Monday, September 29, 2008

Weather calendar has arrived


Many, many months ago we asked our viewers to send in and share their favorite views of northeast Ohio.


VOILA --our Northeast Ohio Weather Calendar is not only complete but has arrived!


Along with a bevy of the most pictorial views of northeast Ohio, it contains a plethora of information ranging from daily averages, high and low extremes, weather history trivia, monthly weather highlights, and a stab at trying to explain Ohio's distinct weather personality!


The calendar contains thirty photographs sent in by YOU!


Calendars can be found at seasonal calendar stores in many local malls, independent book stores, online or by phone (216.386.0026).


Calendars cost $12.99 each and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Coats for Kids Program.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

FNF famine to feast

Literally from famine to feast!

I have to share this. I was off last Friday. When I came back I had numerous people come up to me welcoming me back. I thought that was nice. Little did I know they had ulterior motives. It was not me or my expertise or my hard work and dedication they missed.

It was the fact that I know who to call and where to get our Friday Night Fever Pizza!

From what I am gathering, me being off on a Friday Night Fever night threw everyone for a loop and they could not rebound!

I never even thought it would be an issue. How hard is it to pick up a phone and call for a few pizzas, some chips and pop!?!??!

Thank God for editor Pat Woodside. He took the reins. He made his world famous Conqueso and homemade cookies! That's the extent of last week's FNF Feast.


Fast forward to this week. Young sports reporter and weekend anchor Dave Chudowsky really came through this week, to help make up for last week. His friend was gonna send over some stuff for Dave and wound up sending enough for everyone! The chicken tenders and brownies were DELICIOUS! I'm sorry. I don't know your name but a thousand thank yous to the owner of the Chick-fil-A in Rocky River. You are the greatest! Your kindness and generosity and delicious fares were a HUGE HIT! Unfortunately, we could get used to this!!?!??!

Now, THIS is a vintage AE shift

This has been a W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L week!

Not too many cooks stirring the broth!

Afternoon editorial meetings have been short, sweet, to the point and VERY productive.

It's funny, we are asked to bring multiple enterprising stories to the table, and we always do! I think we all bring innovative, exciting, and informative stories from where we live. We may not always sell them properly or they may not appeal to folks living in 'other' burbs. At least for me, I know the ideas I bring are viable because when I log the competition each night, I finally see my ideas materialize on the other stations 3, 5 or even 12 days later! In my heart of hearts, I know we had the idea first!

However, usually 3 out of 5 days when we walk in, a wire copy story or newspaper article or press release has been taped to one on my reporter's computers directing them to their day ahead! Even before we meet?!?! Most of the time, we don't necessarily believe the story is pertinent or interesting to the customers watching, but "you can't fight city hall!"

Not this week. So far, we have been able to do every single story we have desired. The shows have looked phenomenal! We have excelled at 'breaking news' stories because that's what we do!

Thursday was a 'vintage' Assignment Editor dream day!

From the minute I walked in, I knew it was going to be a challenging, yet satisfying day!

Literally moments after I sat down, a fellow co-worker called me with breaking news. There was a fatal fire in their neck of the woods and they wanted to make sure we knew about. Fortunately, we had the luxury to spring into action immediately. No waiting for crews to come back. No plethora of live shots already planned. I had the crews, I had the insight, I had the drive to kick a little booty.

I sent my reporter, his camera crew and a live truck out with the details. I then informed the producers and web what we had and that we were on top of it! The crews in the field really busted a move. Dave, Craig, and Randy blanketed this story by covering the nuts and bolts of the main story but also immediately getting the 911 call, amateur video of the fire shortly after it began, and all the updated details that were available...

A job well done!

Concurrently to the breaking news, the first faux pas of the day. I answer the phone "Good afternoon, Channel 3 News!" And on the other end I hear, "Good afternoon, this is the Senate!" Not that I am awestruck but definitely not expecting to hear from 'The Senate!' Well, slight miscommunication problem, but in the end it all worked out. We were supposed to be conducting a talk back with our senior political reporter Tom Beres and Sherrod Brown. Information did not get disseminated to everyone or to the proper people. I had not been told anything. You make it happen, you make it work, you don't have time to point fingers or discuss where the breakdown occurred because the clock is ticking. You just get the job done!

