Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

By Frank Macek Television’s brightest stars are heading to New York City for one of the newest—and most talked-about—evenings in entertainment: The Gotham TV Awards. And for viewers in Northeast Ohio, WKYC Studios is proud to bring the excitement home with a free live stream of the full ceremony on WKYC+ this Monday, June 2nd beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Whether you're a fan of bold new series, breakout performances, or just love the energy of an awards show that truly celebrates the art of television, this is an event you won’t want to miss.   Now in just its second year, The Gotham TV Awards—presented by The Gotham Film & Media Institute—has already carved out a unique space in the TV awards landscape. Unlike other shows that focus heavily on established names and big-budget productions, the Gotham Awards highlight innovation, diversity, and creative risk-taking. These are the stories—and the storytellers—that are shaping what television is becoming, not just what it’s been. ...

By Frank Macek Cleveland baseball fans, get ready for a summer of free, over-the-air action as the Guardians return to WKYC Channel 3 for a 10-game broadcast slate — and it all kicks off this Friday, May 30 at 7:10 p.m. The Guardians host the Los Angeles Angels in the first of 10 WKYC broadcasts this season, part of an exciting partnership that brings baseball back to free TV for Northeast Ohio. That means no subscriptions, no streaming accounts, no cable required — just good old-fashioned baseball on your local NBC affiliate. Friday’s matchup promises plenty of fireworks on the field. The Guardians are in the thick of the AL Central race, and with star power on both sides, this is must-watch baseball. WKYC will bring you every inning, pitch, and call from Progressive Field, live and in high-definition. It’s more than just a game — it’s a celebration of local access and community connection. For fans without cable or streaming access, WKYC is delivering the ballpark experience straight...

By Frank Macek Walk into any newsroom today like WKYC, and you’ll likely find a familiar scene: a news producer juggling scripts, timing out live elements, coordinating with reporters in the field, updating rundowns—and, increasingly, triggering automation commands, punching live shots, cueing graphics, and managing tech workflows in real-time. In many markets, the days of a dedicated director or technical director operating behind the glass are becoming rare, replaced by a one-size-fits-all philosophy: if the system can be automated, the producer can run it. But just because the technology can allow producers to control more of the technical process doesn't mean they should. We’re reaching a critical moment in broadcast news where we need to seriously re-evaluate the role of the producer. If the future of news is going to be faster, smarter, and more responsive, producers must be freed to focus on what they were hired to do: produce. Let’s be clear—producing is not just “stacking ...

By Frank Macek At a time when so much of the news cycle can feel overwhelming or impersonal, WKYC Studios is carving out space for something different—something deeply human. It’s called “Heartstrings,” and it’s quickly becoming a signature series for the station thanks to the compassionate storytelling of journalist Lindsay Buckingham. “Heartstrings” isn’t just another feel-good segment—it’s a celebration of Northeast Ohioans whose stories deserve to be told. Whether it’s about love, loss, resilience, kindness, or second chances, each installment of “Heartstrings” pulls viewers into a world where emotions are raw, personal, and ultimately inspiring. What Is “Heartstrings”? Launched as a storytelling feature within WKYC’s 3News newscasts, “Heartstrings” has since grown into a full weekly show airing on the station’s streaming platform, WKYC+, every Wednesday at 3 p.m. While clips may appear in select editions of 3News throughout the week—especially during morning or evening newscasts—t...

By Frank Macek Dave Chudowsky As someone who has spent years documenting the lives of others in broadcast and beyond, it's not often that we get the chance to witness a story as personal, raw, and ultimately inspiring as the one recently shared by WKYC's Dave Chudowsky. Dave, a longtime anchor on 3News' morning show "GO!", made the courageous decision to publicly open up about his prostate cancer diagnosis—a decision that resonates not just with his viewers in Northeast Ohio, but with men across the country facing similar silent battles. When Dave broke the news live on air, it wasn’t for sympathy. It was a call to action. His story is a sobering reminder of the importance of routine health screenings and a testament to the life-saving power of early detection. Dave’s journey began with a routine PSA test—a blood test used to screen for prostate-specific antigen levels. Elevated numbers can be an early indicator of prostate cancer, and for Dave, those results turn...

By Frank Macek Matt Strandridge  (Courtesy: WTHR) Matt Standridge, once a familiar face on Cleveland's WKYC-TV, has charted an impressive and heartfelt journey through the world of broadcast meteorology. Today, he’s embraced a new chapter, returning to his roots in Indiana as the morning meteorologist for WTHR-TV’s “13Sunrise” in Indianapolis. For those who fondly remember his engaging weekend forecasts and adventure series on WKYC, Standridge’s story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose. Building a Meteorological Foundation Matt’s journey in meteorology began with a strong academic foundation. Born and raised in Centerville, Indiana, Standridge pursued a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology at Valparaiso University. He also minored in Digital Media, a combination that uniquely positioned him for the multimedia demands of modern weather broadcasting. His college years were filled with hands-on experience, including his early work as a weekend meteorologist for WBND AB...

