A Look Back At 2012 At WKYC

By Frank Macek

Officially, the Director's Cut (and your blogger) is on vacation until the end of the year and will return shortly with a new year of behind the scenes coverage from Channel 3.

But to say 2012 was a long year is an understatement with exciting changes that brought plenty of new faces to Channel 3 News and a farewell to others who moved on in their television careers.

Let's take a look back at the year that was at WKYC...

In January, Channel 3 News welcomed former CBS News anchor Russ Mitchell who made his debut as the solo weeknight anchor and managing editor of Channel 3 News at 6 & 11 PM on January 15th. The following morning, Chris Tye and Erin Kennedy debuted as the new anchors of Channel 3 News Today (replacing Mark Nolan who left for WMJI radio)...with Robin Swoboda and Jim Donovan taking over as the new anchor team of Channel 3 News @7.

In February, "Good Company" said goodbye to longtime Cleveland television legend Fred Griffith who went into retirement on February 22nd after 50 years on-the-air at various television stations including at Channel 3. And who could forget the Chardon Shootings that occurred in our backyards on Monday, February 27th, leading to days of expanded news coverage.

In March, Kris Pickel was announced by WKYC President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky as the new co-anchor of Channel 3 News at 6 & 11 PM with Russ Mitchell. Meanwhile, Eric Mansfield announced on March 21st that he would be leaving June 1st to take a new position at Kent State University.

In April, Russ Mitchell and Kris Pickel made their weeknight debut on Monday, April 2nd. Just a short time later, Lynna Lai was announced as new anchor of the weekend 6 & 11 PM editions of Channel 3 News where she joined the anchor desk on April 21st with Eric Mansfield. On April 19th, Rita Andolsen announced she would be stepping down at WKYC News Director to take a new position within the station as Director of Advocacy and Community Initiatives.

In May, another big new story broke of a terrorist plot to blow up the State Route 82 bridge in Brecksville on May 1st. On May 7th, Dan Haggerty joined the station as a freelance multi-media journalist.

In June, Sara Shookman joined the station and was assigned to report for the evening editions of Channel 3 News at 6, 7 &11 PM.

In July, Virgil Dominic is named WKYC Interim News Director. The station debuts a new set on July 27th at midnight as the 2012 Summer Olympic Games kicked off in London.

In August, the Olympics continued through the 12th with Chris Tye, Amanda Barren and Jennifer Lindgren reporting live from London through the day for an incredibly exciting two weeks of Olympics coverage including our popular Olympic Zone show every weeknight at 7:30 p.m. On Monday, August 13th, the new "Live on Lakeside" show debuted at 11 am, replacing "Good Company" with co-hosts Hollie Strano and Michael Cardamone. The show also replaced Channel 3 News at noon and runs from 11 am until 12:30 p.m., while the fourth hour of the "Today Show" moved to 10 a.m.

In September, all was strangely quiet.

In October, John Anderson was announced as returning to Cleveland as co-anchor and sports anchor of the weekend 6 & 11 PM news on October 1st. John's first newscast was October 27th with Lynna Lai. Also in October, former OSU coach Jim Tressel joined Channel 3 News @7 for his weekely a "Moment with Jim Tressel" feature.

In November, the big story was of course Election 2012 and what a night November 6th was with plenty of on-air and on-line coverage making Channel 3 and NBC the most watched coverage for the night.

And in December, Amanda Barren left Channel 3 News on December 6th to return to her former station as an anchor.  On December 18th, WKYC launched its new iPad app with cool features and live HD video of our newscasts to give viewers an even better way to "stay connected" to Channel 3 News 24/7. Brennan Donnellan is named WKYC News Director on December 21st, while Virgil Dominic returns to his position as a station consultant. And, rumors of a deal for Sportstime Ohio to be purchased by Fox Sports come true with an announcement of the sale on December 27th.

So, yes it has been a busy, but fun year at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Just as exciting are some changes coming in January as we prepare to launch a new graphics look that we'll share with you soon.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for a newsy 2013.

Just In: Brennan Donnellan Named WKYC News Director

Brennan Donnellan

Award winning journalist Brennan Donnellan will begin a new role at the station beginning in January.

“I’m very happy to promote Brennan into the News Director position,’ stated Brooke Spectorsky, President and General Manager of WKYC. “While he’s only been at Channel 3 for 18 months, he’s been instrumental in launching our new anchor teams of Russ Mitchell and Kris Pickel, Chris Tye and Erin Kennedy, and Lynna Lai and John Anderson. He’s led our live coverage of major news events including the shootings in Chardon, the Presidential Election, Super Storm Sandy and others. He’s a forward thinking manager who expects the best from his team and fights for the resources to bring high quality newscasts to viewers in Northeast Ohio.”

An Ohio University graduate, Donnellan has held news management positions in Atlanta, Boston, and Cincinnati. “He also led a digital media team for two years, and understands the challenges and opportunities that producing content for various platforms entails,’ added Mr. Spectorsky.

Brennan will be replacing interim News Director Virgil Dominic.

Donnellan was previously the Director of Business Development for nSixty in Cincinnati, a digital media company that specializes in creating apps, video sharing and social networking systems. Prior to that he was News Director of WLWT-TV in Cincinnati.

A winner of six regional Emmys, Brennan and his family live in South Russell.

WKYC Launches New iPad App Tuesday

Get the news the way you want it with WKYC’s new iPad app, available beginning today, December 18, 2012. The app is more visual, has live HD video of newscasts, and our popular interactive radar.

The app has a sleek design, robust weather, news, sports, social interface and video content. It will also offer live HD video streaming of the station’s newscasts.

Features include:

• Interactive radar, hourly extended and weekend forecasts
• Interactive weather radar maps-in-motion
• Social sharing ability to Facebook, Twitter and email
• A video-centric content display
• Extensive photo and video galleries
• Selections for users to opt-in for breaking news, weather and/or general news alerts
• Real time school closing information customized to the user’s favorite schools
• Automatic desk clock mode featuring stunning imagery of Grand Rapids

“We know consumers want access to our content and newscasts whenever and wherever they are so providing great content on all platforms is a priority for us,” said Brooke Spectorsky, President and General Manager of WKYC. “The new app is a perfect companion to suit today’s multi-screen viewer.”

The App supports all generations of the iPad, including iPad Mini devices. Operating systems supported are IOS versions 4.x, 5.x and 6.x.

NBC Makes Changes To Prime Time, Moves "Rock Center" To Friday

NBC will premiere the new drama "Do No Harm" on Thursday, January 31, from 10-11 p.m. following the hour-long series finale of the Emmy Award-winning "30 Rock" at 8 p.m. earlier that same night.

In addition, "Rock Center with Brian Williams" will move to Fridays beginning February 8 from 10-11 p.m. right after "Dateline NBC" which also makes a move to an earlier 9 p.m. slot.

The announcements were made Friday by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment.

"January 31 will be a special night as one classic series will mark its finale with a great hour-long sendoff episode while a promising new drama will make its debut on Thursdays," said Greenblatt. "'30 Rock'" is acclaimed as a legendary comedy and we will see a truly memorable and fitting last episode. In "Do No Harm," viewers will have a unique new dramatic storyline with an exciting new star in Steven Pasquale that takes them into dark and uncharted territory."

