Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

As we first broke on the Director's Cut blog on June 1st ( read our original story ), the Ohio Lottery moves to Channel 3 beginning on Friday, July 1st. We'll now become home to the nightly drawings and the weekly television show "Cash Explosion" every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Click on the video to watch our promo running now:

One of the biggest trials in Cleveland's legal history is getting underway at the Federal Courthouse in downtown Cleveland. Our Chris Tye went behind the scenes on a tour that shows not only the courtroom and the scene, but also where the media will be working during the trial. It's a place you really get to know your colleagues up close and personal. Click on the video for a fascinating look and how we are seeing the trial from our perspective at WKYC and Cleveland local media outlets:

By Frank Macek Congratulations to many of our colleagues at WKYC and our partner sports channel, SportsTime Ohio, for a total of 5 Emmy Awards. The awards were presented Saturday evening at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Cleveland. Our winner's list this year include the following individuals and the name of their entry: Sports: Single News Story ("Mylans Woods"): Lynn Olszowy (reporter/photographer) Sporting Event/Game: Live/Unedited ("OHSAA Div. I Football Championship"): Mike Bachmann (Producer) & Steve Warren (Director) Sports: One Time Special ("STO Par 3 Shootout"): Dean Cummings (Coordinating Producer), Patrick Kilkenney (Executive Producer), Michael Atkins (Producer), John Zaccardelli (Sound Editor), Jim Donovan (On-Air Talent), Jimmy Hamlin (On-Air Talent) and Doug Cooper (Editor) Crafts: Lightning - Location ("Blowin' Smoke"): Steve Pullen (Lighting) Crafts: Writer - Short Form ("Fans For Life"): Mich...

Special to the Director's Cut Blog By Ryan Nakashima, AP Business Writer LOS ANGELES - Americans who watch the most video online tend to watch less TV, according to The Nielsen Co., a finding that overturns a longstanding belief that people who watch more programming do so over all devices. The ratings agency said Wednesday that starting last fall, it noticed a segment of consumers who were starting to make a trade-off between online video and regular TV. The activity was more pronounced among people ages 18-34. The finding could be troubling to television networks that have been putting shows online in order to reach new audiences. The hope was they wouldn't diminish viewership on television, where they still make most of their advertising revenue. Nielsen polled about 2,600 people who said they watched videos online in the first three months of the year, and divided them into fifths based on how much they watch. The fifth that watched the most video online consumed ...

WKYC continues our committment to quality, local programming with a brand new weekend show called "It's About You" on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. following Channel 3 News Today beginning June 11th. At home...in the garden...on the go... It's about your life, your way, your health, and your style of living. It's about you! With your hosts Andrea Vecchio and Joe Cronauer as more local programming is coming to your weekend mornings, and we're providing you with how-tos, expert advice, and projects to help enhance your style of living. Co-Hosted by Joe Cronauer who has been seen and heard on Cleveland airwaves for the last 22 years. He's been up and down the radio dial as part of The Brian and Joe Radio Show. In 2008 he was inducted in the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Currently of WKYC's Good Company. In 2005, Andrea Vecchio began her dual job as a television host and producer when WKYC-TV launched the local talk show G...

Congratulations to two of our colleagues at Channel 3 for their second place finish at the 2011 Ohio Associated Press Broadcasters Awards ceremony WKYC Investigative Report Tom Meyer and Editor Sarah Bachmann were recognized in the "Best Continuing Coverage" category for their outstanding work on the Cuyahoga County Corruption scandal duringn 2010 The Awards were handed out Sunday, June 5th, at Ohio Associated Press Broadcasters Awards Luncheon in Columbus. A banquet was held at The Hilton Columbus at Easton Town Center and featured the work of Ohio's outstanding broadcast journalists in both radio and television.

