Director's Cut Blog with Frank Macek

Jim Donovan Special to the Director's Cut Blog By  Matthew Florjancic Sometimes, all a person needs to do is dream. WKYC Sports Anchor Jim Donovan always dreamed of being a sportscaster like the ones he grew up listening to and emulating in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts. And through the nurturing of his father and an intense drive to succeed mixed with a passion for sports, Donovan has been living out his dream for more than 30 years, a career that will be honored at the 16th annual Greater Cleveland Sports Awards Thursday night. STARTING WITH A DREAM Donovan’s journey to the top of his profession started long before he ever moved to Cleveland. In fact, it started with a dream growing up in his hometown of Boston, where he and his father, Jim Donovan Jr., had season tickets to the Bruins’ hockey games, and a Christmas wish for a tape recorder. “At first, when they gave me a tape recorder, I was doing the games off the television set and I turned the volu...

By Frank Macek WKYC is celebrating its 15th anniversary at its state of the art digital broadcast center at 13th and Lakeside in downtown Cleveland. The building which officially opened for business in January 2001 was built just east of downtown Cleveland on the area known as Davenport Bluffs. Construction kicked off in late 1999 and would take just over a year to finish. During the end of December 2000, the station's technical operations first moved into the new building including master control and the main control room where all the newscasts were switched prior to the launch of the new studio on the Monday after the Super Bowl that year. The newscasts themselves continued to originate from the studios at the old building on E. 6th Street through an fiber optic connection to 13th and Lakeside until the end of January 2001. Since then, the technology has continued to be upgraded as the station transitioned from the standard SD format to high definition broadcasting...

WKYC is proud to be the first television station in the Buckeye State to earn StormReady Supporter recognition from the National Weather Service. A StormReady Supporter is an organization that has met stringent guidelines for weather preparedness. Businesses, schools and other non-governmental entities can earn the designation through a qualification process involving application, documentation and site inspection. Chief Meteorologist Betsy Kling led the initiative. From severe weather awareness to safety plans, it ensures the organization's policies and guidelines help protect employees and visitors in weather emergencies. WKYC now has a newly drafted Severe Weather Action Plan, custom StormReady plaquards to identify each of the station's eight severe weather shelters and better communication with employees before and during weather events. Businesses, schools, and other non-government entities can earn the designation. Some of the other northern Ohio Storm...

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’...

Cleveland sports fans, have we got an app for you! WKYC's "Unleashed" is the first local sports app devoted to all Cleveland sports fans! Browns! Cavaliers! Indians! Local colleges and high schools too! Stats, scores, fantasy and more from Northeast Ohio's best television sports team. Download the FREE app now and you can enter for a chance to win a $500 Best Buy gift card! Just text WKYC to 25543 and we'll send you a link to the app or click here to see all available WKYC apps. --- Follow Frank Macek on Twitter  @frankmacekwkyc --- Click to watch WKYC's Jim Donovan explain the new app below:

By Frank Macek It's time for another "behind the scenes" look at what's happening inside the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center at 13th and Lakeside. 2016 will mark the 10th year of the Director's Cut Blog that started as a little project back in 2006 by your blogger as a way to connect with those in the industry, the community and anyone else interested in what happens at Channel 3. Along the way, I have made plenty of friends, and some enemies at the other tv stations for promoting the great work we do here at WKYC - but it's all been worth it for me, now in my 22nd year at the station. December 2015 ended on a high note for Channel 3 News with another number one sweep of adults 25-54 at 11 pm. This marks one full year now that our late newscast has been the top performing newscast at 11 p.m. in the Cleveland market. Get ready for a new feel coming to Channel 3 News at 11 very soon. Pat Murray We say so long to Pat Murray, long time Director of Cleve...

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 ...