Details of the finale of "30 Rock" will be provided later.

"Grimm" will return to the schedule on Friday, March 8, at 9 pm. In "Do No Harm," Dr. Jason Cole (Steven Pasquale, "Rescue Me") is a highly respected neurosurgeon who has it all - a lucrative career, confident charm, the gift of compassion. But he also has a deep, dark secret.

One morning when he wakes up disoriented in a wrecked hotel room amidst several near-naked women he's never seen before, he knows one thing: it's happening again. Every night at the same hour, something inside Jason changes, leaving him almost unrecognizable, seductive, devious, borderline sociopathic.

WKYC News & Notes: 11/9/12

By Frank Macek

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

• The last week was an extremely busy one around WKYC as we brought you the best local coverage of "Decision 2012" anchored by WKYC's Russ Mitchell and Kris Pickel and our team of journalists spread out around Ohio. According to Nielsen, Channel 3's extended, evening coverage was the most watched in Cleveland, while NBC's network coverage anchored by Brian Williams was the highest rated on Election Night. NBC was also the first network to accurately call the race to the White House. For a photogallery of some of the behind the scenes pictures at WKYC on Election Night, go to: http://on.wkyc.com/UlHaTA


• Channel 3 was part of a special "See the Possible" push to help educate our viewers about the importance of Issue 107, the Cleveland school levy, on the November 6th ballot. Our viewers responded positively and passed the issue by a wide margin. Also, Channel 3 staff participated in this year's "Making a Difference" Day held on October 27th. A total of 748 volunteers donated 1,671 hours of their time that Saturday at 23 different locations across Northeast Ohio in an effort to make our community a better place. For more, visit http://bit.ly/Z1csPD


• As we told you a few weeks ago, John Anderson has returned to Channel 3 News after spending the last five years in Philadelphia at WTXF FOX 29 where he anchored various news and sports programming. John joined Lynna Lai on the anchor desk as of October 27th and is also handling weekend evening sports duties as well, including as host of "Browns Tonight." John and his wife Kristen was the first husband and wife morning anchor team in Cleveland when they first came to Channel 3 News in 2000.


• The holidays are fast upon us and Channel 3 and NBC are presenting a great selection of holiday programming this year including the "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," re-broadcast of "It's A Wonderful Life," an "SNL Christmas," "Michael Buble: Home for the Holidays" and "Blake Shelton's Not-So-Family Christmas."  For a complete list of this year's programming, check out our holiday posting @ http://bit.ly/S6MGDv


• And, be looking for more exciting changes coming to Channel 3 early in 2013! We are working on a few projects that we will be sharing with you in the coming months.

NBC Announces Holiday Programming on WKYC

WKYC and NBC will offer up a stocking full of festive holiday programming this season original Christmas music/variety specials from Blake Shelton (Monday, December 3; 10-11 p.m. ET) and Michael Buble (Monday, December 10 10-11 p.m. ET); the new special "Christmas in the White House" (Thursday, December 13, 8-9 p.m. ET) and the traditional tree-lighting ceremony on "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" (Wednesday, November 28, 8-9 p.m. ET).

"The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" will step off on Thursday, November 22 (9 a.m-12 noon all time zones).

Following the parade will be popular holiday special "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" -- hosted by actor, author and Broadway star John O'Hurley ("Seinfeld," "Dancing with the Stars") and expert analyst David Frei -- on Thanksgiving Day from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in all time zones.

In addition, the network will once again honor the United States armed forces as World Wrestling Entertainment, in conjunction with NBC, will air the fourth annual "WWE Tribute to the Troops" (Saturday, December 22, 9-10 p.m. ET).

NBC's holiday lineup includes the 50th anniversary celebration of "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" (Saturday, December 22, 8-9 p.m. ET), a popular musical adaptation that first aired on NBC in 1962 -- and the Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life," which will be featured in encore broadcasts on Saturday, December 1 (8-11 p.m. ET) and its Christmas Eve slot on Monday, December 24 (8-11 p.m. ET).

NBC also includes "SNL Christmas" on Wednesday, November 28 (9-11 p.m. ET), a compilation of fan-favorite holiday sketches from "Saturday Night Live." The popular Buble returns a second time to NBC as to host his own Christmas music special in "Michael Buble: Home for the Holidays" while Shelton (NBC's "The Voice") will host his first holiday-themed special in "Blake Shelton's Not-So-Family Christmas."

The Buble holiday special will have an encore broadcast on Friday, December 21 (8-9 p.m. ET) while the Shelton special also will have an encore airing on Friday, December 14 (9-10 p.m. ET). "Christmas in the White House" will have an encore telecast on Friday, December 21 (9-10 p.m. ET). The blockbuster feature film "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" also will have an encore airing on Saturday, November 24 (8-11 p.m. ET) during Thanksgiving weekend.

The hit film "Enchanted" will air on New Year's Eve, Monday, December 31 (8-10 p.m. ET). Likewise, the film "Horton Hears a Who" will be telecast on Christmas night, Monday, December 25 (8-10 p.m. ET).

NBC Holding A Benefit Concert For Sandy Victims

NBC is doing a benefit concert for victims of Hurricane Sandy featuring some artists native to the areas hardest hit.

Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi of New Jersey and Billy Joel of Long Island are scheduled to appear at the concert Friday.

The telecast will benefit the American Red Cross and will be shown on NBC and its cable stations including Bravo, CNBC, USA, MSNBC and E!

Other networks are invited to join in.

The concert will be hosted by Matt Lauer. It will air at 8 p.m. Eastern and will be taped-delayed in the West. Other performers include Christina Aguilera, Sting and Jimmy Fallon.

The telethon will be broadcast from NBC facilities in Rockefeller Center in New York City.

Source: The Associated Press

WKYC Teams Up With Community To Make A Difference

WKYC Staff helping to "Make A Difference"

A total of 748 volunteers donated 1,671 hours of their time on Saturday at 23 different locations across Northeast Ohio in an effort to make our community a better place.

Volunteers included WKYC staff members and viewers from across our area.

National Make a Difference Day was started by Gannett-owned USA Weekend 20 years ago. This year WKYC joined the company wide effort, encouraging staff and viewers to join in on this national day of giving back.

Five winners even received prizes for their participation. The winners are listed below:

• Susan Jones
• Andrew Brandt
• Shelley Muchnicki
• Nancy Dempsey
• Sonya Pryor-Jones

Main sites included The Cleveland Foodbank, the Akron Regional Foodbank, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland, The Salvation Army and Coats for Kids. Volunteers were found at other locations from the Carl & Louis Stokes Academy to the Berea Animal Rescue Fund to libraries, museums and Metroparks across the area.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores generously donated hundreds of craft supplies to five Boys and Girls Clubs in Cleveland for volunteers on Make a Difference Day - Oct. 27th. Over 360 youth across the city will be decorating pictures frames with foamie décor and glitter, personalizing their own canvas tote bags with festive fall shapes and making beaded bracelets. Over 30 boxes of supplies were delivered and soon youth ages 6-12 at the Boys and Girls Club will be expressing their creativity thanks to Jo-Ann!

There was an impressive showing of 300 plus volunteers in Nordonia where they turned Make A Difference Day into an day of service for their school district, volunteering at 10 different sites in the community.

If you didn't have a chance to volunteer today, there are volunteer opportunities just about every day of the year.

