From the Wires: Leno Show Reaches 17.7 Million Viewers

NEW YORK -- Critics may not have loved Jay Leno's prime-time debut, but 17.7 million viewers tuned in to check him out.

Nielsen Media Research says that's the biggest audience for a prime-time television show since the "American Idol" finale in May.

Not only was Leno's debut heavily publicized, but he piggybacked on one of Monday's biggest stories. Leno had scheduled Kanye West, who was pressed to explain why he interrupted Taylor Swift the night before on the MTV Video Music Awards.

That's a big boost for NBC, but the challenge will be to hold viewers. Critics were harsh, with Robert Bianco of USA Today slamming it as a "cut-rate, snooze-inducing, rehashed bore."

On WKYC, the show did a 16 HH rating, 24 share according to the Nielsen overnight numbers.

Source: The Associated Press, Nielsen

Behind the Scenes: Romona Gets Pranked

Well, Betsy Kling was at it again tonight as the crew was about to shoot our nightly Facebook Promo.

Did I hear someone yell "mouse"?

Notes from the Newsroom: 7/20/09

By Frank Macek

Time for another edition of "Notes from the Newsroom" as your blogger shares some of thoughts on television.

Although Walter Cronkite worked for a network competitor, CBS, everyone seems to have an opinion of what an impact "Uncle Walter" had on the industry - the "Most Trusted Man in America."

I found it fascinating to watch the network newscasts over the weekend and all the stories people had to share. Everyone who has been anyone in the news industry had nothing but praise on the one man many idolized.

Even WKYC's Romona Robinson shared a story with viewers Friday Night at 11 PM after the news broke of his passing about what an impact Mr. Cronkite had on her. At one point, she received a letter from him after he saw her work and was highly complimentary. Uncle Walter touched many lives and will leave a huge void in our industry.

Finally, some encouraging news from the financial world after Gannett reported higher profits during the 2nd quarter. Gannett is the parent company of WKYC.

In fairness, revenue was way down, but the steps the company has taken seems to be putting us on somewhat more stable ground for now. Investors responded well to the results as stock prices climbed almost 30% in one day and have been heading up since July 15th when the results were released. To listen to a replay of the earnings conference call, which is fascinating look behind the scenes of a market broadcasting company: CLICK HERE

Other media companies have not been so lucky with additional layoffs happening at some other Cleveland stations as you may have read. Like we mentioned here on the blog several times before, this was bound to happen as technology creates efficiencies. Operations can be combined and fewer people are needed. However in some cases, this is purely based on the recession and job losses may recover during the rebound.

More than half of the Youngstown TV stations are in bankruptcy including WKBN, WYFX, WYTV and their sister MYTV channel. Of course, all these stations are owned by a single company: New Vision Television. Apparently, their new vision didn't match reality and must now restructure.

This Wednesday, I will be participating in judging of Regional Emmy Awards for the Chicago market in the "Weathercaster" category. This will give me and the others I've asked to help judge a chance to review our peers' work. It's a good chance to see how others present weather in other markets. We are so used to Cleveland meteorologists it is refreshing to see alternative presentations.

Social media-wise, WKYC continues to branch out on Facebook, Twitter and on our many staff blogs. Check out the blogs of many of our co-workers including Romona Robinson, Eric Mansfield, Monica Robins, Kim Wheeler and our weekend morning show crew. A complete list is available: CLICK HERE

Also, don't forget you can find WKYC on twitter at www.twitter.com/wkyc and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WKYC.Channel3. We provide other behind the scenes looks at the station that you don't find on our website, wkyc.com

One big project the station is undertaking is being done across Gannett, called "Hero Central." There are many wonderful organizations here in Northeast Ohio that stand ready to help you. And many volunteer opportunities for you and your family to help those in need. Do you need a hero? Can you be a hero? To find out more, go to the following link: CLICK HERE

That's about it for this addition of "Notes from the Newsroom." Wish we had more to share with you at this point, but the summer months are traditionally pretty bland.
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WKYC, The Cleveland Foodbank & Indians Team Up For Free Tickets

Bring kid friendly food to Progressive Field on June 14th and receive a free kids ticket!

It's part of our Kid's Fun Food Drive as we help the community during these trying times.

Director's Alert: Monica Robins Named 7 PM Co-Anchor of Channel 3 News

WKYC announced this afternoon Monica Robins will become the new co-anchor of Channel 3 News at 7 PM beginning Monday, April 6th. She'll join current anchor Eric Mansfield on the broadcast anchor desk Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.

WKYC News Director Rita Andolsen points out, "Monica is an experienced anchor and reporter who brings energy and passion to the assignment."

In addition to anchoring the 7 p.m. broadcast, we are being told Monica will continue her signature medical reporting and noon anchor duties.

Monica replaces Carole Sullivan who is headed to San Diego with her husband, Mike Sullivan. Mike recently took a position with the San Diego Chargers. Prior to that, he worked with the Cleveland Browns organization.

Ms. Andolsen announced that Carole's final day on the air will be Friday, April 3rd.

Congratulations to both Monica and Carole on their new endeavours.

News: Gannett Imposes Another Round of Furloughs in 2Q

MCLEAN, Virginia -- Newspaper publisher Gannett (and parent company of WKYC-TV) is forcing most of its workers to take another week of unpaid leave before July.

The furloughs spelled out Monday in a company memo are being imposed to avoid laying off more employees as Gannett tries to offset a steep drop in advertising revenue.

Gannett owns USA Today and more than 80 other daily newspapers, including The Cincinnati Enquirer and 10 newspapers in central Ohio cities.

This marks the second time this year that most of Gannett's 41,500 workers have had to give up a week's pay. Most employees, including CEO Craig Dubow, were furloughed for at least five days during the first three months this year.

This time around, Gannett is requiring its higher-paid workers to relinquish up to two weeks pay during the April-June period.

Source: The Associated Press

WDLI's Early Transition To Allow WKYC To Prepare For A Easier Channel Shift

The Director's Cut Blog has learned the current analog station in Canton, WDLI Channel 17, will officially throw the switch to all digital on April 16th.

Owned by Trinity Broadcasting, WDLI's early transition will allow WKYC to continue preparations for our move to digital channel 17 by June 12th.

The filing was made recently by WDLI with the FCC and appears in the latests update of "Stations Intending to Terminate Analog Service Prior to June 12." The station was the only new one in the Cleveland, Akron, Canton DMA that will make the transition earlier than June 12th. WOAC switched on February 17th.

However, this extra time will allow us to do more testing and tweaking on our new channel prior to the actual transition date, once our new tower is constructed in Parma that will house both WKYC and WVIZ.

News: WKYC reports play role in new HBO documentary

On Monday March 16, HBO will debut a documentary, "Death on a Factory Farm" featuring undercover video taken at a Wayne County hog farm.

WKYC investigated the issues raised in the undercover video in an award winning series of reports. The undercover video and the WKYC investigative pieces by reporter Bills Safos led to animal cruelty charges. The farmers were later acquitted of all but one charge.

Bill Safos' work on the series earned him a Genesis Award in 2008 from the National Humane Society of the United States in the Local Reporting category.

Video from the reports is part of the HBO documentary.

"Death on a Factory Farm" debuts at 10 p.m. on Monday, March 16.

To read the text from the stories click HERE or play the video clip below:

Director's Cut Alert: Conan Interview on Channel 3 News Tonight

Update: We have added the exclusive interview Romona did with Conan on Thursday at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center. Watch the video below.

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Conan O'Brien, the new host of the "Tonight Show" was in town and stopped by the studios of WKYC this afternoon.

He sat down with our very own Romona Robinson to talk about his new gig and what he hopes to bring to the "Tonight Show" when he takes over June 1st.

Parts of the interview will air at 6, 7 & 11 PM tonight on Channel 3 News.

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Director's Alert: Former WKYC Alum, Win Smith, Passes Away

One of our friends and former colleagues at WKYC, Win Smith, passed away.

If you did not know him, Win was a hard-line, classic newsman who was the ultimate assignment editor in WKYC's Westinghouse and NBC ownership days. For a time, Win ran the assignment desk AND produced the 6 p.m. Every day. There were no editorial meetings. It all came out of his head...he assigned it...then he produced it.

WKYC Assistant News Director Howard Fencl tells the Director's Cut Blog, "In the 1980s I had the privilege of working on the 6 p.m. with Win every day. He was, by then, wanting to slow it up a bit, and he was doing associate producer duties while I line produced. But I always knew in my heart I really was working FOR Win, anyway."

According to his colleauges, Win had a wicked sense of humor and an addiction to smelly cigars which he fortunately gave up. Nobody had a better gut instinct for news. He was a devoted father and a tireless fan of OSU.

Funeral Mass will be this Saturday, February 28, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Bernadette's Church, 2256 Clague Rd., Westlake. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery in Fremont. Friends may call at the DANIEL L. BERRY & DONALD MARTENS AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 26691 DETROIT RD., WESTLAKE, ON FRIDAY, FROM 2 - 4 AND 7 - 9 P.M.

The Family suggests contributions to Sisters of Notre Dame, 3837 Secor Rd., Toledo, OH 43623 or the Carmelite Sisters, 3176 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44118.
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READ MORE:

Read more about Win's career: CLICK HERE

News: Digital TV, converter boxes and WKYC, Channel 3 reception

CLEVELAND -- WKYC has experienced reception issues with our digital channel. If you are having reception problems with digital you can continue to use the analog signal until the cut-off date.

Our digital channel is transmitted on VHF channel 2 just below our analog.

Our main problems are with rabbit ears and interference generated from power lines and electrical noise.

Because of their small size, the rabbit ears do not work very well on channel 2 and do not always provide enough signal to the set.

The electrical noise interference is a problem inherent to the low VHF channels and can be seen as white dots or lines in the analog picture. While you can watch a picture with snow, lines, or ghosts in analog, the digital sets cannot deal with these issues very well and have problems decoding a picture.

We are working to complete the installation of equipment so that in February we can move to a UHF channel and overcome the issues we are currently experiencing.

While the winter weather makes it difficult to work on television towers, we are hopeful that the weather will cooperate and the equipment will be installed in time to meet the deadline.

In the meantime we will maintain the analog signal for our viewers until the cut-off date of February 17, 2009.

Click here to learn more about the Digital TV transition, and what you need to do to prepare. You can also ask us questions.

News: USA Today to cut about 20 newsroom jobs

McLEAN, Virginia -- Ken Paulson, editor of the nation's largest newspaper, told staff in a memo Sunday evening that USA Today plans to cut about 20 newsroom jobs early next month.

USA Today is owned by WKYC parent company Gannett.

That's almost a 5 percent cut from a newsroom that employs about 450.

The newspaper cut about 45 newsroom jobs last November, and other papers owned by its parent, McLean, Va.-based Gannett Co., endured two rounds of layoffs this year, in August and October.

The newspaper industry is struggling, not just because of the weak economy but also from a years-long decline in circulation and the migration of advertising dollars to the Internet.

Gannett stock closed at $7.29 on Monday, up 15.35%

Source: The Asssociated Press

News: WKYC's Tom Meyer Inducted into Journalism Hall of Fame

The bad guys fear him. We all love him at Channel 3. He's Tom Meyer - "The Investigator."

As we told you earlier this week, Tom was inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame by the Press Club Thursday evening at LaCentre in Westlake. Tom was among a group of award-winning journalists recognized for their outstanding contributions.

In nearly 35 years in TV - 30 of them in Cleveland - Tom's chased down many a bad guy. He's been pushed, shoved, spat on, and even punched in the face in pursuit of a story. But he's never backed down.

Tom works his sources like few other reporters. And he has lots of sources, from top government officials to low-ranking union workers. His cell phone - programmed with the Illini fight song, his alma mater - rings constantly.

The first thing you notice when you walk into Tom's office inside the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center are the shiny Emmy Awards lining his shelves - a total of 54 - and more than any other reporter in Northeast Ohio.

Tom told the Director's Cut blog that "when I look at past inductees…people like Dorothy fuldheim, Dick Feagler, Virgil Dominic, pulitzer prize winner Connie Schulz, Brent Larkin... just to name a few... I consider this award to be very special. I'm truly honored to be included in this distinguished group of people."

"I feel it takes a lifetime to become a good reporter, but this honor tells me that there are some pretty cool people who think I'm doing something right and that I'm headed in the right direction," Tom added.

All of us at WKYC offer Tom our congratulaions for hard work and dedication.



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Our special thanks to Susan Vinella, Tom's producer, for contributing to this story.

Farewell to Another Long-time Friend: Obie Shelton

It seems like I'm writing farewells to my co-workers on an alarming, regular basis - and the fact is, that's true. And it hurts personally and professionally.

The changing media environment is having a tremendous impact on everyone involved in the media from radio, to tv to newspaper. Only the economy is to blame.

Friday was long time reporter Obie Shelton's final day at WKYC after his contract was not renewed by the station, according to the The Plain Dealer who reported this news last week. Obie had been with WKYC for 22 years. Before that, Obie worked at WEWS.

Obie's signature bow ties, warm smile and friendliness will be just three things that the heart of Channel 3 News will be missing as we move forward. We had a nice going away party for Obie on Thursday and he looks forward to the new challenges that await him.

As many of your know, Obie is a gifted musician and will have time to explore his 2nd love. Look for Obie to perform with the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra in January.

We all wish Obie lots of love and happiness.

Photo Courtesy: Jim Kegelmyer & Danielle Fink

Behind the Scenes of Election Night

We have posted a number of behind the scenes video of our Election Coverage in the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center on Facebook.

Because the videos are quicker to upload to Facebook, please click on the following link to go to my profile to see them:

CLICK HERE

Monday's Bits and Pieces for 10/27/08

Several interesting pieces of information have crossed the Director's Cut Blog's desk over the weekend.

