, November 30th
*8:00 - 9:00 pm: Christmas in Rockefeller Center
*9:00 - 11:00 pm: The Biggest Loser (Special Episode)

Friday, December 3rd
*8:00 - 10:00 pm: Movie - "A Walk In My Shoes"
*10:00 - 11:00 pm: Dateline (Special Episode)

Thursday, December 9th
*9:00 - 10:00 pm: The Office (Special Episode)

Saturday, December 11th
*8:00 - 11:00 pm: Movie - "It's A Wonderful Life"

Friday, December 24th
*8:00 - 11:00 pm: Movie - "It's A Wonderful Life"

NBC Gives Full-Season Pickup To 'Event,' 2 Others

LOS ANGELES - NBC is giving three freshmen series, including "The Event," a full-season pickup.

Besides the much-hyped thriller "The Event," the network gave a vote of confidence Monday to "Law & Order: Los Angeles" and the sitcom "Outsourced."

None of the series has posted stellar ratings in a season in which new shows have struggled to attract viewers.

But NBC noted that "The Event" and the Los Angeles-set "Law & Order" have improved ratings in their time slots, while "Outsourced" is doing well with advertiser-favored young adult viewers. The network finished fourth last season.

NBC's "The Event" airs 9 p.m. EDT Monday, "Law & Order: Los Angeles" is on 10 p.m. EDT Wednesday, and "Outsourced" airs Thursday at 9:30 p.m. EDT on Channel 3, WKYC.

---
Source: The Associated Press

Gannett Posts Jump In 3Q Profit

McLEAN, Virginia - Gannett Co. reported Friday a rise in third-quarter earnings, helped by a jump in broadcasting revenue.

Advertising at the company's 23 television stations helped the biggest U.S. newspaper publisher halt declining revenue for the first time since 2006.

It offset another decline at Gannett's newspapers, which include USA Today and other dailies. That's not a good sign for other publishers. The New York Times Co. and McClatchy Co. report results next week.

But Gannett's net income climbed to $101.4 million, or 42 cents per share, in the three months ended Sept. 36. That's up from $73.8 million, or 31 cents per share, a year earlier.

Excluding items, its earnings totaled 52 cents per share. Analysts expected 50 cents a share.

Revenue was flat at $1.31 billion. Analysts expected $1.33 billion.

----
Source: The Associated Press

WKYC To Help Fight Hunger in Northeast Ohio & Collect Holiday Toys, Coats

Friends and neighbors need our help. With the extended unemployment benefits ending in November and our economy still facing many challenges, this winter could be very difficult for many families.

That's why the Cleveland and Akron food banks, the Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland, Coats for Kids, WTAM, and WKYC have come together for a huge food, coats and toy drive at four area Walmart stores.

Donations of new or gently worn winter coats, non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys and cash will be accepted. Volunteer representatives from those organizations, local schools and businesses, along with WKYC TV3 personalities, local celebrities, high school marching bands, cheerleaders and more will be on hand in the parking lots of these Walmart locations from 9 am – 3 pm to accept donations:

Walmart Supercenter Store #5285
3200 Atlantic Blvd NE
Canton, Oh 44705
(330) 489-9035

Walmart Supercenter Store #3250
7235 Market Place Dr
Aurora, Oh 44202
(330) 562-0000

Walmart Store #2266
8585 Pearl Rd
Strongsville, Oh 44136
(440) 826-0004

Walmart Supercenter Store #4285
3400 Steelyard Dr.
Cleveland Oh 44109
(216) 661-2406

Prices On LCD Flat Screen TVs To Hit A Record Low

Special to the Director's Cut Blog
By Jennifer Lindgren, WKYC Reporter

CLEVELAND -- As fast as technology changes, that's not necessarily a bad thing if you're in the market for a new television. Prices on one particular type of flat screen are expected to hit a record low, just in time for the holiday season.

