Coats For Kids - Cleveland Campaign Continues Across NE Ohio

In 1981, local radio station employees became aware of a large number of children missing school in the winter because they did not have warm coats.

That November, Coats for Kids – Cleveland was founded when the radio station began soliciting donations of new or like-new winter coats, according to Coats for Kids – Cleveland.

That first campaign filled the studio, and subsequent campaigns brought in even more coats, along with monetary donations used to purchase new coats.

This year, WKYC and Discount Drug Mart are proud sponsors of the campaign. The campaign continues in most NE Ohio counties, including Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Lorain and Medina.

Coats for Kids - Cleveland conducts an annual collection campaign of new and like-new winter coats in all sizes – infant to adult. Each year, from November thru early January, collection bins are in place at area malls, other local businesses accept coat donations, and area organizations conduct coat collection campaigns.

List of donation locations across Northeast Ohio

Make a monetary donation

The need to keep area children warm, however, is still great. Coat and monetary donations are always needed and, without your ongoing support, Coats for Kids would not exist.

City Club Of Cleveland To Host Ohio Democratic Gubernatorial Debate

The City Club of Cleveland announced today it will host a debate between Democratic candidates for Ohio Governor on Monday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m.

The debate (produced in collaboration with WKYC and Ideastream) will take place at the Westfield Insurance Studio Theater on Euclid Ave. WKYC's Russ Mitchell will co-moderate with Statehouse News Bureau Chief Karen Kasler.

Four of the Democratic candidates for governor plan to attend:

*Former State Rep. Connie Pillich
*State Sen. Joe Schiavoni
*Former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton
*Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley

Ohio Supreme Court Justice and fellow Democratic candidate Bill O'Neill, who raised eyebrows Friday with a Facebook post describing his sexual history, is not scheduled to attend at this time.

All four debating candidates have publicly condemned O'Neill's remarks, and O'Neill later told WKYC's Monica Robins he will likely drop out of the race.

Tickets to the debate are free to the public and can be obtained on cityclub.org. There is a limit of four tickets per person.

TEGNA Named A Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality For The Second Consecutive Year

McLEAN, VA – TEGNA Inc. (parent of WKYC) today was named a top place to work for LGBTQ employees for the second consecutive year. The company received a perfect score of 100 on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The CEI is a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.

“TEGNA’s perfect CEI score represents our commitment to equality, a fundamental value of our company,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “We must reflect the communities we serve and our diverse and inclusive workforce helps us inform, understand and engage with all of our audiences.”

The 2018 CEI evaluated LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBTQ community. TEGNA received top marks in all categories, resulting in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

TEGNA has long been a supporter of diversity and inclusion in the LGBTQ community. The TEGNA Foundation has supported the Washington AIDS Partnership since 1992 including a grant made this month. Through the TEGNA Foundation, TEGNA is also a supporter of the Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association and several other organizations and projects that support the LGBTQ community across the country.

For more information on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

WKYC Anchor Russ Mitchell Honored As 2017 Inductee Into Press Club of Cleveland Hall of Fame

Russ Mitchell

Special to the Director's Cut Blog

By: Dave "Dino" DeNatale

Being inducted into the Press Club of Cleveland Hall of Fame after being in the area for only six years might seem out of the ordinary. 

But then again, Russ Mitchell is no ordinary journalist.

Thursday night, the WKYC Channel 3 anchor and managing editor will be a part of a Hall of Fame class that will include Joe Frolik, Janet Macoska, David Molyneaux, Carol Story, and former WKYC reporter Joe Mosbrook. Tom Moore of radio station WTAM 1100 will receive the 10th annual Chuck Heaton Award.

The event will be held at LaCentre Conference & Banquet Facility in Westlake.

"It's an honor," Russ told me in our conversation. "Cleveland is a wonderful town. When I came here, it was almost like coming to high school for the first time. You ask yourself all of these questions that lead to anxiety, 'will they like me? Will I like them? Will I fit in?' I knew within the first two or three days of being here at Channel 3 and in Cleveland that this was going to be a great ride. And it continues to be."

Russ arrived at WKYC Channel 3 in January 2012 after 20 years of distinguished work with CBS News. He was co-anchor of the overnight show ‘Up to the Minute,’ worked as a correspondent on Connie Chung’s ‘Eye to Eye,’ anchored the Saturday Early Show, Saturday Evening News and Sunday Evening News. He traveled extensively as a reporter for the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather and 48 Hours.

"I was standing in line at the Dollar General when a station-wide email from our (then) President and General Manager arrived that said, "Russ Mitchell is joining the Channel 3 team," recalls WKYC Chief Meteorologist Betsy King. "I actually knew that name!"

Before making it to CBS, Russ' career took him from St. Louis to Kansas City, to Dallas, and back to St. Louis. But he never forgot his roots and the people who helped him along the way. "People were so nice to me at my first job at KTVI in St. Louis when I was 17, " Russ recalls. "Many people would ask me, 'do you want to come back to the control room and see how we do things? Do you want to come in on the weekend and watch us?' It was incredibly nurturing."

Russ has taken it upon himself to give back whenever possible. He returns to his alma mater at the University of Missouri every summer to help with a journalism workshop. And what advice does he give to those seeking to follow in his footsteps?


"You have to do everything. You have to be a jack-of-all-trades in this business," Russ tells me. "You also have to have a thick skin because this is a tough business, it's a subjective business. And always keep trying, never get to a point where you think you can coast."

So what is it like working with co-anchor Sara Shookman, 'The Chief' Betsy Kling, sports anchor Jim Donovan, and the rest of the Channel 3 news team?

"I watch these folks every night and I learn," says Russ. "It's like watching a master class of broadcasters, I'm incredibly lucky."

For Sara Shookman, the feeling is mutual. "Working with Russ is a blessing. He's the guy that stops to say hello to everyone in the building. By name. He's conscientious. He cares. And his leadership has influenced all of us at WKYC. He's been a wonderful friend and mentor since the day we met, and a true partner at 6 and 11. He's helped me grow, simply by letting me pick his brain every day."

Betsy Kling adds, "It has been a huge honor to get to work alongside someone with Russ's resume, but even better to this man my friend. Not only does he bring credibility, but his wicked humor shines through. He's a steadying force in the newsroom and a colleague young professionals can look up to."

