Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

By Frank Macek WKYC Studios has these job openings available if you are looking for a rewarding career experience with us at TEGNA Media's Cleveland location. We've also now added opportunities for our sister TEGNA stations in Columbus and Toledo as well as other Broadcast Director openings across the country. Current WKYC/Cleveland Job Openings Production Lead Production Coordinator Producer Meteorologist  *NEW* Current WBNS/Columbus Job Openings Story Desk Editor  *NEW*  President & General Manager *NEW* Broadcast Radio/TV Engineer *NEW* Producer Production Lead Producer Production Coordinator Multi-skilled Journalist Meteorologist Morning News Anchor Current WTOL/Toledo Job Openings Local Sales Manager Investigative Multi-Skilled Journalist Current Broadcast Director Jobs Tegna Openings Newscast Director (Full-Time Temporary) - KHOU (Houston) Broadcast Director - KPNX (Phoenix) Broadcast Director - WGRZ (Buffalo) Broadcast Director  (Temporary) -WXIA/WAT...

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 UPDATE: 12/25 Due to the weather and breaking news, NBC has canceled Tom's visit to Cleveland today. ------------------------- NBC Nightly News will have a distinctly Cleveland backdrop on Monday, December 15, as anchor Tom Llamas brings the network’s flagship evening newscast to the city for a live broadcast at 6:30 p.m. The visit includes time at WKYC Studios and is part of Llamas’ broader effort to tour the country and connect directly with NBC’s local affiliates. Llamas’ Cleveland stop places Northeast Ohio squarely on the national stage—something the city continues to earn through its relevance to stories shaping the country. From economic reinvention and health care to climate resilience and the evolving media industry itself, Cleveland offers a real-world lens on national issues. Broadcasting live from the city reinforces NBC News’ commitment to grounding its reporting in the communities where those stories live. The visit to WKYC carries particular weight. C...

By Frank Macek Old WKYC building at E. 6th Street October 31 isn’t just Halloween in Cleveland—it’s also the day Channel 3 first lit up the airwaves. On October 31, 1948, WKYC—then known as WNBK —signed on as Cleveland’s second television station , following WEWS-TV. Seventy-seven years later, that pioneering NBC signal from Parma has evolved into a multimedia powerhouse that continues to inform, inspire, and connect Northeast Ohio. When WNBK first went on the air, television itself was still new and experimental. Only a few hundred Clevelanders owned TV sets, and most programming came live from NBC’s studios in New York. The local station filled the schedule with community shows, live news, and sports, all broadcast from a modest downtown facility. Those early engineers, announcers, and producers were true trailblazers, figuring out the technology and storytelling in real time. In 1954, the station relocated its transmitter to Parma and moved from Channel 4 to Channel 3 to improve si...

By Frank Macek Brandon Simmons WKYC Studios is proud to announce that Brandon Simmons has been promoted to Assistant News Director, marking an important milestone in a career built on hard work, innovation, and leadership. His journey at WKYC has been one of steady growth, defined by versatility and a deep commitment to excellence across every platform. Brandon joined WKYC in 2010 and quickly made an impression. He started as an intern, eager to learn the fast-paced world of television news, and moved through the ranks to become a key member of the assignment desk. There, he developed a sharp sense for breaking stories and a deep understanding of how a newsroom operates. His ability to stay calm under pressure and think strategically made him a trusted teammate early on. When he transitioned into reporting, Brandon’s storytelling skills and technical understanding came together seamlessly. He brought empathy and professionalism to every story, connecting with audiences while breaking d...

By Frank Macek Kristen Mirand A new face has joined the WKYC newsroom, and I think viewers are really going to like her. Kristen Mirand is her name, and she comes to Cleveland after spending the last few years in Buffalo, where she worked as a reporter and anchor at WKBW, the station in her hometown.  It’s always special when a journalist gets to cover the community that raised them, but Kristen is ready for a new challenge and new stories here in Northeast Ohio. Kristen has already built a reputation as a reporter who doesn’t shy away from tough stories. In Buffalo, she was trusted with breaking news coverage, and her work showed a clear comfort with being on the front lines when the big stories happened. Before returning home, she spent two years in Lynchburg, Virginia, working for WSET, where she covered a wide range of local issues. That role gave her the kind of foundation every journalist needs early in their career: a chance to learn how to juggle everything from crime and c...

By Frank Macek Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes at WKYC? In this edition of  Hey Frank! , I’m answering real questions from viewers across Northeast Ohio—no scripts, just straight talk. From how stories are picked to whether automation runs the newsroom, you asked, and I’m here to break it all  down. Let’s dive in.