When it comes to buying a new TV, Jim McKay says it helps to know what you're looking for. "The bigger, the better! But not too big," McKay said. 

Price matters to McKay as well, and he says he has noticed a change this fall. "I know they're a lot cheaper than they were," he said.

By the end of October, technology researchers say LCD TV prices will be twelve percent lower than in 2009, which was a slow year for sales. Walmart, HHGregg and Best Buy are already selling 32" LCDs just under $300, and big screens are expected to drop in price as well. "That probably was $2,000 last year," said Larry Haines, pointing out a 50" LCD on sale for $1,660 at HHGregg.

Haines, who is a territory commercial manager for HHGregg, says big screen flat panel prices could drop as much as 20 percent by the end of 2010. "You'll see some things stay the same, but there will be some nice surprises for consumers this year," Haines said.

Haines thinks the change has less to do with an excess of product: he says with the last couple of years down in sales, manufacturers didn't make as many televisions this year. He thinks it has more to do with the advancements in technology. Haines says LED, with its brighter, sharper lights, took off a year ago, making the slightly duller LCD less desirable among some buyers. 

While prices held steady through the summer, Haines says, as Black Friday approaches, prices will fall again.

At HHGregg, Jim McKay decided between a plasma and an LCD flat screen television. "They seem cheaper, money wise, not technology wise," McKay said.

Haines says new, 3D televisions and Internet televisions should help keep the price of LCDs down through the end of the year.  Prices are expected to rise again in 2011.

Promo: Channel 3 Weather Fall Campaign

Check out our new Fall 2010 weather promo from Channel 3 Weather. It's a catchy little tune.

Spotlight Feature: WKYC Debuts New Newsroom Systems

By Frank Macek

It's no secret WKYC has been undergoing some major infrastructure changes over the last several weeks. The headline from this expereince is most of our Avid systems are out and ENPS and Bitcentral are in. And, we couldn't be happier.

After nearly 3 weeks of staff training and show rehearsals, we launched our new system last Wednesday, September 29th, with Channel 3 News at Noon. Except for some very minor glitches, the switchover was extremely smooth. The credit goes to those who were involved in months of planning and preparation and to the on-site project managers from each company who shared their expertise with us.

Let me take a few minutes to explain the basis components of our news systems for those of you who may have worked here or are interested in the technical side of local television.

AP ENPS

AP ENPS

The ENPS system from The Associated Press is the heart of our new operation. ENPS stands for "The Essential News Production System" and was first developed for the BBC. Today, the system is being installed at all 23 Gannett television stations across the country. The system has already launched in Jacksonville, St. Louis, Atlanta and Cleveland. We were one of the guinea pig stations for the broadcast chain which was both an honor and a challenge.

Everything we do from daily planning to putting rundowns together and getting the show on the air is all interconnected through the MOS, or Media Object Server, features of the ENPS system. Much like a mission control system, the ENPS rundown controls everything from the Bitcentral video system to Avid Deko Graphics  and teleprompter, seamlessly.

In every script, automation commands are placed by producers and directors that tell each playout system what to cue up with each story slug. This includes the appropriate video and graphics. If a story needs to move or be "floated," all the automation information moves as well. As Directors, we also use the system to assign each of these elements to specific playback channels for when the show airs out of the control room.

About 75% of the workflow can be now be done from a newsroom desktop computer as opposed to the control room where an eerie stillness remains until near showtime.

ENPS also allows us to interface to any of our stations and news services with a cool search function that can search any story and video worked on in the building or at any Gannett sister station. Through a simple drop and drag, we can share virtually anything with our colleagues.

For the first time in the station's news history, we can now go with a paperless workflow. Rundowns are no longer printed for much of the technical staff, except where computers have yet to be installed. Instead, monitors are being used to display dynamic and changing rundowns throughout the building. If a change is made, everyone can see it instantly and adjust accordingly from camera operators to audio technicians and floor directors.

