WKYC sports anchor Jim Donovan retiring from 3News

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Longtime WKYC sports anchor Jim Donovan announced his retirement from television news. The 67-year-old Donovan’s final broadcast on the local NBC affiliate will be on June 10.

“It’s been an amazing run, and I am so thankful for the support from our viewers, Browns fans, my colleagues and all who have been a part of the journey. I’m looking forward to spending more time with Cheryl and my daughter Meghan,” he said in a statement.

A native of Boston, Donovan arrived at 3News in 1985 as the weekend sports anchor. In 1999, he became the radio voice of the Cleveland Browns when the team returned following a three-year hiatus. Donovan will continue in that role this upcoming season.

“I haven’t called a Browns Super Bowl win yet,” he added. “But I’ll continue to call the games this fall so there’s always hope.”

Donovan was diagnosed with leukemia in 2000 and underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2011. He announced in May of 2023 that his leukemia had relapsed and that he was again undergoing treatment. In September of 2023, he announced he was taking a medical leave from WKYC and Browns radio broadcasts.

Donovan returned to both in November, although he did miss a few more games that season. In February of 2024, he celebrated his last radiation treatment.

In addition to reporting on sports on the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts, Donovan has anchored the station’s 7 p.m. newscast, “Front Row,” since 2012. He has won multiple regional Emmy awards and is a Hall of Fame member of both the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters and The Press Club of Cleveland.

“Jimmy has had one of the most illustrious careers of any local broadcaster across the country,” said WKYC President & GM Micki Byrnes. “It’s hard to believe he’s really stepping down, but we can all agree he’s accomplished just about every milestone that a sports and news anchor would wish for.”

Byrnes said the station will respect his wishes for a quiet exit, but “we may have a bit of fun on his last day, he certainly deserves and has earned the accolades,” she said.

The station has set up an email address at goodluckjimmy@wkyc.com for viewers to send their well wishes.