Behind the Scenes: Joe Jackson Stops By Channel 3 on Friday

Michael Jackson's father, Joe, marked the one year anniversary of his son's death in Cleveland on Friday. While here, he stopped by the Channel 3 News studios to discuss his feelings on Michael and his family's loss.

Our flipcam was in the room during his interview.

WKYC-TV Wins Emmy Award For Best Evening Newscast

CLEVELAND - WKYC-TV won top honors for best evening newscast at the 41st Annual Emmy® Awards, Lower Great Lakes Chapter. The station garnered five Emmys and 19 nominations.

The Emmy® is an award that recognizes excellence in media production for broadcast and multiple media platforms. It is the highest award given in television.

The awards recognize outstanding achievement by individuals and programs broadcast throughout the 2009 calendar year.

WKYC Winners include:

Channel 3 News at 6, 11/3/09
Category: Newscast - Evening - Market 1-20

• Carrie Young - Producer

Project AED
Category: Continuing Coverage

• Romona Robinson - Anchor
• Eric Mansfield - Anchor/Reporter
• Monica Robins - Anchor/Reporter
• Rita Andolsen - News Director
• Danielle Fink - Assignment Manager
• Kim Wendel - Web Reporter

Hardball Cash
Category: Business/Consumer

• Tom Meyer - Investigative Reporter
• Sarah Montgomery - Editor

To the Moon: Ohio's Journey
Category: Documentary

• Jeff Reidel - Producer/Writer/Editor

Betsy Kling - Meteorologist
Category: Crafts: On-Camera Talent Anchor - Weather

SportsTime Ohio Winners include:

Indians On Deck
Category: Sports - Program

• Michael Bachmann - Producer
• Steve Warren - Director
• Al Pawlowski - Talent 

Senior PGA Championship Preview
Category: Sports - One Time Special

• John Zaccardelli - Senior Editor
• Jim Donovan - Host
• Jimmy Hamlin - Host
• Greg Goyla - Design Director
• Joseph Von Enck - Designer/Animator
• Ian Ziegler - Designer/Animator
• Patrick Killkenney - Executive Producer

The 2010 Emmy Awards are presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and were held at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Cleveland on Saturday, June 19, 2010. The Lower Great Lakes Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has a mission to serve its members, recognize excellence and promote the highest standards in television professionalism.

Click for a complete list of this year's winners

WKYC's Dick Russ, Michael Greene Take Press Club Top Honors

Michael Greene (left) & Dick Russ (right)

CLEVELAND - Veteran reporter Dick Russ (pictured right) and photojournalist Michael Greene (pictured left) won top honors at the 2010 Cleveland Press Club 2010 Excellence in Journalism Awards.

Russ, already a Press Club Hall of Fame Inductee, and Greene won first place in the television general news category for their coverage of accused Nazi John Demjanjuk's forcible removal from his home and subsequent deportation.

Former WKYC reporter Mike O'Mara and Assignment Manager Danielle Fink took second place honors in the television spot news category for their coverage of the West 89th St. multiple murders.

The 32nd annual event was held at the Marriott Downtown at Key Center in Cleveland. Entries were received from a variety of daily and non-daily newspapers, radio and television stations, internet sites, and trade and business publications from across Ohio.

Competition categories included: daily newspaper, non-daily newspaper, new media, radio, television, business publications, trade publications, magazines, print visuals, photography and open print. Each publication entered was reviewed and critiqued by a panel of experts from out-of-state Press Clubs and media outlets.

The Press Club of Cleveland is an organization for print and broadcast journalists and editors, public relations and advertising professionals, and anyone who works with them.

The club serves its members by providing social and educational opportunities, promoting excellence in journalism, attracting and educating high-quality candidates to enter journalism, and maintaining a history of journalism in Cleveland, Ohio.

More information is available at www.pressclubcleveland.com or by calling 440-899-1222

Behind The Scenes: Lisa Guerrero Visits Channel 3 On Thursday Evening

You just never know who might stop by the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center.

Sportscaster, actress, host and model Lisa Guerrero was in town and popped in to have a quick chat with WKYC Morning Anchor Mark Nolan.

We can't tell you just why, yet - but could something be brewing in Lisa's future?

Click on the video to watch what she had to say.

