June 3, 2018
Wednesday, June 6, 2018 UPDATE:
Greetings:
Another former news director gets (in his case) another general manager job, and this one at one of the best regarded stations in the country.
Davis
JOEL DAVIS will be the next GM for WRAL/WRAZ-TV (NBC/FOX) in Raleigh, NC. He’s currently GM for Scripps’ KGTV in San Diego, a job he’s held since April, 2016. Joel previously had been station manager and news director for that ABC affiliate.
WRAL’s news release announcing his appointment is here.
In addition to KGTV, Joel’s been an ND in Fresno (KFSN-TV) and Bakersfield (KBAK-TV), served as managing editor for WFTV in Orlando, and worked as a reporter and anchor in Columbus, OH, and Waterloo, IA.
At WRAL, he replaces another former ND, STEVE HAMMEL, who is retiring.
regards,
Rick Gevers
**** **** ****
Monday, June 4, 2018 UPDATE:
Greetings:
We’re always pleased to share the news of a news director moving to a general manager’s job, and that’s the case in this UPDATE.
Moreno
Congratulations to CHRISTY MORENO who’s been named general manager of Tegna’s WHAS-TV (ABC) in Louisville. Here’s the full story from the station’s website.
Christy’s been the ND of Tegna’s KUSA-TV in Denver for more than three years and earlier spent 2 1/2 years as ND of Tegna’s WBIR-TV in Knoxville. She’s a former Assistant ND at KENS-TV in San Antonio and an EP for KRIV-TV in Houston, where she began as a producer. She’s also worked for a second Houston station and in Wichita Falls.
At WHAS she replaces LINDA DANNA who is retiring.
Last week was busy…we’ll see if this week shapes up that way, too.
regards,
Rick Gevers
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Greetings:
As you know from our FOUR midweek UPDATES, it’s been a busy week and that translates to a full newsletter.
FOUR newly named news directors, THREE of those in network owned stations in the top 20 markets. And there are FOUR new openings, TWO in large market network o-and-o’s.
Of note: each of the four new news directors were either promoted or are returning to stations at which they had previously worked.
So our list of ND openings grows ever so slightly to 30.
FOUR of those openings are featured among our SIX paid help wanted ads this week.
Lots of items in Names in the News, including new jobs for TWO former news directors. And we have TWO obituaries as well.
Newly Named News Directors:
Matthews
WABC-TV, New York, NY…it was a busy week for UPDATES, including news of CHAD MATTHEWS promotion to news director for this ABC o-and-o. Chad’s been the Assistant ND here for the last year, spent five years before that as the AND at WTVJ-TV in Miami, and worked for WABC for 12 years in a variety of roles. Here’s the station’s report on the move. Chad replaces CAMILLE EDWARDS who left in March after more than five years as ND.
Dobson
WBTS-TV, Boston, MA…another UDPATE told you of BEN DOBSON’s return to this NBC owned station (branded as NBC Boston) as news director. Ben’s been the ND for sister o-and-o WVIT-TV in Hartford for the past two years but formerly worked in this building for necn (New England Cable News), which he’ll oversee in this new job. Here’s the email from GM MIKE ST. PETER to the staff. Ben replaces KENNY PLOTNIK who left the station in April.
Dello Stritto
KOVR/KMAX-TV, Sacramento, CA…still another UDPATE told you of another return: this of MIKE DELLO STRITTO’s appointment as ND for the CBS owned duopoly. Here’s the memo from GM JAY HOWELL to the staff, in which you’ll learn of Mike’s previous work in Sacramento. He left there to move to CBS’s KPIX-TV as Managing Editor, and then on to Vegas. Ironically, the man he’s replacing, TOM BELL, left to take a job at KVVU-TV in Las Vegas after five years as ND.
Chavez
KTVB-TV, Boise, ID…LISA CHAVEZ has been promoted to Director of Content for this Tegna owned operation. She first joined the station in 2000 as a news photographer and advanced to become assignment manager and then digital content manager. Lisa replaces KATE MORRIS who was promoted to general manager in January after 6+ years as news director here.