Away from the anchor desk, Russ has enjoyed so much of what Northeast Ohio has to offer. "Cleveland has a wonderful restaurant scene. I really like trying things out, it's relaxing. The museums are great and just to be able to get around town in an easy, non-drama way. I love that freedom! And the people here are amazing. Everyone has been so friendly and complimentary, not just of me, but of the station and what we try to do here."

WKYC To Begin Airing Cozi TV September 30th

WKYC announced today that it will begin airing the NBC owned Cozi TV channel beginning on Saturday, September 30, on digital subchannel 3.3

Cozi TV (stylized on-air as COZI TV) is an American digital multicast television network that is owned by the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal.

The network airs classic television series from the 1950s to the 1990s and include popular favorites like "Frasier," "Little House on the Prairie," "The Munsters," "Murder She Wrote" and "Columbo."

The network originated as a local news and lifestyle programming format that was launched between 2009 and 2011 and was seen on digital subchannels operated by nine owned-and-operated television stations of the NBC television network in the United States under the brand NBC Nonstop.

The sitcoms and drama series now appearing on Cozi are primarily from the NBCUniversal Television Distribution program library.

The new station will replace the station's current weather channel on 3.3 that will no longer be available over the air after September 29th.

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Website

http://www.cozitv.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/cozitv/

TV Listings

http://www.cozitv.com/tv-listings/

WKYC And Q104 To Host Northeast Ohio Cares Supply Drive at WKYC Studios Tuesday

By Mac Mahaffee

Special to the Director's Cut Blog

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and now Hurricane Irma, WKYC Channel 3 is teaming up with Q104 and working with the Salvation Army to collect, transport, store and distribute supplies to survivors in Texas and Florida.

On Tuesday September 19, we'll will be hosting a local supply collection here at our studios, 1333 Lakeside Ave. in Cleveland from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. United Van Lines local agent Andrews Moving Company will be on-site to help load and then transport donated supplies to areas in need. Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, is donating fuel for the trucks.

We will be collecting brand new cleaning supplies, baby supplies and non-perishable canned goods. 

Accepted donations include:

Multiple sizes of diapers, including pull-ups
Baby wipes
Baby formula (powder only)
Baby clothing detergent (powder only)
Baby lotion
Baby powder
Baby bottles
Bottled water
Diaper-rash ointment
Cotton Swabs
First aid kits
Gentle baby soap
Non-perishable baby food
Non-perishable canned goods
Sponges
Paper Towels
Toilet Bowl Brushes
Toilet Bowl Plungers
Brooms
Mops
Dish Towels
Garbage Bags

Due to transportation restrictions, the following items cannot be accepted:

Aerosol cans
Ammonia
Ammunition
Car batteries
Charcoal/lighter fluid
Charged scuba tanks
Chemistry sets
Cleaning solvents
Darkroom chemicals
Fertilizer
Fire extinguishers
Fireworks
Fuels/oils
Household batteries
Kerosene
Liquid bleach
Loaded guns
Matches
Nail polish/remover
Paint thinners
Paints/varnishes
Pesticides
Poisons
Pool chemicals
Propane tanks
Rubbing alcohol
Sterno fuel
Weed killer

“The support for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts from Northeast Ohio has been overwhelmingly positive,” said WKYC Channel 3 President and General Manager, Micki Byrnes. “I am incredibly proud of our company’s efforts to raise more than $3,000,000 to benefit The American Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. We are now proud to partner with The Salvation Army, United Van Lines, Pilot Flying J, Andrews Moving Company, Public Square and Q104 as we continue to serve the greater good.”

“Getting people back into their own homes, schools, and communities is a real measure of success after an emergency on the scale of Hurricane Harvey,” said Major Kent Davis, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Greater Houston. “We’re glad to have found creative partners in TEGNA, Unigroup and Pilot Flying J, in getting the right supplies to those impacted so they can return to a normal life as soon as possible.”

“Our entire organization has been inspired to see the first steps toward recovery in Houston and Beaumont,” said United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit Chief Operating Officer Casey Ellis. “We are pleased to be part of the effort to deliver these supplies and help these communities get reestablished.”

“Fueling the trucks’ journey to deliver supplies to Houston is a privilege,” Pilot Flying J Director of Giving Back Will Haslam said. “With travel centers in Southeast Texas, Houston is among the hometowns where our guests and team members live and work. We are honored to help by partnering with The Salvation Army, United Van Lines and WKYC Channel 3.”

WKYC's 24-hour Digi-thon Raises $121,258 For Harvey Relief

Wow!

$121,258.84 was raised through WKYC's 24-hour Digi-thon, which benefits those impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana.

We can't thank you all enough for your immense outpouring of support.

Our first-of-its-kind Digi-thon began at 7 a.m. Thursday and continued through 7 a.m. Friday on WKYC.com and WKYC's Facebook page.

Just because the Digi-thon is over doesn't mean you missed the opportunity to donate. You can still contribute HERE

Channel 3 News Today Starts at 4 a.m. Beginning September 5th

When life gives you a busy schedule, it's hard to cross everything off of your list.

So get your news and weather a little earlier! 

Channel 3 News Today begins their 4:00 a.m. newscast September 5th with John, Lynna, Hollie and the whole team!

WKYC To Host 24-hour Digi-thon For Hurricane Relief August 31st

Starting tomorrow (8/31) morning at 7 a.m., WKYC Channel 3 will be hosting a 24-hour fundraiser to aid in relief efforts for survivors of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana.

The Digi-thon will be carried on WKYC’s digital and social outlets including our website (www.wkyc.com), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WKYC.Channel3) and mobile apps (available in Google Play and iTunes).

Hosted by members of the Channel 3 News team and various WKYC staff members, the Digi-thon will inform viewers on the historic scope of this disaster, why the need for assistance will continue long after the storm has passed.

It will also give the community a chance to ask questions and offer their own perspectives on this event.

“We are thrilled to offer this important digi-thon on all of WKYC's digital platforms,” says Denise Polverine, WKYC’s Director of Digital Content. “We hope that Northeast Ohioans do what they always do and come together and give generously to those in need.”

There will be special guests and performances throughout the Digi-thon as viewers will be encouraged to donate to TEGNA’s “Texas Cares” fund via www.wkyc.com/texascares.