NBC Reshuffles Wednesday lineup

NBC will revamp its primetime Wednesday schedule to focus entirely on crime dramas. Starting November 5, Knight Rider remains at 8p while Life gets a chance to rejuvenate by moving into the 9p time period and Law & Order will re-launch in the 10p slot. Lipstick Jungle will then switch to Friday nights. Additionally, NBC pushed back the debut of Momma's Boys to December 16 following the season finale of The Biggest Loser; the next week Momma's Boys will air on Monday nights at 9p in the Heroes time slot once it concludes its season. Momma's Boys was originally slated to debut on November 12.

NBC & WKYC Election Night Coverage

NBC and MSNBC will both broadcast from its Rockefeller Plaza headquarters on election night. In addition, NBC announced plans to add new features such as superimposing a huge U.S. map on the Rockefeller Center skating rink as well as projecting Barack Obama's and John McCain's electoral vote tally on the outside of its building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. NBC and MSNBC will also offer a virtual reality component by expanding Tim Russert's electronic clipboard.

WKYC will have special election night coverage of Monday and Tuesday beginning with special editions of Channel 3 News at 5 PM, election cut-ins during NBC prime which will run from 7 PM until 2 AM. WKYC Senior Political Correspondent Tom Beres will be joined by analysts to discuss the Presidential elections and issues of local interest.

Cleveland Is Running Rich With Political Spending

Broadcasting and Cable reports today that the Cleveland market is seeing a nice influx of money thanks to the Presidential campaign this year where both Barack Obama and John McCain see the region as crucial to winning the election. Stations are airing wall to wall political ads in some cases, while product spots have dropped dramatically.

However after next Tuesday, Cleveland's financial party will end. We'll return to the reality of the moment that the market is hurting badly. WKYC President/General Manager Brooke Spectorsky is quoted regarding market conditions that "Dismal is an understatement."

Gannett Reports An Increase in TV Revenue, Continued Loss Overall

Good news for Gannett's broadcasting arm with 3rd quarter revenues up 3.9% thanks to a strong summer. Results were $197 million, helped by the Olympics on its NBC affiliates ($24 million) and political advertising ($26 million). The owner of WKYC also reported on Friday that Gannett's total reported operating revenue was $1.64 billion for the third quarter, down from $1.8 billion in the same quarter last year. According to Broadcasting and Cable, "While our results this quarter reflect the difficult and volatile economy both here and in the UK, they also highlight our determination to move forward with our strategic plan," said Gannett Chairman/President/CEO Craig Dubow.

Gannett is one of the nation's leading newspaper publishers and broadcast companies.

News: A Farewell to Friends

Today is another one of those days you hate to see come in the television industry, as we say goodbye to two long time friends at WKYC - Graphic Artists Joe Wood and Lance Deevers.

Both have been instrumental in developing the graphics you have seen on the air for many years on WKYC. The following pictures were taken by Jim Kegelmyer from their going away banners.


Joe Wood is an extremely creative and brillant designer who could turn anything into art. Joe would always design the coolest going away cards for retirees and employees who left the station. Plus, he spent a lot of time in Federal Court sketching the artist renderings you saw on both local and NBC video feeds.


Lance Deevers was responsible for much of the set building you see in our studios, including our Browns and Indians sets. His ideas were also put into many graphics you see on Channel 3 News. You can view Lance's work on his website: blindsquirldesign.com

Good luck to both guys. We'll miss you!

Photo Courtesy:
Jim Kegelmyer and Dani Fink's blog "Swing By and Spray"

Fall Premiere: "Crusoe" on Friday, 10/17/08 @ 8 PM

It's that time of the year again when the Fall TV Season is about to kick into high gear. And once again, the Director's Cut Blog will give you a sneak peak at what you'll be seeing this fall.

From Power, Muse and Moonlighting Films comes an ambitious adaptation of Daniel Defoe's masterpiece, "Crusoe," a new primetime series for a 21st Century audience. Following the novel and its treasured tale of adventure, this high-action, fast-paced, thirteen-part series will combine for the first time the pace and energy of network television while remaining faithful to the author’s original classic story.

The drama explores the perils and challenges facing the world's most famous castaway as Crusoe (Philip Winchester, "Flyboys," "Thunderbirds") and his native friend Friday (Tongayi Chirisa) struggle to survive on a desert island with little more than their wits. Overcoming marauding militias, hungry cannibals, wild cats, starvation and apocalyptic lightning storms, Crusoe dreams of the day he will be reunited with his beloved family.

Allowed to develop away from the bonds of 17th Century life, the ingenious Crusoe builds a breathtaking and altogether modern home high up in the trees to elude his enemies. Friday and Crusoe's deep friendship is pushed to the limit as opportunities to escape their island paradise, and the people they meet there, consistently challenge them to choose between loyalty and freedom.

As the series develops, the love story between Crusoe and his wife Susannah (Anna Walton, "The Mutant Chronicles," "Hell Boy II: The Golden Army") left behind in England will unfold from meeting to marriage, as will his relationship with his mentor and patron, the mysterious Jeremiah Blackthorn (Sam Neill, "The Tudors," "Jurassic Park").

"Crusoe" is being executive produced by Justin Bodle for Power, Jeff Hayes for Bluewater Productions Inc., Michael Prupas for Muse, Genevieve Hofmeyr and Phillip Key for Moonlighting and Stephen Greenberg and Jean Bureau for Incendo Productions.

Source: NBC.COM

Director's Alert: WKYC Launches New "Look"

Beginning with "Channel 3 News" at Noon today, WKYC has a new on-air graphics and music package.

This new look is part of Gannett's companywide, G3, initiative look that will appear on all of the company's broadcast properties.

Here are a few pictures of the new look from the Noon launch:

Behind the Scenes: A Promo You'll Never See Again

As you know, we like to have a little fun here at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center and our flip cams we use to shoot "web extras" like our daily news promos.

So, my fellow director Matt Babb decided to go behind the scenes of Mike O'Mara who went behind the scenes of me shooting our nightly promo with Producer Dan Stadler.

Slap stick comedy you'll never see again - for good reason.

Director's Alert: NBC Pulling the Plug on Weather Plus

We knew this one was coming with NBC's recent purchase of "The Weather Channel." Today, it was confirmed. NBC Weather Plus is shutting down.

Four years ago, NBC formed a partnership with local affilate stations to launch the first digital 24/7 tv channel called "Weather Plus." On cable and on digital subchannels of NBC stations, you can the channel that was developed with its unique "L" bar that provided local weather in a way that was different than "The Weather Channel."

As the local partner for Cleveland, WKYC is given so many minutes per hour to do local cut-ins that our weather team of Betsy Kling, Hollie Strano, Bruce Kalinowski and A.J. Colby bring you 24/7. Plus, it was a place where you could always find our local Xband and Nexrad radars in real time.

Our sources say that NBC News President Steve Capus told the "Weather Plus" staff Tuesday morning that the network would shut down before the end of the year.

What will this mean for WKYC, we'll see. There are many avenues we can follow to continue bringing Clevelanders the best local weather over the air, on-line and through mobile platforms we are currently developing.

And with NBC's ownership of "The Weather Channel", might we expect our local meteorologists showing up for appearances? Stay tuned.

News: Live Chat on WKYC.COM during the Presidential Debate Tuesday at 9 PM ET

Tuesday at 9 PM, you can watch the 2nd Presidential Debate between Barack Obama and John McCain on wkyc.com

Plus, we'll have a live interactive chat with Senior Political Correspondent Tom Beres who will share some thoughts about the debate and the issues discussed.

Join us live on wkyc.com beginning at 9 PM, ET for a web chat live from the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center

Behind the Scenes: WKYC Foodbank Promo Shoot

We had a chance to grab the flip cam this afternoon between my regular tapings to grab some video of WKYC anchor Tim White recording a promo in the studio for our Food Drive on Thursday, October 2nd from 5 AM until 7:30 PM at the WKYC studios.

Videographer Steve Pullen was behind the camera as "one take" Tim made it look so easy.

News: WKYC to Help Feed the Hungry

On Thursday, October 2nd WKYC and the Cleveland Food Bank will be teaming up for "Let's Feed Northeast Ohio." This is just one way we can join forces with those in the our local community to make a difference.

And, we need your help.

We ask you to think about dropping off your non-perishable food items between 5:30 AM and 7:30 pm on October 2nd at the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center, 1333 Lakeside Avenue at the corner of E.13th and St. Clair Avenue.

WKYC staffers will be on hand to collect your donations and prepare them for shipment to help feed the needy right here in our local area.

This is your chance to help - and we hope you will.

Please spread the word and let your friends know. Our food drive will be Thursday, October 2nd from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

Thank you.

News: She's Back!!!!!

Can't remember what Betsy looked like before she had little Josephine?

Join us Monday beginning at 6 PM when meteorologist Betsy Kling makes her return to the 6, 7 & 11 PM newscast.

Betsy's back this Monday.. just in time for Fall Premiere Week on WKYC.

Coincidental? We don't think so.

VIDEO FEATURE:
Watch Betsy's first newscast from tonight at 6 pm, 9/22/08

From the Mailbag: Where's Judd Hambrick?

From: Pat in Florida

Q: I know I E'd you once before to ask what happened to Scott Newell. I was a huge fan of the New Christie Minstrels music and got a kick out of knowing he was part of the band. I moved to Florida over 20 years ago and always liked Judd Hambrick, do you know what he's doing now? Thanks for taking the time to answer my burning questions.

A: JUDD...and we all called him JUDD.. Hambrick is now semi-retired and lives with his wife in Florence, Alabama, after pursuing some business ventures for a time in Belden, Mississippi.

You can watch some of the fun promos that I previously posted on YouTube of Judd from 1985: CLICK HERE.

You can email your questions to me: fmacek@wkyc.com

From the Mailbag: Mark Nolan on the Evening News

From: Sarah in Cleveland Heights

Q: Hey, glad to see Mark Nolan on the evening shift again. I miss seeing him every night...I never get to see him doing the morning news. It's WAY too early.

A: We loved having Mark fill in for Tim White the last couple of days. Romona and Mark looked great together. Watch out Tim!

You can email your questions to me: fmacek@wkyc.com

News: NBC Football Debuts Tonight on WKYC

NBC will kick off another football season with a special Thursday Night edition of "Football Night in America" tonight. Then our regular schedule of "Sunday Night Football" starts this weekend at 7 PM.

WKYC will have live coverage of the Giants and Redskins game beginning at 7:00 PM. Channel 3 News at 7 will not be seen.

Go behind the scenes with NBC's NFL team of Al Michaels and John Madden as they share with Mark Barger what they're looking for in the coming NFL season. (See what they have to say about the Browns!)

News: It's Back.. kind of

The WKYC Information Center is working to revive an online version of the Akron Canton News which will be reported daily by WKYC Akron Newsroom Chief Eric Mansfield.

As you know, Akron lost its only local newscast back in May thanks to a terrible economy that kept many advertisers away. Plus, this was coupled with our limited coverage area on Time Warner Cable.

Now thanks to new technologies, we are working to create a daily on-line edition of the latest headlines. Soon, we'll be adding Akron weather and hopefully more features. We'll start small and grow it large.

For now, the webcast will be available on WKYC.com and on Eric Mansfield's blog "Have I Got News For You" located at: ericmansfield.blogspot.com

If you would like to submit video, news from your neighborhood or more, please contact Eric at: ericmansfield@wkyc.com

News: Local People Meters debut in Cleveland

By Frank Macek

Nielsen started utilizing its controversial Local People Meters (LPMs) in several new markets today including Cleveland.

What this means to us is a new way of measuring viewers of our local television programs in a way that Nielsen says will offer a truer representation of actual viewing audiences. Not all stations are convinced though this will be better.

In the past, Nielsen recruited viewers by phone & mail to fill out a paper diary for a one week period during sweeps - a four week period during the main months of February, May, July and November. This amounted to about 1400 diaries during the survey month or about 400 households being included in the sample size.

With LPMs, viewers tell an electronic meter that they are watching while the meter tracks their viewing habits. The sample size becomes 600 LPMs in a market. Nielsen now goes door to door to recruit participants. And they hope the sample will include a better portion of those who are younger, busier and in the minority.

A device is hooked up to each tv in a participants home and every household member is asked to activate the machine when they begin and end watching any program. These results are tallied based on live viewing, live viewing + 3 days of DVR viewing and live viewing + 7 days of DVR viewing.

What does this mean for Cleveland TV stations? First, it will mean a 12 - one month survey periods. Every month becomes a new sweeps time...putting TV stations in continuous, competitive situations. Will this mean you will seen the hype stories all the time? Not likely. But it will mean stations have to become smarter and wiser as to the news content they offer year round.

The Cleveland market is still rated as market #17 with 1,552,900 total households including 1,533,710 households that have TVs. Cuyahoga County will continue to make up nearly 35% of the total designated market area (DMA) out of the 17 counties that make up our viewing area. The main or "metro" counties include Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Portage, Summit, Medina, and Lorain. The rest of the area consists of Erie, Huron, Richland, Ashland, Wayne, Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas and Carroll County.

Because of that large portion of viewers, Nielsen is sub-dividing Cuyahoga County into 5 zones based on census neighborhood blocks. These now include the west side, downtown & lakeshore communities, the central area, near east side and far east side.

As we begin this new journey - the first of several that will turn our local TV industry upside down - we'll share with you more about Local People Meters and how these numbers differ from Nielsen's diary surveys of the past.

Courtesy: Special thanks to Diana Pollock, WKYC Research Director, for contributing to this story

Disclaimer: The comments are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of WKYC or Gannett Broadcasting. Please post your comments below or email me: fmacek@wkyc.com

News: Olympics a BIG hit on WKYC and NBC

Just as Tiger Woods is good for golf ratings, Michael Phelps is great for Olympic ratings. Saturday night, as Phelps went for his historical 8th Gold Medal at the Beijing Olympics and his 14th Gold in his swimming career, NBC enjoyed its most viewed Saturday night in 18 years with 31.1 million tuning in, and jumping to 40 million during the half hour Phelps swam.

