Looks like Cleveland CBS affiliate WOIO will have to make good on the offer to rename its sports studio after LeBron James: the NBA star announced today that will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers next season after four years with the Miami Heat.
WOIO reported the news at 12:25 p.m., just after James’ announcement was posted to SI.com. “Like the rest of, I guess greater Cleveland or maybe even the country, the newsroom is abuzz right now,” Paul Orlousky said. The station remained in coverage through the 1 p.m. hour.
ABC affiliate WEWS reported the news at 12:26 p.m., with Leon Bibb reading James’ essay on the air. “I’m reporting this as I’m learning it. I am learning it right along with you. ‘I’m coming home,’ says LeBron James,” Bibb said. The station remained on the air until 1:30 p.m. and is planning expanded evening newscasts tonight.
WJW also reported the news at 12:26 p.m. “He had the option of staying with the old guard in Miami or coming to the new team, the new young superstar team here in Cleveland,” Gabe Spiegel said. The Fox affiliate stayed with the news until 1 p.m.
“This is now the victory that the Cavaliers have been looking for … this is a great situation for the Cleveland Cavaliers,” John Anderson said on NBC affiliate WKYC shortly after he reported the news at 12:26 p.m. WKYC also remained on the air through the 1 p.m. hour.