One of our goals is to save our fair share of trees!

Edius Editing Software

EDIUS

Our new editing system is called Edius and was designed by the Japanese based Canopus Corporation that was sold to Grass Valley in 2005. This new system lets us ingest video in virtually any format currently in use. The easy to use software is installed on every computer in the newsroom and every laptop used in the field. This new workflow allows everyone to edit no matter where they are covering the news.

Reporters and Videographers now edit material anywhere they are assigned and send it back to the station through an internet connection. With today's wireless capability, the possibilities are endless.

Once the video is edited, an editor attachs it directly to the appropriate story in the ENPS rundown or exports it in as many formats as can be ingested. The new system will allow us to send video out on the multiple platforms of this electronic age including on-air, on-line and mobile.

BITCENTRAL

The heart of the video system is from Bitcentral. The company is a recognized innovator of news content production, distribution and aggregation solutions. From building America's first IP-based satellite distribution network to deploying the country's most popular news production system in scores of newsrooms, Bitcentral has been trusted with engagements at major content-creation companies like Gannett, CNN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Raycom Media, Belo, Media General and many more.

The Bitcentral system has two parts: Precis and Oasis.

PRECIS:

Precis playback screen

Precis is the video controller that replaced our oddly named "Pluto" control room system in the old WKYC workflow. With a controller in each of our control rooms, the system is used to get the video to air. With 3 main video channels and 2 additional channels of assignable video playout, we can handle more video than ever before.

One of the nice features of Precis is the control room Director/TD can loop video for breaking news situations and other uses including monitor fills.

Plus, the system is native HD which means we are able to pass HD video edited through Edius directly to air in better resolution than ever before. Our old system used an anamorphic 16x9 process that really made our video fuzzy and sometimes more like those old VCR tapes of yesteryear.

OASIS:

Oasis management workflow

The Oasis part of the system handles archiving of video for both short term use and long term storage. In the past, video was stored on a central server for anyone to access. The new system is more of a "point to point" setup where the metadata for each story/video is stored on the central server and the video is located on the individuals computers where they were ingested and edited.

It's a very complex process that Bitcentral has perfected with their system.

In summary, the new newsroom systems will position WKYC well for the future. Gannett believes strongly in the ability of all our stations, and eventually newspapers, to share content across the chain. This in turn will provide news and video to our customers, the viewer or mobile user, faster than ever before.

Television continues to evolve and this certainly is the next step in the technical and newsgathering process.

Senate Votes To Turn Down Volume On TV Commercials

Special to the Director's Cut Blog
By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Legislation to turn down the volume on those loud TV commercials that send couch potatoes diving for their remote controls looks like it'll soon become law.

The Senate unanimously passed a bill late Wednesday to require television stations and cable companies to keep commercials at the same volume as the programs they interrupt.

The House has passed similar legislation. Before it can become law, minor differences between the two versions have to be worked out when Congress returns to Washington after the Nov. 2 election.

Ever since television caught on in the 1950s, the Federal Communication Commission has been getting complaints about blaring commercials. But the FCC concluded in 1984 there was no fair way to write regulations controlling the "apparent loudness" of commercials. So it hasn't been regulating them.

Correcting sound levels is more complicated than using the remote control. The television shows and ads come from a variety of sources, from local businesses to syndicators.

Managing the transition between programs and ads without spoiling the artistic intent of the producers poses technical challenges and may require TV broadcasters to purchase new equipment. To address the issue, an industry organization recently produced guidelines on how to process, measure and transmit audio in a uniform way.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., requires the FCC to adopt those recommendations as regulations within a year and begin enforcing them a year later. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., is the driving force behind the bill in the House.

Its title is the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act, or CALM.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., a co-sponsor, said it's time to stop the use of loud commercials to startle viewers into paying attention. "TV viewers should be able to watch their favorite programs without fear of losing their hearing when the show goes to a commercial," he said.