The Volunteer Center at BVU is Greater Cleveland's resource for recruiting, developing, and organizing volunteers. Since 1993, BVU has been linking volunteers to opportunities that address such issues as homelessness, the environment, crisis support, youth and families, people living with disabilities, seniors and many more.

Funded by the United Way of Greater Cleveland, the Volunteer Center at BVU makes it easy for individuals, schools, businesses and social, civic and faith-based groups to identify volunteer opportunities that meet their skills, interest, location and availability.

Become a BVU volunteer today at  www.bvuvolunteers.org

Gannett Acquires Rovion

Gannett Co., Inc., the parent of WKYC-TV, has announced it acquired Rovion, a Boston-based, rich-media advertising company, which is owned by Local Corporation.

Rovion’s primary product, Ad Composer, includes a self-service technology platform that enables the full development and deployment of rich media and mobile HTML5 ads without requiring coding expertise.

Advertisers and agencies are increasingly demanding mobile rich media ad solutions and self-service ad creation tools, and the Rovion acquisition will enable Gannett’s PointRoll, a leading provider of digital marketing solutions and technology, to expand their mobile and self-service platform capabilities.

Rovion will be part of the Gannett Digital organization under PointRoll, with all Gannett divisions leveraging the Rovion platform capabilities.

Click to watch more about what the company does:

Channel 3 To Air: "Positively Kids: Transforming Cleveland’s Future"

Channel 3 is proud to present “Positively Kids: Transforming Cleveland’s Future” on Wednesday, October 24th at 8pm. This hour long special investigates Cleveland’s present economic health and shows a city that came back from recession earlier than most of the rest of the country and that has one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates.

The program also highlights that the same energy and commitment of people, banks, the philanthropic community, business and educational institutions is now being used to bring the Cleveland Metropolitan School District out of the doldrums. New leadership at the District developed a Transformation Plan that has unprecedented support from Cleveland’s Democratic mayor, Ohio’s Republican Governor, the Ohio House, the CMSD’s teachers union and many religious leaders. The Transformation Plan will require the backing of Cleveland’s voters to pass a levy that is on the November ballot.

This program fairly radiates optimism. From the city proper, to outlying suburbs; from city schools, to charter schools; from the world of business, to foundations, Cleveland is alive and well. And because of the quality of students shown in programs such as Youth Opportunities Unlimited and the Green Corps, the oft-maligned inner city youth emerges as someone who, when given a chance, becomes a winner.

The organization “Positively Kids” was founded by community leaders Ilana Horowitz Ratner and Mary Beth Cooper and is a year-round initiative that utilizes television specials and exciting new platforms to create greater awareness and encourage community support of programs serving children throughout Northeast Ohio.

“Positively Kids: Transforming Cleveland’s Future” is produced and directed by Emmy award winning documentarian Dennis Goulden, and it is the fifth in a series of programs on education that have been sponsored by Positively Kids and WKYC TV3. The first four - which aired between 2004-2008, raised awareness for children and their success stories from birth through workforce development.

'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice' Cast Announced

Former "Celebrity Apprentice" winner Bret Michaels and 13 other past contestants are returning for an all-star edition to air next March.

NBC announced Friday on the "Today" show the slate of contenders set to face host Donald Trump in the "Celebrity Apprentice" boardroom. Click through the photo gallery above to see the entire cast.

Photos: 'Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars' cast announced

The four other "Celebrity Apprentice" champs -- Piers Morgan, Joan Rivers, John Rich and Arsenio Hall -- will all be included as advisors.

Taping starts Monday. It's the 13th season for the competition series, which premiered in 2004.

"I absolutely love The Celebrity Apprentice," executive producer Mark Burnett said in a press release. "No other show on television has such an entertaining cast, such a dynamic host, and also raises so much money for charity. This season is going to be more fun than ever, and our loyal fans will not be disappointed."

All contestants return this season to endure an entirely new set of tasks with the goal of raising money and awareness for their charity of choice. The contestant who wins it all will receive $250,000 for their favorite charity.

Last season's edition raised more than $2 million for various charities.

Slovenian Ambassador Visits WKYC On Friday

Ambassador Roman Kirn (L) and WKYC GM Brooke Spectorsky (R)

As part of WKYC's involvement in the "Our World Today" project, we welcomed another visiting Ambassador.

On Friday, October 12th, His Excellency Roman Kirn, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States, joined a group of local business executives to discuss economic growth and possible partnerships with Northeast Ohio and Slovenia.

"Our World Today" also works with local schools including Villa Angela-St. Joseph in a global education initiative.

Northeast Ohio is home to more Slovenians than anywhere outside Slovenia itself. Northeast Ohio also has over 180 countries represented, a greater diversity than anywhere other than New York.

WKYC has welcomed dozens of Ambassadors over the past years from countries including the Philippines, Ireland, Columbia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Guatemala.

We also hosted the President of Romania. Upcoming visitors will include the Ambassadors from Lebanon and Ethiopia.

NBC News & Notes: 10/9/12

By Frank Macek

Here is a look at some of the news from our parent network, NBC, with regards to what you see on WKYC, Channel 3...

• NBC has finished #1 in adults 18-49 for week two of the 2012-13 television season, giving the network outright wins in weeks 1 and 2 of the primetime television season for the first time since 2003. The network tied ABC for #1 in weeks 1 and 2 in 2007. Led by "Sunday Night Football," "The Voice," "Revolution" and "Go On," NBC delivered an average 2.8 rating, 8 share in adults 18-49 and 7.5 million viewers overall for the primetime ratings week of October 1-7, according to "live plus same day" viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research.


• NBC has announced changes to its producing staff of "Rock Center with Brian Williams." The struggled Thursday night show has named Alex Wallace as the show's new Executive Producer and replaces Rome Hartman who moves to working on 2012 elections. Wallace is a senior vice president at NBC News and a chief deputy of NBC News President Steve Capus.


• Sunday Night Football (SNF) continues to deliver high numbers on Sunday nights for local affiliates. Last week's game between the previously winless New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers delivered a 11.7 rating, but was off 16% from the previous week, according to Nielsen ratings. SNF was up against postseason coverage last week from Major League Baseball.


• NBC has announced that Andrea Canning has joined the network as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. Andrea will partner with anchor Lester Holt on the weekly newsmagzine, while also contributing to "Today" and "NBC Nightly News" and projects for partner network MSNBC.


• Ken Leung of "Lost" fame will be a part of NBC's coming soap "Infamous" which stars Meaghan Good as a female cop who goes undercover to help solve a murder in a the well to-do family she grew up in. "Infamous" is expected to air in early 2013.


• Also, Carolyn Manno inks a long term deal as a reporter on Football Night in America and other duties for NBC's college football and basketball coverage. NBC Sports Group also says Manno will also contribute to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.


• The network has picked up a full season schedule of "Revolution," "Go On" and "The New Normal." All three shows have shown ratings promise for the network after their September launch. The network will air the first episode of another highly anticipated fall show, "Chicago Fire," on Wednesday, October 10th, based on the lives of firefighters and paramedics tackling challenges related to their work, each other and their personal lives.