You can now read and enjoy the Director's Cut Blog wtih Frank Macek on your mobile device in a clean and effortless way. Just save the following link to connect to the latest behind the scenes happenings at Channel 3 and high definition television We'll have plenty of news in the coming weeks that you won't want to miss. Our new mobile address is: http://wkycdirectorscut.blogspot.com/?m=1

Special to the Director's Cut Blog By Stephan Wilson, AP Sports Writer LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- NBC retained its hold on U.S. Olympic television rights Tuesday in a four-games deal through 2020 worth more than $4 billion, defeating rival bids from ESPN and Fox, officials with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press. Two officials spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the decision has not yet been officially announced by the International Olympic Committee. NBC, now controlled by Comcast, won the bid less than a month after the resignation of longtime sports and Olympics chief Dick Ebersol in a dispute with the new owners. The victory extends NBC's reign as the Olympic network in the United States, a period stretching back 20 years. NBC has broadcast every Summer Olympics since 1988 and every Winter Games since 2002. NBC now will have exclusive rights to the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, ...

Meredith Vieira Next week marks a major milestone for NBC's "Today Show". Co-host Meredith Vieira is stepping down when she hosts her final show on Wednesday, June 8th. Saying good-bye as co-host of "Today" hasn't been easy. "I know my decision was the right one, but there are moments when it hits me, I'm going to be leaving," she says. Leaving after five years of what she calls a whirlwind dream job. There are the countless interviews with celebrities and politicians and major global events like the royal wedding and olympics. It is her co-workers Vieira says she will miss the most. "It's the people that make the show," she says. Veteran "Today Show" member Ann Curry is trading the news desk for a chair next to Matt Lauer, as Natalie Morales takes Curry's spot. Curry will still cover major news stories, but says she is also looking forward to showing viewers another side. "It's going to be fun,...

NBC announced today that acclaimed comedian and Emmy Award winning host Ben Bailey (Discovery Channel’s “Cash Cab”) will host the new NBC game series “Who’s Still Standing?” The series will offer a single contestant the chance to win a cash prize of up to $1,000,000 by taking down each of their opponents in fast-paced trivia battles. This show combines the fun of a trivia competition with physical comedy, by dropping contestants through trapped doors if they answer a question incorrectly. “Who’s Still Standing?” is based on the Israeli series “Still Standing,” which has proven to be a hit with viewers overseas.” “Ben is clever, entertaining and a huge authority in the trivia world,” said Telegdy. “Through its questions, this series taps into so many areas of knowledge and consistently builds to a drop, so everyone at home will enjoy playing along.” “I am really psyched to be hosting this new show ‘Who’s Still Standing?’ because it’s totally unlike any other show,” said Bailey. “C...

The numbers are coming, the numbers are coming! Beginning July 1st, 2011 Ohio Lottery players will be able to watch the Pick 3, Pick 4 and Rolling Cash 5 drawings on Channel 3 Monday through Friday at 7:29 p.m., as well as the Cash Explosion® television show on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. “We are thrilled to be the new home of the Ohio Lottery in Northeast Ohio, and look forward to sharing all the excitement with our viewers,” said WKYC President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky. Moving from longtime carrier WEWS, the Ohio Lottery will be working with NBC affiliate and market leader WKYC to expand its community outreach. “It’s a great match,” remarked Dennis Berg, Interim Director. “The Ohio Lottery is looking forward to an energetic and comprehensive partnership that will help us serve our players and community even more strongly.” Ohio Lottery drawings are broadcast statewide Monday through Friday. Saturday evening drawings occur during the Cash Explosion® television show, whic...

LOS ANGELES - NBC's new hit series "The Voice" is getting the choice post-Super Bowl spot next year, the network said Tuesday. It announced that a special edition of "The Voice" will air Feb. 5 after the NFL championship game. NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt called the post-game slot the best showcase on TV and said the singing contest deserves the exposure. The network's early decision regarding an event eight months away represents a vote of confidence in the freshman program. "The Voice" features judges Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton and the gimmick of initially picking contestants sight unseen. It's been a bright spot for struggling NBC, scoring as the season's top-rated new series among young adults and a draw among all viewers. The series has the right "mass appeal" to match up with the Super Bowl, the year's biggest sports event, Greenblatt said. "The Voice...

