Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

Lynna Lai Lynna Lai has found a new station to call home in Cleveland as she is joining Channel 3 News, anchoring the weekend evening newscasts and reporting on weeknights. “I’m excited to join a news team which shares a passion for journalism, and being personally engaged in gathering the news,” says Lai. “Sometimes, anchors are perceived as being out of touch with the community, for never setting foot outside the station. But Channel 3 is committed to hiring anchors who are reporters first, so I think this is a great fit." “Lynna brings a wealth of experience to the table and will be a great asset to our news team”, said News Director Rita Andolsen. “She has strong anchoring and reporting skills and is passionate about telling the stories of our community”. Lynna brings 18 years of broadcasting experience in major markets across the country to the job. Her aggressive career pursuits began as a reporter at WMBD-TV in Peoria, Ill., which was quickly followed by a stint at...

By Frank Macek It's time for another behind the scenes look at what's happening inside the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. We have received many emails about Eric Mansfield leaving Channel 3. While we are not at liberty to really discuss it on the blog, we can confirm that Eric will be leaving WKYC on May 31st to take a job with Kent State University. After working with Eric for 18 years, we'll definitely miss him and his unmatched knowledge and committment to the Akron area. However, we are excited for Eric and his family to be taking on this new opportunity and wish the Mansfields all the best. Our annual "Tribe Time Opening Day" special will air on Thursday, April 5th from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. as we kick off the 2012 Major League Baseball season. Look for complete coverage from the entire WKYC team both on-air and on-line at wkyc.com leading up to "Indians On Deck" at 2:30 p.m. and the Tribe welcoming the Toronto Blue Jays to Progressive Fiel...

As part of an initiative by WKYC's parent company, Gannett, our broadcast stations are now implementing the use of "The Rundown" in all our newscasts that we began today, March 20th. Our morning newscasts have been experimenting with the new information system for the past several weeks. The rundown is meant to give viewers a sneak peak ahead at what's coming up in our broadcast so they can be ready to pay more attention to the stories that matter most to them. Also, we implemented the use of story titles at the bottom of the screen several months ago to give us the ability to provide more information about the stories we cover. You'll see our new rundown feature on the right hand side of the screen. However, this will only be viewable for those who watch us on a 16x9 aspect ratio television. Those still watching in the 4x3 aspect ratio will not see any change. If you not seen it yet, check out of the picture below as W e K eep Y ou C onnected at Ch...

Howard Fencl Our dear friend and WKYC Assistant News Director Howard Fencl has revealed his plans to leave Channel 3 to become a Vice President at Hennes Paynter, a crisis communications firm. Since September 4, 2007, Howard has been an instrumental part of Channel 3's daily committment to local news and our social media efforts. Howard is no stranger to WKYC, as this was his fourth tour at Channel 3. His last duties were in 1991 as an Executive Producer. Before coming back in 2007, Howard was a Vice President at Edward Howard here in Cleveland. Prior to that he owned his own video production company, was part owner in an internet service provider when the internet first got up and running, and also has worked as an Executive Producer at WEWS in Cleveland and WBNS in Columbus. Born and raised in Cleveland, Howard and his wife Sue and their children live in Rocky River. He graduated from Denison University and has a Master's degree from Hiram College. His last day a...

By Frank Macek I am happy to announce the introduction of "Macek Media World" as a new, independent project that will cover northeast Ohio media news. Instead of using blogger as the forum for this new project, I will be using the more popular Facebook platform which many of you are already using. "Macek Media World" will feature news and tidbits on what is happening in northeast Ohio media including radio, television, cable, social media and from both past and current media talent. I will not report gossip, but only tidbits that people send us or I find on-line. The project WILL not be a gossip forum, nor will it be a project of WKYC. You can find the new page at: http://www.facebook.com/Macek.Media.World . You can also follow the project on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/macekmediaworld I will continue to run the Director's Cut Blog as usual with an unmatched "behind the scenes" look at what goes on inside the WKYC Digital ...

