TEGNA Media Honored as Broadcasting & Cable’s Station Group of the Year

TEGNA Media, the broadcast division of TEGNA Inc. and parent owner of WKYC-TV, today was named Station Group of the Year by Broadcasting & Cable.

TEGNA Media was chosen because of its “outstanding group of local television stations whose leading reportage, ratings, financial results and strategic moves demonstrated its exceptional accomplishments in taking on dynamic market trends,” according to the publication.

“This is a great accomplishment and we thank Broadcasting & Cable for honoring the exceptional work and commitment that takes place every day across our company,” said Gracia Martore, president and CEO, TEGNA. 

“This recognition is the culmination of a terrific year for TEGNA Media which received many well-deserved honors. It also symbolizes what this company is all about. We deliver quality content and innovation that makes a difference every day.”

TEGNA Media’s many highlights this year include:

• Launching a significant effort to transform content in every market and doubling down on investigations, leading to positive change in our communities
• Bringing our communities together in times of need and making a difference through community service
• Being recognized with more industry honors than any other station group
• Investing in new training programs for multi-skilled journalists, marketers and general managers
• Upgrading our multi-platform experience and modernizing our mobile app platform, with many stations now among the highest rated news apps in the industry
• Generating significant revenue and client results through our sales transformation
• Investing in innovative, non-news original programming across platforms

“When we commit to excellence in journalism, to empowering our communities and to advancing our clients’ businesses, everybody wins,” said Dave Lougee, president, TEGNA Media. “We’re very proud of the meaningful work TEGNA Media employees perform every day.”

WKYC Assistant Chief Engineer Retires After 41 Years

Jack Schmucki (center). Photo courtesy: Randy Betke

Long-time WKYC Assistant Chief Engineer Jack Schmucki retired December 10th after a successful 41 year full-time career with Channel 3.

However, Schmucki joined the WKYC family in 1970 as a part-time news field audio person and covering the Kent State riots quickly became his first assignment in May of that year.

He was hired full time in 1974 and continued his work in the news department until 1978, when he transferred to the engineering department and remained until hanging up his soldering iron last Thursday.

WKYC Director of Technology and Operations Jim Miller fondly recalls, "Jack has been involved in so many things over the years, I can’t possibly name them all. He was the Engineer In-Charge of Browns pre-season games for 15 years and has spent the last 16 years as the Assistant Chief Engineer. Prior to that, he worked in the Tech Shop with a number of co-workers."

While Jack worked full time at WKYC for 41 years, he actually started here before he was born! Miller added, "That’s right… Jack’s mother worked at WKYC while she was pregnant with Jack."

We will greatly miss Jack’s skill set that enabled him to tackle any problem and his crazy sense of humor!

Best wishes from all of us past and present at WKYC-TV.

WKYC President/General Manager Named Recipient of YWCA Women of Achievement Awards

Margaret Mitchell (L) and Micki Byrnes (R)

Congratulations to WKYC President and General Manager Micki Byrnes who received a special honor Thursday morning at the Channel 3 Digital Broadcast Center.

Byrnes was named a recipient of the YWCA Women of Achievement Awards for 2016 along with 7 other local leaders.

“It is a pleasure to honor and share the accomplishments of these eight influential leaders, especially for this monumental 40th Anniversary celebration of Women of Achievement,” says Margaret Mitchell, YWCA Greater Cleveland’s President and CEO. “These women are talented and exemplary in their careers, and they are dedicated to changing lives and communities in Greater Cleveland and beyond.”

This prestigious award, celebrating its 40th year, is presented to a select group of Northeast Ohio women who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments through career success, community service, leadership, mentoring, and dedication to YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

This year's recipients include the following:

•         Micki Byrnes, President and General Manager, WKYC Channel 3 – Cleveland
•         Lee Friedman, Chief Executive Officer, College Now Greater Cleveland
•         Kathryn “Kit” Jensen, Chief Operating Officer, ideastream
•         Kym Sellers, Founder, Kym Sellers Foundation; television and radio personality
•         Robyn Minter Smyers, Partner-in-Charge, Thompson Hine LLP - Cleveland Office
•         Maryrose Sylvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Current Powered by GE
•         Nancy Tinsley, President of Parma Medical Center, University Hospitals
•        Sue Tyler, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, Medical Mutual of Ohio

Congratulations Micki!

WKYC to Re-Air Two Holiday Favorites

Channel 3 will re-air two of this holiday season's most popular shows.

First, "The Wiz Live!" will air this Saturday night, December 19th, from 8 to 11 p.m. The show is NBC's latest musical holiday tradition: a 3-hour event production of the groundbreaking Broadway show that brought Oz to life in a funky sing-along journey down the yellow brick road that originally aired live on December 3rd.

Second, Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors" will air again on Christmas night from 9 to 11 p.m. This movie is based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton's remarkable upbringing.

This once-in-a-lifetime movie special takes place inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Parton who she is today.

The film is set in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains in 1955. It is neither a biopic nor a musical about Dolly's whole life and performing career, but rather a family-oriented faith-based story about the incidents in her and her family's life around the time she was nine years old.

"Coat of Many Colors" first aired on Channel 3 December 10th.

Set those DVR's now!

TEGNA Media Greenlights ‘T.D. Jakes’ Talk Show for Fall 2016 Launch

T.D. Jakes (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Variety)

TEGNA Inc., parent of WKYC-TV, today announced it has cleared “T.D. Jakes”, a multi-issue daily one-hour talk show hosted by T.D. Jakes, on 29 TEGNA Media stations to air in the fall of 2016.

In a move designed to create more original programming, TEGNA Media will both produce and distribute the “T.D. Jakes” series.

“T.D. Jakes has a unique and uplifting voice that is well suited for daytime television. With Jakes at the helm, this program has an opportunity to attract blue-chip advertisers, generate large audiences and empower viewers across the country,” said Dave Lougee, president, TEGNA Media.

“During the show’s test run this summer, Jakes’ audience grew each week in every market. Once viewers found him, they liked him and we look forward to introducing him to a wider audience next fall.”

