Interns wrapping up their stints

We had a good group of interns this quarter.

We had Lauren, Courtney, Emily, and Sierra.

I worked the most with and more closely with Sierra.

Interns, when you get to know them, can be just like family --a younger sister or brother, even a child (for those of us who are 'older').

Being an intern myself way back when, I welcomed the help and advice my mentors gave me. Ironically, many of my mentors turned out to be fellow employees at different points during my career.

The first person I met at WEWS as an intern was a producer at the time, Corrie Harding. And low and behold, the first person who greeted me when I began working at WKYC was my pal, Corrie Harding, a Channel 3 producer.

As an intern you are given opportunities you may never get again.

As an intern at WEWS, I worked on their Live on Five show and then in their editing department. One of my most memorable experiences as a Live on Five intern was the day we had Richard Simmons AND Jim J. Bullock in studio as guests. Just picture the energy and craziness bouncing off those walls. It was tremendous! And as an editing intern, just an intern, I was allowed to feed the Live on Five show. If you know what you are doing, they let you do as much as you can/want!

Gradually over the last few weeks, our interns have wrapped up their terms, finished their final projects, gotten their tapes in order, and have said their good byes.

This week, Sierra waves her last hurrah. In a few weeks, young Emily does the same.

We say it all the time, but really mean it. We encourage our interns, our friends, to keep in touch and tell us how and what they are doing. Anyone in this newsroom would be more than willing to offer advice, help, or even give recommendations for those interns who excelled.

I know I've said it before but will continue saying it for as long as I live. One of my all time favorite interns, if not my fave, is Mark Zinni. We've kept in touch over the years and now he has come back home. He's a reporter at Fox 8. What a joy to see him develop over the years and come into his own. I am so proud of how well he has done and blush when he tells me that I played a role in his success.

I wish the best for all of our interns! Congratulations and only good luck my friends!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(drawing by Joe Wood)



Today's Hidden Gem: Bob Tayek



Every once in a while, I witness a fellow human being who, in my estimation, has made such an impact on this area, their craft, or is seen as quite the humanitarian, that I must choose them as my Hidden Gem.

Such is the case today.


I've known Bob Tayek as long as I've been in television, and a bit before.


He was my supervisor at my first job at WEWS. We worked together at WKYC. And, yet again, today our paths continually cross with our prospective titles of Assignment Editor + Diocese of Cleveland Media Relations Director.

I certainly could gush on and on about Bob on many fronts--our friendship, the excellent caliber of professionalism he has brought to every single job /career he's occupied, whether it be in Television, Radio, or Public Relations.


He's what I would call a 'true journalist,' a 'Renaissance man.'


He's got more contacts than there are stars in the sky.


Every person who has ever met him or had the distinct honor to collaborate with him in some way is changed forever, for the better. I can not imagine anyone on this earth having a bad thing to say about Mr. Bob Tayek.


His knowledge of Northeast Ohio, politics, news, religion, education, Cleveland history, & pretty much everything unmatched by most.


Tayek's booming voice has led him to numerous radio jobs as well.


I'd love tuning into his news reports on various local radio programs on my way to or from work. You knew you were getting the top news of the day and it was true.


Bob always has a huge smile on his face, a pen in his pocket (which much to his dismay burst open more than once), his tie loosened just a bit, his beat up briefcase, and one of the most distinguishable laughs I've ever heard.


Always the first one in the office and usually one of the last to leave.


His hard work and dedication paid off by the respect he garners, and his many accolades.


Personally, I think one of his greatest honors is his SPJ Distinguished Service and Lifetime Achievement Award which he received in 1996 along with Writer/Reporter/Author Russ Schneider.


Tayek currently works side by side with Bishop Richard Lennon, Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, as his director of media and public relations. Unless you've been totally out of touch, you know that Tayek has had his hands full with everything happening in the Diocese from priest allegations to Vibrant Parish Life II to the whole church closing/merging saga and now the Cleveland Catholic School mergings.


Those close to Tayek know this job is a perfect fit, in light of Tayek's strong faith and knowledge of his religion.


Through it all, those familiar with Tayek know he will always give the truth, effort a statement, and be as forthcoming and accommodating as possible.



