Cleveland 13 News Faces Off Against Network Giants in Race for Best News Network in Northeast Ohio

CLEVELAND — Cleveland 13 News, a grassroots newsroom born from civic frustration and driven entirely by community volunteers, has been nominated for Best News Network (Best Local TV Newscast) in the 2025 Best of Cleveland awards hosted by Cleveland Scene. The nomination places the not-for-profit outlet shoulder-to-shoulder with Northeast Ohio’s most powerful and nationally syndicated news stations like Cleveland 19 (CBS), FOX 8, News 5 (ABC), and WKYC Channel 3 (NBC). Cleveland 13 founder Matt Greminger was also named a finalist for Best News Reporter, an honor that stunned even him.

“She didn’t even say hello, she said ‘You're never going to believe this and it's about to make your day,’” Greminger recalled in a May 9 Facebook post, describing how fellow reporter Nikkie Brown broke the news. “I checked the list, and there it was. My name, and Cleveland 13’s... both nominated.”

Greminger launched Cleveland 13 News less than two years ago with no corporate sponsors, no advertising deals, and no paid staff. Fueled by a mission to restore public trust in the press, the network has since grown into a lightning rod for transparent, community-focused reporting. “This idea was just a spark,” he wrote. “Born out of deep frustration, a sense of urgency, and an unshakable belief that our city deserved better.”

The platform was created to push back against what Greminger and many Clevelanders saw as sanitized narratives and corporate-driven news coverage. From the beginning, Cleveland 13 made clear that its goal was not profit, but public service. “We don’t chase headlines for clicks,” Greminger stated. “We’re a not-for-profit, community-driven platform made up of real people—volunteers—who report the truth because it matters.”

Even after stepping down temporarily as president to focus on personal matters, Greminger has remained actively involved in all editorial decisions and continues to report on key stories that matter to Cleveland’s residents.

Cleveland 13’s volunteer newsroom is home to some of the region’s most committed storytellers. Among them is Emmy Award-winning journalist Denise Zarrella, whose experience and credibility have brought seasoned depth to the newsroom. Also leading the charge is Nikkie Brown, whose series “Hit the Town” highlights Cleveland’s unsung heroes, small businesses, and cultural gems, becoming a vital link between the newsroom and the community. The team also includes Marcus Donald, David Heckman, Jayda Marie, Lauren Portier, Kristy Acuti, Jackie Bertolette, and Darvio Morrow — a contributor and board member who is also the CEO of First Class Broadcasting Corporation (FCB) and more prominent and influential Northeast Ohio figures.

With zero corporate ties and full editorial independence, the network has built a dedicated audience base that actively seeks it out — not by accident or algorithm, but by choice. According to internal analytics, Cleveland 13 is now the most sought-after news source in Northeast Ohio. That means more people are going directly to Cleveland 13 for their news than stumbling upon it passively, a distinction that underscores the network’s growing relevance and impact.

The Best of Cleveland nomination affirms not only Cleveland 13’s journalistic legitimacy but the hunger for a new kind of newsroom; one that reflects its audience, listens first, and leads with heart. Being recognized alongside networks backed by national syndicates is a significant milestone. Winning would not just mark a victory for Cleveland 13, it would signal a shift in the media landscape toward integrity, transparency, and local empowerment.

“This isn’t just about an award,” Greminger emphasized. “This is about making a statement. A statement that journalism rooted in transparency, empathy, and accountability deserves a seat at the table. That Cleveland 13’s model of truth-first reporting should not be the exception..it should be the standard.”

Voting for Best of Cleveland 2025 is open through May 21. Supporters can vote once per day and are strongly encouraged to set a reminder, spread the word, and vote daily at vote.clevescene.com. Every vote sends a message that Cleveland deserves journalism that serves, not sells.

“Let’s show them that this little engine of truth we’ve built together can stand tall among giants,” Greminger wrote. “Let’s win this. Together.”

Click here to cast your vote and remember to come back daily to do so again, up until the voting closes on May 21st.