Cleveland Media Academy Students Hear from WKYC News Professionals

Aspiring journalists learn about TV news careers from producers, anchors, and the news director.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Students in the Cleveland Media Academy visited the studios of local NBC affiliate WKYC to learn about breaking into broadcast news careers. They heard from a panel of WKYC professionals, including producer Mae Griffin, anchor and managing editor Russ Mitchell, anchor Danielle Wiggins, and news director Julie Flynn, who shared their own paths to success in the industry.

Why it matters

Providing aspiring young journalists the opportunity to learn directly from experienced news professionals gives them valuable insights and inspiration as they consider their own futures in the field of broadcast news.

The details

The WKYC panel discussed the diverse routes they each took to build their careers, from starting out answering phones to joining specialized programs like Producers in Residence. They emphasized the importance of curiosity and strong reporting skills for aspiring anchors. The students also heard anecdotes about the panelists' most impactful stories, including Wiggins' coverage of a child with cerebral palsy joining a basketball team.

  • The visit to the WKYC studios took place on January 31, 2026.

The players

Mae Griffin

A producer at WKYC.

Russ Mitchell

An anchor and the managing editor at WKYC.

Danielle Wiggins

An anchor at WKYC.

Julie Flynn

The news director at WKYC.

Cleveland Media Academy

A high school program that provides students with hands-on experience and training in media and journalism.

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What they’re saying

“The best anchors had been the best reporters.”

— Russ Mitchell, Anchor and Managing Editor (cleveland.com)

“Society is 'lacking in curiosity,' and how having it can bring out the best in young journalists.”

— Russ Mitchell and Danielle Wiggins, Anchor and Anchor (cleveland.com)

The takeaway

The visit to WKYC provided valuable real-world insights for the aspiring journalists in the Cleveland Media Academy, highlighting the diverse paths to success in the broadcast news industry and the importance of qualities like curiosity, strong reporting skills, and a passion for impactful storytelling.