Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

By Frank Macek Old WKYC building at E. 6th Street October 31 isn’t just Halloween in Cleveland—it’s also the day Channel 3 first lit up the airwaves. On October 31, 1948, WKYC—then known as WNBK —signed on as Cleveland’s second television station , following WEWS-TV. Seventy-seven years later, that pioneering NBC signal from Parma has evolved into a multimedia powerhouse that continues to inform, inspire, and connect Northeast Ohio. When WNBK first went on the air, television itself was still new and experimental. Only a few hundred Clevelanders owned TV sets, and most programming came live from NBC’s studios in New York. The local station filled the schedule with community shows, live news, and sports, all broadcast from a modest downtown facility. Those early engineers, announcers, and producers were true trailblazers, figuring out the technology and storytelling in real time. In 1954, the station relocated its transmitter to Parma and moved from Channel 4 to Channel 3 to improve si...

By Frank Macek WKYC's & NBC’s 2025 holiday lineup sparkles with music, nostalgia, and tradition.  The season begins with Wicked: One Wonderful Night , a star-studded musical celebration featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.  Thanksgiving brings Countdown to the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade , the parade itself, and the beloved National Dog Show Presented by Purina . December shines with Christmas in Rockefeller Center hosted by Reba McEntire, followed by Christmas in Nashville .  Animated favorites return, including How the Grinch Stole Christmas , Frosty the Snowman , and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer . Holiday fun continues with the Password Holiday Special , A Motown Christmas hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey, and Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular . Classic films and faith close the season with It’s a Wonderful Life and the traditional Christmas Eve Mass , before the 137th Rose Parade ushers in the New Year. Here's a preview of ...

By Frank Macek Silas Tsang WKYC Studios has added a new name to its award-winning 3News team, as journalist and producer Silas Tsang joins as Investigative Producer. Tsang comes to Cleveland from WTOL in Toledo, where he spent the past several years producing some of Ohio’s most notable investigations and earning recognition for his commitment to transparency and public accountability. While at WTOL, Tsang worked closely with lead investigator Brian Dugger to build the station’s 11 Investigates brand into a recognized source of hard-hitting reporting. His work has been praised by colleagues and management alike for its depth, accuracy, and impact. WTOL’s news director said “his dedication and drive have left a lasting mark” on their newsroom — a sentiment that reflects his relentless pursuit of truth and commitment to ethical journalism. Among his many accomplishments, Tsang was the first to uncover a critical court document that kick-started the investigation into Cedar Point’s poli...

By Frank Macek Great things are happening at WKYC starting Monday (October 20), and viewers are going to notice. The station is rolling out a refreshed lineup, new faces in new time slots, and expanded streaming options — all designed to make it easier to stay connected with the stories that matter most to Northeast Ohio. The biggest headline is the debut of 3News at Noon, a brand-new midday newscast airing from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday on Channel 3 and streaming live on WKYC+. On Fridays, viewers can catch a shorter, half-hour version of the noon broadcast before the always-entertaining “Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show.”  Anchors Brissa Bradfield and David Greenberg will team up to bring viewers the latest news, weather, and stories happening around the community — the perfect way to get caught up in the middle of your day. This new addition fills a big gap in the local lineup and gives Clevelanders a fresh option for midday news. Whether you’re taking a lunch bre...

By Frank Macek In an age when trust in the media feels like it’s collapsing under its own weight, local television news still manages to stand tall. National networks are often viewed through partisan lenses, and social media has become a noisy, confusing stream of half-truths and hot takes.  Yet when a storm rolls in, when a city council vote affects taxes, or when there’s an emergency unfolding down the street, viewers still turn to their local newscast. That quiet, enduring trust may be local TV’s greatest remaining asset — but it’s also one that needs careful protection if it’s going to last. The numbers tell a revealing story. Surveys over the past year show that local television remains one of the most trusted news sources in America. Roughly three-quarters of viewers say they trust their local news stations — a significantly higher rate than national outlets or digital-only brands. Studies from the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB) and the Radio Television Digital News ...

By Frank Macek Brandon Simmons WKYC Studios is proud to announce that Brandon Simmons has been promoted to Assistant News Director, marking an important milestone in a career built on hard work, innovation, and leadership. His journey at WKYC has been one of steady growth, defined by versatility and a deep commitment to excellence across every platform. Brandon joined WKYC in 2010 and quickly made an impression. He started as an intern, eager to learn the fast-paced world of television news, and moved through the ranks to become a key member of the assignment desk. There, he developed a sharp sense for breaking stories and a deep understanding of how a newsroom operates. His ability to stay calm under pressure and think strategically made him a trusted teammate early on. When he transitioned into reporting, Brandon’s storytelling skills and technical understanding came together seamlessly. He brought empathy and professionalism to every story, connecting with audiences while breaking d...