“T.D. Jakes” enjoyed a highly successful month-long test run this summer on four TEGNA Media stations. The shows tackled socially relevant, topical and exclusive stories, highlighting Jakes’ unique, heart-centered wisdom and humor. As he did last summer, Jakes will continue to offer personal stories and welcome celebrity and non-celebrity guests for enlightening, entertaining and sometimes unexpected conversations.

Jakes is a prominent Dallas-based pastor, entrepreneur and businessman, whose multi-platform reach extends far beyond the pulpit of his 30,000-member church and humanitarian organization, The Potter’s House. His reach also includes nearly 5 million social media followers.

In addition, Jakes is a best-selling author of more than 40 books with his latest, Destiny, debuting in the top ten on The New York Times Bestseller List this past August. He has produced Grammy Award winning music and several feature films including “Heaven is for Real”, “Sparkle”, and “Jumping the Broom”. His next film, “Miracles from Heaven”, will be released on March 18, 2016.

“It is indeed an honor for TDJ Entertainment to work with such a stellar slate of industry players like TEGNA Media, 44 Blue, EnLight and Scott Carlin whose belief in my ability to engage a broader audience with relevant and uplifting content is consistent with my years of experience at the intersections of the faith-based, entertainment and business worlds,” said T.D. Jakes, CEO of TDJ Entertainment and Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House of Dallas, Inc. “This is an unprecedented opportunity to bring a new voice to a familiar platform. To say I am excited and challenged by this opportunity is an understatement.”

“T.D. Jakes” will be owned and distributed by TEGNA Media. Launch markets will include Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and Seattle, reaching nearly one-quarter of the U.S. television audience. Upwards of 20 TEGNA Media markets will launch the show in the afternoon time period. Additional TEGNA Media stations will air the show as timeslots clear.

WKYC News & Notes: 11/30/15

By Frank Macek

It's time for another "behind the scenes" look at what's happening inside the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center at 13th and Lakeside.

November sweeps are over and Channel 3 News at 11 pm delivers. Once again this month, WKYC was the most watched newscast at 11 pm in total households and adults 25-54 - the coveted money demos.

Channel 3 News at 11 pm was the only local newscast that saw growth at 11 pm between last November and this November. All other local newscast saw significant losses.

In addition, WKYC, ranked number 2 in all other newscast dayparts including mornings and Channel 3 News at 6 and 7 p.m. in adults 25-54.

Also during the month of November 2015, WKYC was involved in a successful station-wide project called "See The Possible: Jobs" that offers northeast Ohioans a look at where the jobs are in the area and good tips to getting the job you want. Be sure to watch all our newscasts for special reports and read our special section on our website HERE: http://www.wkyc.com/jobs

New hires and promotions since our last chat including the following:

• Denisha Thomas is the new producer of Channel 3 News at 6 pm starting in early December. Thomas comes to WKYC from WMC-TV/Memphis where she produced a strong #1 evening newscast for three years in the city where her family is from.
• David Hrvatin is joining the Marketing Department as a Multi-Platform Marketing Producer working on topical news promotion on a daily basis as well as exploring all kinds of promotional opportunities on every other platform we produce. 
• Roselyn Muniz has been upped to fulltime Production Assistant and and producer for "Latino Cleveland"
• Stephanie Metzger has joined our digital team as a Digital Projects Producer. Stephanie's past stops include ESPN Cleveland, Indians Baseball Insider, The Morning Journal, and The News Herald.
• Amy Hansen has also been added as a Digital Projects Producer. Hansen's background includes The Huffington Post, The Boston Herald, The Beaver County Times and Ohio Public Radio.

Happy Holidays from the Channel 3 News family.

See the Possible: Jobs in local television

By Frank Macek

The Channel 3 Control Room

CLEVELAND - Channel 3 is spending the month of November helping viewers "See the Possible" in job opportunities.

For those looking for work in northeast Ohio, local television is another area of equal opportunity for those willing to work hard and put in long hours.

Technology has been a game changer in the television industry over the recent decade as computers and automation system have ebbed the demand for some "behind the scenes" positions, while opening plenty of other opportunities in newsrooms and information centers as some television stations now call themselves.

Future growth opportunities in local television will mainly concentrate around multimedia journalists, content creators and advertising sales representatives over the next five years.

The phrase that pays is "adapt or die."

Let's take a look each of these opportunities in more detail:

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS

A multimedia journalist is the redefinition of the traditional reporter or videographer who would work in tandem on a story in past years. Today, newsrooms have separated these positions into one person crews where either individual is tasked to write, shoot and edit their own material for both on-air or on-line platforms. In today's world, it's digital first - then on-air.

Also, handheld cameras from companies like Sony, JVC or Canon are much lighter and more portable today. Such cameras are comparable to camcorders people have used for many year, but are broadcast quality. Even iPhones have changed the way video is captured and used for on-air and on-line.

Other key skills of multimedia journalists require the ability to use standard editing software packages such as Grass Valley's Edius, Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro or Sony Vegas to work under tight news deadlines.

Having the ability to work by yourself is essential in today's broadcast environment.

CONTENT CREATORS

Content creators are teams of people who work in newsrooms and focus primarily on the dissemination of information through on-line and social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or individual blogs.

More and more today people are getting their news and information from non-traditional sources other than radio, broadcast television and newspapers. The inseparable connection people have with their smartphones have changed the way people look for news and have become key battlegrounds for viewer's eyeballs on these evolving platforms.

Content creators write original stories and post videos they have created themselves or that multimedia journalists have worked on throughout the day. Whole departments of web based writers are being added to newsrooms to work on just social media avenues giving you a great opportunity to use your writing skills.

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Advertising opportunities have been around for years, but are growing in importance as television stations look for energetic and persistent professionals who can connect with the business community to bring additional revenue into a station. Competition from other sources of media continue to grow exponentially, while slices of overall revenue have grown smaller for any particular part of the industry.

This position often entails selling non-traditional or digital advertising as well. On-line banner ads for web pages and mobile devices and pre-roll advertising for video feeds are great opportunities for sales people to sell to advertisers who may not be able to afford the higher cost of over-the-air advertising rates.