New News Director Openings:
Rosenheim
KPIX-TV, San Francisco, CA…DAN ROSENHEIM is retiring after 18 years as ND for this CBS owned station (and 22 years as an ND in San Francisco: he ran KRON-TV’s newsroom before moving to KPIX). Pretty good run for a guy whose background was in newspapers. He was the Managing Editor (and City Editor before that) of the San Francisco Chronicle and earlier worked for two Chicago newspapers. (And that gives us a reason to share one of our favorite stories: this 1986 classic from old friend WAYNE FREEDMAN comparing TV news to the print version. Your investment of a few minutes will bring a smile.)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT…BEN DOBSON is moving within NBC from one owned station not another with his move to WBTS-TV in Boston. We first reported that to you on Thursday and have more details above.
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV…as noted above (and reported in our UPDATE on Wednesday) MIKE DELLO STRITTO is returning to Sacramento as news director for KOVR/KMAX-TV. Mike spent almost three years as ND at this Scripps/ABC affiliate.
WAOW-TV, Wausau, WI…this Quincy owned ABC affiliate has reopened its search for a new news director. We told you a few weeks ago that MICHELE GORS would be the next ND here. Unfortunately a family situation developed that prevented Michele from making the move. You can learn more about the opportunity in the paid help wanted ad below.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, WTEN-TV, Albany, NY:
WTEN in Albany, New York is seeking an experienced News Director who is an innovative and dynamic leader, possessing excellent news judgment, strong digital news initiative, and a passion to win.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Manages all aspects of the News Department to establish and reach station goals, including ratings growth.
Oversee daily and weekly news coverage from the state capitol to regional sister stations.
Develops news coverage strategy for the station, website and mobile platforms.
Critiques newscasts on a daily basis to correct errors, improve coverage, and provide mentoring feedback to news staff.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism or an equivalent combination of education and work related experience.
Minimum ten years’ news management experience, guiding, directing, and motivating co-workers.
Experience establishing long-range objectives along with the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Nestled along the Hudson River, Albany is the state capital and a great “news” market.
You would be joining the Nexstar Media Group, one of the country’s fastest growing broadcast and digital companies.
Interested candidates apply by sending email to: rromines@news10.com and by completing our online application which you can find here.
WTEN, WXXA and Nexstar Broadcasting Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
News Director, WAOW-TV, Wausau, WI:
See if this sounds better than what you’re doing right now. You get to lead a newsroom loaded with talent at a dominant television station. You get to work for a family owned company who still loves broadcasting and cares deeply about the product and their people. And you get to live in a gorgeous part of the country 10 minutes away from lakes, rivers, snow, golf, a ski resort and more. And we actually believe in a work life balance. (Yes, we do. And you would too if you lived in a place like this!)
Quincy Media’s WAOW-TV in Wausau, Wisconsin is looking for an experienced newsroom manager. We need a strong leader with at least five years of experience. We need a great storyteller and someone who lives to make the team around them even stronger. You have to love news. And I mean love it. You have to be a catalyst and a leader in our digital and social efforts and set the tone every day in the newsroom.
If that’s you, this could be one of the best jobs you will ever have.
You will report to the General Manager and you will have the chance to work closely with other department heads to help us reach our next level of success.
If you think you’re qualified, want to work with a great group of people and live in one of America’s best cities, send your link, cover letter, resume and references via email to our GM, Curtis Miles: cmiles@waow.com or via mail to:
Curtis Miles
General Manager
WAOW-TV
1908 Grand Avenue
Wausau, WI 54403
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
WAOW-TV9 is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Senior Executive Producer, WKOW-TV, Madison, WI:
Energized by new and innovative ways to present news content? If you want to expand your creative influence beyond a single newscast, our Senior Executive Producer position at WKOW – TV in Madison, Wisconsin is for you. We want a strong newsroom leader with a creative flair for style and presentation. The leading candidate will have a strong producing background, know how to inspire and will find ways to improve our product by creating meaningful and memorable moments in newscasts. Madison, Wisconsin is a very competitive news market and it’s consistently rated one of the best places to live in the Midwest.