There was 'breaking news story' after 'breaking news story.' I thrive on days like these. Sadly, we had a juvenile shot in Maple Hts. Oftentimes as an assignment editor, it is very difficult getting information, especially depending on what time of day, the situation, and the temperament or mood of the police dispatcher you are bothering! Today was a dream day. I not only received information from my pal at the Coroner's Office BUT I actually had the Police OIC call me back with every single detail before our deadline! A win-win situation.

Another breaking news story that seemed viable--bomb squad called to The Best Inn on Brookpark Road. And when my crew arrived, there was a scene and something unfolding. We eventually got the details on this as well.

But wait, there's more. Later in the day, there was another bomb threat call. A suspicious package of sort at the Amherst Turnpike Rest Stop. Sure enough, not a bogus call. Confirmed and chock full of details. I was able to send a crew out to this story as well.

The only other faux pas of the day actually turned out to be a HUGE WIN! We had details that a Marine was coming home from Afghanistan. A number of people spoke to the people involved yet not a lot of details were left. I did not have the Marine's name, where exactly he lived, where he was coming home to, when he would be arriving or any background information?! I was not about to let this put a damper on our coverage.

I left a message for the woman who apparently had the answers to all of my questions. She did not call back. I sent my camera crew out to search high and low, nose around and get to the bottom of this. Finally, the woman called back and gleaned a bit more information. I relayed this to my crew in the field. From not even having enough information to cover a story, we ascertained enough details for a tv story, a web story, and a future follow up story in 2 weeks!

And to top it off, I was Web Girl! How I had the time, the energy and the swiftness to accomplish all of this and more, I am still trying to figure out?! I cranked out so many web stories, national, local, entertainment and health while attaching video to current existing local packages.

It all came together. It truly WAS a dream day for an assignment editor. At the end of the day I was exhausted but proud--proud of how we all worked as a team and pulled it all together and the product we shared with our customers, our viewers!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(photo courtesy Brian and Joe Rainbow Radiothon website/Mix 106.5 WMVX)


Today's Hidden Gem: The Brian & Joe Rainbow Radiothon


As I've said before, Clevelanders give until it hurts! No matter the cause, they come through making me extremely proud that Cleveland is my hometown.

We are in the midst of one of the biggest fundraisers of the year--the 6th Annual Brian and Joe Rainbow Radiothon.

Brian Fowler and Joe Cronauer of 106.5 WMVX have embraced this cause to help the little children not only from the Cleveland area, but all children who gravitate to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital when they are ill and in need of the best!

The radiothon began at 6am Wednesday September 24th and runs through 6pm Friday, September 26th. Each day Brian and Joe are on the air for 12 hours straight spinning tunes, sharing true, inspirational stories on the true miracles taking place right here at RB & C.

One such story is about little Austin--who was diagnosed with a tumor near his kidney....at 10 months old. As soon as the tumor was found, the doctor told them to immediately go to RB & C. The tumor grew into the size of a watermelon (5 and 1/2 pounds). They operated, and the doctor got the tumor on the right side. However, Austin had tumors on his left side. They went back in and did what they could. Austin received chemotherapy and other treatments. The family was having another evaluation which was going to tell them their next plan of attack and if Austin needed to be on dialysis for the rest of his life or what?!?!? The results came back clear. Austin is doing well today and his family has the loving, tender care and skill of the nurses and doctors at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital to thank for their little boy being able to be a normal little boy!!

Every family that I have ever spoken to has said the nurses truly care about the children they treat, and really, the entire family.

We really do have caring, giving people in this area. And when local radio and television stations are able to use their 'power' and 'medium' to get information out to the masses or to help a good cause, it's a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Throughout the year, there are various functions and programs to collect money for this event. One of the most popular is becoming a Change Gang Leader. Basically, you can't be proud having to go around to your family, friends, co-workers and anyone really collecting their spare change. Believe it or now, spare change really does add up.