NBC has averaged 30 million viewers each night since the Olympics kicked off on August 8th, thanks in large part to Phelps and the gymnastics teams. NBC certainly is looking for its Week #2 darling as the Olympics heads into its second week.

What did NBC air 18 years ago that drew that kind of audience? It was an episode of "Empty Nest."

Gannett cutting 1,000 newspaper jobs

The nation's largest newspaper publisher, and owner of WKYC-TV, is eliminating 1,000 jobs.

The latest cost-cutting move at Gannett includes 600 layoffs. The newspaper industry is trying to cope with declining revenues due to an economic slump and a continuing migration of advertising dollars online.

USA Today, the largest-circulation newspaper in the country, isn't affected by the latest round of cutbacks, but had 45 job cuts of its own last November.

The latest cuts will affect Gannett's other newspapers, which include 84 dailies such as The Arizona Republic and the Detroit Free Press as well as nearly 900 non-daily publications. Other major newspaper publishers have also been slashing jobs.

Courtesy: The Associated Press

News: Browns vs. Jets on WKYC Tonight

CLEVELAND -- The preseason opening game is here and you can catch all the excitement on Channel 3 starting at 7 p.m.

The Jets have a new quarterback, Brett Favre -- and have scheduled a news conference at Browns Stadium to introduce him later Thursday.

Here's the line up for tonight:

7 p.m.: Browns Pre Game (HD)

7:30 p.m.: Cleveland Browns Preseason Football Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets (HD)

RELATED LINKS:
To view more stories about the Browns & Brett Favre, visit WKYC.com: CLICK HERE

News: The Olympics on WKYC and NBC

WKYC is proud to offer our viewers unparalleled coverage of the 2008 Summer Olympics from Beijing, China. And for the first time ever, the games are being completely presented in high definition from start to finish.

NBC Universal, broadcasting its record 11th Olympics and surpassing ABC for the most Olympics broadcast by any network, will present an unprecedented 3,600 hours of Beijing Olympic Games coverage across its various networks, the most ambitious single media project in history.

NBC's coverage features the most live coverage in the United States (75 percent in all), across the most platforms, of any Summer Olympics in history when the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

WKYC will air the the NBC network schedule which is divided into three dayparts: afternoon, primetime and late night - for a total of 225 hours of coverage over 17 days beginning with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. ET.

Primetime on NBC will feature live coverage of all 32 swimming gold medal finals; four key nights of men's and women's gymnastics led by the women's and men's team gold medal finals, as well as the women's and men's individual gold medal finals; beach volleyball; and, for the first time ever, both men's and women's marathons. The first week of the Olympics features gymnastics and swimming, two sports in which the USA is especially strong this year.

The USA's women's gymnastics team, led by 2007 world all-around champion Shawn Johnson and nine-time world medalist Nastia Liukin, and the USA men's gymnastics team should be strong competitors for Olympic gold. In swimming, the USA is as solid as ever. Michael Phelps, the 23-year-old phenom, looks to make Olympic history and, by the end of the first week, could break the records for most career gold medals by any Olympian (nine) and most golds in one Games (seven), famously held by Mark Spitz. Five-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin leads the women and continues to be the 100m gold medal favorite.

In 2004, the Athens Olympic Games on NBC earned ratings gold. NBC's unprecedented 1,210 hours of coverage from Athens (Aug. 13-29) were watched by 203 million total viewers and earned the distinction of the most watched non-U.S. Olympics in history.

In addition, WKYC will once again present local coverage called "The Olympic Zone" nightly from 7:30 until 8 pm leading into primetime coverage of the game hosted by WKYC Sports Anchors Jim Donovan and Dave Chudowsky.

We'll get you ready for that night's live coverage, profile local athletes and give you a unique perspective of the Olympics Games from Cleveland's own olympic athlete Diana Munz.

WKYC also is providing reports from our embedded blogger, Clevelander Adam Miller, who is reporting for the Today Show. You can find his exclusive blog reports on WKYC.COM: CLICK HERE

You don't forget you can keep up to date with the latest news coming from the games and daily schedule of events with WKYC's Olympic page. It's all the information you need in one place: CLICK HERE

So, just us for the Olympic Games beginning this Friday, August 8th ONLY on WKYC-TV and NBC.

News: WKYC retains first place at 11 PM

The July sweeps ratings period has come to a conclusion and WKYC comes out a winner again with its first place rating for Channel 3 News at 11 PM in the 12+ Nielsen numbers.

WKYC was nearly a full point ahead of our nearest competitor at 11 pm with a 7.01/12.3 share.

At 6 PM, WKYC was 3rd in the time slot behind WJW and WEWS.

At 7 PM, WKYC was 1st in news, 2nd in the time period.

At 5 & 6 AM, WKYC rated 2nd just behind WJW.

Although July is a strange month for ratings with summer re-runs, nice outdoor weather and Indians baseball as competition, the month is still important as it shows a steady trend toward people making WKYC one of their main choices for news in the evening and early morning hours - two of the most important dayparts.

In addition, WKYC is the area's main choice for breaking political news, as Channel 3 News ranked 1st and 6, 7 & 11 PM for the two days surrounding the Cuyahoga County probe by the FBI and IRS on the County Administration Building earlier this week.

Director's Alert: Monica Robins named Midday News Anchor

On the heels of yesterday's announcement that WKYC's Barbara Gauthier is leaving WKYC, Monica Robins has been promoted to noon news anchor.

Beginning Monday, August 4th, Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins will take on the additional duties of Noon anchor. "Monica's depth of experience and commitment to the station and the news product will help us explore new directions with the newscast," said WKYC News Director Rita Andolsen.

Congratulations to Monica on her new duties.

Director's Alert: Barbara Gauthier leaving Channel 3

EXCLUSIVE -- WKYC News Director Rita Andolsen has announced that Barbara Gauthier is leaving WKYC to take a main anchor position in her hometown of Columbus, Georgia at WTVM, the ABC affiliate.

Rita says "It's the station Barbara grew up watching and the first place she went looking for a job when she graduated from college."

It's a wonderful homecoming for Barbara who will now get to spend time with her mother, sisters and the rest of her extended family.

"We will miss Barbara's habit of breaking into song at a moment's notice, her wonderful smile and spirit and her dedication and commitment to WKYC," Rita added.

Barbara is currently a morning co-anchor of Channel 3 News Today with Mark Nolan, Abby Ham and Hollie Strano. Plus, she is the anchor of Channel 3 News Midday at Noon.

Congratulation to Barbara!

News: WKYC engineer passes away

This is certainly one of those stories that is very difficult to report this afternoon on our blog.

WKYC has lost one of our long-time and few female engineers, Anjanelle Carter, who passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 25th.

Anjanelle had been battling cancer for the past several years and will be missed by everyone at WKYC. Although she recently worked the overnight and early morning shift, she had a great impact on the lives of anyone who worked with her. She was always a very happy person who was a Director's delight to work with.

Our heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues.

Services for Anjanelle will be held:

Thursday, July 31st, at 6 PM
at St. Aloysius Church
10932 St. Clair Avenue
(corner of Lakeview & St. Clair)

Spotlight Feature: The FCC Rules & The Public File

By Frank Macek

Ever wonder what rules that WKYC and other television stations must follow in order to keep their broadcast licenses?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) often updates its rules and issues them to stations as a guideline to serving in the public interest. These rules cover such topics as obscene programming, indecent material, children's television programming, lotteries and contests, closed captioning and a myriad of other areas.

Each station must maintain a "public file" which is available to members of the public at any time during regular business hours. This file must contain documents relevant to the station's operation and dealings with the community and the FCC and must be maintained at the station's main studio, which for WKYC is at 1333 Lakeside Avenue in Cleveland. Although you do not need to make an appointment to view the file, making one may be helpful both to the station and to you.

Contents of the public file include the station's license, applications and related materials, citizen agreements, contour broadcasting maps, material relating to an FCC investigation or complaint, ownership reports and related materials, list of contracts required to be filed with the FCC, political file, EEO materials, and letters and emails from the public. Additionally, stations are required to keep quarterly programming reports, children's television programming reports, records regarding children's programming commercial limits, time brokerage agreements, lists of donors, local public notice announcements, must carry or retransmission consent election and the DTV transition consumer education education activity reports.

As you can clearly see, it can be a full time job keeping all these reports. However, it's a requirement for all broadcast stations.

If you would like to read a copy of "The Public and Broadcasting: How to Get the Most Service From Your Local Station," you can download it from us: CLICK HERE

Video Feature: "Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface", Part 4

As the high definition leader in locally produced programming in Northeast Ohio, WKYC is proud to showcase our region's most important natural resource in a year- long effort. Lake Erie: Beyond The Surface is a thirty-minute HD special.

It is the last of four programs dealing with the fate and future of our great lake.

Under the cold murky water of Lake Erie lie thousands of shipwrecks, evidence of our rich maritime heritage.

For centuries, these waters have provided vital shipping lanes, abundant food, and the power to drive industry. But while the water's generosity seemed limitless, the lake itself was not. It's taken decades to reclaim this greatest of resources. We stand by the shores of a cleaner lake, but also at the crossroads of some key decisions.

What does the future hold for this lake? Our region?

Channel 3 explores the growth of international shipping, lakefront development, how Lake Erie will be managed to ensure its future, the newest environmental threat and the lake's role as a renewable energy resource.

VIDEO FEATURE:

To watch the show, click on the picture below:

Director's Alert: WKYC Nominated for Numerous Emmy Awards

The NATAS Regional Emmy Nominations were announced tonight, with WKYC receiving the following:

Outstanding Newscast

• Channel 3 News at 7 pm - Tim White, Romona Robinson, Amanda Subler (producer)
• Channel 3 News at 7 pm - Dave Grendzynski (producer)

Outstanding Weekend Newscast

• Missing Pregnant Mom Found - Lydia Esparra, Scott Newell, Carrie Young (producer), Julie Ocepek (assignment editor)

Investigative Reporting

• Prison Problem - Bill Safos
• Euclid Creek - Bill Safos

Breaking News

• SuccessTech Academy Shooting - Kim Wheeler, Danielle Fink (assignment editor), Tim White, Monica Robinsn, David Grendzynski (producer), Lisa Lowry (assignment manager), Allen Wohl (director), Romona Robinson, Dave Summers, Brandi Paulson (editor), Amanda Subler (producer), Maureen Kyle, Michael O'Mara, Rita Andolsen (news director)

News Report within 24 hours

• Elliot Ness: Not Untouchable - Paul Thomas, George Payamgis (photog), Chris Mizell (editor)

General Assignment within 24 hours

• Ice Rescue - Dave Summers

Continuing Coverage

• The Search for Jessie Davis - Danielle Fink (assignment editor), Paul Thomas, Eric Mansfield, David Grendzynski (producer), Lisa Lowry (assignment manager), Romona Robinson, Maureen Kyle, Michael O'Mara

Arts/Entertainment Special

• Broadway Series Sneak Peak - Andrea Vecchio (host), Mac Mahafee (producer/editor), Steve Pullen (photog), Steve Citerin (associated producer)

Health/Science - Single Story

• Growing Fingers - Monica Robins

Health/Science - News Story

• Unsanitary Conditons - Carl Monday

Public/Current/Community Affairs

• Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface - Micki Byrnes (executive producer), Steve Pullen (directory of photography), Vagn Steen (editor, post production producer), Jeff Reidel (photographic/researcher), Mac Mahaffee (editor)

Promotion - Campaign

• Report Respect Image Campaign - Monique Jackson (senior promotion producer)

Promotion - Station Image

• Back with the Faces - Monique Jackson (senior promotion producer)

Crafts: Graphics/Animations - News

• 2007 Channel 3 News Redesign - Greg Goyla (animator/designer), Joseph Van Eck (animator/designer), Ian Zeigler (animator/designer), Joe Wood (animator/designer)

Crafts: On Camera Talent - Reporter

• So Long Target 3 - Dave Summers

NOTE: Sportstime Ohio also received a number of nominations. The cable channel is a 10 year partnership between the Cleveland Indians and WKYC-TV.

For a complete list of nominations: CLICK HERE

News: May Demographic Ratings Strong for WKYC

As you have heard me mention many times before, ratings periods are all about the demographics - or the individual age groups - that advertisers target when making their television advertising buys.

In the case of WKYC, the overall audience ratings closely matched the demographic ratings for May 2008.

Here are some of the demographic highlights for WKYC:

5AM News
*WKYC ranked #2 in the key demos.

6AM News
*WKYC ranked #2 in the key demos.
*KWYC grew from February in Adults 25-54, Women 25-54 and Men 25-54

6PM News
*WKYC ranked #2 in the key demos.

7PM News
*WKYC ranked #1 in men 25-54
*WKYC ranked #2 in other key demos.

11PM News
*WKYC ranked #1 in key demos
*WKYC's share size was up 8% from February
*WKYC increased NBC's Adults 25-54 lead in by 9%.

Weekend Morning News
*WKYC grew 30% from February and 27% from May of 2007.

Director's Alert: WKYC launches new website called Metromix

WKYC has launched a brand new website this afternoon.

Metromix.com is your complete, comprehensive guide to all things entertainment going down in C-Town, from concerts and clubs to music, movies and more.

It's an all-access pass you can access from home, from the office, from your phone, from just about anywhere ... and in an instant, you are linked to everywhere you were, everywhere you are and everywhere you need and want to be!