Notes From the Newsroom for 10/5/10

By Frank Macek

Time for another behind the scenes look at what's happening inside the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center.

The entire staff of Channel 3 just wrapped up a truly "September to Remember" as our whole world of daily news gathering and production changed dramatically with our switch from Avid I-News to the AP's ENPS and Bit Central's Precis and Oasis systems. We spent nearly 3 weeks in training and rehearsals to launch the new system which will allow us to share content across multi platforms from all our 23 Gannett stations. We'll cover this transition in a separate article later this week. But, all the training and planning paid off as we launched with just a couple of minor glitches. This is why your blogger has been so lax on posting lately.

September was another strong month of ratings for WKYC which continues to dominate local stations in the all important adult demographics. Channel 3 News at 6 & 11 PM and Channel 3 Weekend Today continued number one with Channel 3 News Today and Channel 3 News at 7 in second place. We are in the planning stages for the upcoming November sweeps period which, like May, help determine advertising ratings for the local market. We are looking forward to an interesting November.

We told you a while ago that "Flash Mob" was coming to Channel 3. The date has finally been set with the show airing this Sunday morning (October 10th) at 1 a.m. right after "Saturday Night Live". "Flash Mob" is a cool new show from Channel 3 that looks at some of today's new technology and trends and is hosted by two of our super cool producers, Jon Adkins and Carrie Young. The show will air on several of our sister Gannett stations and will likely become a regular show as we expand our local production opportunities. Set those DVR's for "Flash Mob" if you can't stay up that late and let us know what you think. You can connect to our new show on Facebook and Twitter

Another new show is being added to our weekend lineup and is hosted by relationship coach, Kathy Dawson - a regular guest on "Golden Opportunities," and "Good Company Today." Her new show is called "Can You Relate?" and airs Saturday mornings at 6 a.m. Each week, the show which launched this weekend, will feature several different kinds of relationships: you and your mate, you and your kids, you and your doctor, you and your coworker. You name it – Kathy will talk about it!  Your blogger was in the booth for the first broadcast taping and was impressed by the show. ”Can You Relate?” is fast becoming the go-to show for what you need to know to have the best relationships possible! Check out their new website: "Can You Relate?"

As you have probably seen, NBC will be undergoing several management changes when Comcast takes control of the network later this year. President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Zucker will be out as Comcast Chief Operating Office Steve Burke will take the reigns and try to rebuild the struggling network. We feel the Comcast/NBC merger will be a good one for the future of our NBC affiliation, as clearly, a new way of thinking was needed at the top. Comcast and NBC's commitment to sports programming will be unparalleled.

We are also hearing strong rumblings that CBS Evening News Anchor Katie Couric may be returning to NBC's "Today Show" to replace Meredith Vieira who is expected to depart the number one morning show soon. Couric previously hosted the show from 1991 to 2006 and has been unable to help CBS move their evening news program out of 3rd place.

Finally later this month, Channel 3 will again be connecting to the community be helping northeast Ohioans help members of their community who are in need of food and monetary assistance as the economy continues to make it rough for many of our neighbors and friends. We'll have the specific details and locations of this year's food drive in the next week or so.

As always, please don't forget to become a friend of Channel 3 News and Channel 3 Weather. We have special on-line content just for our Facebook friends including your chance to be our "Facebook Friend of the Day," daily behind the scenes promos, sneak peeks at NBC shows, a daily programming guide of what's on Channel 3 and much more.

• Click to become a Facebook Friend of Channel 3 News
• Click to become a Facebook Friend of Channel 3 Weather
• Click to become a Twitter Follower of Channel 3 News
• Click to become a Twitter Follower of Channel 3 Weather

Cleveland Native Joins Cast Of Saturday Night Live

Special to the Director's Cut Blog
By Jennifer Lindgren, WKYC Reporter

PEPPER PIKE -- A 2000 graduate of Orange High School is the newest cast member on the long-running live comedy show.

