PHOTOS | WKYC Digital Broadcast Center in 2007

What can I say? I'm nostalgic when it comes to the history of WKYC.

Check out some of the pictures of from the Channel 3 Digital Broadcast Center (when we called it that) from 2007.

Main Channel 3 Anchor Desk

Channel 3 Weather Center

Overhead shot of main anchor seat from web center

Overhead shot of main anchor seat from web center

Weather chromakey wall

Channel 3 Interview Set

Channel 3 Newsroom

Channel 3 main hallway

Channel 3 Control Room A

Remember When? WKYC Staff in 2006

How many of these familiar faces can you remember from the Channel 3 News team back in 2006?

Take a guess first, then click here for the correct answers!

#1.

 

#2. 

 

 

#3.  

  

 #4. 

   

 #5. 

 

   #6. 

Throwback Thursday: WKYC in 1974

Time for another installment of "Throwback Thursday" which takes a look back at some of the historical milestones at WKYC Studios.

The time machine takes us back to 1974 with a timeline of some of the biggest moments of that year at WKYC.

1974: Dick Feagler joins WKYC-TV as a commentator and weekly interview host, while continuing as a columnist for the Cleveland Press until its death in 1982.

April 9, 1974: Paul Sciria officially departs WKYC-TV for WWWM-FM/Cleveland after his contract isn’t renewed.

September 5, 1974: Permission is granted by the FCC to move WWWE-AM’s transmitter back to Brecksville from Parma and grant the main studio move from WKYC-TV studios at E. 6^th to East 12^th and Chester breaking the final link between WKYC-TV and the radio stations.

October 1974: Mike Landess joins WKYC-TV from KYW-TV/Philadelphia where he will become a main co-anchor.

October 14, 1974: WKYC-TV rebrands its news from “NBC Newsday 90” to “Action3News” and expands the early evening newscasts with a brand new set from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by NBC Nightly News from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Scott Osborne, reporter and anchorman at WNBC-TV/New York will anchor the news from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Doug Adair, who has been anchoring all of the Channel 3 local weekday new shows for the past few months will be joined by Mike Landess who joins WKYC-TV from KYW-TV/Philadelphia in co-anchoring the 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. news and the 11 p.m. Jim Graner and weatherman Russ Montgomery will give abbreviated reports on the 5:30 p.m. show, the in-depth reports at 6 p.m. The 5:30 p.m. show will also include a new feature that attempts to solve problems sent in my viewers with Kevin Boyle who joins WKYC-TV from WJW-AM/Cleveland.

October 1974: Brian Ross joins WKYC-TV from WCKT-TV/Miami as a reporter

October 1974: Kevin Boyle joins WKYC-TV from WJW-AM/Cleveland as a problem solver on the station’s 5:30 p.m. show.

October 1974: Martha Bateman joins WKYC-TV from WWL-TV/New Orleans as a reporter.

October 1974: WKYC-TV now has the largest broadcast news gathering staff in the state of Ohio.

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This timeline is based on station archives and various newspaper stories. If you feel something is in error, please let me know and we'll make any necessary corrections. Email me at fmacek@wkyc.com

WKYC Studios schedules Christmas Day programming for 2019

WKYC will present a day of Christmas specials on Wednesday, December 25th, that begins right after "What's Next" at 11p on Christmas Eve.

Here is our programming lineup from the WKYC Studios.

Have a happy holiday from all of us at 3.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

11:35 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. - Christmas Eve Mass

1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. - The Spirit of Christmas

2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. - Sister Circle

3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. -  The Story of the First Noel

5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. - Christmas Liturgical

6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. - An American Christmas

7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Today Show

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - The Spirit of Christmas

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Jim Brickman "A Joyful Christmas"

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Days of Our Lives

2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Christmas Movie Block (with no commercials)

•    2:00 p.m. to 3:21 p.m. - Beyond Tomorrow
•    3:21 p.m. to 4:51 p.m. - The Great Rupert
•    4:51 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. -  March of the Wooden Soldiers
•    6:10 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Scrooge

7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Jim Brickman "Magic of Christmas"

8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - NBC Programming

11:00 p.m. - 11:35 p.m. - What's Next at 11p

WKYC Studios to debut 'What’s New' featuring Jay Crawford and Betsy Kling this January

Betsy Kling & Jay Crawford

WKYC STUDIOS President and General Manager Micki Byrnes announced that an exciting new broadcast will be added to the evening news lineup in January 2020: What’s New with Jay Crawford and Betsy Kling at 5 p.m.

