News Desk Nuggets

As we wrap up 2010, a few more things to put into the books before we kick 2011 into high gear.

The wkyc holiday party rocked! I personally had not been to one in a number of years due to my Mother's health as well as my work schedule.

A big thank you to all of our managers who made such a wonderful night come to fruition at Johnny's Downtown. The atmosphere, the friendships rekindled, the beautiful music with Mike Petrone tickling the ivory all night long topped off with a delicious dinner and decadent desserts!

Usually come the 3rd and 4th week of December, vacations kick into full swing and there are more people off than actually inside the building. Though the news must go on, and I'm sure the producers are pulling their hair out craving more news, sometimes it's a nice reprieve to be able to dress down all week, and when there is a lull, actually get to that 'extra pile of work' that feels ignored for much of the year.

Unfortunately, there are more homemade treats on the newsroom table than usual as the diet definitely flies out the window!

And last, but certainly not least, starting January 3, 2011, Channel 3 News Today will begin at 4:30 a.m. That extra half hour will hopefully prepare our viewers even better for their day ahead with the local weather, traffic, and news of the day (locally as well as nationally). Our goal is to definitely keep the customer 'connected' and informed.

You can spend an extra half hour with all your favorite people including: Mark Nolan, Hollie Strano, Maureen Kyle, Darrielle Snipes, WTAM's Pat Butler, and well as Matt Granite.

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!!!!!!

'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'!

Friday's 'Live on Lakeside' performer

Friday's 'Live on Lakeside' segment entertained everyone to the acoustic sounds of Brian Lisik.

Lisik came from Akron with his Classic/Pop Rock adding a twist of twang!

Brian Lisik actually has his own band called The Brian Lisik Band.

You can catch our 'Live on Lakeside' segment each Friday morning during Channel 3 News Today.

Then log onto wkyc.com for some background on each band, the band performing a few songs and any links such as their web pages, Facebook pages, or MySpace pages......

And, as always, Keep Rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

Let's catch you up on a few bands we've showcased during our Friday 'Live on Lakeside' segments on Channel 3 News Today.

We've had Crookneck Chandler & The Tibbee Bottom Boys! Come on, admit it, you are hankering to hear the kind of music this band plays and see if there is a cool story behind their name!!

And we've listened to the homegrown band, Rainy Day Saints!

Our 'Live on Lakeside' segments have been cruising along! We've had a great mix of music and entertainment featured on Channel 3 News Today. What a great way to learn about new bands and get a sampling of the music around town!

Have a great weekend. Enjoy the kick-off of the Olympics.

And, as always, Keep Rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

This week, 'Live on Lakeside' took it on the road as part of Channel 3 News Today's Zoo week!

Cleveland's 'BMZ' had a very 'captive' audience playing on the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo stage!!

'BMZ' touts themselves as Cleveland's rock band....made up of 3 band members....a bass guitarist, guitarist, and drum man all singing vocals.

Be sure to click on the above attached links to learn more about 'BMZ' and ALWAYS check out the 'Live on Lakeside' section of wkyc.com!

Hope your summer is hoppin'!

And as always, 'Keep Rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

The summer is just buzzing along and I wanted to get you caught up on the last few bands we have had on our Channel 3 News Today 'Live on Lakeside' segments....

We've had some pretty energetic, high voltage bands on our morning show.

Red Sun Rising rocked out on Channel 3 News Today.

These four musicians from the Kent/Akron area are hoping to catapult from the 'Live on Lakeside' stage and release an album later this fall.

You can always find more info and background information as well as a few songs being performed by each group on the Channel 3 News website at http://www.wkyc.com/!

We've also had B.E. Mann, world-renowned Reggae performer gracing the 'Live on Lakeside' stage!

The Energy Man has released 24 full length recordings since 1987.

Never a dull moment on our Friday 'Live on Lakeside' segments....tune in and see history being made with the latest, cutting edge bands!

And as always, Keep Rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

Swing By and Spray was on hiatus last week.

So, let's catch you up on the last few bands who have been 'Live on Lakeside.'

We've had 4 Zero and Jackie performing during our 'Live on Lakeside' segments during Channel 3 News Today!

4 Zero performed LIVE for the first time on our 'Live on Lakeside' segment....more groundbreaking entertainment on Channel 3 News Today!

For more information '4 Zero,' just click this 4 Zero Link.

And Jackie performed like on location when Channel 3 News Today broadcast from the ever popular Cleveland Wine Festival!

For more information on 'Jackie,' just click this Jackie Link.

Remember, if you have a band or know of a band that would be great for Channel 3 News Today, just log onto wkyc.com and check out the 'Live on Lakeside' section for all the details!

And as always, Keep Rockin'!

Live on Lakeside update

My weekly 'Live on Lakeside' entry was delayed due to the unforeseen death of Tim Russert.

Last week Channel 3 News Today took a field trip, including the 'Live on Lakeside' band -- 'The Refugees.'

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Goodtime, Channel 3 News Today broadcast live aboard the Goodtime III.

'The Refugees' got to sail aboard the Goodtime III and make some groundbreaking tv history! They are a progressive/classic rock band hailing from Lake County, Ohio.

You can always find more information on our 'Live on Lakeside' bands including 'The Refugees' at wkyc.com!

And as always, keep rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

We've gotten some great high school bands to sign up to be our 'Live on Lakeside' band!

You've still got time. Log onto wkyc.com and find out how you, too, can be part of the fun.

This week, we found 'three tv oh dees' as our spotlight band during Channel 3 News Today!

Click the attached LINK to find out more about this band from Avon High School.

