By Frank Macek
Chris Renkel has quickly become a familiar face to Cleveland sports fans since joining the 3News team in September 2024. For him, this is more than just a new job—it’s a homecoming. Born and raised in Westlake, Ohio, Chris grew up surrounded by the rich sports culture of Northeast Ohio. The Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians were more than just teams on TV; they were part of the daily conversation, the shared experiences that knit communities together.
 |
| Chris Renkel |
His passion for sports has always been personal, and that authenticity is one of the first things viewers notice. Chris doesn’t just read the highlights; he brings them to life with the kind of energy you’d expect from a true fan.
Yet, behind the enthusiasm is a well-trained broadcaster who understands the craft of television journalism. He knows when to let a moment breathe, when to punch a line for maximum impact, and when to step back and let the story shine on its own. His delivery blends spontaneity with polish, giving viewers both the excitement of live sports and the clarity they expect from a trusted news source.
After initially serving as a part-time and fill-in presence on the sports desk, Chris was recently promoted to a full-time role—an affirmation of both his on-air chemistry and his newsroom reliability. The transition feels natural to anyone who’s watched him work: he’s steady when the lights come up, curious when the story calls for nuance, and unflappable when a show’s rundown changes five minutes before airtime.
Joining 3News during a time of growth in local sports coverage has given Chris a front-row seat to a pivotal moment for the station. WKYC’s expanded commitment to broadcasting Cleveland Guardians games—jumping from just two simulcasts in 2024 to ten in 2025—signals a renewed focus on connecting fans with the team. The addition of a new weekly Sunday show dedicated to the Guardians is another major step, and Chris is already proving to be a key part of that push. His ability to connect with viewers and his deep knowledge of Cleveland sports make him an ideal choice to help lead this expanded coverage.
Chris’s approach to sports reporting goes beyond simply recounting the scores and standout plays. He has a storyteller’s instinct, finding the human angle in every game. A player’s comeback from injury becomes a story of resilience. A team’s midseason turnaround becomes a lesson in perseverance. Even the quieter moments—a rookie’s first big-league hit, a high school coach’s emotional farewell—are given the attention they deserve. This ability to blend statistics and strategy with emotion and meaning is what sets him apart. It’s a style that draws viewers in, whether they’re hardcore sports junkies or casual fans.
In addition to his on-air work, Chris is no stranger to the demands of modern sports journalism, where the job doesn’t end when the camera stops rolling. He’s active on digital platforms, engaging with viewers and providing updates across channels. This savvy allows him to reach fans where they are, offering a mix of breaking news, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal insights that help build a stronger connection with the audience. It’s part of a larger shift in how stations like WKYC interact with their viewers, and Chris is fully on board with that evolution. You can see his fingerprints on everything from daily hits to feature pieces and game-night coverage that stretches from quick social updates to polished on-air segments.
For someone who’s relatively new to 3News, Chris carries himself with the confidence of a veteran. There’s a professionalism in his work that suggests he’s spent years refining his skills, even if Cleveland viewers are just getting to know him now. His broadcast presence is anchored by preparation: he studies tendencies, knows the numbers, and keeps one eye on what matters to fans. In sports, preparation is everything, and Chris has applied that same principle to his television career.
What makes Chris such a valuable addition to the 3News sports team is how naturally he fits into the city’s sports conversation. He’s relatable because he’s one of us—a local who understands the rhythms of Cleveland’s sports seasons and the emotional investment fans pour into their teams. At the same time, he brings a fresh perspective, unafraid to offer sharp analysis or highlight emerging trends. It’s a balance of hometown pride and professional distance that gives his work credibility without losing its warmth. The newsroom’s move to make him full-time underscores the point: when the games matter most, you want a voice that knows the market and respects the audience.
Looking ahead, Chris Renkel’s future at 3News seems as bright as the teams he covers hope their own seasons will be. He brings to the table a rare combination of local roots, broadcast skill, and genuine passion for the job. Viewers can expect him to continue delivering not just the “what” of sports, but the “why” that makes each story matter. In a market that loves its sports as deeply as Cleveland does, that’s a winning formula.
For now, Chris is still settling into his expanded role, learning the quirks of the newsroom and the preferences of his audience. But he’s doing it in the best possible way—by showing up, doing the work, and letting his performance speak for itself. Whether you catch him delivering the night’s highlights, breaking down a big game, or sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse on social media, one thing is clear: Chris Renkel is here to tell Cleveland’s sports stories, and he’s just getting started.