Rick Gevers & Associates

August 23, 2026

Greetings:

This week’s edition is a little abbreviated due to travel, but we still have items of interest!

ONE new news director.

ONE new ND opening.

Those changes bring our count of open ND jobs to 27.

TWO paid help wanted ads, including ONE for an EP job at a family owned station in a top 20 market, the other for a job which promises a good life/work balance.

There’s ONE new GM to tell you about.

And THREE obituaries, including ONE of a former Massachusetts news director who went out to create something you’ve heard of.

It’s called ESPN.

The aforementioned travel means no news items this week…we’ll be sure to include them next time.

Newly Named News Director:

Jakob B.

KOSA/KTLE-TV, Odessa/Midland, TX…when JAKOB BRANDENBURG returns to this CBS/Telemundo operation from paternity leave, he will assume the news director’s role. Jakob’s worked here for eight years in a variety of positions, including sports director, morning anchor, and, most recently, afternoon anchor. Jakob succeeds CRAIG HUME who left in late June after less than a year as ND.

New News Director Opening:

Kalish

WOI-TV, Des Moines/Ames, IA…MATT KALISH is leaving this Tegna owned ABC affiliate to move to another Tegna station, WXIA-TV (NBC) in Atlanta where he will be the Assistant ND. Here’s the note to the WOI staff. The move reunites him with WXIA’s Director of Content, TODD SPESSARD. They worked together at Griffin Media in Oklahoma. Matt’s also worked in Wichita and Columbia, MO.

Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, KSTP-TV, Minneapolis, MN:

KSTP 5 Eyewitness News is the award-winning ABC network affiliate for the Twin Cities. Part of Hubbard Broadcasting, KSTP-TV is a longtime market leader, and is committed to excellence in all that it does-broadcast news with hyper-local coverage, important public service that deals powerfully with today’s issues, and now, more than ever, top-notch digital content, to reach our viewers and followers with information the way they want to receive it.

When you work for KSTP, or our other local, independently operated station KSTC, Channel 45, you will find yourself among dedicated, passionate people who work hard every day to improve our product and our community.

If you have the qualifications, and you are a person of talent and integrity, we invite you to apply!

KSTP-TV is currently looking for an Executive Producer who will be responsible for raising the bar on storytelling as well as pushing for personal, and memorable stories. This position will be responsible for story selection, cultivation, and crafting with reporters, anchors and producers.

If you are interested in learning more and possibly applying, please see: KSTPTVExecutiveProducer

Director of News and Public Affairs, Arizona PBS:

Arizona PBS – a licensee of Arizona State University – is expanding its news and public affairs content to better serve the fast-growing Phoenix and greater Arizona markets.

To do that, we’re looking for an experienced, strategic, and innovative Director of News and Public Affairs to lead our newsroom and public affairs content efforts across broadcast, digital, and emerging platforms.

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven newsroom leader who understands the evolving role of journalism, particularly that played by non-profit newsrooms and public media.

This is not a “business-as-usual” news leadership role. Our ideal hire must be an exceptional journalist, collaborative leader, and forward-thinking media professional who can guide teams through an evolving, multi-platform media landscape while maintaining the highest standards of editorial integrity.

The Director of News and Public Affairs will work closely with the Senior Director of Content to define and execute a strong editorial vision while leading a team of reporters, producers, editors, hosts, and student workers/interns. Key priorities include growing digital news audiences, working with the Senior Director of Content to develop platform-specific content strategies, as well as collaboration and innovation with other non-profit news providers in Arizona across broadcast and digital platforms.

This is a unique role in that provides a life-work balance in the news industry with generous paid time off for holidays and vacation as well as the added benefits of working at Arizona State University, which include: health, dental, and vision care coverage; retirement savings plans; and tuition reduction for employees and dependents.

To learn more and apply, please click here.

Position Closing Date: September 4, 2026 

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 8/9/26)
KFSM-TV, Fayetteville, AR (listed 7/12/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (Digital EP, relisted 7/12/26)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (relisted 6/21/26)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 8/9/26)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (AM EP, listed 8/9/26)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (listed 8/2/26)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (Special Projects Producer, listed 8/2/26)
KSTP-TV, Minneapolis/St. Paul. MN (listed 8/16/26, see ad above!)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (Digital EP, listed 7/26/26)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 7/26/26)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital EP, listed 7/26/26)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Multiplatform EP, listing revised 7/19/26)
KTVX/KUCW-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 7/12/26)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 6/21/26)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM EP, listed 7/26/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 7/5/26)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/21/26)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (relisted 7/26/26)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (relisted 7/26/26)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 7/19/26)
KTHV-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted 7/26/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, relisted 6/21/26)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (PM EP, listed 7/26/26)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 7/26/26)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (Digital EP, relisted 8/9/26)
KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX (listed 6/21/26)
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (listed 7/26/26)
KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX (relisted 7/26/26)
KWES-TV, Midland, TX (listed 6/14/26)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 7/5/26)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 6/7/26)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 8/16/26:

WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (Executive Reporter)
WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (Executive Reporter)

Relisted 8/9/26:

Arizona PBS, Phoenix, AZ (Dir. of News & Public Affairs, see ad above!)

