March 26, 2017
Monday, March 27, 2017 UPDATE:
News today about two one-time news directors turned general manager.
Cohen
BRUNO COHEN has announced his retirement. He’s currently GM for CBS’s KPIX-TV in San Francisco, a job he’s held for five years at a station at which he was once news director. He’ll stay on until his replacement is named.
Bruno’s also been a GM in Chicago and Sacramento, a news director in New York, and has worked for Buena Vista Productions and CNBC, among others. The whole story is here on his Linkedin page.
Vann
LES VANN has been named General Manager for Meredith’s WHNS-TV in Greenville, SC. He’s leaving his current job as GM for Scripps’ WFTX-TV in Ft. Myers, a job he held a little over seven months.
Here’s the note Les sent to his staff.
Les told me the move was all about family, as he has a home and family, including a granddaughter in the area. After losing both his sister and brother-in-law in less than a month recently, he and his wife made the choice to move for family reasons.
He’s been an ND and GM in several markets, as detailed here on his Linkedin page.
Have a great week.
regards,
Rick Gevers
**** ***** ****
Greetings:
There’s only ONE news director change this week…a promotion in Wichita…but lots of other items for your in our weekly report. That one promotion leaves our list of open ND jobs at 22.
We also have SEVEN new help wanted ads for news managers in a wide range of market sizes. And many of them are at terrific TV stations.
We have details about several moves at the corporate level of several companies, a handful of news managers on the move, THREE new general managers (including one in a top 15 market), and an obituary for a former Pacific Northwest news director.
All this and more below.
New News Director Openings:
I’m not aware of any new openings this week. If you are, please let me know!
Newly Named News Directors:
KSNW-TV, Wichita, KS…RACHEL SOMMERFELD has been promoted to news director at this Nexstar owned NBC affiliate. She’s been the executive producer there and replaces DENISE KILLIAN who left the station after three years on the job.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
Executive Producer, WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL:
WFLA-TV, News Channel 8 in beautiful Tampa is seeking an Executive Producer to manage day-to-day news coverage. We want someone who places a high value on original reporting and investigative journalism in an aggressive On Your Side brand. We want someone who pays attention to detail and is willing to hold our journalists to high standards. The Executive Producer must possess high ethical standards and strong news judgment.
Job Skills:
This person must be an experienced news manager of at least 5 years. This position requires someone with superior news judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to effectively supervise staff on a daily basis, with the end-product being content that clearly and effectively illustrates our On Your Side brand. You will have a positive attitude to elevate and inspire others to continue on strong and aggressive coverage and brand development.
Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s Level Degree – Journalism Preferred
Minimum Experience:
5 yrs. of experience. The superior candidate will have Executive Producer experience, possibly in a smaller market than Tampa. If not, this candidate will have had at least Executive Producer or other news management experience at a strong station in another market. And you must be able to work long or odd hours depending on news coverage importance.
Qualified applicants can apply online at www.nexstar.tv
EOE M/F/D/V ~ Background check and drug screen required.
Assistant Content Director, WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC:
WTVD, ABC-11, the ABC owned station in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (24) is seeking an Assistant Content Director. We want someone who places a high value on original reporting and investigative journalism. We want someone who pays attention to detail and is willing to hold our journalists to high standards. The Assistant Content Director must possess high ethical standards and strong news judgment and a passion for on air and online platforms.
This position requires someone with superior news judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to effectively supervise staff on a daily basis.. You will have a positive attitude to elevate and inspire others to continue on strong and aggressive coverage and brand development.
The ideal candidate must have top market experience, a proven record of ratings success, strong leadership/mentoring skills and excellent news judgment. At least 5 years of local news management experience is mandatory. You must be able to work long or odd hours depending on news coverage importance. The role also requires expertise in digital content strategies, long term planning, and experience hiring.
To apply, please log onto www.disneycareers.com and search for requisition #434440BR.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
WTVD-TV, an owned station of ABC, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Female-Minority-Veteran-Disability-Sexual Orientation-Gender Identity
Digital Executive Producer, WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH:
WBNS 10TV is looking for a creative, experienced and driven Digital Executive Producer to lead our digital media team and work with the broadcast team to ensure Central Ohio’s News Leader’s success on all platforms. This position will oversee and manage the execution of digital and social journalism in alignment with the Director of News & Digital Content.
WBNS is a family owned company that has a strong culture and strives for excellence. We are looking for a gifted candidate that can set a vision for the digital and social platforms and keep it evolving as the industry does. We have all of the tools you need to succeed in our new state of the art newsroom! The right candidate will have the combination of being able to see things at the macro level but is also able to roll up their sleeves and be micro. You will approve, write, edit and publish stories for 10TV.com and our mobile and social networks.
