Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

By Frank Macek Local television has been a trusted source of information for decades. In recent years, though, it has faced a major challenge: attracting younger viewers. Millennials and Generation Z consume content differently, and their habits are reshaping how media organizations must adapt. For local TV stations, like WKYC Studios, winning back these viewers requires innovation, flexibility, and an honest look at what younger audiences want. One of the first hurdles is perception. Many younger people don’t see local television as being made for them. They may view it as their parents’ or grandparents’ platform—reliable, yes, but not one that resonates with their fast-paced, tech-savvy lifestyles. To shift that perception, stations need to move beyond traditional evening newscasts and create content that speaks directly to younger demographics. And that means meeting audiences where they are. Younger viewers live on their phones, scrolling TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube far more tha...

By Frank Macek As the National Association of Black Journalists marks its golden anniversary, thousands of journalists, media professionals, students, and allies will convene in Cleveland, Ohio, August 6–10, 2025, for the landmark 50th Annual NABJ Convention & Career Fair. This gathering at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland reflects NABJ’s half‑century in elevating Black voices in journalism and media, blending professional development, advocacy, and celebration of Black excellence. Origins and Mission: Why NABJ Was Founded Founded on December 12, 1975, in Washington, D.C., by 44 Black journalists, NABJ emerged amid concerns that mainstream media lacked diversity and misrepresented Black communities. Inspired by prior local journalist associations and in response to the Kerner Commission’s 1968 findings, NABJ launched with a mission to increase Black representation in newsrooms and advocate for greater inclusion and accurate storytelling. Over decades, it has grown into...