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, Ohio courtesy of the Director's Cut Blog. Current WKYC/Cleveland Job Openings Account Executive   Investigative Producer   Multiskilled Journalist ***NEW*** Current WBNS/Columbus Job Openings Freelance Photographer/Editor   Managing Editor Multi-Skilled Journalist News Director   Photojournalist Producer   Current WTOL/Toledo Job Openings Account Executive Multiskilled Journalist Photojournalist ***NEW*** Producer Production Lead You can also find other jobs within our parent company on the  TEGNA Career Page . Please note, you must apply via the website. Mailed applications are not accepted. Follow Frank Macek for new postings on X  @MacekNewsNation  or on Facebook at  fb/frank.macek

By Frank Macek Jasmine Monroe. Courtesy First Coast News If you worked a morning shift in Cleveland over the last decade, chances are you started your day with Jasmine Monroe’s energy lighting up the screen.  She was a spark in 3News’ early hours—nimble in breaking news, generous with community features, and quick with a smile that telegraphed warmth as much as authority. Then she stepped away from local air—off on a new chapter that, true to form, has been ambitious and purpose-driven. So where is Jasmine Monroe now, and how did she get there? Monroe closed her WKYC chapter in the spring of 2022 with an on-air farewell that felt less like a send-off and more like a thank-you from Northeast Ohio. Colleagues saluted her reportorial chops and her bond with viewers; the goodbye underscored how thoroughly she had woven herself into the market’s morning fabric.  Her next stop: Florida’s capital. In October 2022, Monroe joined WTXL (ABC 27) in Tallahassee as a morning anchor on th...

By Frank Macek In local television, it is rare to find someone balancing two demanding careers with equal passion, but Mike Joyce has carved out a path that does exactly that. By weekday, he is a high school science teacher guiding students through biology and environmental science.  Mike Joyce. Courtesy LinkedIn By weekend, he moonlights as a meteorologist, and has joined us for a while at WKYC, where viewers have been introduced to a new face who blends credibility with enthusiasm. His journey, stretching from small-market weather desks to the classroom and back onto larger broadcast platforms, tells the story of someone who has never stopped chasing his love of science and communication. Joyce’s career path began after he earned a degree in Atmospheric Sciences from Ohio State University in 2012. Shortly after graduation, he entered the field at WMFD-TV in Mansfield, Ohio, where he also provided forecasts for Mix 106.1 FM. That early experience led him to WFMJ-TV in Youngstown,...

By Frank Macek Every August, something pretty remarkable happens across the country — and here in Northeast Ohio, we’re right in the middle of it. It’s called Clear the Shelters , and if you’ve never heard of it, think of it as a month-long community adoption drive with one shared mission: help as many pets as possible find forever homes. This isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s a movement. This year marks the 11th year of Clear the Shelters, and from August 1 through August 31, more than 30 shelters and rescues in Northeast Ohio are teaming up with WKYC Studios and our NBC and Telemundo partners nationwide to make it happen. The idea is simple — and powerful. Shelters across the region are offering reduced or even waived adoption fees, hosting special events, and putting a spotlight on the dogs, cats, and even a few more unusual pets waiting for a family. And while the promotions help get people in the door, the bigger impact is that every single adoption frees up space and resources...

By Frank Macek Please join me in welcoming Amaya Ward to our newsroom team! A passionate, multi-skilled journalist, Amaya joins us from KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, where she made her mark as a reporter dedicated to telling stories that matter. Her time there included coverage of vital community services like mobile medical clinics for homeless veterans, crime and public safety cases, youth nutrition efforts, and wildfire relief programs. With each story, Amaya worked to shine a light on people at the heart of the news—those who might otherwise go unheard. Amaya Ward (Courtesy: KFOR-TV) Amaya’s journalism journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. During her time there, she became a familiar face on OU Nightly as both an anchor and reporter. She also worked as a sports pad host and served briefly as a Washington D.C. correspondent, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of formats and topics. H...