By Frank Macek Once again, Channel 3 News is the area's top choice for news, weather and sports at 11 pm, according to the results of May 2011 sweeps that ended Wednesday. Channel 3 News at 11 pm outpaced all competition in the time slot for the all important Adults 25-54 demo, Monday through Sunday and improved the Monday through Friday lead-in from weak NBC programming by nearly 20%. Channel 3 News at 4:30 a.m. also led the pack in early morning news finishing #1 in Adults 25-54. In those same key demographics, WKYC ranked #2 at 5 a.m., #2 at 6 a.m., #2 at 6 p.m. and #2 at 7 p.m. Channel 3 News at 6 p.m. was the only newscast that saw month to month growth during the time period, while the other stations lost viewers in Adults 25-54  Channel 3 News at 7 p.m. was ranked #1 in Women 25-54. Channel 3 News Weekends from 9 to 10:30 a.m. retained its #1 position Dr. Phil finished #1 against stiff news competition at 5 p.m. in Adults 2...

Elwood Edwards, Photo courtesy of Ryan Haidet  By Frank Macek You may not know the face, but you certainly know the voice. If you have ever used America On-Line (AOL) mail, the man whose voice you hear is none other than Channel 3's Elwood Elwards. Elwood wears many hats here at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center as ENPS and Graphics Supervisor, Editor, Camera operator, audio man and more! Before coming to Channel 3, Elwood was quite busy working with AOL to record several phrases you hear on your computers including "You've Got Mail" and "File's Done." The folks from AOL were here at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center a few weeks ago to record a little video of Elwood. Click on the video to watch: You’re watching You’ve Got Elwood Edwards . See the Web's top videos on AOL Video

Jim Donovan Channel 3 Sports Anchor Jim Donovan announced today that he is leaving WKYC-TV on a medical leave of absence. Beginning next week, he will begin the process of a bone marrow transplant for treatment of leukemia. "While it's not our normal policy to discuss personnel matters, this is a unique situation and we want to make sure folks understand how much we love, respect and want to support Jim," said WKYC-TV President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky. "He has been battling leukemia for over ten years, and in partnership with his medical team has undergone multiple treatments. Jimmy is a very private person, and has managed to keep his incredibly hectic schedule and job without most of our staff and viewers realizing the physical and mental effort involved. But now, it's time for him to try and beat this disease once and for all." "I've gone through a lot of treatment for close to 11 years and right now a transplant gives me the...

Ohio Governor John Kasich was in Cleveland today for an exclusive one on one interview with WKYC/TV 3, as we mentioned in our posting yesterday. We go behind the scenes as the Governor arrived at the Channel 3 Studios. Click on the video to watch:

Dick Ebersol Special to the Director's Cut Blog By Rachel Cohen, AP Sports Writer NEW YORK (AP) - Dick Ebersol has resigned as NBC Sports Group chairman, an industry giant who helped launch "Saturday Night Live" and built the network into the home of the Olympics over the past two decades. "I had a long run and loved every bit of it," Ebersol said in a phone interview with The Associated Press on Thursday. Ebersol said he couldn't agree to terms on a new contract with Comcast, which merged with NBC earlier this year. The network said NBC Sports Cable Group president Mark Lazarus would take over for Ebersol. Ebersol ran NBC Sports since 1989, and his departure comes just three weeks before the International Olympic Committee opens bids on the next set of lucrative Olympic broadcast rights in the United States. "It comes as a complete surprise," said Richard Carrion, the IOC executive board member who negotiates U.S. rights. He said Com...

He’s slashing school and safety force budgets to balance the budget. Now, Governor Kasich takes your tough questions on the tough issues. WKYC 7 PM Anchor Chris Tye will sit down with Governor John Kasich on Thursday. The Governor will be joining us live in studio for an exclusive one-on-one interview. We'll stream the entire interview live on the website, wkyc.com , starting at 1:30 p.m. You can also post your own questions during the interview, or in advance on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/WKYC.Channel3 We'll have extended coverage of the interview Thursday night on Channel 3 News at 6, 7 and 11.