As I was listening to the radiothon yesterday, a little boy --I can not remember his name but I believe he was 5 or 6 years old --made me smile from cheek to cheek. His exuberance and enthusiasm grabbed you right through the car radio. He raised over 200 dollars himself. He said I did not think I could do it, but I did! He was so excited. He said he went around in his neighborhood and everyone EXCEPT one person gave him their spare change! He figured if Brian and Joe can sit there and ask for money all day long, why couldn't he?

As I've said before, there are so many great causes in this tremendous city. No one is better than the other. It's up to us as Clevelanders and humanitarians to find a cause and embrace it. Brian and Joe and the entire team at WMVX have immersed themselves in this annual project. They do a wonderful job.

Please tune into 106.5 Friday between 6am and 6pm or log on to their website to listen and read about the Radiothon, and you too, will see why the Brian & Joe Rainbow Radiothon is this week's Hidden Gem!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

WKYC needs YOUR help!


(foodbank shelves photo Courtesy WKYC)


There are two projects Channel 3 has embraced during the next few weeks, and we need YOUR help!


Channel 3 has teamed up with Giant Eagle and the Cleveland Foodbank to help feed our neighbors.


If you donate to the Cleveland Foodbank this week, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of fifty FREE one-hundred dollar gift cards.


Log onto wkyc.com and look for the attached LINK to donate and enter the drawing!


Then next week, on Thursday October 2nd, WKYC is teaming up with the Cleveland Foodbank for the "Let's Feed Northeast Ohio" food drive. It runs from 530am until 730pm right outside Channel 3 at 1333 Lakeside Avenue. We will be collecting non-perishable food items for those needy families in Northeast Ohio.


Stop by, chat with your favorite Channel 3 personality, and donate an item for someone in need.


The Cleveland Foodbank oversees and is responsible for supplying food to over 440 hunger programs spanning six counties.


The second project in the works is our 'Family Budget Challenge.'


If you need some motivation to start saving money in these tough economic times, please seriously consider joining our 'Family Budget Challenge!'


We are currently trying to find a local family who wants to see how much money they can shave off their budget in a month's time, with the help of a financial planner.


Please let us know why YOU can use the budget help.


All you have to do is log onto wkyc.com, and click on the 'Family Budget Challenge' LINK to send us an email on why you should be our family!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Wasted night for my crews

Now before anyone is offended or up in arms thinking I am giving my opinion one way or another on the political race or a specific candidate, don't worry, I am not.

I'd never do that as a broadcaster...and frankly, even if I was not in this business, I do not like sharing my deepest political, religious, or money views within general conversation!

However, as an organized assignment editor observing a situation....as someone who likes to be extremely efficient, what a debacle.

John McCain came into town Monday night.

His press logistics summary gave details on when media should arrive, when they would be checked out by the secret service, and when Senator McCain would arrive.

In this business for big events, there is what is called a "pre-set time." This means everyone has to be set up by a certain time and will not be allowed to enter after that time!



From the fanfare, and press release, it appeared that there was going to be a video and sound opportunity.


McCain arrived, waved, and went off to bed.


My reporter, crew, and truck operator wasted their entire shift out at Hopkins Airport for something that never happened!


We get press releases all the time saying "No statement will be made at this time."


Live and learn (and more cautious in the future when press releases are received in the future for certain political candidates).

Friday, September 19, 2008

Don't park there

We've spoken before about how parking is at a premium in our parking garage! We have employees and company vehicles and STO and interns...it's a mad dash!

I'm not quite sure if there was ever a written memo on this but I have made it one of MY rules to live by: don't park in the bosses spot!

I've never done it and I never plan on doing it!

There is one spot along the east wall where I notice the bossman parks on a regular basis. There are a few other spots, but they are more 'set aside' for him.

I drove into the parking garage yesterday and saw 'the' spot along the east wall. Let me tell you. If that was THE ONLY spot in the parking garage, there is no way I would have taken that spot!

I chuckle each time I drive by and hope to God that there is just one more spot somewhere which has my name on it!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems


Today's Hidden Gem: Notre Dame chicken dinner

I can remember going to this tasty event for as long as I' ve been alive (and that's a long time!!). My mother graduated from Notre Dame on Ansel Road. We had a cousin who was a Notre Dame sister very involved with her order so this event was tradition!