By Frank Macek As we count down the final weeks of summer, many kids in Northeast Ohio are thinking about new friends, favorite teachers, and what color backpack to pick out for the new school year. But for far too many families, back-to-school season is filled with anxiety—not excitement—because basic classroom supplies remain out of reach. That’s where we come in. WKYC is proud to once again team up with our local United Way chapter for the annual School Supply Fundraiser, a vital campaign aimed at making sure every student, no matter their circumstances, has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. This isn’t just about pencils and notebooks. It’s about opportunity. Your donation helps fund everything from essential classroom materials to mental health resources, ESL support for caregivers, and even training for childcare providers. These are the real building blocks of long-term student success. Why Your Help Matters Research shows that when kids show up prepared—both mentally an...

By Frank Macek WKYC continues to shine a spotlight on real Northeast Ohio families through its heartfelt and educational series More Childhood, Please, produced in partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital. The show, which has been compared to a blend of reality TV and YouTube-style family challenges, is back this weekend with a new adventure designed to encourage healthier habits in our kids—and maybe even ourselves. Episode 3 airs this Saturday at 7 p.m. on WKYC, and will also be available for streaming on all WKYC digital platforms. This time, the series follows local siblings Lily and Rhys as they ditch the screens, step outside, and reconnect with the great outdoors. Whether it’s squishing through the mud, exploring tree-lined paths, or learning about the ecosystem right under their feet, this episode reminds us all of the simple magic found just beyond the front door. More than just cute moments and camera-ready kids, More Childhood, Please is built on a foundation of expert ad...

By Frank Macek In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, the term “CTV” is popping up more frequently in conversations about television’s future. But what exactly is Connected TV, and why is it such a critical piece of the puzzle for local broadcasters like WKYC-TV? Let’s unpack what CTV means, how it differs from traditional TV, and why it’s becoming the cornerstone of how local stations will survive—and thrive—in the streaming era. CTV stands for Connected TV—televisions that connect to the internet to stream digital video content. This includes smart TVs with built-in internet access and devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation that connect regular TVs to the web. Through these platforms, viewers access streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Peacock—and yes, local news apps and FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channels, many of which carry content from local affiliates like WKYC Studios in Cleveland. In short, CTV is how ...

By Frank Macek Mike Stone, the veteran meteorologist once seen on weekend and morning broadcasts at WKYC in Cleveland, has built a distinguished three-decade career grounded in scientific rigor, community engagement, and broadcast excellence. Graduating from Penn State University with a deep-seated passion for weather, Stone earned professional distinction early, obtaining certifications from both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association, as well as the prestigious AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal.  Mike Stone (courtesy: WTVR) His journey in broadcast meteorology began with high-stakes roles in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he honed his skills covering tornadoes and severe storms, developing the calm and authoritative demeanor that would define his on-air presence.  From there, he transitioned through broadcasts in Pennsylvania and other Midwestern markets, finally landing in Cleveland at WKYC-TV. Stone served as the weekend and later morni...

By Frank Macek Every September, something extraordinary happens in downtown Cleveland. The city’s heartbeat quickens—not just from the whirring of bicycle wheels on pavement, but from the shared passion of thousands who come together for a single, powerful cause: curing cancer. That event is Velosano: Bike to Cure, and I’m proud to say that WKYC is not only covering it—we’re part of it. If you haven’t heard of Velosano before, let me introduce you to what I believe is one of the most impactful and inspiring efforts taking place in our region. Velosano—which means “swift cure” in Latin—isn’t just a bike ride. It’s a movement. Organized by Cleveland Clinic, it’s a massive fundraising effort that has already raised over $80 million since 2014 to support life-saving cancer research. What sets it apart is that 100% of the funds raised go directly to research. No overhead. No middlemen. Just pure, powerful impact. The main event, Bike to Cure, takes place this year on September 6, 2025, with...

 By Frank Macek As someone who's spent a good part of my career inside local television stations, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions made in Washington D.C. ripple across our newsrooms. When the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) talks about relaxing ownership rules, it’s not just an abstract policy shift—it’s something that could affect every aspect of what we do on the ground. And while the issue is complex, I think it's worth stepping back to look at both the opportunities and the challenges this kind of change presents. For those who might not be familiar with the current framework, the FCC has traditionally imposed strict limits on how many TV or radio stations a single company can own in a given market. These rules were designed decades ago to ensure a diversity of voices and prevent any one entity from having too much influence over the media landscape. But in today’s world of streaming, social media, and digital fragmentation, some argue that these rules are outdate...