Created in conjunction with the American Red Cross, the fund has raised over a million dollars thanks to the generosity of viewers and corporate donors across TEGNA’s family of stations.

 

TEGNA Texas Cares Raises More Than One Million Dollars for Harvey Relief in First 24 Hours

TEGNA Inc., partent of WKYC-Tv, today announced Texas Cares, an initiative to support those in need following Hurricane Harvey, has raised more than $1.15 million in its first 24 hours.

The fundraising initiative launched on Monday across TEGNA’s stations. The TEGNA Foundation matched the first $100,000 in donations. All money raised will be donated to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

“This is just the beginning. We will use this momentum to continue to serve our communities and help improve the lives of those in need,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “I want to especially thank Lowe’s Home Improvements who, during a Texas Cares telethon on WCNC in Charlotte, donated $500,000. I am incredibly proud of how our stations and communities have come together to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey and serve the greater good.”

All 46 TEGNA stations in 38 markets are helping raise money and encourage donations for Texas Cares. Stations are running stories on-air and across social media, hosting telethons, telling stories of impact and informing viewers how they can help.

All stations have a dedicated donation page on their website. Donations to the Texas Cares initiative are tax deductible and proceeds will go to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

More information can be found at wkyc.com/texascares

TEGNA Launches Texas Cares Initiative to Raise Money for Hurricane Harvey Victims

TEGNA Inc., owner of WKYC-TV, today launched Texas Cares, an initiative to support those in need following Hurricane Harvey.

All money raised by TEGNA’s stations will be donated to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The TEGNA Foundation will match the first $100,000 of donations.

“Harvey’s devastation has shattered the lives of millions across Texas,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “Our stations are coming together to serve the greater good of our communities and help those who need it most. Our stations in Texas are providing important, life-saving information and aid during this catastrophic storm. In Houston, while KHOU’s building was flooding, the station continued to provide vital coverage across platforms. I am incredibly proud of the work our stations are doing to keep their communities informed and safe while providing help and relief to those who need it most.”

“This is a historic storm and heartbreaking situation for all those in Harvey’s path,” said David Brady, CEO, American Red Cross of the Texas Gulf Coast.

“The threat of Harvey is not over and the Red Cross is working around the clock to provide safe shelter and comfort for hundreds of thousands of people who have been impacted. We applaud TEGNA for coming together to support relief efforts. All money raised will be critical as we continue to provide vital services and supplies to those who need it most.”

Beginning Monday, August 28, all 46 TEGNA stations in 38 markets are reaching out in their communities to help raise money for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. As part of the Texas Cares initiatives, all stations are running stories on-air and across social media informing viewers how they can help.

All stations have a dedicated donation page on their website. Donations to the Texas Cares initiative are tax deductible and proceeds will go to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

Go to wkyc.com to DONATE: http://www.wkyc.com/news/community/texas-cares-donate_/468358067

Thank you!

"Daily Blast Live" To Debut On WKYC September 11th

TEGNA Inc., parent of WKYC-TV, today announced the host lineup and fall premiere date for “Daily Blast LIVE” (DBL), a new 30-minute daytime news and entertainment show and multi-platform brand.

DBL will debut on Monday, September 11 across 36 TEGNA markets and can be seen LIVE nationally on Facebook and YouTube. 

DBL features well-known names from television, fitness, sports and comedy including veterans of notable shows like “Dr. Drew,” “The Biggest Loser,” “Big Brother,” and “Growing Pains.”

DBL’s host team will share their expertise, unpredictable opinions and distinctive points of view on the day’s news, daily trending topics and viral, shareable content generating buzz at that very moment. The hosts include:

• Erica Cobb: a seasoned correspondent and football fanatic who has been heard on radio stations spanning the Chicago, Denver and Sacramento areas, Cobb has also appeared as a football pre-game correspondent for several television stations, including Denver’s TEGNA-owned NBC affiliate, 9NEWS (KUSA). Follow on Twitter @EricaCobbMedia
• Tracey Gold: the actress who started her on-screen career at the early age of 4 and later landed the role of Carol Seaver in the popular 1980’s sitcom “Growing Pains.” Follow on Twitter @TheTraceyGold
• Al Jackson: the stand-up comedian, writer and TV/radio personality is widely known for his “Comedy Central Presents: Al Jackson” special and hosting role on BBC’s “Officially Amazing” series. Follow on Twitter @aljackson
• Sam Schacher: a broadcast journalist who previously appeared on CNN, was a co-host on HLN’s “Dr. Drew” and contributed to the Huffington Post. She has also hosted and produced the popular internet show, Pop Trigger, since 2012. Follow on Twitter @SamSchacher
• Jeff Schroeder: the reality TV veteran who has appeared on “Big Brother,” “Amazing Race” and “Marriage Boot Camp.” He conducts the post-interviews online for “Big Brother,” the show where he met his wife. Follow on Twitter @jeffschroeder23
• Ebony Steele: a comedienne, serial entrepreneur and former co-host of “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” who is highly recognized from FOX’s “Dish Nation.” She has been named one of Radio Facts’ Top 30 Women in Media. Follow on Twitter @EbonySteele
• Tory Shulman: a stand-up comic and UCB Improviser who is the Pop Culture Correspondent at FOX LA and the co-host on "Sam in the Morning," airing on LA Talk Radio. She’s also been an on-air host for ReelzChannel. Follow on Twitter @iamtoryshulman
• Jen Widerstrom: a fitness expert, life coach, best-selling author and cover model who was the undefeated trainer on “The Biggest Loser” and currently serves on the advisory board for SHAPE Magazine. Follow on Twitter @JenWiderstrom

“We’re incredibly excited and fortunate to have such a variety of talented hosts comprise our robust on-air team for DBL,” said Bob Sullivan, senior vice president, programming, TEGNA. 

“We purposely tapped personalities from a cross-section of backgrounds and disciplines to bring their distinctive voices, personalities and points of view to DBL. We’re confident that audiences across the country will want to engage with them, live, around the day’s news and trending topics.”

DBL’s 360-degree, multi-platform brand will bring the latest trending stories to viewers 24/7 with broadcast and digital teams delivering a fun, entertaining and exciting half hour to viewers. Seven LIVE, half-hour feeds will be produced per day (Monday through Friday) and be LIVE in nearly every market and time zone in which it airs. DBL will also be streamed LIVE Monday through Friday on the DBL Facebook page from 2-3 p.m. ET and 7-7:30 p.m. ET as well as on YouTube LIVE from 3-5 p.m. ET. 