Love animals?  Then please get your friends to "like" our page at http://www.facebook.com/WKYC.Channel3 We'll donate $2,500 to the Cleveland APL if we can get 35,000 new fans by the end of the Fur-Get-Me-Not Telethon on March 22nd. Watch the video for more details.

Kris Pickel WKYC has announced that Kris Pickel, an Edward R. Murrow Award Winner, will join Channel 3 News. “I am pleased to announce that reporter and anchor Kris Pickel will be joining the WKYC news team in early April,” announced Brooke Spectorsky, President and General Manager of Channel 3. “She will co-anchor our 6pm and 11pm newscasts with Russ Mitchell.” Currently the weekend 5 and 10pm anchor at KOVR in Sacramento, California, Pickel is the recipient of several prestigious awards in broadcast journalism including an Edward R. Murrow, Associated Press and multiple Emmys for reporting. “As the breaking news leader in the market, it was imperative that we chose a co-anchor for Russ who had a similar depth of reporting skills,’ stated News Director Rita Andolsen. “Kris is a skilled and tenacious journalist who is as strong in the field as she is on the anchor desk.” Pickel is a Sacramento native who began her career as an editor at KCRA in Sacramento followed by anchori...

Paced by the combination of NBC Sports' February 5 coverage of the Super Bowl and primetime's #1 series for the month, "The Voice," NBC has won the February 2012 Nielsen Sweep in the key demographic of adults 18-49 and ranks #1 or tied for #1 in all other key demographics. The hit Monday singing competition "The Voice" finished as the #1 series for the February sweep in adults, men and women 18-34; adults, men (tie) and women 18-49; adults and women 25-54; kids 2-11 and teens 12-17, led by results for its February 5 season premiere following the Super Bowl. In adults 18-49, "The Voice" averaged a 7.5 rating for the month and in total viewers, "The Voice" delivered 19.4 million persons. With all 28 nights of the February 2-29 period now measured, "most current" averages in adults 18-49 for the month are: NBC (a 3.7 rating), CBS (3.0), Fox (3.0), ABC (2.5) and CW (0.7). In total viewers, "most current" sweep averages...

WKYC Anchor Russ Mitchell on location in Chardon By Frank Macek One of the hardest stories for journalists to cover is the senseless killing of innocent children, especially in the one place they should feel safest - at school. Over the past 72 hours, everyone at WKYC has been deeply involved in the tragedy at Chardon High School. From the reporters in the field, to producers making sense of it all, to the production crew airing our coverage, you can't help but feel a personal connection to the event. After all, Chardon is a small, rural town where tragedies like the deaths of 3 students and the injury of 2 others is not supposed to lead the national news broadcast. Like Columbine, it's hard to understand how the shooter was driven to committ such an act. We feel it important to bring you the stories of many of those involved as we can. Some families don't wish to speak to the media and we respect that. But, many anothers have wanted to tell...

Fred Griffith (right) with WKYC Program Director Terry Moir (left) By Frank Macek Longtime Cleveland broadcast Fred Griffith will sign off from local television on Wednesday, February 22nd, after a 50 year career in broadcasting in Northeast Ohio. Most recently, Fred was a host of Channel 3's 10 a.m. weekday program, "Good Company" with Andrea Vecchio, Michael Cardamone and Joe Cronauer. Fred first joined Channel 3 in May 2000 after leaving his longtime home at WEWS where he worked for 33 years, as a reporter, news producer, news and public affairs director, and for over 26 years, host of the daily two hour Morning Exchange program. For nearly five years he was also co-host of the hour-long Afternoon Exchange. Fred holds the national record for time on live TV, with more than 13,700 hours. He is in the Cleveland Press Club Hall of Fame and holds the Distinguished Service Award from the Society for Professional Journalists and the Cleveland Association of Br...

