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Robin Swoboda
Robin Swoboda
Robin Swoboda
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Robin Swoboda (born December 30, 1958)[3] is an American television news anchor, talk show host, and actress in Cleveland, Ohio, best known for her career on various television and radio stations primarily in Cleveland, as well as hosting national television programs.

Key Information

Bio and career

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Radio and TV

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A St. Joseph, Missouri, native, Swoboda attended and graduated from Missouri Western State College. In 1981, she received her first job as a television news anchor at WQAD-TV in Moline, Illinois.[4][5]

In the early 1980s, Swoboda (under the name Robin Cole) worked as an anchor and reporter for then-CBS affiliate WTVJ channel 4 (now NBC O&O and channel 6) in Miami, Florida. She then moved to Cleveland in 1986, and using her real name, became a co-anchor for then CBS affiliate WJW-TV 8 alongside longtime station mainstays Tim Taylor, Dick Goddard, and Casey Coleman.[6]

This came at a time when WJW was the top-rated newscast in Cleveland, and with that Swoboda became a very popular personality, and while still with WJW in 1989, she became the co-host with Ahmad Rashad on the nationally syndicated sports interview program InSport. InSport was short lived, and Swoboda would remain on WJW until 1991, electing to leave Cleveland when her husband Bryan Wagner[2] was cut from the Cleveland Browns (where he was the punter) and signed with the New England Patriots.[7]

After leaving WJW, Swoboda was named as co-host of Cover to Cover (using her married name of Robin Wagner, alongside Gayle King) which was aired nationally by NBC.[8] During that time Swoboda also had a stint as a celebrity square on Hollywood Squares.[3][7]

Cover to Cover would be cancelled after 13 weeks, and after a brief stint in Kansas City, Missouri, as a news anchor, Swoboda returned to Cleveland in 1996 and once again was a co-anchor of the 6 p.m. newscast on WJW (by this time now a Fox affiliate), briefly reuniting her with Taylor, Goddard, and Coleman and reforming the popular and highly rated news team from the late 1980s. Swoboda left in 1998 to go over to Cleveland ABC affiliate WEWS channel 5 to become host of the station's long running Morning Exchange. MX was cancelled in 1999, and Swoboda then became co-anchor of channel 5's 11 p.m. newscast alongside Ted Henry.[6][7]

Swoboda then left the broadcasting business altogether in 2000, to spend more time with her family. Two years later, she returned to the Cleveland media scene, this time in radio, as she became the co-host for the morning show on Cleveland Christian contemporary station WFHM-FM "95.5 The Fish". She left that job in 2005, and two years after that, returned for a third stint at WJW, this time hosting her own morning talk show originally titled That's Life, and later changed to The Robin Swoboda Show.[7] Swoboda would win a local Emmy Award for her stint as host of her self-titled show in 2010.[9]

In January 2011, Swoboda left WJW again after a disagreement with station management over the direction of her show.[10] Two months later, she was named co-anchor of the 7 p.m. newscast on Cleveland NBC affiliate WKYC channel 3, where she worked until February 28, 2014.[7][11]

In July 2014, Swoboda began doing one-minute commentaries for WFHM (where she was previously morning host), and sister talk station WHK AM 1420.[12]

Film

[edit]

Swoboda has also had roles in a pair of motion pictures, partly due to the films being shot in Cleveland - a bit part in the blockbuster The Avengers in 2012,[13] and a bigger role in the independent film Made in Cleveland in 2013.[14][15]

Personal life

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Swoboda became a born again Christian in 1989,[3] and married her former husband, former NFL punter and placekicker Bryan Wagner in 1991; they divorced in 2015,[2] and now she currently lives with their now grown-up children (sons Matthew and William, daughter Hallie) in Medina, Ohio.[16]

Awards and honors

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  • 1995 Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee[16]
  • 2009 Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards recipient - On Camera Talent (Performer/Host/Narrator)[9]
  • 2012 Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Television Award recipient[17]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Robin Swoboda