The following is a news release from Metromix:

Metromix.com Comes to Cleveland

WKYC-TV Launches New Local Entertainment Website

CLEVELAND, OH (June 5, 2008) -- WKYC-TV announced today the launch of Metromix.com (http://cleveland.metromix.com/), a hip, new website for socially active taste-makers and young professionals looking to be one-step ahead of Cleveland's latest trends and hotspots.

Within a complete, comprehensive database of venues throughout Greater Cleveland and the surrounding areas, site users can search thousands of bars, clubs and restaurants by neighborhood, type of food, music or specific date. Metromix.com also gives users the power to become an insider by finding fresh, new and unexpected ideas for going out, as well as critiques and exclusive information regarding TV, movies, style and more.

"Metromix is where you go before you go out," said Fredric Coffey, Metromix Cleveland's Managing Producer. "We go everywhere, we eat and drink everything, all so our users know what's hot in Cleveland. Never, and I mean never, should the question be belted once everyone is in the car: 'So what do you want to do?'"

All advertising and editorial features for Metromix.com cater to the 21 to 34-year-old demographic. Metromix.com provides a unique experience for advertisers as they can present their brand and offering at the time when this discerning audience is trying to figure out what to do, where to go. Advertisers will also have the opportunity to utilize the Metromix street team -- the site's local events team -- who will have a presence at various events throughout the city, as well as make appearances at events created and hosted by Metromix.com. Target ad categories include liquor, restaurants, nightlife, auto, music, movies, fashion and more.

Metromix Cleveland is the 14^th Metromix site to have launched across the nation. Originating in Chicago over 11 years ago, under the development of the Chicago Tribune, Metromix.com has become the No. 1 "go to" source for local entertainment information in the city. As announced last year, Tribune Interactive and Gannett Co. formed a joint venture to expand Metromix into over 40 markets, including 25 of the top 30 markets. Metromix has earned numerous awards including the EPpy Award for Best Entertainment Site and the Digital Edge Award for Best Advertising Program.

"We're looking forward to this new venture, and reaching out to a new young audience," stated Brooke Spectorsky, President and General Manager of WKYC. "Metromix has a great track record in Chicago and other markets and we believe it will successfully promote the vibrant night life and entertainment options here in Northeast Ohio."

###

ABOUT METROMIX:Metromix is a national network of local entertainment websites that target 21 to 34 year-olds and provides information on where to go and what to do. Formed through a joint venture between Tribune Interactive and Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), two of the country's largest media companies with newspapers, TV stations and websites in the nation's top markets, Metromix is currently operating in 14 markets and is planning rapid expansion into 25 of the top 30 markets. Metromix has received a number of awards, including an EPpy Award for Best Entertainment Site and the Digital Edge Award for Best Advertising Program. The network currently attracts over 2.0 million monthly unique visitors and generates over 20 million monthly pageviews.

News: Murrow Award Presented to WKYC

Today was a big day at WKYC as the station was presented the regional Edward R. Murrow award for "Overall Excellence" - the 2nd year in a row the station has won this coveted honor.

The "Overall Excellence" category encompasses all aspects of the news operation including spot news, special projects, community involvement, sports, and weather. WKYC is part of Region 7, an area that covers all of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan - including such major market cities as Chicago and Detroit.

This year's winning entry was from a compilation of big news stories of 2007 including the tragic SuccessTech Academy shooting, Jessie Davis murder coverage and "Race for the Cure" coverage.

Edward R. Murrow's pursuit of excellence in journalism embodies the spirit of the awards that carry his name. The Radio-Television News Directors Association has been honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. Murrow Award recipients demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.

RTNDA chairman Ed Esposito, who is also the Vice President of Information Media for the locally owned Rubber City Radio Group in Akron, presented the award to WKYC-TV Vice President/General Manager Brooke Spectorsky and WKYC-TV News Director Rita Andolsen Wednesday.

The station will now be competing for a national award from the other regional areas.

Congratulations to the entire staff of WKYC for their commitment to excellence.

News: Indians Programming Change on WKYC

The Cleveland Indians and WKYC have announced a slight programming change for two games in July.

The July 5th game against Minnesota will not air on WKYC.

Instead, the July 12th game against Tampa Bay will air on WKYC in Prime Time...with a 7:10 PM start.

Director's Alert: WVIZ & WKYC to build & share new transmission tower

We couldn't divulge this secret until it was official, but since Ohio Media Watch and FCC datbase are both reporting it, we'll making a quick mention of it.

WVIZ is indeed going to making a move of their broadcast location from the WNCX tower in North Royalton to the WKYC facility in Parma later this year.

After a long running dispute between WVIZ and CBS Radio, their current tower owner, the station has come to terms with WKYC owner Gannett about working with WKYC to build a brand new tower that will support both station's digital broadcasting antennas. WKYC's old tower will be razed after the February 17, 2009 transition date according to WKYC Director of Engineering, Mike Szabo.

This will finally give viewers of WVIZ-DT a much clearer signal since the station has been broadcasting from a mini tower on the old studios on Brookpark Road.

As we have told you in the past, WKYC will be busy this year building out another new digital transmission facility that will move WKYC-DT from digital channel 2 to digital channel 17 by February 17, 2009.

This will eliminate many of the problems over the air viewers are currently having with reception of WKYC-DT 2. However, we will not be able to make the channel switch until a station in the Canton area moves to their new digital home in early 2009.

More on this as construction begins for both stations.

Additional Information:
To read more about WVIZ's plan to the FCC: CLICK HERE
To read the application permit to the FCC: CLICK HERE

Director's Alert: WKYC Wins Edward R. Murrow Award

WKYC has been named as a winner of a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for "Overall Excellence" it was announced today, April 11, 2008.

Our winning entry included WKYC's 2007 coverage including the Success Tech Academy Shootings, Painesville Train Derailment, the Jessie Davis story, CSU Death, Mirage, TSA Theft, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, the Home Made series, Race for the Cure Special, Officer West's Funeral and the 7pm newscast the day after Virginia Tech.

The RTNDA (Radio & Television News Directors Association) has been honoring outstanding achievement in electronic journalism with the Murrow Awards since 1971. Radio and television news managers from markets across the country judged the entries in March.

Regional winners automatically become eligible for the national awards competition, which will be judged in early June. The national Edward R. Murrow Awards will be presented in October at the RTNDA Awards Dinner in New York.

RTNDA is the world's largest professional organization devoted exclusively to electronic journalism. RTNDA represents local and network news professionals in broadcasting, cable and other electronic media in more than 30 countries.

For a complete list of winners: CLICK HERE

WKYC Wins National TV Award

WKYC-TV has won a national Humane Society Award for a series of reports by WKYC reporter Bill Safos.

Bill accepted the award at a star-studded Hollywood event.

The Humane Society of the United States rolled out the red carpet at the 22nd annual Genesis Awards. CNN's Anderson Cooper, NBC's Hayden Panettiere and celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck were among the eclectic honorees announced on Saturday, March 29th in Beverly Hills, California.

The Genesis Awards honor the news and entertainment media for showcasing animal protection issues, highlighting emerging concerns or bringing a fresh perspective to long-standing ones.

Hosted by Bill Maher, winners included 60 Minutes, a CNN documentary called "Planet in Peril", a episode of CSI "Lying Down with Dogs," a Paramount film titled "Year of the Dog", and local news features on Cleveland's WKYC, WAGA in Atlanta, and KHOU in Houston.

The WKYC news feature was a no-holds barred look at the appalling abuse inflicted upon pigs in a factory farm. The story launched an in-depth investigation by local and regional authorities.

"We have always believed that animal cruelty need not be exaggerated or embellished, rather it just needs exposure," says Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society.

"As soon as we saw the video, we knew this was a story that had to be told," explained reporter Bill Safos. "We received more email and more phone calls about this series than anything the station has ever done."

PHOTOGALLERY:
*To view more pictures from the event: CLICK HERE

VIDEO FEATURES:
*To see Bill accepting his award at the ceremony: CLICK HERE
*To watch Bill's original report: CLICK HERE (Caution: Video is disturbing)

From the mailbag: Where's Scott Newell?

From: Chuck in Cleveland

Q: Did Scott Newell leave your station? Lydia said that Chris Tye is her new co-anchor on the weekend news...I loved Scott!

A: As we mentioned in an earlier posting (Chris Tye named weekend anchor), Chris Tye was recently named new weekend co-anchor replacing Scott.

Scott was offered a different position with WKYC, but decided his true love is freelancing and working for the networks as a producer which gives him the chance to travel. So, unfortunately, Scott's last day with us was last week. We'll all miss him greatly.

You can email your questions to me: fmacek@wkyc.com

Video: "Indians 2008: It's Our Time Now"

UPDATE: 3/31/08 - Video added of the special -- see below

The Indians Home Opener against the Chicago White Sox is this Monday, March 31st.

As the official broadcast home of the Cleveland Indians, WKYC Channel 3 will present special, live opening day coverage beginning at 1 pm called "Indians 2008: It's Our Time Now."

For those Tribe fans at the office, away from a TV set or just living outside our viewing area, WKYC.COM will provide a live stream of our special.

Plus - between 1 and 1:30 pm - we'll be giving away a pair of tickets to the sold out home opener. If you are winner, you can tell the boss you are leaving early and heading to the game.





VIDEO FEATURE:
To watch our special, click on the following segments:

• Segment #1
• Segment #2
• Segment #3
• Segment #4
• Segment #5
• Segment #6
• Segment #7
• Segment #8
• Segment #9

News: Happy Retirement Marlene!

A note to pass along from Danielle Fink in our new WKYC blog: Swing by and Spray

Marlene Olbrysh, longtime newsroom administrative assistant, is turning in her time sheet for the very last time on Thursday.

Marlene has touched everyone's life in one way or another in the newsroom, if not the whole building! Her infectious laugh, quick wit, and "motherly love" for her staffers will be greatly missed!

One chapter may be ending for us, but an exciting adventure is just beginning for Marlene, her husband Nick, and their family!

Little does she know that we all programmed her number into our speed dials!

Good luck, we love you, visit often, and WHO WILL ORDER THE HO-HO CAKES?!?!??

Pictured are Marlene (l) and Diana Pollack(r) -- two women who keep Channel 3 News churning like a well-oiled machine.

Enjoy your free time now Marlene. We'll all miss you!

VIDEO FEATURE:
To watch video from Marlene's retirement from our 6 PM news 3/27/08: CLICK HERE

News: Former WKYC radio man Jack Armstrong passes away

Ohio Media Watch is reporting this afternoon that former WKYC radio man Jack Armstrong has died in North Carolina.

Big Jack Armstrong (born John Charles Larsh 1945 to 3-22-2008)... aka Jack Armstrong, Jackson W. Armstrong, Big Jack Your Leader... was a Top 40 disc jockey of the 1960s and 1970s.

First surfacing at WCHL in Chapel Hill, NC in 1960, the 14 year old DJ began his radio career. Personable, friendly, young, and with the ability to talk at speeds beyond that of most humans, Larsh was well liked and well received by audiences. He developed 2 imaginary sidekicks - the Gorilla, who speaks in a raspy bass, and likes women, banana juice, and whiskey, in that order - and the Old Timer, who wheezes, tells lame jokes, and was always getting shot after one of them.

Larsh worked at several stations in the Deep South in the early 1960s, including WCOG in Greensboro, NC, and WAYS in Charlotte, North Carolina. His first big break came in 1966, when he landed a job at WIXY/1260 in Cleveland, OH. The evening disc jockey at this station was always called 'Jack Armstrong,' after the 1930s radio serial Jack Armstrong the All American Boy. With his fast talking, young, friendly approach, Larsh became a huge hit in Cleveland - so huge that floundering WKYC/1100 asked him to break his WIXY contract, and come to work for the 50,000 watt blowtorch in January of 1967.

'Jack Armstrong' was a copyrighted moniker in the market, so Larsh adopted the alias 'Big Jack Your Leader,' and went to work for WKYC. He also occasionally taunted WIXY by calling himself Jackson W. Armstrong.

With WKYC being heard all over the Eastern half of the US, Larsh finally went national. He attracted fans all over the region, and became a huge hit. WKYC was listed as the #3 record buying influence in Miami, FL in that era, no doubt due to 'Big Jack' and the 50,000 watt night time signal that was so strong over the East Coast of the US.

Larsh moved on, working at other 50,000 watt stations like WMEX/1510-Boston, MA; CHUM/1050-Toronto, Ontario, Canada; KFI/640-Los Angeles, KTNQ/1020- Los Angeles and WKBW/1520-Buffalo, NY. It was at the latter that he developed his 'Motormouth' character, and was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1971 as the world's fastest talking human. Larsh was one of the original disc jockeys hired for the all new 13-Q in Pittsburgh, PA in the early 1970s.

Larsh was working for WWKB/1520-Buffalo, N.Y. when the sudden format change in 2006 to liberal talk put him in the unemployed ranks. He passed away on March 22, 2008 at his home in North Carolina.

VIDEO FEATURES:

• Video of Jack Armstrong at WIXY-1260 reunion in 1988 on WMJI-FM
• Video of Jack Armstrong at KKHR in Los Angeles in 1985
• Video of Jack's famous sign-off line

Read more about Jack on his MySpace page: CLICK HERE

Information courtesy: Wikipedia, Photo Courtesy of Jack Armstrong website

News: New WKYC Blogs

As part of the WKYC Information Center, several of our staff members are taking a cue from the popularity of the Director's Cut Blog to do a little bloggin' of their own.

Here are a couple of new blogs to check out when you get a little web surfing time.

• Swing By and Spray - a blog from our evening Assignment Editor Danielle Fink about what goes on while at the desk when talking to viewers and listening to the scanners in the WKYC newsroom.


• WKYC Fantasy Sports - WKYC Producer Chris Hyser and Overnight Assignment Editor Russ Simeone talk fantasy baseball as the season gets underway.