Listed 8/9/26:

WGN-TV, Chicago, IL (Digital Media Director)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (Executive Reporter)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (Executive Reporter)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (Multi-Media Managing Editor)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (Multi-Media Managing Editor)

Listed 8/2/26:

WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (Story Desk Manager)
WNEP-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (Story Desk Manager)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Story Desk Manager)
KXRM-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (Director of Multiplatform Content)

Listed 7/2t/26:

E. W. Scripps, remote in any state where Scripps operates (SVP of News)

Listed 7/12/26:

KSAT-TV, San Antonio, TX (Manager of Coverage and Content)

Obituaries:

Suarez

Our Wednesday UPDATE brought you first news of the death of longtime broadcaster JOSE SUAREZ. New: This story from Variety with details on the helicopter crash in Kenya that killed Jose and six others, including four Americans. Jose’s been GM for THREE Telemundo stations in Florida. He’s been a GM and ND in several other markets as his Linkedin page explains.

Bill R.

BILL RASMUSSEN, a former sports director turned news director for WWLP-TV in Springfield, MA, died this week at the age of 93. But you likely know him for being the founder of ESPN. Variety’s story says the idea came to him while stuck in a traffic jam. ESPN launched in 1979 with 80 employees. He was forced out of the company just two years later by investors. Eventually ABC bought the company in 1984.

Comings

A celebration of life for RON COMINGS will be held in October in Las Vegas. Ron, a multi-time news director most recently at KLAS-TV in Las Vegas, lost his fight with cancer in late June, shortly before his 78th birthday. Ron’s wife, KERRI, sent me this link to a site that allows you to post a video celebrating Ron’s life. That celebration will be held Saturday, October 24th, from 5:30-8:30 at 387 Rushing Creek Ct, Las Vegas, 89014.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

Due to travel, we have no news items this week…but we’ll include them in our next edition.

General Manager News and Notes:

Sinclair has named CAROL KELLUM GM of its KPTM-TV (FOX) in Lincoln, NE, as well as KHGI/KFXL-TV in Lincoln/Hastings/Kearney, NE.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 16, 2026:

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

WPVI-TV 4100 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
KGO-TV 900 Front St, San Francisco, CA 94111
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
WLTV 9405 NW 41st St, Miami, FL, 33178-2301
KCRA-TV 3 Television Circle, Sacramento, CA 95814
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820-5299
KOKH/KOCB-TV 1228 E. Wilshire Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73111
WGNO-TV 1 Galleria Blvd, Suite 850 Metairie LA 70001
WWL-TV 1024 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70116
WREG-TV 803 Channel 3 Drive, Memphis, TN 38103
KSEE/KGPE-TV 5035 E. McKinley Ave., Fresno CA 93727
KOKI-TV 2625 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74129
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KCEN-TV 215 N. 3rd Street Temple, TX 76501
WCHS-TV 1301 Piedmont Road, Charleston, WV 25301
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
KNDU-TV 3312 W. Kennewick Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336
WMAZ-TV 1314 Gray Highway, Macon, GA 31211
WWAY-TV 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KNOE-TV 1400 Oliver Rd., Monroe, LA 71201
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Dr., Sioux City, IA 51106
KNBN-TV 510 North Cambell Suite 8. Rapid City, SD 57701
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station

August 16, 2026

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 UPDATE:

Greetings:

A helicopter crash in a remote area of Kenya has claimed the life of a longtime General Manager and News Director.

Suarez

JOSE SUAREZ was one of seven people and four Americans killed in the crash. Most recently, Jose has been the GM for three Telemundo stations in Tampa, Orlando, and Ft, Myers. He was just 55 years old.

Here’s a story about the crash from the WTVJ-TV (NBC/Miami) website and here is a link to Jose’s Linkedin page which details his many stops across our business.

Our sympathy to Jose’s family, friends, and co-workers.

