By Frank Macek
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 down complex topics in ways that were easy to understand. But even as a reporter, he recognized that journalism was changing. He understood that audiences were no longer just watching TV — they were consuming news on phones, tablets, and streaming platforms. That awareness would define the next phase of his career.
As Digital Director, Brandon helped lead WKYC’s transformation into a true multiplatform newsroom. Under his leadership, the station’s digital and streaming presence — including wkyc.com, social media, and WKYC+ — saw significant growth. He worked to integrate digital strategy directly into daily coverage, ensuring every story was optimized for every platform. His forward-thinking approach helped WKYC become a model for how local news can thrive in a digital world.
Beyond his leadership roles, Brandon is known throughout the newsroom as one of WKYC’s “kings of tech.” Whenever a system crashes or technology misbehaves, he’s often the first to step in and fix the problem. His combination of technical expertise, newsroom knowledge, and teamwork has made him an indispensable part of the operation.
In his new role as Assistant News Director, Brandon will work closely with newsroom leaders to shape daily coverage, deciding how stories should be told and where they’ll have the greatest impact — on air, online, on social media, or streaming on WKYC+. His calm leadership, creativity, and ability to connect with both colleagues and audiences will guide the newsroom as it continues to evolve.
Brandon’s promotion is also a testament to WKYC’s dedication to developing homegrown talent. His rise from intern to Assistant News Director shows what’s possible when talent, determination, and opportunity come together. Few people understand the heartbeat of WKYC — its people, its mission, and its community — as deeply as he does.
Brandon Simmons’ promotion reflects not just his own achievements, but the future of WKYC Studios: a newsroom that’s innovative, connected, and focused on serving audiences wherever they are. His leadership and vision will continue to shape how WKYC tells stories that matter most to Northeast Ohio.
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| 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 down complex topics in ways that were easy to understand. But even as a reporter, he recognized that journalism was changing. He understood that audiences were no longer just watching TV — they were consuming news on phones, tablets, and streaming platforms. That awareness would define the next phase of his career.
As Digital Director, Brandon helped lead WKYC’s transformation into a true multiplatform newsroom. Under his leadership, the station’s digital and streaming presence — including wkyc.com, social media, and WKYC+ — saw significant growth. He worked to integrate digital strategy directly into daily coverage, ensuring every story was optimized for every platform. His forward-thinking approach helped WKYC become a model for how local news can thrive in a digital world.
Beyond his leadership roles, Brandon is known throughout the newsroom as one of WKYC’s “kings of tech.” Whenever a system crashes or technology misbehaves, he’s often the first to step in and fix the problem. His combination of technical expertise, newsroom knowledge, and teamwork has made him an indispensable part of the operation.
In his new role as Assistant News Director, Brandon will work closely with newsroom leaders to shape daily coverage, deciding how stories should be told and where they’ll have the greatest impact — on air, online, on social media, or streaming on WKYC+. His calm leadership, creativity, and ability to connect with both colleagues and audiences will guide the newsroom as it continues to evolve.
Brandon’s promotion is also a testament to WKYC’s dedication to developing homegrown talent. His rise from intern to Assistant News Director shows what’s possible when talent, determination, and opportunity come together. Few people understand the heartbeat of WKYC — its people, its mission, and its community — as deeply as he does.
Brandon Simmons’ promotion reflects not just his own achievements, but the future of WKYC Studios: a newsroom that’s innovative, connected, and focused on serving audiences wherever they are. His leadership and vision will continue to shape how WKYC tells stories that matter most to Northeast Ohio.