“What better way to kick off a new year than with a new show? Jay and Betsy will share a fresh take on the day’s top stories and highlight the bold breakthroughs and interesting people who are moving Northeast Ohio forward,” said Byrnes.

 "We are absolutely thrilled to launch this new show with Betsy and Jay as their passion for all things Northeast Ohio will shine in the stories and reports they'll share," said Adam Miller, Director of Content. "Their energy and personalities pop right through the screen and I'm excited for Clevelanders to connect with them on 'What's New".

 What’s New is more than a new broadcast with new co-hosts, it’s an opportunity for two accomplished people at the top of their respective fields to make an impact in a different way. In her new role, Betsy, the Emmy award-winning Chief Meteorologist at WKYC Studios, will expand her responsibilities into anchoring and reporting.

 “You’ll be watching a friendship grow at 5 p.m.,” said Betsy. ”I’ve known Jay for a few years, but every time I talk with him, I learn something new. He’s a real trip and I think our friends who’ll be watching from around Northeast Ohio will find out very quickly Jay is witty, fun and loves being home.”

 Before joining WKYC Studios in fall of 2019, her co-host Jay Crawford spent 16 years at ESPN anchoring Cold Pizza, First Take and Sports Center. He liked sharing the human interest stories most. “My passion is sharing stories that move us,” said Jay. “Stories that make us proud. Make us laugh. Make us cry. Make us better. I can’t wait to do that on a daily basis in the land I love.”

 What’s New will share new information in a clear, relatable manner. The hour-long broadcast will integrate updates from the 3News Social Center and highlight special reports and features from the experienced team of 3News reporters.

 What’s New will be followed by What Matters Most with Russ Mitchell and Sara Shookman at 6 p.m.

WKYC Rewind: Channel 3 News at Noon on September 29, 1995

We are always on the lookout for classic WKYC gems.

Let's flashback to September 29, 1995, for Channel 3 News at Noon with Cory Thompson and Jodine Costanzo.

PHOTOS | Tis the Season at 3

Christmas 2019 is fast upon us and we are in the holiday spirit at the WKYC Studios.

Take a look at some of the holiday Christmas decorations this year!

WKYC Studios

WKYC anchors Russ Mitchell and Sara Shookman decorating the newsroom

WKYC Studios

WKYC Studios

WKYC Studios

3News sports anchor Jim Donovan named finalist for 2019 Ohio Sportscaster of the Year award

By Dave "Dino" DeNatale
Special to the Director's Cut Blog

Jim Donovan

This is a story that I'm pleased to get to write.

On Monday, the National Sports Media Association announced its nominations for their 2019 awards. At the state level, 3News sports anchor and the radio play-by-play voice of the Cleveland Browns, Jim Donovan, is one of three finalists for Ohio Sportscaster of the Year.

Jimmy was nominated alongside the voice of the Cincinnati Bengals, Dan Hoard, as well as Jim Day, who serves as the television pregame and postgame show host for the Cincinnati Reds.

Voting will take place from December 1 through December 31 by members of the National Sports Media Association. Winners will be announced during the second week of January, then honored at a June awards celebration in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Amazingly enough, in his 35 years of sportscasting in Northeast Ohio, Jimmy has never won the award. However, prior to coming to WKYC Studios in 1985, he won Vermont Sportscaster of the Year for WVMT for three consecutive years.

Despite the absence (for the moment) of an Ohio Sportscaster of the Year award, Jim Donovan has received plenty of recognition for his excellence in broadcasting. He is a three-time Emmy Award winner, and has been inducted into the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Press Club Journalism Hall of Fame. In 2016, Jimmy received the Cleveland Sports Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award.

I mentioned the award nomination to Jimmy during Tuesday's edition of Donovan & Dino.

3News anchor Sara Shookman, husband Angelo expecting first child

Special to the Director's Cut Blog

from wkyc.com

3News anchor Sara Shookman and husband Angelo DiFranco are expecting their first child.

Sara and Angelo met in 2005 while they were both students at Ohio University. However, Sara says sparks didn’t fly until 2012, when Angelo unexpectedly asked her out during a speech at a friend’s wedding.

The two married in the fall of 2017 and now, they’re embarking on a new journey together—parenthood.

