By Frank Macek
The WKYC newsroom continues to grow, and it’s always exciting to see new talent walk through the doors at 1333 Lakeside. This week brings another welcome addition to the team, as Wil Steigerwald joins 3News as a story desk editor. For those of us who have spent years working in local television, there’s something special about the moment a new journalist begins their first day in a newsroom. It’s the start of a new chapter not only for that person, but also for the team they’re joining.
Wil arrives at WKYC after recently graduating from The Ohio State University, where he earned his degree in journalism and media production. Ohio State has long been a pipeline for talented journalists entering newsrooms across the country, and many broadcasters in Northeast Ohio got their start there. The combination of journalism training and hands-on media production experience gives young reporters and editors the kind of practical skills that translate well into the fast-paced environment of a modern television newsroom.
In his new role as a story desk editor, Wil will be part of the team responsible for helping coordinate news coverage, monitor developing stories, and support the newsroom’s daily editorial operation. The story desk plays a critical role behind the scenes. While viewers at home often see reporters and anchors delivering the news on air, it’s the editors, producers, and assignment teams who help keep the flow of information moving throughout the day. They are the people watching scanners, tracking breaking news, coordinating with reporters in the field, and making sure the newsroom stays on top of the stories that matter most to our community.
Another interesting part of Wil’s background is that he’s also a certified drone pilot. In today’s world of visual storytelling, drone photography has become an increasingly valuable tool for television newsrooms. From capturing aerial views of breaking news scenes to providing dramatic perspectives for feature stories, drones have expanded the ways journalists can tell stories. Having someone on staff with that certification adds another layer of capability to the newsroom’s toolkit.
Wil currently lives in Kirtland, which means he already has roots here in Northeast Ohio. That local connection can be a real advantage in journalism. Understanding the communities you cover — their history, their concerns, and their unique character — helps journalists tell stories with authenticity and context. For a newsroom like WKYC, which has served the Cleveland area for decades, that kind of connection matters.
The energy that new journalists bring into a newsroom is always refreshing. Every new hire represents new ideas, fresh perspectives, and the enthusiasm that comes from someone just beginning their career in the business. Veteran journalists know that the industry continues to evolve, and the next generation plays a big role in shaping what the future of local news will look like.
Today marks Wil’s first day with the team, and the entire newsroom is looking forward to having him on board. As anyone who has worked in television news knows, the newsroom quickly becomes a second family. Long hours, breaking news, and the constant pursuit of stories create a shared experience that bonds journalists together.
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| Wil Steigerwald |
The WKYC newsroom continues to grow, and it’s always exciting to see new talent walk through the doors at 1333 Lakeside. This week brings another welcome addition to the team, as Wil Steigerwald joins 3News as a story desk editor. For those of us who have spent years working in local television, there’s something special about the moment a new journalist begins their first day in a newsroom. It’s the start of a new chapter not only for that person, but also for the team they’re joining.
Wil arrives at WKYC after recently graduating from The Ohio State University, where he earned his degree in journalism and media production. Ohio State has long been a pipeline for talented journalists entering newsrooms across the country, and many broadcasters in Northeast Ohio got their start there. The combination of journalism training and hands-on media production experience gives young reporters and editors the kind of practical skills that translate well into the fast-paced environment of a modern television newsroom.
In his new role as a story desk editor, Wil will be part of the team responsible for helping coordinate news coverage, monitor developing stories, and support the newsroom’s daily editorial operation. The story desk plays a critical role behind the scenes. While viewers at home often see reporters and anchors delivering the news on air, it’s the editors, producers, and assignment teams who help keep the flow of information moving throughout the day. They are the people watching scanners, tracking breaking news, coordinating with reporters in the field, and making sure the newsroom stays on top of the stories that matter most to our community.
Another interesting part of Wil’s background is that he’s also a certified drone pilot. In today’s world of visual storytelling, drone photography has become an increasingly valuable tool for television newsrooms. From capturing aerial views of breaking news scenes to providing dramatic perspectives for feature stories, drones have expanded the ways journalists can tell stories. Having someone on staff with that certification adds another layer of capability to the newsroom’s toolkit.
Wil currently lives in Kirtland, which means he already has roots here in Northeast Ohio. That local connection can be a real advantage in journalism. Understanding the communities you cover — their history, their concerns, and their unique character — helps journalists tell stories with authenticity and context. For a newsroom like WKYC, which has served the Cleveland area for decades, that kind of connection matters.
The energy that new journalists bring into a newsroom is always refreshing. Every new hire represents new ideas, fresh perspectives, and the enthusiasm that comes from someone just beginning their career in the business. Veteran journalists know that the industry continues to evolve, and the next generation plays a big role in shaping what the future of local news will look like.
Today marks Wil’s first day with the team, and the entire newsroom is looking forward to having him on board. As anyone who has worked in television news knows, the newsroom quickly becomes a second family. Long hours, breaking news, and the constant pursuit of stories create a shared experience that bonds journalists together.