Actually, this year is the 46th annual barbecue/boutique.

The Sisters of Notre Dame invite everyone from near and far to their shindig, which is held out at the Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School Education Center in Chardon.

Probably one of their biggest and best choreographed fundraisers all year (besides the Lion's Mane event).

It is held the last two Sunday's of September. This year, the dinners will be served on September 21st and September 28th and run from noon to 5pm.

I used the term 'choreographed' before because they really do have this well organized event operating like a well oiled machine!

There is a whole slew of help coming from the nuns themselves to volunteers, students, teachers, parents, alumni, family, friends and so many more.....from people directing traffic....staffers strategically placed to point you in the right directions....cooks churning out the delicious fare......servers.....folks who help with take out orders....raffle ticket sellers......boutique vendors......

I'm telling you, if you want to see an organized operation at work, just let your nose follow the delectable smells leading to Auburn Road and take a gander.


There oftentimes are vendors on site selling fresh picked fruits such as apples, plums, pears or other home grown, fresh products such as honey.


Inside the boutique are a beautiful array of handmade items such as clothing, wall hangings, jewelry, and religious items.


And since it falls at the end of September, baseball and football season are still in play. Knowing what a huge sports town this is, the sisters and their staffers do a great job trying to have televisions placed about so people can keep tabs on the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns. They also have signs hanging around with score updates!


But let's get down to the nitty gritty and the REAL reason I go each year! The mouth watering menu! The Sisters throw the biggest and best barbecue year after year serving THE VERY BEST barbecued chicken and ribs, chips, coleslaw and homemade apple pie! They usually have some kind of ice cream as well. You can eat on location or take out. Even if we eat on location, we can not resist to grab a few takeouts for the next day! MMMM, good!

The cost for the chicken dinner is 9 dollars, the rib dinner is 12 dollars and so worth it!

The Notre Dame Educational Center is very accessible from east, west, north or south. The address is 13000 Auburn Road south of Mayfield (Rte 322). We usually sneak in the back way off of Butternut Road (which runs off Rte 322 before you get to Auburn).


For more information on Notre Dame -Cathedral Latin, log onto http://www.ndcl.org/.


Please try to make the trip out to Chardon this Sunday or next Sunday, and you too, will see why the Notre Dame chicken dinners are this week's Hidden Gem!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Not everyone has a computer


As the person who answers a majority of the viewer phone calls, I have to be cognizant and sensitive to our viewers' concerns and complaints.


We do not get many of these calls, but every week we DO get them.


Today a viewer called in and asked, "why do you tell us to go to wkyc.com for more information? I don't have a computer. And I would hope that any pertinent information we need to know will be given in your newscast!"


Our viewers are very savvy.


I can commiserate with these callers because I know that many people do not have computers. True, anyone can walk into a library or even a coffee shop and possibly log on, but that may not be convenient to many including the elderly.


I log these viewers' concerns and do pass them on...however, also expressing that the pertinent information IS given on our air. Anything the customer needs to know about a situation, especially regarding health, or let's say, a boil alert (as an example) is given out during our numerous news shows throughout the day.


Let's face it, though. It is 2008 and we are in a new dimension. A world of computers, the Internet, the ability to get the news and live broadcasts on your cell phone. Technology, if used for good, can be an amazing adventure.


I also share with our viewers that in this age of the Internet, we have details on our website to augment the story that aired on our news broadcast for those who may want to delve into this topic matter a bit more. We may have links for those really hot on what aired. And, anyone can comment on any story that is on our website. I encourage our viewers who are passionate about a certain story or who want to voice their opinions they can interact. They just have to log on and leave their comments, opinions or views on a certain subject!


There is only so much time allotted for a live broadcast. Only a certain amount of minutes for news /weather /sports. We'd love to air as many stories as we can, and of course, as much on a certain story, but that's not possible. Our website is an exciting mechanism to give our viewers, our customers even more information that they can peruse at their leisure!


We do know that everyone out there does not have a computer. We will give as much information as possible during our live broadcasts!


Thank you all very much for watching Channel 3 News and logging onto wkyc.com!!


Keep watching!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

And the winner is...


