Cleveland 13 News Elevates Community Voices with New 'Spotlight Corner' Series

CLEVELAND, OH — Cleveland 13 News has launched Spotlight Corner, a new feature series aimed at turning everyday community buzz into citywide recognition. The feature is designed to elevate the people, places, and events that Cleveland residents are already talking about, whether online, in the neighborhood, or by word of mouth, and give those stories the platform they deserve.

Interim network President Bonnie Swirsky, who stepped into the role following Matt Greminger’s decision to step back and focus on family matters, emphasized the importance of keeping community voices at the forefront. “The mission of Cleveland 13 has always been ‘Your Voice, Your News,’ and there’s no better way to honor that than by letting our audience guide us toward the stories that matter to them,” Swirsky said. “Spotlight Corner was born from the idea that the most powerful stories are already being lived, shared, and whispered throughout Cleveland. Our job is to amplify them.”

Each Spotlight feature is selected through a combination of editorial review and public input. Cleveland 13 News actively encourages residents to reach out with story ideas, nominate inspiring individuals, and highlight moments or movements that deserve broader recognition. The series has no boundaries in content, featuring everything from youth accomplishments and small business successes to cultural events, local talent, and acts of service.

Spotlight Corner also aims to fill the gap left by traditional media cycles, which often overlook grassroots-level stories that carry deep meaning within the community. By turning attention to what locals are already celebrating or quietly admiring, Cleveland 13 News seeks to capture the energy, creativity, and compassion that define the city.

Swirsky, a longtime supporter and former consultant for Cleveland 13 News, brings both leadership and lived community experience to the position. She was personally selected by Greminger to maintain the network's values during his absence and to further expand its impact through projects like Spotlight Corner. Her background in public service and entrepreneurship has long been rooted in Cleveland’s civic fabric.

“The Spotlight isn’t just about reporting, it’s about recognition,” Swirsky added. “When people see someone they know featured, or when a small idea catches citywide attention, it builds pride. It builds connection. That’s what we’re here for.”

Spotlight Corner stories will be published regularly at cleveland13news.com/spotlight. Each story includes information on how viewers and readers can get involved, show support, or share additional ideas. Submissions can be sent directly to our editorial team at tips@cleveland13news.com. Community members are encouraged to share information about standout individuals, local businesses, hidden gems, neighborhood events, or anything they believe deserves more attention. To help our team identify and prioritize these ideas, please include SPOTLIGHT in the subject line of your email so we can review it and do our best to bring the story to light.

Cleveland 13 News remains committed to public-first journalism, and Spotlight Corner is an extension of that commitment; one that empowers residents to help shape the news narrative. By transforming community recommendations into thoughtfully reported features, the network continues to ensure its content reflects the real interests and values of those it serves.