• Some new shows in the works include "Get Out Alive" with Bears Grylls who stars in the adventure, reality show which pits two teams against extreme challenges. The new show should debut in the summer of 2013. A new, untitled medical drama is also being developed by Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah (writers from "90201," "EPS" and "Life As We Know It") and is based on Army doctors who work at a hospital in San Antonio. And, a new miniseries based on the Austrialian miniseries "The Slap" is in the works. The original show was based on a man who slaps a child unrelated to him, while each of the eight episodes showed the incident from a different point of view of the participants.

Make A Difference Day: How You Can Help

National "Make a Difference Day" is Saturday, October 27 and we need you to Make a Difference!!

Channel 3, in partnership with the Volunteer Center at BVU, is asking everyone across Northeast Ohio to get involved and show the impact we can have in our community.

We all "See the Possible" in Northeast Ohio.

This is a chance for every one of us to make the possible HAPPEN by joining forces on a designated day, October 27, to give back and show the impact we can have.

It's easy...

• View projects HERE 
• Sign up to volunteer with your co-workers and/or your family by October 24. 
• Volunteer on October 27th. 
• Log your hours online in the Volunteer Center on October 27th by 9:00 pm. 

Not only will you get the satisfaction of helping to Make a Difference in our community, but you will also have an opportunity to take advantage of a "Buy One Get One" ticket offer for either a Q event (Cavs, Monsters, Cleveland Gladiators) or the Canton Charge, courtesy of Quicken Loans Arena.

All volunteers will also be entered into a grand prize drawing on the evening of the 27th to win a WKYC Behind the Scenes Tour, Lunch with Russ Mitchell and Kris Pickel, WKYC Bus Stop Kids Forecast, tickets for the Cavs Home Opener and box seats for an April/May Indians game.

But remember, you must log your volunteer hours by 9:00 pm on the 27th to be eligible for the tickets and grand prize drawing. Click to Watch:

Jim Tressel New Contributor To Channel 3

Jim Tressel

Jim Tressel, currently the Vice President of Strategic Engagement at the University of Akron and a national championship winning football coach, will be joining the Channel 3 News team for weekly news segments.

“We are very pleased to announce that Jim Tressel will be joining the WKYC team as a special contributor,” stated Brooke Spectorsky, President and General Manager.

“Jim’s national championships as head football coach at Ohio State and Youngstown State universities are well-known to all, but his motivational speeches and best- selling books will be the basis of our “A Moment with Jim Tressel.”

“Jim motivates with passion but leads with compassion,’ added interim News Director Virgil Dominic. “We envision a weekly segment that takes daily news stories and makes them teachable moments.”

"A Moment with Jim Tressel" will air each Wednesday night during Channel 3’s 7pm newscast.

“Jim is a truly exceptional leader” said Dr. Luis Proenza, President of the University of Akron. “In his new role as our VP for Strategic Engagement, he is responsible for student success, from application and recruitment to graduation and beyond, what we are calling the Akron Experience. We think his weekly television segments will only add to to his community outreach and help grow the Akron Experience."

Tressel has a bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace, a master’s degree in education from The University of Akron, and two honorary doctorates.

Anchor John Anderson Returns To Cleveland As Weekend Co-Anchor

John Anderson

Former AM host will co-anchor with Lynna Lai weekends on WKYC.

“We are pleased to announce that John Anderson, who spent seven years here at Channel 3, will be leaving Philadelphia and coming home to Northeast Ohio,” stated Brooke Spectorsky, President and General Manager of WKYC. Viewers will remember John and his wife Kristin were the first husband and wife team to anchor a local morning newscast.

“We are really happy to be moving back to Cleveland,’ said John. Kristin and I loved our time there, and I’m looking forward to jumping back into the news and sports world of Northeast Ohio.” John will join Lynna Lai weekend nights at 6 & 11pm as News and Sports anchor, and will also report during the week. His first day will be October 24th.

John was most recently the co-anchor of FOX 29’s “Good Day” show and helmed “Game Day Live," the station's weekly Eagles football local pre-game show. He also hosted FOX 29's "Red October" coverage of the Philadelphia Phillies during the MLB playoffs and traveled to cover the Flyers' 2010 Stanley Cup Finals appearance and Villanova's trip to the NCAA Final Four. John graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

While in Cleveland, he was Vice President of the Executive Board for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and was honored by the Society in 2003 as National Media Person of the Year. In his spare time, one of John's passions is cycling. John has completed 11 century rides (100 miles) and numerous other cycling events. John rode his bike 208 miles from Seattle to Portland, and 288 miles from Cleveland to Cincinnati.

Most of these rides benefitted the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. John and his cycling teams have raised over $1.5 million in the fight against cancer. John and Kristin have twin children, Luke and Grace. Kristin has left the world of broadcasting and has enjoyed her new career as a Professor of Journalism/Communications.

WKYC To Educate Viewers On Importance Of Cleveland School Levy

Learn more @http://bit.ly/Vote107

It's been 16 years in the making, a Cleveland school levy that might actually pass and Cleveland Municipal School District CEO Eric Gordon knows why.

Channel 3 is joining many other individuals, businesses and organizations throughout Northeast Ohio in educating voters about the impact that a strong school system will have on the economic future of our region.

While the decision on the school levy lies with Cleveland voters, Channel 3 recognizes the importance of making certain that every eligible voter has all the facts before they visit the polls.

Every day we will bring you stories that ask the hard questions, provide in-depth information, and show you what's working in the school district and what is not.

It's not our goal to tell voters how to vote, but we want them to have all the facts.

We are dedicating space on wkyc.com to all the reports on Issue 107.

In addition to in-depth information, we also have an extended interview with CMSD CEO Eric Gordon, as well as a copy of our own mission statement regarding this issue.

NBC News & Notes: 9/26/12

By Frank Macek

Here is a look at some of the news from our parent network, NBC, with regards to what you see on WKYC, Channel 3...

• Executive Producer Jim Bell disputes reports that have been circulating about "Today" show host Matt Lauer being difficult to work with as the show experiences as decrease in ratings. In a report by the Associated Press, Bell calls Lauer "the heart and soul of NBC's morning news show and that negative stories about him have been hard to deal with." Ratings for the popular morning show have been challenged against ABC's "Good Morning America" since Ann Curry was replaced by Savannah Guthrie.


• The September 17 premiere of NBC's new Monday drama "Revolution" has set time-shifting records for the network and for a debuting series on any network. In "live plus three day" ratings from Nielsen Media Research that count time-shifted viewing through the first three days after a show's live telecast, the "Revolution" premiere grew by 1.36 rating points from its "live plus same day" rating (a 4.09) to its "live plus three day" rating (5.45).


• NBC has picked up the fourth and fifth cycles of the hit music competition series "The Voice" for Spring and Fall 2013, it has been announced by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. This pickup will assure the many dedicated "Voice" fans that this innovative show will continue to bring some of the most talented new voices to the world's attention through all of next year," said Greenblatt. "With the addition of Usher and Shakira as rotating coaches to join Christina, CeeLo, Adam and Blake in the next cycle, we know that this incredibly addictive program will remain even more relevant as we move forward through this exciting season. My hat is off to John de Mol, Mark Burnett, and everyone who produces this classy and highly entertaining show for us."


• Willie Geist is likely to become a permenant co-host on the 3rd hour of the "Today Show" with Natalie Morales. Currently, Willie hosts MSNBC's show "Way Too Early" and appears on "Morning Joe" hosted by Joe Scarborough.