Saturday night, the Lower Great Lakes Regional Emmy Awards Gala was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Downtown Marriott.


Channel 3 walked away with Emmy awards in three of the top categories: Outstanding Evening Newscast, Outstanding Weekend Newscast, and Breaking News for The Shooting at Success Tech. We also won for Feature News Report within 24 hours for 'Eliot Ness: Not Untouchable.'


News Director Rita Andolsen proudly accepted the Breaking News award on behalf of a number of her staffers. She told the gathering that 'this award was one that embodied what Channel 3 is about and what makes me proud to be a part of the team. Our Success Tech coverage was award winning because it was truly a team effort, from the General Manager leading the charge all the way down. Every department was involved in the coverage of the day. We provided hours of live coverage on a story that was literally in our front yard, turned our station into a command post for our local police, school district, and city and played host to local stations, NBC affiliates and the networks. We knew we won the story that day. Tonight, our peers rewarded our efforts.'

I echo Rita's sentiments! Award or no award, you get a great feeling at the end of the day when you know you have done the best you can! And when you know you truly went above and beyond and then receive accolades from your peers, it makes it so much sweeter!

Congratulations to: Rita Andolsen, Lydia Esparra, Danielle Fink (yours truly), Tom Genovese, Dave Grendzynski, Maureen Kyle, Lisa Lowry, Chris Mizell, Scott Newell, Julie Ocepek, Mike O'Mara, Brandi Paulson, George Payamgis, Monica Robins, Romona Robinson, Amanda Subler, Dave Summers, Paul Thomas, Kim Wheeler, Tim White, Al Wohl, and Carrie Young.



SportsTime Ohio also picked up a few awards for Sporting Event/Game Live with 'Indians on Deck' and Graphic /Animation for 'Cleveland Indians Baseball.' A big Congratulations goes out to: Brian Anderson, Greg Golya, Jim Murphy, Al Pawlowski, Mike Pocta, Michael Symonds, Joe Von Enck, and Ian Zeigler.


Congratulations to all the winners! For a view of the complete list of winners, CLICK HERE!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Ike rears his ugly head

Hurricane Ike, though thousands of miles away, reared his ugly head over Northeast Ohio.


Whether or not Saturday's rain event was connected to Ike, the rain machine started churning Saturday morning sprinkling the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure runners and walkers with a steady spray. However, Ike did not dampen anybody's spirit or turn anyone away from this great cause, which turned out to be a huge success!


The rain continued delaying the start of Game 1 of the Cleveland Indians double header with the Kansas City Royals (which ironically had been rained out the first time!)...

At times, it looked like it would never stop.

Then the skies cleared, the sun actually poked through, and in normal Cleveland fashion, the humidity machine began cranking out the balmy high heat.

Everyone thought we were out of the woods. Sunday morning began beautifully! Even into Sunday afternoon, what a treat!

Ominous skies loomed above starting around 430pm Sunday afternoon.

The winds began whipping around, lifting everything in its wake.

Small trees, limbs, patio furniture, porch mats, garbage cans, small dogs, hats....

Everything not nailed down went swirling through the skies.

And yet, no rain yet, we thought just maybe we were gonna scoot by partially unscathed.

Around 830pm or so the skies opened and the rains finally came, as the heavy winds continued.

It was quite a sight to see military personnel at Cleveland Browns Stadium trying to unfurl a huge Cleveland Browns flag and then a huge American flag, both blowing uncontrollably in the wind with their hats flying off and the flag holders literally getting tossed around in the wind bowl.
The punters and field goal kickers had no idea where the ball would wind up after it left their toe...same for the quarterbacks....and unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Steelers weathered the storm a bit better than our Browns.

After the game, on the trek home and all day Monday, the wrath of Hurricane Ike could be seen for miles and felt by thousands and tens of thousands of Ohioans.

We have quite a road ahead of us in the days ahead cleaning up and recovering from Hurricane Ike.

Channel 3 has dozens and dozens of sidebar stories which will keep us busy over the coming week including cleanup, power restoration, making up cancelled school days, caring for the elderly and sick, insurance claims, the mad dash for dry ice, batteries, water, coolers and anything else that will help cope....