Be sure to tune in next week as we take it on the road again to celebrate a very momentous occasion for the City of Cleveland! You won't want to miss next week's show!

And, as always, keep rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

The Spring is just buzzing along. It's already the end of May. But Cleveland, being the Rock and Roll city, has live music year round!

And so do we, 'Live on Lakeside!'

This week, our series highlights PJ and the Whistlers.

They come to us from Jackson High School in Massillon, Ohio.

Remember to tune in every Friday morning during Channel 3 News Today, between 5am and 7am to see which local band has won the spot to be 'Live on Lakeside!'

And, you can log onto wkyc.com anytime to get a glimpse of all the bands and listen to their music!

And, as always, keep rockin'!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

This week, 'Live on Lakeside' took it on the road to the Marc's Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival at the Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City.

The band 'Arisen,' who describes themselves as 'progressive alternative metal' performed on the main stage during the Channel 3 News Today show!

Band members hail from Padua, St Ignatius, North Royalton and Valley Forge High Schools.

Please click on the attached link to find out more about 'Arisen' as well as our Friday 'Live on Lakeside' segments during Channel 3 News Today!

And as always, Keep Rockin'!

May Sweeps winding down

It's the final official day of May Sweeps. The strong effort and enthusiasm remains every day, but during this 'sweeps' we had a number of enterprising pieces...and investigative stories! We should know in a few days how we fared against our local competitors.


I've listed our '30 days, 30 ways to save' pieces as well as our other sweeps stories in the margin on the right side of my blog for anyone who would like to take a look back at a favorite!


We can catch our breath for a few days and then right back up on the horse prepping for the next sweeps period!


I'd have to say, this has been one of the craziest wrap ups to a ratings month and definitely NOT a typical day on the news assignment desk.


First off, check out the new look of the Channel 3 Website. You will love it! You, too, can become more involved.


The highlights include: social, search, clip, zip! Our new website is a social network community where the viewer can post photos, start a blog, become involved in ongoing forums, give us opinions on stories, and so much more!


Our web customers can navigate a bit easier searching for stories and video clips.


And when the reader supplies a zip code, they can get a weather report for that particular area!


Next, we've been doing special tapings the last few days with some of the Cleveland Browns. Yesterday, I believe Kamerion Wimbley was in studio. Today, Braylon Edwards.


I'm a huge Cleveland fan, Cleveland Sports fan, and Cleveland Music fan. However, being in TV, some unwritten rules include, 'don't gush,' 'don't ask for autographs,' and 'don't be a nuisance.'


There are times when those rules are bent a little. Today was one of those days! Braylon Edwards came into the newsroom and all eyes turned to him! He was absolutely one of the most gracious, charming, friendly people I have ever met. I hate having my picture taken, but I must admit, I jumped on the bandwagon when the opportunity presented itself!

Earlier in the day, the women of the building gathered for a baby shower for meteorologist Betsy Kling and her husband Paul Thomas, who are expecting in a few months.


Folks from all over the building came in a little early or stayed a little later to shower Betsy and Paul with gifts of all shapes, sizes, and colors!


It would not be an authentic Channel 3 Party without Marlene AND --the infamous Ho Ho Cake! As many of you may recall, Marlene recently retired from her longtime position of Newsroom Administrative Assistant. Boy, do we miss her!


Well, as you can see, NEVER a dull moment here at Channel 3! Click the attached link to view slide show of Betsy's Baby Shower!


Photos courtesy: Romona Robinson





































































1. Betsy cutting the infamous Ho-Ho cake
2. Betsy opening her gifts
3. Weekend Anchor Lydia Esparra and Betsy
4. Education Reporter Kim Wheeler, Marlene, News Director Rita Andolsen
5. Yours truly, Lydia, Romona
6. Yours truly, Carole Sullivan, Kim Wheeler
7. Barb, Brandi, Sarah, Kim
8. Backpack Journalist Lynn Olszowy, Carrie, Lydia
9. Romona, Braylon Edwards, guest of honor Betsy

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'

Friday morning 'Exit Cleveland' performed on the 'Live on Lakeside' stage during Channel 3 News Today.

For more details on who 'Exit Cleveland' is and what kind of music they play, please click the attached Link.

'Exit Cleveland' touts themselves as Pop-Punk. They are made up of 3 Benedictine students and 1 band member from Mayfield High School.

Please keep tuning in for our 'Live on Lakeside' segments each Friday morning during Channel 3 News Today and keep sending in ideas for future band performances!

And as always, Keep Rockin'!

Earth Day 2008

What an absolutely beautiful Earth Day, 2008!

Sunny, blue skies as far as the eye can see! We could not have orchestrated this any better had we tried!

There have been a slew of Earth Day events all over town for the last couple of days. Information on how to be more conscious of our surroundings, how to live a healthier lifestyle, and ultimately preserve the future of this planet - not only for us but for future generations, has been streaming 24/7 on the world wide web, television, newspapers, periodicals-- everywhere!

Some things are out of our control. But if we CAN make a difference and help our future cause, we should take the initiative.

Web Producer, Kim Wendel, has a great story on our website about how environmental problems in the 60's in Cleveland may have "triggered" the Earth Day Movement.

Channel 3 News and wkyc.com is the best place to get Earth Day information as well as Go Green details.

We kicked off "Go Green" on Channel 3 News Today. We hope to share ideas and stories each day which our customers can use to make the transformation into a "Go Green" society and lifestyle.

Tune in every morning and be sure to visit the "Go Green" section on our website, wkyc.com, where you can find new tips and helpful information.

Stay with Channel 3 News and wkyc.com as we travel through this magnificent journey together to make this world a better place and "Go Green!"