Back in the saddle again

For some reason, it's not a huge ordeal getting back in the saddle and up-to-date after a week of vacation.

I was able to log on from home and clean out some of my email. That helped.

When I pulled into the parking garage, I could tell that there were a whole slew of folks on vacation due to all the empty spots. And sure enough, our anchor team tonight consists of Eric Mansfield, Monica Robins, AJ Colby, and Dave Chudowsky! I love it when these guys anchor. They do a great job!

It was fun getting back into the hot seat, back into the swing of things, dealing with my fellow employees and our customers.

And to top it off, we had a HUGE HO-HO cake for everyone celebrating birthdays over the last 3 months. However, I used my will power and pushed the HO-HO cake away! But still, a nice treat to come back to!

This has not been a bad news day. Not for wanting for news. We have plenty!

Well, back to my messages, email, wading through mail, finishing my catching up, and seeing if there is anything cool to update all of you on over the coming days!

Swing By And Spray taking it on the road...

'Swing By And Spray' is on hiatus for a few days as I grab some time off before all the action starts up again: July Sweeps, The Olympics, and the Browns Pre-Season WHILE still keeping tabs on our beloved Cleveland Indians as well as the road to the next President of the United States....

Come back next week as I pick up on what it's like being in the hot seat on a Major Market News Assignment Desk

Go Tribe!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Cain Park


Cain Park is celebrating their 70th anniversary season. They opened back in 1938 and have been going strong ever since!

For those of you who have not been to Cain Park, it's an amazing place with much to do and much to see.

The complex, not far from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Cleveland is surrounded by beautiful forestry in the midst of Mother Nature's backyard!

This venue is a wonderful place to see a musical performance. There is not a bad seat in the pavilion area, and frankly, not a bad seat on the lawn. You can pack a picnic, set on the lawn under the stars, and listen to some great live music!

Cain Park attracts some great acts. This year they have the likes of Janis Ian, Lesley Gore, Michelle Shocked, Bo Bice, the Cab Calloway Orchestra, Stanley Clark, Roger McGuinn & John Sebastian, and many more....

Over the years, I've seen some great performances by Boz Skaggs, America, Chuck Mangione, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Jethro Tull and George Benson.

Usually, the performers enjoy taking some time afterward to sign autographs, take pictures and meet their fans.


If theatre is more your speed, there is something for you too!

The Evans Amphitheater is used to showcase the classic, Broadway Musical.

The Alma Theater is a bit more intimate where newer, off-broadway shows are produced along with the Alma Cabaret Series.

A must event each summer is the annual Arts Festival, which this year, will run from July 11th thru the 13th. Their Art Festival is actually one of the most popular in the country! Along with the outstanding art on display, there is live music, concerts and other events for the kids, and delicious cuisine for patrons to taste.

The Cain Park Complex is nestled in the area where Superior and Lee Roads come together.

Kids have fun all year long. When winter hits, the kids come out in force to sled down the famous Cain Park hill!

Cain Park relies heavily on their volunteers who host the events, act as ushers, ticket takers or whatever is necessary. They also count on support from the community and business sponsors for their existence.

You just have to make one visit to see all Cain Park has to offer and you will fall in love with the area and keep going back for more! Then you will see why Cain Park is this week's Hidden Gem!

Live on Lakeside update

My weekly 'Live on Lakeside' entry was delayed due to the unforeseen death of Tim Russert.

Last week Channel 3 News Today took a field trip, including the 'Live on Lakeside' band -- 'The Refugees.'

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Goodtime, Channel 3 News Today broadcast live aboard the Goodtime III.

'The Refugees' got to sail aboard the Goodtime III and make some groundbreaking tv history! They are a progressive/classic rock band hailing from Lake County, Ohio.

You can always find more information on our 'Live on Lakeside' bands including 'The Refugees' at wkyc.com!

And as always, keep rockin'!

Will there or won't there be an 11pm news tonight?