As long as there is television, a strong need will exists in this sales areas.

You can always find our job opportunities for WKYC on wkyc.com at the following link: http://bit.ly/wkycjobs

----

Frank Macek is the weeknight director for Channel 3 News at 7 & 11 p.m. You can follow him on Twitter @frankmacekwkyc and his own behind the scenes WKYC "Director's Cut Blog" at http://wkycdirectorscut.blogspot.com

Join WKYC In Volunteering On Make A Difference Day

WKYC is gearing up for Make a Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Now in its 24th year, Make A Difference Day is the nation's largest day of volunteering. WKYC employees will be fanning out across Northeast Ohio on Oct. 24 to take part in an assortment of service activities.

Join us in "seeing the possible" on Oct. 24 by lending a hand to assist local nonprofit organizations. Learn more in the highlights below.

Always held on the fourth Saturday of October, it is the nation's largest day of volunteering.
USA WEEKEND Magazine conceived the idea more than 20 years ago. Backed by TEGNA Inc. and Gannett media properties, Make A Difference Day has mobilized millions of people across the U.S. for this National Day of Doing Good.

As the TEGNA-owned media property in the Cleveland market, WKYC takes the lead here in organizing local activities.

We partner with BVU, The Center for Nonprofit Excellence to offer a variety of activities, from delivering mobile meals to homebound Akron residents to creating cards and blankets for hospice patients in Warrensville Heights to sorting donated hair for the Wigs for Kids program in Westlake.

You can sign up for a Make a Difference Day activity with your family, your co-workers or by yourself.

Join us! Everyone can make a difference on Oct. 24. Sign up at https://volunteer.truist.com/bvu-3/user/events/one_v2.tcl?event_id=10889083655 or call 216-736-7711.

WKYC Channel Now Available On Roku

There is now another way you to can access up to date videos and live events from WKYC news straight from your Roku player.

WKYC's new Roku Channel features the live video events as well as the latest news, sports and featured videos from our newscasts.

The free Channel on the Roku device allows you to stream live events including our daily newscasts as they are happening.

It also features videos from our top stories of the day, as well as other features like Ways 2 Save, and our latest investigative reports.

You will also find top videos from Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and much more.

For more information or to get the Channel on your device visit the Roku Channel store and search for WKYC or just search for WKYC on your Roku Device.

Sara Shookman Named 6 & 11pm Co-Anchor of Channel 3 News

Russ Mitchell and Sara Shookman

“She’s an Emmy award-winning television journalist, terrific storyteller, experienced breaking news reporter and just a kid from Akron,” said President and General Manager Micki Byrnes. “Oh, wait, I think someone else may use that line!”

Effective immediately, Sara Shookman will be co-anchoring Channel 3’s 6 & 11pm newscasts with Managing Editor Russ Mitchell. “Sara is a superstar,” said Russ. “A fantastic reporter who has effortlessly brought her skills to the desk. I'm proud to now officially call her partner.”

Sara grew up in Akron and graduated from Manchester High School and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She came to WKYC in 2012 and quickly proved herself a strong and resourceful multi-media journalist.

In 2014, Sara was sent to Sochi, Russia with only a camera and backpack to report on the Winter Olympics for WKYC, USA Today and other TEGNA (formerly Gannett) television stations.

“Sara is the anchor of the future,” said News Director Brennan Donnellan. “She writes, shoots, edits and engages with our viewers through social media and digital platforms. She’s an excellent communicator during big, breaking stories and we count on her daily to bring a optimistic local perspective to our team.”

“We think the team of Russ and Sara bring a unique balance to our broadcasts. They have two different experiences, two different perspectives but one purpose…to help Northeast Ohio See the Possible."

Free WKYC Health & Wellness Expo Is This Saturday, September 26th

For the past two years, we have teamed up with the brand-new convention center for our WKYC Health & Wellness Expo.

This year it will be even bigger and better.

DOWNLOAD: Free program guide

It's all about your health, and your kids are going to have a blast, too.

WKYC's 2015 Health & Wellness Expo takes place this Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cleveland Convention Center in Downtown Cleveland.

READ MORE: Interactive exhibits at the 2015 Expo

We hope you'll come out and take advantage of the free event and use it to help you and your family live a healthier, happier life.

"Ellen" Kicks Off 13th Season with Exclusive Interview With Caitlyn Jenner on Channel 3

Photo Courtesy: "Ellen"

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” kicks off season 13 on Tuesday, September 8th with an exclusive interview with Olympic Champion and recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, Caitlyn Jenner.

Watch as Caitlyn sits down with Ellen for her very first television interview since becoming the most high-profile transgender woman in the world.

Caitlyn tells Ellen she feels “FABULOUS” and admits she doesn’t miss Bruce because she can still do all the same fun things she used to do.

Listen as Caitlyn talks about cross dressing, expands upon her views on gay marriage and admits she’s not dating yet. Plus, Caitlyn and Ellen surprise Blossom Brown a huge Ellen fan and a young transgender woman who Caitlyn met while filming her reality show “I Am Cait.”

Blossom will be the first transgender woman to graduate from Mississippi University for Women. Since Blossom is struggling to get into nursing school because of her sexuality, Ellen surprises Blossom by asking any nursing school to take Blossom and gifting her with $20,000 from Shutterfly!

Catch "Ellen" on Channel 3 weekdays at 4 p.m.

WKYC News & Notes: 9/1/15

By Frank Macek

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

Welcome to September and the start of the Fall television season. We'll get to NBC's schedule of new shows coming to Channel 3, but first...

WKYC-TV is again expanding our weekend morning news beginning Saturday, September 19th. Viewers will now enjoy "Channel 3 News Sunrise" beginning at 5 a.m. on Saturday as viewing habits have changed over the years and people begin to start their weekend routines now earlier than ever. These expanded newscasts will lead into NBC's "Today Show," followed by a one hour edition of "Channel 3 News Today."

Channel 3 has some new faces around the building and several more folks moving into new positions at the station.

