By Frank Macek
When viewers think of WKYC, they often picture the familiar faces of our anchors, the sharp forecasts from our weather team, or reporters live on the scene of breaking news. But behind every headline you read on WKYC.com, every push alert that lights up your phone, and every social media post keeping you in the know on Facebook, X, Instagram or Tik Tok there’s a team of digital content producers making it all happen.
These are the journalists who work off-camera but are no less vital to the stories we tell. They’re editors, writers, curators, and producers—fueled by urgency, accuracy, and a love for keeping Northeast Ohio informed.
In this post, I want to introduce you to the team of digital storytellers at WKYC Studios who bring the web to life—seven days a week, 365 days a year.
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| Brandon Simmons |
At the helm of WKYC’s digital operation is Brandon Simmons, our 3News Director of Digital Content. Brandon leads the team that drives our storytelling across all platforms—from the home page to your mobile screen to every social media feed we reach.
With a background in reporting and multimedia journalism, Brandon brings a unique understanding of how to blend traditional news values with forward-thinking digital strategy. He works across teams to set the tone for coverage, oversee breaking news efforts, and guide WKYC’s digital innovation.
Brandon is instrumental in shaping how WKYC tells stories in the modern era—whether that means managing live digital coverage of breaking events or mentoring the next wave of digital producers. His leadership is the reason WKYC.com remains one of Northeast Ohio’s most trusted and visited news sources.
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| Ryan Haidet |
As WKYC’s Digital Managing Editor, Ryan Haidet is the driving force behind how we plan, write, and present stories across our digital platforms. From homepage features to headline strategy, Ryan ensures every piece of content meets our editorial standards—and connects with our audience.
He’s a pro at navigating big news days and quirky viral stories alike. Whether we’re tracking lake-effect snow, posting power outage maps, or revisiting local legends, Ryan helps shape the voice of WKYC Studios in the digital space.
He also works closely with reporters and producers on the morning shows to translate on-air stories into compelling online reads with added depth, clarity, and visual flair.
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| Brian Crane |
When news breaks, Brian Crane is often one of the first to jump into action. His sharp writing, speed, and attention to detail make him a key player in our real-time news operation.
Brian helps lead the charge on urgent stories, crime reports, statewide alerts, and high-interest headlines. He’s also skilled at identifying viral stories early—amplifying the kind of content readers care about most, from gas price changes to breaking Amber Alerts.
He works behind the scenes but plays a frontline role in making sure WKYC’s digital coverage is complete, accurate, and fast.
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| Dave "Dino" DeNatale |
Dave “Dino” DeNatale is a must-follow for Cleveland sports fans. As part of the digital content team, he delivers everything from instant reaction to detailed context—often within minutes of the final buzzer.
Dave covers Browns games, high school football, and breaking sports news with enthusiasm and insight. He’s also a frequent contributor to WKYC’s live digital coverage and streaming platforms, where his passion for local teams shines through.
From trade rumors to hometown heroes, Dave helps sports fans stay informed and entertained with coverage that’s timely, trustworthy, and uniquely Cleveland.
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| Tyler Carey |
One of the most recognizable bylines on WKYC.com belongs to Tyler Carey. Whether you’re checking Guardians box scores, following a major trial, or reading a Cleveland nostalgia piece, Tyler likely had a hand in it.
Known for his clean writing and deep sports knowledge, Tyler is a digital newsroom veteran who thrives on breaking news and long-form storytelling alike. He brings journalistic instinct and fast turnaround to everything from city politics to championship parades.
He’s also one of our go-to producers on election nights and special coverage events, balancing speed and precision when every update counts.
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| Chris Beeble |
The visuals that bring our digital coverage to life? That’s often the work of Chris Beeble. As our Digital Video Producer, Chris takes raw footage, interviews, and b-roll and turns it into polished, high-impact video content that drives storytelling forward.
Whether it’s a breaking news reel, an emotional community feature, or a documentary-style special, Chris knows how to shape stories in ways that inform and move people. His editing work appears across WKYC.com, YouTube, and social platforms—elevating our coverage through smart, engaging visuals.
He’s also part of the team helping transition broadcast content to the digital world, giving every great story a second life online.
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| Anna Meyer |
Anna Meyer is part journalist, part digital strategist. She creates content with an eye for engagement, helping WKYC.com connect with audiences through social-first storytelling and mobile-friendly features.
Whether she’s covering a trending lifestyle topic or producing an interactive post, Anna brings creativity and clarity to her work. She’s also one of the key voices behind WKYC’s Instagram and TikTok presence, translating news into formats that resonate with younger audiences.
From audience polls to explainers, Anna helps WKYC meet people where they are—with the stories that matter most to them.
Justin McMullen – Digital Content Producer
Justin McMullen
Justin McMullen brings energy, focus, and fresh perspective to the WKYC digital desk. With a strong eye for trending topics and community impact, Justin plays a key role in identifying stories that matter to Northeast Ohio—often before they hit other newsfeeds.
From breaking updates to feature writing, Justin contributes across all platforms and helps strengthen our 24/7 coverage with consistency and clarity. He’s especially tuned into how digital audiences consume news in real time and works to ensure WKYC remains responsive, accurate, and engaging at every turn.
Whether it’s a developing news alert or a thoughtful explainer, Justin’s work adds depth and speed to our digital reporting.
A Digital Team That Powers WKYC Every Day
These are the people working long after the newscast ends. The ones fact-checking a headline before you see it on your screen. The team building WKYC Studios into not just a TV station—but a 24/7 digital news source for Northeast Ohio.
They collaborate with producers, photojournalists, and reporters to make sure our content is timely, thoughtful, and relevant. Whether it’s a winter storm, a playoff run, or a story that makes you smile—if it’s on WKYC.com, you can bet someone on this team helped get it there.
Why It Matters
In today’s fast-paced, screen-first world, having a strong digital team is no longer optional. It’s essential. Our digital content producers are more than just behind-the-scenes editors—they’re frontline journalists guiding how, when, and where stories are told.
Their work helps keep our community informed, safe, and connected. And they’re doing it with care, urgency, and a passion for what makes Northeast Ohio home.
So next time you get a push alert from WKYC, click a headline in your feed, or share a story with your friends, know this: there’s a dedicated team behind it, making sure you get the news you need—when it matters most.