• NBC Sports is offering a total of 60 hours of coverage of this year's Ryders Cup. While most of that will be on the Golf Channel, 16 hours of live coverage will air on WKYC this weekend.

Karina Mitchell To Join Channel 3

Karina Mitchell

Karina Mitchell has joined the WKYC team as the Arts, Culture & Entertainment Contributor to "Live on Lakeside" and will be also providing content to Channel 3 News on a regular basis.

Karina brings 8 years of national broadcast experience as an entertainment, lifestyle and feature contributor to CBS News in New York, as well as a fill-in headline news anchor for CBS Mobile News and reporter for CBS News.com. She has covered a variety of news making events, including the stock market crash in 2008 and the 2008 presidential race.

More recently, she hosted "Showbuzz" a weekly movie review show and blog. Karina has interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment, music and fashion - Sir Anthony Hopkins, Madonna, Vera Wang, Angelina Jolie, Justin Timberlake, Tom Cruise and Phil Collins to name a few.

Prior to that position, she was a General Assignment Reporter for News 12 in New York, shooting, editing and reporting her own pieces. She was also the co-anchor for "The Best Half," a morning talk and feature show on cable, and has reported stories for LI News Tonight.

She began her U.S. broadcast career as an intern on the highly acclaimed CBS "Sunday Morning" show and considers host Charles Osgood a friend and a mentor. Born in Hong Kong, Karina relishes her Indian roots and attended British schools before finishing her degree in New York. She graduated summa cum laude with degrees in International Studies, Economics and French.

While new to Cleveland, Karina loves the passion she sees in people here and enjoys exploring all the rich history, restaurants, arts and culture the city has to offer. When not working, Karina indulges her love of traveling, cooking international cuisine and keeping in touch with her friends. She also says her real job is being a mom to three amazing children - Nikhil, Sherina & Anjali. Her late husband was Sunil Mahtani.

Karina is married to Russ Mitchell, Anchor and Managing Editor of Channel 3's 6 & 11pm newscasts.

WKYC News & Notes: 9/26/12

By Frank Macek

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

• This week, WKYC morning anchor Erin Kennedy traveled to New York City to represent Channel 3 News in "Education Nation." The third annual event is sponsored by NBC News and is being held at The New York Public Library. "Education Nation" is a summit where parents, educators, and students met with leaders in politics, business & technology to explore the challenges and opportunities in education today. Watch for Erin's reports all this week on Channel 3 News Today from 4:30 a.m. until 7 a.m. and during Channel 3 News at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.educationnation.com


• Channel 3 will air the Browns vs. Ravens game on Thursday night at 8 p.m. on your "Official Home of the Cleveland Browns." Thursday's special programming schedule will include: Channel 3 News at 6, the Pregame Huddle at 6:30 p.m., NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams at 7 p.m., Channel 3 News at 7:30 p.m. and the game at 8 p.m. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.


• WKYC will also air the U.S. Senate Debate between Democrat incumbent Sherrod Brown and his Republican Challenger Josh Mandel on Thursday, October 25, 2012, from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. This particular debate will be held in Cincinnati and is being hosted by NBC. Other Senate debates between Brown and Mandel will be held at the City Club in Cleveland on October 15th and in Columbus, although a date for this debate hosted by WBNS-TV has not been finalized.


• Station employees of Channel 3 will be participating in a Gannett initiative on Saturday, October 27th, called "Make a Difference Day: A National Day of Doing Good" This year, our local staff will be volunteering time and services at some of the following locations around northeast Ohio: Akron/Canton Food Bank, various Boys and Girls Clubs, Coats for Kids, Cleveland Food Bank, and the Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland. Watch Channel 3 News for more on this important project in the coming weeks.


• And finally, congratulations to our parent company Gannett's President & CEO, Gracia Martore, on being named one of Fortune’s 50 "Most Powerful Woman in Business." Martore, who became CEO over a year ago, is giving Gannett a makeover and investing in digital and charging for online content.

WKYC's Betsy Kling Shares A Laugh With Former WKYC Weatherman Al Roker

By Frank Macek

NBC Weatherman Al Roker was back in town Tuesday evening as part of the Dave Thomas Celebrity Cookoff at Benihana's in Beachwood and will bring the entire nation the weather from the West Side Market in Cleveland on Wednesday morning as part of the market's centennial anniversary celebrations.

As many of you know, Al is a Channel 3 alumnus. He started working for NBC when WKYC was an owned and operated station in 1978. He remained with us for 5 years before being promoted to the network's flagship station, WNBC-TV, and moving back home to New York City where he was born.

Today, Al is the main weather anchor for the "Today Show" and hosts "Wake Up With Al" on "The Weather Channel" from 6 a.m. until 7 a.m.

Our own WKYC Chief Meterologist Betsy Kling had the chance to interview Al before the cookoff this evening and shares his funny senses of humor.

Click the video to watch:

WKYC Presents Another Bus Stop Forecast Casting Call Sweepstakes

Make your child a star!

Your child, or children, can be a famous "Bus Stop Forecast" kid and appear in our  morning and evening newscasts on Channel 3 News!

We're giving 10 lucky families the opportunity to attend one of our recording sessions here at Channel 3 and tour our studios.

For complete rules and to enter, just go to our Channel 3 Facebook page.

'Voice' Stars To Take Break

Special to the Director's Cut Blog
By Bill Keveney, USA TODAY

The star constellation is shifting at The Voice.

Usher and Shakira will join the NBC singing competition as coaches for spring's fourth season, taking the place of Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green, who will take that cycle off.

Aguilera is releasing a new album and going on tour, while Green is developing new music and a scripted series for NBC based on his life. Current coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will be back for Season 4. "We are thrilled to welcome Usher and Shakira," NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement.

"Doing two back-to-back cycles of this show requires a tremendous amount of time, and we are happy to accommodate the commitments made by Christina and Cee Lo. The participants on our show benefit from our coaches' expertise and their continued success in the music business allows for significant contributions to the contestants."

Both Aguilera and Green offered comments as well. "Being a coach on The Voice is a wonderful experience, and the relationship amongst us all is like an extended family," said Aguilera. "As I have expressed since Day 1 of the show, I am a singer and performer first and I am so excited to get back to that love."

"I'm highly enthusiastic about focusing my undivided attention on my additional endeavors and interests," Green said. "I will return for Season 5 and will be watching Season 4.

NBC is home, and as far as Usher and Shakira are concerned, 'mi casa su casa.'"

Gannett Acquires Mobestream Media

Gannett, parent company of WKYC-TV, announced today that it has acquired Mobestream Media, maker of the Key Ring consumer rewards mobile platform (“Key Ring”) available on all major smartphones.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. More than five million users have downloaded the free Key Ring app to scan and store existing loyalty cards, join new rewards programs and get mobile coupons and other promotional offers delivered to their smartphones.

With Key Ring, consumers have a simple solution to access their digital coupons, digitize their loyalty cards, join new loyalty programs, manage their accounts online and share their cards and offers through their social networks and email.

Consumers also receive location-based mobile coupons and other promotional offers. “Mobile coupons are a fast-growing segment of the national and local marketing sector. Key Ring has led the way with consumer adoption of its smartphone app and developed key relationships with small and mid-sized retailers,” said Gracia Martore, president and CEO of Gannett.