Tonight, we are airing the Cleveland Indians Game on WKYC at 9pm.

This is part of our commitment to air 20 Cleveland Indians' Games on WKYC during the baseball season.

Theoretically, there will not be an 11pm news. Our programming log has the Indians game filling the time slot from 9pm until Midnight.

However, in the news business, you have to be prepared. What if bad weather erupts and the game is called? What if it is the quickest game of the season and ends before 11pm? More than likely, we won't have an 11pm news, but we are full steam ahead preparing as if there will be one.

We had our normal afternoon editorial meeting to hand out stories to our night reporters and cameramen.

I will do everything I normally do on the news assignment desk, and of course, send my videographers out to any breaking news stories.

Whatever we shoot will be put on wkyc.com and passed along to Channel 3 News Today.

The producer entered the rundown in and will write the stories... and the director will mark the rundown accordingly.

You have to do it! You know what would happen if we didn't! We'd wind up having a show!


The next hurdle will be answering all the viewers who will start calling the news desk at 901pm and will continue calling until I leave asking when 'America's Got Talent' will air and in the next breath vehemently complain that it is not airing. Thank goodness Nicole the intern is up here with me!

I can totally understand the viewers' frustrations. You look forward to watching your favorite show, sit down, get all comfy, maybe grab yourself a snack, and it's not on. Especially tonight since it is the season premiere.

However, I can not believe how cruel and belligerent some people can be on the other end of the telephone over a tv show. It's unnecessary to be rude to the folks working on the news assignment desk, in programming, or anyone really just because your show is not going to be on.

We will be airing the season premiere of 'America's Got Talent' Sunday morning at 3am. So overnight Saturday into Sunday morning from 3am to 5am, look for America's Got Talent.' Set your VCR or DVR or TIVO and you can watch it as many times as you'd like!

Russert Remembered on Meet the Press

The opening shot of this week's 'Meet the Press' says it all.

An amazing 60 minutes. Brokaw and the small group gathered to pay tribute to Tim Russert did a wonderful job and gave heart-felt testimonials.

There was not a dry eye on set or in the households watching. Even Tom Brokaw had a moment.

Tim Russert is not only a Broadcasting Icon but is one of the few who has been able to stick to his working class roots, put family first, live his religion, enjoy life to the fullest every single day and STILL give 110 percent to his career making his life and mission here on earth a complete success! Russert proved first-hand by his actions and words that when you live right and do what is right, everyone will respect and love you.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Family and Friends of Tim Russert.

You will be truly missed, Mr. Russert.

Tom Brokaw Reports Death of Tim Russert

This is certainly a story that came out of the blue. A story that you never anticipate...you never imagine covering.

However, this is what we do. We cover the news as it happens. The last 24 hours has been a whirlwind. When we heard rumblings that this may have happened, we mobilized and really covered all bases. How could we not! We have Senior Political Reporter Tom Beres, who has worked closely with Tim Russert on many occasions. Log onto http://www.wkyc.com for all of the current coverage on the passing of Tim Russert.

NBC's Tim Russert dead at 58

(Photograph Courtesy John Carroll University)

Tim Russert has died at age 58.


NBC News confirms that Tim Russert was working in the Newsroom when he collapsed in the Washington Bureau.


Per the Associated Press, a person familiar with his family says Russert died of an apparent heart attack.


Tim Russsert was the longtime NBC News Washington Bureau Chief as well as the host of Meet the Press.


He has close ties to the Cleveland area. He graduated from John Carroll University and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at CSU.

Russert and NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams moderated the Democratic Debate held right here in Cleveland between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama back in February.


This is a sad day. We've lost a great human being and a brilliant broadcaster.


Late Friday afternoon, President Bush issued a heart felt statement regarding the passing of Tim Russert:

"Laura and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim Russert. Those of us who knew and worked with Tim, his many friends, and the millions of Americans who loyally followed his career on the air will miss him.

