WKYC’s Rita Andolsen Tapped For New Slot

Long-time news executive Rita Andolsen is moving from her job as news director at Gannett’s NBC affiliate WKYC Cleveland (DMA 18), into a new position there — director of advocacy and community initiatives — leading the station’s enhanced efforts in community outreach, creative local programming and successful special events.

“For 12 years, I’ve helped present the daily struggles and challenges of Northeast Ohio. Now I have a chance to take all I’ve learned and create projects and partnerships that can make things better for our communities. While local television has always had the power to shine a light on the issues, we now have multiple platforms to create support and exposure for worthy endeavors. We can be a catalyst for real change,” said Andolsen in a statement.

“WKYC’s vision, and that of all of Gannett’s 23 television stations, is to serve the greater good in our communities,” said President-GM Brooke Spectorsky. “With Rita’s outstanding stature in the greater Cleveland communities, I can think of no better leader to take on this vital role for Channel 3.

Andolsen will be responsible for designing and implementing advocacy projects and launching new community partnerships. She will take a lead position on major station campaigns, working closely with WKYC local programming, news, sales, the networks of NBC and the resources of Gannett, including USA Today.

She begins her new position in early summer.  The station said it will begin a search for her replacement shortly.