Photo Courtesy: Hulu Special to the Director's Cut Blog By Matt Granite, WKYC Ways 2 Save Reporter CLEVELAND -- The cost of cable and satellite services are too high for many families to afford, so today by viewer request... how to lower that monthly bill to $7.99. While this certainly isn't for everyone or the most demanding viewers, I have successfully lowered my bill from the previous $100 per month I was paying. Considering I was only watching eight of the channels in my provider package, I've made the personal decision to go Roku. Here's how to sever the ties: 1) Buy a Roku for a one-time fee of $49.99 (more on Roku in a minute). CLICK HERE 2) Get a subscription to Hulu Plus for $7.99 a month (so you can watch your favorite new primetime shows, as well as previous episodes). CLICK HERE 3) Buy a good HD antenna so you can still watch us! CLICK HERE So what is Roku? It's a beautiful little box that you might want to consider that allows you t...

2012 has seen lots of new faces, along with old friends at Channel 3 News. Here is one of our new promos that introduce you to what are all about in the new year and and with a brand new attitude! Click on the video to watch:

Special to the Director's Cut Blog By Jason Nguyen, WKYC Web Reporter We are taking you behind the scenes of the only state lottery game show on air in the United States -- "Cash Explosion." For 25 years, Ohio's own lottery game show has made a difference in the lives of thousands of people. "We said back then that we didn't make life changing money, but we gave away make a difference kind of money," says host Sharon Bicknell. It's money that has inspired many people to buy a lottery ticket, scratch it, and hope there name gets picked. Dalton's own Stephen Cruchfield wants to win big to change another's life, his wife's. "She needs surgery to be able to see clearly. She has never been able to see clear her whole life," says Cruchfield. You'll have to wait until March 10 to see how much he is taking to the doctor's office. Moments like this tend to happen on a show that was only slated to last for 13 wee...

The Press Club of Cleveland is hosting a meet-and-greet luncheon with WKYC's lead 6pm and 11pm anchor, Russ Mitchell, on Friday, February 24. The event, "Meet Russ Mitchell -- From CBS to Cleveland," will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Cleveland from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Most recently, Russ was anchor of the CBS Evening News weekend editions and The Early Show on Saturday and served as a national correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning, the CBS Evening News, and The Early Show. He joined the WKYC staff on January 16. With a special introduction by WKYC-TV 3 News Director Rita Andolsen, Russ will discuss his decision to leave the network and move to Cleveland and local television news. No doubt Russ tell a few tales from his years at CBS as well. "Meet Russ Mitchell -- From CBS to Cleveland," marks the start of a year-long celebration of the 125th anniversary of the founding of The Press Club of Cleveland. Founded in 1887, The Pre...

NEW YORK  --  For the third consecutive year, the Super Bowl has set a record as the most-watched television show in U.S. history. The Nielsen Co. said Monday that an estimated 111.3 million people watched the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots on Sunday night. That narrowly beat the 111 million who watched Green Bay's win over Pittsburgh last year. NBC was blessed by a competitive game between two teams that played one of the Super Bowl's most memorable games four years ago, with one of them representing the largest media market in the country. Source: The Associated Press

Our very cool web guy Ryan Haidet was on hand at the recent promo shoot for WKYC's new on-air talent campaign. We started airing these new commercials during the Super Bowl on Sunday night. To view a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of those promos at Classic Studios in Broadview Heights, click on the picture below:

WKYC News Director Rita Andolsen has announced that Jennifer Nickels will be joining Channel 3 News as Executive Producer of Channel 3 News Today from 4:30 - 7 a.m. weekday mornings. Jennifer comes to us from Hearst station WLWT-TV/Cinncinati where she has been Executive Producer of "News 5 Today" since 2007. Jennifer is a Cincinnati native and a graduate of University of Missouri-Columbia. She will take over the morning show reigns on March 5th and is an avid reader of the Director's Cut Blog. Welcome Jennifer!