Watching The World Cup In 3D Is Nifty, If Not Without Issues

Editor's Note: The following article is interesting about the introduction of 3DTV broadcasts that debuted last Friday with ESPN's coverage of World Cup in South Africa. I thought you might enjoy getting some first thoughts from our partners at USA Today - Frank
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Special to the Director's Cut Bog
By Edward C. Baig, USA Today

Three-dimensional TV is a kick. At least, I think so after watching World Cup soccer in 3D. I felt like I was inside the Durban soccer stadium, where Germany routed Australia, though South Africa is halfway around the world from ESPN's Bristol, Conn., headquarters, where I watched on an off-the-shelf 46-inch Samsung LED 3D TV.

Especially on close-ups and replays, the 3D broadcast added depth and perspective that's impossible to duplicate on the two-dimensional TVs we've watched for years, even high definition.

But obstacles remain before 3D goes primetime in homes, starting with the fact that new 3D TVs aren't cheap. The Samsung 8000 series 3D TV I watched on costs about $2,400. Moreover, you - and anyone who wants to watch with you - must don a pricey pair of 3D glasses.

The 3D TVs were all the rage at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. TV makers trumpeted 3D for the home with more buzz than a swarm of South African vuvuzelas. Sets from Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony, Sharp, Vizio and Mitsubishi have either hit stores or are making their way.

But folks aren't going to spend for 3D TVs without compelling entertainment. And there are few 3D flicks to watch on nascent 3D Blu-ray players.

Live sports may prove to be a salvation. Of course, the World Cup notwithstanding, there haven't been a lot of sporting events to watch in 3D either, though that's changing.

With the World Cup on now, ESPN launched its 3D channel. But the channel won't air when there's no actual live sporting event taking place. ESPN has previously produced Masters Golf, a Harlem Globetrotters game, and a 2009 USC vs. Ohio State college football game in 3D.

Next month, the YES Network, FSN Northwest and DirecTV will produce a New York Yankees-Seattle Mariners baseball game in 3D. A few days later, Major League Baseball's All-Star game will be broadcast in 3D.

Even if you have a 3D TV, you'll have to subscribe to a TV provider that's on board. To watch ESPN 3D, you need DirecTV, AT&T's U-verse or Comcast cable, which collectively cover about 45 million homes. In some cases you may have to swap a set-top box. U-verse subscribers pay a $10 monthly premium for 3D.

MORE ON 3D VIEWING:

- Wearing glasses. The Samsung 3D TV I watched on was connected via a standard HDMI cable. The shades were drawn, the room dimly lit.

I donned 3D "active shutter" glasses; they alternatively block the right and left lens so that each eye gets the staggered view that makes the 3D illusion possible. Glasses with regular batteries cost $150 a pair; specs with rechargeable batteries cost $200. Samsung sells a starter kit, with two pairs of glasses plus the Monsters vs. Aliens 3D Blu-ray disc for $350. At these prices, you probably won't be inviting a lot of friends over to watch. And glasses that work on one TV may not work on another.

I was initially conscious of wearing glasses, which fit over regular glasses. You get over it pretty quickly. I removed them at halftime and briefly here and there to check e-mail. I otherwise kept them on for the entire match, without headaches or eye fatigue.

- Finding a sweet spot. ESPN tech guru Chuck Pagano recommends sitting at a distance of about three to four times the height of the picture, which in my case meant about 51/2 to 71/2 feet away. On the Samsung, anyway, you lose some of the 3D dazzle if you're off to the side.

At times, ESPN's 3D feed is identical to the pictures 2D viewers saw, though often 3D viewers are treated to a unique shot. (The 3D audience also hears their own set of announcers.) On high wide-angle shots, the effect isn’t all that different from a 2D experience, kind of like watching from the stands. The rich perspective of 3D came through on sideline views, corner kicks, and during a replay from behind the net showing the Australian goalie practically walking right up to the TV viewer after a German kick narrowly missed the mark.

I sometimes felt that an object on the edges of the screen - a fan waving a flag, for example - seemed out of proportion. Occasionally, I noticed faint artifacts from a previous image on the screen.