Special to the Director's Cut By Gary Levin, USA Today A new team at cellar-dwelling NBC is bent on reversing the network's fortunes with a new crop of shows with potentially broader appeal. The fall game plan includes The Playboy Club, a '60s-era soap about the famed Chicago hideaway and its ties to mobsters and celebrities; Prime Suspect, a remake of the British detective series starring Maria Bello (ER) in the role first played by Helen Mirren; and Grimm, a cop drama set in a world inhabited by fairy-tale characters. Programming chief Robert Greenblatt, the Showtime executive brought in by NBC's new owner, Comcast, says he sought "bold and original and attention-getting" shows to combat viewers' defection to cable. A big focus is comedy, where NBC has struggled by airing critically acclaimed shows with too few viewers. "We need to grow more comedies on our schedule and not just on Thursday, and we need to make the comedies broader,"...

 Getty Images: Scott Gries NEW YORK -- Meredith Vieira said Monday that she will leave NBC's "Today" show next month to spend more time with her family, and Ann Curry will replace her as host. The turnover at television's top-rated morning show was anticipated. Vieira replaced Katie Couric five years ago, and has talked about wanting more free time. Vieira, 57, has three children and her husband, author Richard M. Cohen, wrote a best-selling book about coping with multiple sclerosis and colon cancer. "Even as I say this and I know that it's the right thing, I'm really sad," she said, fighting back emotion as she made the announcement on the air Monday. Her co-host, Matt Lauer, said that Vieira "has brought class and dignity and talent and a joy of life to this show for the last five years." Transitions are unusual for "Today," as Vieira was still the newbie among the show's core four that included Lauer, Curry an...

Diversity in Northeast Ohio is so important to WKYC and 6 & 11 PM anchor Romona Robinson. That's why once again this weekend, Romona will serve as the Grand Marshall for the annual "Walk, Rock and Run." The event starts and ends at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland. All the proceeds benefit the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio's youth programs. The race kicks off at 8:30am, Saturday morning. You can register the day of the race, or in advance online at http://www.diversitycenterneo.org/ Come join us!

Are you looking to do a little spring cleaning? Why not help the local Goodwill by donating your clothing and household items at any Cleveland or Canton store this Saturday, April 30th. Donated items help the Goodwill continue to operate critical programs for those most in need. Your donation can help you win a $4,000 window makeover.

As you probably know from our earlier posting, WKYC's Romona Robinson was only one of four reporters in the nation who were invited to the White House on Tuesday to sit down and talk with President Obama. Our field producer, Amanda Subler, was with Romona and had the flipcam in hand. She set us back some video that we thought we share "behind the scenes." Romona in Washington, D.C. for her interview with the President Romona & Producer Amanda leaving the White House This is where reporters from like NBC News stand outside the White House and give their live reports on NBC Nightly News, MSNBC

Romona interviewing President Obama at the White House Channel 3’s Romona Robinson will sit down with President Barack Obama at the White House tomorrow morning, April 26th. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to ask him the questions that are important to all of us here in Northeast Ohio,” said Ms. Robinson. “Channel 3 viewers want to understand the issues and hear what’s being done about jobs creation in Ohio, the price of gas and the impact of Senate Bill 5. Romona will have a special three camera interview with the President in the morning and anchor live shots from the White House for the early evening shows. The interview will then air during the 6pm, 7pm and 11pm newscasts tomorrow night. “I’m looking forward to speaking directly with President Obama and discussing the issues that face our region,” added Ms. Robinson. The Emmy Award winning anchor has lead WKYC’s 6pm and 11pm newscasts since 1997.

Time Warner says changes made to its system Tuesday night have impacted some viewers ability to see the Channel 3 signal. According to Time Warner the changes impact the HD signal on sets connected directly to cable. The company recommends that impacted viewers re-scan to make sure they are receiving the 3.1 HD signal. The analog signal for Channel 3 has not been impacted by the system changes.