Vanessa Bayer, 28, is one of three new featured players to join the cast of the long-running comedy sketch show when it debuts on NBC Sept, 25.

Bayer, a Moreland Hills native, graduated in 2000 from Orange High School. In her four years at Orange, Bayer was elected to homecoming court, ran cross country, and was voted by her peers 'Most Likely to Succeed.'

Those who knew Bayer say no one would have guessed she'd choose stand-up comedy as a career.

"Everyone was really surprised!" said Gail Price, a history teacher at OHS.

Yet even a decade later, her teachers and coaches recall Bayer's smart sense of humor.

"The one thing she had a talent for, she could imitate people. We would ask her to imitate other teachers and, oh my gosh, was it funny. She could imitate anyone," said Bayer's assistant cross country coach Eric Oberster.

Bayer was also an honor student, who no one doubted would one day be successful.

"A wonderful person who knew what she wanted to do," said coach Jon Keller.

A 2004 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Bayer moved to Chicago where she dove into stand-up and improv comedy.

She was a member of the iO Chicago theater outlet, that counts Tina Fey, Mike Meyers, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler and other SNL veterans as alumni.

Bayer has moved to New York City since joining Saturday Night Live.

The show's producers say Bayer isn't able to do interviews until after the premiere.

Vanessa's mother, Carolyn Bayer, told Channel 3 she and her husband are beyond excited and proud. They can't say the extent to which Vanessa will appear in the premiere, but said their daughter has been rehearsing this week with the rest of the cast.

"I think it's fantastic that in a decade she has gone from a high school class room to Saturday Night Live. I'm going to be taking a nap so I can stay up that late to watch her!" said English teacher Nancy Brunswick.

NBC's Saturday Night Live's 36th season debuts Sept. 25 at 11:30 p.m. on WKYC TV 3.

Director's Cut Update for 9/22/10

Just a quick note to say we are still here at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. The station is in the middle of one of the biggest upgrades since we moved into the building back in January 2001.

Most of my attention has been focused on training with the new systems and getting up to speed on our new control room equipment that will make our video look much better in the near future.

We'll return to our regular blogging in early October after our transition is complete, at which time, I will be sharing the cool new toys we have.

As always, thanks for being a loyal "Director's Cut" reader. Hope you are finding NBC's new fall prime-time schedule a little better this year.

NBC News Correspondent Edwin Newman Dies

NEW YORK -- Veteran NBC newsman Edwin Newman has died. He was 91.

His lawyer says Newman died of pneumonia Aug. 13 in Oxford, England. He'd moved there with his wife in 2007 to live closer to their daughter. The family delayed announcing Newman's death so they could spend some time privately grieving.

While at NBC from 1952 until 1984, Newman did political reporting, foreign reporting and anchoring. With his rumpled, squinting delivery, Newman impressed his audience not so much with how he looked as with the likelihood that what he'd say would be worth hearing.

He turned to writing books in the 1970s, writing a pair of best-sellers on the use and misuse of the English language.

Former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw described Newman as "always a gentleman and a reassuring presence in our midst."

Current NBC anchor Brian Williams says: "To those of us watching at home, he made us feel like we had a very smart, classy friend in the broadcast news business."
---
Source: The Associated Press

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

WKYC Honored With Several Local Awards

Congratulations to several of our WKYC colleagues who are being recognized for their outstanding work here at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center.

Channel 3 News Reporter Dave Summers has been named the Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ) "Best Reporter in Ohio" for 2010. The honor is based on a compilation of Dave's work called “A Year of Change." This is the 14th year the SPJ has announced their annual awards which include Ohio's print, broadcast, online, trade and college journalism programs.

Also, Cleveland Magazine has tallied the results of their annual "Best of Cleveland" magazine reader's poll and Channel 3 once again sweeps up in several categories.