As the longest-serving host of the longest-running program in the history of television, he was an instititution in both news and politics for more than two decades. Tim was a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it.

Most important, Tim was a proud son and father, and Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Maureen, his son Luke, and the entire Russert family. We will keep them in our prayers."



As more information and reaction becomes available, I will share it with all of you...and check wkyc.com as well for updates...

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Goodtime

If you grew up in the Cleveland area, I'm guessing you have taken a voyage on the Goodtime (I, II, or III).

This has been a long standing Cleveland attraction spanning over the last 50 years! In fact, the Goodtime Cruise Line celebrates their 50th anniversary on June 13, 2008.

I remember as a child in grade school taking a field trip on the Goodtime. It was an exciting adventure. First, just going on a field trip was always a blast. But then going on a boat for much of the day! We felt like we were 'grown-ups!'

After that first trip, you either loved being out on the water, or hated it! For those of us who liked traveling along the Cuyahoga River, the cool sights, and just being at one with nature, we came back time and time again....

A little history.....

Back in 1958, Vince and Herb Fryan bought a 150-passenger ship to augment their income over the summer. They named it The Goodtime. During the rest of the year, the Fryans were audio-visual gurus renting movies to schools. Little did they know their summer job would turn into the dynasty it has become!

In 1961, Vince and Herb Fryan left their normal 'day job.' They purchased a 450-passenger Cruise Ship which they named The Goodtime II. They offered day and night cruises. During the day, they took passengers sightseeing with a recorded narration of the history of the Cuyahoga River. At night, they offered private charters. And even on the weekends, they offered an entertainment dance cruise!

The view from the Goodtime decks was simply amazing (and still is!!!)! Passengers got a glimpse of Cleveland's vibrant steel industry...could see the huge furnace flames working overtime....saw a myriad of ships docked at the Port from all over the world....heaping mounds of 'home grown' salt....and traveled under 21 different bridges on its River Tour.

Captain Jim Fryan took over the 'family business' from his father and uncle in 1984.

And Cleveland's landscape has had some great changes during Captain Fryan's tour including the built up Inner Harbor, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the Great Lakes Science Center, Voinovich Park, Cleveland Browns Stadium, Port Development, and so much more!

In 1991, Captain Jim introduced his 1,000 passenger, four-deck, three million dollar Good Time III. Captain Fryan designed the ship himself! This latest ship was described as 'the largest, most elegant cruise ship on the Great Lakes!' The Goodtime III's main deck is enclosed by glass--containing both air conditioning and heat amenities! It also contains a large semi-opened second deck and two spacious top sun decks.

The Goodtime Cruise Fleet has made history through the years! Famous travelers have included Robert Redford, Halle Berry, Drew Carey, Peter Jennings, and Willard Scott --just to name a few!

Each ship has had amazing stories! For instance, The Goodtime I became enveloped in fog while touring with a church group aboard. The group's minister went to the bow and said a prayer. The fog miraculously lifted and the ship continued on its path.

The Goodtime II and its passengers were hosed down by the Cleveland fireboat one day. Thankfully, no one was injured and a round of free drinks for everyone!

And during the christening of The Goodtime III, the champagne bottle refused to break!

The Fryans, Jim and his son Rick, plan on keeping this a family business for many years to come!

Channel 3 News Today will be taking their show on the road Friday in honor of the 50 year anniversary of the Goodtime Cruise Line! You, too, can send in any photographic memories you have of the Goodtime! Just click on this LINK!

Take a cruise on the Goodtime III this summer and see yourself why it is this week's Hidden Gem!

A big THANK YOU to Public Relations Icon, Mike Rogers and everyone connected with the Goodtime Cruise Line for supplying the historical background information and photographs!

Fly by the seat of your pants

When you walk up on the news assignment desk, you are flying by the seat of your pants through your entire shift.

Having the skills, the experience, the contacts and being a multi-tasker is a plus. But what comes your way is never a sure thing. Always in flux!