Jennifer Lindgren By Frank Macek In this "Get to Know Team 3" feature, we finally had the chance to sit down with WKYC Multimedia Journalist Jennifer Lindgren who joined Channel 3 in August 2010 from WTLV in Jacksonville, Florida, and WLTX in Columbia, South Carolina . As a multimedia journalist, Jennifer is a one woman band who shoots, edits and fronts her own packages as television continues to move in this new direction of journalism. Her stories have received recognition along the way. She's been the recipient of a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for writing. In the past couple of years, the South Carolina Associated Press has honored her work for general assignment reporting, as well as the Florida Society of Professional Journalists for feature reporting. Here is what Jennifer had to say during a recent conversation with the Director's Cut Blog: Question: Tell us about some of the positions you held at your earlier stations. Jennifer: I...

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Channel 3 are teaming up to help "Pack the Bus" with several ways you can help the Harvest for Hunger campaign now through Friday, April 15th. RTA will be collecting non-perishable food items along with cash donations for Harvest for Hunger through Thursday at Tower City. Rapid customers who pass through Tower City on their daily commute can drop of items in the morning on their way to work on all three days. RTA representatives will be on hand to collect food items and cash from 6 – 9 am. This customer drive is in addition to what RTA’s employees are already doing throughout the organization, at all garages and offices, to help those in need through the Harvest for Hunger campaign. Organizers say the most needed food items are: peanut butter, tuna fish, canned vegetables, beef stew, canned soup and cereal. In addition, cash goes even farther; with each dollar providing food for four nutritious meals. On Frida...

The Cleveland Browns' 2011 preseason opponents were announced, and the list features matchups against three teams that qualified for the 2010 playoffs, including the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. For the third consecutive year, the Browns will open their preseason campaign against Green Bay as they host the Packers on the weekend of August 11-15. For the 10th consecutive season, the Browns will face Detroit in preseason action, when they welcome the Lions to Cleveland Browns Stadium during the weekend of August 18-22. Cleveland then travels to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles on the weekend of August 25-29. It will be the first preseason meeting between the two clubs since 2006. The Browns will conclude the preseason September 1-2, when they travel to Chicago to meet the Bears. The contest marks the eighth straight year that Cleveland and Chicago have met in the preseason finale Here are the games you will see exclusively on WKYC an...

By Frank Macek It's time for another behind the scenes look at what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Your blogger has plenty of news to report in this exciting edition...although some of it is not good. As you have been reading in the Plain Dealer and elsewhere on-line, WKYC has announced some on-air changes including the departure of long-time Channel 3 News weekend anchor Jeff Maynor and WKYC Meteorologist AJ Colby. Jeff joined WKYC in 1993 after spending seven years at WEWS/TV and eight years at WJW/TV in Cleveland. Most recently, Jeff anchored the weekend 6 & 11 PM editions of Channel 3 News, although much of his time was spent on the weekend morning show with co-anchor Kim Wheeler before the great recession forced WKYC to move to one anchor show formats in most dayparts. Jeff's last day at WKYC was Sunday, April 6th. Meteorologist AJ Colby will also be leaving Channel 3 at the end of May. AJ first worked at Channel 3 as a freelancer begin...

The game didn't end up as we wished, but it was a fun day at Progressive Field for everyone. Here are some videos we shot during today's Opening Day Special on Channel 3: In the control booth as the end of Tribe Talk draws to a close. Al Wohl calls it like a conductor. Take a look at what went on behind Amanda Barren's live shot: At look at what Caitlin is doing as the field producer at the party deck: Romona is joined by Matt Underwood and Rick Manning: Producer Caitlin shows you some of the prep work before the home opener special, out on the party deck: Romona goes one on one with Indians Chairman and CEO Paul Dolan: Jimmy and Romona getting ready for the Channel 3 pre-game show from Progressive Field: