Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

By Frank Macek Saturday night was one of those nights that reminds you why we do what we do. The station came home with multiple Emmy Awards, and it's hard not to feel proud of the talented individuals and teams who earned that recognition. These aren't just trophies — they represent countless hours of storytelling, dedication, and a commitment to journalism that truly matters to our community. Here's a moment to celebrate each of the winners. •Peter Fleischer took home the Emmy in Promotion/News for his Kirtland Cult Killing Documentary. Peter's work on this project was nothing short of extraordinary — tackling one of the most haunting chapters in Northeast Ohio's history with the care and rigor it deserved. Well done, Peter. •Lindsay Buckingham earned the Emmy in Reporter Features/Human Interest for "Heartstrings." If you've seen the piece, you already know why it won. Lindsay has a rare gift for finding the humanity in every story, and "Heartst...

By Frank Macek WKYC continues to build on a remarkable run of national recognition, and this year is no exception. Three members of the 3News team—Sia Nyorkor, Lindsay Buckingham, and special projects producer Jessica Miller—have earned one of the most respected honors in the industry: a Gracie Award, widely considered the premier accolade celebrating the achievements of women in media. The announcement was made Monday morning, placing WKYC once again among an elite group of storytellers recognized across television, streaming, radio, audio, and digital platforms. For a newsroom committed to impactful, community-focused journalism, the recognition reflects both the strength of the work and the people behind it. Lindsay Buckingham and Jessica Miller were honored for the station’s “Heartstrings” series, a signature example of storytelling that connects deeply with viewers by highlighting personal, emotional, and often inspiring journeys. The series has become a cornerstone of WKYC’s co...

By Frank Macek At a time when so much of the news cycle can feel overwhelming or impersonal, WKYC Studios is carving out space for something different—something deeply human. It’s called “Heartstrings,” and it’s quickly becoming a signature series for the station thanks to the compassionate storytelling of journalist Lindsay Buckingham. “Heartstrings” isn’t just another feel-good segment—it’s a celebration of Northeast Ohioans whose stories deserve to be told. Whether it’s about love, loss, resilience, kindness, or second chances, each installment of “Heartstrings” pulls viewers into a world where emotions are raw, personal, and ultimately inspiring. What Is “Heartstrings”? Launched as a storytelling feature within WKYC’s 3News newscasts, “Heartstrings” has since grown into a full weekly show airing on the station’s streaming platform, WKYC+, every Wednesday at 3 p.m. While clips may appear in select editions of 3News throughout the week—especially during morning or evening newscasts—t...

WKYC Studios is once again in the spotlight, earning national recognition for its impactful storytelling. 3News journalist Lindsay Buckingham has been awarded a 2025 Gracie Award for her contributions to the station’s acclaimed “Heartstrings” series, which she produces in collaboration with special projects producer Jessica Miller. Lindsay Buckingham (courtesy: WKYC) The honor comes from the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF), which revealed this year’s list of honorees on Tuesday. Buckingham was recognized in the News Magazine TV – Local category, highlighting excellence in local broadcast journalism. This achievement marks the third consecutive year WKYC has received a Gracie Award — a testament to the station's ongoing commitment to compelling, inclusive storytelling. For five decades, the Gracie Awards have celebrated media professionals who elevate underrepresented voices and challenge traditional narratives. In a statement, AWMF President Becky Brooks emphasized...