You never know what problems will arise but have to be armed, ready and organized enough to mobilize quickly!

Today, for instance, whether or not we were going to be live out at Berea Browns Camp was up in the air for a while so I just started a live truck to the location. You can always turn it around. And that's what I had to do. Sports decided to be in studio. No worries. I had a story to shoot on the west side so I rerouted my crew to the other story. Worked out perfectly!

Then we had a live shot downtown near an RTA bus stop. The truck generator died before air. Again, no worries, one of my crews took another truck to the scene and we were dandy.

And information is constantly coming into the station. We received an updated agenda for the Obama visit on Friday. Can't just toss this into the file. Pertinent information such as this must be distributed to all the parties who may be handling or eventually disseminating the details.

A reporter may come up to the desk needing more b-roll or needing some video looked up in our archives. Another duty to tend to....Paul needed a crew to shoot some b-roll in the field to augment his story. Lydia needed video which we had in house looked up. She searched but I assisted her to find it faster.

There is never any downtime on the news desk, at least not during my shift. And if there is, well, there isn't! If there is down time, there is always stuff to do on the web or future planning....or checks to make....or archiving....

The phrase "I'm bored" should never be heard on a news assignment desk because that is just not possible!

Now serving #3

You just have to laugh....and make light of the 'hectic & stressful situations' that arise to keep you from pulling your hair out!

Last night, I had multiple reporters and producers come up to me in a three minute span requesting videographers for varying shoots....happening at pretty much the same time. I only have 4 nightside crews. And to top it off, we were prepping for a dark, dreary storm!

That's one aspect of this job I LOVE! The challenge to get it all done. And ya know what? It all came together! It's wonderful when you can juggle and re-arrange and make it all work out!

So, I came into work today and there was a festive bright red popcorn bowl setting atop an area of the news assignment desk. The bowl decorated with yellow popcorn kernels on the outside along with the words 'movie night.'

A sign accompanied the bowl saying "News Deli."

And it went on to say: "Please take a number for prompt service. No pushing, cutting, or pinching in line."

Inside the bowl were 14 square sheets with numbers from one to fourteen.

Apparently the mad rush to the news desk requesting camera crews happens around the clock!

You just gotta laugh and make sure you, please take a number!

So, you want to interact with a live broadcast?!?!

Look no further!

You'll get your chance beginning this Saturday, June 14th, to chat with the cast and crew of the Weekend Morning Show, LIVE, while you are watching and while they are ON THE AIR!

The Weekend Morning Show Blog launches this new feature, their live webchat!

They'll come online at 845am and interact online until 11am.

Members of the crew that bring you the Weekend Morning Show will chat LIVE before, during, and just after the show answering any questions you, the viewer, may have...or feel free to make a comment on something you just saw!

Tune into the Weekend Morning Show Saturday morning for all the fun of this new feature!

Thunder! Lightning!

The skies darkened, the rumbles began, and the rains came. Music to my ears! And once the show begins outside, the craziness begins inside --intensely listening to the scanners, which all decide to chatter at the same time at a continuous buzz.

We were prepared. We had crews strategically placed, whether we knew it or not!

We had a crew who was at the Lorain County/Cuyahoga County border just waiting for the storm to approach from Toledo, which First Energy tells me, was the hardest hit area so far. He was all set and got what we needed.

We had a crew downtown shooting the magical light show along Lake Erie.

While my crew was inbound from Lorain, he hit a few hot spots which had lines down and tree struck by lightning.

My crew on the east side shot a house fire which may have been sparked by a lightning strike.

And my final crew was the rover checking a few calls that never really panned out.

Knowing Cleveland, Ohio, this was probably the first of what should be many spring and summer storms.

Sit back, let Mother Nature have her way, and enjoy the light show!

Promo Playback 2002: Romona's Song

Take a stroll down memory lane with Channel 3's very own, Romona Robinson!