For more blogs from the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center: CLICK HERE

Many of our staff members also have profiles on Facebook. You can sign up for a free account and then join our groups and interact with many of us online about the station and the news stories we cover. Just search "WKYC". To join Facebook: CLICK HERE

Director's Alert: WKYC announces Opening Day coverage

It's getting to be that time of the year again - Indians fever is striking at the very heart of all us winter weary Clevelanders.

But, we've got the cure.

Coming up March 31st, it's the 2008 Season Home Opener as the Cleveland Indians take on the Chicago White Sox live on Channel 3 in High Definition.

Once again, WKYC Channel 3 is your official Cleveland Indians station. Plus, this year we'll be bringing the action to you from the newly renamed Progressive Field (formerly Jacobs Field).

Here's WKYC's Game Day lineup:

• Special pre-game coverage will begin at 1:05 pm
• Indians on Deck at 2:30 pm
• First pitch at 3:05 pm

VIDEO FEATURE:
If you can't see our Indians promo below: CLICK HERE

News: Working with the Bloggers on Election Night

As I mentioned earlier this week, WKYC presented our viewers with expanded coverage of the March 4th Primary on Tuesday including our partnership once again with "Meet the Bloggers" - a group of some of the most influential political bloggers in town.

One of the ways we are moving WKYC's Information Center forward is to embed bloggers with our reporters and technical crews in the field.

Take a look one of our first endeavours that shows some of the behind the scenes at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections on Tuesday Night.

You'll also find more video on their website: www.meetthebloggers.net

VIDEO FEATURE:
If you can't view the video below: CLICK HERE

News: WKYC.COM launches new daily CommuterCast

Join WKYC every weekday at 4:30 for the brand new "WKYC CommuterCast."

It's a five minute look at the very latest traffic and weather conditions around Northeast Ohio before you leave the office.

Plus, you can chat live with us about the current conditions or with others getting ready to travel.

WKYC Weather Plus Meteorologists AJ Colby and Bruce Kalinowski will help you smooth out your ride home with the WKYC CommuterCast.

It begins at weekdays at 4:30 PM exclusively on WKYC.COM.

Click here to watch or chat live

Spotlight Feature: Jonathan Murray

Channel 3 alumnist, Jonathan Murray, is taking Hollywood by storm and is credited with beginning this whole modern reality television craze that has taken over our television screens in recent years.

Murray was one of the creative geniuses here at WKYC-TV who worked as a producer in the news department and was instrumental in developing the successful "Cleveland Challenge" series where Cleveland was compared to other cities.

His work was always excellent according to those who worked with him, including WKYC's Scott Newell, who remembers him well. Scott says it was fairly easy to see he was going to be a production star just by watching his work here at WKYC.

Scott recalls Murray was impressed by the PBS Series, "An American Family," first broadcast by PBS in 1973. In that series, the Loud family allowed cameras to document their everyday life for seven months, becoming perhaps the first "reality show" ever. From there, Murray would go on to co-create "The Real World" as a real-life soap opera...and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, he is Chairman and President of Bunim-Murray Productions.

According to his biography, Murray, has created and executive produced more than 50 seasons and close to 2000 hours of the industry's most innovative, unscripted entertainment television, as well as its first unscripted feature film. His local tv stints include spending six years at WLUK-TV, WXIA-TV and WKYC-TV in news, station management and programming at WOKR-TV.

He then worked with the television rep firm HRP, Inc. where he helped local stations buy and schedule their syndicated programming. In 1991, Murray and Mary Ellis Bunim pitched their idea for an unscripted drama series to MTV executives over breakfast. MTV bought the show before lunch time, and the landmark success of Bunim-Murray Productions was underway. The innovative series merged Bunim's experience in scripted dramas with Murray's documentary and news expertise and it broke all the rules of television production. The Real World quickly became part of the cultural DNA of young people the world over and continues to thrive.

Throughout the 1990's Murray and Bunim grew their production operation from a two person shop into an industry powerhouse. Over the years, the partners created and executive produced an incredible array of entertainment including The Real World, Road Rules, Real World/Road Rules Challenge, The Simple Life, The Real Cancun, Starting Over, Making the Band, and Love Cruise.

Even after the pasing of Mary-Ellis Bunim to cancer in 2004, Murray continues to lead the company they founded together to new heights. Today as Chairman and President of Bunim-Murray Productions, Murray guides the creative process that has distinguished the company's shows since the early 1990s.

In 2004, the company produced projects for cable, syndication and primetime including the 15th season of The Real World (MTV), the premiere season of The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest For the Best (FOX), the second season of Starting Over (syndicated by NBC Universal), and the second and third installments of The Simple Life (FOX). The company also began production on The Scholar (ABC) and announced a partnership with Baywatch co-creator Gregory Bonann to produce Point Dume, a scripted drama series set in the Southern California beach community of the same name.

Murray graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

For more information on Jonathan and his company and the shows he has created, you can visit Bunim/Murray Productions and their website: CLICK HERE

Video Feature: "Lake Erie: Beyond The Surface" - An HD Special

In case you missed the show on Saturday, you can watch it online right now, or a historic KYW Special Report on the state of Lake Erie from 1964. Just follow the links provided below.

As the high definition leader in locally produced programming in Northeast Ohio, WKYC is proud to showcase our region's most important natural resource in a year-long effort.

Lake Erie: Beyond The Surface is a thirty-minute HD special that aired on Saturday, February 2nd, at 7pm, and was hosted by AM news anchor Mark Nolan. It is the third of four programs dealing with the fate and future of our great lake.

Two hundred years ago, 9 American ships fought off a foreign invader on the waters of Lake Erie. Today, there's a new invasion, this one below the surface. Though the lake is significantly cleaner than in the late 1960's, there are serious concerns that we're sliding back into trouble. The dead zone is growing yearly, every eight months a new invasive species drops anchor, and water-hungry states vie for our resources. With water levels dropping, and Lake Erie most vulnerable to changes in the eco-system, we are at a very pivotal point.

VIDEO FEATURE #1: The Show
*To watch "Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface: Part III" - CLICK HERE

VIDEO FEATURE #2: KYW Special Report - 1964
*Double click "play" to watch a segment from the WKYC archives featuring a 1964 package from KYW regarding the state of the lake. If you can't see the video on this page: CLICK HERE

News: WKYC's Terry Moir New Morning Co-Host at WDOK

Terry Moir, WKYC's Director of Local Programming, has been named co-host of the WDOK Morning show with Trapper Jack. (Terry is pictured with Fred Griffith)

She will be heard weekdays mornings with Trapper and newsman Jim McIntyre starting at 5:30 AM it was announced Friday by the CBS Radio station. Her first regular day on the air will be Monday, January 28th. She had been filling in on the morning show recently and was quickly seen as a natural fit with Trapper and Jim according to station officials.

Terry will continue her programming duties at WKYC while getting up early to awaken morning listeners on the radio with her witty humor and contagious energy level.

You have been hearing Terry's voice for years on many Channel 3 commericals. She has also starred in a number of "Terry Godmother" programming commercials explaining to viewers changes in our on-air lineup. Plus, she was the driving force behind launching a local morning talk show on WKYC called "Good Company Today" - which airs weekday mornings from 10 - 11 AM.

Prior to joining WKYC, Terry was the Executive Producer of the "Morning Exchange" on WEWS-TV here in Cleveland.

Where Are They Now? - Joe Mosbrook

This month, the "Director's Cut Blog" touched base with former WKYC reporter Joe Mosbrook. Although semi-retired, Joe continues to be one of our favorite, traditional journalists whose high integrity for the product and booming voice will forever have a place in the history of WKYC.

I can't help but remember Joe standing in the snowy Ashtabula field in 1981 after our chopper at the time "Newshawk 3" went down and flipped over in near blizzard conditions. There was a calm and collected reporter and his photographer, Dave Hollis, doing a matter of fact feature on themselves. Although Joe doesn't mention it below, it was certainly one of the memorable moments in local television most folks working here still remember about Joe's career. (Watch the video below)

We asked Joe to share, in his own words, a little about his past, present and future.

THE PAST:

I joined WKYC TV & Radio in March of 1967 and formally retired in April of 1998, although I continued for three or four additional years on a part time basis, doing some "Look Back" features and serving as Channel 3's voice-over announcer. I was mainly a reporter (usually politics and government), although in almost 35 years I did almost every job in the shop at one time or another. When I retired, someone said I had probably covered more news stories than anyone in Cleveland TV history. In the late 1960s and early '70s, I was the radio news supervisor and produced and anchored a number of NBC Radio Network newscasts from both Cleveland and New York City. Probably the biggest story was the assassination of Robert Kennedy. I was anchoring the radio network from Los Angeles when he died. Other big stories included the elections and administrations of Cleveland Mayors Carl Stokes, Ralph Perk, Dennis Kucinich and George Voinovich. and such continuing court cases as the Cleveland schools desegregation case, the Sam Shepherd murder case, the Kirtland cult killings, and the Kent State shootings. A report I did on WKYC led to the overturning of the Kent State civil verdict.

THE PRESENT:

I'm still on the air (55 years since I first started in radio), doing the weekly Cleveland Jazz History series on Monday nights on WCPN. That radio series, now in its 20th year, led to a book that was published in 2003. Last year I was inducted into the Radio/ Television Broadcasters of Ohio Hall of Fame and have gotten several other awards including a Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. I also serve as president of the Cleveland local of AFTRA (the broadcasters' union) and have been on the boards of the Northeast Ohio Jazz Society, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, the Cleveland TOPs Swingband, and Fairmount Presbyterian Church in Cleveland Heights. At the moment, I'm finishing up another book, not on jazz, but on the history of a colorful little resort community in northern Pennsylvania, and working on a TV presentation for the TOPs Swingband.

THE FUTURE:

I just plan to continue what I've been doing, broadcasting and writing, spending time with our four grown children and two granddaughters, and not worrying about doing 6 a.m. live remotes during snowstorms or asking grieving mothers how they feel about seeing their children killed. But I still get bad dreams at times about failing to have a TV report ready in time to get it on the air -- something that never happened when I was reporting every day.

You can reach Joe by email: joe.mosbrook@multiverse.com

VIDEO FEATURE:
The following is Joe discussing the 1981 "Newshawk 3" helicopter incident. If you can't see the video on this page, CLICK HERE

Comedian Frank Caliendo pays a visit to Channel 3

CLEVELAND -- Monday morning, Comedian Frank Caliendo and his many personalities stopped by "Channel 3 News Today" and provided some laughs.

Frank has been busy lately appearing on the new TBS series "Frank TV." Whether he's lampooning the President or sending up the hottest celebs, you never know who Frank will show up as next. Frank's new show is shot in front of a live audience, but also includes segments filmed at a variety of locations. Everything from current events to icons of the past is fair game for this comic chameleon.

Among the impressions he performed for WKYC viewers this morning included John Madden, President Bush and Robin Williams.

VIDEO FEATURE:
To watch a clip of Frank on Channel News Today (1/14/08): CLICK HERE

WEB LINKS:
Frank's Website: www.frankcaliendo.com
Frank TV on TBS: www.tbs.com/shows/franktv

News: The Guide to Digital Television

With the transition of television from analog to digital only a year away, many of you have questions about how all this will work.

We're here to take you through it step by step.

The Director's Cut Blog, WKYC.COM and Gannett Broadasting have put together a useful guide that will help you better understand what the transition means for you and how it will work.

It's an excellent resource you will want to check out and let others know about.

---->>CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS<<----

Video: Channel 3 Classic Promos from 1994

This is a group of classic Channel 3 Promos from around 1994, courtesy of the "Director's Cut" archives.

This latest batch includes cameos from Judd Hambrick, Connie Dieken, Art Edwards, Jodine Costanzo, GM Bill Scaffide, Liz Habib, Jim Donovan, Eileen McShea and Jon Laufman among others.

Our special thanks to WKYC Editor Sarah Montgomery for helping us get the videos to the web.

Feel free to post your own comments and share your memories. Just click on the videos to watch. If you can't see the video on this page, CLICK HERE

Director's Alert: Bruce Kalinowski Joins Channel 3

Former Weather Channel and hometown Meteorologist Bruce Kalinowski will be joining the WKYC Weather Plus forecasting team.

The Director's Cut Blog has learned that Bruce will be teaming up with Betsy Kling, Hollie Strano and AJ Colby to become a station meteorologist.

Bruce will be mainly seen on our weekend newscasts and filling in as needed for Hollie, Betsy and AJ.

Bruce has been working in the local market for the past 8 years... first at the CBS affiliate and now at WKYC.

Prior to that, Bruce was a familiar face on "The Weather Channel" under the name of Bruce Edwards from 1982 until 2000. Bruce and Andre Bernier were the very first on camera meteorologists to be seen by viewers when the Weather Channel launched on May 2, 1982 at 8 PM. (To watch video of that launch: CLICK HERE)

Bruce also worked for a time at our Gannett sister station, WTLV/WJXX in Jacksonville, Florida.

We always knew Bruce was from Cleveland, cause he always referred to us at the "Best Location in the Nation." Bruce is a graduate of Kent State University with a B.A. in Telecommunications. Bruce is currently a member of the American Meteorological Society, Seal #426.

Welcome Bruce to the Channel 3 family.

You can post your welcome messages to Bruce under the "comments" section here.. We'll make sure he gets them.

From the Mailbag: When does Tom Meyer start?

From: Janice in Kirtland

Q: Tom Meyer is one of my favorites. You mentioned on the blog that he was coming to WKYC awhile ago, but I haven't seen him on the air. Is he still coming?

A: That would be a great big "YES". Tom had to wait out a non-compete agreement (a period of time where is not allowed to be on the air after leaving his past employer) before he can start on the air at Channel 3. Although, I don't have a Tom premiere date, it will be soon - probably next month. Tom is already hard at work behind the scenes working on some interesting investigations that you will see very soon.

