Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

 By Frank Macek WKYC Studios is proud to announce that veteran broadcast executive Julie Flynn has been named news director, effective Monday, August 4. Flynn will oversee WKYC’s news operation across all platforms, including television, streaming, and digital. Julie Flynn A Cleveland native, Flynn is no stranger to Northeast Ohio viewers. She has spent most of her career serving this community and has been part of WKYC’s leadership team since 2023 as assistant news director. Before that, she guided innovation efforts at the station, including the successful launch of the WKYC+ streaming app. Flynn’s newsroom leadership experience also includes a four-year stint as news director at WZZM 13, TEGNA’s ABC affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 2018 to 2022. Her local roots run deep. Flynn previously spent over 15 years in the Cleveland market, including time as WKYC’s 11 p.m. executive producer from 2013 to 2017, where she also helped shape “Donovan Live.” She began her career at W...

By Frank Macek WKYC Studios has these job openings available if you are looking for a rewarding career experience with us at TEGNA Media's Cleveland location. We've also now added opportunities for our sister TEGNA stations in Columbus and Toledo, Ohio courtesy of the Director's Cut Blog. Current WKYC/Cleveland Job Openings Account Executive   Investigative Producer   Meteorologist Multi-Skilled Journalist News Director Current WBNS/Columbus Job Openings Account Executive Broadcast Director ***NEW*** Creative Marketing Producer Freelance Photographer/Editor ***NEW*** Managing Editor Multi-Skilled Journalist News Director  ***NEW*** Photojournalist Current WTOL/Toledo Job Openings Account Executive Broadcast Director/PT   Multiskilled Journalist Sales Coordinator You can also find other jobs within our parent company on the  TEGNA Career Page . Please note, you must apply via the website. Mailed applications are not accepted. Follow Frank Macek for new postin...

By Frank Macek Please join me in welcoming Amaya Ward to our newsroom team! A passionate, multi-skilled journalist, Amaya joins us from KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, where she made her mark as a reporter dedicated to telling stories that matter. Her time there included coverage of vital community services like mobile medical clinics for homeless veterans, crime and public safety cases, youth nutrition efforts, and wildfire relief programs. With each story, Amaya worked to shine a light on people at the heart of the news—those who might otherwise go unheard. Amaya Ward (Courtesy: KFOR-TV) Amaya’s journalism journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. During her time there, she became a familiar face on OU Nightly as both an anchor and reporter. She also worked as a sports pad host and served briefly as a Washington D.C. correspondent, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of formats and topics. H...

By Frank Macek I remember the first time I heard the voices on NPR drifting through my family’s kitchen like a warm breeze. I was eight years old. It was early morning, and the smell of coffee filled the air while Bob Edwards calmly shared the news of the world on "Morning Edition." That moment stuck with me. It was the first time I realized news didn’t have to shout at you to get your attention. It could be gentle, thoughtful, and full of truth. It could invite you in. Public media has always done that. And now, it’s under threat. Recent legislation by former President Donald Trump and his allies in Congress to eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) isn’t just a budget line being slashed. It’s a deeper cut — one into the heart of our civic life, our culture, our identity as a nation that values knowledge, empathy, and community. Let’s be clear: public media isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline. And if we allow that line to be cut, we all lose. Whether...

By Frank Macek As we count down the final weeks of summer, many kids in Northeast Ohio are thinking about new friends, favorite teachers, and what color backpack to pick out for the new school year. But for far too many families, back-to-school season is filled with anxiety—not excitement—because basic classroom supplies remain out of reach. That’s where we come in. WKYC is proud to once again team up with our local United Way chapter for the annual School Supply Fundraiser, a vital campaign aimed at making sure every student, no matter their circumstances, has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. This isn’t just about pencils and notebooks. It’s about opportunity. Your donation helps fund everything from essential classroom materials to mental health resources, ESL support for caregivers, and even training for childcare providers. These are the real building blocks of long-term student success. Why Your Help Matters Research shows that when kids show up prepared—both mentally an...

By Frank Macek WKYC continues to shine a spotlight on real Northeast Ohio families through its heartfelt and educational series More Childhood, Please, produced in partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital. The show, which has been compared to a blend of reality TV and YouTube-style family challenges, is back this weekend with a new adventure designed to encourage healthier habits in our kids—and maybe even ourselves. Episode 3 airs this Saturday at 7 p.m. on WKYC, and will also be available for streaming on all WKYC digital platforms. This time, the series follows local siblings Lily and Rhys as they ditch the screens, step outside, and reconnect with the great outdoors. Whether it’s squishing through the mud, exploring tree-lined paths, or learning about the ecosystem right under their feet, this episode reminds us all of the simple magic found just beyond the front door. More than just cute moments and camera-ready kids, More Childhood, Please is built on a foundation of expert ad...