Proven creativity with in-studio presentation, newsroom technology (LIVE U., Drone, GoPro, etc.) and graphics presentation will make you a top candidate. A strong eye for video and a desire to create something that helps the viewer “feel” the story is a top skill for our next EP.
If you have a desire to win every day, we want to talk with you. Five years of strong news producing and writing experience as well as sound editorial and ethical judgment is required. Management experience is a plus. Come work with a dynamic and growing newsroom named “Station of the Year” by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
WKOW is part of Quincy Media, Inc., a family owned company.
If you have the drive to succeed, send your reel, writing samples, a resume and something surprising that will set you apart to: ereams@wkow.com
Ed Reams
News Director
WKOW – TV
5727 Tokay Blvd.
Madison, WI 53719
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
News Director, WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH:
WTVG-TV (ABC) in Toledo, OH (DMA #78) is seeking a News Director. Must be a strong competitive leader with excellent communication skills, a successful track record in coaching and developing news staff, and growing audience across all platforms. The ideal candidate must also have an understanding and enthusiasm for digital, social, and mobile media.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field
3 to 5 years’ experience in television news management
Outstanding knowledge of television news operations and other media platforms
Expertise in enhancing the presentation and delivery of news content through coaching and mentoring staff
Strong editorial judgment and leader in the newsroom
Understands the importance of recruiting and creating a culture of success in the newsroom
Proven administrative skills with budgeting, planning and staff scheduling
Ability to work closely with other station department heads, strategic media and community partners
Ability to meet deadlines while handling multiple tasks
Persons interested in submitting an application for the position identified above should apply online by clicking here.
News Director, KAPP/KVEW-TV, Yakima, WA:
KAPP/KVEW is seeking an innovative News Director to lead our news team in overseeing all aspects of daily news operation including developing quality multi-platform content for coverage of our local communities.
This opportunity is located in the Tri-Cities which is a booming metropolitan area in southeast WA where the sun shines 300 days of the year! Tri-Cities offers amazing outdoor views, cultural diversity and is known as the “Heart of Washington Wine Country.” Yakima & Kennewick, WA are ideal markets for new journalists to launch their careers, so you must lead, coach, motivate and develop the news team while fostering an environment of creativity, teamwork and high ethical standards.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create and implement strategic plans for audience growth and newsroom operations.
Strategically lead & manage News Department including meeting station, website & digital platforms goals.
Monitor on-air and online product for Federal, State and local laws compliance.
Review daily newscasts to ensure quality control and provide feedback to staff.
Promote an environment of creativity, teamwork and high ethical standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
4 year degree – emphasis in Journalism preferred.
5+ years of journalism experience required & 3+ years of digital mediaexperience.
Working knowledge of journalistic ethics, libel, and privacy laws.
Strong ethical standards and integrity a must.
A broad-based knowledge of journalism and related standards, the news media environment and audience consumption trends.
Solid understanding of social media and digital platforms.
Exceptional leadership skills with experience hiring, developing and retaining employees.
Click here to apply.
EOE
Assistant News Director, KUTV, Salt Lake City:
Come work in one the most beautiful cities in America!
KUTV, Utah’s #1 station, is seeking an experienced and innovative Assistant News Director with strong leadership skills.
Responsibilities include:
· Assisting News Director in managing the stations’ news operations, setting budgets, establishing goals and directing the staff that produces 46+ hours of local news weekly
· Helping an ongoing development of a digital first newsroom
· Working closely with local and corporate management to maintain News content, philosophy and direction
· Reviewing and approve scripts for multiple platforms
· Watching newscasts to provide constructive feedback
· Assisting the News Director with recruiting, hiring and negotiating contracts for news department personnel
· Providing coaching to on-air talent to enhance news product
Requirements:
Journalism degree and a minimum of two years’ experience in news management with noted leadership skills is required.