The "Best Morning Show Anchor Team" winners are Channel 3's Mark Nolan and Hollie Strano who are seen weekdays from 5 - 7 a.m. Mark Nolan was also named "Best Male Anchor," while Jim Donovan wins for "Best Sportcaster" and our very own Romona Robinson takes home the award for "Best Local Female News Anchor" and "Sexiest Local Female Celebrity."

The winners will be honored at the 5th Annual "Best of Cleveland" awards ceremony on Friday, October 15th at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. See all the results in this month's edition of Cleveland Magazine.

WKYC To Present Special "Race for the Cure" Coverage Friday and Saturday

Channel 3 will once again connect to the community with our annual participation in the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure."

WKYC-TV will have a special half-hour edition of Channel 3 News at 7 on Friday to bring you all the information you need to know.

And don't forget, this Saturday's Cleveland "Race for the Cure" is at a new location. It will begin and end at the Cleveland State campus's Wolstein Center.

Step off is at 9:15 a.m., with WKYC-TV coverage starting at 9 a.m. Here's all the information about the new course, inside the center and parking.

• More Race for the Cure coverage

The race begins at the Wolstein Center on Prospect Avenue, goes west on Prospect to Superior Avenue, then to W. Huron Road and along Ontario Street, then onto Carnegie Avenue, then back onto Prospect by the Wolstein Center.

• Susan G. Komen for the Cure Northeast Ohio

For those using GPS locators, the Wolstein Center is at 2000 Prospect Avenue E. in Cleveland.

Saturday's schedule:

• 6:00-8:30 a.m. Registration
• 7:00 a.m. Sponsor Tents open
• 8:00 a.m. Survivor Ceremony (participant line up begins at 7:30)
• 9:00 a.m. Fitness Warm Up at start line and main stage
• 9:15 a.m. Competitive 5K Run
• 9:30 a.m. 5K Race/Walk
• 9:45 a.m. 1-Mile Walk
• 10:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony
• 10:30 a.m. Dominion Kids Dash
• 11:30 a.m. Wrapup

Here are the links to the new race course, parking garages in the area, some free parking areas/garages, and a map of the inside of the Wolstein Center for exhibitors, booths and refreshments.

• New 2010 race course map (pdf)
• Map of nearby parking garages (pdf)
• List of free parking garages
• Wolstein Center Race for the Cure site map (pdf)
• Lolly the Trolley from Tower City to Wolstein

Notes From The Newsroom: 9/8/10

By Frank Macek

Time for another behind the scenes look at what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center.

We find it hard to believe fall is just around the corner, Browns preseason is already over and a disappointing Indians season is rapidly coming to a close.

But, we have plenty of exciting news to share with you this month regarding some changes, improvements and upgrades being made both on-air and behind the scenes at WKYC.

Before we get to that, congratulations to my WKYC colleagues Director Allen Wohl and Sports Producer Jeff Yakawiak for some great preseaon Browns coverage on Chanel 3. The station did local production on all four of the preseason games which took our staff and crew months to plan and coordinate. All that effort paid off with network quality games you have come to expect from Channel 3. Also, it was nice to have Jim Donovan and Bernie Kosar back in the broadcast booth again this year providing unique and colorful insight into the "new" Browns team for 2010.

Don't forget, our regular Browns season coverage kicks off this weekend with the following programming:

• The Pregame Huddle: Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m.
• Browns Tonight: Sunday nights at 11:30 p.m.
• The Point After wtih Jim Donovan, Sam Rutigliano, Tony Grossi, and Doug Dieken: Monday at 7 p.m.

