Dieken shows there's life after TV
Former newswoman is now anchoring a successful business

By Krystine Shea

All of the pieces have come together for Avon lake resident Connie Dieken, an award-winning broadcaster and voice artist. Dieken's business, On Point Communication Training and Development Center, also has grown by leaps and bounds.

Her start came at age 14, when Dieken won a national, public speaking contest."I had never taken a speech class, yet had some innate understanding of public speaking," she said.That contest led the broadcaster in the direction of her long and successful vocation.

Dieken started her broadcast career writing promotional copy for a PBS station while a student at Indiana University. From that experience, she became a talk show host and sports reporter and, at 24, she was recruited by two television networks. Dieken moved to New York City with ABC News as an assistant to the network news correspondents. She then went to a station in Nashville to become a consumer reporter.

In 1984, Dieken was spotted by an NBC headhunter who placed her with WKYC-TV to be the weekend anchor, consumer reporter and host of a business show. In a short time, she became anchor of the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. news and did special projects. She turned down national opportunities to stay here and raise two children.

The reporter and anchor is best known for her gig on WEWS-TV’s “Morning Exchange,” where she interviewed numerous stars. She like the power of the media.

“I liked the ability to reach people,” Dieken said. “I used to do an ongoing report, Incredible Kids,” and I am still in contact with some of these kids today. The parents write to me, and that is touching.”

She was a 2003 inductee of the Radio/Television Broadcasters Hall of Fame and was honored with the Women in Communications Achievement Award, Dieken also has earned more than a dozen combined Communicator Awards, Emmy Awards and Telly Awards. Other honors include “Best Television Host,” the ”Gem of Cleveland Award” and selection to the “International Who’s Who of Professionals.”

Dieken shows that there is life, and a good one, after anchoring. She still does special non-news programs for WEWS-TV and does extensive voice work. Her 20 years of experience as a top media professional help her as a communication coach, consultant, broadcaster and media strategist.

“I always liked the strategy of news, figuring out what will work and how to reach out and connect with people. With the ‘Morning Exchange,’ I had more fun before we went on the air, giving tips and helping guests. I used to get the most wonderful calls and letters, saying that I had changed things for the guest. I really felt like I was born to do this.”

Using techniques she perfected in broadcasting, Dieken works closely with clients to communicate more effectively. She helps clients with crisis communication, presentations, sales, career advancement and media appearances. She has developed more than 50 communication courses and has authored dozen of communication articles.

“My goal is to make you—you, only better. That’s what makes me tick. I work for a transformational impact, not just a one-time thing. I want you to learn new skills yet be able to apply those skills to other areas. That’s what makes me feel good.”