By Frank Macek Chris Renkel has quickly become a familiar face to Cleveland sports fans since joining the 3News team in September 2024. For him, this is more than just a new job—it’s a homecoming. Born and raised in Westlake, Ohio, Chris grew up surrounded by the rich sports culture of Northeast Ohio. The Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians were more than just teams on TV; they were part of the daily conversation, the shared experiences that knit communities together.  Chris Renkel That lifelong connection to local sports shapes everything about his approach on air. When he’s at the anchor desk or out in the field, Chris speaks not just as a journalist but as someone who knows what it’s like to sit in the stands, cheer from the couch, and feel the sting of a tough loss or the joy of a last-second win. His passion for sports has always been personal, and that authenticity is one of the first things viewers notice. Chris doesn’t just read the highlights; he brings them to life with th...

By Frank Macek Local television has been a trusted source of information for decades. In recent years, though, it has faced a major challenge: attracting younger viewers. Millennials and Generation Z consume content differently, and their habits are reshaping how media organizations must adapt. For local TV stations, like WKYC Studios, winning back these viewers requires innovation, flexibility, and an honest look at what younger audiences want. One of the first hurdles is perception. Many younger people don’t see local television as being made for them. They may view it as their parents’ or grandparents’ platform—reliable, yes, but not one that resonates with their fast-paced, tech-savvy lifestyles. To shift that perception, stations need to move beyond traditional evening newscasts and create content that speaks directly to younger demographics. And that means meeting audiences where they are. Younger viewers live on their phones, scrolling TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube far more tha...

By Frank Macek As the National Association of Black Journalists marks its golden anniversary, thousands of journalists, media professionals, students, and allies will convene in Cleveland, Ohio, August 6–10, 2025, for the landmark 50th Annual NABJ Convention & Career Fair. This gathering at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland reflects NABJ’s half‑century in elevating Black voices in journalism and media, blending professional development, advocacy, and celebration of Black excellence. Origins and Mission: Why NABJ Was Founded Founded on December 12, 1975, in Washington, D.C., by 44 Black journalists, NABJ emerged amid concerns that mainstream media lacked diversity and misrepresented Black communities. Inspired by prior local journalist associations and in response to the Kerner Commission’s 1968 findings, NABJ launched with a mission to increase Black representation in newsrooms and advocate for greater inclusion and accurate storytelling. Over decades, it has grown into...

 By Frank Macek WKYC Studios is proud to announce that veteran broadcast executive Julie Flynn has been named news director, effective Monday, August 4. Flynn will oversee WKYC’s news operation across all platforms, including television, streaming, and digital. Julie Flynn A Cleveland native, Flynn is no stranger to Northeast Ohio viewers. She has spent most of her career serving this community and has been part of WKYC’s leadership team since 2023 as assistant news director. Before that, she guided innovation efforts at the station, including the successful launch of the WKYC+ streaming app. Flynn’s newsroom leadership experience also includes a four-year stint as news director at WZZM 13, TEGNA’s ABC affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 2018 to 2022. Her local roots run deep. Flynn previously spent over 15 years in the Cleveland market, including time as WKYC’s 11 p.m. executive producer from 2013 to 2017, where she also helped shape “Donovan Live.” She began her career at W...

By Frank Macek For a long time, local TV news had a playbook that rarely changed. You had your set air times, polished anchor desks, and a 30-minute rundown of top stories. It worked—and it worked well. But those days? They’re quickly fading. Viewers have moved, habits have shifted, and stations like WKYC Studios in Cleveland are completely rethinking how we do local news in the streaming age. Here’s the thing: the local newscast isn’t going away. But it is being rebuilt—and WKYC is one of the stations helping lead that charge. Why We Had to Change Let’s be real—nobody’s sitting around waiting for a 6 p.m. newscast anymore. People want their news now , on their phone, in a quick video, or as part of a live stream they can tune into whenever it’s convenient. Younger viewers, in particular, aren’t tied to the living room TV—they’re watching while riding the bus, grabbing coffee, or scrolling at midnight. That’s why just sticking with “what’s always worked” isn’t good enough. To stay re...

By Frank Macek Natalie Clydesdale      A fresh, dynamic voice is joining the ranks of 3News, and her name is Natalie Clydesdale. Beginning Monday, May 19, Natalie steps into her new role as a multi-skilled journalist at WKYC Studios, bringing experience, passion, and a true love for storytelling to the Northeast Ohio community. Originally from Pittsburgh, Natalie is excited to return closer to her roots. With family already in Northeast Ohio, this move not only marks a professional milestone but also a personal one. Her familiarity with the region and its people gives her a unique perspective that will no doubt enhance her ability to tell the stories that matter most. Natalie arrives in Cleveland from KFOR-TV, the NBC affiliate in Oklahoma City, where she worked as a morning anchor and reporter. During her time there, she became known for her calm presence during breaking news coverage and her ability to connect with viewers in meaningful ways. Before that, she worked in...

