Former Channel 3 personality passes away

One of the most popular personalities here at Channel 3 passed away Tuesday morning.

Tom Haley succumbed after a bout with the flu which developed into pneumonia.

A pioneer in the broadcasting business starting his radio career in the early 40's, 88-year-old Haley appears to be most well-known for the time he co-anchored "Today in Cleveland" with another Channel 3 icon, Del Donahoo.

"Today in Cleveland" aired from 1981 to 1998. A wonderful way to wake up each morning in Cleveland--to fun, laughter, entertainment, humor, news of the day, weather, movie reviews, Tom's bad jokes, Martha's coffee, Tom & Del squabbling, Hank the Rooster, 'The Haley Shuffle,' and then Haley ringing the big bell to make sure everyone was awake!

It was a sad day when that show went off the air. We continued getting calls and emails for months and months! Tom and Del were kind enough to give me their cow step stool as a priceless memory. Their huge following consisted of a dedicated fan base who pledged their allegiance to not only to "Today in Cleveland" but to Channel 3.

I'm awfully lucky to have had the experience to work with both Tom and Del (still see Del in the office during the week).

Haley, at times, could appear quite intimidating. But, once you got to know him, he was a pussycat underneath his gruff exterior.

A true broadcasting legend, the likes of which they do not make anymore. They broke the mold!

Tom gave great advice, mostly by example exhibited in his many talents and versatility in this business (from writing, producing, on air, interviewing, voice overs, radio, television, hosting...).

Haley received the high honor of being inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle in 1991.

It's quite telling that Mr. Haley would pass on one of his favorite days of the year. A proud Irishman, he and Del would participate in the Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade every single year greeting their many fans with pride exuding from Tom's eyes for his heritage, his family, and at the time, his station.

Haley had 7 daughters, 9 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have not been released yet.

I felt like I was in an episode of 'The Golden Girls'

Second day back from Christmas vacation, and today is already miles apart from yesterday's shenanigans.

I saw my pal Del Donahoo. My day would not be complete without entering the newsroom and immediately being greeted by Del's comforting smile! He's an icon, a staple for this newsroom. I can only hope I am still as productive in life when I get to be Del's young age!!!

One of the 1st calls I answered was my friend Mike Rogers, PR genius behind Mike Rogers and Associates. He's great at his craft in the PR business...but also phenomenal and a legend in supplying the newsroom with decadent treats around the holidays and his big events. Today's fare: Cheesecake packed between a layer of crumbled cookie crust and rich chocolate icing topped with 6 Oreo cookies! I gained 5 pounds just looking at the amazing creation. The only thing needed with this cheesecake was Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia sitting around the kitchen table commiserating on their daily woes and solving all the problems of the world!!

Story ideas were easy to come by.....Dave Summers loved one of the first ones that rolled off my tongue!

And this NEVER happens, I mean NEVER happens. Out of the blue, I answered a call from a man looking for the news desk. Sounded quite routine and innocent at first. The man went on to say he wanted to apologize for calling yesterday and being extremely rude to the young lady who answered the phone. I about fell off of my chair! In fact, I am typing this from the floor! He said the holidays spur crazy times, especially when alcohol is involved and people get out of control saying and doing things they don't mean. He just wanted to apologize for his actions.

Can you believe that?? I can not. I don't think I have ever gotten a follow up apology call. A nice gesture even though I still believe his actions were uncalled for and absolutely deplorable! But, I'll take the apology as we wind down the old year, try starting up a new year fresh with a clean slate...letting bygones be bygones!

Honors week!

Photograph courtesy Director Frank Macek and wkyc.com


For the last couple of days, there have been various 'honors' bestowed upon Channel 3News or someone from WKYC!

WKYC received the regional Edward R. Murrow award for 'Overall Excellence!'

We were told we won the award back in the middle of April, however, recently received the actual award with fanfare and a presentation!

Ed Esposito, RTNDA chairman, presented the award to WKYC-TV Vice President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky and WKYC-TV News Director Rita Andolsen.

There were a number of stories which encompassed the entries presented including the SuccessTech shooting, Painesville train derailment, The Jessie Davis murder, our Home Made Series, Race for the Cure Specials, the Officer West Funeral, TSA Theft, Blvd of Broken Dreams, CSU death, and our 7pm Newscast the day after the Virginia Tech shootings.

The region we are included with consists of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. We beat out such cities as Chicago and Detroit!

Now we will compete for the national award with the winners of all the other regions.


Over the weekend, the Ohio Associated Press Broadcast awards were handed out in Columbus and the winners included:

First Place for Best Spot News Coverage in a large market for the WKYC Staff for 'SuccessTech Shooting.'

Second Place for Outstanding News Operation in a large market for WKYC Staff.

Second Place for Best Reporter in a large market for Tom Meyer.

Best Regularly Scheduled Weather for large market for Betsy Kling.

First Place for Extraordinary Coverage of a Scheduled Event in a large market for Dave Grendzynski for 'Indians/Red Sox Game 5.'





And last, but certainly NEVER least, our very own Del Donahoo was the man in the spotlight last week! A nice gathering of Del's family, friends, co-workers and living community gathered to not only pay Del tribute but learn about all of his current projects with MetroHealth Medical Center. Everyone mingled, got to know each other and shared great stories about Del as well as some of his co-workers!

Who knew Del was such a comedian??! He gave a wonderful speech about how he started in TV, where he came from, how he met Martha, some of the great interviews he landed, and his most famous story about his encounter with Fester the Lion!

Del is one of the most dedicated individuals I have ever met! His passion for life, family and friends, his career, and all of his viewers shines through. He continues pounding the pavement coming into the WKYC studios 3 or 4 times a week working on his MetroHealth Medical Center Senior Stories as well as his 'Best of' pieces.......

Del Donahoo is an inspiration, a Channel 3 Broadcasting Icon who never stops helping people. He is a true professional who makes his peers proud to know and work with him. Del brightens my day being the first person I see as I enter the newsroom! It's funny how his motto for MetroHealth appears to be 'his motto' for life! "Helping you live the life you love!"