We will endeavor to have more in our next full newsletter.

regards,

Rick Gevers

**** ***** ****

Greetings:

We’re a little earlier than usual this week due to travel. As I have often said, don’t get used to it.

TWO new news directors (including ONE who will oversee THREE stations in ONE market.)

TWO new ND openings (both in top 20 markets.)

TWO paid help wanted ads, including ONE for an EP job at a family owned station in a top 20 market, the other for a job which promises a good life/work balance.

NO obituaries or GM changes again.

And we have these stories.

• The National Edward R. Murrow Awards are announced. And an independent station won Overall Excellence for Large Markets. We have the full list.
• California’s Attorney General responds to DAVID ELLISON’s essay defending the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal.
• Nexstar is replacing many Tegna board members.
• Does the future show a single station broadcasting multiple networks in the same market? HANK PRICE thinks so.
• Some Names in the News, including an UPDATE on a news director who left news…but not her station.
• And we’re repeating our story from last week about a former Hearst and Raycom executive who made it to the FBI 10 Most Wanted List!

Those stories and much more below.

Newly Named News Directors:

Sullivan

WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN…AMY SULLIVAN will be the next news director for this Rincon Broadcasting owned FOX affiliate. She’s been the Director of News Coverage and Digital Content for Rincon since February, when she left her job as ND for KOKI-TV in Tulsa. Amy’s held a number of ND jobs as you’ll learn from her Linkedin profile. She replaces RANDY WARDELL who departed to become the ND for Nexstar’s WKRN-TV (ABC) in Nashville.

Parker

KATC/KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA…a series of station ownership changes has resulted in Gray Media owning all three of these stations. JIM PARKER (who’d been GM and ND for KADN & KALF, which had been owned by Allen Media) will be Director of News for the triopoly. Jim sent me this note with more on the ownership history, and what he says will be an increase in live programming and that jobs will be maintained.

New News Director Openings:

Zugasti

WLTV, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, FL…Media Moves is reporting that YOLANDA ZUGASTI is out as news director for this TelevisaUnivsion owned station. She was apparently the victim of layoffs across many of the company’s stations. Yolanda’s been ND here since November, 2023

Schnell

KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA…DEREK SCHNELL‘s been promoted to VP/News for station owner Hearst. (He’s been a Regional ND.) Derek’s been ND for this NBC affiliate since December, 2018, when he was promoted from Assistant ND. He’s a Hearst lifer: in 20 years with Hearst, he’s worked in Oklahoma City and Kansas City. He’s also worked in Columbia, MO. His replacement will be announced soon: Hearst typically does a great job of promoting from within.

Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, KSTP-TV, Minneapolis, MN:

KSTP 5 Eyewitness News is the award-winning ABC network affiliate for the Twin Cities. Part of Hubbard Broadcasting, KSTP-TV is a longtime market leader, and is committed to excellence in all that it does-broadcast news with hyper-local coverage, important public service that deals powerfully with today’s issues, and now, more than ever, top-notch digital content, to reach our viewers and followers with information the way they want to receive it.

When you work for KSTP, or our other local, independently operated station KSTC, Channel 45, you will find yourself among dedicated, passionate people who work hard every day to improve our product and our community.

If you have the qualifications, and you are a person of talent and integrity, we invite you to apply!

KSTP-TV is currently looking for an Executive Producer who will be responsible for raising the bar on storytelling as well as pushing for personal, and memorable stories. This position will be responsible for story selection, cultivation, and crafting with reporters, anchors and producers.

If you are interested in learning more and possibly applying, please see: KSTPTVExecutiveProducer

Director of News and Public Affairs, Arizona PBS:

Arizona PBS – a licensee of Arizona State University – is expanding its news and public affairs content to better serve the fast-growing Phoenix and greater Arizona markets.

To do that, we’re looking for an experienced, strategic, and innovative Director of News and Public Affairs to lead our newsroom and public affairs content efforts across broadcast, digital, and emerging platforms.

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven newsroom leader who understands the evolving role of journalism, particularly that played by non-profit newsrooms and public media.

This is not a “business-as-usual” news leadership role. Our ideal hire must be an exceptional journalist, collaborative leader, and forward-thinking media professional who can guide teams through an evolving, multi-platform media landscape while maintaining the highest standards of editorial integrity.

The Director of News and Public Affairs will work closely with the Senior Director of Content to define and execute a strong editorial vision while leading a team of reporters, producers, editors, hosts, and student workers/interns. Key priorities include growing digital news audiences, working with the Senior Director of Content to develop platform-specific content strategies, as well as collaboration and innovation with other non-profit news providers in Arizona across broadcast and digital platforms.