During a recorded message, where the 3News Team shared what they were most thankful for this holiday season, Shookman made the surprise announcement during 3News’ ‘What Matters Most’ at 6 p.m. See the full clip in the player below.

Sara and Angelo are the proud parents of a sweet pup named Basil but are excited to welcome a baby human to their tribe.

Baby DiFranco is expected May 2020, something to really be thankful for this holiday season.

Join us in wishing them congratulations on this new and exciting chapter!

Remember When? WKYC Staff in 2004

How many of these familiar faces can you remember from the Channel 3 News team back in 2004?

Take a guess first, then click here for the correct answers!

#1.

#2.

#3.

#4.

#5.

#6.

3News assignment editor Lisa Lowry inducted into Press Club of Cleveland Hall of Fame

Special to the Director's Cut Blog

from wkyc.com

For more than 30 years, Lisa Lowry has made sure that our anchors and reporters at 3News are covering the stories that matter most to Northeast Ohioans.

Thursday night, our longtime assignment editor was honored by the Press Club of Cleveland with induction into their Journalism Hall of Fame. The festivities were held at LaCentre Conference & Banquet Facility in Westlake.

Lowry joins several other 3News team members who are in the Press Club of Cleveland Hall of Fame including:

• Leon Bibb, inducted into the Class of 1999; recipient of the 2018 Chuck Heaton Award
• Jim Donovan, inducted into the Class of 2009
• Tom Beres, inducted into the Class of 2011
• Betsy Kling, recipient of the 2015 Chuck Heaton Award
• Russ Mitchell, inducted into the Class of 2017
• Denise Polverine, inducted into the Class of 2018

RELATED: Press Club of Cleveland honors WKYC's Leon Bibb and Denise Polverine at Hall of Fame ceremony

RELATED: WKYC's Russ Mitchell inducted into Press Club of Cleveland Hall of Fame Class of 2017

WKYC Rewind: Channel 3 News at 11 on July 26, 1996

We are always on the lookout for classic WKYC gems.

Let's flashback to July 26, 1996, for Channel 3 News at 11 pm with Judd Hambrick, Dawn Stensland, Amy Hasten and Ron Jantz (filling in for Jim Donovan).

Throwback Thursday: WKYC in 2005

Time for another installment of "Throwback Thursday" which takes a look back at some of the historical milestones at WKYC Studios.

The time machine takes us back to 2005 with a timeline of some of the biggest moments of that year at WKYC.

January 2005: AJ Colby joins WKYC-TV from WJW-TV/Cleveland as a freelance meteorologist.

February 6, 2005: Eileen McShea’s contract ends, although she remains on the air sporadically through May 2005.

March 2005: Paxson Communications announces it will end its partnership with WKYC-TV and puts “The Akron/Canton News” in doubt on WVPX/Channel 23.

June 2005: John Friess departs WKYC-TV for KRON-TV/San Francisco.

July 4, 2005: WKYC-TV moves “The Akron/Canton News” from WVPX-TV/Akron-Canton to Time Warner Cable Channel 23 at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. (previously 10 p.m.) with anchor Eric Mansfield, reporters Ben Holbert, Joy Benedict and other members of the Channel 3 News team.

July 25, 2005: Jacque Smith joins WKYC-TV from WJW-TV/Cleveland, as a reporter and fill-in anchor for the morning show.

August 2005: Ben Holbert departs WKYC-TV to become Director of Communications for Omega Psi Phil Fraternity, Inc./Atlanta.

September 8, 2005: WKYC-TV joins with all local Cleveland televisions for a special telethon called “Hurricane Katrina: Northern Ohio Responds” from 7 to 8 p.m.

September 12, 2005: “Good Company” debuts at 10 a.m. with Eileen McShea (who returns to the station), Michael Cardamone, Fred Griffith and Andrea Vecchio. Hollie Strano is no longer part of the show.

December 2005: WKYC-TV and the Cleveland Indians form a new company called “Fastball Productions” to produce Indians broadcasts for 10 years from the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Time Warner is the first to air the new network called “SportsTime Ohio.”

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This timeline is based on station archives and various newspaper stories. If you feel something is in error, please let me know and we'll make any necessary corrections. Email me at fmacek@wkyc.com

WKYC Studios Offers the Podcast "Amy Should Be Forty"

Sunday marked 30 years since 10-year-old Amy Mihaljevic vanished from a Bay Village shopping plaza.

