After nearly four decades as a sports and news anchor at WKYC, Jim Donovan, affectionately known as Jimmy, will be retiring from 3News on June 10. However, fans of the Cleveland Browns can rest assured that Jimmy will still be a familiar voice in their ears as he continues to serve as the radio play-by-play announcer for the team.
“I haven’t called a Browns Super Bowl win yet, but I’ll continue to call the games this fall so there’s always hope,” said Jimmy in a statement.
A graduate of Boston University, Jimmy first joined WKYC in 1985 and has since become a beloved figure in the Cleveland sports media landscape. In addition to his local duties, Jimmy has also had national roles, including play-by-play for NBC Sports’ NFL coverage and coverage of the Olympics and World Cup Soccer.
Throughout his career, Jimmy has garnered numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and inductions into various broadcasting and journalism halls of fame. WKYC President and General Manager Micki Byrnes praised Jimmy’s illustrious career, stating, “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.”
As Jimmy prepares to embark on this new chapter in his life, he expressed gratitude for the support he has received from viewers, colleagues, and fans. Those who wish to send Jimmy a message of congratulations can email him at goodluckJimmy@wkyc.com.
While Jimmy may be stepping away from daily television work, his legacy and impact on the Cleveland sports media scene will undoubtedly endure for years to come.