“With Key Ring, we will be able to provide consumers with a very easy way to use and manage their digital customer loyalty cards and access mobile coupons. For our business clients, Key Ring enables them to enhance and grow their relationships with customers by distributing their loyalty programs and providing a new method of reaching consumers.”

Key Ring is a leader in the mobile loyalty space with strong retailer relationships. The Key Ring platform supports a variety of business clients across the U.S., including those in retail, restaurants, grocery, convenience and health and fitness. Key Ring’s capabilities will be part of Gannett Digital Marketing Services mobile product and will serve as a distribution outlet and consumer marketing platform.

Through Key Ring’s backend marketing platform, merchants can customize their offerings and provide each loyalty member with unique content and messaging via email, push/pull notifications as well as in-app messages. Key Ring will operate as a stand-alone business, with Key Ring CEO Chris Fagan reporting to Vikram Sharma, president and CEO of Digital Marketing Services.

WKYC's Russ Mitchell Talks To Dan Rather About Presidential Election

Russ Mitchell (L) and Dan Rather (R)

By Frank Macek

WKYC Anchor Russ Mitchell sat down with his longtime CBS News colleague Dan Rather at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte on Wednesday to get Dan's take on this year's presidential election.

As many WKYC viewers know, Mitchell is the former anchor of the CBS Evening News weekend editions and The Early Show on Saturday, and national correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning, the CBS Evening News, and The Early Show.

Mitchell joined the staff of WKYC as Managing Editor of Evening News and lead anchor of the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts on January 16, 2012

Rather is now managing editor and anchor of the television news magazine Dan Rather Reports on the cable channel AXS TV. Before that, he became embroiled in controversy about a disputed news report involving President Bush's Vietnam-era service in the National Guard and subsequently left CBS Evening News in 2005, and he left the network altogether after 43 years in 2006.

This year marks the 29th convention that Dan Rather has covered during his career.

Click on the video to see Russ and Dan chat politics:

Biggest Loser To Tackle Childhood Obesity In New Season

NBC’S “The Biggest Loser” kicks off in early January 2013 with the return of Jillian Michaels and a big, bold mission: to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic head on by featuring kid participants (ages 13-17) for the first time ever in addition to adult contestants. Michaels will join popular returning trainers and top fitness experts Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince. Season 14 will also feature special celebrity guest stars and additional surprises that will be revealed closer to the premiere.

In addition to being one of the top health and fitness experts in the country, Michaels is a best-selling author who co-owns and runs her health and fitness empire Empowered Media with business partner Giancarlo Chersich. She whipped contestants into shape for 10 seasons on “The Biggest Loser,” and returns in season 14 as a new mother of two, a life change that has made her more committed than ever in helping kids who are struggling with weight issues. “As a former overweight teen, I know firsthand how dramatically weight issues can affect every aspect of a child’s life,” said Michaels. ”Having recently become a mother of two, I am more passionate than ever about helping empower children and families with the information and resources they need to live a healthier life.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 17 percent (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese, with obesity prevalence among children and adolescents almost tripling since 1980. With childhood obesity at an all-time high, jeopardizing the health of kids and future generations, “The Biggest Loser” is committed to fighting this epidemic by featuring children this season to serve as ambassadors of change who can inspire kids all over the country to get healthy.

Contestants will be divided into three teams in season 14 – supervised by trainers Harper, Michaels and Quince. Each trainer/team will be paired with at least one child participant (age 13-17) who will compete with and contribute to their respective teams, but the kids will not be eligible for elimination. They will work at both the ranch and at home, and their progress will be featured in every episode. The trainers and “Biggest Loser” medical staff as well as behind-the-scenes childhood obesity experts will help the children get healthy, achieve their personal goals and transform their lives during the course of the season.

For Conventions, TV Viewing Down, Social Media Up

TV viewership for last week's Republican National Convention dropped sharply from 2008.

But the convention was a hit online and on social networks, the latest evidence of the political conversation's gradual migration from traditional media to the Web.

There are many reasons this year's conventions may be less compelling than in 2008.

Four years ago was a historic election that saw Democrat Barack Obama become the first black presidential nominee and then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin emerge as Republican Party star.

Hurricane Isaac drew at least some attention away from the largely surprise-free GOP gathering in Tampa, Fla., last week.

Little news also is expected at this week's Democratic convention in Charlotte, N.C., where Obama will be nominated for a second term.

Source: The Associated Press

PHOTOGALLERY:

Click the picture to see a photogallery of Channel 3 News at the Republican National Convention last week.

Seth MacFarlane To Kick Off New Season Of "SNL"

SNL enters its 38th season on September 15 with host Seth MacFarlane.

The Emmy Award-winning comedian and "Family Guy" creator recently directed and lent his voice to the blockbuster feature film, "Ted," starring Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis.

Frank Ocean will also make his SNL debut alongside MacFarlane. Ocean released his studio debut album "Channel Orange," in July 2012 to widespread critical acclaim. He originally gained notoriety within the industry for his writing collaborations with top artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Beyonce.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt returns on September 22 for his second time as host. The Golden Globe nominated actor will next be seen in "Looper" and Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," due out later this year.

Mumford & Sons will make their debut as musical guest on September 22. The Grammy nominated group's second studio album, "Babel" will be released on September 24. Their debut album, "Sigh No More," reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart.

On October 6, Daniel Craig will take his turn as host. Craig will reprise his role as "James Bond" in the legendary franchise due out with a new feature film, "Skyfall," on November 9.

Muse will make their second appearance on October 6 after the release of their sixth studio album, "The 2nd Law" due out October 2. Muse's last album, "The Resistance" debuted at number one in 19 countries and earned the band a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.

Reports: Tonight Show Cuts Staff; Leno Trims Pay

Published reports say The Tonight Show has laid off about two dozen workers and host Jay Leno has taken a large pay cut to save the jobs of other staffers.

The moves are part of a restructuring to save money at NBC. NBC Universal imposed the cutbacks Friday, according to reports in The Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times. Both newspapers cited an unnamed person familiar with what happened.

The layoffs and Leno's salary concessions were first reported by Deadline Hollywood, a website that tracks the entertainment industry.

NBC Universal declined comment.

The network has been losing money, increasing the pressure to cut expenses under corporate parent Comcast Corp.

A spokesman for Leno says the late-night show host did what he thought was necessary to protect his staff.

Source: The Associated Press

Browns Preseason Game Second Highest Rated Since Return

Last night’s pre-season Browns game on WKYC did an impressive 21 Household Rating and the highest Men 25-54 number since 2008 or when demographics became available.

The game was by far the most watched program of the night, averaging 429,000 viewers, and the Adults 25-54 rating was higher than any of the preseason games of 2011. “Football is back! And like fans all over Northeast Ohio, we really enjoyed watching the Cleveland Browns beat the Green Bay Packers,” said Brooke Spectorsky, President and General Manager of WKYC.

“The preseason games on Channel 3 have always garnered excellent ratings, and this year looks to be even more exciting. I know Jim Donovan and Bernie Kosar are really looking forward to calling next Friday’s first home game against the Eagles.” The HD production of Browns preseason includes a crew of over 30 technicians and production personnel, 10 cameras, 8 channels of video replay, live aerial coverage from the Goodyear blimp and unique access to players and coaches.