Marcus Walter, Photo courtesy: Black Enterprise WKYC has announced that Marcus Walter is joining the Channel 3 Weather family as a staff meteorologist beginning February 13th. Marcus comes to Channel 3 News from New York City where is currently the weather producer for Good Morning America's weather guru Sam Champion. A native of Chicago, Marcus did his undergraduate work at Penn State and has a Master's Degree, also in Meteorology, from Cornell University. Marcus replaces former WKYC Meteorologist A.J. Colby who left in October, 2011.

This is part 2 in our campaign to introduce you to our new Channel 3 News Today morning team - Chris Tye, Erin Kennedy and Hollie Strano. So, what are you doing to day? Click on the video to watch:

Channel 3, the official home of the Ohio Lottery, will now air Powerball drawings live when the big jackpot reaches $100 million dollars or more. We'll give you a "Mega Money Alert" on Channel 3 and wkyc.com leading up to the drawing. That way, you can be sure to tune and get the numbers first, as they are drawn live at 11 p.m. Our first alert is in effect and we'll have the first drawing Saturday night, January 28th, at 11 p.m. right before Channel 3 News. And don't forget to see the regular Ohio lottery drawings live weeknights at 7:29 p.m. on Channel 3. Daily lottery results can be gotten on wkyc.com at the following link: http://www.wkyc.com/news/lottery/

By Frank Macek It's time for another behind the scenes look at what's happening at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. This week marks our official 5th anniversary as the most read blog originating from WKYC. We first launched "Director's Cut" back in January 2007 as an experiment and today are hovering around the one million page view mark. I personally appreciate all the support I have gotten from Channel 3 executives on allowing me to give you inside access to our television station, unlike other stations which are afraid to embrace the slogan "Report the Facts, Respect the Truth." We are into our second week with our new anchor teams on Channel 3 News with Chris Tye and Erin Kennedy anchoring 4:30 - 7 a.m., Amanda Barren on Channel 3 News at Noon, Russ Mitchell at 6 & 11 p.m. and Robin Swoboda and Jim Donovan on the "News @7". We are very excited with all the new changes and know our viewers realize Channel 3 is even more committ...

It has been a big week for WKYC as several new anchors settled in and others took on new roles. Russ Mitchell, a former anchor for CBS Evening News weekend edition and The Early Show on Saturday, has taken his chair for the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. Jim Donovan is now teamed up with Robin Swoboda for the news at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Chris Tye has moved to mornings from the 7 p.m. show and has been teamed up with another fresh WKYC face, Erin Kennedy. Click on the photo to see our slide show:

Friday marks a milestone for one of the staples of American television. It marks the 60th anniversary of the Today Show, and tonight hosts past and present will celebrate six decades on-the-air at a star-studded gala in New York. From day one when Dave Garroway welcomed viewers to try something new, Today has been bringing the world to American homes. "The very first good morning of what I hope and suspect will be a great many good mornings between you and I," Garroway said on January 13, 1952. Little did anyone know how many mornings there would be. Fast forward nearly 22,000 mornings and Today is a fixture of American life. Matt, Ann, Al and Natalie are the latest members of the Today family. Over the years, a who's-who list has served as hosts including Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw, Bryant Gumble and Katie Couric. "This is stewardship," Al Roker says. "You're just here for a certain time to make sure the legacy continue and people come to ...

Jim Donovan Jim Donovan, long-time WKYC Sports Anchor, will join co-anchor Robin Swoboda for Channel 3 News @ 7pm. He will continue to bring Northeast Ohio the most experienced and thoughtful sports coverage at 6 and 11pm, but will expand his role into the anchor position at 7. “Jimmy is more than sports, he’s a great storyteller and an astute interviewer,” stated Brooke Spectorsky, President and General Manager of WKYC. “Channel 3 viewers across the region love his quick wit and passion for his work.” “Now it’s time for Jim to bring all that energy to a wider range of subjects,” remarked News Director Rita Andolsen. “Jim has always been a news junkie, now he’ll have the chance to expound on that knowledge and cover a lot of big issues facing Northeast Ohio.” “I’m happy to take on a new challenge,” added Donovan. “We’re going to do some interesting and different things with the 7pm show, and I look forward to working on some very special projects.” Donovan is returning to a ...