You can read our original blog posting about Tom from May 18th: CLICK HERE

You can email your questions to me: fmacek@wkyc.com

News: WKYC says goodbye to Kristin Anderson

After 7 years as an anchor and reporter, WKYC's Kristin Anderson has said goodbye to staffers at WKYC.

She and her kids are moving to Philadelphia to join her husband, John Anderson, who took a job as the morning anchor at the Fox affiliate.

Kristin began at Channel 3 News as the weekend anchor of the 6 & 11 PM newscasts where she teamed up with Scott Newell about the time Channel 3 moved in our new digital broadcast center.

Also for a time, she was paired up with her husband on the morning newscast before becoming a mother. She returned to Channel 3 as a part-time reporter until her departure on Friday.

Best wishes, Kristin!

Spotlight Feature: The Birth of the Backpack Journalist

By Frank Macek

The dawn of a new day is beginning in newsrooms across America - the birth of the backpack journalist.

These folks are not amateurs. They are not the most experienced. But backpackers are becoming specially trained people, selected from a pool of qualified candidates, whose job it is to cover stories that may not necessarily lead the 6 pm news. In many cases, their materials will become web exclusives or interesting sidebars in the burgeoning world where broadcast television migrates to the internet.

Armed with relatively inexpensive digital cameras, cell phones and light weight laptop computers, these one man bands of reporters head into the field to shoot their own video, write their own stories, take their own pictures and edit their own footage with editing software that's plentiful and easy to use.

From remote locations, the final products are fed back to the home station via broadband or other upload venues like satellite or fiber optic (where available) for air. Other backpackers will shoot in the field, then return to the station with their reports in hand.

How did we get to this point?

In the "Golden Age of Television," shooting video required sending an entire crew out into the field. You needed a cameraman, an audio man, a lighting assistant, a producer and talent. The sheer weight and amount of equipment made it necessary to employ many people in this process, each with their specialized talents. As you can imagine, this was rather expensive.

Those days are gone in the world of big media giants who have consolidated people into a more efficient work stream. The advance of technology has put ALL those talents into the hands of one person.

A backpack journalist also has the advantage of being able to get into areas where a large camera crew would either be prohibitive or in case of investigative reporting - revealing.

In Iraq, for example, backpack journalists are moving around the war zone bringing you stories - mostly for the web - about what is happening inside the country, outside the capabilities of the mainstream media.

One of the best known backpackers is Kevin Sites (see photo) - who has travelled to every war zone imaginable to bring viewers a unique view of conflicts and how the lives of those people are effected. You can read more about his travels on his blog: CLICK HERE

Some experts worry that these backpack journalists will degrade journalistic integrity as more newsrooms go to this type of process. For one, backpackers may be less experienced in reporting the facts. These backpackers, sometimes called "sojos" - for solo journalists - will likely be the only involved in putting together a report. Will this mean a lack of oversight or multiple eyes on a project? Not likely, as newsroom managers will still be carefully watching what they are putting on their airwaves. If nothing else, managers will want to ensure the stories are timely, interesting and meet the objective - high ratings.

More seasoned, professional journalists are also nervous since they feel they are being replaced by backpackers. The threat is always there in this business. But so far, backpackers are being used to supplement, rather than replace, the true journalists in the industry. Most watchers agree it will take quite some time before backpackers are the mainstream - if ever.

Gannett, the parent of WKYC, has been one of the leaders in this process. With 90 daily newspapers, nearly 1,000 non-daily publications and websites, and 23 TV stations in the United States covering 20 million households, the company already sees the vision of this future.

Television and newspapers newsrooms all across our company are actively hiring people who have the right attitude to undertake the challenges of being a backpack journalist. In some cases, they are re-training current employees in these new positions.

At WKYC, we are beginning to use backpack journalists as our newsroom transitions to the concept of being an "Information Center" - we will no longer be a newsroom....or a television station. We will become a center where information is transmitted on multiple platforms - over the air, on the web, to your phone and to other platforms as they evolve.

In the coming months, we'll share with you more about the concept of the "Information Center" as we implement it here in Cleveland. For example, I am not only a director of newscasts - but also write various blogs (like this one), produce stories for the WKYC.COM and am involved in our weather product on the web. This will become the norm for all employees, not the exception.

In the meantime, our backpark journalists are hitting the field across Cleveland to bring our viewers new angles to interesting stories regarding news, weather and sports. Soon, you'll begin seeing more and more of their reports on the air.

Gannett has professional backpack journalist program that holds recruiting and training sessions from time to time. Our first one began successfully in February 2007 under the training of award winning journalists Harvey Mars and Lane Michaelsen. If you would like to read more about our Gannett program: CLICK HERE

I'd like to hear your feedback about what you think about backpack journalism. Send your emails to me at: fmacek@wkyc.com

News: Longtime WKYC cameraman retires

WKYC says goodbye this evening to longtime photographer, Joe Butano.

Joe spent 38 years as part of the WKYC family shooting many of the stories you see on "Channel 3 News" each and every day.

He has hazarded through every kind of weather - and shot video for every type of news story imagineable - fires, accidents, shootings. You name it, Joe shot it.

Still at a youthful age of 71, "Cowboy Joe" as we fondly call him plans to saddle up, take it easy and spend some time traveling with his wife.

We all wish you the best, Joe! Life at Channel 3 just won't be the same.

VIDEO FEATURE:
To see our on-air mention about Joe: CLICK HERE

From the Mailbag: Change again for the Akron Canton News

From: Dustin in Akron

Q: Seems that the re-branding to "Channel 3's Akron Canton Newscast" was short lived. Other than the open to the newscast the graphics were all back to the blue "Akron Canton News" graphics...Just curious if you knew anything about it?

A: Well, it seems our rebranding may have been a little premature. Time Warner asked us to continue with the name of "Akron Canton News" with its own look, so they can present the show as a unique product for various reason$. However, we do plan further graphic changes to the broadcast including the set's background. We've just had to go back to the drawing board. It's not exactly how we hoped to make the transition - but it is what it is.

Director's Alert: New Morning Show Launched

WKYC launched our brand new morning show Thursday morning (11/8/07) at 5 AM.

Join new anchors Mark Nolan, Abby Ham, Meteorologist Hollie Strano, Barbara Gauthier and the whole morning team for a brand new start to your day.

All the news, weather, traffic and fun you can handle in the morning - check it out weekday mornings, starting at 5 AM.

VIDEO FEATURE:
To watch video of Mark & Abby's first day: CLICK HERE

Video: Channel 3 Classic Promos from 1999

This is a group of classic Channel 3 Promos from around 1999, courtesy of the "Director's Cut" archives.

This latest batch includes cameos from Judd Hambrick, Romona Robinson, Eric Mansfield, Steve Miles, Greg Groogan, Don Hammond, Donna Terrell and the "News That's More Local" campaign and "Viper Max."

Feel free to post your own comments and share your memories. Just click on the videos to watch. If you can't view them on this page, CLICK HERE

News: 60,000 & Counting!

Just a quick note of thanks to all our readers of the "Director's Cut" Blog.. The numbers are in for October and our blog has now surpassed the 60,000th reader mark since launching in January.

October was a huge month for us in several ways, with expanded coverage of the SuccessTech Academy shootings, the announcement of our morning show team of Mark Nolan and Abby Ham & our regular features: "Where Are They Now?," "Get to Know Team 3" and classic Channel 3 Promos.

In the coming weeks, we have plenty of new and fresh material coming thanks to your ideas and suggestions. A reminder, you can reach us anytime at fmacek@wkyc.com or on Facebook and Myspace for on-line extras.

Again, thank you for reading the "Director's Cut" Blog. Be sure to tell your colleagues to stop by and visit.

Where Are They Now?: Art Edwards

Former WKYC reporter and morning show anchor Art Edwards appears in this month's "Where Are They Now?" feature here on the "Director's Cut" blog. Art was here at the station for many, first starting as a general assignment reporter, than moving to the anchor desk where he co-anchored the morning & noon news near the end of his tenure with Jodine Costanzo (now in Pittsburgh at WPXI).

During his 'KYC days, Art was honored for his work on-the air and for his work on an hour long special called "Tough Choices" dealing with problems young adults face in life. The show won Art a regional Emmy Award.

As everyone faces in this business, Art was on to new challenges in his career and headed south after leaving Channel 3. He landed upright at WNCN/NBC 17 where he would spend a little more than next four years bringing viewers the news in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Finally it was time to head back to one of his Alma mater states where he attended the University of Michigan, and joined the team of Detroit's WDIV-TV/NBC 4 on February 5, 2000. Art also attended Boston University and California State University/Howard.

Today, Art is a leading station reporter both on the air and the on the WDIV's website, clickondetroit.com, where he has a strong presence bringing viewers topical stories in the Motor City.

Art was born in the Oakland, California, area. His first on-air job was at KFTY-TV in Santa Rosa. Other stops during Art's careers besides Cleveland, Raleigh and Detroit including Salinas, Las Vegas and New Orleans. Art is currently married and has two children.

If you would like to reach Art, you can email him at: arte@clickondetroit.com

The following is a PSA (public service announcement) Art did while here at WKYC in 1992. Press the play to begin watching video. If you can't see the video on this page, CLICK HERE


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Photo & Some Info Courtesy: WDIV/NBC 4 & clickondetroit.com

DVR Alert: New Medical Miracle Specials to Air on WKYC

WKYC will air "Medical Miracles: Second Chances" Thursday, November 1st, at 7:30 pm hosted by Channel 3's Emmy Award winning Medical Reporter Monica Robins.

This special, the next in a continuing set of Cleveland Clinic programs, will examine thoracic surgery. You'll be introduced to the Clinic's thoracic surgery unit, which deals with the illnesses of the chest area, as Monica follows a young mother suffering from cystic fibrosis. She is just one of the patients whose lives have been helped.

Then on Thursday, December 6 at 7:30 pm, viewers can tune in for "Medical Miracles: Innovative Surgery, Rapid Recovery." This 30-minute Cleveland Clinic special focuses on minimally invasive surgeries and the benefits they provide over traditional surgeries. For example, a robot assists a cardiovascular surgeon to repair a heart valve with only four small incisions. This show covers procedures at the forefront of surgical technology.

News: New HDTV Study Released

Nielsen has released a new study that finds 13.7% of TV households in the U.S. are equipped with an HD television and HD tuner capable of receiving signals in HD (HD Capable), while 11.3% are equipped with an HD television and HD tuner and receive at least one HD network or station (HD Receivable).

Los Angeles has the highest penetration of HD Capable homes (20.4%) and New York has the highest penetration of HD Receivable homes (17.5%). Nielsen also reports that among U.S. Hispanic or Latino households, 10.4% are HD Capable and 8.2% are HD Receivable.

Among African-American households, 8.1% are HD Capable and 6.9% are HD Receivable.

To view the charts and tables, you can download the study: CLICK HERE

Courtesy: Nielsen

Spotlight Feature: Behind the Scenes of "The Point After"

Every Monday during Browns season at 7 PM, WKYC offers up a unique perspective of Cleveland Browns football with a show called "The Point After."

Sports Director Jim Donovan leads a panel of experts including former Browns Head Coach Sam Rutigliano (who coached the "Kardiac Kids" from 1978 to 1984)...former Browns Offensive Tackle Doug Dieken (who is currently color commentary for the Browns radio network with Donovan)... and Cleveland Plain Dealer Browns' Beat Reporter Tony Grossi.

The four huddle on the air and talk about Sunday's big game and look forward to next Sunday's game. What worked? What didn't? Who performed well? Who bombed? These are just a few of the questions the guys talk about.

Recently, I had a chance to take some behind the scenes pictures of the "Point After" during a live taping and will share those with you now on the Director's Cut Blog.

Don't forget, every Monday at 7 PM, you can also watch a live feed coming from inside of Studio B while the show is airing live. Because NFL rules restrict us from showing the video on the web, we can only show you the guys in action. Just log on to WKYC.com for the link every Monday from 7 - 7:30 pm during the season. Go Browns!

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO GALLERY:
Click on the audio button on the player to enjoy a little music with the slide show below. If you can't view the pictures on this page, please go to the following link: CLICK HERE

Director's Alert: New Morning Team Named at WKYC

The Director's Cut has just learned that WKYC's Chief Meteorologist Mark Nolan has been named new anchor of Channel 3 News Today, replacing John Anderson who recently left for Philadelphia.

Also Abby Ham is joining WKYC from our Gannett sister station, WBIR in Knoxville, Tennessee to become Mark's new morning co-anchor.

Meteorologist Hollie Strano will continue her role as weekday morning weather anchor.

For the time being, weekend Meteorologist Betsy Kling replaces Mark on the Monday - Friday 6, 7, & 11 PM broadcasts. AJ Colby will handle weekends.

Pictured are Abby Ham (upper left), Mark Nolan (upper right) and Hollie Strano (lower left).


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More on Abby Ham:
Abby is originally from Atlanta, Georgia...graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in journalism and a minor in creative writing. She started her career as producer and anchor of a new newscast at WTAP, the NBC affiliate in Parkersburg, West Virginia. After a year, she was promoted to 5:00, 6:00 and 11:00 anchor and 11:00 producer. Most recently, Abby has been working on the morning news anchor desk at WBIR in Knoxville, Tennessee - with co-host Ben Senger. Abby is engaged to be married with a 2008 wedding planned in Knoxville.
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To read the official WKYC Press Release: CLICK HERE

From the Mailbag: What Happened to John Anderson?

From: Dawn in Parma

Q: I noticed John Anderson is now longer on the morning crew? What happened to him? I miss him.

A: John recently took a job as a morning anchor at the Fox affiliate, WTXF/29 in Philadelphia. This is the same station where former WKYC 6 & 11 PM anchor Dawn Stensland currently works. His last day was Friday, October 19th. His wife Kristin will be leaving to join him at some point once things settle down.

