Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

By Frank Macek As newsrooms across the country continue to juggle relentless deadlines, evolving platforms, shrinking margins, and rising expectations, one truth remains constant—strong producers are the backbone of local television news. They are the conductors of the daily symphony, balancing editorial judgment, logistics, storytelling, and leadership, often under extraordinary pressure. That is why TEGNA’s Producer-in-Residence (PIR) program is not just a training initiative, but one of the most important long-term investments the company makes in the future of local journalism. 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 ...

Editor Note; This is the official press release issued from TEGNA that explains today's announcement of the acquisition of TEGNA by Nexstar Media. TEGNA currently owns WKYC-TV in the Cleveland market, while Nexstar owns WJW-TV and WBNX-TV. ------ IRVING, Texas and TYSONS, Virginia – Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXST) (“Nexstar”) and TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TEGNA) (“TEGNA”) announced today that they entered into a definitive agreement (the “Agreement”) whereby, subject to regulatory approvals, Nexstar will acquire all outstanding shares of TEGNA for $22.00 per share in a cash transaction valued at $6.2 billion, inclusive of TEGNA’s net debt and estimated transaction fees and expenses. The purchase price represents a 31% premium to TEGNA’s average 30-day average stock price ending August 8, 2025, the last closing stock price prior to media reports of a potential transaction. Following completion of the transaction, the combined entity will be a leading local media company, well-posi...

WKYC is set to embark on a new chapter as TEGNA Inc. has named John Treviño the station’s new president and general manager, effective March 24. Treviño brings more than 30 years of experience in local broadcasting and a proven track record of success in digital innovation, community engagement, and newsroom transformation. Treviño joins WKYC from KBMT-KJAC in Southeast Texas, where he served as president and general manager. Under his leadership, the station saw remarkable growth, expanding its digital platforms, increasing broadcast viewership, and achieving a #1 ranking in key newscasts. His commitment to modernizing operations and fostering strong community partnerships earned the station a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Breaking News. “As I transition to WKYC—a station with a rich legacy of excellence and deep community trust—I’m excited to build on that foundation,” Treviño said. “I look forward to working with a talented team to drive innovation, enhance audience engagemen...

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced that, for the sixth consecutive year, it has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index (“CEI”), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. “It is an honor to once again receive a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index and be designated a Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality,” said Grady Tripp, vice president and chief diversity officer, TEGNA. “We are proud of the work we are doing to build an inclusive workplace that welcomes employees from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, and we remain dedicated to supporting equality and equal rights for all.” The 2022 CEI evaluated over 1,200 companies promoting LGBTQ+-friendly policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, inclusive culture and c...

Tysons, VA – TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced it has completed an update of its stations’ over-the-top (OTT) streaming apps on Roku, enhancing the experience for viewers. TEGNA also announced it is planning to launch OTT streaming apps for its stations on Amazon Fire TV by the end of 2020. When the rollout on Amazon Fire TV is complete, TEGNA stations’ local news and other programming will be available to consumers on the two dominant OTT streaming media players, which comprise 70 percent of the U.S. market. TEGNA’s OTT station apps offer streaming viewers free, ad-supported access to live news and the most recent news broadcasts, breaking news and weather forecasts, in addition to VERIFY fact-checking reports and TEGNA’s live entertainment program, Daily Blast LIVE. A new “Watch” feature has also been launched on stations’ websites and mobile apps in order to create a unified video consumption experience across all consumer digital platforms. TEGNA’s True Crime Network app is a...

WKYC's sister station group expanded greatly on Thursday! From the TEGNA press release: ---------- Tysons, VA – TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of 11 local television stations, including eight Big Four affiliates, from Nexstar Media Group for $740 million in cash. The acquisition adds complementary markets to TEGNA’s existing portfolio of top network affiliates, including four affiliates in election battleground states. TEGNA now owns or operates 62 television stations across 51 markets, reaching more than 38 percent of U.S. television households. The acquired stations include: WTIC/WCCT — FOX/CW affiliates in Hartford-New Haven, CT WPMT — FOX affiliate in Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA WATN/WLMT — ABC/CW affiliates in Memphis, TN WNEP — ABC affiliate in Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA WOI/KCWI — ABC/CW affiliates in Des Moines-Ames, IA WZDX — FOX affiliate in Huntsville-Decatur-Florence, AL WQA...

McLEAN, VA – TEGNA Inc. (parent of WKYC) today was named a top place to work for LGBTQ employees for the second consecutive year. The company received a perfect score of 100 on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The CEI is a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. “TEGNA’s perfect CEI score represents our commitment to equality, a fundamental value of our company,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “We must reflect the communities we serve and our diverse and inclusive workforce helps us inform, understand and engage with all of our audiences.” The 2018 CEI evaluated LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBTQ community. TEGNA received top marks in all categories, result...

