Denise Zarrella

Meet Denise Zarrella, a dynamic force shaping the narrative as a member of the Advisory Board of Cleveland 13 News. An Emmy Award-winning reporter and producer, Denise brings her distinctive touch to the heart of Cleveland's media landscape.

Originally making her mark as an associate producer at CNN and earning acclaim as an Emmy Award-winning reporter for TBS's "Interact America," Denise pivoted her focus to the local news scene. Her journey began as the weekend anchor and weekday reporter for WBBJ-TV in Jackson, Tenn., followed by parallel roles at WCIA-TV in Champaign, Ill. Before gracing Cleveland with her presence, Denise showcased her reporting prowess as a reporter and weekend morning anchor for WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

A proud alumna of Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., Denise majored in Political Science and English, laying the foundation for her insightful and engaging storytelling. Despite her past in Pennsylvania, Denise has seamlessly embraced the spirit of Cleveland, proudly calling Ohio her home. Residing on the west side with her husband Tony, daughter Gianna, and son Anthony, Denise has woven herself into the fabric of the community.

Beyond the newsroom, Denise is not only a seasoned traveler, a cinephile with a penchant for the latest movies, and a dedicated friend but also a passionate real estate agent.

Denise's dedication to authentic storytelling extends beyond her journalistic endeavors; she is also a published author, having written the children's book "Not Even The Sky Is The LIMIT", a book showcasing the abilities of children and adults with Down Syndrome. 

As a member of the Cleveland 13 Advisory Board, she brings her wealth of experience and passion to the table, driven by her belief in telling the REAL stories that Clevelanders want and need to hear. For Denise, news is about more than national gotcha headlines; it's about real things happening in our own backyard, and it should be easy to access. 

Her influential role in the Advisory Board underscores her commitment to ensuring that the stories that matter most to the community are told in the ways they need to be heard. As a true advocate for local narratives, Denise brings a fresh perspective to the media landscape, aligning seamlessly with the ethos of WOBL/WDLW Radio and Cleveland 13 News.