PREVIEW: Lake Erie: Beyond The Surface Part 4

Take a look at our next HD special, Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface Part 4. It airs June 12th at 7pm on Channel 3. Be sure to tune in to learn more about our mysterious, yet beautiful Lake.

We really are lucky to live along such an amazing body of water. I can not imagine living somewhere that did not have a Lake attached! If you drive along the Lakeshore coming into downtown on a beautiful Spring or Summer day, you'll see why!

Remember, be sure to tune into 'Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface Part 4!'

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

We've gotten some great high school bands to sign up to be our 'Live on Lakeside' band!

You've still got time. Log onto wkyc.com and find out how you, too, can be part of the fun.

This week, we found 'three tv oh dees' as our spotlight band during Channel 3 News Today!

Click the attached LINK to find out more about this band from Avon High School.

Be sure to tune in next week as we take it on the road again to celebrate a very momentous occasion for the City of Cleveland! You won't want to miss next week's show!

And, as always, keep rockin'!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(image Courtesy: Little Italy Art Walk website)


Today's Hidden Gem: The Little Italy Art Walk

Cleveland's Little Italy is busting all over with 'Hidden Gems!' This weekend, Murray Hill plays host to the ever popular and historic Little Italy Art Walk.

This annual event has become a tradition! One of the oldest art walks in Northeast Ohio. This is actually the first art walk of the season for Little Italy. You can also peruse the fine galleries and original works the first weekend in October and the first weekend in December.

Not only can you get a glimpse of 30+ art galleries and studios but there will be various artists set up street side showing their wares. Just imagine walking along Murray Hill surrounded by beautiful creations while absorbing the delicious aromas escaping from Cleveland's finest Italian restaurants! Magnificent!

The art walk kicks off Friday, June 6th at noon and runs until 10pm.

Saturday's hours are noon to 10pm.

It wraps up Sunday from noon to 6pm.

Along with the delightful art on display and heavenly cuisine, there will be musical performances all weekend long!

Not sure where to park, Valet Parking is available along Mayfield, Cornell, and Murray Hill.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, look no further! Head over to Murray Hill and find out why the Little Italy Art Walk is this week's 'Hidden Gem!'

Metromix Cleveland is here!

Looking for the hottest spot in Cleveland? The best restaurant? Where the 'in-crowd' hangs out? Look no further! Metromix Cleveland is the place to check for all the excitement around town.

Whether you want to hit a Gladiators Game, dine at Boulevard Blue, or hear a great Blues Band at The House of Swing, you can get the information at Metromix Cleveland!

Sign up and become a member! It's easy. I've already done it. Once you sign up, if you go to a great hot spot, taste the best Beef Tenderloin you have ever had, or drink a heavenly Mango Margarita, YOU can comment on Metromix Cleveland, give your very own review for everyone to see, and even share your very own photos!

If you are a member, you can make your own profile, share your favorite movie, 1st concert you ever saw, your favorite hair band, whatever you want to share!

Calling all FaceBook and MySpace members! Make sure you join the Metromix Cleveland group!

Cleveland and all of Northeast Ohio is really a happening city! Join in on the fun! Don't miss out on the action. Share your favorite place with others.

The Metromix Street Team will be out and about town staying on top of the greatest places to go for happy hour, where to listen to great live music, and the hottest events coming to C-Town. The entire Metromix staff should be congratulated for pounding the pavement and working very hard over the last 3+ months prepping to get Metromix Cleveland up and running! Our hats go off to you all!!!! Thank you!

Honors week!

Photograph courtesy Director Frank Macek and wkyc.com


For the last couple of days, there have been various 'honors' bestowed upon Channel 3News or someone from WKYC!

WKYC received the regional Edward R. Murrow award for 'Overall Excellence!'

We were told we won the award back in the middle of April, however, recently received the actual award with fanfare and a presentation!

Ed Esposito, RTNDA chairman, presented the award to WKYC-TV Vice President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky and WKYC-TV News Director Rita Andolsen.