TEGNA Inc., partent of WKYC-Tv, today announced Texas Cares, an initiative to support those in need following Hurricane Harvey, has raised more than $1.15 million in its first 24 hours. The fundraising initiative launched on Monday across TEGNA’s stations. The TEGNA Foundation matched the first $100,000 in donations. All money raised will be donated to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. “This is just the beginning. We will use this momentum to continue to serve our communities and help improve the lives of those in need,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “I want to especially thank Lowe’s Home Improvements who, during a Texas Cares telethon on WCNC in Charlotte, donated $500,000. I am incredibly proud of how our stations and communities have come together to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey and serve the greater good.” All 46 TEGNA stations in 38 markets are helping raise money and encourage donations for Texas Cares. Stations are running stories on-ai...

TEGNA Inc., owner of WKYC-TV, today launched Texas Cares, an initiative to support those in need following Hurricane Harvey. All money raised by TEGNA’s stations will be donated to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The TEGNA Foundation will match the first $100,000 of donations. “Harvey’s devastation has shattered the lives of millions across Texas,” said Dave Lougee, president and CEO, TEGNA. “Our stations are coming together to serve the greater good of our communities and help those who need it most. Our stations in Texas are providing important, life-saving information and aid during this catastrophic storm. In Houston, while KHOU’s building was flooding, the station continued to provide vital coverage across platforms. I am incredibly proud of the work our stations are doing to keep their communities informed and safe while providing help and relief to those who need it most.” “This is a historic storm and heartbreaking situation for all those in Harvey’s path,” ...

TEGNA Inc., parent of WKYC-TV, today announced the host lineup and fall premiere date for “Daily Blast LIVE” (DBL), a new 30-minute daytime news and entertainment show and multi-platform brand. DBL will debut on Monday, September 11 across 36 TEGNA markets and can be seen LIVE nationally on Facebook and YouTube.  DBL features well-known names from television, fitness, sports and comedy including veterans of notable shows like “Dr. Drew,” “The Biggest Loser,” “Big Brother,” and “Growing Pains.” DBL’s host team will share their expertise, unpredictable opinions and distinctive points of view on the day’s news, daily trending topics and viral, shareable content generating buzz at that very moment. The hosts include: Erica Cobb: a seasoned correspondent and football fanatic who has been heard on radio stations spanning the Chicago, Denver and Sacramento areas, Cobb has also appeared as a football pre-game correspondent for several television stations, including Denver’s TE...

McLEAN, VA – TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) (parent company of WKYC-TV) today announced that it has completed the previously announced spin-off of Cars.com, creating two publicly traded companies: TEGNA, an innovative media company with the largest broadcast group among major network affiliates in the top 25 markets; and Cars.com, a leading digital automotive marketplace. TEGNA will continue trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TGNA. Effective today, Cars.com will begin “regular way” trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CARS. New TEGNA president & CEO Dave Lougee Upon the completion of the spin-off, Dave Lougee, president of TEGNA Media, was named president and CEO and joined TEGNA’s Board. Gracia Martore, president and CEO of TEGNA, retired and stepped down from the Board of Directors. “I am incredibly honored and excited to become CEO of this great company,” said Lougee. “Gracia has meant so much to everyone at TEGNA. She has been a mentor a...

Special to the Director's Cut Blog From wkyc.com Each year TEGNA, WKYC's parent company, hosts an awards ceremony to recognize top employees, campaigns, and unsung heroes. Two of WKYC's own were honored at this year's ceremony in Virginia. We extend a big congratulations to our President and General Manager, Micki Byrnes, who was named Manager of the Year. A live shot from the team at @WKYC as @mickibyrnes was awarded with Manager of the Year! #TEGNAawards pic.twitter.com/Oaz3XqTjEz — TEGNA (@TEGNA) March 8, 2017 She beat out general managers from 46 other stations across the country. We think we're very lucky to have her, too! Congratulations are also in order for our Director of Advocacy and Community Initiatives, Margaret Bernstein, who was honored along with Micki Byrnes with the company's Diversity and Inclusion award. Congratulations to both @Margbern and @MickiByrnes of @WKYC for winning 2017 Individual Diversity Awards #TEGNAawards pic...

TEGNA Inc. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) announced today they will premiere BOLD, a live, interactive, multi-platform topical entertainment program, in the fall of 2017. BOLD will be the industry’s first live multi-daypart syndicated show, spotlighting the day’s essential stories, information and trending social media content in real-time across multiple screens. BOLD (Broadcast Online Live Daily) will be produced unique to each time zone. Each live 30-minute episode will be distinct and able to capture the stories people are talking about at that exact moment. BOLD will connect with viewers in a dynamic and immersive 360 degree viewing experience, enabling viewers to interact live with the show’s hosts, share their reaction and opinions on stories, vote on BOLD content and polls and submit videos and stories that could appear on the show. “Daytime TV has become predictable and similar. BOLD will be different. The show will reflect how viewers are consuming content across multiple pl...