Jack Schmucki (center). Photo courtesy: Randy Betke Long-time WKYC Assistant Chief Engineer Jack Schmucki retired December 10th after a successful 41 year full-time career with Channel 3. However, Schmucki joined the WKYC family in 1970 as a part-time news field audio person and covering the Kent State riots quickly became his first assignment in May of that year. He was hired full time in 1974 and continued his work in the news department until 1978, when he transferred to the engineering department and remained until hanging up his soldering iron last Thursday. WKYC Director of Technology and Operations Jim Miller fondly recalls, "Jack has been involved in so many things over the years, I can’t possibly name them all. He was the Engineer In-Charge of Browns pre-season games for 15 years and has spent the last 16 years as the Assistant Chief Engineer. Prior to that, he worked in the Tech Shop with a number of co-workers." While Jack worked full time at WKY...

Margaret Mitchell (L) and Micki Byrnes (R) Congratulations to WKYC President and General Manager Micki Byrnes who received a special honor Thursday morning at the Channel 3 Digital Broadcast Center. Byrnes was named a recipient of the YWCA Women of Achievement Awards for 2016 along with 7 other local leaders. “It is a pleasure to honor and share the accomplishments of these eight influential leaders, especially for this monumental 40th Anniversary celebration of Women of Achievement,” says Margaret Mitchell, YWCA Greater Cleveland’s President and CEO. “These women are talented and exemplary in their careers, and they are dedicated to changing lives and communities in Greater Cleveland and beyond.” This prestigious award, celebrating its 40th year, is presented to a select group of Northeast Ohio women who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments through career success, community service, leadership, mentoring, and dedication to YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and em...

Channel 3 will re-air two of this holiday season's most popular shows. First, "The Wiz Live!" will air this Saturday night, December 19th, from 8 to 11 p.m. The show is NBC's latest musical holiday tradition: a 3-hour event production of the groundbreaking Broadway show that brought Oz to life in a funky sing-along journey down the yellow brick road that originally aired live on December 3rd. Second, Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors" will air again on Christmas night from 9 to 11 p.m. This movie is based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton's remarkable upbringing. This once-in-a-lifetime movie special takes place inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Parton who she is today. The film is set in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains in 1955. It is neither a biopic nor a musical abou...

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...

By Frank Macek It's time for another "behind the scenes" look at what's happening inside the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center at 13th and Lakeside. November sweeps are over and Channel 3 News at 11 pm delivers. Once again this month, WKYC was the most watched newscast at 11 pm in total households and adults 25-54 - the coveted money demos. Channel 3 News at 11 pm was the only local newscast that saw growth at 11 pm between last November and this November. All other local newscast saw significant losses. In addition, WKYC, ranked number 2 in all other newscast dayparts including mornings and Channel 3 News at 6 and 7 p.m. in adults 25-54. Also during the month of November 2015, WKYC was involved in a successful station-wide project called "See The Possible: Jobs" that offers northeast Ohioans a look at where the jobs are in the area and good tips to getting the job you want. Be sure to watch all our newscasts for special reports and read our special s...

WKYC is gearing up for Make a Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 24. Now in its 24th year, Make A Difference Day is the nation's largest day of volunteering. WKYC employees will be fanning out across Northeast Ohio on Oct. 24 to take part in an assortment of service activities. Join us in "seeing the possible" on Oct. 24 by lending a hand to assist local nonprofit organizations. Learn more in the highlights below. Always held on the fourth Saturday of October, it is the nation's largest day of volunteering. USA WEEKEND Magazine conceived the idea more than 20 years ago. Backed by TEGNA Inc. and Gannett media properties, Make A Difference Day has mobilized millions of people across the U.S. for this National Day of Doing Good. As the TEGNA-owned media property in the Cleveland market, WKYC takes the lead here in organizing local activities. We partner with BVU, The Center for Nonprofit Excellence to offer a variety of activities, from delivering mobile meals to home...

