Position: Anchor
Covers: Consumer news
Email: michael.brookbank@wews.com
Education: The University of North Dakota
Previous Work Experience: Detroit Free Press, Fox 21 Colorado Springs, CO, Fox 28 South Bend, IN, WCIA Champaign, IL, KTTC Rochester, MN
Joined News 5: June 2012
Most Memorable Stories: In my 20 years in local news I’ve been so very lucky to meet so many inspiring people who teach me something new every single day. It is truly impossible to have just one or a handful of memorable stories.
Awards/Honors: Emmy nominated for both reporting and anchoring
News Philosophy: Everybody has a story. In order to hear it, though, you need to be patient and listen. I strive each and every day to give a voice to those who may not have one - and those who cannot find someone to hear them out.
Role Model: My parents. Everything I needed to know about how to dream big, work hard and be a better person I learned from them.
Favorite Sports Teams: From the second I got to Cleveland I learned about this city’s loyalty. So of course, you better bet I’m behind our Browns, Cavs, Guardians and Monsters hockey
Favorite Music: You will hear me listening to everything from classic rock to pop to dance music and R&B
Favorite Movie: "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off" and "A Christmas Story"
Favorite Program: "Friends"
Favorite Book: I will admit I do not read as many as I should
Favorite Food: My standby favorites are ice cream, pizza, dim sum
Family: I am married and have a daughter and son.
Pet: We have three dogs (rescues) Bocelli, Giovanni and Murphy
Hobbies & Interests: In the warmer months you will find me working in my yard getting dirt under my fingernails. I’ve run two marathons and try to get out for a few miles through our gorgeous Cleveland Metroparks.
You're most likely to see me around town at: West Side Market, University Circle, ice cream shops, Costco, the zoo, Great Lakes Science Center
Hidden Talent: I’m pretty basic (haha)
Something most people don't know about me: I got started in television news behind the camera. I was a photographer for a few months before I made the transition to reporting.
What I like best about Northeast Ohio: All of us who call this place home. We know there is something special here and we will defend it 24/7/365. The change of seasons is beautiful, the arts and culture, the good grub, craft brews, the Christmas Story House, the architecture, access to nature/parks.
On the weekends I love to: Spend time with my family and explore all the new nooks and crannies of Cleveland we’ve yet to discover.