For more about John, check out the following articles:
*Get to Know Team 3" Director's Cut Feature: CLICK HERE
*Newshutr's Views Farewell To John: - CLICK HERE

Send us your emails on Facebook, Myspace or at: fmacek@wkyc.com

News: Former NBC News President Joins Gannett Board

Neal Shapiro, president of WNET in New York City, the largest public television station in the U.S., has been elected to the Board of Directors of Gannett Co., Inc. - parent company of WKYC, effective immediately.

"Neal's diverse experience with network news and public television will be a tremendous asset for Gannett as we move forward with our strategic plan," said Craig A. Dubow, Gannett's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We are extremely pleased that Neal has chosen to join Gannett's Board."

Shapiro served in various executive capacities with the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) beginning in 1993 and was president of NBC News from May 2001 to September 2005.

With Shapiro's election, Gannett has nine directors.

Courtesy: Gannett

News: Director's Cut on Facebook

You can now join me and the "Director's Cut Blog" on Facebook as we continue to expand our internet presence from the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center.

Feel free to send me your questions and comments, chat with me while I'm getting ready for newscasts, add me as a friend and network with me & other TV professionals from around the world.
I'd like to share ideas, talk about the TV industry and find new and exciting ways to bring viewers compelling programming like our HD special "Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface."

To reach us on Facebook, click on the following logo:

Director's Alert: Dr. Phil Spinoff Coming to WKYC

The Director's Cut Blog has learned this afternoon that WKYC, Channel 3, will be among the Gannett stations who will air the new Dr. Phil spin off, currently titled "The Doctors" which will premiere in the Fall of 2008.

"The Doctors," under executive producer Jay McGraw, features a dream team of five practicing medical professionals, ranging from a plastic surgeon to an OB/GYN to a therapist, who each day will engage viewers by investigating and discussing hot-button medical topics such as painkillers, obesity, how to lose weight, what not to feed your child and why some vaccines can be dangerous. They'll bust medical myths and answer burning questions viewers are too embarrassed or afraid to ask their own doctors.

"The Doctors" will be hosted by ER physician Dr. Travis Stork ("The Bachelor"). Other experts include Dr. Lisa Masterson, an obstetrician/gynecologist; Dr. Andrew Ordon, a plastic surgeon; Dr. Tara Fields, a licensed marriage and family therapist; and Dr. Jim Sears, a pediatrician. To support the show, these doctors will make appearances on "Dr. Phil" throughout the 2007-08 season.

Other Gannett Broadcasting stations to air the show include WUSA (Washington, D.C., market #9), KARE (Minneapolis, market #15) and KUSA (Denver, market #18).

Courtesy: CBS Television Distribution

From the Mailbag: Move to Digital Channel 17

From: Mike in Elyria

Q: Just an anxious WKYC fan, I can't get anything on [WKYC digital channel] 2 because of the low frequency, just wondering if you had any updates you could share with your viewers?

A: Funny you ask...I was just talking to our project engineer on this, Rex Rickly, several days ago and he said it is not likely until near the February 2009 analog cut off date that we'll be able to move from our current digital Channel 2 to Channel 17.

We are ready to go, but the Canton station (WDLI) on Channel 17 analog will not leave the channel until then...so we are kinda stuck waiting for them to move. An analog and digital channel can not broadcast on the same channel at the same time...I don't understand it all technically, but that's the deal.

Have you tried getting an HD booster antennae?? I believe Radio Shack has them and it might help you receive our signal in the meantime - or get digital cable.

If you would like to ask us a question, send your email to: fmacek@wkyc.com or visit us on Facebook: CLICK HERE

DVR Alert: NBC News Debuts New Set Monday

Just a reminder "NBC News with Brian Williams" will debut its brand new studios Monday Night at 6:30 on WKYC.

Pictured left is the old studio which last saw service this spring. Since then, "Nightly" has been using temporary studios in preparation for Monday's big debut.

Also, MSNBC which is moving into "30 Rock" will debut their new studios Monday Morning ending their presence in Secaucus, New Jersey where they have been since launching the network with Microsoft.

NBC also announced recently they are selling their legendary studios in Burbank, CA - longtime home to "The Tonight Show" after Leno signs off in 2009. They will be building new studios nearby where Conan O'Brien will debut as "Tonight Show" host at that time.

Web Link: Videographer's Point of View

One of our multi-talented overnight videographers, Brian Behler, is writing a blog called "Newshutrs Views" about one section we haven't really touched yet here on this blog - what it is like to be the one shooting the video out in the field and some of the stories behind each story shot.

Videographers are the guys and gals (along with the reporters) who have to do the dirty work in the field gathering the daily pictures you see us put on the air. They shoot the fires, the dead bodies and the happy reunions while I'm sitting in the nice warm (or air conditioned) control room. They are the folks enduring the weather to bring the story right into your living room - often times live.

And they never get enough credit - so I'll pay my personal thanks to Brian and all the other Channel 3 videographers, in particular, by spreading the word about Brian's blog for another perspective on what it's like to work in TV Land.

Check it out over the weekend at: newshutrsviews.blogspot.com. Plus, I've added a permanent link to the site in our right hand menu for easy reference.

If you work in the TV industry and would like to have your blog linked to ours, please contact me: fmacek@wkyc.com

Video: Must See TV - Hollie Vs. The Rally Monkey

Monday 10/22/07 Update: We are pretty convinced now Hollie the dance didn't work!

Channel 3 News Today's Morning Meteorologist Hollie Strano challenged the rally monkey to a dance off Wednesday morning. Some - ok, really just a few - believe Hollie's dance is good luck for the Tribe.

After watching the beautiful bean footage, we have to conclude: Rally Monkey 1 - Hollie 0

Should the Indians win the pennant tonight, I can't wait to see what happens on the morning show tomorrow morning between 5 & 7 AM on Channel 3,

Take a look for yourself.. but at your own risk of laughing your butt off: "Oh the Humanity", we yell - CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO

P.S. Thanks to Hollie for being a good sport about this.

News: WKYC's Parent Company Buys Sports Sites

Gannett, the parent company of WKYC-TV, has acquired a controlling interest in Schedule Star LLC, which operates the popular HighSchoolSports.net and the Schedule Star solution for local athletic directors, the two companies said today. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

HighSchoolSports.net is the leader in the increasingly competitive world of online high school sports, with more unique visitors than any other site, according to Nielsen//NetRatings NetView.

Schedule Star is the #1 scheduling solution for high school athletic directors, and is the engine that dynamically drives the HighSchoolSports.net network. It accurately generates and updates school's schedules, scores, stats, and game directions, and it can even alert parents and fans to game changes or cancellations.

To read more about today's big announcement: CLICK HERE

Get to Know Team 3 - Dave Chudowsky

Time to share some behind the scenes info on one of the newest Channel 3 family members, WKYC Sports Reporter Dave Chudowsky.

You can see Dave report and anchor the "Browns PreGame Huddle" Sunday Mornings at 11:30 AM and "Browns Tonight" immediately following our late news Sunday Nights. Here is what Dave had to say when we asked him some tough questions between shows recently:

Q: When in your life did you first know you wanted to a sports reporter?

Dave: A very young age. I used to interview my parents, while we would drive in the car. Sports has always been my passion, talking is what i am best at! It just made a lot of sense!

Q: You came to WKYC from the Ohio News Network (ONN) in Columbus...where else have you worked?

Dave: I started my career in Toledo, at WTVG 13-ABC. I also spent a high school football season reporting at WMFD in Mansfield on Friday nights, while working in Toledo.

Q: What is your favorite and least favorite part of sports reporting?

Dave: Many favorite things: covering sports, being at live games, giving my opinion and feel of a game, never watching the clock, rush of being live. I love the feeling after having a great show! To be honest, I could go on and on with things I love about sports reporting! Least favorite: sometimes the hours and once in a while not watching the "big" games as a fan!

Q: Who among national sportcasters do you idolize?

Dave: I don't think I idolize anyone. As a kid, Bob Costas was my favorite...not really anymore, but he is very good. I think Jim Nantz does a good job, the guy makes me laugh because he is so dramatic! A guy who does a good job at play by play, that is underated is Gus Johnson. I love how excited he gets! I did intern with Jim Donovan back in 1996 if that tells you anything! He is the best in town... And that is not sucking up! Ha!

Q: Which is your favorite team to cover locally? Browns, indians or cavs?

Dave: My friend asks me this all the time (who is my favorite team) and gets mad because I won't answer it. I used to ask my mom when I was young, which of her kids does she love best. She never answered, so I will follow that!

Q: How far do you think the cavs will go this year?

Dave: Back to the finals and probably lose again!

Q: What is something most people don't know about you?

Dave: I love to throw darts! I ran a half-marathon last October! Love the DVR!

Q: What is one thing you always have in your fridge?

Dave: Trick question! Ha! Green tea! (cold)

Q: Got a favorite Cleveland area watering hole yet?

Dave: Well, I grew up in Bay Village and while living in Toledo for 11 years I would come home about twice a month. I have probably been to 85 percent of the watering holes from downtown to the west side! There is a good chance you will run into me at the Ironwood in Westlake! Around the corner and west end in Lakewood are great! Best wings in Cleveland... Close Quarters in Avon Lake! Big fan of Little Bar downtown! All time favorite bar: O'Conners in the Flats... R.I.P. I think I spent too, much time on that question!

Q: What is the best tourist attraction you feel cleveland has to offer?

Dave: Jacobs field!

To Email Dave, his address is: davechudowsky@wkyc.com

Video: "Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface" Part II

On the surface, it looks like any other body of water. Yet the 11th largest lake on earth has a deeper story to tell. In its currents flow a timeline of the American dream; its successes, its failures, and its future. The story of Lake Erie is one of environmental recovery, economic resurgence and diversity of purpose. Yet this is a very pivotal time for the lake and our region.

While experts believe that the quality of the lake improved dramatically from 1975 thru 1995, the past ten years have been more disturbing. Threatening invasive species, watershed problems and the need for economic utilization force us to learn how to best balance commerce, recreation, homeland security and environmental concerns.

WKYC-TV/HD presents Part 2 in our series "Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface." Shot completely in high definition, we explore the economic importance of one of our most precious natural resources.

Click on the following links to watch the show on-line, right now:

Segment #1
Segment #2
Segment #3
Segment #4

To read more about our year long series including multimedia, more video and interviews, click on the following link: http://www.wkyc.com/life/programming/shows/lake_erie/

News: New Segment on Channel 3 News at 7

The manufacturing business in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio is thriving, contrary to today's headlines. WKYC's Tim White is finding those local success stories and bringing them to NE Ohio audiences every other Thursday night at 7 pm in a new series called "Home Made."

Beginning this week, on Thursday, October 18th, Tim starts off the series with the story of RPM, a fast growing company in Medina, which makes everything from DayGlo paint to Bondo.

"We have great manufacturing business stories in NE Ohio," added Tim, "it's time we recognized the value of services and products that are home made. I think our audience will be very interested in these successes right here in our backyard. We'll also put additional information on wkyc.com and include longer segments and special features."

More Photos: Various Behind the Scenes Pictures

New Pictures as of 10/11/07: WKYC Assistant News Director Howard Fencl shares with us several more pictures "behind the scenes" that he captured on his cell phone as events unfolded on Wednesday afternoon:

News Director Rita Andolsen helping to get the very latest information on what was happening with Cleveland PD


WKYC Education Reporter Kim Wheeler interviewing a witness live "on the air"


Students in disbelief following the shootings


Reporters & Technicians preparing for the Mayor & School CEO's Wednesday press conference at WKYC in Studio B



Various local & national news organizations arriving with their satellite and live shot trucks

More Photos: Satellite Trucks Covering Shooting on Thursday

New Pictures as of 10/11/07: Here are some of the satellite trucks currently parked in the WKYC Parking Lot that are providing the live coverage you are seeing across the country on this still developing story of the Cleveland School Shooting.

CNN Crew at Their Interview Position


CNN Satellite Truck


WLWT - Channel 5 from Cincinnati



Other Satellite Uplink Trucks

News: School Shooting Happens Right Outside WKYC Studios

Wednesday's big school shooting that has been all over the local and national news happened right across the street from the WKYC studios on Lakeside Avenue in downtown Cleveland.

A 14 year old shooter took two guns inside SuccessTech Academy (part of Cleveland School System) & started a shooting spree. 4 people were shot & one additional injury resulted.

A fight earlier in the week was observed by a number of WKYC employees outside at the school and captured on our WKYC surveillance cameras. (To Watch, see link below). The shooter was apparently the same person involved in Monday's incident.

The drama unfolded about lunch time...and immediately our live coverage started - though getting to or leaving the TV station was impossible because all the roads around the building were closed.

Happening about the same time, a train derailed just east of Cleveland in Painesville - causing a major fire. 13 of a 100 car train went off the tracks and caught fire. Evacuations were ordered and thus a 2nd major event had begun. Chopper 3 was dispatched to the scene, along with several news crews on the ground.

I took some pictures of our off air coverage and some behind the scenes in both the studio and control room.

Studio B at WKYC hosted a quickly arranged press conference that was carried live all the local stations and major cable networks (MSNBC, CNN & FOX) led by the Cleveland police department, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cleveland Schools CEO Eugene Sanders at 4 pm. Plus, we were the only station to have them both in the studio, live on the air.

It has been quite a day here at WKYC. By nightfall satellite trucks from all the major cable news organizations filled the Channel 3 parking lot to continue coverage over the next few days as more details unfold on this tragedy.