By Frank Macek If you’re a regular viewer of 3News in Cleveland, you’ve probably noticed a new emphasis in how weather is presented—especially when it comes to terms like “Weather Impact” and “Weather Impact Alert.” These phrases are showing up on-air, online, in mobile alerts, and on social media. And while they may sound like just another layer of weather branding, they actually serve a very specific purpose that affects how you understand and respond to the forecast. Let’s dig into what these alerts really mean—less from a technical or marketing perspective, and more from the point of view of you, the viewer, trying to get through the day. Why “Weather Impact” Is About You—Not Just the Weather Traditionally, weather reports have focused on the numbers: temperatures, wind speeds, dew points, snowfall totals, and radar images. While all of that is still important, it doesn’t always help you figure out how the weather is actually going to affect your routine. That’s where the idea of ...

By Frank Macek Megan McSweeney WKYC Studios is proud to welcome Megan McSweeney as our new dayside Assignment Editor, effective today.  A graduate of Kent State University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law—an academic foundation that pairs editorial strength with a solid grasp of media ethics and legal considerations. Most recently, Megan served as an Assistant Editor at a news magazine, where she led content review, proofreading, and production scheduling. Her attention to detail and ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams helped ensure a smooth and timely publishing process. Before that, she worked at Cleveland 19 News in dual roles: Assignment Desk Editor and Digital Content Producer. There, she gained hands-on experience managing breaking news, coordinating field crews, and producing digital content across platforms. Her familiarity with the fast-paced nature of local television news makes her well-equipped to thrive in the assignme...

By Frank Macek NBC's Fall 2025–26 primetime lineup reflects a strategic blend of returning favorites and ambitious new ventures, underscoring the network's commitment to both tradition and innovation. Monday nights continue to showcase "The Voice" from 8–10 p.m., followed by "Brilliant Minds" at 10 p.m., a medical drama inspired by the life of neurologist Oliver Sacks, starring Zachary Quinto. This series has been renewed for a second season, indicating strong viewer engagement. Tuesdays in September feature "The Voice" from 8–10 p.m., leading into "On Brand with Jimmy Fallon" at 10 p.m. This new reality competition series, hosted by Fallon, challenges contestants to develop innovative marketing campaigns. Starting in October, NBC dedicates Tuesday nights to NBA coverage from 8–11 p.m., marking the league's return to the network after a 23-year hiatus. Wednesdays are anchored by the "One Chicago" franchise: "Chicago Med...

By Frank Macek In 2025, WKYC’s 3News is revisiting some of the most significant moments in Cleveland’s recent history, as the city observes key milestones—marking 10, 25, and 50 years since events that shaped its identity. These defining stories not only impacted lives across Northeast Ohio when they occurred, but also continue to influence the community’s path forward. Since first signing on in 1948, Channel 3 has been Cleveland’s eyewitness to history—capturing the events that defined generations, from neighborhood struggles to major decisions at City Hall. This year, we look back at three pivotal chapters: 1975, 2000, and 2015. Each of these years brought transformational change to Cleveland, and WKYC was there to document it all—delivering trusted reporting, community perspectives, and coverage that brought viewers closer to the heart of every story. 2015: Key Cleveland News Events (10 years ago) Courtesy: The Nation 1. Tamir Rice Investigation In 2015, Cleveland grappled with th...

by Frank Macek Sara Shookman For nearly a decade, viewers across Northeast Ohio welcomed Sara Shookman into their homes each evening as one of the trusted anchors of WKYC’s 3News. Her calm presence, journalistic integrity, and genuine connection with the Cleveland community made her a standout among local broadcasters. So, when Sara stepped away from her full-time role at WKYC in late 2022 to focus on family and new creative ventures, it left many wondering — what was next? As it turns out, plenty. Today, Sara Shookman is writing a compelling new chapter in her professional life — one that combines storytelling, community impact, and a continued connection to Ohio television. At the center of her current journey is Storyglow Studio , a creative content firm she founded with a mission to help nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations tell their stories with authenticity and heart. Storyglow Studio is built on the belief that powerful storytelling can inspire action. Sara and her t...

by Frank Macek WKYC’s 6 p.m. newscast continues to evolve as one of Northeast Ohio’s most trusted and dynamic sources for evening news — and much of that credit goes to the exceptional on-air team anchoring the desk. Each member brings a unique voice, decades of experience, and a deep commitment to the Cleveland community. Let’s take a closer look at the four talented individuals who lead the broadcast: Russ Mitchell, Christi Paul, Jay Crawford, and Betsy Kling. Russ Mitchell: The Steady Hand of Cleveland Journalism When you think of credibility and calm under pressure, you think of Russ Mitchell. Since arriving at WKYC Studios in 2012, Russ has brought a level of gravitas to the anchor desk that few can match. A veteran of CBS News where he anchored weekend editions of the CBS Evening News and reported for 60 Minutes II , Russ brings national-caliber journalism to a local setting, and it shows. Russ Mitchell Russ serves not just as an anchor, but as a newsroom leader. His delivery...