There is now another way you to can access up to date videos and live events from WKYC news straight from your Roku player. WKYC's new Roku Channel features the live video events as well as the latest news, sports and featured videos from our newscasts. The free Channel on the Roku device allows you to stream live events including our daily newscasts as they are happening. It also features videos from our top stories of the day, as well as other features like Ways 2 Save, and our latest investigative reports. You will also find top videos from Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and much more. For more information or to get the Channel on your device visit the Roku Channel store and search for WKYC or just search for WKYC on your Roku Device.

Russ Mitchell and Sara Shookman “She’s an Emmy award-winning television journalist, terrific storyteller, experienced breaking news reporter and just a kid from Akron,” said President and General Manager Micki Byrnes. “Oh, wait, I think someone else may use that line!” Effective immediately, Sara Shookman will be co-anchoring Channel 3’s 6 & 11pm newscasts with Managing Editor Russ Mitchell. “Sara is a superstar,” said Russ. “A fantastic reporter who has effortlessly brought her skills to the desk. I'm proud to now officially call her partner.” Sara grew up in Akron and graduated from Manchester High School and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She came to WKYC in 2012 and quickly proved herself a strong and resourceful multi-media journalist. In 2014, Sara was sent to Sochi, Russia with only a camera and backpack to report on the Winter Olympics for WKYC, USA Today and other TEGNA (formerly Gannett) television stations. “Sara is the ancho...

For the past two years, we have teamed up with the brand-new convention center for our WKYC Health & Wellness Expo. This year it will be even bigger and better. DOWNLOAD: Free program guide It's all about your health, and your kids are going to have a blast, too. WKYC's 2015 Health & Wellness Expo takes place this Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cleveland Convention Center in Downtown Cleveland. READ MORE: Interactive exhibits at the 2015 Expo We hope you'll come out and take advantage of the free event and use it to help you and your family live a healthier, happier life.

Photo Courtesy: "Ellen" “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” kicks off season 13 on Tuesday, September 8th with an exclusive interview with Olympic Champion and recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, Caitlyn Jenner. Watch as Caitlyn sits down with Ellen for her very first television interview since becoming the most high-profile transgender woman in the world. Caitlyn tells Ellen she feels “FABULOUS” and admits she doesn’t miss Bruce because she can still do all the same fun things she used to do. Listen as Caitlyn talks about cross dressing, expands upon her views on gay marriage and admits she’s not dating yet. Plus, Caitlyn and Ellen surprise Blossom Brown a huge Ellen fan and a young transgender woman who Caitlyn met while filming her reality show “I Am Cait.” Blossom will be the first transgender woman to graduate from Mississippi University for Women. Since Blossom is struggling to get into nursing school because of her sexuality, Ellen surprises Blossom by ask...

By Frank Macek It's time for another "behind the scenes" look at what's happening inside the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Welcome to September and the start of the Fall television season. We'll get to NBC's schedule of new shows coming to Channel 3, but first... WKYC-TV is again expanding our weekend morning news beginning Saturday, September 19th. Viewers will now enjoy "Channel 3 News Sunrise" beginning at 5 a.m. on Saturday as viewing habits have changed over the years and people begin to start their weekend routines now earlier than ever. These expanded newscasts will lead into NBC's "Today Show," followed by a one hour edition of "Channel 3 News Today." Channel 3 has some new faces around the building and several more folks moving into new positions at the station. Daniel Baylog has been promoted to Director of Programming and Research Strategy.  Terry Moir becomes Director of Sales Development and Marketing...

Betsy Kling, WKYC Chief Meteorologist The Press Club of Cleveland has selected WKYC's Betsy Kling to receive this year's prestigious Chuck Heaton Award. Kling is chief meteorologist and evening weather forecaster for Channel 3 News at 6, 7 and 11p weeknights and is only the 8th recipient of the award which is presented to individuals who best exemplify the qualities of Chuck Heaton, the late Plain Dealer reporter and Press Club Hall of Famer who passed away in February 2008. Heaton was known for his lifelong dedication to journalism, his fairness, his concern for community and helping others. Five leaders from print, broadcast and digital media will also be inducted into The Press Club of Cleveland 2015 Journalism Hall of Fame. This year, the inductees include: Mark Dawidziak, Television Critic/Pop Culture, The Plain Dealer  Bob Dyer, Columnist, Akron Beacon Journal  Tom Hamilton, Broadcaster, "Voice of the Cleveland Indians"  Ken Robinson,Multimedi...