DBL’s first-of-its-kind, innovative format will enable viewers across the country to participate in the show’s conversation, LIVE, in real-time, by sharing their reactions and opinions on stories, voting on content and submitting videos and other content that may appear on the show.

“Daily Blast LIVE” will be produced out of KUSA in Denver and air in 36 TEGNA markets across the country. Follow DBL on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Snapchat by searching @DailyBlastLIVE or go to dailyblastlive.com.

The show will air weekdays at 3:30 pm on WKYC, Channel 3.

WKYC's ‘Support Our Students' Summer Campaign Uunderway

It may be summertime but WKYC believes in ‘seeing the possible’ in Cleveland’s students all year long.

And when we can get the whole community involved, it can have a huge impact.

This summer, WKYC wants you to join us in our ‘Support Our Students’ campaign, also known as S.O.S., and we are giving you three ways to help local students succeed in school.

You can choose the project that most suits you: You can 1) Donate an armload of children’s books; 2) Drop off school supplies; or 3) Mentor a student. Every bit of support makes a difference.

RELATED | True2U: A mentor's experience

See which project you like best to help students in need from the Cleveland area.

BOOKS: Through Aug. 4, WKYC will be collecting new or gently used children’s books right here at our WKYC studios at 1333 Lakeside Avenue in downtown Cleveland. We are asking that the books be suitable for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. You can drop them off any day of the week and place them in our collection bins. The books will be divided between the United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Stuff the Bus with Books campaign (to be distributed via the Cleveland Public Library during the summer) and the National Council of Jewish Women’s Building Bridges With Books program (which creates libraries inside Cleveland public schools where there is a need).

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: WKYC will also be collecting the following school supplies through Aug. 4: Pens, notebooks, pencils, book bags, crayons, loose-leaf paper, rulers, glue, scissors, calculators and two-pocket folders. WKYC is partnering with Tomahawk Entertainment Group to support its “Cover 4 School Supply Drive.” It’s a grassroots effort to collect school supplies for the Kids In Need Resource Center. Tomahawk’s school supply drive will culminate Thursday, Aug. 10, with a collection event from noon to 6 pm at Buffalo Wild Wings at 26200 Harvard Avenue.

MENTORING: Be a volunteer mentor for True2U, an innovative program that prepares eighth graders in Cleveland public schools for the transition into high school. More than 500 volunteers are needed to mentor eighth-graders and help them develop the tools to make the most of high school and be successful in college and career. It’s not a heavy time commitment and you get plenty of support: volunteers are matched into teams, and meet monthly with students at their schools. Through a structured curriculum, you will expose your students to career options and show them how to maximize their strengths. This program is supported by the Cleveland Foundation’s MyCom youth development initiative, the Neighborhood Leadership Institute and the Greater Cleveland Partnership. 

To sign up, go to: http://bit.ly/true2mentors

Paul Sciria, WKYC's First Full-Time News Reporter, Passes Away At Age 88

Special to the Director's Cut Blog
by Dave DeNatale, wkyc.com

(Photo: Cleveland International Hall of Fame)

A pioneer in Cleveland broadcasting, and here at WKYC Channel 3, has passed away.

Paul Sciria, WKYC's first full-time news reporter, has died at the age of 88, according to his grandson Nick.

Paul was a Clevelander through and through. He grew up in the Kinsman area and attended John Adams High School.

He graduated from Ohio State University in 1950 with a BA in political science. After working in public relations for a few years, Paul began his broadcasting career at WTAM radio, followed by a stop at WJW radio before joining WKYC in 1957.

During his distinguished career at WKYC, Sciria served as street/investigative reporter and was on-call 24 hours a day.

As he told ClevelandSeniors.com, that included getting alerted while watching a movie at Shaker Square in 1960. Big letters came across the screen that read, "Paul Sciria, call your office."

Paul was rushed to Toledo to cover the plane crash that took the lives of the entire California Poly-Sci football team.

He interviewed everyone from The Beatles, to Richard Nixon, to Jimmy Hoffa, during his time at Channel 3.

Paul was with WKYC from 1957 until 1975. He then went on to start a public relations and advertising agency. In the 1980s, his PR skills led him to work with Don King Productions, helping to promote boxing champions Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson, among others.

In 1992, Paul created and became editor of La Gazzetta Italiana, a monthly newspaper targeting Ohio's Italian-American community. He also went on to serve as a Mayfield Heights councilman. 

Among the accolades Sciria earned included induction into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame and the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

Paul and his beloved wife Francesca had six children, 9 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

WKYC Honored With 3 Major Press Club of Cleveland Awards

Channel 3 News at 11 pm was honored tonight as "Best Television Newscast in Ohio in a Major Market" from the Press Club of Cleveland at their annual awards ceremony.

The station also received a first place finish for best television news website (wkyc.com) and a first place finish for on-going coverage of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July 2016.

Congratulations to my WKYC colleagues!

TEGNA Completes Spin-off Of Cars.com; Dave Lougee Named President And CEO

McLEAN, VA – TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) (parent company of WKYC-TV) today announced that it has completed the previously announced spin-off of Cars.com, creating two publicly traded companies: TEGNA, an innovative media company with the largest broadcast group among major network affiliates in the top 25 markets; and Cars.com, a leading digital automotive marketplace. TEGNA will continue trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TGNA. Effective today, Cars.com will begin “regular way” trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CARS.

New TEGNA president & CEO Dave Lougee

Upon the completion of the spin-off, Dave Lougee, president of TEGNA Media, was named president and CEO and joined TEGNA’s Board. Gracia Martore, president and CEO of TEGNA, retired and stepped down from the Board of Directors.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to become CEO of this great company,” said Lougee. “Gracia has meant so much to everyone at TEGNA. She has been a mentor and partner for many years and her vision, leadership, integrity and drive have been crucial to our company’s transformation and success. I am committed to honoring her legacy and will continue to grow and strengthen TEGNA as we move ahead as a standalone, industry-leading media company.”