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Robin Swoboda (born December 30, 1958) is an American television news anchor, host, actress, and best known for her extensive in , Ohio's broadcast media. She first gained widespread recognition as a co-anchor on WJW Channel 8's 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts starting in 1986, where she worked alongside Tim Taylor and became a familiar face to viewers. Over the decades, Swoboda has demonstrated remarkable versatility, transitioning between news anchoring, morning s, radio hosting, and lifestyle programming while prioritizing family during breaks. Swoboda's professional journey includes several notable stints at Cleveland's major stations. After leaving WJW in 1991 to follow her husband's career—which briefly took her to a morning show role at in New York—she returned to WJW in the mid-1990s to anchor the 6 p.m. newscast. She later co-hosted The Morning Exchange at WEWS Channel 5 from 1998 to 1999 and anchored the 11 p.m. newscast there until 2000, before shifting to radio as a morning-drive at 95.5 FM The Fish in 2002. In 2007, she launched (later retitled The Robin Swoboda Show) on WJW, a program blending humor, personal stories, and community features that ran until 2010. She joined Channel 3 in March 2011 as co-anchor of the 7 p.m. newscast with Chris Tye, and from 2012 co-anchored with Jim Donovan until her contract expired in 2014. Beyond television, Swoboda has appeared in films such as The Avengers (2012) and Made in Cleveland (2013) and provided voice talent work. Since leaving the anchor desk in 2014, Swoboda has continued her media career through a series with in 2019, work, motivational speaking, and appearances as of 2025. In her personal life, Swoboda was married to former punter Bryan Wagner, with whom she has three children: Matthew, Hallie, and Will; the family relocated back to in 1995 following Wagner's retirement. The couple later divorced, and in 2021, amid her battle with a recurrence of —following an initial diagnosis in 2017—Swoboda began a relationship with retired Barberton Rob Winebrenner, who supported her through and recovery as of 2021. Swoboda has since become an advocate for , sharing her resilience to raise awareness about screening and treatment.

Early life

Childhood

Robin Swoboda was born on December 30, 1958, in St. Joseph, Missouri. She grew up in this small town north of Kansas City as the oldest of four siblings, including a brother, Shawn Kennedy Swoboda, who was ten years her junior. Her parents were John Swoboda, a steelworker, and Tamara Swoboda. Swoboda's childhood was marked by family challenges, particularly her father's , which created a difficult home environment and affected all the children. Despite these hardships, her mother's supportive nature provided a counterbalance, offering encouragement and wisdom that emphasized humility and staying connected to one's roots. The family shared a passion for the , with her father idolizing quarterback , fostering a sense of communal excitement during events like in 1970, when Swoboda was 11. Her early interests in were evident in playful childhood activities, such as pretending to run a "radio station" under a window in her family home, inspired by local media exposure. These formative experiences in St. Joseph laid the groundwork for her future career, though she later transferred high schools from Central to Benton after her freshman year amid ongoing family dynamics.

Education

Swoboda graduated from in St. Joseph, , an institution now known as . Following her graduation, she relocated to to launch her career, taking her first anchor position at a television station in Moline in 1982.

Career

Early broadcasting

Following her graduation from Missouri Western State University in 1980 with a degree that prepared her for media work, Robin Swoboda launched her broadcasting career the following year at , an ABC affiliate in . There, under the professional name , she served as a reporter and , primarily writing and delivering morning cut-ins during the network's early news programming. Swoboda commuted across the each weekday at 4:30 a.m., a routine she maintained for two years while honing her skills in a smaller market, where she covered local stories and built foundational experience in live on-air delivery. In the mid-1980s, Swoboda advanced to a larger market, joining WTVJ, an NBC affiliate in Miami, Florida, where she continued working under the name Robin Cole. Based at the station's Broward Bureau in Fort Lauderdale, she reported on significant local events, including the chaotic spring break scene in South Beach, the high-profile euthanasia trial of Roswell Gilbert in 1985, and the aftermath of the Delta Flight 191 crash, as grieving families arrived at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. These assignments exposed her to intense, emotionally charged journalism, where she navigated ethical challenges such as media intrusions on grieving families, further developing her on-air presence and storytelling abilities. Swoboda's early work earned recognition from WTVJ's news director, who praised her natural talent and offered her the opportunity to become the station's first female anchor for the 11 p.m. newscast, a milestone that underscored her rapid growth in the field. Her positive mindset and determination during these formative years at WQAD and laid the groundwork for her transition to major markets, emphasizing resilience in building a professional broadcasting persona.

