Breaking stories, Exclusives

Today is a 'good' day at the office.

The kind of day news people strive for on a daily basis.

I have to admit, my day started off rocky. In the great scheme of life's daily tragedies, my inconvenience is nothing compared to those dying in Iraq, fathers and mothers who can not feed their children and so many other hardships plaguing the world.

However, in my world, it was a pain in the butt arriving for work, early, and being banished to park outdoors in the snow. This is a daily occurrence for my shift. We always get shut out. It sucks (I know, that phrase sounds so adult) and puts a bad taste to the start of my day... but that's life! I deal with it, because I'm overjoyed to still have a job!

It goes to show you, live for every second....battle every moment.....and eventually you will overcome anything--from the smallest of inconveniences to life-threatening illnesses and situations. Don't give up hope, ever!!!! And do not let those little 'pieces of popcorn stuck in your teeth' get you down for very long!!!!!!


After my initial minor set back, the day got rolling at full speed ahead. THE best Sportscaster I have ever worked with broke the Cleveland Browns new coach story way ahead of the competition nationwide! Jim Donovan's expertise and knowledge of his craft surpasses most. Eric Mangini has become the Cleveland Browns Head Coach. Jim Donovan blows me away day in and day out by his smarts, the stories he regularly breaks, his passion, his quick wit, his wealth of knowledge, his memory bank, the excellent packages he crafts, and then the way he presents it all on the Sports Anchor Desk.

Donovan works harder than anyone in this building. I can say that 100 percent sure. Jim starts his day early at Browns Camp or covering the Indians or Cavs and works through the 11pm News. In the midst of his long day, he also tapes numerous shows, segments and one-on-one interviews which air not only on wkyc but on SportsTime Ohio. He does work on the web and radio call in shows. And, he anchors other live broadcasts including 'The Point After.' I do not know how he does it. He is one of Channel 3's top assets, and I sure hope everyone knows what a gem we have in Jim Donovan and his commitment to Channel 3, SportsTime Ohio, The Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Indians and all of his projects!


If that was not enough news, Senior Political Correspondent Tom Beres scored a HUGE get with his EXCLUSIVE ONE-ON-ONE interview with the head of PNC Bank, James Rohr (PNC Chairman). Mr. Rohr, in town to speak with National City Bank workers and community leaders, took time out of his busy day to sit down with Beres and share his thoughts on the NCB/PNC situation as well as his fond memories of his early ties to the Cleveland area.

Tom Beres is yet another valuable asset to the Channel 3 Family with his experience, contacts, dedication to putting together the best story he can produce for our customers, and mastery of the political arena in Northeast Ohio. Tom always juggles multiple stories on a daily basis for every show and the web. It is not uncommon for the assignment editor and the producer to get a 'love call' from Mr. Beres on a regular basis. When he gets calls at home from his contacts, he immediately calls them in so we can break the news first. He, too, has passion for his craft and tries to get a new political nugget in each live show.

You can also catch Tom Beres on his 'Between the Lines' Segment each Sunday morning during our morning show which runs from 9am until 1030am.


It was a good news day! We hope you enjoyed the show and keep coming back to Channel 3 News and wkyc.com!!!!!

Shaping up to be 'newsworthy' week

This is the kind of week where you know you will have stories galore. The cupboard is definitely NOT bare!

The challenge is making our story look different from the competition. Our seasoned reporters always come through with their innovative, interesting presentations.

I'm not giving away any trade secrets. No brainer stories we SHOULD be following this week include progress reports & fallout from the economy bail out....the Presidential debate.....visits from Obama & Biden and then McCain & Palin....the Kafaru trial jury deliberations.....and the innerbelt bridge lane reductions and controlled testing. I can not believe it has already been a year, but the Successtech school shooting anniversary is Friday.

Our Sports Department has a busy week ahead as well with Mark Shapiro speaking to the media....the Cavs 1st home preseason game....high school Friday Night Fever continuing.....and then our lovable Browns preparing to conquer the rest of their season (don't forget the baseball Playoffs in full swing).

In order to make it all work, we just have to possess impeccable communication skills, plan each move to a tee, be ready for the UN-expected , and unlock my magical creativity bin when something falls through! Today, for instance, I 'thought' I had an extra crew available. Not so. Though the schedule read one thing, reality posed something else (never trust a schedule)!!! You just drop back ten and punt (and cross your fingers). Creativity and the ability to roll with the punches makes the world go round!!!!!

Here's to one heck of a week ahead!!!!!

Beijing 2008

They are finally upon us!



Sit back, relax, and enjoy the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics XXIX!



Expectations soar high for a colorful, imaginative, and unforgettable opening ceremony for the kickoff of the Beijing Olympics.



Channel 3 News will be carrying the Opening Ceremonies, as presented by NBC, beginning at 730pm.



Throughout the 16 days, we will have a full schedule of Olympic events.



Be sure to check out wkyc.com, nbc.com, as well as the official website of the Olympics for the daily schedule of events.

Go Team USA!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Dawg Pound

Though just the beginning of August and baseball season still in full swing, tonight ushers in the Browns first Pre-Season game. No other team has anything that even comes close to The Dawg Pound.

Trust me, I know. I sit there each week, first row, in the midst of all the craziness & experience the phenomenon.

Cleveland, bar none, has the best fans in the world for ANY sport --football, baseball, basketball, and even hockey...and how we love our Ohio State Buckeyes and high school sports!

Hanford Dixon (along with Frank Minnifield) pride themselves in 'coining' the idea and the phrase 'Dawg Pound.'

Geographically, it depicts the fans in either end zone. The main Dawg Pound is as you enter the National City Gate on the east end.

However, the 'concept' of Dawg Pound encompasses the spirit of the dedicated fan who stays until the last second in a blizzard with subzero temperatures, who will wear anything, paint any body part, tailgate in the Muny lot from 6am 'til game time grilling dogs/burgers/ribs and then go back after the game, and bark like a dawg until their voice is raw and hoarse!

Everyone world-wide knows the Dawg Pound and their fearless leader, Big Dawg. John Thompson sits in the first row in the center of the Dawg Pound wearing his dog mask, jersey #98, signing autographs and taking pictures with his adoring fans. Every out-of-town media representative on the field snaps at least one shot of Big Dawg!

The players know who to turn to when they need to get the fans back into the game. They come over to the Dawg Pound and light the spark that ignites the entire stadium.

Dawg Pounders love when the Browns have the ball coming toward the Dawg Pound area...in hopes that the beloved Brownies will score and jump into the front row! Though not a huge fan of his, that happened to us the game Jeff Garcia ran into the end zone, scored a touch down and jumped right into our arms!!

There is no other place to be on a Sunday during Football Season than surrounded by hundreds of other Dawg Pound comrades cheering on the football team with the greatest heart, soul, and spirit!

You should try the Dawg Pound experience once in your lifetime and then you, too, will see why the Cleveland Browns' Dawg Pound is this week's Hidden Gem!

A small 'souvenir' from Cleveland Municipal Stadium --our Dawg Pound seat! Memories!!!!!