True friends of Tayek know there is one other passion that monopolizes much of his life: his love of the game of baseball.



This devotion is one of the bonds bringing Bob and I together --our love of the game and of our Cleveland Indians, whether they win or lose. In true 'Bob Tayek fashion,' he took his enthusiasm for the sport and his great vocal craft and spun it into one of the most exciting jobs I could ever imagine having: the Public Address Announcer for the Cleveland Indians.


Yes, if you are lucky enough to have a ticket for an Indians' Game at Progressive Field, take keen notice of the public address announcer.


Most nights, it is Mr. Bob Tayek.


He's perfected this role as well, just like he masters everything he undertakes!


His knowledge of the game, impeccable. He must arrive early to meet with the umpires, go through his notes, and prepare for the next 4 or so hours following Major League Baseball and Cleveland Indians protocol.



It's a real treat listening to Tayek announce ....as each Indian comes up to bat, Tayek has perfected the way he ushers each player to home plate in his own special way, own unique vocal signature.



If that's not enough, I just found out that Mr. Bob Tayek was included in Tom Jones' Book, 'Inside WORKING at the BALLPARK.' I'm told Tayek is included in Chapter Six: Eyes and Ears. What a thrill and absolute honor!


If you have not gathered from this article how versatile and absolutely amazing Mr. Bob Tayek is and what a beacon he has been for Cleveland, Cleveland Media, and Cleveland PR, let me impart one more depiction.


When Bob left WKYC to trail blaze onto his next endeavor, Artist extraordinaire, Joe Wood, created Tayek's going away card. On the outside it read 'Mild-Mannered Bob Tayek' and had the exact likeness of Tayek inside a phone booth with his suit slightly open just enough so you could see his 'Superman' outfit underneath!


That sums up the brilliance of Mr. Bob Tayek.


If you would like to personally witness Tayek's professionalism and loquacious style, catch an Indians' game and, you too, will see why Mr. Bob Tayek is this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: News Anchorman Ted Henry

Legendary news icon, Ted Henry, announced his retirement yesterday after 44 years in broadcasting.

This action, well deserved, could toss Cleveland television into a tizzy! We'll see what this chess move spurs next?!?!

The days of working in the same geographic area or at the same shop an entire career are gone. He's a fortunate man to have achieved such a feat.

We strive for longevity and perfection, among other admirable attributes. However, in today's times, especially in media, where staffs are getting cut in half, younger-cheaper employees are being hired to replace the experienced veteran, unfortunately duration and quality greatly suffer.

Back to the man of the hour.

Ted Henry has always been one of my mentors. His mastery of this business, mind boggling. His knowledge of pretty much every topic, astounding. His work ethic, unyielding. And his story assignments over the last 44 years--priceless.

When I first started at Channel 5 so many years ago, Ted's welcoming smile and hefty laugh could only draw you to his side. He never spoke down to anyone or made anyone feel inferior in any way, shape or form.

Once you sat down with him and held a conversation, you were entranced by his wealth of knowledge.

He never put on airs. What you saw was what you got. Pure honesty! He'd sit in the newsroom in his jeans, top siders, glasses, sucker in his mouth, pencil behind his ear pounding out scripts. He may not want anyone to know this, but what the heck. He'd oftentimes walk around the newsroom in his socks!

We had much in common --religion, spirituality, family, truth, travel, and just the 'love' of Cleveland. Ted could be THE biggest cheerleader for this city.

His delivery engaged the viewer and was far from dry and boring. At times, made you chuckle! I have to be honest, I don't really remember the story but he had a way with words. He and Wilma Smith were on set together and as he read his scripts for a story with his animated expression, this phrase came out: "and that's a big 'BUT' Wilma!!" I still laugh to this day!!!

A dear friend reminded me of yet another funny anecdote. Ted and Wilma were on set reading rivaling huge pumpkin stories. Wilma read hers and Ted was next. As they came out of Wilma's story, Ted said, "wait 'til you see mine, it's huge!"

The repoire between Ted and Wilma did not go unnoticed by our youth. It even rubbed off on my nieces and nephew. My sister was working on a school project and was using a video camera. The kids were doing great things so she started shooting them. At one point, my oldest niece Sara (who has since become a member of the media --a published author and writer for a local trade magazine) was pretending to be on the news desk anchoring a news show. At the end of her presentation, she said 'back to you Ted, back to you Wilma!"

