By Frank Macek
As the Producer-in-Residence program gears up for a new year, WKYC will welcome two Producers-in-Residence. The addition is notable not only for the newsroom as a whole, but particularly for producing teams navigating the demands of a fast-paced, multi-platform environment.
The Producer-in-Residence program is designed with one core mission: to identify, develop, and support the next generation of broadcast news producers. These are early-career journalists who show strong editorial instincts, leadership potential, and a hunger to learn the craft at a high level. Rather than placing new producers into high-pressure roles without adequate preparation, the PIR program emphasizes structured mentorship, hands-on experience, and time to grow—an increasingly rare approach in today’s newsrooms.
Producers-in-Residence learn the job by doing the job. They work alongside experienced producers, executive producers, and newsroom leaders, observing how newscasts are built from the first editorial meeting to the final rundown. They shadow producers through breaking news, long-term planning, and daily deadline pressure, gradually taking on more responsibility as their skills develop. Just as importantly, PIRs learn directly from on-air talent—gaining insight into how anchors, reporters, and meteorologists prepare, collaborate, and communicate—developing a deeper understanding of the teamwork required to deliver a successful newscast.
At WKYC, the impact of the program is already evident.
Most recently, the Producer-in-Residence program brought Josh Bailey and Mea Griffin to the station. Both quickly distinguished themselves through strong work ethic, curiosity, and a willingness to absorb feedback. Over time, they grew into the role of producer with increasing confidence and editorial judgment. Following the completion of their residencies, both were elevated to full-time producer positions at WKYC, underscoring the effectiveness of the program as a pipeline for long-term newsroom talent.
Looking ahead, the next two Producers-in-Residence joining WKYC in 2026 are Jeff Jones and Allyson Ritchey.
Jeff Jones will begin the program ahead of the rest of the cohort. A graduate of Howard University, Jeff earned a major in journalism and a minor in political science, a combination that supports both strong editorial decision-making and a broader understanding of public affairs. While at Howard, he produced newscasts for the Howard University News Service, gaining hands-on experience with rundown construction, story prioritization, and deadline-driven production. He also served as a sports reporter for The Hilltop, writing weekly sports articles that strengthened his writing discipline, storytelling range, and newsroom collaboration skills.
Allyson Ritchey will join the program later as part of the 2026 Producer-in-Residence class. She will graduate in May with a Master’s degree in media and communications from Bowling Green State University, after earning her undergraduate degree from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. At Bowling Green, she has served as a graduate assistant for marketing and evening planning, overseeing social media accounts for the Center for Faculty Excellence, while also acting as an executive producer for BG Falcon Media. Allyson has also gained professional newsroom experience through freelance work with the Toledo Free Press and the Associated Press and will begin the program on June 22.
More broadly, the Producer-in-Residence program addresses a growing industry challenge. As experienced producers retire, shift roles, or leave the industry, fewer early-career journalists are entering broadcast news with long-term ambitions to produce. Without intentional development, that gap continues to widen.
The PIR program responds directly to this challenge by emphasizing mentorship, repetition, feedback, and accountability. It reinforces a culture of teaching within newsrooms, ensuring institutional knowledge is passed forward rather than lost.
Equally important, the program helps establish consistent standards of excellence across stations. Producers-in-Residence are introduced to best practices, shared values, and clear expectations that elevate storytelling across the TEGNA group. When PIRs complete the program and move into full-time producing roles, they carry that foundation with them—strengthening not just individual stations, but the company as a whole.
For WKYC, the arrival of Jeff Jones and Allyson Ritchey represents continuity and forward planning. It reflects a deliberate approach to developing talent while investing in the long-term health of the newsroom.
That is exactly why the Producer-in-Residence program matters.