It’s helmed by Emmy award winner and Olympic Games veteran director Al Wohl and produced by Emmy award winner Jeff Yakawiak, WKYC Sports Director. Last week, the preseason matchup against Detroit Lions aired on WOIO-TV as Channel 3 carried prime time Olympic coverage. The combination of Olympic and Browns ratings quadrupled all other broadcasting and cable shows that evening.

*A rating is a percent of total Cleveland TV homes and viewers. A share is a percentage of total audience watching television at that time and watching the Browns game. For example a 53.5 share of Men 25-54 means that 53.5% of Men 25-54 watching tv at that time were watching the Browns game.

Notes from the Newsroom: 8/16/12

By Frank Macek

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

The second Browns preseason game will air tonight on WKYC, Channel 3, with the Pregame Huddle at 7:30 p.m. followed by the game at 8 p.m. against the Green Bay Packers.

Unfortunately, Jim Donovan is under the weather and will not be doing the play by play this evening. Jim's current illness is unrelated to his bone marrow transplant last year. Andrew Catalon will fill in for Jim on tonight's broadcast next to Bernie Kosar.

"Live on Lakeside" made its debut on Monday, our brand new weekday morning show that airs from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. with anchors Hollie Strano and Michael Cardamone. The show features frequent news segments, along with plenty of entertainment and lifestyle news. The fourth hour of the "Today Show" moved to 10 a.m. and now airs live, instead of on tape delay.

Channel 3 welcomes new producer Maggie Traynor to WKYC. Maggie was most recently a producer at WFMJ-TV/21 in Youngstown. Maggie will handle our weekend morning news from 9 am until 10:30 a.m. that is anchored by Channel 3 mainstay Kim Wheeler and meteorologist Marcus Walter.

Also, we say farewell on Friday to WKYC's Dan Haggerty who leaves us for the sunny shores of San Diego at the ABC station there. Dan has been freelancing for our station since leaving Channel 5.

Next Friday Night at 11 p.m., we launch another season of Friday Night Fever on Channel 3 with the area's best highlights from the most interesting games around northeast Ohio. Don't forget to visit our local sports website, USA Today High School Sports.net for everything football related.

Channel 3 will be heading to Tampa, Florida, for our special Decision 2012 coverage of the Republican National Convention August 27th through 30th. WKYC's lead anchor Russ Mitchell will be reporting live from Tampa to bring Channel 3 viewers the best coverage you'll find from any local Cleveland television station. And, WKYC Senior Political Correspondent Tom Beres will have special insight on what happens at the convention and how it relates to northeast Ohio with special editions of "Between the Lines."

And finally, the Olympics were huge for Channel 3. Channel 3 was ranked as high as the sixth most watched NBC station in the nation during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Our parent company, Gannett, owns 6 of the top 10 stations for total viewership.

Behind The Scenes: Channel 3 At The 2012 Summer Olympics

WKYC's Chris Tye with NBC's Matt Lauer

As we head into the final stretch of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Channel 3 News journalists Chris Tye, Amanda Barren and Jennifer Lindgren share some of their personal photos of the action behind the scenes.

The three have brought us some remarkable stories about our local athletes and cultural elements of British society.

Click on the picture for our photogallery or the following link: on.wkyc.com/MmAXz3

You can also watch the video below where Chris Tye goes behind the scenes at the "Today Show" to see how they are handling their live coverage weekday mornings.

London Olympics Huge Boost To NBC's 'Today' Show

Today Show in London

The London Olympics are a huge boon to NBC's struggling "Today" show.

The Nielsen ratings company says the NBC morning show eclipsed ABC's "Good Morning America" by more than 1.6 million viewers last week.

"Today" broadcast from London all last week, taking advantage of NBC's status as holder of the rights to the very popular Olympics.

"Good Morning America" had beaten "Today" in the ratings for five weeks prior to the London trip.

NBC has sought to use the trip to get morning viewers used to its new co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie.

Source: The Associated Press

"Browns Insider" Moves To Channel 3 This Season

Channel 3 will be adding even more Browns coverage to our lineup this year with the addition of "Browns Insider" beginning in September.

The show will air on WKYC every Saturday morning from 10:30 until 11 a.m. beginning September 8th, following Channel 3 News Weekend Edition from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

The show will replace "It's About You" that will return after the Browns regular season.

The program is hosted by the Browns' Jamir Howerton, and will feature a weekly one-on-one interview with Head Coach Pat Shurmur, conducted by Browns Senior Editor Vic Carucci. Other content will consist of interviews with members of the Browns coaching staff, as well as features on current and former players.

WKYC will once again present "Browns Pregame Huddle" with Jim Donovan and Dave Chudowsky every Sunday morning at 11:30 a.m. and "Browns Tonight" with Dave Chudowsky every Sunday night at 11:30 p.m. right after Channel 3 News at 11.

In addition to 3 of the 4 preseason games, Channel 3 is also scheduled to air the Browns @ Ravens game on Thursday, September 27th at 8:20 p.m from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

WKYC Browns Preseason Games:

• Green Bay Packers (away), August 16th @ 8 p.m.
• Philadelphia Eagles (home), August 24th @ 7:30 p.m.
• Chicago (home), August 30th @ 7:30 p.m.

*Because of the Olympics, the first preseason game vs. Detroit will be produced by WKYC, but will air on WOIO/TV 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Channel 3 Debuts New Anchor Desk This Week

Click photo to view our photogallery

By Frank Macek

Channel 3 News has a slightly new look this week as we debut our brand new anchor desk to coincide with the Olympics on NBC.

The set contains a brand new desk that will offer more intimacy between guests and our reporters and anchors.

Another major change includes the banner above the set which now presents our facility as more of an "Information Center" than a traditional newsroom.

The television station now has several on-air and on-line platforms that make us more of a content provider than ever before.

Our ace photographer Ryan Haidet put a photogallery together of the new set. Click on the picture to see the whole gallery or visit http://on.wkyc.com/QbqWZd

Promos: Channel 3 News "See The Possible"

As part of our 2012 London Olympic coverage, we have put together a new on-air image campaign called "See the Possible."

Click on the spots to watch a sampling:

Win An iPad From Channel 3 and Take The Olympic Challenge

With the Olympics just a few days away, WKYC has launched a fun game on our WKYC Facebook page called the "Olympic Challenge".

This challenge lets you match wits with your friends by answering Olympic themed trivia questions and making predictions on the outcome of various events.

You will earn points and bragging rights based on how well you do.

Through Thursday evening, we are offering everyone who signs up to play during the Olympics a chance to win an iPad on our main Facebook page @ http://on.fb.me/OcgbCI

You must be at least 18 years old and agree to the Official Rules and Privacy Policy.

Also, Channel 3 has set up a brand new Twitter page that lets you follow all the Olympic action in real-time for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

WKYC's Chris Tye, Amanda Barren and Jennifer Lindgren are in London now and are tweeting behind the scenes tidbits and more as they cover the Games for  Channel 3 and USA Today.

Just follow us on Twitter @ WKYCOlympics

WKYC Launches 5 PM Newscast Starting 7/30/12

WKYC, Channel 3, will start a special 5 p.m. newscast with Russ Mitchell and Kris Pickel starting Monday, July 30th.