This is a unique role in that provides a life-work balance in the news industry with generous paid time off for holidays and vacation as well as the added benefits of working at Arizona State University, which include: health, dental, and vision care coverage; retirement savings plans; and tuition reduction for employees and dependents.

To learn more and apply, please click here.

Position Closing Date: September 4, 2026 

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WXIA/WATL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 7/26/26)
WKRN-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/2/26)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 8/9/26)
KFSM-TV, Fayetteville, AR (listed 7/12/26)
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/26/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (Digital EP, relisted 7/12/26)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (relisted 6/21/26)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 8/9/26)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (AM EP, listed 8/9/26)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (listed 8/2/26)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (Special Projects Producer, listed 8/2/26)
KSTP-TV, Minneapolis/St. Paul. MN (listed 8/16/26, see ad above!)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (Digital EP, listed 7/26/26)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 7/26/26)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital EP, listed 7/26/26)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Multiplatform EP, listing revised 7/19/26)
KTVX/KUCW-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 7/12/26)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 6/21/26)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM EP, listed 7/26/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 7/5/26)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/21/26)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (relisted 7/26/26)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (relisted 7/26/26)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 7/19/26)
KTHV-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted 7/26/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, relisted 6/21/26)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (PM EP, listed 7/26/26)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 7/26/26)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (Digital EP, relisted 8/9/26)
KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX (listed 6/21/26)
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (listed 7/26/26)
KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX (relisted 7/26/26)
KWES-TV, Midland, TX (listed 6/14/26)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 7/5/26)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 6/7/26)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 8/16/26:

WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (Executive Reporter)
WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (Executive Reporter)

Relisted 8/9/26:

Arizona PBS, Phoenix, AZ (Dir. of News & Public Affairs, see ad above!)

Listed 8/9/26:

WGN-TV, Chicago, IL (Digital Media Director)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (Executive Reporter)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (Executive Reporter)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (Multi-Media Managing Editor)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (Multi-Media Managing Editor)

Listed 8/2/26:

WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (Story Desk Manager)
WNEP-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (Story Desk Manager)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Story Desk Manager)
KXRM-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (Director of Multiplatform Content)

Listed 7/2t/26:

E. W. Scripps, remote in any state where Scripps operates (SVP of News)

Listed 7/12/26:

KSAT-TV, San Antonio, TX (Manager of Coverage and Content)

Names in the News (and other stuff):

Congratulations to this year’s RTDNA National EDWARD R. MURROW award winners. Here’s the complete list, with a shout out to the two Overall Excellence Award Winners: In large markets, Gray Media’s WANF-TV (independent) in Atlanta. And in small markets, Griffin’s KOTV (CBS) in Tulsa took the top honor.

California Attorney General ROB BANTA fired back to DAVID ELLISON’s essay in the New York Times (shared here last week) on the proposed Paramount/Warner Bros. merger.

In other merger news, responding to a court order, Nexstar has begun replacing Tegna board members who work for Nexstar.

Former GM and consultant HANK PRICE sees one result of all the M & A activity: stations will be home to two or more network affiliates: It’s already happening in markets as big as Miami and St. Louis.

Some Names in the News:

Last week’s story on a former Raycom and Hearst executive’s move to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted List got, as you might expect, a lot of views.

In case you missed it, here’s the story on MARY CLAIRE McDONNELL’s rise (fall?) to infamy.

Kane

We told you earlier this summer that JESSIE KANE was stepping away from local news and leaving her job as news director for Tegna’s KREM-TV in Spokane. What we didn’t know then…but do now…is that while she stepped away from news, she did NOT step away from KREM! Her linkedin post explains her new role at the station.

After 12 years at this FOX affiliate (under multiple owners) SARAH KOLKER has been promoted to Executive Reporter for WXMI-TV in Grand Rapids, MI, now owned by Scripps.

General Manager News and Notes:

To the best of my knowledge, no GM changes again this week.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 16, 2026:

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

WPVI-TV 4100 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
KGO-TV 900 Front St, San Francisco, CA 94111
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
WLTV 9405 NW 41st St, Miami, FL, 33178-2301
KCRA-TV 3 Television Circle, Sacramento, CA 95814
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820-5299
KOKH/KOCB-TV 1228 E. Wilshire Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73111
WGNO-TV 1 Galleria Blvd, Suite 850 Metairie LA 70001
WWL-TV 1024 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70116
WREG-TV 803 Channel 3 Drive, Memphis, TN 38103
KSEE/KGPE-TV 5035 E. McKinley Ave., Fresno CA 93727
KOKI-TV 2625 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74129
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KCEN-TV 215 N. 3rd Street Temple, TX 76501
WCHS-TV 1301 Piedmont Road, Charleston, WV 25301
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
KNDU-TV 3312 W. Kennewick Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336
WMAZ-TV 1314 Gray Highway, Macon, GA 31211
WWAY-TV 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KNOE-TV 1400 Oliver Rd., Monroe, LA 71201
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Dr., Sioux City, IA 51106
KNBN-TV 510 North Cambell Suite 8. Rapid City, SD 57701
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station

August 9, 2026

Greetings:

It’s a very lengthy newsletter this week.