Her disappearance ended in heartbreak and tragedy when her body was found months later in an Ashland County field.

Three decades later, her killer remains free and investigators are still searching for answers.

RELATED: Amy Should Be Forty: A look back on the murder case of Bay Village's Amy Mihaljevic

3News has launched a podcast to remember Amy, and to take a deep dive into her case. What clues could help detectives finally find justice for Amy?

The "Amy Should Be Forty" podcast launched Sunday, Oct. 27, the 30-year anniversary of Amy's disappearance. The five-episode series includes insight and memories from Amy's family, investigators who have pursued her case and former Cleveland Scene crime reporter James Renner.

Listen to "Amy Should Be Forty" wherever podcasts are found. Click here to listen on Spotify and here to listen on Apple.

It's currently ranking in the top twenty of iTunes's True Crime Charts.

WATCH | 3News podcast about the murder of Amy Mihaljevic is one of the top listens on Apple! Narrator Andrew Horansky joined Stephanie Haney recently to discuss the case.

"AM Cleveland" staff reunites after 30 years

Hard to believe it's been 30 years since one of Channel 3's most successful morning programs went off the air.

"AM Cleveland" was launched as a challenger to WEWS Channel 5's "The Morning Exchange" when the show debuted on May 9, 1983, with newcomer Scott Newell who joined WKYC from WXIA-TV in Atlanta.

The show aired weekdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with a live studio audience and periodically would do remote shows from various malls around northeast Ohio, many of which no longer exist today.

Newell reminds us that Pierce Brosnan from "Remington Steele" and "James Bond" fame was the very first guest on the show in 1983 from the studios at 1403 E. 6th Street.

By 1986, AM Cleveland surpassed "The Morning Exchange" in ratings. However, the show would end its run on March 31, 1989, after 6 terrific years and thousands of guests.

Recently, a 30 year reunion was held at the WKYC Studios now located at 1333 Lakeside Avenue on October 19th with many of the original show members from on-air and behind the scenes.

The reunion included a tour of station given by current WKYC Production Manager and one of former AM Cleveland Directors, Allen Wohl. The group also watched the last show in 1989, then had dinner at Hodge's on Euclid in Downtown Cleveland where they all shared great memories.

Check out the staff when the show aired and 30 years later in 2019.

(L-R) Al Wohl, Scott Newell, Mary Alice O'Brien, Barbara Tranchito, Betsy Braverman Alexander, Kim Scott Sowinski, Rich O'Dell, Darlene Kreckal)

(L-R) Al Wohl, Jane Hirz, Scott Newell, Darlene Kreckal Lurie, Barbara Tranchito, Sandra Leigh Serio, Kim Scott Sowinski, Rich and Sue O'Dell, Mary Alice O'Brien-Mecke, Alan Kopit

Scott Newell today with a picture of Scott Newell then. (Photo: Rich O'Dell)

Here is one of the shows from "AM Cleveland" back in 1985 when it was broadcast live at Cedar Point.

WKYC Rewind: Channel 3's First 35 years

As you know, we celebrated our 70th year on the air at Channel 3 last October and will always remember our first broadcast on Halloween night, October 31, 1948 as WNBK-TV Channel 4.

A good part of our history comes from those early years when WNBK-TV moved from Channel 4 to Channel 3. The station would then become KYW as part of a station swap between NBC and Westinghouse that would eventually be un-done by the FCC several years later.

At that point, KYW-TV changed call letters to what they are today: WKYC.

Let's take a look at the first 35 years that was celebrated in 1983 and hosted by former WKYC anchor Judd Hambrick. Enjoy!

71 years is just one week away!

Remember When? Chopper 3

Check out these classic photos from 2007 of the Channel 3 helicopter called "Chopper 3" flying over the skies of northeast Ohio.

The helicopter was used to gather news and provide live reports from major breaking news events. Often, you would see a reporter doing a live broadcast from the helicopter during one of our live newscasts.

Sadly, the helicopter was grounded because of the high expenses involved with maintaining, fueling and providing insurance. The advent of new technology, like drones and cellular backpacks, would forever change the way we would cover news at WKYC.

Chopper 3

Chopper 3

Chopper 3

Dan Bowman with Mike Harris (Photo courtesy: Bob Keyes)

Bob Keyes (Photo Courtesy: Bob Keyes)

Emily Mayfield will join the WKYC Studios team as a special correspondent this Fall

WKYC Studios President and General Manager Micki Byrnes announced today that Emily Mayfield will join WKYC as a special correspondent for the 3News team.