Nicole Sellars Have you ever considered cancelling your cable television service and switching to something cheaper? We asked that exact question on our Facebook page yesterday and received a ton of comments as prices continue to rise year after year. Channel 3 Digital Trend Reporter Nicole Sellars takes a look at some cable alternatives that could save you a few bucks. Click on the video below to watch her report:

Jim Donovan He may not suit up and play on Sunday afternoons but the voice of the Cleveland Browns received a game ball for the 2011 season. Jim Donovan, the radio voice of the Cleveland Browns, received the award on Thursday morning. Browns team president Mike Holmgren presented the game ball to Donovan saying he "epitomizes what we want our players to be." Donovan underwent a bone marrow transplant back in June of 2011. He has been battling leukemia for 11 years. After months of rehabbing and recovery, Donovan was able to return to the radio booth to call the play-by-play of the Browns season opener on September 11th. It's the first time Donovan has received a game ball since 1999 when the Browns returned to Cleveland. Courtesy: wkyc.com

Chris Tye Chris Tye, current anchor of the Channel 3 News @ 7pm, will be shifting gears and changing the setting on his alarm clock. Chris has been named co-anchor of Channel 3 News Today, WKYC’s early morning newscast. “Our goal is to make every morning smart, fun and forward-thinking,” said Tye. “As we get going on a busy 2012 -- Olympics, elections, casinos and corruption trials -- we're making it our mission to let you know what's next. Anyone can tell you what happened over the last 12 hours -- we're going to be more interested in getting you set for your next 12 hours." “Chris brings strong journalism and reporting skills to the morning show, along with a creative and quick wit”, said WKYC News Director Rita Andolsen. “He and recently named co-anchor Erin Kennedy will change the face of morning news in our market”. “The team of Chris, Erin, meteorologist Hollie Strano, reporters Amanda Barren and Stephanie Coueignoux, and Ways to Save guru Matt Granite i...

By Frank Macek As we prepare to wrap up 2011, the Director's Cut Blog would like to take a look back at some of the events here at Channel 3. The year was filled with plenty of changes, new faces, triumphs and goodbyes. WKYC was once again the over the air television home of both the Cleveland Indians regular season and the Cleveland Browns preseason coverage. Although neither team lived up to expectations, the sports year was exciting with the uncertainly of a NFL and NBA lockout and down to the wire negotiations that saved both seasons. The Ohio Lottery switched from WEWS to Channel 3 where the nightly drawings can now be seen right after the revamped edition of Channel 3 News @7 with anchors Chris Tye and Robin Swoboda who took over the show in March. The station launched a new savings website called "Deal Chicken" where our viewers can save up to 90% off at local area restaurants and establishments. Unfortunately, our parent company Gannett also announce...

Click on the video to watch one of new Channel 3 promos highlighting the experienced beat reporters of Channel 3 News including Kim Wheeler (education), Maureen Kyle (consumer), Monica Robins (health), Tom Meyer (investigative) and Tom Beres (politics).

Russ Mitchell, Courtesy: CBS Russ Mitchell, current anchor of the CBS Evening News weekend editions and The Early Show on Saturday, and national correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning, the CBS Evening News, and The Early Show will be joining the staff of WKYC as Managing Editor Evening News and lead anchor of the 6pm and 11pm newscasts beginning January 16, 2012. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my years at CBS and the challenges and excitement of a network role,” stated Mr. Mitchell, “but I've been offered a unique opportunity to help create the next generation of local news in a great place and have a key role in trying to make a difference in a wonderful community.” “Russ’s breadth of experience and his passion for our industry and our local mission is unparalleled,” remarked President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky. “2012 will be a pivotal year for Northeast Ohio with everything from major economic projects to a Presidential election. Russ will help position Channel 3 ...