The right candidate will be vocal in the editorial meetings beyond just the numbers (though they are important!) to incorporate a creative mission daily. The successful Digital EP will respond quickly and accurately to breaking news. This role will provide guidance to newscast producers and assist in writing on-air teases and text that promote coverage in digital and social media. The ideal candidate will innovate and is able to understand and analyze monthly statistical reports and other documentation regarding digital and social use. Leadership of the digital team will include maintaining work and vacation schedules.
Preferences: 5 years working in a converged (broadcast/digital) newsroom with 2 years’ management experience.
Please apply at www.dispatchbroadcast.com
WBNS 10TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Executive Producer, WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH:
WBNS-TV, Central Ohio’s News Leader, seeks a dynamic Executive Producer with a proven track record. The successful candidate will be responsible for the production, execution and overall presentation of our daily newscasts, while providing leadership in the newsroom, managing producers and associate producers, ensuring writing meets station standards, coordinating with other departments for daily multiplatform news production and assisting in development of news department strategy.
10TV strives to succeed and is looking for someone with passion and enthusiasm to join our strong team! We have all of the tools you need to succeed in our new state of the art newsroom! This position requires at least six years’ experience in local television news as a Producer and Executive Producer (with at least two years as EP or similar). The candidate must have excellent news judgment and communication skills, proficient comprehension of digital and social platforms and above average writing and storytelling skills. The ideal candidate should have the ability to manage and influence a large group and to work effectively in often stressful situations required. Experience in investigative journalism and digital platforms are a plus.
Please be sure to include your news philosophy and link to a recent newscast in your cover letter or resume. WBNS 10TV is a first-class, family owned company that takes pride in quality, not quantity.
Please apply at www.dispatchbroadcast.com
WBNS 10TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Executive Producer, WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL:
WBRC Fox6 in Birmingham, AL, has a rare opening for an experienced afternoon/evening Executive Producer.
We need an experienced and independent leader who can execute research-based strategy, aggressively pursue breaking news, coach a team of eager and experienced producers, and deliver measurable ratings growth.
You are a candidate if you have:
two-years’ experience as an Executive Producer
five-years’ experience as a producer
superb news judgement
passion, perseverance and grit
And you must:
be able to work flexible hours
possess the creative, critical eye of a “show doctor” who can deliver visually compelling, distinctive and well-paced shows
know the importance of delivering highly promotable stories with strong viewer benefit
be a coach, not a “fixer”
understand the importance of maintaining high journalistic and ethical standards
work with our other news managers to lead aggressive enterprise news coverage and breaking news on air and on all digital/social platform
Please apply online by clicking here and submit your cover letter and resume.
No phone calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V
Executive Producer, WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL:
WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida is looking for an Executive Producer to help lead a strong newsroom in a fast-paced competitive environment. Excellent news judgment, storytelling and showcasing skills required. You will help manage anchors, reporters, producers, photographers and editors. Must be able to identify good stories, create leads, create urgency and create memorable moments. You will help oversee web and social media content. We need someone who can execute strategic plans while leading the presentation of content on air, online and in the world of evolving media. NOTE: All essential functions of this position are not necessarily described in this posting.
Qualifications: Prior EP experience is a plus, but this is also a good move for an excellent newscast producer with at least five years of experience. You will be on-call as needed. Expect to work long hours, weekends and holidays as needed.
Requirements: Prefer college degree in journalism or communications.
Contact: Send resume to: Kathryn Bonfield/News Director, WJXT-TV, 4 Broadcast Place, Jacksonville, FL 32207 kbonfield@wjxt.com Fax: (904) 393-9822
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Graham Media Group (GMG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, GMG will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Assistant News Director, KSNT-TV, KTKA-TV, KTMJ-TV, Topeka, KS:
Are you a show doctor? Like to coach new producers and reporters to success? Want to lead a team to the top?
Check out this exciting opportunity to join a thriving company and station in the heart of the country. A perfect job for a producer looking to enter management or a small market manager looking to take the next step.
We produce 35 hours of news a week on the local NBC, ABC and FOX stations, and we’re looking for a hands on manager with an aggressive style to help drive the ship.
The successful candidate will lead, train, supervise and motivate news employees. Must have excellent news judgment and have a thorough understanding of digital and social media. Passion for breaking news, strong organizational skills and solid leadership skills are a must.
Apply online at ksnt.com/jobs and send application materials to Jesse Fray, news director, at jfray@ksnt.com.
Responsibilities:
– Manage content delivery on multiple platforms
– Work closely with news director to lead philosophy and direction
– Review daily newscasts to ensure quality and provide feedback to all staff
Requirements:
– Understanding of journalistic ethics, libel, and privacy laws
– Ability to manage multiple hours of newscasts on multiple stations
– Excellent communication skills
– Strong writing and storytelling skills
– Ability to work in stressful situations
– Journalism degree and a minimum of five years’ experience in local TV news
KSNT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 3/19/17)
WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 1/22/17)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (relisted 2/5/17)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 3/12/17)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (relisted 2/5/17)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 2/26/17)
KSNT-TV, Topeka, KS (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KTUU-TV, Anchorage, AK (relisted 2/19/17)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (AM EP, relisted this week, see ad above!)
KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (PM EP, listed 2/19/17)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (AM & PM EP, listing revised 2/26/17)
KPTV, Portland, OR (relisted 2/26/17)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (Dayside EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (2 jobs, listing revised this week, see two ads above!)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, listing modified 2/5/17)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, relisted 3/19/17)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (PM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 1/22/17)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
KGUN-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 2/12/17)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 1/8/17)
WCSC-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 3/12/17)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 2/5/17)
WPTA-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN (listed 3/12/17)
ASSISTANT CONTENT DIRECTOR:
WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC (new listing this week, see ad above!)
Obituary:
Funeral services were held last week for DICK HAWKINS, who died February 16 at the age of 84. I believe he is a former News Director at KATU-TV in Portland, OR, sometime between 1968-79, and also worked in Seattle at KIRO-TV and KOMO-TV. This obituary has some details, but if you know more about his life and career, please let me know.
Names in the News:
We have a number of promotions at the corporate level of several large companies.
Green
We told you earlier this week that Scripps hired KATHERINE GREEN as its Director of National News Recruitment. Here’s the memo from VP/News SEAN McLAUGHLIN. Katherine briefly served as Senior VP/News for Tribune, is a former CNN executive, worked as a news director in Washington (DC) and Baltimore, and has worked New York, Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville, FL.
Also at Scripps, ADAM SYMSON, who began his career in a local newsroom, is one of three new proposed board members for the company. Adam is COO and is President and CEO in waiting. Read more about his role and the other two board members here.
Walsh
Berg
At Nexstar, JERRY WALSH and CHRIS BERG were both promoted. Jerry was named Vice President of Local Content Development. He had been Director of Local Content Development. Chris was promoted to Senior Director of Local Content Development from Director of Content Development-West. This news release has more.
Portela
At Univision, CHRISTINE PORTELA joins the company as Director of News Operations. She’ll continue to be based in Miami, where she’s been working for NBC and Telemundo in a variety of roles. More from Media Moves.
MAURICE MILLER joins WCBD-TV in Charleston, SC, as an executive producer. He’s spent his entire 16 year career at WSMV-TV in Nashville, beginning as a intern, then associate producer and producer.
JEFF NELSON takes on additional duties as Assistant News Director at WWNY-TV in Watertown, NY. He’ll continue to anchor for the station.
There’s a promotion of a longtime journalism faculty member and a new hire at the Donald W. Reynolds Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism. Details here.
Fowler
Three time Chicago News Director CAROL FOWLER has turned her attention to the obviously growing field of social media. This article profiles Carol and her new startup company, The SocReports.
General Manager News and Notes:
MIKE RODRIGUEZ heads from Miami to Tampa to become GM for Tegna’s WTSP-TV. More in this story from the station’s website.
Nexstar named another two new general managers last week. CAROL WARD has been promoted at WAVY-WVBT-TV in Norfolk. And the company also promoted JEFFREY WEST to GM for WBTW-TV in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, March 26, 2017.
If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com
KTVU-TV 2 Jack London Square NW Oakland, CA 94607
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
KDEN-TV 2851 S. Parker Road Suite 1130 Aurora, CO 80014
WNCN-TV 1205 Front St. Raleigh, N.C., 27609
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Rd, Nashville, TN 37209
WJAR-TV 23 Kenney Dr, Cranston, RI 02920
KJRH-TV 3701 S Peoria Ave. Tulsa, OK 74105
KOTV 303 N. Boston Ave Tulsa, OK 74103
WNYT-TV 715 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12204
WICS-TV 2680 East Cook St. Springfield, IL 62703
WCBD-TV 210 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Drive New Bern, NC 28560
KWQC-TV 805 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52803
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Road, Ghent, WV 25841
WNCT-TV 3221 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27834
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323. Tyler, TX 75701
KVAL/KMTR-TV 4575 Blanton Rd, Eugene, OR 97405
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave. Duluth MN 55802
KCBD-TV 5600 Ave. A, Lubbock, TX 79404
WGFL-TV 1703 NW 80th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian MS 39301