By Frank Macek In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, the term “CTV” is popping up more frequently in conversations about television’s future. But what exactly is Connected TV, and why is it such a critical piece of the puzzle for local broadcasters like WKYC-TV? Let’s unpack what CTV means, how it differs from traditional TV, and why it’s becoming the cornerstone of how local stations will survive—and thrive—in the streaming era. CTV stands for Connected TV—televisions that connect to the internet to stream digital video content. This includes smart TVs with built-in internet access and devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation that connect regular TVs to the web. Through these platforms, viewers access streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Peacock—and yes, local news apps and FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channels, many of which carry content from local affiliates like WKYC Studios in Cleveland. In short, CTV is how ...

By Frank Macek Mike Stone, the veteran meteorologist once seen on weekend and morning broadcasts at WKYC in Cleveland, has built a distinguished three-decade career grounded in scientific rigor, community engagement, and broadcast excellence. Graduating from Penn State University with a deep-seated passion for weather, Stone earned professional distinction early, obtaining certifications from both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association, as well as the prestigious AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal.  Mike Stone (courtesy: WTVR) His journey in broadcast meteorology began with high-stakes roles in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he honed his skills covering tornadoes and severe storms, developing the calm and authoritative demeanor that would define his on-air presence.  From there, he transitioned through broadcasts in Pennsylvania and other Midwestern markets, finally landing in Cleveland at WKYC-TV. Stone served as the weekend and later morni...

By Frank Macek In today’s streaming-dominated media landscape, many viewers have overlooked one of the most valuable sources of free entertainment: over-the-air (OTA) television.  For Cleveland-area residents, WKYC stands out not only as the local NBC affiliate but also as a gateway to a diverse array of additional digital subchannels.  With just a simple antenna and a few minutes of setup, viewers can access an impressive lineup of free programming that goes well beyond the main NBC broadcast. Let’s take a closer look at what WKYC offers over the air and how you can tune in. WKYC’s main channel, 3.1, delivers the station’s core programming in high definition. This includes local news, NBC network shows, and syndicated content. But beyond this familiar feed lies a rich catalog of multicast channels, each offering its own unique content. As of mid-2025, WKYC transmits up to eight subchannels alongside its main signal: 3.1 – WKYC (NBC) : The primary feed featuring NBC programmin...

By Frank Macek In the face of devastating natural disasters, communities often find strength in the compassion of strangers. That spirit of solidarity is exactly what WKYC and our parent company, TEGNA, are hoping to tap into as we rally support for Texans impacted by the catastrophic flash floods that began over the July 4th holiday. Central Texas, particularly Kerrville and surrounding parts of the Hill Country near Austin, has been hit hard by sudden, deadly flooding. Torrential rains turned roads into rivers, overwhelmed homes and businesses, and left families displaced. First responders and rescue crews are still working around the clock to save lives, recover the missing, and begin the long road toward recovery. It’s a moment of crisis—and a call to action. That’s why WKYC is proud to take part in the TEGNA Texas Flood Relief Fund , a national fundraising effort uniting TEGNA-owned television stations across the country. Our mission is simple but urgent: raise vital funds to h...

By Frank Macek Every September, something extraordinary happens in downtown Cleveland. The city’s heartbeat quickens—not just from the whirring of bicycle wheels on pavement, but from the shared passion of thousands who come together for a single, powerful cause: curing cancer. That event is Velosano: Bike to Cure, and I’m proud to say that WKYC is not only covering it—we’re part of it. If you haven’t heard of Velosano before, let me introduce you to what I believe is one of the most impactful and inspiring efforts taking place in our region. Velosano—which means “swift cure” in Latin—isn’t just a bike ride. It’s a movement. Organized by Cleveland Clinic, it’s a massive fundraising effort that has already raised over $80 million since 2014 to support life-saving cancer research. What sets it apart is that 100% of the funds raised go directly to research. No overhead. No middlemen. Just pure, powerful impact. The main event, Bike to Cure, takes place this year on September 6, 2025, with...