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

The 46th annual Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards were presented on Saturday, June 27th, at this year's annual ceremony held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Congratulations to those who won this year including Newscast - Evening - Market 1-20: Channel 3 New at 6 pm - Best Overall Newscast (Jonathan Adkins, Russ Mitchell, Kris Pickel, Meg Hambach, Julie Ocepek, Sara Shookman, Tom Beres) Weekend Newscast - Market 1-20: United Airlines Hub Pulled (Margaret Traynor, Lynna Lai, Chris Tye, Ashley Ross) Health/Science - News Stories: Helmets Safety Ratings (Dustin Wadsworth, Tim Dubravetz, Matthew Hein, Monica Robins, Susan Moses, Will Ujek) Promotion News Promo - Image: Best Days (Winter Olympics Promo) (Daniel Canterna) Promotion - Program Single Spot/Campaign: See the Possible - Red Chair Campaign (Monique Jackson, Matt Quinn)  Crafts: Director - Newscast: Channel 3 News at 6 (Matt Babb) For a complete list of this year's winners:   http://bit.ly/1CD7F...

Congratulations to everyone at Channel 3 who was honored for their work at last week’s 2015 All Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards. The awards were presented at the Press Club of Cleveland. Digital Media - Breaking News 1st Place: Ebola Patients Travels to Cleveland - WKYC Staff  3rd Place: Return of the King: LeBron James rejoins the Cleveland Cavaliers – Matthew Florjancic Digital Media - Online Storytelling 1st Place: Investigation: High School Helmet Safety Ratings - Dustin Wadsworth, Monica Robins, Tim Dubravetz, Susan Moses  3rd Place: Cop Cam: Who’s watching you and who’s not - Rona Proudfoot and Wale Aliyu Digital Media - Online General News 2nd Place: Schools: Preparing For Tragedy - Dustin Wadsworth, Will Ujek  3rd Place: Cop Cam: Who’s watching you and who’s not - Rona Proudfoot and Wale Aliyu  Digital Media - Television News Website 1st Place: wkyc.com  Digital Media - Online Feature Story 2nd Place: Geauga Lake: From Ico...

Ready to pitch in for a good cause? Join the Cleveland Indians and WKYC in supporting United Way of Greater Cleveland's Stuff The Bus With Books campaign during June. From now through June 21, United Way is collecting children's and young adult books (grades 3-8), in order to put them in the hands of children in Cleveland public schools. New and gently used books are needed. You may bring a book to Progressive Field on Fathers Day, June 21, when the Indians play the Tampa Bay Rays. An RTA bus will be parked outside the field from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accept book donations. Also, volunteers will collect books at the gates during the game. But you don't have to go to Progressive Field to participate. More than a dozen local businesses have offered their offices at book drop-off points.  Click here to see a list of locations for "Stuff the Bus With Books" donation boxes. WKYC has placed a collection box inside its lobby at 1333 Lakeside Avenue in do...

Meet the W.A.M, Channel 3's Weather Advance Mobile unit. The W.A.M. is our brand new weather vehicle that is designed not only to cover breaking weather, but also educate people on how weather and technology go together. Complete with a weather station and the ability to broadcast live from just about anywhere in Northeast Ohio, the W.A.M. is like having a studio weather center, anywhere we want or need it to be. And that includes schools or public events. If you'd like to have the W.A.M appear at your school or community event, please click the following link for  MOBILE USERS CLICK HERE to request the W.A.M. NOTE: Due to the volume of submissions, we will not be able to accommodate every request. Scheduling is subject to availability. Channel 3 reserves the right to cancel any event due to breaking news, breaking weather, technology or vehicle issues, or other unforeseeable events.