The use of 3D graphics during the match is subtle, without the gimmicky effects evident in 3D movies. That kind of stuff is reserved for some clever 3D commercials for Sony, Gillette, Toy Story 3 and ESPN.

Watching the World Cup in 3D was mostly a pleasure. But it will take a lot more sports, and other 3D programs, for viewers and everyone else with a stake in 3D to reach their ultimate goal.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

3D TV (Based on experience watching World Cup soccer via ESPN 3D on 46-inch Samsung 8000 series LED TV).

$2,400, plus at least $150 for glasses.

Pro: The extra dimension of 3D adds a unique perspective and sizzle to live sports.

Con: Still limited 3D programming. Not all cable, satellite and telephone company TV providers are on board. 3D TVs and glasses required to watch them are expensive.

End Of An Era As WKYC Brings Down Old Channel 3 Antenna

The old WKYC analog antenna

By Frank Macek

Construction crews were busy at the WKYC Transmitter site in Parma on Sunday as they lowered the old Channel 3 antenna to the ground. The antenna provided our analog and original digital signal until the switch to all digital television one year ago on June 12th, 2009.

A new tower was built last year to accomodate our move to digital channel 17 (from channel 2) and to also support WVIZ's new digital antenna.

Analog Channel 3 was the official "night light" station in the Cleveland market and remained on the air broadcasting information about the switch until June 20th when the signal was turned off permenantly.

Ham operators should finally be able to rest comfortably knowing that the interference caused by our signal on some of their amateur radio ham bands at 6 meters will not be returning according to WKYC Transmitter Engineer Dave Kushman. Dave tells the Director's Cut Blog that some were worried we might be going back to Channel 3. However, Dave says it best: "Not gonna happen."

We also hear work has begun on bringing the old broadcast tower down. Since last year, the transmitter site has been home to two towers side by side. That will change soon.

Dave has posted some pictures of the Channel 3 antenna coming down on Sunday on his website @ http://www.k8dav.com/Channel_3_Ant.htm

Also, Dave has posted pictures of when the new tower & transmitter were built for Digital Channel 17 in 2009 @ http://www.k8dav.com/Tower.htm

Stop by and have a look.

Director's Cut Alert: Amanda Barren Joins the Channel 3 News Team

Amanda Barren

WKYC News Director Rita Andolsen announced Friday that Amanda Barren will be joining the Channel 3 News team as a multi-media journalist (MMJ).

Amanda comes to WKYC from WSAZ-TV in Charleston/Huntington, West Virginia, where she has worked since January of 2006 as a reporter, anchor and producer for the NBC affiliate.

Before that, she was an anchor, reporter and producer at WJET-TV in Erie, Pennsylvania; WTAP-TV in Parkersburg, West Virginia; and WOUB-TV/Radio in Athens, Ohio.

Amanda is no stranger to Ohio. She grew up Bainbridge, just east of Cleveland, in northeast Ohio. She also attended Ohio University in Athens and received her Bachelor of Science degree from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in June 2002.

She tells the Director's Cut Blog, "I am truly excited to come home and do the job that I love, at the station I grew up watching! Getting back to Cleveland has always been my goal, and now it’s my reality. I look forward to telling the stories that are important to my fellow northeast Ohioans."

In her free time Amanda enjoys running, swimming and biking. In September of 2005 she completed her first triathlon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. The experience - most importantly was for a good cause - but also helped her learn a whole lot of discipline! When she's not as motivated, Amanda likes to read, and spend time with her family.

The Director's Cut Blog also hears that Amanda shares one our passions, being a major dog lover.

Amanda will join the Channel 3 News team at the end of June.

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Photo Courtesy of WSAZ-TV

Caught On Tape: Rusty Does the News

Here's another one of those fun, behind the scenes adventures of television news people in case you haven't seen it.

NBC's Flint, Michigan affiliate WEYI had an unexpected guest drop by the set of their live newscast this morning. The morning show team heard some noise coming from behind the set and quickly found the source was "Rusty" the raccoon.

News anchor Elizabeth McFarland watched on as weatherman Brian Hughes, wearing oven mitts borrowed from a cooking segment, shooed Rusty away. At first the raccoon actually went further into the building, but after about 20 minutes, Rusty finally made it out safely.