WKYC, a TEGNA Media station, will partner with several Northeast Ohio charitable organizations on Make A Difference Day, one of the largest annual single-days of service nationwide. This year, Make A Difference Day will take place on Saturday, October 22. Make A Difference Day unites volunteers from across the country with a common mission: to improve the lives of others through a wide range of community-driven service projects. Employees from WKYC and their families will make a difference by volunteering at five local nonprofits, all of which were hand-picked by station employees themselves. At Ronald McDonald House, WKYC staffers including anchor Sara Shookman will prepare boxed lunches and bake treats for residents, and assemble “boredom bags” for children. Other projects include sorting and shelving merchandise at Kids in Need Resource Center, gardening and raking at Fieldstone Farm therapeutic riding center, and doing outdoor clean-up at American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge....

TEGNA, parent company of WKYC-TV, announced today that TEGNA Media and NBC have agreed to a renewal of the affiliation agreements of all 17 TEGNA Media NBC stations (including WKYC-TV). TEGNA’s entire portfolio of NBC stations will now be under one common, long-term agreement.  TEGNA Media is the largest independent NBC affiliate group. “We are pleased to be extending our deep and longstanding partnership with NBC,” said Dave Lougee, president, TEGNA Media. “NBC’s content, from sports to news to primetime, combined with TEGNA Media’s trusted, innovative and impactful local programming is highly valued by our viewers.” “We are happy to extend our affiliation with TEGNA, NBC’s largest affiliate station group,” said Jean Dietze, President, Affiliate Relations, NBC Broadcasting. “We’ve had a strong, successful partnership with Dave and his team for many years. We look forward to continued collaboration to provide high-quality network broadcast content to complement TEGNA’...

TEGNA Media, the broadcast division of TEGNA Inc. and parent owner of WKYC-TV, today was named Station Group of the Year by Broadcasting & Cable. TEGNA Media was chosen because of its “outstanding group of local television stations whose leading reportage, ratings, financial results and strategic moves demonstrated its exceptional accomplishments in taking on dynamic market trends,” according to the publication. “This is a great accomplishment and we thank Broadcasting & Cable for honoring the exceptional work and commitment that takes place every day across our company,” said Gracia Martore, president and CEO, TEGNA.  “This recognition is the culmination of a terrific year for TEGNA Media which received many well-deserved honors. It also symbolizes what this company is all about. We deliver quality content and innovation that makes a difference every day.” TEGNA Media’s many highlights this year include: Launching a significant effort to transform content ...

T.D. Jakes ( Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Variety) TEGNA Inc., parent of WKYC-TV, today announced it has cleared “T.D. Jakes”, a multi-issue daily one-hour talk show hosted by T.D. Jakes, on 29 TEGNA Media stations to air in the fall of 2016. In a move designed to create more original programming, TEGNA Media will both produce and distribute the “T.D. Jakes” series. “T.D. Jakes has a unique and uplifting voice that is well suited for daytime television. With Jakes at the helm, this program has an opportunity to attract blue-chip advertisers, generate large audiences and empower viewers across the country,” said Dave Lougee, president, TEGNA Media. “During the show’s test run this summer, Jakes’ audience grew each week in every market. Once viewers found him, they liked him and we look forward to introducing him to a wider audience next fall.” “T.D. Jakes” enjoyed a highly successful month-long test run this summer on four TEGNA Media stations. The shows tackled socia...

Bishop T.D. Jakes Bishop T.D. Jakes is about to go from the pulpit in Dallas to the national stage. The force behind T.D. Jakes Ministries and the annual celebrity-studded celebration of faith called Mega Fest, Jakes has become a sort of celebrity in his own right. Time magazine once wondered if he might be America's next Billy Graham. While Jakes leads The Potter's House , the North Texas non-denominational mega church that's 30,000 members strong, he's getting ready to reach an even larger audience Mondays through Fridays with The T.D. Jakes Show. The program's trial run will air daily from August 17 - September 11 of this year. "It's nice to be challenged again at this stage in my life," he said of the new talk show. "I'm 58 years old and I have the opportunity to do something new and fresh and exciting." Jakes says while he'll still draw on his faith in the new venture, he has no plans to preach. He says the show wil...

Get your copy of the Director's Cut Blog "History of WKYC." You'll learn more about the station's history from our sign on Halloween night in 1948 to the most recent transformation of Gannett Broadcasting to TEGNA at the end of June 2015. Available HERE: http://bit.ly/1NoFj8v

McLEAN, VA – Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) said today that it has chosen TEGNA as the name for the new Broadcasting and Digital company. Gannett is in the process of creating two publicly traded companies: one exclusively focused on its Broadcasting and Digital businesses, and the other on its Publishing business and affiliated digital assets. TEGNA will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TGNA. “We are pleased to announce the name of our new Broadcasting and Digital company, which combines one of the largest, most geographically diverse broadcasters in the U.S. with incredibly strong marketing solutions organizations,” said Gracia Martore, Gannett president and CEO. “TEGNA is a nod to the more than 100 year-old history of Gannett. While always reminding us where we came from, the new name also shows our innovative spirit and commitment to being a forward-looking company that empowers people, businesses and communities to grow and thrive.” TEGNA’s trusted por...