THREE new news directors (including ONE in a top 20 market.)

THREE new ND openings (including ONE in a top 20 market.)

TWO paid help wanted ads, including ONE for a job which promises a good life/work balance.

NO obituaries or GM changes.

But lots of news which we’ll try and recap, though the FIRST item may not be the most important…but certainly it’s the most unique.

• A former Hearst and Raycom executive makes it to the FBI 10 Most Wanted List!
• The FCC votes to repeal the 39% ownership cap, though some think they can’t do that.
• A federal judge says Nexstar can NOT appoint its executives to the Tegna Board, even though Nexstar owns the company.
• DAVID ELLISON defends his attempt to buy Warner Bros. and thus control both CBS News and CNN, but an article from Poynter pokes holes in his essay.
• Scripps announces a ‘refounding’ of the company with a big emphasis o streaming; But 268 people are out of work.
• CBS launches an occasional new segment in the Evening News.
• We have a lengthy profile of the #2 person at CBS News.
• And we have some Names in the News, including a 79 year old former ND who just finished a 371 mike bike ride.

Those stories and much more below.

Newly Named News Directors:

Linden

WOFL/WOGX-TV, Orlando/Gainesville. FL…this FOX o-and-o has promoted RACHEL LINDEN to VP/ND. She’s a seven year veteran of the station, who began as a producer, then EP, and, for the last two years, Managing Editor. Rachel has also worked in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Lexington, KY, and Tri-Cities, WA. At WOFL, Rachel replaces the woman to whom she will now report, MELLISA MEDALIE, who was promoted to Senior VP/GM for the FOX stations in Florida.

Young

WLKY-TV, Louisville, KY…Kentucky native KELLEN YOUNG will be the next ND for this Hearst owned CBS affiliate. It’s an inter-company move for Kellen, who’s been the Assistant ND for WLWT-TV (NBC) in Cincinnati for the past three years. He’s also worked for Hearst stations in Boston and Winston-Salem. In Louisville, Kellen replaces his new boss, ANDREA STAHLMAN who was promoted to GM earlier this summer after 14 years as ND.

Parsons

KAKE-TV, Wichita, KS…WADE PARSONS will be the next news director for this Lockwood Broadcasting ABC affiliate. Here’s the news release from the station. For the last five years, Wade’s been the news director for Sinclair’s WCHS-TV (CBS/FOX) in Charleston, WV. He’s also worked in Las Vegas, Providence, Orlando, and Greenville, SC. At KAKE, he replaces DAVID WILLIAMS who left earlier this summer for family reasons after five years.

Of note: Wade learned about the opening via an ad in this newsletter!

New News Director Openings:

Beard

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA…LEISHA BEARD  is leaving this Nexstar owned FOX affiliate to be closer to family. She’s been the news director here since late 2023. Prior to that, she’d been the ND for Nexstar’s WHTM-TV (ABC) in Harrisburg, PA and earlier spent a dozen years (of her 17 at the station) as ND for KSNF/KODE-TV in Joplin, MO.

WCHS-TV, Charleston, WV…you learned above that WADE PARSONS is leaving to become the ND for KAKE-TV (ABC) in Wichita.

KCAU-TV, Sioux City, IA…ANDY BOTTGER has left this Nexstar owned ABC affiliate. He’s been the ND here since the summer of 2022, and has been at the station for 13+ years.

Paras

And one UPDATE from a change we reported last week. We told you that ANDY PARAS had left the Nexstar duopoly in Fresno. Andy posted this about his situation on Linkedin.

Help Wanted Ads:

Director of News and Public Affairs, Arizona PBS:

Arizona PBS – a licensee of Arizona State University – is expanding its news and public affairs content to better serve the fast-growing Phoenix and greater Arizona markets.

To do that, we’re looking for an experienced, strategic, and innovative Director of News and Public Affairs to lead our newsroom and public affairs content efforts across broadcast, digital, and emerging platforms.

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven newsroom leader who understands the evolving role of journalism, particularly that played by non-profit newsrooms and public media.

This is not a “business-as-usual” news leadership role. Our ideal hire must be an exceptional journalist, collaborative leader, and forward-thinking media professional who can guide teams through an evolving, multi-platform media landscape while maintaining the highest standards of editorial integrity.

The Director of News and Public Affairs will work closely with the Senior Director of Content to define and execute a strong editorial vision while leading a team of reporters, producers, editors, hosts, and student workers/interns. Key priorities include growing digital news audiences, working with the Senior Director of Content to develop platform-specific content strategies, as well as collaboration and innovation with other non-profit news providers in Arizona across broadcast and digital platforms.

This is a unique role in that provides a life-work balance in the news industry with generous paid time off for holidays and vacation as well as the added benefits of working at Arizona State University, which include: health, dental, and vision care coverage; retirement savings plans; and tuition reduction for employees and dependents.

To learn more and apply, please click here.

Position Closing Date: August 21, 2026 (this could change) 

WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL: Executive Producers (click on ad)

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WXIA/WATL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 7/26/26)
WKRN-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/2/26)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 8/9/26)
KFSM-TV, Fayetteville, AR (listed 7/12/26)
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/26/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (Digital EP, relisted 7/12/26)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (relisted 6/21/26)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 8/9/26)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (AM EP, listed 8/9/26)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (listed 8/2/26)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (Special Projects Producer, listed 8/2/26)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (Digital EP, listed 7/26/26)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 7/26/26)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital EP, listed 7/26/26)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Multiplatform EP, listing revised 7/19/26)
KTVX/KUCW-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 7/12/26)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 6/21/26)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM EP, listed 7/26/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 7/5/26)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/21/26)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (relisted 7/26/26)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (relisted 7/26/26)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 7/19/26, see ad above!)
KTHV-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted 7/26/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, relisted 6/21/26)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (PM EP, listed 7/26/26)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 7/26/26)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (Digital EP, relisted 8/9/26)
KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX (listed 6/21/26)
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (listed 7/26/26)
KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX (relisted 7/26/26)
KWES-TV, Midland, TX (listed 6/14/26)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 7/5/26)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 6/7/26)

Other News Management Openings:

Relisted 8/9/26:

Arizona PBS, Phoenix, AZ (Dir. of News & Public Affairs, see ad above!)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (General Manager)

Listed 8/9/26:

WGN-TV, Chicago, IL (Digital Media Director)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (Executive Reporter)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (Executive Reporter)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (Multi-Media Managing Editor)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (Multi-Media Managing Editor)

Listed 8/2/26:

WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (Story Desk Manager)
WNEP-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (Story Desk Manager)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Story Desk Manager)
KXRM-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (Director of Multiplatform Content)

Listed 7/2t/26:

E. W. Scripps, remote in any state where Scripps operates (SVP of News)

Listed 7/12/26:

KSAT-TV, San Antonio, TX (Manager of Coverage and Content)

Names in the News (and other stuff):

There was a TON of news this week about the industry and we’ll get to that in a moment. But here’s a story that caught my eye.

If you’ve worked at Raycom or Hearst, you may have worked with a programming executive who has a certain claim to fame.

MARY CLAIRE McDONNELL is on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list.

Here’s the story from Business Insider.

You almost certainly know by know that the FCC voted to repeal the congressionally approved 39% cap on broadcast ownership.

The President of the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council doesn’t think the FCC can do that.

Surprise! Sinclair CEO CHRIS RIPLEY ‘couldn’t be happier‘.

While the Nexstar-Tegna deal drags on, a Federal Judge in California says Nexstar can NOT appoint its executives to the board of Tegna, which it owns but can’t operate.

DAVID ELLISON, who is trying to acquire Warner Bros. and thus control both CBS News and CNN, wrote a guess essay in the New York Times defending the deal.

It didn’t take long for TOM JONES, writing in the Poynter Report, to poke holes in that essay.

Symson

Scripps CEO ADAM SYMSON announced a ‘refounding’ of how the company operates, which eliminated 268 jobs and will place the emphasis on streaming.

TVNewscheck explained the changes here.

Some items about CBS.

CJR has this lengthy profile of BARI WEISS‘ number two, TOM CIBROWSKI.

In at attempt to reverse its sinking ratings, The CBS Evening News is launching a occasional segment called The Big Question.

And some Names in the News.

LAUREN PETTERSON-MCMURRY has been promoted to EP at Tegna’s KVUE-TV in Austin, TX.

