Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

McLEAN, VA – Gannett Co., Inc. (parent company of WKYC-TV) announced today that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Belo Corp. for $13.75 per share in cash, in addition to the assumption of $715 million of outstanding debt, for a total transaction value of $2.2 billion.  The combination with Belo nearly doubles Gannett’s broadcast portfolio and creates the largest independent station group of major network affiliates in the top 25 markets, including stations to be serviced by Gannett under shared services and similar arrangements. Gannett now reaches approximately one-third of all television households in America. It also significantly expands the company’s geographic reach and revenue diversity. Gannett will become the #1 CBS affiliate group, the #4 ABC affiliate group, and will expand its already #1 NBC affiliate group position. Gracia Martore, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gannett, said, “We are thrilled to combine these two storied media c...

By Frank Macek It's time for another "behind the scenes" look at what's happening inside the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center as we get ready to wrap up 2013. The November sweeps period was a solid one for WKYC-TV/3 as Channel 3 News at 6 & 11 PM won the conveted 25-54 age demographic (NSI overnights. Nov 2013. A25-54). According to WKYC President/General Manager Brooke Spectorsky, "While we were extremely fortunate to have Dr. Phil land the Michelle Knight interview, our numbers even without those nights still won the time period. Other top rated stories included an expose of local doctors and medical professionals who had been suspended and/or stripped of their licenses and an investigation into tanker cars carrying toxic chemicals through local neighborhoods." Under the leadership of WKYC News Director Brennan Donnellan, Channel 3 News is putting a strong emphasis on investigative and enterprise reporting which viewers have responded positively...

WKYC will once again present special programming during the Christmas holiday. Here is a list of what will air on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on Channel 3. Please note, all programming is subject to change. December 24th: 08:00 p.m.    It’s A Wonderful Life 11:00 p.m.    Channel 3 News at 11 PM 11:30 p.m.    Christmas Eve Mass from St. Peter’s December 25th : 01:00 a.m.    The First Noel 03:00 a.m.    The Spirit of Christmas 04:00 a.m.    Masters of Illusion Christmas 05:00 a.m.    Christmas Liturgical 06:00 a.m.    Jim Brickman: Sending You A Little Christmas 07:00 a.m.    Today Show 11:00 a.m.    Hollywood Christmas Parade 01:00 p.m.    Days of Our Lives 02:00 p.m.    Masters of Illusion Christmas 03:00 p.m.    Miracle at Gate 213 04:00 p.m.    Meet John Doe 06:30 p.m.    Jim Brickman: The Magic of Christmas...

WKYC Sports Anchor and radio voice of the Cleveland Browns, Jim Donovan, spent this Thanksgiving with his family. And, that family got a little bit bigger this year. This weekend, Jim got to say thanks in person for the first time to the man who saved his life — his bone marrow donor.   Click to watch this heartwarming story of a new connection...a new bond for life.