Television work

Swoboda began her prominent television career in in 1986, co-anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts at WJW-TV (Channel 8) alongside Tim Taylor, forming a popular duo during what became known as a golden era for the station's news team. In 1989, she expanded her role by co-hosting the nationally syndicated sports magazine show InSport with , though the program was short-lived. She continued at WJW until 1991, when she departed for national opportunities. From 1991 to 1996, Swoboda transitioned to national television, co-hosting the talk show Cover to Cover, which aired for 13 weeks before cancellation due to low ratings. During this period, she also made appearances as a celebrity panelist on , including an episode on May 8, 1989. She returned to WJW-TV in 1995 as anchor of the 6 p.m. newscast, serving until 1998. In 1998, Swoboda joined WEWS-TV (Channel 5), initially hosting the long-running morning program Morning Exchange until its cancellation in 1999 after 27 years on air. She then co-anchored the station's 11 p.m. newscast with Ted Henry through 2000. After a period away from television, Swoboda returned to WJW-TV in 2007 to host the lifestyle and community-focused morning talk show That's Life with Robin Swoboda, which was rebranded as The Robin Swoboda Show in 2010 and emphasized relatable topics, local stories, and audience engagement. The program ran until 2011, when she moved to WKYC-TV (Channel 3) to co-anchor the 7 p.m. newscast with Jim Donovan, a role she held until her departure in February 2014. In 2019, Swoboda rejoined to launch the series Going Rogue with Robin Swoboda, featuring interviews with celebrities and local figures. She has continued making guest appearances on television stations such as and WJW, while contributing columns to the on topics ranging from personal reflections to community issues, with writings published as recently as 2021.

Radio and syndication

Swoboda entered the radio industry in 2002 as co-host of the morning drive program on WFHM-FM "95.5 The Fish," a Cleveland-based Christian contemporary station, where she hosted until 2005. This role marked her shift from television to audio , allowing her to adapt her on-camera charisma to engaging morning segments focused on music, talk, and community topics. In the mid-2010s, Swoboda returned to radio with short-form one-minute commentaries aired on WFHM and its sister talk station WHK AM 1420, providing syndicated audio content that blended personal insights with motivational messages. These segments extended her reach across affiliated outlets, emphasizing her voice talent in delivering concise, impactful narratives. By the , she expanded into digital syndication through appearances and online audio interviews, including a feature on the "Choose Life Radio" where she shared career reflections. Her contributions to local media persisted, with guest spots on programs like the morning show on 95.5 The Fish, maintaining her presence in Cleveland's audio landscape up to 2025.

Film and other media

Swoboda has ventured into acting with minor roles in feature films. In 2012, she appeared as a news reporter in The Avengers, providing voice work and a brief on-screen glimpse during -set scenes filmed locally. The following year, she took a supporting role in the independent comedy Made in Cleveland. In addition to on-screen work, Swoboda has pursued opportunities in motivational speaking and event hosting. She emceed the 2024 CLEO Eye on Success Awards, an event honoring women's achievements in and . Her motivational speaking engagements often draw on her experience to inspire audiences at local gatherings and fundraisers. Swoboda has also embraced platforms for interviews and . In 2023, she was the subject of the episode "Joy Through the Journey: The Robin Swoboda Story," discussing her career and personal insights. By 2025, she contributed to several episodes of the "Start Your Day Positive" , including appearances throughout May that featured humorous anecdotes and motivational segments.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Robin Swoboda married Bryan Wagner, a former punter, in 1991. The couple divorced in 2014 after 23 years of marriage. Swoboda and Wagner had three children: sons Matthew (born 1992) and William (born 1996), and daughter Hallie (born 1994). The family resided in , where Swoboda balanced her broadcasting career with raising her children, often prioritizing family time amid frequent relocations early in the marriage due to Wagner's professional commitments. Post-divorce, Swoboda and Wagner maintained a co-parenting dynamic, with both parents remaining involved in their children's lives. Following her , Swoboda entered a relationship with Rob Winebrenner in 2021. Winebrenner, a longtime acquaintance, has provided steadfast support during her personal transitions, including shared activities like walking dogs and watching television together. Swoboda continues to live in , where her family network, including her grown children, offers ongoing emotional backing. As of 2025, she remains active in community events with her family support.

