67-year-old WKYC sports anchor Jim Donovan has announced his retirement from his role at the local NBC affiliate on June 10. After a long and successful career in television news, Donovan expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from viewers, Browns fans, colleagues, and everyone who has been a part of his journey. He is excited to spend more time with his wife Cheryl and daughter Meghan after retiring.
Originally from Boston, Donovan joined 3News in 1985 as the weekend sports anchor. In 1999, he became the radio voice of the Cleveland Browns when the team returned to the city. Despite not yet calling a Super Bowl win for the Browns, he remains hopeful for the future. However, in May of 2023, Donovan announced that his leukemia had relapsed and he was undergoing treatment. After taking a medical leave in 2023, he returned to WKYC and Browns radio broadcasts later that year.
In addition to his sports reporting, Donovan has anchored the 7 p.m. newscast, “Front Row,” since 2012. He has received multiple regional Emmy awards and has been inducted into the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters and The Press Club of Cleveland Hall of Fame. WKYC President & GM Micki Byrnes praised Donovan for his illustrious career and all of his accomplishments in the industry. While Donovan wishes for a quiet exit, the station plans to celebrate his last day on air and show appreciation for his dedication through an email address set up by the station at goodluckjimmy@wkyc
