CLEVELAND — Russ Mitchell arrived in Cleveland back in 2012. Cleveland was a city Russ selected for many reasons, but most notably because of similarities to St. Louis, where he grew up.
So what is it like to work alongside this well-known and highly regarded journalist? We asked a few people who ought to know.
Russ: The Mentor
"He actually taught me to speak out. That it's okay to say, 'hey, can we talk about this? Can we re-work this? This doesn't make sense?'" - Laura Caso
"He is so experienced and so patient!" - Betsy Kling
"Whatever the situation was I felt like I could go to him with a question, ask how to handle something, how to begin an interview. He always had a really thoughtful answer." - Sara Shookman
"He just has an incredible energy around mentoring. He never makes you feel like there is a dumb question in the world, you can run anything by him. And he has literally been through it all." - Sara Shookman
"In the newsroom, he is just super well-respected. And he's a force. He's Russ!!!" - Laura Caso
The Mitchell Effect
"He has incredible humility, he is absent of ego. And in that particular position - a lot of times when people get in that chair, they get a certain sense of strength and power. And Russ carries the strength and power but in a very humble way." - Jim Donovan
"I have to be honest, a big reason I was so excited to come here was for Russ Mitchell. And I think a lot of people say that. But that's my truth - and I think he kind of knows that too. I kind of fangirl over him!"- Laura Caso
"I've learned a lot from watching his leadership style because he is rarely the loudest person in the room, in fact he rarely speaks up in those kinds of situations. But when he does, everyone is listening. I feel like he knows when those moments are that we need his guidance, but he's never one to step on anyone's toes or insert himself in situations unless he's asked to. And I think there's a lot to say about that quiet leadership, and what that has always done." - Sara Shookman
Russ: Off Air
"He's such a movie buff. Like 'The Godfather,' if you are ever out and about with Russ and you throw out a 'Godfather' line, he will throw back whatever that other line is. He just knows the movies, he loves them. He is a Star Wars nerd, which I find very hilarious." - Betsy Kling
"What you see on the air, that's Russ! Even when this guy is in a sweatshirt, and jeans or ballcap, this guy looks presidential! He is never sloppy. That's just not his style." Sara Shookman
"I know he loves a nice car. That's Russ and I don't blame him. He loves McDonald's. He is going to kill me for saying that. He doesn't LOVE McDonald's but he gets a certain cheeseburger." - Laura Caso
Congratulations on 10 years at WKYC Studios!
"Time certainly does fly when you are having fun -- and I think that we are still having fun! Congratulations and many more to come! And as I said to you every year, and as I say at the start of every Browns season, I look forward to covering a Super Bowl parade with you!" - Jim Donovan
"Thank you for the mentorship that you have provided me Russ, for what I have seen in the community and the newsroom." - Sara Shookman
"I am so lucky - beyond my wildest dreams - to sit next to you, to learn from you, and to see how incredible you are! And I always say-- you stole my line - Mama Mia! But Mama Mia -- when I think about this world and working next to you every day! I adore you -- you are incredible - congrats!! " - Laura Caso
"I'm going to get emotional. You make me emotional Russ Mitchell! I am truly honored to get to sit next to you and learn from you! " - Betsy Kling
"Yeah. I remember the day you walked into that newsroom, there were a lot of star struck people and confused people wanting to know why Russ Mitchell, a big-time network anchor would leave New York City and come to Cleveland, Ohio. Well, I knew you're a Midwestern guy and you were looking for home and that's exactly what you did here. You made it your home. So brother, congratulations on a decade here in Cleveland. I look forward to getting back to work and starting your next decade with you. And just remember, I got some years on you. So next year is my 25. You can start planning now. Love you Russ! Happy anniversary!" - Monica Robins
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