Faith journey

Robin Swoboda experienced a significant spiritual conversion in 1989, becoming a born-again Christian amid a personal crisis triggered by the lingering emotional impact of an earlier that had profoundly affected her. This transformation was catalyzed by a Magazine profile that year, which depicted her unfavorably and elicited numerous reader letters urging her to embrace faith in God. Following her conversion, Swoboda integrated her Christian beliefs into her professional life, notably as an on-air personality and host on Cleveland's station WFHM-FM 95.5 The Fish, where she delivers uplifting messages and discussions rooted in her . Her motivational speaking engagements similarly emphasize themes of redemption, , and spiritual growth, drawing from her personal to inspire audiences. Swoboda has openly shared aspects of her faith journey through various public platforms. In a 2017 Akron Beacon Journal column, she explored sustaining belief during turbulent times, highlighting how her relationship with Christ provides stability. She reaffirmed her born-again identity in a 2018 Easter piece for the same publication, inviting readers to connect with her experiences. More recently, in a 2023 YouTube interview titled "Joy Through the Journey: The Robin Swoboda Story," she recounted the role of faith in navigating life's ups and downs. As of 2025, she continues to participate in faith-inspired podcasts and speaking events. Her commitment to faith also manifests in philanthropic efforts, including keynote addresses at survivor celebration events focused on encouragement and communal support. Swoboda's Christian convictions have shaped her family life, influencing her approach to relationships and parenting with principles of and grace.

Health challenges

In 2017, Robin Swoboda was diagnosed with stage one invasive ductal , an estrogen-positive that originated in the milk duct. The tumor was treated successfully with a , and she did not require or radiation at that time. Swoboda shared details of her experience publicly, including in a column for the , emphasizing the importance of early detection. Swoboda's cancer recurred in 2021, diagnosed in early August after she noticed a lump in her right . This second instance was described by her doctors as aggressive, and she attributed the delayed detection to skipping her annual mammogram in 2020 due to concerns over the . Treatment began with in late October 2021, consisting of an eight-week regimen followed by . Throughout this period, she received significant support from her partner, Rob Winebrenner, who accompanied her during treatments and daily activities. In response to her experiences, Swoboda became an advocate for , using her platform to encourage women to prioritize annual mammograms. She shared updates on social media and participated in interviews with , her former station, in 2021 to highlight the risks of postponing screenings. Her faith provided her with strength during both battles, helping her maintain optimism amid the challenges. As of October 2024, she continues to support initiatives, indicating ongoing recovery and advocacy.

Awards and honors

Broadcasting accolades

Swoboda is a member of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to television news and hosting in the state. Throughout her career, Swoboda has won multiple for outstanding television production and performance. Magazine named her the Best TV Host for her engaging on-air presence across news and talk formats.

Community recognition

Swoboda has received community recognition for her role as a motivational speaker and emcee at various events supporting women's professional development and local causes. In 2023, she served as the keynote speaker at the Women's Positivity Conference in Akron, where she shared personal stories and humor to inspire attendees on topics of empowerment and resilience. She has also emceed fundraisers, such as a 2017 fashion show benefiting Medina County schools and community programs. Additionally, in 2016, she delivered the keynote address at the Junior League of Stark County's volunteer honors luncheon, celebrating community service efforts. Her advocacy as a two-time breast cancer survivor has earned her honors through speaking engagements at survivor-focused events. In 2023, Swoboda was the featured guest speaker at Elegant Essentials' 30th anniversary celebration, which recognized survivors and promoted awareness and support. This invitation underscored her influence in providing encouragement to those facing similar health challenges, drawing on her personal experiences to foster community solidarity. Swoboda's broader impact on Cleveland has been acknowledged in media retrospectives as a enduring local figure. She was included in Cleveland.com's 2017 compilation of 54 memorable television personalities from the city's past, noting her multiple stints at local stations and lasting public connection. In 2023, WKYC highlighted her contributions in a list of 75 memorable station moments, affirming her status as a beloved icon in Northeast Ohio broadcasting and community life.

References

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