Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

By Frank Macek Hunter Bertram WKYC Studios is welcoming a new journalist to its newsroom. Hunter Bertram will officially join the 3News team on Monday, March 9, bringing reporting experience, government communications insight, and Midwestern roots to Cleveland. Bertram arrives in Northeast Ohio after working as a multimedia journalist at KXLY-TV in Spokane, Washington. At the station—known locally as “4 News Now”—he reported on a wide range of stories across eastern Washington and the Inland Northwest, covering local government, community issues, and public safety. At WKYC, viewers will see Bertram working the nightside reporting shift, contributing stories and live reports for various editions of 3News. Originally from Minneapolis, Bertram graduated from the University of Minnesota, where he completed a major in journalism along with studies in sociology of law, criminology, and justice. The combination of disciplines helped shape his interest in covering issues involving government, ...

By Frank Macek @maceknewsnation WKYC Studios has announced the addition of  January Keaton to the 3News family. The Lorain native is returning to her Cleveland roots as a new dayside reporter at WKYC says 3News Director of Content Adam Miller. January Keaton A Kent State graduate, January has worked for more than 15 years in various news markets, beginning her career here in Northeast Ohio behind-the-scenes as a producer at both WOIO and later for WEWS' morning broadcast.  January also has traveled the country as part of the touring cast of an acclaimed musical before eventually returning to her news roots in 2011 as an Anchor/MMJ for WTEN in Albany, NY.  From Albany to Cape Coral, Florida as a Traffic Anchor and from the Sunshine State to anchoring evening newscasts in Macon, GA and most recently, working in the Atlanta market, January brings her infectious energy and genuine passion for reporting and storytelling to her beloved hometown. January recently told us, "What ...

By Frank Macek @maceknewsnation WKYC Studios announces Award-Winning Journalist Allison Girvin has joined the 3News team as Executive Producer of Innovation. Allison's career has taken her from local news stations in North Carolina & Tennessee to New York City where she worked for ABC News, HuffPost Live, NBC News, The American Independent & Bloomberg Television.  Allison Girvin Allison spent more than 10 years at ABC News in New York in a variety of roles from assignment editor to field producer. She has interviewed everyone from presidents and princesses to astronauts in space. She spent the bulk of her time at Good Morning America, where she served three years as head writer for Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts.  Her last role at ABC News was running the Early Morning News Division where she oversaw World News Now and America This Morning. While at ABC News, Girvin was honored with an Emmy Award for the 2008 election coverage, and an Edward R. Murrow Award for the...

WKYC Studios’ President and General Manager Micki Byrnes announced exciting updates to the 3News evening lineup. “As WKYC continues to explore new ways to engage with the audiences of Northeast Ohio, we are excited to share that Sara Shookman will be joining Jim Donovan as co-anchor of Front Row,” said Byrnes. Front Row, weeknights at 7 p.m., gives viewers a closer look at the news makers and taste makers that are shaping our Northeast Ohio community. Then, Sara will continue her co-anchoring responsibilities with Russ Mitchell at 11 p.m. on Cleveland’s top rated “What’s Next.” Sara Shookman "Like any long suffering Browns fan, Jimmy's voice has gotten in my head,” said Sara. “Now I'm thrilled to sit next to him and give you a Front Row seat to all that's important, interesting, impactful and happening in our community. We want to connect you with the news makers, our community critics and cheerleaders, and ask your questions." Sara is one of 3News...

By Frank Macek @maceknewsnation WKYC has a number of new changes to our daytime lineup effective January 20th as we get set to launch our brand new show at 5 p.m. weekdays. "What's New" will air at 5 p.m. with Jay Crawford & Betsy Kling and will feature the news of the day along with lifestyle and entertainment news. Here is the new lineup on 3 for the time slots affected: 3 a.m. - "Kelly Clarkson" (Monday through Thursday - repeat) 3 a.m. - "Dr. Phil" (Friday - repeat) 4 a.m. - "Early Today" (NBC) 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. - "3News: Go" 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. - "Today" 11 a.m. - "Kelly Clarkson" 12 p.m. - "It's About You" (Monday thru Thursday) 12 p.m. - "We the People" (Friday) 1  p.m. - "Days of Our Lives" 2 p.m. -  "Daily Blast Live" 3 p.m. - "Dr. Phil" 4 p.m. - "Ellen" 5 p.m. - "3News: What's New"

Special to the Director's Cut Blog from wkyc.com 3News anchor Sara Shookman and husband Angelo DiFranco are expecting their first child. Sara and Angelo met in 2005 while they were both students at Ohio University. However, Sara says sparks didn’t fly until 2012, when Angelo unexpectedly asked her out during a speech at a friend’s wedding. The two married in the fall of 2017 and now, they’re embarking on a new journey together—parenthood. During a recorded message, where the 3News Team shared what they were most thankful for this holiday season, Shookman made the surprise announcement during 3News’ ‘What Matters Most’ at 6 p.m. See the full clip in the player below. Sara and Angelo are the proud parents of a sweet pup named Basil but are excited to welcome a baby human to their tribe. Baby DiFranco is expected May 2020, something to really be thankful for this holiday season. Join us in wishing them congratulations on this new and exciting chapter!