The newscast will replace Dr. Phil for 2 weeks during the 2012 Summer Olympics and will feature the entire Channel 3 News team.

'SNL' To Air Prime-Time Election Spoofs This Fall

NBC will air two "Saturday Night Live" prime-time election specials, and it's leaving the door open to cult-favorite comedy "Community" to return after next season's abbreviated run.

NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt announced Tuesday that the "SNL" specials will air Sept. 20 and 27. (SNL airs at 11:30 p.m. on WKYC)

He says "Community," which hovered near cancellation before being renewed for 13 weeks, could live beyond next season if it proves itself in its new Friday slot.

Greenblatt told reporters at the Television Critics Association conference that he would love nothing more than for "Community" to continue.

He also says he was proud that NBC was in third-place last season among adults 18 to 49. It's the network's best performance in eight years.

Source: The Associated Press

Notes from the Newsroom: 7/18/12

By Frank Macek

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

The 2012 London Summer Olympics are now just 9 days and counting until the Opening Ceremonies on Friday, July 27th, 2012 at &3;0 p.m.

Channel 3 will be your official local television home of the games with special reports from Channel 3's Chris Tye, Amanda Barren and Jennifer Lindgren who leave next week for the trip across the big pond.

Once again this year, we'll be airing the "Olympic Zone" with Jim Donovan and Dave Chudowsky from 7:30 until 8 p.m. leading into our prime time coverage each night. Your blogger will be directing the weeknight shows Monday through Friday.

Speaking of Jim Donovan, we have been getting many emails of concern since Jimmy hasn't been seen on the air over the last few weeks. You can relax as Jim is just enjoying a long vacation this year and will be back on Monday, July 23rd, in time for the Olympics and then Browns preseason football on the radio.

Channel 3 welcomes a few new faces to the building. Producer Jennifer Jordan joins the newsroom from WEWS-TV where she was the producer for their 5 p.m. newscast. Also, Heather Brumbaugh comes on board as producer of our weekend 9 a.m. and noon newscast. Heather most recently worked at WHO-TV in Iowa and was a morning show executive producer. On the technical side of things, Lynn Olszowy returns to Channel 3 as a special projects multimedia journalist and Jack Forster joins us as an IT Specialist. Jack mostly served as network engineer at the Community Care Network in Cleveland. Welcome to all.

And yes, if you were watching Channel 3 News at 6 or 7 pm tonight, you'll notice we are anchoring our newscasts from a temporary set while we prepare a new main anchor desk over the next week or so. We have some other on-air changes you'll be noticing as well as we head into the Olympics.

Here are a couple of pictures of the old anchor desk as it heads into the Channel 3 history books:

Channel 3 Launches “Live On Lakeside”

WKYC TV 3’s President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky announced today that on Monday, August 13th the station will launch its new show “Live On Lakeside”.

Hosted by Hollie Strano and Michael Cardamone, the new show will be a mix of news, weather, entertainment, lifestyle and advertiser friendly segments.

Airing from 11a.m. – 12:30p.m., the show will also feature News Anchor Amanda Barren, Meteorologists Bruce Kalinowski and Marcus Walter, Arts, Culture and Entertainment Reporter Karina Mitchell, Lifestyle and Features Reporters Joe Cronauer and Desiray McCray, “Ways To Save” Anchor Matt Granite and a host of other contributors.

“We felt strongly that the time had come to re-examine what we were offering our daytime viewers and come up with a fresh approach that would be interesting and viable on all the station’s platforms,” said Spectorsky. “We feel that the combination of Hollie Strano and Michael Cardamone will be a winner with viewers and advertisers alike.”

“Live On Lakeside” is being produced by veteran programming producers Terry Moir, Claire Donovan, Erica Wilke and newcomer Michael Paciotti. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the depth of experience and talent we’re bringing to the production side of the show and we have hopes that viewers will enjoy a show aimed at highlighting many of the positive aspects of living here in Northeast Ohio,” Spectorsky added.

For Strano, it is a homecoming of sorts. She was one of the original anchors of the station’s “Studio 3” show - the predecessor of “Good Company”. She adds these new responsibilities to her position as meteorologist of “Channel 3 News Today”. “I am so excited about this opportunity. As a native of Northeast Ohio, a huge fan of talk shows, the mother of two young children and a truly interested student of cooking, decorating, bargain hunting, entertainment, and good news, I am thrilled to be adding “Live On Lakeside” to my resume,” she said.

Her co-host, Michael Cardamone, made his national television debut years ago on NBC’s “Average Joe Hawaii” and he has hosted the Good Company show since its inception seven years ago. Cardamone added, “I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with Hollie and to bring the viewers a show that’s going to be interesting, entertaining and really relevant.”

Michael Buble Joins Blake Shelton's 'Voice' Team on NBC

Special to the Director's Cut
By Lynn Elber, AP Television Writer

NBC says "The Voice" is teaming a crooner and a country singer for the show's new season.

The network said Monday that Michael Buble will serve as adviser to coach Blake Shelton's team of contestants when the singing contest returns in September.

Buble, who described himself as a "big Blake fan," said he's having a terrific time working with Shelton and his singers. Buble started taping his appearances on "The Voice" Monday in Los Angeles.
NBC has yet to announce advisers for the show's three other coaches, Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green and Adam Levine.

Kelly Clarkson, Jewel and Baby Face were among last season's advisers, guiding contestants in their choice of songs. "The Voice" is back for its third season Sept. 10.

Channel 3 Today Coffee Benefits Cleveland Foodbank

We've partnered with Erie Island Coffee to create a special Channel 3 News Today coffee. A portion of the proceeds from every bag will go to the Cleveland Foodbank to help fight hunger.

Click on the promo to learn where you can get your best of morning brew:

Virgil Dominic Named Interim News Director

Virgil Dominic

Distinguished veteran newsman Virgil Dominic will serve as Channel 3’s Interim News Director it was announced today.

“I can’t think of anyone better positioned to help guide our staff through the coverage challenges of the Summer Olympics and fall’s Prime Time launch than Virgil. He began his career at WKYC as a main anchor and set the tone for the region’s rich history of journalistic excellence,” stated President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky. “For the past six years, he has been with us as a talent mentor and consultant, and we see this as a continuation of that vision.”

Dominic studied radio and television journalism at the University of Tulsa and served in the U.S. Air Force as a public information officer. He honed his broadcast skills at the NBC affiliate in Oklahoma before coming to WKYC-TV in 1965. He moved to Atlanta in 1972 to turn around its ailing ABC affiliate and came back to Cleveland to work for WJW-TV in 1976, propelling the station to a 15-year run at No. 1 in the local ratings. Throughout his years in management, Dominic mentored several top-notch reporters, such as Kelly O’Donnell, political reporter for NBC News, and Martin Savidge, correspondent for CNN and formerly of NBC.

He is a member of five halls of fame: Cleveland Broadcasters Hall of Fame; Cleveland Press Club; Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame; Associated Press Hall of Fame; and UPI Hall of Fame. He also guest lectures at various colleges and universities.

Virgil is replacing current News Director Rita Andolsen who has embarked on a new role as Director of Advocacy and Community Initiatives working closing with Gannett corporate and twenty other Gannett broadcast stations. A search is underway for a permanent News Director.