Downside of the news

Working on the news assignment desk is an amazing feat and a fascinating daily occurrence.

As I was reading the morning paper, the Plain Dealer, which is a daily ritual, a downside of working in news was staring back at me.

I know that you can whiz through hundreds if not thousands of newspapers online but I still like to take a gander through the paper in the morning as I eat my breakfast and prepare for my usually hectic day ahead.

I always look at the obituaries. Some would say it's the Italian in me? Whatever it may be, I'm looking through the obituaries and there are a number of people I know or am familiar with listed.

A former priest at my parish.....the relative of a PR guru.....the relative of a co-worker.....and then two recent cases we've covered extensively.

Daniel Kondas, the mailman who was killed during his delivery route, and 15-year-old Daniel Murphy, the St. Ignatius boy killed in a freak ATV accident.

Covering a story extensively such as the two listed above, you do get involved and intertwined with the victims. You may not know them personally, but after extensive research, and possibly speaking to family and friends, it's really like you knew them your whole life.

I have to say, this is one of the downsides of working in the news business and on the news assignment desk.

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Dick Feagler

On occasion I'll deem a real live person one of my Hidden Gems.

It's rare. They must be exemplary subjects standing alone up on their pedestal.

Right off the bat, I can see Feagler scrutinizing my words in disbelief with that half-cocked grin on his face.

He never thought of himself, at least while I worked with him, as anything but common.

But those who know him think otherwise.

At least, I do, and this is my column so I will give you my spin.

Dick Feagler wrote his last regular column for the Plain Dealer 3 weeks ago. If you read between the lines, they phrased it 'last regular column' which leads me to believe that IF there is a hot button topic or they really need a seasoned veteran to tackle a serious issue, they've left the door open to call on Uncle Dick!

That phrase gives me a slight glimmer of hope that many out there still realize Feagler's command of his craft--being an exquisite wordsmith.

I spoke briefly with Dick a few weeks ago and, over the phone, could tell he is the same wonderful man I worked with years ago. His memory, attentiveness, and sheer honestly shine through, not to mention his wonderful wit!

I've been extremely lucky or blessed, whatever you'd like to call it, in my career thus far. Instead of learning about the 'broadcasting' business solely out of a book and getting a small sample through the obligatory newsroom internship (which I had as well), I had true-to-life role models who taught me everything I know.

I worked side by side with the likes of Dorothy Fuldheim, Ted Henry, Fred Griffith, Nev Chandler, Don Webster, Gib Shanley, Wilma Smith, Leon Bibb, Jenny Crimm, Lou Maglio, Judd Hambrick, Connie Dieken....my contemporaries of Jim Donovan, Tim White, Romona Robinson....and so many spectacular others too numerous to mention. Oftentimes, the people behind the scenes were just as invaluable to my growth as the on-air personalities. The experience I ascertained from directors and producers through the years is priceless. I've worked with the best including Bill 'Dad' Wiedenmann, Don Mertens, Jane Temple, Terry Moir, Kathy Williams, Dick Moore.....and again, this list twists and turns forever.

But, let's get back to the man of the hour, Mr. Dick Feagler.

I was awestruck the first time I met Mr. Feagler. I'd been a huge fan and realized his great talent. It's always awkward at first to work in the trenches with someone you idolize, at least for me!

However, that first day I realized that Feagler was 'real people.' He said it like it was, just as in his columns. He was welcoming, pleasant, helpful and a real stitch. I absolutely adored when he would vault into one of his stories--all true--autobiographical, and that's what made them so entertaining.

He was not too keen on playing the co-anchor role, however, I think he handled himself very well in that position. Part of the challenge is understanding and dissecting the news for the viewer, and he flawlessly and effortlessly accomplished that task.

Feagler embodies true journalism, integrity, and the heart and soul of the newspaper and television business, which whether we want to believe it or not, is gone forever.