• Daniel Baylog has been promoted to Director of Programming and Research Strategy. 
• Terry Moir becomes Director of Sales Development and Marketing and will continue to oversee "Live on Lakeside."
• Jonathan Kostoff becomes the new Overnight Assignment Editor/Digital Producer.  
• Chanel Glenn joins the station as Digital Marketing Producer. 
• Darlene Wodek is upped to Engineering Operations Manager.
• Diana Pollack and Dina Huss become Strategic Team Managers.
• Patti Caimi is named new Regional Account Executive
• Erin Steinberg becomes the Consumer Insight Specialist.
• Desiree Gordon has been promoted as Lead Generation Specialist.

On another note, Friday Night Fever is back with the best local high school sports coverage in town. This year, we have a new look and a new attitude with new graphics, more scores and commentary you won't find anywhere else from sports anchors Jim Donovan and Dave Chudowsky. Look for Friday Night Fever every Friday night around 11:15 p.m. with expanded coverage anytime at our new high school websites at wkyc.com/hss.

Save the date for this year's 3rd annual WKYC Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, September 26th, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Cleveland Convention Center. The health & wellness expo was created to serve the greater good of the community using education, health screenings, demonstrations and physical activity. It focuses on all aspects of wellness, from healthy minds to healthier finances, bodies and homes.

This year's expo will include new features and discussions on heart disease, obesity, breast and prostate cancer, mental health/depression, drug addiction, and cutting edge medical technology. Find out what's trending in health & wellness with Monica Robins and other area experts.
Work out with and learn from the latest trainers and fitness experts in Pilates, zumba, yoga, sculpting and boxing. Enjoy healthy cooking demos with local celebrity chefs. Families and friends alike can get engaged with fun activities, such as indoor rock-climbing, soccer, finger-painting, and interactive weather reporting. For a complete schedule of events our expo page on wkyc.com at on.wkyc.com/1EknwPZ

Some minor programming changes for the Fall on Channel 3 daytime. Here is the new schedule for afternoons:

2:00 p.m. - Celebrity Name Game
2:30 p.m. - Family Feud
3:00 p.m. - Wendy Williams Show
4:00 p.m. - Ellen
5:00 p.m. - Dr. Phil

Now, back to NBC's Fall Primetime schedule. Hot new shows this fall will include "Live! Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris" and "Blindspot" premiering September 21st, "Heroes Reborn" and "The Player" September 24th, "Truth Be Told" October 16th and "Chicago Med" November 17th.

Returning show debuts include "The Voice" September 21st, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Mysteries of Laura" September 23rd, "The Blacklist" September 24th, "Chicago PD" September 30th, "Undateable" October 9th, "Chicago Fire" October 13th and "Grimm" October 30th.

Here's a look at the NBC FALL 2015-16 SCHEDULE (New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)

MONDAY
8-10 P.M. — “The Voice” (season premiere September 21st)
10-11 P.M. — “BLINDSPOT” (season premiere September 21st)

TUESDAY
8-10 P.M. — “The Voice”
9-10 P.M. - "CHICAGO MED" (season premiere November 17th)
10-11 P.M. — “BEST TIME EVER WITH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS” (season premiere September 15th)
10-11 P.M. — “Chicago Fire” (season premiere October 13th)

WEDNESDAY
8-9 P.M. — “The Mysteries of Laura” (season premiere September 23rd)
9-10 P.M. — “Law & Order: SVU” (season premiere September 23rd)
10-11 P.M. — “Chicago P.D.” (season premiere September 30th)

THURSDAY
8-9 P.M. — “HEROES REBORN” (season premiere September 24th)
9-10 P.M. — “The Blacklist” (season premiere October 1st)
10-11 P.M. — “THE PLAYER” (season premiere September 24th)

FRIDAY
8-8:30 P.M. — “Undateable” (season premiere October 9th)
8:30-9 P.M. — “TRUTH BE TOLD" (season premiere October 16th)
9-10 P.M. — “Grimm” (season premiere October 30th)
10-11 P.M. — “Dateline”

SATURDAY
8-10 P.M. — “Dateline Saturday Night Mystery”
10-11 P.M. — “Saturday Night Live” (Classic encores)
11:30- P.M. - 12:30 A.M. - "Saturday Night Live" (season premiere October 3rd)

SUNDAY
7-8:20 P.M. — “Football Night in America”
8:20-11 P.M. — “Sunday Night Football”

Visit http://www.nbc.com/new-show-trailers-2015-2016 for previews and more.

WKYC Chief Meteorologist To Receive Chuck Heaton Award

Betsy Kling, WKYC Chief Meteorologist

The Press Club of Cleveland has selected WKYC's Betsy Kling to receive this year's prestigious Chuck Heaton Award.

Kling is chief meteorologist and evening weather forecaster for Channel 3 News at 6, 7 and 11p weeknights and is only the 8th recipient of the award which is presented to individuals who best exemplify the qualities of Chuck Heaton, the late Plain Dealer reporter and Press Club Hall of Famer who passed away in February 2008.

Heaton was known for his lifelong dedication to journalism, his fairness, his concern for community and helping others.

Five leaders from print, broadcast and digital media will also be inducted into The Press Club of Cleveland 2015 Journalism Hall of Fame.

This year, the inductees include:

• Mark Dawidziak, Television Critic/Pop Culture, The Plain Dealer 
• Bob Dyer, Columnist, Akron Beacon Journal 
• Tom Hamilton, Broadcaster, "Voice of the Cleveland Indians" 
• Ken Robinson,Multimedia Journalist, Newsradio WTAM 1100 Cleveland, iHeartMedia 
• Liz (Ludlow) Vaccariello, Chief Content Officer and Editor in Chief, Reader's Digest; former Editor of Cleveland Magazine 

A gala celebration will occur on Friday evening,  November 13, at the Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland. 

Channel 3 To Air A Trial Run Of The T.D. Jakes Show Beginning in August

Bishop T.D. Jakes

Bishop T.D. Jakes is about to go from the pulpit in Dallas to the national stage.

The force behind T.D. Jakes Ministries and the annual celebrity-studded celebration of faith called Mega Fest, Jakes has become a sort of celebrity in his own right. Time magazine once wondered if he might be America's next Billy Graham.