By Frank Macek After becoming just the second person to undergo a groundbreaking implant operation at the Cleveland Clinic, 3News Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins is now discovering a new sense of purpose in her healing journey. This innovative procedure—designed to restore critical function and vastly improve quality of life—marked a monumental step for both Monica and the medical community. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and the remarkable impact of cutting-edge medicine.  As Monica shares her experiences, she underscores the blend of hope and determination that carried her through recovery, and she reflects on the profound gratitude she feels toward the surgical team, her loved ones, and the supportive caregivers at Cleveland Clinic. In opening up about the highs and lows of her rehabilitation, Monica shines a powerful light on the emotional and physical complexities of recovery—and on the transformative promise of medical innovation.  Her journey reminds...

By Frank Macek If you watched WKYC during the mid-to-late 2010s, chances are you remember Andrew Horansky. With his thoughtful tone, strong on-air presence, and reporter’s instinct for the human side of the story, Horansky became a familiar face to viewers in Northeast Ohio. He joined Channel 3 in April 2015 after a long and well-traveled journalism career that took him across the country—and even overseas.  At WKYC, he served as both a general assignment reporter and weekend anchor, quickly making his mark with in-depth storytelling and a knack for covering both breaking news and community features with equal skill. Horansky brought a broad resume to Cleveland. Prior to arriving at WKYC, he had reported in Houston Austin, Chicago, Boston, Traverse City and Dubuque and was also known for his international reporting, including coverage from Iraq, Pakistan, Haiti and Sri Lanka. That global perspective, combined with a clear, calm delivery, made him a trusted presence on Cleveland air...

By Frank Macek As many of you know, the 56th Annual Great Lakes Emmy Awards were held Saturday night, June 20th, 2025, in Indianapolis — and I’m thrilled to share that WKYC had a great showing where it mattered most. Our team brought home multiple Emmy wins across several key categories, a testament to the passion, collaboration, and dedication poured into our storytelling each and every day. This recognition is more than a trophy — it’s a reflection of the hard work, heart, and humanity we put into every broadcast, feature, and community service project. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the outstanding work and the people behind it: 🏆 Morning Newscast – Markets 1-50 “3News GO: Severe Summer Storms” This fast-paced, real-time coverage of severe weather showcased the strength of our morning team. Congratulations to Executive Producer Jennifer Jordan , Producers Ryan Haidet , Anna Meyer , Alanna Dick , Anchors Danita Harris and Dave Chudowsky , Meteorologist Matt Wintz , Reporter ...

By Frank Macek Edward M. “Ed” Miller, a familiar face to Northeast Ohio viewers during the late 1970s and early 1980s, passed away peacefully in Naples, Florida, at the age of 75. Known for his calm authority and journalistic tenacity, Miller left behind a legacy defined by fearless reporting, professional integrity, and a passion for public service through broadcast journalism. Miller rose to prominence at WKYC-TV, Cleveland’s NBC affiliate, during a transformative period for local news. In 1979, the station expanded its evening newscast to a full hour—a significant programming shift for the time. It was during this reshaping of WKYC’s news format that Miller stepped into a leading role, anchoring alongside Mona Scott during the crucial 6 p.m. hour. His steady on-air presence and thoughtful delivery quickly earned him the trust of viewers across Northeast Ohio. Colleagues recall Miller as a consummate professional in the newsroom—unflappable under pressure and deeply invested in tel...

By Frank Macek Cleveland’s rich tapestry of history and transformation has a new storyteller—and it’s someone who knows the city better than most. WKYC Studios has launched a new series titled "Then and Now with Leon Bibb," and it’s a powerful blend of journalism, personal narrative, and a heartfelt tribute to the places that shaped Northeast Ohio in conjunction with the Cleveland Public Library. As someone who’s worked alongside Leon, I can tell you this: no one delivers a story quite like him. With a voice that’s as familiar as it is trusted, Bibb brings both reverence and insight to every location he visits. His new series isn’t just a walk through old buildings or long-forgotten photos—it’s a rediscovery of Cleveland’s soul. A Journalist's Legacy Leon Bibb made history as Ohio’s first African American primetime news anchor. After decades delivering the day’s top stories to viewers across the region, Leon retired from the anchor desk in 2017—but journalism never left h...