There were a number of stories which encompassed the entries presented including the SuccessTech shooting, Painesville train derailment, The Jessie Davis murder, our Home Made Series, Race for the Cure Specials, the Officer West Funeral, TSA Theft, Blvd of Broken Dreams, CSU death, and our 7pm Newscast the day after the Virginia Tech shootings.

The region we are included with consists of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. We beat out such cities as Chicago and Detroit!

Now we will compete for the national award with the winners of all the other regions.


Over the weekend, the Ohio Associated Press Broadcast awards were handed out in Columbus and the winners included:

First Place for Best Spot News Coverage in a large market for the WKYC Staff for 'SuccessTech Shooting.'

Second Place for Outstanding News Operation in a large market for WKYC Staff.

Second Place for Best Reporter in a large market for Tom Meyer.

Best Regularly Scheduled Weather for large market for Betsy Kling.

First Place for Extraordinary Coverage of a Scheduled Event in a large market for Dave Grendzynski for 'Indians/Red Sox Game 5.'





And last, but certainly NEVER least, our very own Del Donahoo was the man in the spotlight last week! A nice gathering of Del's family, friends, co-workers and living community gathered to not only pay Del tribute but learn about all of his current projects with MetroHealth Medical Center. Everyone mingled, got to know each other and shared great stories about Del as well as some of his co-workers!

Who knew Del was such a comedian??! He gave a wonderful speech about how he started in TV, where he came from, how he met Martha, some of the great interviews he landed, and his most famous story about his encounter with Fester the Lion!

Del is one of the most dedicated individuals I have ever met! His passion for life, family and friends, his career, and all of his viewers shines through. He continues pounding the pavement coming into the WKYC studios 3 or 4 times a week working on his MetroHealth Medical Center Senior Stories as well as his 'Best of' pieces.......

Del Donahoo is an inspiration, a Channel 3 Broadcasting Icon who never stops helping people. He is a true professional who makes his peers proud to know and work with him. Del brightens my day being the first person I see as I enter the newsroom! It's funny how his motto for MetroHealth appears to be 'his motto' for life! "Helping you live the life you love!"

Fond Farewell

It is going to be very strange tuning in at 630pm or 10pm and not seeing the Akron-Canton News.

Or not having Hyser or Kim tell me they are using one of my reporters LIVE during their shows....or not having to send a live truck to Akron for an Akron-based story needing a microwave truck....

Friday, May 30th was the fond farewell of our Akron-Canton news show.

Everyone working in the Akron-Canton newsroom did a great job for the 7 + years that it aired. It was a joint effort. Everyone in the Cleveland newsroom, control room, studio and master control contributed to the broadcasts as well...

Eric Mansfield lead the charge and did an absolutely tremendous job reporting the stories that were important to the residents south of Cleveland.

Even before the broadcast came about, he had the strongest Akron Bureau in town. He was (and still is) first on any breaking news in his area..has contacts galore who not only tip him off on breaking news but constantly give him viable news stories that make a difference and affect our customers in our southern counties.

TV and the TV business is changing. We have to remember it IS a business which relies on revenue. When the revenue is not there, something has to give.

The good news is that Eric Mansfield and Videographers Carl Bachtel and Larry Baker will continue pounding the pavement in our Akron-Canton Bureau bringing our viewers the latest, top of mind stories affecting the Akron-Canton area.

Eric also tells me that PBS 45/49 and WKSU are moving into our current Akron-Canton Newsroom on July 1st and will house the space along with our WKYC group. Eric says this partnership allows the taping of "NewsNight Akron" in our Akron office, which still caters to the Akron area, their issues, top of mind questions, regional issues, and so many other topics.

I want to thank everyone in the Akron-Canton newsroom for their dedication and commitment over the last 7 years. Thank you to Eric Mansfield, Chris Hyser, Kim Graves, Larry Baker, Carl Bachtel, Tim Coffey, Mark Smilor, Vic Gideon and to the countless others who have worked in the Newsroom over the years!