Thursday, January 05, 2012

Director's Cut Alert: Chris Tye to Anchor Channel 3 News Today

Chris Tye
Chris Tye, current anchor of the Channel 3 News @ 7pm, will be shifting gears and changing the setting on his alarm clock. Chris has been named co-anchor of Channel 3 News Today, WKYC’s early morning newscast.

“Our goal is to make every morning smart, fun and forward-thinking,” said Tye. “As we get going on a busy 2012 -- Olympics, elections, casinos and corruption trials -- we're making it our mission to let you know what's next. Anyone can tell you what happened over the last 12 hours -- we're going to be more interested in getting you set for your next 12 hours."

“Chris brings strong journalism and reporting skills to the morning show, along with a creative and quick wit”, said WKYC News Director Rita Andolsen. “He and recently named co-anchor Erin Kennedy will change the face of morning news in our market”.

“The team of Chris, Erin, meteorologist Hollie Strano, reporters Amanda Barren and Stephanie Coueignoux, and Ways to Save guru Matt Granite is sure to wake up Northeast Ohio in a bright new way,” stated President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky. “Their energy and genuine enthusiasm is contagious.”

Since joining WKYC in 2004 Chris has become an integral part of the Channel 3 news team, covering local and national stories. He has interviewed the President, Vice-President, First Lady and countless other dignitaries. His reports and live shots have aired on NBC Nightly News, MSNBC, CNN and affiliates across the country.

Chris' writing and reporting have been honored by the Associated Press, the Michigan News Photographers Association and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. His work was singled out by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for a report on young people overcoming handicaps. The Fair Housing Commission of Grand Rapids honored him for a series of reports on discriminatory housing practices. Chris has been honored five-times by the Gannett Corporation (parent company of WKYC) for his reporting and writing skills.

A Chicago native and John Carroll University graduate, Chris has immersed himself in Northeast Ohio and spends considerable time each year mentoring young journalists, speaking with classes at Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University and John Carroll University.

Chris will begin his new role, along with newly hired Erin Kennedy and meteorologist Hollie Strano on Channel 3 News Today starting at 4:30am on Monday, January 16th.