Lougee added, “Thanks to the leadership of Gracia and the Board, we have worked tirelessly over the past several years to transform our company. We are driven by our strongly-held values and our stated purpose to serve the greater good of our communities. Our intense focus on innovation, combined with our operational excellence, is helping us accelerate growth. We are also uniquely well-positioned to benefit from a changing regulatory environment. Our very strong balance sheet and significant scale allows us to be strategically opportunistic.”

The spin-off was effected through a pro rata distribution of all outstanding common shares of Cars.com to TEGNA stockholders of record at the close of business on May 18, 2017 (the “Record Date”). Stockholders retained their TEGNA shares and received one share of Cars.com for every three shares of TEGNA stock they owned on the Record Date.

Lougee also announced his executive leadership team. Joining him on the leadership team are Victoria Harker, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Lynn Beall, executive vice president and COO of Media Operations, Anne Bentley, vice president and chief communications officer, Ed Busby, senior vice president of strategy, Todd Mayman, executive vice president and chief legal and administrative officer, and Jeff Newman, senior vice president and chief human resources officer.

Marjorie Magner will continue as Chairman of TEGNA’s Board of Directors. Jennifer Dulski, Howard D. Elias, Lidia Fonseca, Scott K. McCune, Henry W. McGee, Susan Ness, Bruce P. Nolop and Neal Shapiro continue to serve as TEGNA directors in addition to Lougee.

Prior to becoming president and CEO, Lougee was president of TEGNA Media, where he oversaw TEGNA’s 46 broadcast stations in 38 markets. Under Lougee’s leadership, the company’s Broadcast portfolio doubled after the acquisitions of Belo Corp. and six London Broadcasting stations. Lougee was named president of Gannett Broadcasting in July 2007 and previously served as executive vice president, media operations for Belo. At Belo, he also served as senior vice president; president and general manager of TV and cable operations in Seattle/Tacoma; and news director at KING in Seattle/Tacoma.

Before that, Lougee was vice president, news at WRC, the NBC station in Washington DC and vice president, news director at KUSA in Denver. Lougee received the 2017 Ward L. Quaal Leadership Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America. In 2015, he was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and in 2014, was awarded the First Amendment Leadership Award by RTDNF and the Broadcaster of the Year Award by Broadcasting & Cable.

Lougee is also deeply committed to the industry at large. His serves as joint board chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and chairman of the NBC Affiliates Board. He also serves on the board of directors for BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.), the Broadcasters Foundation of America and is past chair of the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB) Board of Directors.

Greenhill & Co. acted as financial advisor on the spin-off transaction and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz acted as legal advisor.

WKYC Adds Meteorologist Matt Wintz To Weekend Evenings

Matt Wintz and his family excited to return to Ohio

WKYC is adding a new face to its team of "Weather Ready" meteorologists with Matt Wintz being named as new weekend evening meteorologist announced WKYC News Director Brennan Donnellan on Tuesday.

Wintz is no stranger to northeast Ohio being born and raised in Jefferson just east of Cleveland in Ashtabula County and developed an interest in weather as early as age 3. "We got cable TV and my parents said I would stare at the radar and watch weather coverage for hours," he tells the Director's Cut Blog.

Frequent summer thunderstorms and heavy lake effect snow events helped develop his growing curiosity for NE Ohio weather. During his elementary school years, Matt took his passion to the next level and began writing the weekly forecast on the chalkboard for his teacher and classmates.

The weekly forecast then turned into weekly publications by the 7th grade. "I called it 'Today and Tomorrow' and it featured a few articles I authored about the weather, a forecast, and a weather poem. The poems weren't good at all. They were awful," Matt jokes. "But the forecasts were spot on!"

Matt went on to attend The Ohio State University and received his degree in atmospheric science. He interned at the Ohio News Network and WICU in Erie gaining more experience in forecasting weather for the area. 

Years later he's served as the Chief Meteorologist at WYIN in Chicago and WLTZ in Columbus, Georgia before having the opportunity to come back home. "It is so rare in this business to be able to do what you love for the people you love. Coming to WKYC, I have that opportunity and I'm incredibly thankful for it."

Matt is a long-distance runner and enjoys an unhealthy amount of coffee. He claims it makes him run faster. "My coffee intake has slowed over the last few years as have my mile times. It must be related. It can't be the fact that I'm getting older..."

Matt and his wife Stephanie have been married for 5 years, but have been best friends for nearly 20 years. "We met in high school and I was immediately in love. She only saw me as a friend. It only took 12 years for me to convince her to marry me."

They have a 1 year old daughter named "Emerson" and 3 cats. They are both huge Cavs, Indians, Browns, and Ohio State fans. "We stood out in the Deep South with my Ohio State flag and Cavs hoodie. We're glad to fit in with our surroundings again."

Needless to say, he's excited to share his love and knowledge of NE Ohio weather with you. Maybe even a few poems.

Matt officially joins the team on Monday, June 12th.

WKYC News & Notes: 4/28/17

By Frank Macek

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

It's been far too long since I have written an updated column, as time has been in short supply with several projects happening here at WKYC.

You may have noticed a change in "Channel News at 7" as we launched the show as "Donovan Live" on Monday, April 24th. The show will be much lighter than our traditional newscasts and be more personality based focused on the news and social media of the day and hosted by Cleveland TV legend Jim Donovan. Follow the new show on Twitter @3donovanlive and send us your feedback or ideas for the broadcast!

Behind the scenes, we have been busy in the studio replacing our main studio cameras with new Ross pedestals and Sony cameras. This was done in preparation to allow our Director's to control all of our cameras through our Sony ELC News Production Automation system. Since the new robotic cameras don't move around the studio like our old cameras, we had to redesign our main news desk to better shoot our on-air anchor team. Yes, the new desk is actually the old desk with a few modifications made to eliminate the hard angled sports desk area.

We now have 9 cameras in the main news studio with a new camera in the newsroom and one new camera in Studio B for "Live on Lakeside." However, that show will continue to use manual cameras due to the complexity of shooting guests and entertainment & cooking segments.

Welcome to the Cleveland Consulting Company to the Channel 3 building, headed up President LaRese Purnell. LaRese is the former CFO of The Word church and he will be working with a diverse group of small businesses to help them grow and prosper. His team includes Joyce McAlpine, Meltrice Sharp, Greg Ensley and James Oliver.

