WKYC Anchor Russ Mitchell Shares Journalism Lessons with Cleveland Media Academy Students

Mitchell's career journey highlights the importance of patience, hard work, and respect in building a successful journalism career.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:39pm

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During a visit to WKYC, students at the Cleveland Media Academy had the opportunity to hear from Russ Mitchell, an anchor and managing editor. Mitchell shared his own career journey, emphasizing that success in journalism does not happen quickly and that every role in a newsroom is important, no matter how small it may seem at first. He also stressed the importance of reporting skills, kindness, and dedication as keys to building a successful journalism career.

Why it matters

The lessons Mitchell shared with the Cleveland Media Academy students provide valuable insights into the realities of working in the journalism industry. By highlighting the importance of patience, hard work, and respect, Mitchell's advice can help inspire and guide the next generation of journalists as they navigate their own career paths.

The details

Mitchell began his career answering phones at a TV station, which allowed him to be around the newsroom and learn how everything worked. Over the years, he worked many different jobs and slowly moved up in the industry, demonstrating that hard work, patience, and dedication are essential to building a successful journalism career. He also emphasized that reporting is the foundation of everything in news, and that learning the basics and gaining real experience matter more than rushing to reach the top. Additionally, Mitchell stressed the importance of being kind to everyone you work with, as journalism is a small industry and you may work with the same people again later in your career.

  • Mitchell visited the Cleveland Media Academy in February 2026.

The players

Russ Mitchell

An anchor and managing editor at WKYC, Mitchell shared his career journey and lessons learned with students at the Cleveland Media Academy.

Cleveland Media Academy

A journalism education program in Cleveland, Ohio, where Mitchell visited to share his experiences and advice with students.

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What they’re saying

“Listening to his journey helped students understand that success in journalism does not happen quickly, and that every role in a newsroom is important, no matter how small it may seem at first.”

— Rebecca Ishimwe, Author (cleveland.com)

The takeaway

Mitchell's visit to the Cleveland Media Academy provided valuable insights for aspiring journalists, emphasizing the importance of patience, hard work, reporting skills, and treating others with respect as keys to building a successful career in the journalism industry.