As the WKYC broadcast came to a close today, the final words carried extra weight — a heartfelt tribute to someone whose leadership has shaped the very soul of the station. “We sign off this broadcast with a congratulations to our General Manager Micki Byrnes, who’s retiring after 27 years with WKYC,”  said 3News at 6 anchors Russ Mitchell and Christi Paul. With those words, the newsroom acknowledged the legacy of a woman who has led with grace, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to local journalism. Retiring WKYC President/General Manager Micki Byrnes This afternoon, staff, friends, and community leaders gathered to celebrate Byrnes' remarkable career. The energy in the room reflected both joy and nostalgia — a deep appreciation for the impact she’s had not just on the station, but across Cleveland media. As a fitting tribute to her influence and dedication, Cleveland’s mayor arrived in person to present Byrnes with an official proclamation, honoring her years of service to ...

Special to the Director's Cut Blog Leon Bibb on 3/25/22      By Ryan Haidet, wkyc.com CLEVELAND — It's a big day for 3News’ Leon Bibb . City officials honored the Cleveland TV news legend Friday afternoon by dedicating “Leon Bibb Way” at East 105th Street and Parkgate Avenue. Standing under the street sign bearing his name, Bibb recounted some of his childhood memories growing up at a home just down the street. “My childhood home was just a comfortable walk from the shores of Lake Erie, which call my family and friends to its wide-sweeping magnitude and its beauty. It was a wonderful childhood on this street, which my parents called a street of dreams. I don’t remember much about moving here when we moved here because I was only 3 years old." View this post on Instagram A post shared by WKYC Cleveland (@wkyc3) He did remember, however, arriving to the home in a taxi cab with his mother while his father traveled there in the moving truck because t...

Neil Fischer By Frank Macek @maceknewsnation WKYC Director of Content Adam Miller has announced Neil Fischer is joining the WKYC family as a Multi-Skilled Journalist starting next month. A St. Louis native, Neil will join WKYC Studios after the past two years at KAPP-KVEW in Kennewick (Tri-Cities), Washington where he worked as an MMJ, reporter and anchor, covering everything from the COVID-19 pandemic to social justice protests in addition to wildfires that plagued that region.  Neil is a graduate of Lindenwood University with a B.A. in Communications and Broadcasting, where he hosted a radio show, serving play-by-play for a variety of sports and he also played on the men’s baseball team. Neil’s natural curiosity, impressive work ethic and genuine passion for storytelling aligns well with the 3News team and our push to continue focusing journalistic efforts around what matters most. We look forward to Neil joining WKYC Studios and embracing the Northeast Ohio community.

By Frank Macek @maceknewsnation Ever wondered about something you see on the air at WKYC Studios? Submit your questions and I'll do my best to answer them in an upcoming edition of "Hey Frank." Keep in mind, I can not divulge station secrets or address rumors, but I will honestly try and answer questions about the programing and people you see on 3. Please email me at fmacek@wkyc.com . (I will not publish your email addresses on the blog, but would appreciate you providing your first name that I will use as part of the feature format.)

By Frank Macek @maceknewsnation The 3News team has grown a little bigger this week with the arrival of Carmen Blackwell as a weeknight reporter at WKYC Studios. A New Orleans native, Carmen told us she’s ready to call the birthplace of Rock & Roll her new home and "bring a little taste of the Crescent City to the Land," according to 3News Director of Content Adam Miller. Carmen Blackwell Carmen joins our station from KSAZ-TV/Phoenix, Arizona, where she was most recently a weekday morning reporter.  Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Carmen began her career as a weekday morning anchor, reporter and producer at KALB-TV in Alexandria, LA before moving to the FOX affiliate in Phoenix.  When not reporting, Carmen enjoys spending time with her husband, one-year-old son and Mini Aussie Poo pup named Lola. Look for Carmen on our evening newscasts beginning next week.

By Frank Macek @maceknewsnation Congratulations to our own Russ Mitchell in celebrating his 10 year anniversary with WKYC Studios this month. In December 2011, former WKYC VP/General Manager Brooke Spectorsky announced to the staff Russ would be moving from his role at CBS News to become weeknight Managing Editor and the 6 & 11P anchor on the station in January 2012. He would replace Romona Robinson who left the station upon the expiration of her contract on December 16, 2011, following a 15 year stint with the station. Most of that time, Robinson was teamed with co-anchor Tim White who also exited in 2008. Seen as a coup at the time by local media insiders who were shocked the station failed to renew Robinson's contract, Russ left his role as an anchor  and journalist at CBS News to head to Cleveland.  While based at CBS in New York City since 1992, Russ held a number of roles at the network over the next 19 years including co-anchor of "Up To the Minute," original c...