While Jakes leads The Potter's House, the North Texas non-denominational mega church that's 30,000 members strong, he's getting ready to reach an even larger audience Mondays through Fridays with The T.D. Jakes Show.

The program's trial run will air daily from August 17 - September 11 of this year.

"It's nice to be challenged again at this stage in my life," he said of the new talk show. "I'm 58 years old and I have the opportunity to do something new and fresh and exciting."

Jakes says while he'll still draw on his faith in the new venture, he has no plans to preach. He says the show will reveal a different side of himself.

"People tend to define you by how they met you, and they tend to incarcerate you by how they define you," he said. "But, I'm a kind of guy that breaks boundaries and likes to talk about everything and likes to enjoy life and have a lot of fun."

That should be evident for an hour each weekday afternoon after the show launches. While Jakes said he'll delve into fun topics, he really perked up when he talked about his plans to address issues faced by everyday people in everyday life.

"There are not that many people on television who are saying anything that's hopeful anymore," he said. "And to be encouraging and positive and uplifting and help people work through tight places in their lives is what I do anyway, so to do it on television and reach other people is really a calling for me."

Jakes says viewers can expect "a Dr. Phil meets Oprah sort of thing."

"I'm absolutely excited about it," he said. "We're going to deal with everything, some of the pitfalls we get into, but more importantly how do we get out of them? It's an opportunity to reach a lot of people with hope and encouragement and excitement. And it's fun for me to be able to be on a platform where I can talk about everything."

The hour-long weekday show will be produced by TEGNA and Debmar Mercury. The T.D. Jakes Show will initially debut on four TEGNA stations starting August 17th:

WFAA in Dallas: 3 to 4 p.m.
WXIA in Atlanta: 2 to 3 p.m.
KARE in Minneapolis: 2 to 3 p.m.
WKYC in Cleveland: 3 to 4 p.m.
 


Information: Courtesy WFAA.com

WKYC History From 1948 to 2015

Get your copy of the Director's Cut Blog "History of WKYC."

You'll learn more about the station's history from our sign on Halloween night in 1948 to the most recent transformation of Gannett Broadcasting to TEGNA at the end of June 2015.

Available HERE: http://bit.ly/1NoFj8v

WKYC Honored With 6 NATAS Lower Great Lakes Regional Emmy Awards

The 46th annual Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards were presented on Saturday, June 27th, at this year's annual ceremony held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Congratulations to those who won this year including

• Newscast - Evening - Market 1-20: Channel 3 New at 6 pm - Best Overall Newscast (Jonathan Adkins, Russ Mitchell, Kris Pickel, Meg Hambach, Julie Ocepek, Sara Shookman, Tom Beres)
• Weekend Newscast - Market 1-20: United Airlines Hub Pulled (Margaret Traynor, Lynna Lai, Chris Tye, Ashley Ross)
• Health/Science - News Stories: Helmets Safety Ratings (Dustin Wadsworth, Tim Dubravetz, Matthew Hein, Monica Robins, Susan Moses, Will Ujek)
• Promotion News Promo - Image: Best Days (Winter Olympics Promo) (Daniel Canterna)
• Promotion - Program Single Spot/Campaign: See the Possible - Red Chair Campaign (Monique Jackson, Matt Quinn) 
• Crafts: Director - Newscast: Channel 3 News at 6 (Matt Babb)

For a complete list of this year's winners: http://bit.ly/1CD7FVY

WKYC Honored With 11 Ohio Excellence In Journalism Awards

Congratulations to everyone at Channel 3 who was honored for their work at last week’s 2015 All Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards.

The awards were presented at the Press Club of Cleveland.

Digital Media - Breaking News

• 1st Place: Ebola Patients Travels to Cleveland - WKYC Staff 
• 3rd Place: Return of the King: LeBron James rejoins the Cleveland Cavaliers – Matthew Florjancic

Digital Media - Online Storytelling

• 1st Place: Investigation: High School Helmet Safety Ratings - Dustin Wadsworth, Monica Robins, Tim Dubravetz, Susan Moses 
• 3rd Place: Cop Cam: Who’s watching you and who’s not - Rona Proudfoot and Wale Aliyu

Digital Media - Online General News

• 2nd Place: Schools: Preparing For Tragedy - Dustin Wadsworth, Will Ujek 
• 3rd Place: Cop Cam: Who’s watching you and who’s not - Rona Proudfoot and Wale Aliyu 

Digital Media - Television News Website

• 1st Place: wkyc.com 

Digital Media - Online Feature Story

• 2nd Place: Geauga Lake: From Icon to Eyesore - Ryan Haidet and Kim Wendel

Digital Media - Infographics

• 1st Place: High School Helmet Safety Ratings - Dustin Wadsworth, Monica Robins, Tim Dubravetz, and Susan Moses 

Television - Best Television Newscast in Ohio in a Major Market (Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati) 

• 1st Place: Channel 3 News at 6 - WKYC Staff 

Television - On-Going Coverage

• 1st Place: A King’s Return - WKYC Staff 

Complete list of winners: http://www.pressclubcleveland.com/media/documents/EIJ/2015Tab.pdf

Pitch In To 'Stuff The Bus With Books' With WKYC

Ready to pitch in for a good cause?

Join the Cleveland Indians and WKYC in supporting United Way of Greater Cleveland's Stuff The Bus With Books campaign during June.

From now through June 21, United Way is collecting children's and young adult books (grades 3-8), in order to put them in the hands of children in Cleveland public schools.

New and gently used books are needed. You may bring a book to Progressive Field on Fathers Day, June 21, when the Indians play the Tampa Bay Rays.

An RTA bus will be parked outside the field from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accept book donations. Also, volunteers will collect books at the gates during the game.

But you don't have to go to Progressive Field to participate.

More than a dozen local businesses have offered their offices at book drop-off points. Click here to see a list of locations for "Stuff the Bus With Books" donation boxes.

WKYC has placed a collection box inside its lobby at 1333 Lakeside Avenue in downtown Cleveland. Books can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays at the WKYC building until June 19.

