Janelle Bass Hawthorne, MBA
Janelle Bass Hawthorne is a multi-award-winning television news executive with nearly 20 years of broadcast journalism experience. As Director of News & Multimedia Communications at TV20 Cleveland, she has transformed the station—leading her team to its first Emmy nomination and win in her inaugural year, while driving major advances in content, production, and audience growth.
Previously, Janelle served as Managing Editor at WEWS-TV News 5 for more than four years and as Planning Producer at WJW Fox 8 for six years. She began her career at WBKO-TV in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and later coordinated coverage for WBNS-TV/ONN in Columbus and WNCN-TV in Raleigh.
Janelle earned an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University and a B.A. in Mass Communication and Political Science from The Ohio State University. A committed community leader, she is active in the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters and the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists, mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and volunteers with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. She is also a proud wife and mother of two.
Benn Draher
Benn is the Assistant Director of News and Multimedia Communication for TV20 in Cleveland. With over a decade of experience in video production and communication strategy, Benn has a proven track record of leveraging technology and creative storytelling to engage diverse audiences. Benn joined the TV20 team after previously serving as the TV Station Manager for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Benn holds a Master’s degree in Career-Technical Teaching Education from Kent State University and a bachelor's degree in communication from Ohio University. Passionate about using media to make a positive impact, he continues to contribute to projects that resonate with the Cleveland community.
Niki Farahmand
As Senior Producer at TV20, Niki Farahmand is dedicated to sharing the stories that matter most to Cleveland.
Niki earned her bachelor's degree in Media Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and her master's degree in Strategic Communications from American University.
She’s an Emmy-award winning producer with more than a decade of experience in newsrooms nationwide - from CNN International to local stations in Richmond, Salt Lake City and Cleveland.
After years of having the opportunity to tell stories in different cities, Niki is now focused on telling stories for Cleveland - the place she’s chosen to call home. She believes the best stories are the ones that help people feel like they belong, the ones that make Cleveland feel a little more like home for everyone.
Dan Monroe
Dan started his career in 1998 working for Cox Cable’s Community Channel 45 as a producer and on-air talent. He then moved to Plainsboro, NJ, just outside of Princeton, where he worked as the Station Manager of the community channels for West Windsor and Plainsboro Townships and their combined school district. Feeling the pull of Cleveland on his heart, Dan moves back home where he worked as a Media Specialist to NPI Audio Visual Solutions. Dan joined TV20 Cleveland in August 2015 at a news producer where he enjoys being in front of the camera as well as behind it. Dan is the host for TV20 News and Food for Thought. He also enjoys meeting the great people of the City of Cleveland and sharing their incredible stories.
Dan is married to his beautiful wife Kelly, and they have 2 sons: Matthew and Ryan. They are a family of Disney fanatic and love going to Disney World whenever they can.
Cornell Calhoun
Cornell Hubert Calhoun III is an accomplished and widely applauded actor, producer, director and internationally acclaimed filmmaker. He holds a BA in English/Theater from Talladega College, Talladega, Alabama and a MA in Education from Ursuline College. He is the former Arts & Culture Coordinator for Mayor Frank G. Jackson and the City of Cleveland. Cornell is currently a talk show host of TV20 - We Are Cleveland’s Creative Focus, Conversations with Cal, and Cleveland’s Hollywood Kids.
Brian Bernhardt
Brian Bernhardt is a senior editor, videographer, handles programming, graphics and live streaming for TV20. Brian started at TV20 in 2010 and is a graduate of Cleveland State University.
Christian Patterson
Christian Patterson is an Emmy Award–winning videographer, editor, and producer with over a decade of experience at TV20 Cleveland. A proud graduate of Cleveland Heights High School and Bowling Green State University, Christian is deeply passionate about Cleveland sports and enjoys exploring new restaurants around the city. As the creator of Welcome to our Ward, Christian is recognized for his creativity, he thrives on developing innovative concepts for television projects, bringing fresh ideas to the screen and engaging the local community through compelling storytelling.
Raulston Douse
Raulston Douse is an Emmy-winning and award-winning videographer and production assistant with over 15 years of experience in the field of video production.
Passionate about storytelling and community engagement, Raulston thrives on capturing positive stories and shining a light on small, upcoming places, people, and events.
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to showcasing the best of what the community has to offer, Raulston's work reflects his dedication to uplifting and inspiring audiences through the power of visual storytelling.
Alex Pikturna
Alexander Pikturna is a telecommunications specialist at Cleveland's TV20, joining the team fulltime in 2024. A graduate of Cleveland State University with a degree in Film and Media Arts, he has transformed his lifelong passion for video production into a rewarding career serving the city he calls home. Alexander leverages his passion for writing and video editing to craft engaging stories that showcase Cleveland's finest attributes and hidden gems.
Ken Scheck
Ken Scheck is a seasoned Video Production Specialist with over 15 years of experience in the broadcast and media industry. Ken has worked with many of the city's leading local television stations, contributing his expertise to a wide range of roles behind the scenes. In addition to his extensive broadcast background, Ken brings valuable experience in video production and A/V support, including event coverage, editing, camera operation, and technical setup. His deep understanding of both creative and technical aspects makes him a versatile and reliable asset for the TV20 team.
Andy Benesh
Andy Benesh, born and raised in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, is a broadcast journalism professional with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. His career has taken him through respected stations including KLBC in Laughlin, NV, KPSP in Palm Springs, CA, WTAE in Pittsburgh, PA, and WEWS in Cleveland, OH. In 2025, Andy joined TV20, where he serves as a Telecommunications Specialist, photojournalist, and editor. Outside of his career, Andy enjoys life with his wife, their two children, and their goldendoodle. A passionate supporter of Cleveland sports, he also spends much of his free time coaching his sons’ teams and making memories with his family.
Byron Weems
Byron Weems is a Telecommunication Specialist who joined TV20 in 2025, bringing over 10 years of videography and media production experience. Before joining TV20, he worked as a Digital Media Specialist at Case Western Reserve University for five years and previously held a VR role at Fox 8 News.
Byron holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Media Production from Kent State University (2015) and earned his MBA from Case Western Reserve University in 2024. He combines technical expertise with creative storytelling to deliver impactful visual communications.
Rachel Hill
Rachel L. Hill is an assistant administrator for TV20. SHE is graduate of Shaker Heights High School. Rachel graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Sociology and obtained a Master of Education Degree in Sports Management from Cleveland State University.
Rachel is a veteran having spent time serving her country by being a member of The United States Army National Guard.
Rachel goes by the moniker “The First Lady of Sports,” and is currently a content creator at MLBbro.com & NEOSI, Rachel hosts “Her, in the Huddle” on WOVU 95.9 FM.
Rachel has covered all of the professional sports teams in Cleveland and other special events across the country. Rachel has covered sports for Cleveland.com, AOL, Radio One, Baller Alert, and The City News.
Rachel has also coached Field Hockey and Lacrosse at her former alma mater Shaker Heights High School, winning an Ohio State Field Hockey title as a coach in 2014 and won Lacrosse titles as a player for Shaker. Rachel is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Rachel volunteers with The Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists, she is a College Now Mentor, and African American Cultural Gardens volunteer.
Rachel loves Cleveland, Shaker Heights, OSU, and her hometown sports teams. Rachel aspires to be an inspiration to any woman who is interested in sports broadcasting.