· Must have a working knowledge of journalistic ethics, libel, and privacy laws
· Must have a thorough knowledge of news and current events regarding religion, nation and world as well as geography and history
· Must have a demonstrated ability to manage multiple hours of daily newscasts on two stations
· Must have 3 years of management experience
Click here to apply!
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
Spectrum News, Los Angeles, CA (listed 3/18/18)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 5/28/18)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 5/28/18, see ad above!)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 4/22/18)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 4/22/18)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM EP, listed 5/13/18)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted 4/22/18)
WFTS-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (Dayside EP, listed 5/28/18)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (PM EP, listed 5/28/18)
WOIO-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 5/28/18)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 3/25/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, relisted 4/29/18)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (listed 5/13/18)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (AM EP, listed 5/13/18)
WRGB-TV, Albany, NY (relisted 5/20/18)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (Nightside EP, relisted 5/13/18)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, relisted this week, see ad above!)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (AM EP, listing revised 4/29/18)
WCTV, Tallahassee, FL (new listing this week)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (PM EP, listed 5/28/18)
WFXG-TV, Augusta, GA (listed 5/28/18)
Obituaries:
JIM MADIGAN, a longtime journalist in Western Massachusetts, died of lung cancer. He spent most of his career in public television before retiring a year ago after he was diagnosed.
DAVE CUNNINGHAM, who’s credited with helping to develop Newstar, an early newsroom computer system, died May 22, just eight days short of his 66th birthday. More here.
Names in the News (and other items):
Simon
The new AM Content Manager for WCPO-TV (Scripps/ABC) in Cincinnati is KATIE SIMON. She’s been working in Boston. This memo from ND CHIP MAHANEY details her background and the role she’ll have at WCPO.
JIM BOB BREAZEALE is joining KGBT-TV in Harlingen, TX, as its Assistant News Director. He’s been an EP for KEYE-TV in Austin, TX.
WALB-TV in Albany, GA welcomes JORDAN BARELA as its news Digital Content Manager. Jordan had been working as Digital Manager and reporter for the Thomasville Times, which is owned by WALB’s parent company, Raycom Media.
Trauring
The Toledo Blade profiles departing WTVG-TV (ABC) News Director BRIAN TRAURING who’s leaving that Gray TV owned station. As we told you a few weeks ago, Brian’s returning to Lilly Broadcasting as VP/News, Marketing and Content Development. Lilly once owned WTVG and Brian held a similar role with the company during that ownership.
News about two former news directors.
Jessee
CRISTI JESSEE, who’s been an ND in Las Vegas, Bakersfield, and Alexandria, MN, is now a licensed realtor in Las Vegas. She’s also worked in Minneapolis, Sacramento, Little Rock, and Grand Forks.
And B.J. FINNELL writes to let us know that’s he’s back working in TV as a consultant, reformatting morning newscasts, working closely with reporters and producers, and serving as executive producer. He is also host and producer of his own podcast (“Take Me Through It”), and believes television/digital news operations should aggressively pursue podcasting as a way to reach a new audience. He’s been an ND in Hartford and Providence. Old friends can reach B.J. at: bjfinnell@gmail.com
General Manager News and Notes:
No news this week to my knowledge. Please send items my way: rick@rickgevers.com
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, June 3, 2018:
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
WBBM-TV 22 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
KPIX-TV 5855 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KATU-TV 2153 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97232
WFSB-TV 333 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067
WVIT-TV 1422 New Britain Ave. West Hartford, CT 06110
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215
KTNV-TV 3355 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street Norfolk, VA 23510
WHAS-TV 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
WTEN-TV 341 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY 12204 (see ad above!)
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Drive, Suite 1. Roanoke, VA 24019
WIS-TV 1111 Bull St. Columbia, SC 29201
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607 (see ad above!)
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
KAPP/KVEW-TV PO Box 1749. Yakima, WA 98907 (see ad above!)
WAOW-TV 1908 Grand Ave, Wausau, WI 54403 (see ad above!)
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
WOAY-TV 7113 Legends Hwy, Oak Hill, WV 25901
KOTA-TV 2001 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
WETM-TV 101 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701
**: Spanish language station