Statistics show that low-income children tend to backtrack academically during the summer months, but summer reading is an effective way to battle the trend. Books collected during the campaign will be given away to students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District who participate in summer learning programs.

WKYC Unveils New Mobile Weather Center

Meet the W.A.M, Channel 3's Weather Advance Mobile unit. The W.A.M. is our brand new weather vehicle that is designed not only to cover breaking weather, but also educate people on how weather and technology go together.

Complete with a weather station and the ability to broadcast live from just about anywhere in Northeast Ohio, the W.A.M. is like having a studio weather center, anywhere we want or need it to be. And that includes schools or public events.

If you'd like to have the W.A.M appear at your school or community event, please click the following link for MOBILE USERS CLICK HERE to request the W.A.M.

NOTE: Due to the volume of submissions, we will not be able to accommodate every request. Scheduling is subject to availability. Channel 3 reserves the right to cancel any event due to breaking news, breaking weather, technology or vehicle issues, or other unforeseeable events.

WKYC News & Notes: 5/1/15

By Frank Macek

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

As you have probably already heard, WKYC 6 & 11 PM anchor Kris Pickel is heading off to Phoenix, Arizona, as main anchor at KPHO-TV at the end of May. Pickel joined WKYC three years ago on the anchor desk with Russ Mitchell and has felt right at home in Northeast Ohio. However, she tells the Director's Cut Blog, she will greatly miss Cleveland, but wanted to be closer to her family living in California and Phoenix is a much shorter jet hop. No word yet on who will replace Kris on the anchor desk, but expect an announcement soon.

WKYC welcomes Phil Trexler to Channel 3 News at Executive Producer of Investigations where he will work very closely with The Investigator, Tom Meyer, to producer high profile investigative stories for the station. Most recently, Phil worked at the Akron Beacon Journal where he has been an award-winning reporter for many years. Look for Phil's own stories on wkyc.com and our other on-line platforms starting this month.

On the digital side, Emily Crilley is also joining the Channel 3 team as a Digital Content Producer. Crilley is a recent graduate of Kent State’s Journalism program next weekend and has spent time time in the Rubber City Radio newsroom and WDRB-TV in Louisville as a broadcast intern. She was also a part of TV2 newsroom at Kent where she is a reporter who can shoot, write, edit, and produce digital content.

Behind the scenes, times have been very busy in the production department airing several local specials recently including the two hour Tribe Time Opening Day Special on April 10th, The Rock Hall Induction Preview on April 17th, Cavs Playoff Special onApril 18th and the Countdown to the Draft Special on April 30th. It's how we "See the Possible" for a city on the rise. We are looking forward to seeing how far the Cavs go in the playoffs this year and are hoping for that NBA Championship we've longed for.

WKYC Nominated For 19 NATAS Lower Great Lakes Regional Emmy Awards

The 46th annual Lower Great Lakes Emmy Award Nominations was announced on Thursday, April 30.

Channel 3 News was nominated in several important categories including best overall newscasts for Channel 3 News at 6 & 11, Weekend Mornings and Weekend Evenings.

Congratulations to our nominees. This year's awards will be given out on June 27, 2015 at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

• Newscast - Evening - Market 1-20: Channel 3 News at 11 pm - Best Overall Newscast (Julie Flynn, Grant deBruin, Russ Mitchell, Kris Pickel, Chris Tye, Brian Crane, Dave Chudowsky)
• Newscast - Evening - Market 1-20: Channel 3 New at 6 pm - Best Overall Newscast (Jonathan Adkins, Russ Mitchell, Kris Pickel, Meg Hambach, Julie Ocepek, Sara Shookman, Tom Beres)
• Newscast- Morning/Daytime - March 1-20:  TJ Lane Escape and Capture (Mark Bogden, Heather Brumbaugh, Ryan Haidet, Jennifer Jordan, Maureen Kyle, Lynna Lai, Kayla Landolph, Brooke Whitney, Will Ujek)
• Weekend Newscast - Market 1-20: United Airlines Hub Pulled (Margaret Traynor, Lynna Lai, Chris Tye, Ashley Ross)
• Continuing Coverage: The King's Return (Kris Pickel, Dave Chudowsky, Julie Flynn, Brian Crane, Grant H. deBruin, Sara Shookman, Monica Robins, Danielle Sills, Claire Donovan, Hilary Golston)
• Feature News - Report: The Ghost of Terminal Tower (Kris Pickel, Carl Lemon)
• Crime - News Single Story/Series - Bogus Arrest (Tom Meyer)
• Health/Science - News Stories: Helmets Safety Ratings (Dustin Wadsworth, Tim Dubravetz, Matthew Hein, Monica Robins, Susan Moses, Will Ujek)
• Military: Single Story/Series: Ice Breaker (Kris Pickel, Carl Lemon)
• Politics/Government - Single Story/Series: Pothole Claims (Tom Meyer)
• Interview/Discussion - Program/Series or Special: 7 Minutes with Russ Mitchell (Russ Michell, Matt Hein, Shane Snider, Katie Kessler)
• Community/Public Service (PSA) - Single Spot or Campaign: Fugitive of the Week (Ryan Radefeld)
• Promotion News Promo - Image: Best Days (Winter Olympics Promo) (Daniel Canterna)
• Promotion - Program Single Spot/Campaign: See the Possible - Red Chair Campaign (Monique Jackson, Matt Quinn) 
• Promotion - Program Image: See the Possible My Town Anthem (Micki Byrnes, Monique Jackson, Matt Quinn, Kimberly Ponsky, Michael Stanley)
• Journalist Enterprise - Within 24 Hours: Reporter Tom Meyer (Tom Meyer)
• Crafts: Director - Newscast: Channel 3 News at 6 (Matt Babb)
• Crafts: Editor - Short Form: WKYC 2014 Talent IDs (Monique Jackson)
• Crafts: Editor - News/Sports: Matt Hein - Editor (Matt Hein)

For a complete list of this year's nominees: http://bit.ly/1Pbrcm1

Domestic Abuse: Join WKYC, Stand United Against Domestic Violence

A sister, a cousin, a child. A neighbor, a co-worker, a friend.