Ironically, I heard from Kenneth Joseph, CEO and Chief Paramedic for EMT Ambulance, Inc., whose services were requested down in Texas. He said while they are working down south, his dispatch center up here was hit taking out power until at least Sunday. His house was also hit by the remnants of Hurricane Ike in Carrollton County. He sent in a picture of his little girl and her playhouse which even had the roof blown off!

(Photo Courtesy Kenneth J. Joseph)





Seriously folks, when all is said and done, this is nothing compared to our fellow Americans down in Texas.
Stay with Channel 3 News and wkyc.com for the latest information on Hurricane Ike's local effects on Northeast Ohio and how you can cope.





Thursday, September 11, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems


(photo Courtesy wkyc.com from 2007 Race for the Cure)



Today's Hidden Gem: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure


I am proud to be affiliated with the station that is not afraid to take on and discuss the serious issues which matter to our customers. We, as a television station, have the means and the opportunity to educate and inform our viewers about so many pertinent items. Breast cancer awareness is one such topic we continue to tackle.


We have embraced this theme for many years including being one of the media sponsors for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.


Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins as well as anchors Mark Nolan and Romona Robinson (and so many other staffers) do stories and cover events year-round connected to the race and breast cancer awareness. This year Monica, Mark and Romona again serve as local honorary co-chairpersons.


On the 3rd day of each month, we share our Friend to Friend segment where we offer breast cancer awareness facts and personalized stories from those who are battling or have conquered breast cancer.


Monica Robins is a great champion of this issue and produces story after story on a regular basis but especially during the "Three Day" as well as the "Race for the Cure"....


Monica previews the race while giving the latest facts & figures and stories of women and families affected by this illness during her 7pm Special the Friday night before the race.


Then Channel 3 has complete coverage on race day from start to finish augmented with numerous stories and live coverage on wkyc.com.



The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Cleveland affiliate was established in 1994. They hoped to provide funding, knowledge, and support to this local community regarding breast cancer and breast cancer awareness and treatments.


The Race for the Cure website says last year alone they received 22 grants which provided women and men access to mammograms, treatments, breast cancer health education and support for those affected and their families.


If there is one bright spot when talking about this deadly illness, it is that most of the funds raised in Cleveland, for the most part, stay in Cleveland helping our friends, families and neighbors. And the ultimate goal world-wide is to one day conquer this awful disease.


Clevelanders are very giving people. They do embrace cause after cause. And there are many great causes which need to be in the public eye. One is not greater than the other.


I ask you to look within and see if there is an issue near and dear to your heart which you can embrace.


Feel free to submit a comment and share your personal story giving hope to others.


Due to the timeliness of this matter, I have made the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this week's Hidden Gem.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Ohio Relay calls

Receiving an Ohio Relay Service call always makes for an interesting and yet challenging day!

For those of you who have never received one, it is a call from a disabled person: possibly hearing impaired, deaf, deaf-blind, or speech disabled in some way.

The operator opens the call by saying you are receiving an Ohio Relay Service call, are you familiar with this service?

I know from that moment what I will be doing for the next half hour. However, I embrace this challenge with open arms! (It is quite a task being alone on the desk....it's difficult really answering any other calls, listening to the scanners, or doing anything else pertinent to my craft, but the show must go on and the customer must be satisfied)!

This service allows disabled persons to communicate using high tech electronics or a texting system (I'm sure that is over simplifying the process). The caller relays their message to the operator who in turn verbally relays the message to me. At the end they say 'go ahead' which means I can begin my response. In turn, when I am done, I say 'go ahead.' When the customer listens and understands what you are saying, it is much easier to take. When the customer refuses to take your answers and for instance, does not believe that I can not skip over to the next studio and personally relay a message to Dr. Phil is when it gets to be an exasperating challenge.

I have to be honest, to date I have never gotten, in my estimation, a relay call directed at my particular department or one with breaking news. They are always questions for programming and oftentimes I just don't have the answers for the customer.

Today's relay caller wanted to know why we did not have the US Open finals on our air? I told them the US Open finals had been on WOIO all weekend and that particular station may be better versed at fielding this question. If I would have had the answer, I would have been happy to give it to them. Then they asked me for the number. I did not have a problem giving the caller their # since I could not answer their question.