You may have noticed a new face on Channel 3's local morning production, "Good Company Today." Joe Cronauer has joined the broadcast. Many of you know him from the successful "Brian and Joe Radio Show" that aired in the mornings on WMVX/106.5 before the pair was jettisoned in budget cuts. Joe's new role with the show will be to hit the streets and take us to the sites and sounds of Northeast Ohio. If it's fun, if it's entertaining, if we can learn something - Joe will be there! Joe steps into the limelight as Fred Griffith scales back his on-air work to 2-3 days a week. As WKYC Program Director Terry Moir tells the Director's Cut Blog, "At nearly 82, we figure Fred could give Regis Philbin a run for his money on the most hours any one individual has spent on TV!" Joe joins co-hosts Andrea Vecchio and Michael Cardamone on the program effective immediately. Also, construction is underway on a brand new set and graphics look that will debut next week on the program that airs weekday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. on Channel 3.

A couple of sad notes to pass along. First, our best wishes to "Uncle Bill" Weisinger, a well known Cleveland radio engineer who is very ill. We had the honor of working with Bill at the old WRMR/AM 850 when he worked there as an engineer and have seen him a few times since around the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center during meetings of local engineering chapters. Ohio Media Watch first alerted us to the seriousness of Bill's condition and his work at stations WSTB/88.3 and one of favorite stations, WKHR/91.5 in Bainbridge that plays the Great American Standards. Our best wishes to Bill and his family.

And a former booth announcer from WKYC's historical past has died. Joe Howard worked here under NBC ownership as staff pianist and arranger for WTAM radio and WNBK-TV. The Plain Dealer also reported that Joe was musical director of WEWS-TV, leading a trio on "The One O'Clock Club." Joe was 82 years old.

And finally, September is a really BIG month for the staff of Channel 3. Even bigger than the transition to HD broadcasting, WKYC will launch a brand new newsroom system, editing platform and video playback system that is currently being installed. This new system will greatly improve out ability to bring you the best content both on-air and on-line and the new and exciting platforms that develop. This is a station wide project that is the first major newsroom upgrade since the station moved into our "new" building at 13th and Lakeside in January 2001. We'll have much more on the process once it is completed on the blog.

As always, please don't forget to become a friend of Channel 3 News and Channel 3 Weather. We have special on-line content just for our Facebook friends including your chance to be our "Facebook Friend of the Day," daily behind the scenes promos, sneak peeks at NBC shows, a daily programming guide of what's on Channel 3 and much more.

• Click to become a Facebook Friend of Channel 3 News
• Click to become a Facebook Friend of Channel 3 Weather
• Click to become a Twitter Follower of Channel 3 News
• Click to become a Twitter Follower of Channel 3 Weather

NBC Renews "America's Got Talent" For 6th Season

NBC has picked up a sixth season of its hit summer series "America's Got Talent" from FremantleMedia and Simon Cowell's SYCO Television. Celebrity Judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel will return to the hit series along with host Nick Cannon.

The announcement was made Tuesday by Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming and Production, NBC and Universal Media Studios.

"'AGT' continues to be a ratings sensation and has hit it out of the ballpark creatively this season," said Telegdy. "We have a dream team of celebrity judges -- Sharon Osbourne, Howie Mandel and Piers Morgan -- and coupled with our versatile host Nick Cannon, we're looking forward to an even bigger summer next year."

This is the fifth consecutive year that "AGT" has ranked as the #1 summer series in total viewers. Season-to-date, the show has averaged a 3.4 rating, 10 share in adults 18-49 and 11.8 million viewers overall on Tuesdays and a 3.3/10 in 18-49 and 11.8 million viewers on Wednesdays.

In its fifth season, "America's Got Talent," airs Tuesdays (9-11 p.m.) and Wednesdays (9-10 p.m.). Nick Cannon hosts and Sharon Osbourne, Howie Mandel and Piers Morgan star as the celebrity panel of judges. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America's hearts – and the $1 million prize.

The two-night fifth season finale will air Tuesday, September 14 (9-10 p.m. ET) and Wednesday, September 15 (8-10 p.m. ET).