Domestic Violence IS personal - whether you are a victim, or you know one. And the problem is EVERYONE'S problem - whether it's in your house, or in your community.

SPECIAL SECTION: United Against Domestic Violence

This week - Channel 3 is taking a stand. We are United Against Domestic Violence - and committed to making a difference.

Each day in the United States - 3 women are killed in domestic violence disputes. Their stories make headlines, and bring calls for help.

In the shadows - are the living victims. Whose days and nights are consumed with fear - that they'll be next:

"One of the things I remember is I was laying on the floor, and he was standing over me choking me and I was passing out. He broke into the home three times, and the detectives wouldn't do anything," said a domestic violence victim who we are not identifying.
Too many victims of domestic violence say the system - put in place to help -- failed them, time and time again. So what is working?

DOMESTIC ABUSE: A crime with no boundaries

Several months ago - Channel 3 set out to find the people who are taking bold risks - and unconventional paths to make a difference.

We are going to take you inside a court room unlike any other in country - in how it handles victims and abusers.

"The offender is accountable every single week to all of us," said Angela Alexander, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Summit County.

To a new victims shelter - still under construction - that will provide services, comforts and protection rarely seen before:

"The one definite feature that the building will have is that everything is located here," said Melissa Hamlin, Director of Advancement at the Battered Women's Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties.

With the help of Kent State University Journalism students, we dug into domestic violence arrests and convictions - to see who is committing crimes, and how often it's happening.

This week - it's not about telling you there is a problem. Together - we are doing something about it.
Join us all this week on Channel 3 News as we stand United Against Domestic Violence.

Monday at 6 &11 we're going to tell you about a special team -- whose sole purpose is to seek out abusers - most likely to kill.

And stop them before they do it.

Gannett Announces TEGNA As Name Of New Broadcasting And Digital Company

McLEAN, VA – Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) said today that it has chosen TEGNA as the name for the new Broadcasting and Digital company. Gannett is in the process of creating two publicly traded companies: one exclusively focused on its Broadcasting and Digital businesses, and the other on its Publishing business and affiliated digital assets. TEGNA will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TGNA.

“We are pleased to announce the name of our new Broadcasting and Digital company, which combines one of the largest, most geographically diverse broadcasters in the U.S. with incredibly strong marketing solutions organizations,” said Gracia Martore, Gannett president and CEO. “TEGNA is a nod to the more than 100 year-old history of Gannett. While always reminding us where we came from, the new name also shows our innovative spirit and commitment to being a forward-looking company that empowers people, businesses and communities to grow and thrive.”

TEGNA’s trusted portfolio of television and digital businesses will provide the content that matters and brands that deliver. TEGNA’s broadcasting business will include 46 television stations and be the largest independent station group of major network affiliates in the top 25 markets. The TV stations will reach approximately one-third of all television households nationwide and represent the #1 NBC affiliate group, #1 CBS affiliate group and #4 ABC affiliate group (excluding owner-operators). Millions of consumers will rely on TEGNA’s broadcasting stations for news and information vital to their daily lives. Combined, TEGNA’s TV stations are renowned for their outstanding journalism and have been recognized with such honors as the Edward R. Murrow, Alfred I. duPont, George Foster Peabody, National Headliner, George Polk and Emmy awards.

Cars.com is the leading online destination for automotive consumers offering credible, objective information about car shopping, selling and servicing. With over 30 million monthly visits to its web properties, Cars.com leverages its growing consumer audience to help automotive marketers more effectively reach car buyers and sellers as well as those looking for trusted service providers. CareerBuilder, a global leader in human capital solutions, provides services ranging from labor market intelligence to talent management software and other recruitment tools. It is the largest online job site in North America, measured both by traffic and revenue, and has a presence in more than 60 markets worldwide. Together, Cars.com and CareerBuilder will provide the company’s advertising partners with access to two very important categories – human capital solutions and automotive. Also part of this powerful digital mix is G/O Digital, which helps businesses – big and small – grow by delivering digital marketing solutions that drive results.

The Publishing business and its affiliated digital assets will retain the Gannett name once the spin is completed mid-2015. Gannett will continue to trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol GCI.

Former Channel 3 Reporter/Anchor Struck With Catastrophic Brain Aneurysm

Cory Thompson and Lisa Colagrossi at WKYC in 1994

UPDATE: Lisa Colagrossi passed away Friday evening. More: http://nyp.st/1BYknA
-------------------------------

Sad news to report on this Friday for those of us who fondly remember working with former Channel 3 Reporter/Anchor Lisa Colagrossi.

She suffered a brain aneurysm and massive heart attack Thursday morning after covering a fire in Queens, New York, while reporting for WABC-TV where she has worked since 2001.

The New York Daily News is reporting doctors say Colagrossi is unlikely to recover from her illness and is currently on life support at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center’s neurological ICU.

At WKYC, Lisa was teamed up with Jim Hooley when the weekend morning news launched and was an anchor with Cory Thompson on the weekend evening shift as well.

Colagrossi, 49, was born and raised in Strongsville and besides working at WKYC and WABC, she worked at WKMG-TV/Orlando.

Our thoughts are with her husband Todd, two children and extended family during this most difficult time.

Channel 3 Crew Saves Dog Trapped on Lake Erie

Channel 3 crews have rescued a dog that has been stuck on the ice north of Bay Village, Ohio, on Lake Erie for more than a day.

Coast Guard crews had said it was too difficult for an air mission, but WKYC partnered up with local company Air1Airboats to take a trip out onto the ice with Channel 3 reporter Mike O'Mara and cameraman George Payamgis to look for the dog

The Coast Guard and Bay Village Fire and Rescue attempted to rescue the dog Thursday but it ran from them.

Concerned residents say they'd been watching the dog, likely a young black Lab for days.

Local animal lovers, including Friendship Animal Protective League Executive Director Greg Willey and Lorain police officer Rick Broz were on hand to assist.

Click on the video below to watch the rescue:

4th Annual APL Fur-Get-Me-Not Telethon This Friday On WKYC

Join Channel 3 News and the Cleveland Animal Protective League for WKYC's Fur-Get-Me-Not-Telethon to raise money for the animals at the Cleveland APL.