Just because 'it' is gone does not mean individuals can not still vie for those high standards. Feagler, as long as he continues in this business in some way shape or form, will keep the hope alive. I'd like to believe that I, too, with my experience and history will continue keeping the dream alive!

Feagler began 45 years ago and never looked back. He forged ahead day by day just doing his job, yet making history every step of the way. He has seen the bulk of Cleveland's greatest political headlines involving Carl and Louis Stokes, Ralph Perk, Dennis Kucinich, and Michael White.... to the serious and often embarrassing issues surrounding the Cleveland Public Schools-which reared Feagler himself being a graduate of John Adams. He has gone up and down the scale talking religion, sex, teen pregnancy, any and every topic under the sun. There was never a storyline he was afraid to tackle.

Feagler said to me, 'it was time.' I guess I am not tearing up too much because I know Feagler. He still has many stories to tell, articles to write, numerous young minds to mold and influence. We can tune in to WVIZ and hear him touch on pertinent hot topics. He's not gone. We may have to look a little harder to find him, but he is definitely NOT gone.

For those of you familiar with Feagler, you know why I chose him as this week's Hidden Gem.

For those of you living under a rock not being familiar with or having the pleasure of ever reading one of his columns or books, pick up just one of his articles and then, you too, will see why Dick Feagler is this week's Hidden Gem!!

iAlert System & so much more...news is closed!

Wednesday, thus far, has been an extremely busy news day. And that is why I am in this business! Factoring in the weather and school closings alone would be enough. These tasks are my sole focal point today.

But wait, there's more.

We have Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones in house speaking live on air during our 7pm Show with Senior Political Reporter Tom Beres, Carole Sullivan, and Eric Mansfield about the Medical Mart.

Mike O'Mara covered a story that hits close to home for me. He went to the arraignment of Dr. Yazeed Essa, who has been charged with poisoning his wife, Rosemarie, back in February of 2005. I went to high school with Rosemarie's sister, Deanna. Every time we hear from the DiPuccio family, see Deanna in our video or hear the awful story behind this case, I get chills knowing that someone I know is living this nightmare.

Our newsroom has been bustling today. A few folks from The Plain Dealer dropped in to look around and talk to staffers --why? Honestly, I am not privy to why at this time, and if I were, I'm betting I could not share with you! I'm sure we will all read about it in the PD over the coming days or weeks.

The email continue coming in...and I've learned that even if the email comes in before or after I arrive, I still need to wade through every single piece. It may not be addressed to the entire news desk or some of it may be falling through the cracks due to the mass amount we are dealing with....so better safe than sorry! But, this too, takes up a good bulk of my time!



As many of you already may have heard, we have updated our iAlert School Closing System.

There are now 3 bars of information for our viewers including a 'just in' line for newer closings and delays.

With any new venture or project, there are bugs that need to be worked out...a 'work in progress' so to speak.

So far, my experience with the system has been a dream! It is much quicker, easier and can allow us to type the day closed, status, and include a time for the closing to expire.

I've spoken to many customers who have voiced their concerns, though, about the system.

Many callers say the screen is too much. Others say with their new fancy HDTV's, they can not see the very bottom line or the sides get cut off.

Still other administrators who are trying to use the phone-in system get cut off and can not type in the status they desire. I've been trying to get everyone to log onto the website and do it that way, which is so much easier.

I'm sure, part of the problems are the school folks getting used to the new system, and some user error.


Many supers and program directors claim they never received a new packet of information....


This will be a learning process for all involved. But again, overall, it has been a dream on this end.


I urge superintendents, school and church administrators, company bosses, business leaders who want to be a part of the iAlert System to send or email a request on company letterhead to either newsdesk@wkyc.com or asisak@wkyc.com or fax 216.344.3314. Our system administrator will get back to you with an ID and Password and packet of information on how to use the upgraded system.

And remember for the future, do this BEFORE the snow falls!!!!! It will make your life much easier!!!