Memory Lane: The Rock Hall Opening in 1995

By Frank Macek

This weekend marks the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Cleveland. As we mentioned in an earlier posting, WKYC will present a special one hour show this Friday Night, September 3rd, called "Cleveland Rocks" from 7 to 8 p.m.

Your blogger remembers that day when I was just beginning at WKYC as a studio technician before becoming a director and was part of the crewing assigned to be on the remote broadcast. We broadcast all of our news broadcasts that day from a platform just across the street from the Rock Hall.

The station rented one of those familiar large production trucks to cover the event. Your blogger was assigned to do audio for the noon show.

I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the behind the scenes pictures I found in the "Director's Cut Blog" archives from the opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Hard to believe it has been 15 years already.

My colleague, WKYC Production Manager Al Wohl, reminds me that we also did more than our news from there that day. WKYC covered the mid-day parade for over an hour live which started out as our noon news show, but the parade was so cool we stayed on the air for another hour or more.

The the evening of opening night we did a live one hour special from right outside the Rock Hall while the opening concert was going on at the old Cleveland stadium next door.

Al tells the Director's Cut Blog, "It was truely one of the coolest days (and nights) I've ever had at WKYC."

We would certainly agree!

WKYC Remote Broadcast Production Truck

Camera setup on the main talent platform

Camera setup on talent platform

Background view of the main anchor platform

Other media covering the Rock Hall Opening

HighSchoolSports.net Friday Night Fever Kicks Off August 27th

It's back: The Predictors! The Big Game! The Best local high school sports coverage anywhere on Cleveland TV.

It's the "HighSchoolSports.net Friday Night Fever" starting tomorrow night, August 27th at 11 pm.

The Channel 3 Sports team lead by Jim Donovan, Dave Chudowsky and Lynn Olszowy are all set to cover the big games that matter.

We'll kick off our coverage with "The Predictors" during Channel 3 News at 6 PM with Dave Chudowsky and the Sun Newspapers' Mike Holzheimer, Brian Larrick, John Blake and Cody Peek. Plus, Channel 3 News Anchor Romona Robinson will weigh in on her choices too.

Then at 11:15 pm, we'll bring you the fastest wrap up in 8 minutes of more than a dozen games live from Studio B at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center.

And each week, you get to choose the "Big Game of the Week". Just log on to wkyc.com and vote. We'll feature the biggest vote getter in the show each week.

Catch the Fever - the HighSchoolSports.Net Friday Night Fever - starting tomorrow night, Friday, August 27th. We Keep You Connected to local high school sports from Channel 3.

Behind the Scenes: NBC Offers Exclusive "Behind the Scenes" Streams During The Emmys

For the first time in the history of the Primetime Emmy® Awards, NBC.com and Emmys.com are partnering with Ustream.com to give viewers a live unique perspective of "The 62nd Primetime Emmy® Awards," hosted by Jimmy Fallon, airing live coast-to-coast on NBC this Sunday, August 29th, from 8 to 11 p.m. on WKYC Channel 3.

Seven cameras positioned in various areas backstage at the Emmys® will "eavesdrop" and capture exciting moments and candid reactions from television's biggest stars. Viewers will be able to see nominees, presenters and performers prepare to take the stage on the most anticipated night in television. Another unprecedented Emmy® first is the live "thank you" camera, where Emmy ® Award winners will be able to express their emotions and continue their speeches once they walk off the stage.

David Neal will produce the "Backstage Live @ the Emmys" show which will stream on Emmys.com, the official website for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, NBC.com and Ustream.com, a live interactive broadcast platform. Neal most recently produced the Primetime show and the Opening Ceremony during NBC's coverage of the "2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games."

"The live streaming that will take place at the Emmys this year will provide our audience with an enhanced viewing experience that will run concurrently with the telecast," said John Shaffner, Chairman and CEO of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. "With more and more viewers using the internet while they watch television, we believe the live streaming across these multiple platforms will allow viewers an all access look at Television's biggest night."

Watch live this Sunday @ nbc.com