Congratulations to Jusin Gutschmidt from our digital sales team for being selected to attend TEGNA President's Club event this year. Justin was instrumental in leading the team to think bigger, prospect more, close and retain digital business. Our unprecedented success in 2016 was a direct result of Justin’s dedication and determination to win! Justin joins the elite group of former President Club WKYC winners of Katie Muniak and Eric Mohre

Congratulations to the following people who have joined the Channel 3 team:

• Casimir Grabowski: Donovan Live Producer
• Sean Forester: Photojournalist/Visual Storyteller
• Megan Gallagher: Multi-platform producer/assignment editor
• Dorsena Drakeford: Multi-skilled Journalist
• Tom Reed: Part Time Editor 
• Mickey Haba: Account Executive
• Raquel "Rocky" Sain: Digital Support Specialist
• Clark Quick: Digital Support Specialist

Before we go, we'd also like to recognize these employees who have recently retired or plan on retiring from the station:

• Arlene Kemejek: Operations Technician
• Dana Golston: Operations Technician

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Don't forget to follow Frank Macek for Breaking News 24/7 on Twitter @frankmacekwkyc 

WKYC Garners 23 Regional Emmy Awards for 2017

Cleveland's WKYC-TV has received a total of 23 regional Emmy nominations as part of the 48th annual Lower Great Lakes Chapter of the National Academy of Arts & Sciences.

Our local NATAS chapter, which also includes the Toledo and Indianapolis TV markets, announced their nominations for the broadcast year of 2016 on Thursday.

Among the major award nominations for WKYC this year include for Best Evening Newscast (Market 1-20), Best Morning Newscast (Market 1-20), Best Weekend Newscast (Market 1-20), Team Coverage for the Republican National Convention, News Excellence and the 2016 Cavs Victory Parade.

Plus, a number of the station's news talent were nominated for individual awards along with several marketing and promotional awards.

The finalists for the regional Emmy Awards will be announced out on Saturday, June 17, during an evening gala at the new Hilton Cleveland Downtown on Lakeside Avenue.

See all the 2017 Emmy nominations

WKYC Named Cleveland Scene's Best Newscast, Jim Donovan Named Best Sports Reporter

CLEVELAND - WKYC is proud to have been named Cleveland Scene's Best Local Newscast.

According to Scene, WKYC's lineup of talent, clean graphics and sharp reporting has snagged us the top honors this year.

We're also proud to call our Jim Donovan Cleveland Scene's Best Sports Reporter. Scene likes Jimmy's infamous radio calls on Sundays, as well as his energetic personality during the 7 p.m. nightly newscast. 

The nominations are part of Scene's annual "Best of Cleveland" awards, which honor Cleveland's greats, from newscasts to pizza and artists. Click here to see all the nominations.

WKYC Adds Dorsena Drakeford To The Channel 3 News Staff

Dorsena Drakeford

By Frank Macek

Multimedia journalist Dorsena Drakeford is joining Channel 3 News beginning in April from KGAN/KFXA-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

She is a "skilled and aggressive reporter who currently works the crime and courts beat and is excited to expand her storytelling and to break some big stories around Cleveland," WKYC News Director Brennan Donnellan tells the Director's Cut Blog about the passion put into her work.

While working at KGAN/KFXA, she reported on everything from trials that gained national attention to the well-known caucuses in the area. Besides her work as a reporter, she also filled in as news anchor for the morning and the afternoon broadcasts.

Drakeford got her start in broadcast as a production assistant in central Texas, but after six months, stepped in front of the camera as the crime and courts reporter for KTXS-TV/Abilene. This gave her the opportunity to learn to shoot and edit stories that not only impacted people’s lives - but put life itself into perspective.

She is a 2011 graduate of Valdosta State University, where she got her degree in journalism while working as the sports editor of the school paper.

In her free time, she enjoys venturing out to meet new friends, watching football (hopefully the Browns now instead of Peyton's team) and taking time to unwind at the gym.

She also tells the Director's Cut Blog she is really looking forward to making northeast Ohio home.

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Follow Frank Macek on Twitter @frankmacekwkyc and on Facebook

WKYC Has Two Honored At Annual TEGNA Awards

Special to the Director's Cut Blog
From wkyc.com

Each year TEGNA, WKYC's parent company, hosts an awards ceremony to recognize top employees, campaigns, and unsung heroes.

Two of WKYC's own were honored at this year's ceremony in Virginia.

We extend a big congratulations to our President and General Manager, Micki Byrnes, who was named Manager of the Year.

A live shot from the team at @WKYC as @mickibyrnes was awarded with Manager of the Year! #TEGNAawards pic.twitter.com/Oaz3XqTjEz

— TEGNA (@TEGNA) March 8, 2017

She beat out general managers from 46 other stations across the country. We think we're very lucky to have her, too!
Congratulations are also in order for our Director of Advocacy and Community Initiatives, Margaret Bernstein, who was honored along with Micki Byrnes with the company's Diversity and Inclusion award.

Congratulations to both @Margbern and @MickiByrnes of @WKYC for winning 2017 Individual Diversity Awards #TEGNAawards pic.twitter.com/FPtVIXJPiI

— TEGNA (@TEGNA) March 8, 2017

We look forward to another amazing year with these two!

Bob Costas Passes Olympic Torch To Mike Tirico As NBC's Primetime Olympic Host

Bob Costas, the primetime host of every NBC Olympics since 1992, has passed the torch to Mike Tirico – who will make his debut as NBC’s primetime Olympic host beginning with PyeongChang 2018.

The announcement was made today – exactly one year before the PyeongChang Opening Ceremony on Feb. 9, 2018 – by Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Broadcasting and Sports, and Jim Bell, President, NBC Olympics Production and Programming.

“For a quarter-century, Bob expertly piloted NBC’s primetime coverage of the Olympics,” Lazarus said. “It is with a tremendous amount of pride that I can simultaneously express our appreciation for Bob’s stellar, record-setting run, while also feeling very lucky that we have someone as talented as Mike to take over as our new primetime host.”

“It has been both a privilege and an incredible personal and professional experience to have been part of NBC’s Olympic coverage all these years,” said Costas, who has the longest tenure of NBC’s sports announcers (37 years). “I’m especially appreciative of all the talented and dedicated people I worked for and with on those broadcasts. I always felt that, in a certain sense, I was carrying the ball for them. It’s been a wonderful run, but I just felt now was the right time to step away and I’m grateful that NBC left that decision to me.”