WKYC To Air "Moms Like Me" Special Monday at 5 PM

On Monday, June 14th, WKYC will air a "Moms Like Me" special broadcast at 5 pm in place of Dr. Phil - a show dedicated to topics from our highly popular website cleveland.momslikeme.com, just for northeast Ohio moms.

Hosted by Channel 3 News anchor Romona Robinson, the show will feature reports from Monica Robins, Kim Wheeler, Maureen Kyle, Dick Russ and "Moms Like Me" Site Manager Jacquie Chakirelis talking about everything from sunscreen to coupons, things to do with the kids through the summer months, how to avoid work at home scams and where the best consignment stores are to shop.

Plus, Romona sits down for a one-on-one interview with sassy WZAK/93.1 DJ Kym Sellers, and her very private struggle with multiple sclerosis. The disease hasn't stopped Kym although she can no longer walk, but she continues her very busy schedule. WKYC Meteorologist Betsy Kling will talk about her blog on "Moms Like Me", her daughter Josie, and how to balance work with your family life. And, we'll share pictures of our site's most beautiful babies.

That's Monday, June 14th, at 5 PM only on WKYC, Channel 3.

WKYC Investigator Wins Two First Place Honors In The Ohio Associated Press Awards

Congratulations to WKYC's Tom Meyer, The Investigator, who was honored with two #1 finishes in the Ohio Associated Press Broadcaster's contest for Best Investigative Reporting and Best Continuing Coverage for 2009.

Tom's 1st place entries include:

• Best Investigative Reporting for "Pills without Penalties" - This was a 2-part investigation into the Ohio Pharmacy board and how it fails to discipline pharmacists, even if those mistakes prove to be deadly.
• Best Continuing Coverage for 28 stories on Cuyahoga County Corruption - Tom's coverage included 14 stories that were exclusive stories and the result of our own investigations.

TV Tech Center: The Push Is Now On for Mobile DTV

By Frank Macek

As you have likely read, the push is on by the major broadcasting groups to get the mobile digital television business up and running as quickly as possible.

For companies like Gannett, WKYC's parent, the push is a very important one to help ensure television and electronic media's long term viability in whatever form it can be delivered. This not only includes traditional forms of content being available over the air, on cable, satellite, in newspapers on on the internet, but also having material available on mobile devices for consumers to take anywhere.

In April of this year, 12 major TV station groups created the Mobile Content Venture (MCV) to develop a plan that is sustainable and profitable for a new national mobile content service by utilizing existing broadcast spectrum to enable member companies to deliver content to mobile devices, including live and on-demand video, local and national news from print and electronic sources, as well as sports and entertainment programming.

The goal is to reach 150 million U.S. residents, or about half the population. In addition to broadcast spectrum, the partners will commit content, marketing resources and capital to the new venture. The service will employ ATSC-M/H, an open broadcast transmission system developed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) specifically for mobile devices.

On Tuesday, the plan took a major step forward with the announcement of two co-general managers of the project and a committee that represents the various broadcasting groups.

Dave Lougee, President of Gannett Broadcasting, was named part of this committee and will represent our 23 television stations in the project. "Mobile digital television places each of our companies at the center of a consumer transformation, putting us on cell phones, netbooks, DVD players and even in-vehicle entertainment systems," said Lougee when the announcment of the venture was first announced. "And it's the consumers who are the big winners. From news and entertainment to emergency information, virtually all U.S. consumers will soon be able to bring their most valuable content with them wherever they go."

Testing of these services is being done in Washington with mobile vendors and technicians who are in the process of conducting consumer trials of the standard and how best to deliver the content coming to a mobile device of yours soon.

Cub Scout Troop 45 Gets a Director's Cut Tour of Channel 3 on Wednesday

The Old Brooklyn Cub Scout Troop 45 visited the Channel 3 studios on Wednesday evening as they fulfilled their requirements to get a merit badge.

Your Director's Cut Blogger was happy to give them a tour of the station, as they enjoyed a behind the scenes look and watched Channel 3 News at 7 pm from the control room.

Betsy Kling grabbed the flipcam as we had a little fun.

If you are part of a group who would like a tour of Channel 3, you can contact me at fmacek@wkyc.com

Individuals are welcomed also, as time allows.

Click on the video to watch what Betsy shot: