WKYC’s long-time Sports and News Anchor Jim Donovan will be retiring on June 10th after 39 years at the NBC affiliate.
“Jimmy has had one of the most illustrious careers of any local broadcaster across the country,” stated WKYC President & GM Micki Byrnes. “It’s hard to believe he’s really stepping down, but we can all agree he’s accomplished just about every milestone that a Sports and News anchor would wish for.”
“I haven’t called a Browns Super Bowl win yet”, added Jimmy, “but I’ll continue to call the games this fall so there’s always hope.”
And yes, while Donovan is stepping away from daily television, he will continue to work with the Cleveland Browns as the radio play-by-play announcer, a position he has held since the Browns returned to town in 1999.
Jimmy has won numerous awards during his tenure including multiple Emmys, the Cleveland Press Club All-Ohio Best Sportscaster, the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Press Club Journalism Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Sports Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, and many others.
While based at WKYC, Donovan has also had multiple national roles including play-by-play for NBC Sports' NFL coverage from 1987 to 1997, swimming and soccer play-by-play in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics, and World Cup Soccer in 1994.
After WKYC acquired the local, over-the-air television rights to the Cleveland Indians, Donovan served as play-by-play announcer from 2006–2008. And then in 2012, Donovan expanded his duties at WKYC as he became the anchor of 3News’ Front Row 7pm newscast, while continuing his role as sports anchor.
“It’s been an amazing run, and I am so thankful for the support from our viewers, Browns fans, my colleagues and all who have been a part of the journey. I’m looking forward to spending more time with Cheryl and my daughter Meghan,” stated Donovan.
“Jimmy really wants to exit quietly, and we’ll respect his wishes,” said Byrnes. “We may have a bit of fun on his last day, he certainly deserves and has earned the accolades. But we know folks would like to congratulate him on such an incredible career, so we’ve created an email address where you can send your thoughts. It’s goodluckjimmy@wkyc.com.
And with a bit of that luck, we might get a chance for Jimmy to call that Super Bowl win. And, return to WKYC for a few specials here and there. We wish him all the best!
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