“The level and longevity of Bob’s tenure have left an indelible mark on American television and the Olympic Games,” said Tirico, who made his Olympics debut last summer as an NBC daytime host and host of the Closing Ceremony in Rio. “I am honored to call him a friend, humbled by this opportunity, and thankful to the many people who have helped make this possible.”

“Bob Costas and the Olympics has been one of greatest pairings in sports broadcasting history, and there isn’t anyone better suited to inherit his mantle than Mike Tirico,” Bell said. “Mike’s natural gifts as a broadcaster and passion for storytelling are just two reasons he is the perfect choice to host the biggest, most distinguished sports event in the world.”

Costas served as NBC’s primetime host for a U.S.-television record 11 Olympics – every Olympics on NBC since 1992, including the 2012 London Games, which is the most-watched television event in U.S. history, reaching 217 million viewers. Costas also served as NBC’s late night host at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

In addition to his critically-acclaimed Olympic work, Costas has won 27 Emmy Awards – more than any sports broadcaster in history. He is the only broadcaster to have won Emmy Awards in sports, news and entertainment (for his late-night program Later with Bob Costas). Costas’ versatility has been recognized with Emmy Awards or nominations for play-by-play, hosting, interviewing, writing, feature reporting and commentary. His career is simply one of the most significant in the history of sports broadcasting. Costas’ now 37-year association with NBC will continue as he will have noteworthy roles in NBC Sports and NBC News programs. For Costas’ full bio, click here.

Tirico, who joined NBC Sports Group in July 2016, has had a whirlwind first seven months with the company. In addition to his role in Rio, he has served as host of Football Night in America, the most-watched studio show in sports, as well as The Open and The Ryder Cup, and Breeders’ Cup horse racing. Tirico also handled play-by-play for Sunday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, and Notre Dame Football. For Tirico’s full bio, click here.

NBC Celebrates Tom Brokaw's First 50 Years This Sunday

NBC News will celebrate the 50th anniversary of veteran anchor and special correspondent Tom Brokaw with “Tom Brokaw at NBC News: The First 50 Years,” a prime time special on Sunday, January 29 at 9 p.m.

The two-hour special features his most memorable highlights and famous interviews from the start of his career reporting on Ronald Reagan’s first run for office to his most recent coverage of the 2016 presidential election, as well as never-before-seen moments from Brokaw’s tenure at NBC News and new conversations with special guests. 

Brokaw and his guests will share insights and discuss topics from the last half century including race relations, politics, the women’s movement, technology, and global affairs.

Brokaw’s in-depth conversations with A-list leaders of business, politics and culture include guests Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Tom Hanks, Jon Stewart, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Colin Powell, David Letterman, Sheryl Sandberg, Lester Holt, Maria Shriver, Lorne Michaels, Nikki Haley, Jim Webb, Wes Moore and Thomas Friedman.

“For 50 years I’ve been covering stories around the world for NBC News and this is a unique opportunity to share those experiences with friends and our audience,” said Brokaw. “It’s a little overwhelming to realize how far I’ve gone and what I’ve seen.”

Brokaw, celebrated as the chronicler of “The Greatest Generation,” began his career with NBC News in 1966 in the Los Angeles bureau, where he covered Ronald Reagan’s first run for public office, the rise of the Sixties counter culture, the assassination of Bobby Kennedy and the 1968 presidential campaign. 

In 1973, he moved to Washington as the NBC News White House correspondent, a position he held until 1976 when he started co-hosting TODAY. In 1983, he became the anchor and managing editor of "NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw.” 

Brokaw was the first to conduct an interview with Mikhail Gorbachev, the first to provide a network report on human rights abuses in Tibet accompanied by an exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama and the only American network anchor to report from Berlin the night the Berlin wall came down. 

Brokaw's first book, "The Greatest Generation," is one of the most popular nonfiction books of the 20th century. In November 2014, he was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the nation's highest civilian honor. He contributed to NBC News’ coverage of the 2016 Election and served as a special correspondent for the presidential inauguration last Friday. 

TEGNA And MGM Launching BOLD, A Live, Interactive, Multi-Platform Program

TEGNA Inc. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) announced today they will premiere BOLD, a live, interactive, multi-platform topical entertainment program, in the fall of 2017. BOLD will be the industry’s first live multi-daypart syndicated show, spotlighting the day’s essential stories, information and trending social media content in real-time across multiple screens.

BOLD (Broadcast Online Live Daily) will be produced unique to each time zone. Each live 30-minute episode will be distinct and able to capture the stories people are talking about at that exact moment. BOLD will connect with viewers in a dynamic and immersive 360 degree viewing experience, enabling viewers to interact live with the show’s hosts, share their reaction and opinions on stories, vote on BOLD content and polls and submit videos and stories that could appear on the show.

“Daytime TV has become predictable and similar. BOLD will be different. The show will reflect how viewers are consuming content across multiple platforms at the same time. BOLD combines those experiences in an informative, interactive and innovative way. BOLD will do the heavy lifting, bringing together the day’s top stories, funny and emotional content and viral videos in one place,” said Dave Lougee, president, TEGNA Media. “We are thrilled to be working with MGM. Their exceptional track record speaks for itself and we believe, together, we can help BOLD break the mold of daytime TV.”

“TEGNA has a significant footprint across the U.S. with a group of very successful television stations. Since this is a live program created by stations for stations, it will speak to our client base. We’re excited to partner with TEGNA and tap into their creative approach to integrating social media and broadcast television with these live feeds, said John Bryan, president, domestic television distribution, MGM.

BOLD understands daytime television viewers are consuming content on multiple screens at once. Over 200 million people in the U.S. consume media on multiple devices, outnumbering single screen audiences 2.5 to 1. Two-thirds of daytime TV viewers use social media, with many interacting, engaging and sharing content while also watching TV. BOLD will meet this evolving audience behavior, aggregate the top stories and trending content and add context, perspective and insight. BOLD will deliver what daytime viewers want most while watching a show: to laugh or smile, to relax and to find out what’s happening. Real-time analytics and continuous incoming data will guide BOLD’s process, presenting the most compelling videos and stories that are relevant to the audience.

BOLD will be distributed by TEGNA Media and MGM and produced by TEGNA. It will air across TEGNA Media and be sold in syndication.

