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!!!!!

Wasted night for my crews

Now before anyone is offended or up in arms thinking I am giving my opinion one way or another on the political race or a specific candidate, don't worry, I am not.

I'd never do that as a broadcaster...and frankly, even if I was not in this business, I do not like sharing my deepest political, religious, or money views within general conversation!

However, as an organized assignment editor observing a situation....as someone who likes to be extremely efficient, what a debacle.

John McCain came into town Monday night.

His press logistics summary gave details on when media should arrive, when they would be checked out by the secret service, and when Senator McCain would arrive.

In this business for big events, there is what is called a "pre-set time." This means everyone has to be set up by a certain time and will not be allowed to enter after that time!



From the fanfare, and press release, it appeared that there was going to be a video and sound opportunity.


McCain arrived, waved, and went off to bed.


My reporter, crew, and truck operator wasted their entire shift out at Hopkins Airport for something that never happened!


We get press releases all the time saying "No statement will be made at this time."


Live and learn (and more cautious in the future when press releases are received in the future for certain political candidates).