WKYC Studios, Tenga’s NBC affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio, has appointed Julie Flynn as its new news director. Flynn, previously serving as assistant news director since 2023, officially assumes her new role on August 4, 2025.

“Julie Flynn is a dynamic newsroom leader who represents the very best of Cleveland. This city is in her DNA,” said John Trevino, president and general manager of WKYC, in a statement. “Her deep local roots, editorial instincts, and forward-thinking approach to content make her the ideal choice to lead WKYC’s news team. Julie has the trust of our journalists, a strong vision for the future, and a passion for serving Northeast Ohio across every platform.”

Flynn succeeds Jeff Hoffman, who joined the station on May 19, 2025, and departed abruptly on June 18, 2025. The reasons for Hoffman’s departure remain undisclosed.

Flynn’s promotion represents an internal appointment, highlighting the station’s commitment to fostering talent within its ranks. This also signifies another step toward increased female leadership in newsrooms.

Before her role as assistant news director, Flynn served as the station’s director of innovation, overseeing the launch of the WKYC+ streaming app. She also worked at sister station WZZM in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 2018 to 2022. Her career spans over 15 years in Cleveland, including a stint as WKYC’s executive producer from 2013 to 2017, where she was responsible for the 11 p.m. newscast and “Donovan Live.” She began her career as an assignment desk intern at WEWS.

Flynn is a multiple Emmy award winner, including recognition for outstanding evening newscast in 2025 and 2015, and has received numerous Cleveland Press Club Awards. She is also a recipient of the Scripps Howard Lighthouse Award and a regional Murrow Award.

“I’m thrilled to take on this expanded role at WKYC, a station where I’ve had the privilege of growing my career,” said Flynn. “Cleveland is my hometown, and I’m committed to delivering the stories that matter most to our community.”

Flynn is a graduate of Fordham University with a degree in communications and English.