Sister stations help with commuter train collision coverage

Locally, it was an ok news day.

It's the eve of the recall election for long-time Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic.

We also had an arrest over the weekend in the Laundromat murder. Ironically, the suspect may be attached to two other incidents in two other counties. This story is far from over. Not only do you have what we call the 'nuts and bolts' for this story alone --what is new and happening in this murder case today--but there are many sidebar stories like WHY did the judges ever let him out of jail with his long list of offenses and are there even more suspects with serious offenses roaming the streets?

And, of course, everyone...I mean EVERYONE is awaiting that call from the Cleveland Indians gathering the local media for a press conference regarding some kind of shakeup...


However, the BIG story of the day was miles away....states away......

Yet, we were still able to cover the BIG story with help from our NBC/MSNBC, Gannett, and CNN affiliates in the D.C. area.

WUSA9, our Gannett Sister-Station, had superb coverage of this catastrophic event from its inception. Producers/Writers/Reporters kept all of their affiliates in the loop with updated email regarding new information, upcoming news conference details, pictures and the latest video.

Steve, the CNN Producer servicing our region, kept us in the loop in a number of ways including continuous Twitter updates.

And, of course, NBC/MSNBC kept Producer Dan informed of the latest developments as well. Dan was able to use Reporter Steve Handelsman to update our customers during the 11pm news.

WKYC in turn, was able to get updated information out via Twitter, wkyc.com, and during our LIVE news programs because of the support we had from our affiliates in the region of the breaking news story.

This is how news coverage and getting information out to our customers is supposed to work...and I believe, we did a pretty good job Monday evening on a tragic story.

Inauguration day programming schedule

Due to Tuesday's Presidential Inauguration, programming has changed a bit on wkyc.

NBC begins their Inauguration day coverage at 10:30am (following a condensed version of the Today Show).

Channel 3 picks up coverage at the conclusion of NBC's programming, which should be between 4pm and 5pm.

Channel 3's extended local coverage takes you from Cleveland to Washington D.C. covering all of the sights and sounds of this history-making day. Romona Robinson, Eric Mansfield, and Carole Sullivan along with our entire team of reporters will bring you the most comprehensive coverage. We even have a number of bloggers at all of the events in Washington giving you first hand on-site reports.

Again, our local coverage begins at NBC's conclusion and goes until 630pm and then from 730pm until 8pm.

Tune into Channel 3 News at 11pm for a complete wrap up of all the days events locally and in Washington.

Stay with Channel 3 as well as wkyc.com the entire day for coverage unparalleled by any other local television station or website.

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: GE and their holiday lights

We oftentimes take for granted that which is right before our very eyes.

We need to take off our blinders and even shine a spotlight on the precious element.

Fortunate for us, with this Hidden Gem, the rest of the Nation can shake us silly and tell us what a valuable commodity we have in our very own backyard.

December 4, 2008, Kathy Presciano was in Washington D.C. for the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Presciano designed the Nela Park holiday display AND the National Christmas Tree.

GE proudly exclaims on their resume that they have had their hand in making the National Christmas Tree Display shine bright since 1962. Not only have they designed the display, they have also donated lighting and ornaments which decorate the massive tree. This year the National Tree towers 42-feet high.

Friday, December 5, 2008, come 'Home for the Holidays.' GE's Nela Park magically lights up for the 84th year.

Each year a drawing is held to decide whose magic touch will flip the switch. Children of GE Consumer and Industrial employees in Cleveland may apply. This year, the son of GE employee Lisa Ward won the honor. 5-year-old David Ward will light up the expanse display for all to see at 5pm sharp!

'Home for the Holidays' hopes to give its visitors a sampling of the various homes around the world which Santa Claus may visit during his Christmas Eve travels from a cabin in the woods to an igloo at the North Pole and beyond.

As part of the display, a replica of the National Christmas Tree has been set up near the main entrance to the GE campus. This replica towers 25 feet tall. GE has used bright LEDs to illuminate the tree. Designer Kathy Presciano comments that "the intent is to not only look good for nighttime viewing, but to also catch the sunlight during the day and add daytime sparkle."


Almost after the season is over, preparation for next year's unique display begins!


It's a complete team effort where designers, GE employees and Northeast Ohio families who may have visited the display can offer suggestions and comments on what their favorite memory was and what they'd like to see next year. This year near the National Christmas Tree display, GE workers have placed their favorite designs from the past on display such as the pie-pan trees, oversized jingle bells, and colored ball shape ornaments.


Please take a trip this holiday season to Nela Park, which is located at 1975 Noble Road in East Cleveland. Then, you too, will see why GE and their holiday lights are this week's Hidden Gem!