Inside WKYC’s 6 PM Powerhouse: A Closer Look at Russ Mitchell, Christi Paul, Jay Crawford and Betsy Kling

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 is never hurried or sensational; instead, it’s precise, informative, and balanced — hallmarks of his decades in the business. Whether covering breaking developments at Cleveland City Hall or moderating tough interviews with decision-makers, Russ does so with integrity and poise.

Off-camera, Russ is deeply engaged with the Cleveland community. He frequently lends his voice to nonprofit events, educational initiatives, and civic panels. He brings a newsroom veteran’s insight to issues affecting the city — particularly when it comes to politics, policing, and equity.

Viewers trust Russ because they know he values facts over flash, substance over soundbite. And in an era where trust in media is hard-earned, Russ Mitchell is the anchor who continues to earn it every night at 6.

Christi Paul: Bringing Heart and Humanity Home to Ohio

When Christi Paul returned to her native Ohio to join WKYC in 2022, it felt less like a hiring announcement and more like a homecoming. After two decades at CNN and HLN, where she was a mainstay on Morning Express and CNN Newsroom, Christi decided to come back to where it all began — right here in Northeast Ohio.

Christi Paul

At 6 p.m., Christi brings a compassionate voice to the broadcast. Her storytelling is emotional yet grounded, warm yet informative. She has a remarkable ability to connect with viewers, whether she’s covering health crises, consumer issues, or stories of personal triumph. Christi’s interviews aren’t just questions — they’re conversations that dig into the heart of the matter.

More than just a journalist, Christi is also an advocate. Her transparency around mental health, her work with children’s charities, and her bestselling memoir Love Isn’t Supposed to Hurt underscore the depth of her commitment to helping others.

Christi’s return to Cleveland has re-energized the 6 p.m. team, and viewers see her as a trusted friend who brings both national experience and a hometown heart to their evening news.

Betsy Kling: The Meteorologist Who Leads with Vision and Heart

It’s hard to talk about Cleveland weather — or WKYC, for that matter — without mentioning Betsy Kling. As Chief Meteorologist, Betsy is the station’s secret weapon: a respected scientist, skilled communicator, and passionate advocate for women in STEM.

Betsy Kling

Betsy made history as the first female Chief Meteorologist in Cleveland television history. Since then, she’s become a household name for anyone who wants accurate, accessible weather forecasting — especially in a region where the weather can turn on a dime. Her weathercasts are packed with clear visuals, real-time updates, and expert context, delivered in a way that viewers of all ages can understand.

But Betsy doesn’t stop at forecasting. She’s the driving force behind “Weather Education Day” and STEM initiatives across Northeast Ohio. Her work to encourage girls to pursue science careers is a vital part of her legacy.

Whether tracking severe storms or explaining lake-effect snow, Betsy is always in control — steady, smart, and always putting the viewer first. She’s more than a meteorologist; she’s a mentor, leader, and one of the most trusted voices in Cleveland media.

Jay Crawford: The Local Legend with a National Resume

For Cleveland sports fans, Jay Crawford has long been a household name. But for viewers of WKYC’s 6 p.m. broadcast, Jay has become so much more than a sports anchor — he’s a versatile and thoughtful journalist with a gift for storytelling and a passion for his community.

Jay Crawford

Before joining WKYC in 2019, Jay spent years at ESPN hosting Cold Pizza, First Take, and SportsCenter. But unlike many who stick to the national spotlight, Jay chose to come home — back to Northeast Ohio, where his roots run deep.

Jay now anchors WKYC’s 6 p.m. sportscast, blending journalistic credibility with the kind of casual familiarity viewers love. He handles news, feature stories, and of course, local sports with equal ease. His interviews are insightful, often personal, and always accessible.

He’s also one of the most community-engaged broadcasters in town — frequently showing up for charity events, emceeing fundraisers, and volunteering his time for causes close to his heart.

Jay’s return to Cleveland television has been a win for WKYC — and a gift for the community that raised him. He’s the kind of anchor who makes viewers feel like they’re catching up with an old friend each evening.

Final Thoughts

Together, Russ Mitchell, Christi Paul, Jay Crawford, and Betsy Kling represent one of the most experienced and balanced news teams in Cleveland television today. Each brings something unique to the desk — the authority of national journalism, the warmth of homegrown storytelling, the versatility of seasoned broadcasting, and the scientific expertise viewers rely on.

In an ever-changing media landscape, WKYC’s 6 p.m. newscast remains a constant — thanks to the anchors who sit behind the desk and the community that continues to welcome them into their homes each night.

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EDITOR NOTE: 3News at 6 is directed weeknights by Frank Macek, your blogger