Henry's inquisitiveness and quest for exploration & the truth made him a top notch reporter/anchor. Constantly asking the tough questions, he got to the bottom of each story and scored some amazing interviews.

He actually writes and researches his own stories and goes out on assignment.

Observing him up on the news set, I always thought his smooth delivery and finesse with live interviews put him in the category with the national anchormen, the likes of Jennings, Rather, Brokaw...

There were certain stories he really owned. Ironically, the hottest story today, John Demjanjuk, is one of those such stories. Ted actually traveled to Israel numerous times with Videographer Rich Geyser covering the war crimes trials of Demjanjuk over the years. They were witnesses to the Berlin Wall coming down and traveled the world covering various Papal trips and religion-oriented stories among so many others over his 38 years.

He was no stranger to domestic travel. He and Videographer Tommy Livingston headed to Chicago last year for the hot button Medical Mart story. They went to North Dakota covering wheat farmers...treks to Washington and covered the Pope's visit to St. Louis.

No matter which photographer got the privileged opportunity to cover a story with Ted, they knew they were lucky and witnessing a master.

Ted's news series 'Wednesday's Child' focused on children needing adoption in this area. He has made and continues making a difference in the community with his compassion, honesty, and charity work. Henry helped actualize the 'Home for the Holidays Campaign' which supported two groups near and dear to his heart, Transitional Housing and New Life Community.

I really could go on and on regarding this wonderful human being. He IS a tremendous man. I am honored and privileged to have been able to work with him, to learn from his expertise and to be able to call him friend.

His exit from Cleveland television is a loss for this market. However, just having Ted Henry in the world is a gain for humankind.

I wish he and his wife Jody well as they travel around the world pursuing their quest for truth, and continue discovering facets of their spirituality as they enhance their knowledge of others' cultures and lifestyles.

If you have ever seen a newscast with Ted Henry, you too, will see why I am honoring him and spotlighting him as this week's Hidden Gem!

True Broadcasting Legend, Gib Shanley, dead at 76

76-year-old Gib Shanley has passed away. I can not imagine that anyone does not know who Gib is and the impact he has had on Cleveland Television. If you do not, he was one of the 'true television personalities' who helped mold Cleveland Television Broadcasting and Sports in this town for almost half a century.

In 1961, Shanley came on scene and took Cleveland Broadcasting and Sports to the next level!

He broadcast Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Games when he worked for WGAR AM-1420. He continued play-by-play for the Browns through 1984. He proudly wore his 1964 NFL Championship ring. He worked at WEWS, which is where I had the honor and good fortune to meet and work with the Gibber. Though a rookie in the business, I knew then and there this man was the true fabric of what broadcasting was all about. WHY I yearned to be in this business. Stern, opinionated, professional, a bit daunting, yet I wanted to be around him to learn from the master! I was quite lucky to have such mentors as Gib, Dorothy Fuldheim, Nev Chandler, Don Webster, Fred Griffith, the list is really endless!

If you thought his knowledge and opinions ended with sports, think again! In 1979, he was in the national spotlight after burning an Iranian Flag at WEWS during an 11pm newscast. This occurred during the Hostage Crisis in Iran and was in response to the public displaying of the Iranian Flag and the burning of an American Flag by Ayatollah Khomeini supporters in New York. He went onto work at WUAB for a while. After 'official' retirement, he still dabbled in the business doing commentaries, lending his expertise, giving interviews on occasion, and continuing to be the television icon he was and always will be.

Many of today's broadcasters, though sharp, polished, and well-educated in their craft, miss the mark of being a true legend such as the likes of Gib Shanley. I believe those days are gone for good.

Deservedly, Emmy award winning Shanley was inducted into the Ohio Broadcasters' Hall of Fame in 1991.

He had been ill for a while. He finally succumbed to complications from pneumonia. Shanley is survived by 2 sons, 2 daughters, and 6 grandchildren.

For more wonderful stories about and old time pictures of Gib Shanley, click on the Cleveland Seniors website!

To see the Gibber in action, click on the next few 'You Tube' Videos:

Gib and Don Webster

Catch Five promo