On Friday, March 20th, from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Cleveland Animal Protective League will be live on Channel 3 air every half-hour with stories that showcase the diverse and meaningful work the Cleveland APL does to rescue, heal, nurture, adopt and advocate for the animals in need in our community.

In honor of this special and exciting event, the Cleveland APL is extending adoption hours and reducing our adoption fees. On Friday, March 20th, 2015, the APL will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., and select adult cats (1 year and over) will be available for adoption for only $3. (Regular adoption fees are $45 for cats.)

"We're thrilled and honored that WKYC Channel 3 has chosen to spotlight the work we do for animals," says Sharon Harvey, President & CEO of the Cleveland APL. "Every year, we help thousands of animals that are homeless, injured, ill, abandoned, neglected, or abused. We hope Greater Clevelanders will tune in to learn more about the animals at the APL and how they can help. And if you have room in your heart and home, stop by the shelter to meet our special animals and help in the best way possible—adopt love!"

Please call the APL at 216-771-4616 with any questions about adopting an animal in need.

WKYC Launches New Literacy Initiative Wednesday

WKYC and Third Federal are kicking off a new community initiative, the #WeReadHere campaign, to encourage parents to spend 20 minutes a day reading with their children.

Take a look at a few images that have been shared with WKYC! (READ MORE)

UPLOAD: Share your selfie here

MOBILE USERS: Share pics here

The initiative, which launched on World Read Aloud Day, March 4, urges parents to post "reading selfies" on social media using the #WeReadHere hashtag.

More than a one-day event, the campaign will continue through the spring and summer and will provide rewards to randomly selected families who post pictures showing that they have made reading a habit. Twice a week, a sampling of "reading selfies" posted by viewers will be shown on the air during WKYC news programs.

Beyond the selfies, the campaign also spotlights other ways to support literacy efforts in Northeast Ohio. These include:

Greater Cleveland Volunteers is collecting new and gently used books for K-3 students this week. You can drop books off through Friday, March 6, 9 am-4:30 pm, at the Greater Cleveland Volunteers office, 4415 Euclid Ave., Suite 200, Cleveland.

Also Cuyahoga County Public Library is seeking volunteers for its 123 READ program, which brings first and second grade students who are at risk of failing the third grade reading guarantee into the library for one-on-one reading tutoring with trained volunteers.

This popular program, held at the Warrensville Heights, Garfield Heights, Brooklyn and Maple Heights branches, is seeking tutors because it currently has a waiting list of children. To sign up, go to www.BVUvolunteers.org

Dana Nagel Joins WKYC as Director of Sales

Dana Nagel

Former Channel 3 Local Sales Manager Returns

“I’m pleased to announce that Dana Nagel will be returning to Channel 3 as Director of Sales,” announced WKYC President and GM Micki Byrnes. “Dana was WKYC’s Local Sales Manager from 1994 to 2010 when she left to work as the Director of Media and Digital Sales for the Cleveland Browns.”

“I am incredibly excited to be returning to WKYC in this new role,” stated Dana.

“With two seasons at the Browns and two years as the Senior Regional Marketing Director for Tier 10 Marketing handling the American Honda account, Dana brings a unique global view of the Cleveland DMA to all aspects of buying and selling,” remarked Byrnes.

Ms. Nagel will be leading the management team of Local Sales Managers Cory Jackson and Michael Albrecht, National Sales Manager Rita Cavanaugh, Digital Sales Manager Justin Gutschmidt, Director of Research and Strategy Dan Baylog and New Business Development Manager Kim DeCredico.

“I’m confident that Dana’s team, including the best Account Executives and support staff in the region, will continue to lead the market in developing custom strategies and creative solutions for our clients,” continued Byrnes.

“I’m coming home and I couldn’t be happier. I know the station, I know the market and I know together we can continue to position WKYC as the leader in content engagement and customer loyalty,” remarked Dana.

Ms. Nagel graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Telecommunications/ Advertising. She and her family currently reside in Strongsville.

Take the #ShovelChallenge With Channel 3 and Kent State University

Channel 3 is teaming up with Kent State students and volunteers who are paying it forward Friday afternoon, joining their local firefighters to help shovel out fire hydrants covered in snow.

About a dozen people joined the shovel challenge, traveling to different neighborhoods and looking for fire hydrants buried under several feet of snow.

In cases of emergency, firefighters may find them frozen and unusable, which can delay their response times.

Like the Ice Bucket Challenge, we are inviting you to the #ShovelChallenge and post your videos on your social media sites to challenge your friends to do their part and help firefighters clean away the hydrants before the next major snowstorm in northeast Ohio.

#ShovelChallenge Tweets

WKYC Teams Up With Cleveland Indians For Weather Education Day 2015

WKYC Chief Meteorologist Betsy Kling

Once again the Cleveland Indians and WKYC are teaming up for Weather Education Day at Progressive Field on Wednesday, May 27, 2015.

Thousands of students, teachers and parents will participate in a pre-game weather education program, presented by WKYC's Weather Team, before the start of the game.

Each student will be given a Weather Education Day workbook that is packed full of useful weather information and activities.

The Weather Day program begins at 10:00 AM. All Weather Day participants will then take in the game between the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers that begins at 12:05 PM.

Weather Education Day at Progressive Field has become one of Northern Ohio's premier field trips for school groups.

The on-field program is created and produced by WKYC-Channel 3 Chief Meteorologist Betsy Kling. Kling, along with meteorologists Greg Dee, Hollie Giangreco, Marcus Walter and Bruce Kalinowski will do demonstrations and give explanations on the special relationship that weather has with the game of baseball. Of course, Indians mascot Slider will be there along with the rest of the Indians squad.

Tickets are available at a reduced rate for school groups in attendance. Tickets include the pre-game Weather Education Day program as well as seats for the game. Lunch packages are also available. All homeschool and non-traditional school participants are also offered a reduced rate.

For more information on the Weather Education Day program and to inquire about tickets, contact Jackie Plys with the Cleveland Indians at 216-420-4162.