IMPORTANT STORY LINKS:

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS:
*"Off Air" & "Behind the Scenes" Live Coverage Pictures
*Satellite Trucks & News Crews at WKYC
*WKYC.com Shooting Picture Galleries

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
*WKYC surveillance cam video of Monday's fight outside school
*WKYC surveillance video of immediate aftermath of shooting Wednesday
*Thursday's Press Conference Update 10/11/07

INFORMATION:
*24/7 Updates on WKYC.com
*Timeline of the News events

*Feel free to post your comments here about this tragedy: CLICK HERE

Spotlight Feature: 10 Years of Directing at WKYC

Please excuse a little shameless, self promotion this week as I reach a personal milestone in my career. It's an exclusive "behind the scenes" look at this special time for me.

This month marks my 10th anniversary as a full time director at Channel 3.

Former WKYC Production Manager Rich O'Dell (now GM at Gannett station WLTX in Columbia, SC) hired me as a part-time, weekend & fill-in director in 1995 after spending my first year here working as a studio technician.

Initially, I was assigned duties as the weekend 6 & 11 PM and fill-in director on the newly expanded morning news. Plus, I often directed the "Tom and Del" or "Del and Tom" Show (Those two always fought over whose name would come first.)

In 1997, long-time WKYC Director John Oven retired and moved to sunny Florida - and I was promoted to full time status. John's favorite phrase when something went wrong, was always "don't worry - it's on its way to Mars, men." That has always stuck with me as funny - but true.

These past ten years have been fabulous here at WKYC. I have worked with so many talented people - both on-air and behind the scenes. Honestly, there are some folks who will always be difficult to work with, but it makes you much stronger as a professional. You know you've reached a milestone when people's negative criticisms of you no longer matter.

Before I came to WKYC, I worked for numerous Cleveland area radio stations. Next year will mark my 20th anniversary in Cleveland broadcasting. I have to thank Sandy Kish-Jordan & Sue Wilson for giving me my "big market" break. Tom Embrescia, Jim Davis, Joe Restifo, Carl Reese, Ronnie Barrett and Bill Randle were just some of the great radio professionals who supported my endeavours in one way or another in radio. Later, Steve Hibbard and Bernie Kimble at Smooth Jazz 107.3, The Wave, opened other doors for me to keep my radio career going until I finally called it quits in 2003. It's a decision I don't regret.

As the radio business started to head downhill, I was laid off from WRMR in 1994 as they station was trimming up to be sold - which immediately opened up the opportunity I had been waiting for - WKYC. Marla Nelson, Andy Hitchcock, Rex Rickly, Rich O'Dell, Brooke Spectorsky, Ned Tate, Al Wohl, Terry Moir, Rita Andolsen, Kathy Williams and Dick Moore are just some of the great people who I'm indebted to for their help in being successful over the years.

So, thanks for celebrating this special time with me - and for your continuing support of the "Director's Cut" and "Fair Weather Fans" blogs. We are fast approaching our 50,000th visitor since launching this blog in January - and appreciate your interest in both my work and my colleagues work here at WKYC.

Here are some extra features to peruse if you are interested:
*To view my radio and programming credits: CLICK HERE
*To get in contact with me and say hi: fmacek@wkyc.com
*To view the following pictures of my radio and TV career so far, click the individual photo for a larger look.
--------------------------------------
Frank's Exclusive Photo Gallery

Frank (left) with former WKYC News Director Dick Moore (right)
WKYC Newsroom - 2007



Frank (center with hat) directing "Indians On Deck"
SportsTime Ohio Control Room "B" - 2006
Others pictured: Front Row - Jim Murphy (left), Jim Dungey (right)
Back Row: Jeff Yakawiak (back left) and Julie Arnold (back right)



Frank with Former WKYC 6 PM Producer Elisa Fowler
WKYC Control Room A - 2005



Frank preparing for a 6 pm newscast
WKYC Newsroom - 2004



Frank on the air at Smooth Jazz, 107.3, The Wave
On Air Studio - 2003



Frank (left) on the set with the Weekend Anchor Team & Studio Crew
Old WKYC Building - 1995
Others pictured: Front Row: Steve Miles , Monica Robins, Mike Zaremba
Back Row - Chris Riethmiller, Heather Gedeon, and Eileen McShea



Frank (left) with the other "Music of Your Life" On-Air Staff
WRMR AM 850 Control Room, One Radio Lane - 1993
Others Pictured: Fred Embrescia, Carl Reese, Chris Daniels, Jim Davis



Frank on the air at Soft Favorites, WDOK, 102. 1 FM
Reserve Square Studios - 1989



Frank on the air at WCSB 89.3 FM (Cleveland State)
Rhodes Tower Studios - 1989



Frank on the WEWS "Eyewitness News" Set
My visit with former Meteorologist Dan Maly - 1986

Photos: New WKYC Signs

Last week, I mentioned by way of note from our Mailbag that WKYC has gotten a couple of new signs. Also, I promised a few pictures. So, here you go:

This is the new sign on the side of the building mentioning Channel 3 HD, SportsTime Ohio, wkyc.com and Weather Plus -



This new sign is along the street in front of the building -

From the Mailbag: New WKYC Building Sign

From: Doug in Cleveland

Q: Hi Frank, I was driving past your building on my way to the Browns game on Sunday and noticed the sign has changed...a little remodeling going on?

A: Actually yes - we are installing a new sign on the station to highlight the many programming channels we are now...including WKYC, Sportstime Ohio, WKYC.com and Weather Plus.

I'll post a picture in the next few days after the electrical workers are done installing it.

If you would like to ask us a question, send your email to: fmacek@wkyc.com

Photos: Behind the Scenes at WKYC - 9/25/07

Channel 3's Main Control Room "A"

Technical Director Running the Sony 9000 HD Production Switcher

Audio Engineer operating our new Wheatstone 5.1 Surround Sound Audio Board

The Deko 3000 Graphics Playback Machine

Camera Operator running 3 robotic cameras using a touchscreen in the studio

Eric & Romona Anchoring from the "Tech Center" with Floor Director

Behind the Anchors during the Newscast

In Back of the Studio during the Newscast

Mark using the chromakey for Main Weather

Another Shot of Mark in the Chromakey

Spotlight Feature: How Does Eric Do That?

If you watch both "Channel 3 News" at 6, 7 & 11 PM and the "Akron Canton News" at 6:30 & 10 PM this week, you'll notice Eric Mansfield anchoring both. Eric is filling in for Tim White.

I have gotten a number of emails about how Eric can be in Cleveland, then back in Akron so quickly between shows. No, we don't own a Star Trek transporter (though I suspect our engineers are secretly working on that).

Eric added that I should share that he and Mark Nolan carpool. (Mark is always located in Cleveland and does weather for both newscasts.)

Truth be known, we are cheating this week...Eric is really here in the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center.

You see him anchor on Channel 3 at 6 PM, then walk over the chromakey to anchor the Akron Canton show at 6:30. Remember, the newsroom is in Akron which is where Eric normal anchors from. But the control room operations are always handled here in Cleveland.

Then at the end of the 6:30 show, Eric walks back over to the Channel 3 set and joins Romona for the 7 PM show. Ah, the power of TV!

Pictures from 9/25/07:
*Upper Left - Romona, Eric & Floor Director Brian Crane
*Middle Right - Eric in Chromakey
*Lower Left - Control Room A, Matt Babb directing the 6:30 Show

News: HUGE ratings for WKYC & the Indians

Sunday's Indians clinch of the AL Central was a huge ratings winner for WKYC which carried the game in High Definition:

According to a press release issued by WKYC Monday:

"Yesterday (Sunday) was a great sports story in Cleveland as the Indians captured the American League Central Division title and an outstanding day for Channel 3 Sports and SportsTime Ohio as the high-definition broadcast of the game topped the ratings," announced WKYC President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky.

"Fans stayed glued to their sets and generated an outstanding 14.25 rating/29 share (530,000 persons 2+) and peaked at a 23 rating/42 share (855,000 persons 2+).

"After the game, SportsTime Ohio cameras and Cchannel 3 stayed with the Indians post game and finished with a 10.4 rating/18 share for the 45 minutes of celebration", added Spectorsky.

"These numbers just reinforce that Cleveland is all about sports, and throughout the year, Channel 3 and STO have given fans over 168 Tribe games with many of them in high-definition. Now we're looking to the play-offs and viewers can count on both STO and Channel 3 for special Pre-game and Post-game programming that brings home all the local stories and excitement that the national networks usually miss. Stay tuned for specific announcements of dates and times."

Go Tribe!

Video: Channel 3 Classic Promos from 1995

This is a group of classic Channel 3 Promos from around 1995, courtesy of the "Director's Cut" archives.

This latest batch includes cameos from Judd Hambrick, Dawn Stensland, Jeff Maynor, Kate Laurie, Paul Orlousky, Joe Mosbrook, Steve Keeley, Donna Terrell, Chuck Galeti and Tom Beres among others.

Special thanks to WKYC Editor Sarah Montgomery for helping us get the videos to the web.

Feel free to post your own comments and share your memories. Just click on the videos to watch. If you can't see the video on this page, CLICK HERE

Get to Know Team 3 - Mike O'Mara

Channel 3 Reporter Mike O'Mara steps into the spotlight in this month's "Get to Know Team 3" feature. Mike is a four time Emmy award recipient and has been honored many times by the Press Club of Cleveland for his reporting excellence. We recently sat down with Mike and threw a couple of questions his way:

Q: You started your broadcasting career in radio, much like I did. First you worked in Toledo, then you went on to Detroit, what were some of the positions you held?

Mike: I started as disc jockey doing the night shift at WMHE 92-5 FM. Then I added vacation relief shift at the same time in Detroit (WRIF) from 10am - 2pm. The Toledo station then moved me to morning show and made me music director and then program director. When I made the transition to television, I was hired as a reporter, photographer and editor. I had to quickly learn how to shoot film and tape and edit both mediums. A few months later, the news management made me weekend anchor, producer, writer and weather person, plus reporting 3 days a week. Happily, they hired a retired National Weather Service expert about a year later for the weekend news.

Q: Did you ever have a mentor who helped you develop your radio & television of style of anchoring?

Mike: I had no mentors. However, many years later I worked with a "talent" coach while at channel 8 in Cleveland.

Q: What other televisions stations have you worked for over the years?

Mike: WTVG-TV13 Toledo (formerly WSPD), WJW-TV 8 Cleveland and WUAB/WOIO 43/19 Cleveland

Q: Besides being a reporter, you are also a lawyer - what is broadcast law all about?

Mike: Broadcast law is a broad umbrella that covers a lot of territory from slander, defamation, and libel to 1st Amendment issues, privacy, copyright, and contract rights. I have helped some colleagues with divorce proceedings and estate planning. I am sometimes asked to review personal service contracts for friends in the business.

Q: Name a couple of your favorite local stories you've done?

Mike:
(1) Killing Cancer: A Local inventor who may have discovered a way to kill cancer cells using radio frequency and targeted nanoparticles while being transparent to healthy cells. The story is still developing but could be the cancer treatment that we have all been hoping would be discovered in our lifetime. If it works, the device could be used to target any cancer anywhere in the body. That same inventor may have also come up with a way to use RF to burn salt water as a clean fuel. Scientists at Penn State University are reviewing that application right now.

(2) Diamonds in the rough. The small island of the Dominican Republic has sent more players into professional baseball per capita than anywhere in the world. Several years ago I went to the island to find out why their athletes do so well in baseball.

(3) Robotics in Japan. Why did giant automaker General Motors choose a tiny Japanese company as their primary robotics partner over American companies? I spent 10 days in Japan exploring the reasons for Japanese domination in robotics.

Q: You own a boat and travel the Great Lakes often. Where's your favorite place to sail?

Mike: We have a sailboat. Our annual summer trip goes like this: We cross Lake Erie, up the Detroit River to Lake St. Clair, into the St. Clair River up to Lake Huron, continuing up to the North Channel of Lake Huron into the deep blue Canadian coves and the clear cold water north of Manitoulin Island. Then we head back through Georgian Bay to Lake Huron and points south until returning to our dock in Sandusky. The trip takes a month on a sailboat or five days in a power boat.

Q: What do you feel is the worst household chore?

Mike: We have five rescued cats and that means a lot of litter box cleaning. Sometimes they miss the edge of the box. Enough said.

Q: Tell us your favorite type of car?

Mike: I have an Audi S-8 which is a pretty amazing blend of comfort, great automotive engineering, and power. If I won the lottery I would be tempted to get a Bentley, Ferrari or a Maybach.

Q: Are you a traditional radio, satellite or i-pod user for your musical entertainment?

Mike: I was a big WAVE jazz fan until the local radio station went after the pop audience and changed the play list. Now I have XM in the car and sailboat. I flip back to AM for local news at the top and bottom of the hour.

Q: So Jazz must be your favorite type of music then?

Mike: Jazz is the mainstay of my musical diet. However, I also play a lot of rock, non-twangy country, new-age music, and Puccini operas.

You can email Mike: mikeomara@wkyc.com

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An Exclusive Mike O'Mara Photo Gallery:
(Click on Pictures for a larger view)

Mike's Caption: On assignment in the Dominican Republic
Frank's Caption: Mike working "really hard" during his assignment in the Dominican Republic:


Mike's Caption: Reporting in the Rain
Frank's Caption: Mike about ready to break into "Singing in the Rain" during a Channel 3 liveshot:


Mike's Caption: Covering a Flood Story
Frank's Caption: "All Ashore who's going Ashore! If I could only find the shore" threatens Mike while covering a flood story with Channel 3 Photographer Dan Bowman:


Mike's Caption: Rowing on Vacation
Frank's Caption: Mike rowing the dingy during a vacation while humming the words to "Sailing":


Mike's Caption: My sailboat "Adagio"
Frank's Caption: The S.S. "O'Mara" getting ready for that 3 hour tour - Nice boat!:


Mike's Caption: Mike receiving his 2007 Emmy Award
Frank's Caption: Mike thanking "Deputy Midge" for his latest Emmy Award: