October 29, 2017

Greetings:

We love firsts here.

We love being first with stories when we can.

And we love the first time we get to do something different.

This week, we have the first chance in 20 years of producing this newsletter to use the words “former news director” and “accused bank robber” in the same sentence.

That’s below, in Names in the News.

But first, read about THREE new news directors named this week, TWO at Telemundo stations. And we have TWO newly vacated ND jobs.

Those changes leave our count of open ND jobs at 22.

ONE of those ND openings is among our TWO Paid Help Wanted Ads.

We also have an obituary for a 10 year Mississippi news director.

In Names in the News, an EP move in New York, a reunion lunch in Indianapolis, and a report that women are being passed over for chief meteorologist jobs at local stations.

And TWO General Manager moves, one in a very large market with a veteran GM headed for retirement, and one in a very small market.

All that and more below.

DdgFull-6-27-17

Newly Named News Directors: 

Rodriguez

Rodriguez

WNJU-TV, New York, NY…ENDY RODRIGUEZ has been promoted to news director for this Telemundo o-and-o. He’s been the Assistant ND here and first joined the station as in intern in 2001. He worked his way up from intern to assignment editor to executive producer. Endy replaces KAREN MENDEZ who left in August to return to Florida after two years as ND.

Luviano

Luviano

WZDC-TV, Washington, DC…JANETTE LUVIANO has been hired to launch newscasts for this Telemundo owned station. This story from the Washington Business Journal explains the chain of events that will result in this new news operation. Janette comes from sister Telemundo station WNJU-TV in New York, where she had been the executive producer.

Turner

Turner

WJTV/WHLT-TV, Jackson and Hattiesburg, MS…CHRIS TURNER will be the next news director for these Nexstar owned CBS affiliates which are expanding newscasts. He’s a former ND in Cheyenne, WY, who also spent more than 20 years at CNN in a variety of roles. At WJTV, he replaces JASON PUMO who left in late July after more than two years as ND.

New News Director Openings: 

Korioth

Korioth

WVVA-TV, Bluefield, WV…STEVE KORIOTH is leaving TV and this Quincy owned NBC affiliate after 3 1/2 years as ND here and 32 years in the business. He’s returning to his native Texas and has taken a new job out of TV which we’ll tell you about in a few weeks. Steve’s been an ND in different markets, and has worked in a handful of others, as you’ll learn on his Linkedin page. Learn more about this job in the Paid Help Wanted Ad below.

Weindel

Weindel

KECI-TV, Missoula, MT…this NBC affiliate, part of a group of Montana stations that brand themselves as NBC Montana, is looking for a news director following the departure of JULIE WEINDEL. Julie’d been the ND here since April, 2015, and had been the Assistant ND for six months before that. She’s a former ND in Boise and Dayton.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

Wvva Logo

News Director, WVVA-TV, Bluefield, WV:

WVVA TV, West Virginia Broadcasters Associations’ 2017 Station of the Year and dominant NBC affiliate in Bluefield, WV, is seeking an energized, caring, competitive, take charge newsroom leader.

Situated in southern WV in Nature’s Air Conditioned City enjoy year round outdoor activities including golfing, hiking, white water rafting, ATV trails and skiing within minutes of your door. Great communities in which to live and work.

As WVVA’s News Director you are coaching, guiding and mentoring on a continuous basis. Are you someone that has heart, wants to make a difference and grow beyond traditional broadcast news? An excellent opportunity to join our award winning team, if you have a passion for excellence, and a burning desire to lead the number one television news team in the Bluefield/Beckley WV market we want to hear from you.

A minimum of 5 years television news management experience and a college degree in broadcast journalism preferred. Successful candidate must be able to demonstrate strong working knowledge of community issues and needs, as well as sound journalistic principles. Must have the ability to make fast, accurate journalistic and logistical judgments.

WVVA, is part of Quincy Media, Inc., a family owned company operating television stations in 15 markets. This means internal opportunities and professional growth. Visit us at www.wvva.com

Please send your resume, reel and references to WVVA TV, Human Resources, 3052 Big Laurel Highway, Bluefield, WV 24701 or email hr@wvva.com.

WVVA is an equal opportunity employer.

Komo Logo

Executive Producer, KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA:

If you are a hands-on leader with a passion for quality journalism, great storytelling, and an eye for compelling showcasing we have a great job for you!

KOMO-TV in Seattle, Washington (market #12) is looking for an Executive Producer of our award winning newscasts. The ideal candidate has a passion for news, a strong background in television news production, and a vision for how to provide viewers with fresh, interesting, relevant content every day.

We expect our EP’s to find cool new ways of incorporating digital content into our daily coverage. Duties include providing input and constructive oversight for our team on story selection and presentation, reviewing reporter scripts for creativity and accuracy, and coaching the team on owning coverage of breaking news, telling compelling stories, implementing strategic initiatives, managing measurement metrics, showcasing weather, and creating an energetic newscast.

The ideal candidate is a supportive leader who will help grow our competitive and innovative culture.

We are located in one of America’s most livable cities, and if this seems like a good fit please apply by clicking here.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 9/17/17)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (new listing this week)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 9/24/17)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 10/15/17)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 9/3/17)
WRGB-TV, Albany/Schenectady, NY (listed 9/10/17)
KVRR-TV, Fargo, ND (new listing this week)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 9/24/17)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM EP, listing revised 10/15/17)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 10/22/17, see paid help wanted ad above!)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (Senior EP, listing revised this week)

WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (AM EP, listing revised 10/22/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM & Dayside, listing revised 10/8/17)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (Weekend EP, listed 9/24/17)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (listing modified 9/24/17)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (Nightside EP, listing revised this week)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (relisted 9/3/17)
KWCH-TV, Wichita, KS (AM EP, relisted 9/17/17)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 10/8/17)
WISC-TV, Madison, WI (AM EP, listed 8/20/17)
WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (relisted 9/10/17)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 9/24/17)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 10/22/17)

Obituary:

Russell

Russell

I’m sorry to report the death of former Mississippi news director RICK RUSSELL. Rick died Tuesday, October 17th, at the age of 56. Many more details in this obituary. Rick spent ten years as the news director for WJTV, the CBS affiliate in Jackson, a position he left in 2013. Rick apparently was running an eponymous media consulting firm when he died. He was an Army veteran.

Names in the News (and other items):

I’ve written this newsletter for more than 20 years, and, until today, never got to use the words “news director” and “accused bank robber” in the same sentence. Let’s go to Canada for the full story.

Media Moves reports that ALEXA RODRIGUEZ joins Telemundo’s WNJU-TV in New York as an executive producer. She’s spent the last 20 years as a producer for WXTV, the Univision station in New York.

The Washington Post says women are being passed over for chief meteorologist jobs at local stations at an ‘alarming’ rate. Its story is here.

THREE past RTDNA chairs/presidents were among a group of (mostly) former news directors who gathered for lunch in Indianapolis last Wednesday. It’s the third time we’ve gotten together and would welcome others. The date of our next gathering is TBA. But as I said last year, if you’ve been in the business very long, chance are good that you’ve met one or more of the people pictured below. (If you’d like to join us next time, please let me know.)

Rtdna Lunch L-R: Ken Kurtz, Tom Becherer, Marci Burdick, Al Carl
Paul Davis, Ray Depa, Lee Giles, Ed Godfrey, Rick Gevers

General Manager News and Notes:

TIM McVAY, who’s been the GM for Cox Media’s WSB-TV (ABC/Atlanta) for the last six years, is retiring after 39 years in the business, all working for Cox. More here.

TONY HOFFMAN will be the next GM for WNBJ-TV, the NBC affiliate in Jackson, TN.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 29, 2017:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook, NY 10573
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton Street Philadelphia, PA 19130
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan St Ste 1900. Dallas TX 75201 **
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
WCCO-TV 90 S 11th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento CA 95815 **
Spectrum News 2505 Atlantic Ave. #102 Raleigh, NC 27604
WZZM-TV 645 Three Mile Grand Rapids, MI 49544
KWCH-TV 2815 E. 37th Street North, Wichita, KS 67219
KOAA-TV 2200 7th Ave. Pueblo, CO 81003
KWWL-TV 500 East Fourth St. Waterloo, IA 50703
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
KLFY-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Rd, Lafayette, LA 70506
WSAW-TV, 1114 Grand Ave, Wausau, WI 54403
WVVA-TV 3052 Big Laurel Highway, Bluefield WV 24701 (see ad above!)
KECI-TV 340 W. Main St. Missoula, MT 59802
WTVY-TV 285 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 36303
KFBB-TV P.O. Box 1139. Great Falls MT 59403
KRTV P.O. Box 2989, Great Falls, MT, 59403

**: Spanish language station
src=”http://www.rickgevers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Rtdna-Lunch-600×450.jpg” alt=”Rtdna Lunch” width=”600″ height=”450″ /> L-R: Ken Kurtz, Tom Becherer, Marci Burdick, Al Carl
Paul Davis, Ray Depa, Lee Giles, Ed Godfrey, Rick Gevers

General Manager News and Notes:

TIM McVAY, who’s been the GM for Cox Media’s WSB-TV (ABC/Atlanta) for the last six years, is retiring after 39 years in the business, all working for Cox. More here.

TONY HOFFMAN will be the next GM for WNBJ-TV, the NBC affiliate in Jackson, TN.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 29, 2017:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook, NY 10573
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton Street Philadelphia, PA 19130
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan St Ste 1900. Dallas TX 75201 **
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
WCCO-TV 90 S 11th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento CA 95815 **
Spectrum News 2505 Atlantic Ave. #102 Raleigh, NC 27604
WZZM-TV 645 Three Mile Grand Rapids, MI 49544
KWCH-TV 2815 E. 37th Street North, Wichita, KS 67219
KOAA-TV 2200 7th Ave. Pueblo, CO 81003
KWWL-TV 500 East Fourth St. Waterloo, IA 50703
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
KLFY-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Rd, Lafayette, LA 70506
WSAW-TV, 1114 Grand Ave, Wausau, WI 54403
WVVA-TV 3052 Big Laurel Highway, Bluefield WV 24701 (see ad above!)
KECI-TV 340 W. Main St. Missoula, MT 59802
WTVY-TV 285 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 36303
KFBB-TV P.O. Box 1139. Great Falls MT 59403
KRTV P.O. Box 2989, Great Falls, MT, 59403

**: Spanish language station


October 22, 2017

Greetings:

This week’s newsletter is similar to today’s Indianapolis Colts performance.

Weak.

I jest, at least about the newsletter.

But we have had busier reports.

Today, just ONE newly named news director and NO new openings, leaving our count of open ND jobs at 22.

Perhaps it’s time for one of our occasional reminders that we welcome…in fact, encourage… your emailed news items.

There’s ONE paid ad for an Iowa EP opportunity, and we have several items in Names in the News, including an addition to the family of a Maine news director.

That’s all below.

DdgFull-6-27-17

Newly Named News Directors: 

Malave

Malave

KCSO-TV, Sacramento, CA…in our only news director move this week, STEVE MALAVE joins this Telemundo affiliate as its new news director. He’s been consulting there for the past few months. More on the hire and Steve’s background from Media Moves. Steve had been an EP for KXTV, the Tegna owned ABC affiliate in Sacramento. KCSO is owned by Serestar Communications.

New News Director Openings: 

I don’t know of any. If you do, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

Thanks!

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

Kcci Ad

Morning Executive Producer, KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA:

KCCI-TV, the Hearst Television station in Des Moines, has an opening for a Morning Executive Producer who can oversee fast-paced, up-to-date newscasts. This is an excellent opportunity for a management-level producer at Iowa’s News Leader. Applicants should have a proven track record of success in producing television newscasts. Responsibilities include managing, coaching and motivating a team of producers, reporters, anchors and photographers. The executive producer is responsible for the overall content of morning newscasts, and managing all aspects of breaking news coverage. Candidates should be experienced professionals who can communicate clearly, make decisions under deadline pressure, and have a strong desire to win.

Come see why Forbes Magazine lists Des Moines as the best city for young professionals and why U.S, News and World Report ranks Des Moines as the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. This is a vibrant, growing community that is the center of the political universe every four years as Iowa kicks off the presidential selection process.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply by clicking here:

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 9/17/17)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (new listing this week)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 9/24/17)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 10/15/17)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 9/3/17)
WRGB-TV, Albany/Schenectady, NY (listed 9/10/17)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 9/24/17)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM EP, listing revised 10/15/17)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (new listing this week)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (AM & Senior EPs, listed 9/10/17)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (AM EP, listing revised this week)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM & Dayside, listing revised 10/8/17)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (Weekend EP, listed 9/24/17)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (listing modified 9/24/17)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (relisted 8/13/17)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (relisted 9/3/17)
KWCH-TV, Wichita, KS (AM EP, relisted 9/17/17)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (relisted 8/13/17)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 10/8/17, see ad above!)
WISC-TV, Madison, WI (AM EP, listed 8/20/17)
WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (relisted 9/10/17)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 9/24/17)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (new listing this week)

Names in the News (and other items):

Loftus

Loftus

One time Topeka (WIBW-TV) News Director and anchor MARY LOFTUS has a new job. She’s joined Keller Consulting, a Kansas fund-raising consulting firm. More here. She spent 15 years at WIBW, beginning as the morning anchor and rising to news director before leaving in 1998. Since then, she’s been the Development Director at Topeka Collegiate School.

Bryant

Bryant

Our friends at Devlin Design Group have added DAMON BRYANT as VP & General Manager & Director of Business Development. Details here. Damon’s been the VP of Creative Services for WDAF-TV in Kansas City for the past ten years. He’s also worked in Chicago, Detroit, Miami, and for another Kansas City station.

Finally, congratulations to WMTW-TV (Portland, ME) News Director AMY BEVERIDGE and her husband JOHN on the birth of their second daughter EVELYN. She joins big sister LILLIAN. (See photo below.) Amy reports all are well. A kind note of congratulations would reach Amy at: amybeveridge@hearst.com

Amy, Lillian, Evelyn and John Beveridge

Amy, Lillian, Evelyn and John Beveridge



Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 22, 2017:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

WNJU-TV 2200 Fletcher Ave, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 **
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook, NY 10573
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton Street Philadelphia, PA 19130
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan St Ste 1900. Dallas TX 75201 **
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
WCCO-TV 90 S 11th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento CA 95815 **
Spectrum News 2505 Atlantic Ave. #102 Raleigh, NC 27604
WZZM-TV 645 Three Mile Grand Rapids, MI 49544
KWCH-TV 2815 E. 37th Street North, Wichita, KS 67219
KOAA-TV 2200 7th Ave. Pueblo, CO 81003
KWWL-TV 500 East Fourth St. Waterloo, IA 50703
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414
WJTV 1820 Tv Rd, Jackson, MS 39204
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
KLFY-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Rd, Lafayette, LA 70506
WSAW-TV, 1114 Grand Ave, Wausau, WI 54403
WTVY-TV 285 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 36303
KFBB-TV P.O. Box 1139. Great Falls MT 59403
KRTV P.O. Box 2989, Great Falls, MT, 59403

**: Spanish language station


October 15, 2017

Greetings:

A tidal wave of newly named news directors this week, with SIX jobs being filled. And there are just TWO new openings, leaving our count of open ND jobs at 22.

We have ONE paid help wanted ad, for an EP opening in Des Moines.

A longtime general manager…a former ND in Pittsburgh and Atlanta…is retiring. Check that out below in our section of news about GMs. You’ll also learn about a new GM at a Texas station.

And in Names in News, a three-time news director launches his own business. The head of Accuweather gets nominated for a government job. And a former ND turned consultant can’t figure out why YOU (okay, maybe not you individually but the collective you) keeps helping Facebook make money.

That’s all below.

SamFull-10-8-17

Newly Named News Directors: 

Diaz

Diaz

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA…MONIKA DIAZ has been promoted to News Director for this Tribune owned FOX affiliate. The release is here. Monika first joined KTXL as managing editor in 2014, was promoted to Assistant ND in December, and has been the interim ND since ED CHAPUIS left to become ND for KGTV in San Diego. Monika began as a reporter for WFAA-TV in Dallas, a Telemundo station in San Jose, and for another Sacramento station earlier.

Luck

Luck

KXLY-TV, Spokane, WA…MELISSA LUCK has also been promoted, in her case to ND for this Morgan Murphy Media owned ABC affiliate. Here’s the memo from the GM to the staff. You’ll learn more about Melissa in her (as of this writing) not yet updated station bio. She first joined the station in 2002 as an anchor and reporter, and moved into management in 2007. Melissa replaces JERRY POST who is leaving after 12 years as ND (and 19 at the station) to open his own business.

Green

Green

WFXG-TV, Augusta, GA…ANGELA GREEN will be the next ND for this Raycom owned FOX affiliate. She’s been an anchor/reporter for WNCT-TV in Greenville, NC. Here’s the news release from the station. She’s also worked in Montgomery and Birmingham and spent five years as a Communications Manager for an electric cooperative. WFXG has not previously had a news director…an Assistant ND reported to the ND at sister Raycom station WTOC-TV in Savannah.

Hradecky

Hradecky

WIFR-TV, Rockford, IL…MAGGIE HRADECKY returns to WIFR and TV as news director for this Gray Television owned CBS station. Earlier in her career she was the Assignment Editor here. She’s also been an ND at one Rockford station and Managing Editor for another, and worked for the local paper in a variety of roles over the past five years. Details here. Maggie replaces DAVE SMITH who retired after 14 years as ND here and 43 in our business.

Adamson

Adamson

KTMF/KYNB-TV, Missoula/Butte, MT…EMILY ADAMSON will start later this month as the ND for these Cowles owned stations. She worked as a regional producer for another Missoula station and has most recently worked for the Humane Society of Western Montana. Emily replaces ANDREA LUTZ who left the station to move to Billings, MT, to anchor a statewide newscast.

Boone

Boone

WNKY-TV, Bowling Green, KY…RICK BOONE will be the first news director for this NBC/CBS duopoly owned by Marquee Broadcasting. He most recently worked as a reporter for KNTV in San Jose/San Francisco, and has also reported in New York, Washington, and Sacramento.

DdgFull-10-10-17

New News Director Opening: 

Varner

Varner

WCSC-TV, Charleston, SC…Raycom’s CBS affiliate is looking for a new news director to replace MELISSA VARNER, who is leaving. She’s a longtime employee of the station, having joined the station in 2003 as a producer and advanced through the ranks. Melissa was promoted to news director in November, 2015.

Charles

Charles

KFBB-TV, Great Falls, MT…DEYJA CHARLES will leave this Cowles owned ABC affiliate after her replacement has been found. She’s looking to grow in another opportunity. Deyja has been ND here since January, 2014, and had been a reporter and EP prior to that. She’s also worked as a reporter in Torrance, CA and as a production assistant at KTLA-TV in Los Angeles.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

Kcci Ad

Morning Executive Producer, KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA:

KCCI-TV, the Hearst Television station in Des Moines, has an opening for a Morning Executive Producer who can oversee fast-paced, up-to-date newscasts. This is an excellent opportunity for a management-level producer at Iowa’s News Leader. Applicants should have a proven track record of success in producing television newscasts. Responsibilities include managing, coaching and motivating a team of producers, reporters, anchors and photographers. The executive producer is responsible for the overall content of morning newscasts, and managing all aspects of breaking news coverage. Candidates should be experienced professionals who can communicate clearly, make decisions under deadline pressure, and have a strong desire to win.

Come see why Forbes Magazine lists Des Moines as the best city for young professionals and why U.S, News and World Report ranks Des Moines as the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. This is a vibrant, growing community that is the center of the political universe every four years as Iowa kicks off the presidential selection process.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply by clicking here:

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 9/17/17)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 9/24/17)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (new listing this week)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 9/3/17)
WRGB-TV, Albany/Schenectady, NY (listed 9/10/17)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 9/24/17)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM EP, listing revised this week)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (AM & Senior EPs, listed 9/10/17)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/13/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM & Dayside, listing revised 10/8/17)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (Weekend EP, listed 9/24/17)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (listing modified 9/24/17)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (relisted 8/13/17)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (relisted 9/3/17)
KWCH-TV, Wichita, KS (AM EP, relisted 9/17/17)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (relisted 8/13/17)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 10/8/17, see ad above!)
WISC-TV, Madison, WI (AM EP, listed 8/20/17)
WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (relisted 9/10/17)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 9/24/17)

Names in the News (and other items):

Myers

Myers

BARRY MYERS, head of Accuweather, has been nominated by the President to be the administrator of NOAA. He’d be one of only two non-scientists to head the organization. This Washington Post article has more, including some who say his appointment would raise some conflicts of interest with weather products sold by Accuweather.

Gilchriest

Gilchriest

Congratulations to former news director JIM GILCHRIEST who’s launching his own company, the Gilchriest Consulting Group. Check out his very nice looking website for the new business. Jim’s a former news director in Nashville, Norfolk and Boise, worked in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, and for two stations in Rochester, NY. Jim began his career in radio news.

Schwaid

Schwaid

CJ&N consultant STEVE SCHWAID (a former news director and NBC executive) is confused. He doesn’t understand why stations use Facebook so much (frankly, so am I, but I’m not on Facebook). Check out his thoughts here.

General Manager News & Notes:

Blinke

Blinke

AL BLINKE, a former news director who’s been GM for WNEM-TV in Flint/Saginaw, MI, for the past 13 years, is retiring, ending a 40 year career in our business. Here’s the news release. Al’s been an ND for two stations in Pittsburgh, one in Atlanta, and worked for two stations in Detroit and one in New Haven/Hartford. He also worked as a consultant for Magid. Best wishes, Al!

GUYANNE TAYLOR has been named General Manager for Sinclair’s KVII/KVIH-TV in Amarillo, TX. It’s a return to KVII for Guyanne, who was sales manager there before leaving for a sales manager job for the Raycom station in Lubbock.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 15, 2017:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

WNJU-TV 2200 Fletcher Ave, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 **
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook, NY 10573
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton Street Philadelphia, PA 19130
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan St Ste 1900. Dallas TX 75201 **
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
WCCO-TV 90 S 11th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento CA 95815 **
Spectrum News 2505 Atlantic Ave. #102 Raleigh, NC 27604
WZZM-TV 645 Three Mile Grand Rapids, MI 49544
KWCH-TV 2815 E. 37th Street North, Wichita, KS 67219
KOAA-TV 2200 7th Ave. Pueblo, CO 81003
KWWL-TV 500 East Fourth St. Waterloo, IA 50703
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414
WJTV 1820 Tv Rd, Jackson, MS 39204
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
KLFY-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Rd, Lafayette, LA 70506
WSAW-TV, 1114 Grand Ave, Wausau, WI 54403
WTVY-TV 285 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 36303
KFBB-TV P.O. Box 1139. Great Falls MT 59403
KRTV P.O. Box 2989, Great Falls, MT, 59403

**: Spanish language station


October 8, 2017

Greetings:

It’s been a good week for the THREE people who took new news director jobs this week. Heck, it may have been a good week for the ONE news director whose opening was created by his upcoming retirement.

That means 25 stations have news director openings according to my figures.

Of those openings, ONE is featured in a paid help wanted ad, along with an ad for an EP job in the midwest.

The National News and Documentary Emmys were announced this week. We have the details. A news related website has a new operator. An Atlanta station hires TWO new news managers, and a former news director has been elected president of…well, you’ll have to read Names in the News to find out.

If you had a hurricane bearing down on you, would you speed up or delay the installation of a new set? We’ll tell you what one Jacksonville station did.

And congrats to a former ND turned GM who’s easing up the corporate ladder.

Details below!

DdgFull-10-10-17

 

Newly Named News Directors: 

Shamdasani

Manoj S.

News 12 Brooklyn/The Bronx…congratulations to MANOJ SHAMDASANI who’s been promoted to GM/ND for this hyper local cable news operation. He’s been the Assistant ND there for the past four years, and spent more than six years at WFMZ-TV in Allentown, PA, first as EP and later Assistant News Director. Manoj replaces BERTA CASTENER who’s retiring after seven years as GM/ND here, and almost 40 years in the business.

Lupenski

Lupenski

KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO…TIFFANI LUPENSKI moves halfway across the country to become ND for this Tegna owned NBC affiliate, as we reported on Thursday. Here’s the news release, and here’s what the local paper offered. Tiffani most recently was the ND for KGTV in San Diego, a job she left in August after 2 years. She’s a former ND in Portland, OR, and has been a news manager in Seattle and Denver, where she first worked for Tegna (when it was Gannett). She began her career on-air, working in Lake Charles, LA, and Birmingham, and also worked for CNN and radio stations in Atlanta and San Antonio. At KSDK, she replaces KARIN MOVESIAN who left last month after 2+ years as ND.

Mickle

Mickle

WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL…MIKE MICKLE returns to a newsroom as the ND for this Nexstar/CBS operation. Here’s the note to staff from GM MARSHALL PORTER. Mike spent more than 18 years as an anchor/reporter for KWQC-TV and has operated his own business for the past 14 years, as explained on his Linkedin page. He replaces MIKE LOPEZ who left in July after two years to become Executive Planning Editor at KPRC-TV in Houston.

SamFull-10-8-17

New News Director Opening: 

Willis

Willis

Spectrum News, Raleigh, NC…RICK WILLIS, who’s the only news director this local cable channel has ever had, is retiring after 50 years in our business.  Known originally as News 14 Carolina, Rick’s been ND here since 2001.  He’s worked at 12 different news operations, too many to list here, so we’re grateful that the station did the hard work for us!  Congratulations to Rick on his retirement.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Kcci Ad

Morning Executive Producer, KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA:

KCCI-TV, the Hearst Television station in Des Moines, has an opening for a Morning Executive Producer who can oversee fast-paced, up-to-date newscasts. This is an excellent opportunity for a management-level producer at Iowa’s News Leader. Applicants should have a proven track record of success in producing television newscasts. Responsibilities include managing, coaching and motivating a team of producers, reporters, anchors and photographers. The executive producer is responsible for the overall content of morning newscasts, and managing all aspects of breaking news coverage. Candidates should be experienced professionals who can communicate clearly, make decisions under deadline pressure, and have a strong desire to win.

Come see why Forbes Magazine lists Des Moines as the best city for young professionals and why U.S, News and World Report ranks Des Moines as the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. This is a vibrant, growing community that is the center of the political universe every four years as Iowa kicks off the presidential selection process.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply by clicking here:

KXLY Logo

Executive News Director, KXLY-TV, Spokane, WA:

KXLY-TV, the ABC affiliate in Spokane, WA (Mkt. #73) seeks a dynamic, progressive and experienced News Director to lead our team in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The ideal candidate is a goal-oriented, digitally-savvy, and creative leader and coach who’s eager to win in a highly competitive news environment. If you have a proven track record of producing great content that will grow ratings on TV and digital platforms, we want to hear from you!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Create & implement strategic plans for audience growth and newsroom operations
Analyze and respond to trends affecting the industry and DMA
Develop and control annual budget to comply with station guidelines
Monitor all on-air and online product for compliance to Federal, State and local laws as well as First Amendment
Work closely with other members of station management team to develop and attain station goals
Knowledge of and proficiency in posting content to digital platforms
Supervise and provide regular feedback for direct reports with ultimate responsibility for all newsroom personnel

QUALIFICATIONS:

4 year degree with an emphasis in Journalism or equivalent
Minimum five years of journalism experience required and 3+ years of current digital media experience
A broad-based knowledge of journalism, the news media environment and audience consumption trends
Knowledge of current and emerging multi-platform news content, including text, audio, video, photos, graphics, data, visual journalism/storytelling and community building
Exceptional leadership skills with previous experience building teams, hiring, developing and retaining employees
Valid driver’s license; acceptable driving record

HOW TO APPLY: Click here to apply.

KXLY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 9/17/17)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 9/24/17)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 9/3/17)
WRGB-TV, Albany/Schenectady, NY (listed 9/10/17)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 9/24/17)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM & PM EPs, listed 8/6/17)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (AM & Senior EPs, listed 9/10/17)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/13/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM & Dayside jobs, listing revised this week)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (Weekend EP, listed 9/24/17)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (listing modified 9/24/17)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (relisted 8/13/17)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (relisted 9/3/17)
KWCH-TV, Wichita, KS (AM EP, relisted 9/17/17)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (relisted 8/13/17)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WISC-TV, Madison, WI (AM EP, listed 8/20/17)
WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (relisted 9/10/17)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 9/24/17)

Names in the News (and other items):

Congratulations to WCAU-TV (Philadelphia/NBC) and KTLM-TV (Rio Grande Valley/Telemundo who were the only local stations honored at the 38th National News and Documentary Emmy Awards. The complete news release and list of winners are here.

The University of Mississippi will take over the NewsLab website, founded in 1998 by former CBS and CNN correspondent DEBORAH POTTER. Details here.

WGCL-TV in Atlanta is adding to its news management team. PHIL LANDEROS joins the staff as the prime-time executive producer. He most recently worked at WOFL-TV in Orlando. And HOWARD DORSEY will be the dayside EP, coming from Houston where he’d been the Assistant ND for KRIV-TV. This is the third time Howard has worked with WGCL ND STEVE DOERR: they teamed up together in Philadelphia and Dallas.

Mitchell

Mitchell

JAY MITCHELL, a former news director and news manager turned realtor, has been chosen as President of the Virginia Relators. He’s a former ND in West Palm Beach, Norfolk, and Lexington, KY, and also worked for CNN and other local stations.

With a hurricane bearing down, WJAX/WFOX-TV in Jacksonville, FL, decided to speed up plans for a new set (gutsy!). They teamed with our friends and longtime newsletter supporter Devlin Design Group to debut the set so they could take advantage of the storytelling options the set would give them. Details…and pictures…are here.

General Manager News & Notes:

Carter

Carter

Congratulations to ND turned GM RAY CARTER who’s been named a Regional VP for Television for Cox Media Group.  Ray will continue to oversee WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, where he’s been GM since 2001, as well as a number of stations as you’ll learn here.  Ray’s a former news director in Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Des Moines.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 8, 2017:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com
WNJU-TV 2200 Fletcher Ave, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 **
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook, NY 10573
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton Street Philadelphia, PA 19130
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan St Ste 1900. Dallas TX 75201 **
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
WCCO-TV 90 S 11th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road. Sacramento, CA 95820
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento CA 95815 **
Spectrum News 2505 Atlantic Ave. #102 Raleigh, NC 27604
WZZM-TV 645 Three Mile Grand Rapids, MI 49544
KWCH-TV 2815 E. 37th Street North, Wichita, KS 67219
KXLY-TV 500 W. Boone Spokane, WA 99201 (see ad above!)
KOAA-TV 2200 7th Ave. Pueblo, CO 81003
KWWL-TV 500 East Fourth St. Waterloo, IA 50703
WJTV 1820 Tv Rd, Jackson, MS 39204
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
WFXG-TV P.O. Box 204540 Augusta, GA 30917
KLFY-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Rd, Lafayette, LA 70506
WSAW-TV, 1114 Grand Ave, Wausau, WI 54403
KTMF-TV 2200 Stephens Avenue, Missoula, MT 59801
WTVY-TV 285 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 36303
KRTV P.O. Box 2989, Great Falls, Montana, 59403

**: Spanish language station