After ten years as a recruiter, first for Tegna and then Scripps (which eliminated his job last month) NEAL BENNETT has a new job at Florida Atlantic University.

Former news director JOHN BUTTE just wrapped up a 371 mile/10 day bike ride…at the age of 79. He shared the news on Facebook.

General Manager News and Notes:

To the best of my knowledge, no GM changes this week.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 9, 2026:

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

WPVI-TV 4100 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
KGO-TV 900 Front St, San Francisco, CA 94111
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820-5299
KOKH/KOCB-TV 1228 E. Wilshire Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73111
WGNO-TV 1 Galleria Blvd, Suite 850 Metairie LA 70001
WWL-TV 1024 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70116
WHBQ-TV 485 South Highland St. Memphis, TN 38111
WREG-TV 803 Channel 3 Drive, Memphis, TN 38103
KSEE/KGPE-TV 5035 E. McKinley Ave., Fresno CA 93727
KOKI-TV 2625 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74129
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KCEN-TV 215 N. 3rd Street Temple, TX 76501
WCHS-TV 1301 Piedmont Road, Charleston, WV 25301
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
KNDU-TV 3312 W. Kennewick Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336
WMAZ-TV 1314 Gray Highway, Macon, GA 31211
WWAY-TV 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KNOE-TV 1400 Oliver Rd., Monroe, LA 71201
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Dr., Sioux City, IA 51106
KNBN-TV 510 North Cambell Suite 8. Rapid City, SD 57701
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station

August 2, 2026

Greetings:

This week’s report doesn’t match the length of our most recent effort, but there is still good content (he said, modestly).

It features ONE (or maybe TWO depend on how your view one of them) and we removed ONE listing for reasons we explain. Our list of openings remains at 25,

There’s ONE paid help wanted ad for a Florida station looking for EPs.
Among our other items:

• We have a obituary for a former Kansas City news director.
• You’ll learn about a fund raising campaign to create a scholarship for a former Indiana news manager.
• The new hires at 60 Minutes are called ‘perplexing’ by one columnist.
• The retirement of an ESPN executive (and former local ND) may result in less coverage of politically related sports items.
• Stations in Rockford, IL, will combine branding.
• And we’ll explain why we can’t (officially) answer a question we raised last week, but we can guess!

Those stories and more after this from BARRY NASH.

Newly Named News Directors:

No new ND hires this week, but we have removed WWTV/WWUP-TV in Cadillac, MI from our list of openings. Wet told you last week that DANIEL FIRNBACH was leaving to join Octopus Newsrooms. A tipster tells us that the station will not hire an ND but that the duties would be assumed by the station’s Senior Director of Content Strategy. I reached out via Linkedin to JOE WARNER, whose LinkedIn page says he has that role, but he did not respond.

New News Director Openings:

Paras

KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA…ANDY PARAS has left this Nexstar owned NBC/CBS duopoly after just about 15 months as news director. He had previously been news director for an Allen Media station in Ft. Wayne, IN, before that job was combined with that of several other Allen properties.

   Hice

KCEN-TV, Temple, TX…this Tegna owned NBC affiliate has now posted an opening for a news director. Call us Nostradamus if you want, but we actually added the opening to our list way back in February. That’s when JIM HICE left after almost 12 years as news director. He’s also worked in Tampa, for two stations in Louisville, and in Lubbock. According to his Linkedin page, he is now working in communications for the Texas Veterans Commission.

Help Wanted Ad:

WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL: Executive Producers (click on ad)

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WXIA/WATL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 7/26/26)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (listed 6/7/26)
WKRN-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/2/26)
KFSM-TV, Fayetteville, AR (listed 7/12/26)
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/26/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (Digital EP, relisted 7/12/26)
WMUR-TV, Manchester, NH (Boston market) (listed 5/17/26)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (relisted 6/21/26)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 6/7/26)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 7/5/26)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (listed 8/2/26)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (Special Projects Producer, listed 8/2/26)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (Digital EP, listed 7/26/26)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 7/26/26)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital EP, listed 7/26/26)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Lifestyle Show EP, listed 6/7/26)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Multiplatform EP, listing revised 7/19/26)
KTVX/KUCW-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 7/12/26)
WBAL-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 5/17/26)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 6/21/26)
KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (listed 7/26/26)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM EP, listed 7/26/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 7/5/26)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/21/26)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 5/17/26)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (relisted 7/26/26)
KOCO-TV, Oklahoma City, OK (listed 5/17/26)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (relisted 7/26/26)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 7/19/26, see ad above!)
WBBH-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 5/17/26)
KTHV-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted 7/26/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, relisted 6/21/26)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (PM EP, listed 7/26/26)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 5/17/26)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 7/26/26)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (Digital EP, listed 5/25/26)
KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX (listed 6/21/26)
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (listed 7/26/26)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (relisted 5/17/26)
KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX (relisted 7/26/26)
KWES-TV, Midland, TX (listed 6/14/26)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 7/5/26)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 6/7/26)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 8/2/26:

WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (Story Desk Manager)
WNEP-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (Story Desk Manager)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Story Desk Manager)
KXRM-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (Director of Multiplatform Content)

Listed 7/2t/26:

E. W. Scripps, remote in any state where Scripps operates (SVP of News)

Listed 7/12/26:

KSAT-TV, San Antonio, TX (Manager of Coverage and Content)
WAYV-TV, Norfolk, VA (Assistant Digital Manager)

Listed 6/28/26:

WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (Executive Reporter)

Listed 5/31/26:

Hubbard DC, Washington, DC (Market President)

Listed 5/25/26:

KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (General Manager)
Arizona PBS, Phoenix, AZ (Dir. of News & Public Affairs)

Obituaries:

Overbay

Former Kansas City News Director JIM OVERBAY died July 25th. Here’s his obituary. He was 89 years old. Jim was ND for KCTV (CBS) in Kansas City from 1980-1983 when he was promoted to a corporate role with then station owner Meredith Broadcasting. He began in Columbia, MO, then worked in Wichita before returning to his native Kansas City as a reporter and Assistant ND for KMBC-TV. After a brief hiatus as PR director for the KC Chamber of Commerce, he moved to KCTV.

Sweitzer

Friends of STEVE SWEITZER are launching a fund raising campaign to create a scholarship in his name at the National Press Photographers Association, a group which Steve once served as President. We told you in May that Steve, a longtime chief photographer and operations manager at WISH-TV in Indianapolis, had died suddenly at the age of 77. You can learn more about Steve and the scholarship drive by clicking here.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

You likely saw that CBS made a number of hires to 60 Minutes this week. But you may not have seen this column in The Guardian that calls the hires ‘perplexing’.

Roberts

On a recent podcast, former Dayton and Atlanta ND DAVE ROBERTS, who is retiring after 22 years as an executive at ESPN, discussed his view that it’s tough to separate coverage of sports and politics. That podcast interview is summarized in this story from Awful Announcing, which suggests that we’re likely to see less coverage of such topics with Dave’s retirement.

More newsroom branding consolidation is coming, this time in Rockford, IL, according to this report from Newscast Studio.

We still can’t tell you (officially) who is producing newscasts for Nexstar at its CW stations in Dallas and Phoenix which are adding news.. We told you last week that we were directed to reach out to EVP GARY WEITMAN but he didn’t respond. We were then told to email our inquiry to the communications team, and didn’t get a response. It is the communications, business, after all.

So your guess is as good as ours, which is that Tegna stations in those markets (and Houston, as well) will produce those programs.

General Manager News and Notes:

Sinclair went on a GM job filling spree this week, naming THREE people to that role.

WRGB/WCWN-TV in Albany, NY, where MICHAEL BEADNELL got the job.

WCHS/WCVH-TV in Charleston, WV, where the new GM is GARY MERTINS.

And SIERRA HORTON will run both WTGS-TV in Savannah, GA, and WGXA-TV in Macon, GA.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 2, 2026:

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

WPVI-TV 4100 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
KGO-TV 900 Front St, San Francisco, CA 94111
WOFL-TV 35 Skyline Drive, Lake Mary, FL 32746
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
KOKH/KOCB-TV 1228 E. Wilshire Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73111
WLKY-TV 1918 Mellwood Ave. Louisville, KY 40206
WGNO-TV 1 Galleria Blvd, Suite 850 Metairie LA 70001
WWL-TV 1024 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70116
WHBQ-TV 485 South Highland St. Memphis, TN 38111
WREG-TV 803 Channel 3 Drive, Memphis, TN 38103
KSEE/KGPE-TV 5035 E. McKinley Ave., Fresno CA 93727
KOKI-TV 2625 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74129
KAKE-TV 1500 N. West St. Wichita, KS 67203
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KCEN-TV 215 N. 3rd Street Temple, TX 76501
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
KNDU-TV 3312 W. Kennewick Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336
WMAZ-TV 1314 Gray Highway, Macon, GA 31211
WWAY-TV 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KNOE-TV 1400 Oliver Rd., Monroe, LA 71201
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KNBN-TV 510 North Cambell Suite 8. Rapid City, SD 57701
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station