The Unfiltered Truth: 19 Shocking Facts, Top Anchors, And Controversies Rocking Cleveland 19 News (WOIO) In 2025

Cleveland 19 News (WOIO), the CBS affiliate serving the Northeast Ohio region, is currently undergoing one of its most significant periods of change and scrutiny, both on-air and behind the scenes, as of December 15, 2025. The station remains a critical source for local breaking news, the 19 First Alert Weather team's forecasts, and in-depth investigative journalism, yet it has also been thrust into the spotlight due to high-profile controversies and major corporate shifts that are redefining its future in the Cleveland media landscape.

The station, owned by media giant Gray Television, is known for its aggressive coverage model, including its dedicated 19 News Investigates unit, which has recently focused on pressing local issues like the "Cleveland crime states" and the challenges facing the Cleveland Police Department.

The Power Players: A Complete Profile of Cleveland 19 News Anchors and Journalists

To maintain topical authority, understanding the key faces and names driving the news at WOIO is essential. The station’s newsroom features a blend of veteran Cleveland journalists and rising talent, all contributing to the station’s 24/7 news cycle and exclusive programming.

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• Tiffany Burns: A highly-regarded anchor, Tiffany Burns is one of the station's leading female news personalities, often recognized for her work anchoring key evening and late-night broadcasts.
• Boomer: Serving as an Anchor and Senior Reporter, Boomer is a well-known figure, contributing to both the daily news coverage and deeper reporting projects.
• Jamie Sullivan: Known for her dual role as a prominent Anchor and Traffic Reporter, Jamie Sullivan is crucial in delivering real-time updates on Northeast Ohio's busy roadways during morning and afternoon drive times.
• Isabel Lawrence: A key morning journalist, Isabel Lawrence helps lead the station’s early news programming, including the popular 19 News XTRA segment.
• Jen Picciano: A dedicated reporter who frequently covers local events, community interest stories, and culinary features, connecting the station directly to the diverse Cleveland community.
• Vic Gideon: A News Reporter on the ground, Vic Gideon is part of the team responsible for gathering breaking news and developing daily content.
• Steven Hernandez: A reporter who often focuses on human-interest stories and community impact, demonstrating the station's commitment to local issues beyond politics and crime.
• Brian Sinclair: The News Director at WOIO, Brian Sinclair plays a vital role in setting the editorial direction and managing the station's news operations.
• Ian Rubin: Recently named News Director for both WOIO Channel 19 and its sister station, WUAB Channel 43, indicating a new era of unified news leadership under Gray Television.
• Jim Stunek: As the Director of Technology, Jim Stunek oversees the technical infrastructure that supports the station’s live broadcasts, digital platforms, and weather systems.
• Kelly Kennedy: A reporter whose work has recently drawn significant public attention and controversy, which is discussed in detail below.

The Controversies and High-Impact Investigations Defining 19 News

Cleveland 19 News has established a reputation for hard-hitting investigative journalism and coverage of sensitive local issues. This focus, while often leading to positive change, has occasionally placed the station and its staff at the center of public debate.

The Kelly Kennedy Picket and Media Scrutiny

One of the most talked-about recent developments involves reporter Kelly Kennedy. Community activists and local groups have recently called for a boycott and organized picketing against Cleveland 19 News and Kennedy, alleging issues of racism and sexism in the mainstream media’s coverage of Black individuals and Black women in Cleveland.

This public outcry has led to intense scrutiny of the station’s editorial choices and coverage methods. The protests highlight the ongoing tension between local media outlets and community leaders regarding representation and the framing of news stories, particularly those involving sensitive social justice and crime issues.

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Exclusive Investigations: Crime and Public Safety

In contrast to the controversy, the station’s investigative unit continues to produce significant reports that hold local government and institutions accountable. The “19 News Investigates” team has recently focused on the stark realities of crime in the region, including a special report on “Cleveland crime states 2024.”

Another major segment, titled “TAKE BACK OUR STREETS,” provided an in-depth look at the problems faced by the Cleveland Police Department and proposed potential solutions to enhance public safety. These investigative pieces are central to WOIO’s brand, aiming to prompt civic discussion and legislative action on some of Northeast Ohio’s most critical challenges.

The Gray Television Era: Strategic Shifts and Future Plans for WOIO

Cleveland 19 News is owned by Gray Television, one of the largest television broadcasting companies in the United States. This ownership brings significant resources and strategic direction, leading to major changes that will shape the station’s operations for years to come.

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The Move to Independence and New Facilities

A major physical change for WOIO is the planned relocation of its offices and studios. Gray Television has committed to moving the 19 News team from its longtime downtown Cleveland location to a new suburban site in Independence, Ohio.

This move is expected to enhance the team's mobility and provide state-of-the-art facilities, reflecting a broader trend of media companies investing in modern, flexible newsgathering hubs outside of traditional city centers. The new headquarters will support the station’s commitment to 24/7 news and digital content delivery.

Expanding Reach with Telemundo and WUAB Channel 43

Gray Television is also leveraging its ownership to expand its market reach. WOIO is a CBS affiliate, but its sister station, WUAB Channel 43, is also a critical part of the operation.

WOIO-TV 19 News is preparing to launch the Cleveland market's first local Telemundo Network affiliate on its sister station WTCL (Channel 6.1). This strategic move addresses the growing need for Spanish-language local news and significantly broadens Gray Television’s influence and service to a more diverse Northeast Ohio audience.

Key Programming and Digital Presence

WOIO’s programming lineup is structured to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the day, supported by a robust digital strategy.

• 19 News This Morning: The station's morning broadcast, which features a strong focus on local traffic, national headlines, and the crucial 19 First Alert Weather forecast.
• 19 First Alert Weather: Recognized for its accuracy and dedicated team, this segment is a major component of the station’s identity, providing essential severe weather and daily forecast information for Northeast Ohio.
• Digital Dominance: The WOIO Cleveland 19 News app and website are continually updated, offering live streaming of breaking news and on-demand access to exclusive investigations and original programming, ensuring the news is accessible across all platforms.

The Enduring Role of Cleveland 19 News in Northeast Ohio

Despite the internal changes, controversies, and the competitive nature of the Cleveland media market, Cleveland 19 News remains a deeply entrenched and influential news source. Its commitment to local issues—from covering the Greater Cleveland Food Bank's summer feeding program to the Cleveland Mayor's school mergers plan and the new Police Headquarters project—underscores its vital role as a community watchdog and information provider.

The station’s blend of experienced leadership, including News Directors Brian Sinclair and Ian Rubin, and on-air talent like Tiffany Burns and Jamie Sullivan, positions it to navigate the challenges of the modern news environment. As the station completes its move to Independence and continues to expand its reach with new affiliates like Telemundo, Cleveland 19 News is poised to solidify its role as a powerful voice in Northeast Ohio for years to come, continuing to deliver the local news, weather, and investigative reports that matter most to its viewers.