By Frank Macek WKYC Senior Director & Blogger Frank Macek Ever watched a flawless newscast and thought, "Wow, they make it look so easy?" The reality is that what happens behind the scenes is a high-stakes symphony of precision, timing, and trust—especially for the newscast director, the unsung maestro behind every broadcast. In today’s control rooms, directors aren't just calling shots—they’re operating complex automation systems like Sony ELC, Ross OverDrive, Grass Valley Ignite, and the newest disruptor on the scene, Cuez. These systems streamline the production process and increase consistency, but they don't replace the quick thinking, adaptability, and creative instincts of a seasoned director. The Evolving Role of a Newscast Director Traditionally, directing a newscast was a manual ballet of technical direction, communication with crew and talent, and hands-on control of video switchers, audio boards, and playback decks. Automation has evolved this role sig...

By Frank Macek Broadcast journalism is preparing to turn a significant page as Lester Holt, the longtime anchor of NBC Nightly News , prepares to deliver his final broadcast on Friday, May 30, 2025. Holt’s departure will close a remarkable chapter in the history of network evening news—a chapter defined by integrity, stability, and a calm, authoritative presence that guided viewers through some of the most turbulent times in recent memory. Lester Holt assumed the full-time anchor role in June 2015, stepping in after Brian Williams' departure. But his connection to the Nightly News brand began well before that, as he anchored weekend editions beginning in 2007. Over the years, Holt built a reputation not just as a skilled journalist, but as a trusted figure in American homes. His approach was steady and grounded, making him a dependable source of information during crises ranging from global pandemics to political upheaval. Holt’s impact on the program was multifaceted. Under his...

Natalie Clydesdale By Frank Macek A fresh, dynamic voice is joining the ranks of 3News, and her name is Natalie Clydesdale. Beginning Monday, May 19, Natalie steps into her new role as a multi-skilled journalist at WKYC Studios, bringing experience, passion, and a true love for storytelling to the Northeast Ohio community. Originally from Pittsburgh, Natalie is excited to return closer to her roots. With family already in Northeast Ohio, this move not only marks a professional milestone but also a personal one. Her familiarity with the region and its people gives her a unique perspective that will no doubt enhance her ability to tell the stories that matter most. Natalie arrives in Cleveland from KFOR-TV, the NBC affiliate in Oklahoma City, where she worked as a morning anchor and reporter. During her time there, she became known for her calm presence during breaking news coverage and her ability to connect with viewers in meaningful ways. Before that, she worked in Fort Wayne, Indian...

Jeff Hoffman, Courtesy: WKMG-TV CLEVELAND, OH (May 6, 2025) — WKYC Studios, TEGNA’s NBC affiliate serving Northeast Ohio, today announced that veteran broadcast executive Jeff Hoffman has been named news director, effective May 19, 2025. Hoffman will be responsible for overseeing the station’s news content across all platforms, including streaming, broadcast, and digital. Hoffman brings more than three decades of award-winning news and station leadership experience to the role, most recently serving as vice president and general manager of WKMG-TV in Orlando, where he led a dramatic turnaround of the station’s brand and performance, guiding the newsroom to #1 in late news and overseeing award-winning coverage. Before joining WKMG, Hoffman held news leadership roles in several top markets, including WAVE-TV in Louisville and WJZ-TV in Baltimore, WIS-TV in Columbia, and KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. He is a multiple Edward R. Murrow Award and National Association of Broadcasters’ Service to Am...

Director's Cut Word Search Find all 18 broadcasting-related words hidden in the grid. Words may appear in any direction — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal — and may be backward. This puzzle is interactive, so you can highlight the letters as you find the words. Just click on each letter to turn them yellow. Good Luck! Clues: MICROPHONE, GREENSCREEN, AUTOMATION, CHROMAKEY, PROMPTER, SATELLITE, CUECARD, SEGUE, WEATHERMAP, LIVEFEED, EDITBAY, SWITCHER, NEWSCAST, DEADLINE, ROLLCUE, CONTROLROOM, BROLL, IFB