No one predicted this—CBS Evening News weekend anchor Russ Mitchell will replace Ramona Robinson over at Cleveland’s own WKYC. Mitchell also anchors CBS’ The Early Show on Saturdays and is a correspondent for CBS NEWS Sunday Morning program.
The announcement has media watchers wondering why Mitchell is ditching CBS after almost 20 years. The announcement has the same media watchers wondering how WKYC has a pile of cash big enough to lure someone of Mitchell's ilk to C-town. He will anchor the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts and serve as managing editor.
According to Mediabistro, CBS News president David Rhodes said in an internal memo today, that Mitchell has decided to “take the weekends off.” He will leave the network the first of the year.
Meanwhile, Mitchell tells WKYC he is looking forward to coming to Cleveland:
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my years at CBS and the challenges and excitement of a network role," stated Mr. Mitchell, "but I've been offered a unique opportunity to help create the next generation of local news in a great place and have a key role in trying to make a difference in a wonderful community."
And:
"I'm a Midwestern guy. I'm used to hard work, I get the weather, and I can't wait to settle my family in a community where local news can still make a difference," said Mr. Mitchell. "Channel 3 has the courage and conviction to do the kind of news that goes beyond reporting 'what is' to foster a vision of 'what could be.' And I find that truly exciting."