Emily Mayfield

“We are thrilled to welcome Emily to the 3News family,” said Byrnes. “Emily’s passion for Northeast Ohio, genuine curiosity and her gift of connecting with people in the community will come to life in her stories for WKYC Studios. When Emily moved to Cleveland, she wanted to explore all that her new home had to offer. We look forward to sharing what she’s discovered!”

“Emily brings her love of life, energy and infectious personality to everything she touches,” said Director of Content Adam Miller. “From identifying innovative trends in the health and wellness space to showcasing the hottest, most interesting spots in Northeast Ohio, Emily’s reports will give viewers a front row seat to Cleveland through the lens of various experts in their fields.”

Emily’s reports will air on “Lunch Break with Jay Crawford” at 12 p.m., “Front Row” at 7 p.m. and across all our digital platforms this fall and throughout the holiday season.

Emily (Wilkinson) Mayfield is a Nebraska native who graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2013. She moved to Los Angeles, California where she began her career as a Patient Coordinator for a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon.

During this time, she established a large and loyal following on Instagram sharing health and beauty information. She recently relocated to Cleveland, Ohio with her new husband Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Baker Mayfield.

3News' Monica Robins shares personal news on her battle with a brain tumor

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

Senior health correspondent Monica Robins is sharing her own medical journey with 3News viewers.
3News has some personal news to share about a member of our family.

Monica Robins came to us in 1998, and has been our senior health correspondent for much of that time.

Monica Robins. Courtesy: wkyc.com

Monica recently took a leave of absence to prepare for her own medical journey. It's a journey she wanted us to share with you tonight. You can watch more on What Matters Most at 6 p.m. and What's Next at 11 p.m. You can also hear more of Monica's thoughts in the video below.

This summer, Monica's world turned upside-down. For years, she had been dealing with a nagging problem in her left eye, first thought to be allergies, then possibly an autoimmune disorder.

But an MRI revealed something far more serious: a tumor, pressing against her eye and brain's left hemisphere.

This type of tumor is a meningioma. The encouraging news is that most are benign. But the location of Monica's tumor, on top of her optic nerve and carotid artery, makes removing it more complicated.

As a journalist who has spent much of her career advocating for others, Monica is now urging us all to make health a priority. She's committed to practicing what she preaches.

"If anything, I want people to learn that it's OK to put yourself first. If you are the primary care giver, and oh gee, I'm the health reporter, I take care of everybody, in my head. If I don't take care of me, I can't take care of anyone. So you need to find that balance," Monica said.

Meditation, regular exercise and clean eating are all part of her plan to be strong, mentally and physically, before she heads into surgery.

Since the tumor is slow-growing, Monica's been able to put off surgery for a few months, allowing her to take care of herself. If the entire tumor can't be removed, there is a chance Monica will need radiation to stop the growth of what's left behind. Or, her doctor may decide to watch and wait to see what happens. Either way, Monica has a long road ahead, with many MRIs in her future.

"I have to be in the best place I possibly can, because I want to be back," Monica said. "I want to be back in January. I want to be back ready to rock and roll. I want to be back, ready to share the rest of the story with you guys."

"Lunch Break with Jay Crawford" begins Monday at noon on 3

Beginning this Monday, October 7th, WKYC Studios launches "Lunch Break with Jay Crawford" at noon on 3.

The show will feature Jay with various co-hosts including Hollie Strano, Maureen Kyle, Alexa Lee and other popular 3 on-air personalities and special guest hosts. You'll never know who is stopping by to join Jay on set.

Also joining Jay will be our new WKYC Studios digital anchor Stephanie Haney with the day's hottest stories and latest social media chat.

For viewers of ESPN, you know Jay Crawford (@jaycrawfordCLE) best from his on-air work on several different shows over the years. In 2003, the sports network came calling and Crawford launched his popular show "Cold Pizza" that became ESPN’s "First Take" in 2007. Within five years, Crawford was on to the "SportsCenter" division to host the midday program where he remained until 2017.

Stephanie Haney (@stephaniehaney)  is a northeast Ohio native and former DailyMailTV correspondent who joined WKYC Studios in early September and is already making a name for herself on the world wide web.

Check out some behind the scenes photos of rehearsals this week.