 By Frank Macek As someone who's spent a good part of my career inside local television stations, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions made in Washington D.C. ripple across our newsrooms. When the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) talks about relaxing ownership rules, it’s not just an abstract policy shift—it’s something that could affect every aspect of what we do on the ground. And while the issue is complex, I think it's worth stepping back to look at both the opportunities and the challenges this kind of change presents. For those who might not be familiar with the current framework, the FCC has traditionally imposed strict limits on how many TV or radio stations a single company can own in a given market. These rules were designed decades ago to ensure a diversity of voices and prevent any one entity from having too much influence over the media landscape. But in today’s world of streaming, social media, and digital fragmentation, some argue that these rules are outdate...

 By Frank Macek Twenty years ago, the television industry entered a new era. High-definition (HD) television was more than just a buzzword—it was a revolution. For viewers used to grainy analog signals and boxy CRT screens, the introduction of HD was like switching from a dusty window to a crystal-clear panorama. Today, as we sit in 2025 with 4K, HDR, and even 8K options at our fingertips, it's hard to believe just how far we've come. So, let’s take a look back—and forward—at how HD changed the way we see TV and what that shift meant for the industry, content creators, and viewers alike. The Moment Everything Changed HD officially entered the mainstream consciousness in the mid-2000s, with 2005 often cited as the turning point. Broadcasters were upgrading equipment, cable providers were offering HD packages, and suddenly, "HD Ready" became a selling point for every new television. But it wasn’t just about the hardware. The move to HD forced an industry-wide reckoning ...

By Frank Macek After becoming just the second person to undergo a groundbreaking implant operation at the Cleveland Clinic, 3News Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins is now discovering a new sense of purpose in her healing journey. This innovative procedure—designed to restore critical function and vastly improve quality of life—marked a monumental step for both Monica and the medical community. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and the remarkable impact of cutting-edge medicine.  As Monica shares her experiences, she underscores the blend of hope and determination that carried her through recovery, and she reflects on the profound gratitude she feels toward the surgical team, her loved ones, and the supportive caregivers at Cleveland Clinic. In opening up about the highs and lows of her rehabilitation, Monica shines a powerful light on the emotional and physical complexities of recovery—and on the transformative promise of medical innovation.  Her journey reminds...

By Frank Macek For a long time, local TV news had a playbook that rarely changed. You had your set air times, polished anchor desks, and a 30-minute rundown of top stories. It worked—and it worked well. But those days? They’re quickly fading. Viewers have moved, habits have shifted, and stations like WKYC Studios in Cleveland are completely rethinking how we do local news in the streaming age. Here’s the thing: the local newscast isn’t going away. But it is being rebuilt—and WKYC is one of the stations helping lead that charge. Why We Had to Change Let’s be real—nobody’s sitting around waiting for a 6 p.m. newscast anymore. People want their news now , on their phone, in a quick video, or as part of a live stream they can tune into whenever it’s convenient. Younger viewers, in particular, aren’t tied to the living room TV—they’re watching while riding the bus, grabbing coffee, or scrolling at midnight. That’s why just sticking with “what’s always worked” isn’t good enough. To stay re...

By Frank Macek If you watched WKYC during the mid-to-late 2010s, chances are you remember Andrew Horansky. With his thoughtful tone, strong on-air presence, and reporter’s instinct for the human side of the story, Horansky became a familiar face to viewers in Northeast Ohio. He joined Channel 3 in April 2015 after a long and well-traveled journalism career that took him across the country—and even overseas.  At WKYC, he served as both a general assignment reporter and weekend anchor, quickly making his mark with in-depth storytelling and a knack for covering both breaking news and community features with equal skill. Horansky brought a broad resume to Cleveland. Prior to arriving at WKYC, he had reported in Houston Austin, Chicago, Boston, Traverse City and Dubuque and was also known for his international reporting, including coverage from Iraq, Pakistan, Haiti and Sri Lanka. That global perspective, combined with a clear, calm delivery, made him a trusted presence on Cleveland air...

By Frank Macek There’s no getting around it—Donald J. Trump remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern American political history. From the moment he entered the political arena, he has managed to dominate headlines, spark national debates, and shift the foundation of how campaigns and presidencies are covered. Now, in 2025, with Trump once again in the spotlight amid ongoing legal battles and another presidential campaign, the media is at a crossroads. The national press has been wrestling with how to responsibly cover Trump for nearly a decade. But this isn’t just a dilemma for CNN, Fox News, or The New York Times. Local newsrooms—TV, radio, and newspapers—must also grapple with the question: How do we cover Trump in a way that informs without inflaming, that protects democracy without compromising journalistic standards, and that fiercely defends the First Amendment in the process? This is a challenge that must be taken seriously, because how we cover Trump going forward h...