By Frank Macek It's time for another "behind the scenes" look at what's happening inside the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. As you have probably already heard, WKYC 6 & 11 PM anchor Kris Pickel is heading off to Phoenix, Arizona, as main anchor at KPHO-TV at the end of May. Pickel joined WKYC three years ago on the anchor desk with Russ Mitchell and has felt right at home in Northeast Ohio. However, she tells the Director's Cut Blog, she will greatly miss Cleveland, but wanted to be closer to her family living in California and Phoenix is a much shorter jet hop. No word yet on who will replace Kris on the anchor desk, but expect an announcement soon. WKYC welcomes Phil Trexler to Channel 3 News at Executive Producer of Investigations where he will work very closely with The Investigator, Tom Meyer, to producer high profile investigative stories for the station. Most recently, Phil worked at the Akron Beacon Journal where he has been an award-winning r...

The 46th annual Lower Great Lakes Emmy Award Nominations was announced on Thursday, April 30. Channel 3 News was nominated in several important categories including best overall newscasts for Channel 3 News at 6 & 11, Weekend Mornings and Weekend Evenings. Congratulations to our nominees. This year's awards will be given out on June 27, 2015 at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Newscast - Evening - Market 1-20: Channel 3 News at 11 pm - Best Overall Newscast (Julie Flynn, Grant deBruin, Russ Mitchell, Kris Pickel, Chris Tye, Brian Crane, Dave Chudowsky) Newscast - Evening - Market 1-20: Channel 3 New at 6 pm - Best Overall Newscast (Jonathan Adkins, Russ Mitchell, Kris Pickel, Meg Hambach, Julie Ocepek, Sara Shookman, Tom Beres) Newscast- Morning/Daytime - March 1-20:  TJ Lane Escape and Capture (Mark Bogden, Heather Brumbaugh, Ryan Haidet, Jennifer Jordan, Maureen Kyle, Lynna Lai, Kayla Landolph, Brooke Whitney, Will Ujek) Weekend Newscast - Mar...

A sister, a cousin, a child. A neighbor, a co-worker, a friend. Domestic Violence IS personal - whether you are a victim, or you know one. And the problem is EVERYONE'S problem - whether it's in your house, or in your community. SPECIAL SECTION : United Against Domestic Violence This week - Channel 3 is taking a stand. We are United Against Domestic Violence - and committed to making a difference. Each day in the United States - 3 women are killed in domestic violence disputes. Their stories make headlines, and bring calls for help. In the shadows - are the living victims. Whose days and nights are consumed with fear - that they'll be next: "One of the things I remember is I was laying on the floor, and he was standing over me choking me and I was passing out. He broke into the home three times, and the detectives wouldn't do anything," said a domestic violence victim who we are not identifying. Too many victims of domestic violence say the sys...

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...

Cory Thompson and Lisa Colagrossi at WKYC in 1994 UPDATE: Lisa Colagrossi passed away Friday evening. More:  http://nyp.st/1BYknA ------------------------------- Sad news to report on this Friday for those of us who fondly remember working with former Channel 3 Reporter/Anchor Lisa Colagrossi. She suffered a brain aneurysm and massive heart attack Thursday morning after covering a fire in Queens, New York, while reporting for WABC-TV where she has worked since 2001. The New York Daily News is reporting doctors say Colagrossi is unlikely to recover from her illness and is currently on life support at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center’s neurological ICU. At WKYC, Lisa was teamed up with Jim Hooley when the weekend morning news launched and was an anchor with Cory Thompson on the weekend evening shift as well. Colagrossi, 49, was born and raised in Strongsville and besides working at WKYC and WABC, she worked at WKMG-TV/Orlando. Our thoughts are with...