Lingering unknowns:
  1. How did the caller initially get our number?
  2. If they had been watching the US Open from the beginning, why did they call us?
  3. Why couldn't they get WOIO's # the same way they originally attained ours?

Friday, September 5, 2008

Friday Night Fever!


Friday Night Fever officially kicked off two weeks ago.


It was more like a Friday Night Fever 'lite' because we were in the midst of the Beijing Olympics.


The Fever is always a great night to work. We have crews hustling and bustling all over Northeast Ohio trying to cover as many of your games as we can to air during our 11pm sports show...


I'm proud to say that Channel 3 Sports started the whole "Friday Night Fever" craze. We were pioneers back in our old East 6th studios. We would cover and air more games than any other station. During our FNF show, we had live high school marching bands in front of the station, big blowups, cheerleaders, Mickey the Ref, 'Chucky,' and the best highlights in town!


We still put on a great FNF show! We have crews covering games east, west, north, south and way down south in the Akron-Canton area.


The whole day starts first thing in the morning with Channel 3 News Today. They have started a new segment called School Spirit Spotlight which will spotlight a different school each week but go BEYOND what is happening on the field. They hope to highlight standout teachers, students, athletes, the bands and even different clubs, organizations or causes special to that school.


Then we have a wonderful segment which airs during our 6pm show previewing the games called The Predictors! Each week, a group of 3 or 4 sports beat reporters and coaches give us their spin on who should win and who they think will win!!!




Not only do we have crews out in the field, but we have employees deployed to various games passing out FNF fliers, making contact with our fans, and gathering up scores from the area games.


Always a crazy night on the news assignment desk starting around 915pm when the phones start lighting up from coaches, parents, and students calling in sports scores. Fortunately, I currently have an intern until about 10pm but then I am on my own!! I know that between 10pm and 1120pm or so, I will do nothing else but answer the telephone.



The best part of our Friday Night Fever celebration is our Newsroom Feast! It's become tradition. There is food galore. Many folks make homemade tasty treats for the occasion or contribute in some way. One of our editors, Pat Woodside, wows the newsroom with his WORLD FAMOUS cookies (tonight peanut butter)....and folks request Pat's Con Queso! When Pat is off, it's a sad FNF!!








Make sure you log onto wkyc.com for all of our Friday Night Fever highlights from your favorite games. And take a look at something new we've started this year: HighSchoolSports.Net. Join in on all the fun!!!!!!

Stand up 2 cancer

Nights like these make me proud to be a broadcaster in the television business.

NBC, ABC, and CBS banded together to simulcast the commercial-free Stand up 2 Cancer telethon from 8-9pm.

This benefit rallied everyone together hoping to not only inform people about this deadly disease but to raise the necessary funds for ongoing cancer research and once and for all, stamp out this disease!

All participants and phone bank volunteers (who consisted of performers, anchors, musicians, athletes, renowned personalities) had ties to cancer in some way whether they battled it themselves, helped someone get through it, or lost a family member or friend.

A very well put together broadcast offered solid facts on just what cancer is and how many people are affected....as well as giving personal testimonials from people who fought the battle and are still with us today....


In today's times when the viewer has the option to flip through hundreds and hundreds of channels or head to the web and their cell phones for entertainment and news, I still think it is imperative that the major networks band together for worthwhile causes and continue to put on this type of programming to help their fellow man!!!

Breaking news where you are!

This almost NEVER happens!

Breaking news where you are!

Ironically, that very situation occurred Friday afternoon.

Reporter Dick Russ and his videographer George Payamgis were heading out to a 'feature-type' piece in the Parma area (tune in at 7pm and 11pm for the scoop!!)....

(picture courtesy videographer George Payamgis)



Lisa was tuned into the crazy scanners about a robbery in Parma --right where Dick was headed.

I started answering viewer tip calls about a robbery in Parma --right where Dick was headed!



We got two stories for the price of one, and both of them were pretty darn good.



Dick and George were on site at the Parma KFC robbery while police were combing the area, while they found their 2 suspects and took them into custody and recovered the weapon and discarded clothes as well.
(photo courtesy videographer George Payamgis)



For more information, tune in to our news broadcasts Friday night or log onto wkyc.com!