*Research from Frank N. Magid Associates

WKYC News & Notes: 1/11/17

By Frank Macek

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

Hope you all had a great holiday season with family and friends. Hard to believe we are already into January 2017!

Your blogger is really looking forward to seeing what this year brings both for the city of Cleveland and our country. I think it would be really hard to top 2016 in terms of excitement, but we can hope it's a fun year in local television.

I have just a couple of notes for this month's edition of "News and Notes."

For those of you counting, this month marks our 16th year at the Channel 3 Studios at the corner of E. 13th and Lakeside Avenue, or has it is now called "Tom Beres Way" in honor of WKYC Senior Political Reporter Tom Beres who retired last month after 37 years with the station.

If you remember, WKYC debuted our new set on the Monday following the Superbowl in January 2001. Over the years, we've made a few tweaks and are hopeful to have a new set in the next couple of years as television continues to evolve into a multi-platform arena where on-air and on-line are merging into a digital first approach.

Adkins with the Larry O'Brien trophy

In the news, congratulations to WKYC Assistant News Director Jonathan Adkins (pictured right) who was recently recognized by our parent company, TEGNA Media, with an "Own It" award. Jon was recognized for all his amazing efforts in planning and executing the station's highly successful coverage of the 2016 Republican National Convention that happened here in Cleveland last July. From getting us the best broadcast location at the Q to getting everyone credentialed and fed in the field during the RNC, Jon was at the heart of it all. Then the following week, Jon found himself on a plane to Philadelphia with anchor Russ Mitchell and Multi-Media Journalist Brandon Simmons for our on-site coverage of the Democratic National Convention. Prior to becoming Assistant New Director, Jon was the executive producer for Channel 3 News at 6 p.m.

"Action 3 News" team, courtesy Jim Kegelmyer

Longtime WKYC Art Director Jim Kegelmyer (pictured above, right of center) hung up his virtual paintbrush last month and retired after 42 years with the station. "Keg," as we affectionately call him, began his career at Channel 3 in 1974 when the station was still an NBC owned and operated station and branded as "Action 3 News." Hopefully, you recognize some of the news team pictured including anchor Dough Adair. Best wishes to Keg for the future, though we are pretty sure he won't be bored in retirement as his wife plans to keep him busy around the house.

Herman Kirksey

On a sad note, we said goodbye to Herman Kirksey, who passed away on Saturday, December 17th. "Mickey" was one of our cherished members of the family as a security guard and good friend to many for years around here at WKYC before retiring last summer due to health issues. For many fall seasons, Mickey also served as our Friday Night Fever referee giving the sports team a whistle blow and a "2 minute warning" during the high school football season. We'll miss seeing Mickey roaming the halls at WKYC keeping us safe from harm, but we are sure he is still watching over us from above.

Congratulations to the following people who have joined the Channel 3 team:

• Adam Kenyon: News Operation Manager
• Jillian Buzzi: Multi-Media Marketing Producer
• Danielle Serino: Consumer Investigative Reporter & Multi-Media Journalist

Before we go, we'd also like to recognize these employees who have recently retired or plan on retiring from the station:

• Sean Mulroy: Studio technician/editor

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Follow Frank Macek on Twitter @frankmacekwkyc and on Facebook

WKYC Launches New Show: "We The People"

WKYC is kicking off the new year with a brand new show called "We The People" that debuts this Friday, January 6th at Noon.

"We The People" is different than other community affairs type shows explains Executive Producer Margaret Bernstein. "We’ll be interviewing the 'do-ers,' people doing interesting things in our community, and we’ll explain to viewers how to get involved and take part in the projects we spotlight."

Channel 3 News Today personality Tiffany Tarplay will host the show that will include a community calendar to let viewers know about events going on in Northeast Ohio and we’ll also have a “Volunteer Opportunity of the Week” to encourage people to get out and get involved.

This week, the show will feature the new literacy initiative, Slavic Village Reads, that WKYC is kicking off this week with Third Federal.

You can stay connected with the "We The People" page on Facebook to share your thoughts on the program and offer ideas for the show at: https://www.facebook.com/WeThePeopleWKYC

The show will air every Friday in place of "Live on Lakeside" from 12 to 12:30 p.m.

Danielle Serino Joins Channel 3 News

Danielle Serino

Journalist Danielle Serino is joining the Channel 3 News team as a consumer investigative reporter and multi-skilled journalist.

WKYC News Director Brennan Donnellan tells the Director's Cut Blog that Danielle will lead the station's Verify segments where "we look for transparency in how we follow a story and fact-checking, especially important in this era of fake news and social media."

Serino is an Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Investigative Reporter who has worked in major news markets including Miami, Chicago and New York, where she was filling-in as an Anchor for Early Today on NBC.

Most recently she worked at WOIO in Cleveland as the afternoon Anchor and Investigative Consumer Reporter.

Danielle began her Television career as a Field Producer for a show called "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol" where she followed the Vice Squad in Newark, New Jersey answering 911 calls. After that, she went a more traditional route and began writing for a 24 hour news outlet called News 12 in New York, eventually finessing her way to an on air reporting job.

Her next stop was WAMI in Miami where she began her work as an Investigative Reporter, covering social issues for a news program called The Times. It was there that she won an Emmy for a series on the 25th Anniversary of the Mariel Boat Lift.

Danielle then became a Midwesterner, heading to FOX Chicago where she led her own Investigative Consumer segment which was nominated for multiple Emmy Awards. She reported on everything from unscrupulous businesses which she put into “Danielle’s Doghouse” and tested infomercial products for a segment called "Does It Work Danielle?”.

She made the decision to “bring her talents” to Cleveland where she continued her Investigative Consumer Reporting, as well as anchoring the 4:30 and 5:30pm newscasts for 19 Action News. She also regularly filled in on WTAM for the “Spew” where she battled Mike Trivisonno over current events.

During her time here she has been actively involved in several non-profits including Frontline Service which reaches out to adults and children in Northeast Ohio to end homelessness, prevent suicide, resolve behavioral health crises, and overcome trauma. She also works with Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio a program which builds social awareness, confidence and self-esteem in young students through Ballroom dancing.

Danielle is not all work and no play though. She’s an adventure seeker who has traveled the world, backpacking through the Middle East, rappelling waterfalls in St. Lucia, parachuting and bungee jumping. She is also an avid Salsa Dancer.