Showing posts with label earthquake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label earthquake. Show all posts

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Extraordinary week of news



The amount of extraordinary news we covered this week is just one of the many reasons I adore what I do and where I do it.


And thankfully so, it quickly eased me back into some sort of rhythm after a blissful week of vacation!


Let's see. The 1st day back brought follow up coverage of yet another house explosion, which occurred in Concord, Ohio. Quite frightening how all of these houses are going up in flames. Fortunately, the family was not home at the time. And what's worse--on the scanners, we hear time and time again "gas leak" or "smell of gas" never knowing if the call out will turn into a house that goes boom.


Tuesday started out swiftly as I sent a crew to a car chase which ended with the suspect car taking out some parked cars, an RTA bus shelter injuring 2 people, a phone pole and tree. And of course, the suspect ran from the scene. Go figure!


Ashford Thompson's trial wrapped up which lead to Holly Miktarian granting Romona Robinson a one-on-one exclusive sit down interview to share her feelings and memories of her husband, Josh, who was gunned down by Thompson during a normal traffic stop. The incident happened nearly two years ago and Miktarian's killer was just sentenced to death.



For some crazy reason, I promised one of my cameramen (Randy) and one of our top editors (Matt) that I'd bake them cupcakes. Whatever possessed me and how we even got on the subject still escapes me! But I was not about to go back on my promise....so while I watched the USA win in World Cup Soccer I whipped up nearly 60 cupcakes for the gang --yellow with chocolate frosting and chocolate with chocolate frosting. I must admit, well worth baking on a 94 degree day!



Thankfully we had the extra boost of sugar because Wednesday seemed to be the busiest day with a 5.0 earthquake that rattled northeast Ohio, as well as many portions of the US and Canada.


Then we got yet another round of severe weather, General Petraeus took the reins, and of course continuing coverage of LeBron Watch and World Cup Soccer!



We've had a local soldier die and an injured marine brought back to the US.


And just as one fallen officer's suspect gets sentenced, we remember the 10 year anniversary of the death of Officer Wayne Leon. Dick Russ had a nice sit down interview with his wife, Grace, on this anniversary remembrance.



If you did not think there could be any more news, sit tight people.


It's already been a year --that fateful day when we lost the King of Pop and an endearing 'angel.' The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum hosts a huge Michael Jackson remembrance weekend while Michael's father Joe not only made the trek to Cleveland BUT to the Channel 3 Studios.



I can not recall a week so chock full of news.



That's what we do! Have a great weekend everyone!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Haiti Relief

We, as well as most other news agencies, have been running on all cylinders with Haiti coverage.

As an assignment editor, it always amazes me how one singular act can snowball so quickly into an around-the-clock mission.

The tragedy in Haiti, though half a world away, affects us all. We are all part of the same world. And though it may sound trite, no man is an island. We all need each other to exist.

Catastrophes also show us, at least me, that some of the ordinary happenings many stress over are nothing compared to what is happening in Haiti and to other human beings.


Some of what ensues on a news assignment desk during a global situation include the following:

  • gathering all the information available via email, faxes, press releases
  • speaking with local viewers about possible story ideas
  • compiling factsheets on various topics to keep all the info straight & current
  • Making sure wkyc.com is as up to date and full of info as possible
  • tracking locals traveling to the affected area & keeping in touch with them
  • getting the word out on local agencies' causes or who are collecting supplies & money
  • keeping a top of the national happenings and local ties
  • giving the customer, the viewer the most comprehensive and complete coverage

You can log onto wkyc.com and look for the special section: "Haiti Earthquake: How you can help relief efforts."

We here at wkyc have in our midst an amazing man who not only runs our sister station, SportsTime Ohio, but has traveled to Haiti many times with his church. Jim Liberatore was in Haiti weeks before devastation struck. Back just a few weeks, he knows what type of help they needed before the earthquake struck. Anyone wishing to help those in Haiti can make a contribution to:

Christianville Foundation

C/O STO

1333 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44114