Job well done!

'Live on Lakeside' updates



Just wanted to get you caught up on some of the recent 'Live on Lakeside' guests who have crooned for the Channel 3 News Today audience!


Copperfoot dazzled the viewers with their wide range of music from rock to country blues, lounge and folktales! They say they play mostly original works. They've been influenced by the best including Clapton, Willie, The Allman Brothers, and Johnny Cash (whose tour bus is on display down at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum).



The Jack Fords has been together for three years belting out the likes of the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan-esqe sounds!



For more information on any of our bands or to hear a sampling of their works, log onto wkyc.com and click on the 'Live on Lakeside' section. You can find links to each band's website as well as background information on your favorite act.



Have a great weekend. And, as always, Keep Rockin'!


Thursday, September 4, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(photo Courtesy wkyc.com /channel 3 videographers)



Today's Hidden Gem: Michael Symon


Michael Symon is my first 'individual human' Hidden Gem. And he is far from being hidden. He is all over the airwaves these days.


Michael continues using his magnificent craft to showcase the city he loves. He hopes to enlighten as many folks as he can and open up eyes around the world to Cleveland's culinary excellence!


For those of you who do NOT know Michael Symon, he is the owner of two fabulous restaurants in town --Lola and Lolita.


He battled long and hard to become the newest 'Iron Chef' in "Iron Chef America," which airs on The Food Network.


Now you can add "Dinner: Impossible" to his long resume list! "Dinner: Impossible" pushes Symon to the ultimate limit. Basically, Symon does not know his mission until he arrives on site. At that time he will be told who he is cooking for, how many, what he needs to cook, how he needs to cook it, and how much time he has to pull this off.


The most recent "Dinner: Impossible" was shot right here in Northeast Ohio. It was great! Michael Symon had to cook up a Passover meal for the members of The Park Synagogue. I believe he was given about 6 or 7 hours. Michael admitted during the show numerous times that this was a first on many fronts. He had never made kugel. He had to cook totally kosher. There were many foods within the menu he had never cooked or eaten.


The show was a hoot and extremely entertaining. You knew he'd succeed but he was up against 'you know what' until the end! Symon and his staff were briefed by Rabbi Skoff on what was expected. He laid the ground rules, including the fact that all the food had to be kosher. There were certain items that were no-no's. They had to cook with certain pans and equipment, being Passover. They had a woman from the Synagogue who was their guide, reminding them of the rules and offering helpful tips. She was great! What a joy to watch.


The countdown clock began. While his staff started in the kitchen, Michael went to a nearby grocery store for some last minute items. When he returned, the Rabbi had to check all of his groceries before he even entered the building. There was one non-kosher item that had to stay in the car. It set him back, but he rebounded well.


Michael Symon, a talented chef, good-hearted human being, and perfect ambassador for the City of Cleveland!


Visit one of his restaurants, tune into one of his shows, and you too, will see why Michael Symon has been chosen as this week's Hidden Gem!!!!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Just like old times


It's been good having Mark Nolan back on this shift....just like old times!

In the news business, schedules are always in flux to cover all shifts during vacations and illness.

Our old (not so old really) friend Mark Nolan has been filling in as the 6pm, 7pm, and 11pm anchor with Romona while Tim White has a few days off.

Otherwise, I just see him on tv while he co-anchors Channel 3 News Today with Abby Hamm and the gang!

What a wonderful guy! Always there to lend a hand whenever and wherever needed.

He has made a great transition from his forever post of meteorologist to anchorman --and he does both jobs magnificently!

I can always count on Nolan to make me laugh with his quick wit and charm! He is just as funny, smart, and personable off the air as he is on the air! Talk about smart--he seems to know a little something about everything and anything! I always come armed with my 'automobile' questions! And get ready to talk a little Tribe! The topics of conversation endless!


I told him he is the big brother I never had (though I am a bit older!!!) so I guess that would be just 'brother I never had.'

Welcome back for the cameo, Mark, even if it is for a few days!!!! Come back soon, my man! We'll keep your seat warm for your next visit!