Denise Zarrella Returns to the Camera for Cleveland 13 News with “The Click Report”

CLEVELAND (WCTU) – After stepping away from television news, longtime Cleveland journalist Denise Zarrella is back on camera, this time with Cleveland 13 News’ newest weekly segment, The Click Report. Zarrella, who became a household name through her nearly two-decade tenure at WOIO-TV (19 News), will now deliver weekly recaps of the city’s most-clicked stories, combining her rich experience with a fresh, digital approach to news.

While many remember Zarrella’s face from her years of covering everything from breaking news to Cleveland Browns fanfare, she has never really left the news business. Following her departure from 19 News, Denise has continued to report the news, albeit in a different format. As a voice on WOBL and WDLW radio stations in Oberlin, she’s kept her finger on the pulse of Northeast Ohio, bringing stories to life vocally instead of in front of the camera. These radio stations are also affiliate contributors to Cleveland 13 News, reflecting a shared commitment to local journalism. The stations’ owner, Gary Tollet, like Denise, sits on Cleveland 13’s Advisory Board, further cementing the network's ties to the community​.

A Return to Familiar Faces and a New Format

In a media landscape where many Clevelanders still miss the familiar faces of past local news reporters, Zarrella’s return comes at a critical moment. Viewers continue to see names like Kenny Crumpton and Wayne Dawson on FOX 8, Tiffani Tucker and Brian Duffy on 19 News, and Leon Bibb, Danita Harris, and Russ Mitchell on WKYC. But as local TV news evolves toward digital platforms, Cleveland 13 News was founded to fill the gap, offering Clevelanders a modern, engaging, and accessible way to consume news.

“I absolutely love the platform and mission behind Cleveland 13 News,” Zarrella shared. The new weekly Click Report highlights the top stories from across Northeast Ohio and can be accessed through Cleveland 13’s Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter (X) pages. The segment will also have its own dedicated page on Cleveland13News.com for those who prefer to catch up on the week’s news directly from the website.

Cleveland 13 News: The Future of Local Journalism

Founded during a time of rapid change in how news is consumed, Cleveland 13 News is reshaping the local media landscape. Recognizing that today’s audience craves fast, accessible, and interactive news, the platform launched with a mission to provide Clevelanders with exactly that. It was the first Northeast Ohio news network to be verified on all major social networks, and a recent report ranked Cleveland 13 as the top local news website in terms of speed, accessibility, and SEO performance.

Cleveland 13’s innovative approach to journalism has been met with positive feedback from the community, with viewers praising its captivating video series like Cleve-It To Us and Hit the Town w/ Nikkie Brown. The network’s commitment to transparency and responsiveness has set it apart, making it a trusted source of local news.

The Advisory Board, of which Zarrella is a key member, includes not just journalists, but also leaders from education, business, and the nonprofit sector. This diverse representation ensures that Cleveland 13 remains deeply connected to the community, with input from all corners of Northeast Ohio.

Zarrella’s involvement from the beginning, offering feedback and ideas as Cleveland 13 took shape, further exemplifies her dedication to local storytelling. “You have no idea how happy this has made me,” she said, reflecting on her return to the camera for The Click Report. “This is something so fun—so positive. I feel like I’m back in the saddle again without having to go into the studio.”

A Family Legacy in Cleveland Journalism

Denise’s journalism roots are part of a family tradition. Her husband, Tony Zarrella, served as the Sports Director at 19 News from 2006 to 2021, and like Denise, Tony is also an Emmy Award-winning reporter. While Tony continues to cover sports in various ways, Denise has taken on new roles that allow her to remain close to the stories and the city she loves.

A Needed Platform for Northeast Ohio

With the addition of The Click Report, Cleveland 13 continues to build on its mission to make local news more engaging and accessible to all. The platform’s success has been driven by its modern approach, rooted in community engagement and feedback. Viewers love the behind-the-scenes moments shared on social media, as well as the direct connection they have to the news that impacts their lives.

For Denise Zarrella, the move from radio back to video (now in a digital format) feels like a natural next step. With The Click Report launching on all major social platforms, Zarrella is bringing Clevelanders the news in a way that’s never been easier to access.