November 4, 2018
Greetings:
TWO up, TWO down is normally used in baseball conversations, but that’s the score of news director changes this week. TWO newly named NDs (one at a network o-and-o) and TWO new openings.
Our always unofficial count of open news director jobs stands at 30.
ONE of those open ND jobs is featured among our FIVE Paid Help Wanted Ads this week.
There’s ONE obituary for a longtime educator who help launch the careers of hundreds of broadcasters. There’s a flurry of GM changes, many at Tegna stations, and there are FIVE news managers on the move.
Read on for the details, and good luck Tuesday night!
Newly Named News Directors:
Stone
KXAS-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX…we reported earlier this week that JOHN STONE was being promoted to VP/News for this NBC o-and-o. He’s been the interim ND since MARK GINTHER left in August after three years. John first joined KXAS last years as Assistant ND. He spent 13 years at WABC-TV in New York in a variety of roles, including Assistant ND. He’s also worked for two stations in Boston and for MSNBC.
Olsen
WTKR/WGNT-TV, Norfolk, VA…ERIC OLSEN returns to Tribune as ND for this CBS/CW duopoly. The news release is yours for a simple click here. Eric’s spent the last 18 months as ND for Sinclair’s WCTI/WYDO-TV in New Bern, NC, but before that was as EP for Tribune’s WGHP-TV in Greensboro. Eric’s been an EP in Boston and Toledo, worked in Louisville, Dayton, and Peoria, and began his career as a photographer in Decatur. At WTKR, he replaces RYAN MINNAUGH who left in April to join WFLA-TV in Tampa as ND.
New News Director Openings:
O’Hara
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX…ELIZABETH O’HARA has left this Nexstar owned NBC affiliate after two years as news director. This article points out she left at the start of the November book AND as the station is moving into a new facility. Elizabeth spent 14 years at KFOX-TV in El Paso as an anchor and ND. She also worked for two years for the Catholic Diocese.
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC…we told you above that ERIC OLSEN was leaving this Sinclair owned station for the ND job as WTKR-TV in Norfolk.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN:
WTHR-TV, Indiana’s News Leader, is seeking a news director to lead this extraordinary team. We are a nationally recognized, award-winning, locally owned and dominant station seeking a dynamic visionary leader.
The News Director will oversee a large news operation that is focused on enterprise and investigative reporting, creative storytelling, and compelling content. Must truly know how to produce compelling and distinctive content on all multi-media platforms. Must have proven skill set to maximize content and customer loyalty on digital and social media platforms. Must demonstrate a passion for the product with strong oversight and consistent communication and feedback.
Quality drives our success and we’re eager to have a leader join us and lead us on this quest. Looking for long term players who love the quality of the Midwest and who would be proud to call Indiana home. Minimum 7 years’ experience in news management and proven track record of major story coverage and ratings success.
Please include your news philosophy along with your resume and cover letter when applying online.
Click here for more info and to apply.
Executive Producer, Special Projects, KPRC-TV, Houston, TX:
KPRC-TV, the Graham Media Group owned/NBC affiliate in Houston, TX is searching for an Executive Producer to oversee our award winning investigative and special projects team.
We have a dedicated group of experienced reporters, producers, photographers and editors focused on creating compelling, promotable investigative and enterprise content. It’s the best team in town and you’ll be the leader.
Our ideal EP is someone who is aggressive, competitive and wants to win every story and every newscast. Our ideal candidate is a leader who identifies important investigative stories with broad appeal to our very diverse audience. You’ll need experience supervising investigative journalists. IRE credentials are a plus.
We’re seeking an EP who can showcase stories, knows how to leverage web and social media to help drive ratings and gets the importance of engaging storytelling through graphics, standups and live shots.
Our EP’s are given all the resources available to be successful thus they hold a lot of responsibility in the execution of the role and management of the team. You’ll be responsible for overseeing and executing the station’s year-round promotable calendar, you’ll need to work daily with Creative Services to make sure your efforts are properly marketed. In this position, you’ll also be a key player in breaking news, working with your team to incorporate investigative research and elements into TV and online coverage.
Do you have what it takes to be our next Executive Producer? Email your resume and work samples to Aaron Wische, Assistant News Director at awische@kprc.com
And you can learn more and apply by clicking here.
Assistant News Director, WBTS-TV, Boston, MA:
At NBCUniversal, we believe in the talent of our people. It’s our passion and commitment to excellence that drives NBCU’s vast portfolio of brands to succeed. From broadcast and cable networks, news and sports platforms, to film, world-renowned theme parks and a diverse suite of digital properties, we take pride in all that we do and all that we represent. It’s what makes us uniquely NBCU.
Here you can create the extraordinary.
NBCUniversal Owned Station, NBC Boston, is looking for an Assistant News Director with strong news judgment and the ability to lead and inspire a highly talented news staff.
Responsibilities:
* Supervise newsroom personnel, editorial content, and newsroom operations. Announce the stories that will be part of each rundown and what angle to take with each one. Address how to market the stories giving specific language to the producers (both newscast & promotions) about the best way to promote stories.
* Oversee reporters’ assignments and assign managers to reporters/ newscasts. Provide follow up with reporters, reiterating the specific details of their stories. Throughout the day, stay in contact with reporters to ensure they are staying on task and focused.
* Provide supervision to Producers and Executive Producers making editorial decisions and exhibit leadership by keeping Producers disciplined on the fundamentals of producing newscasts. Keep Producers focused on the basics such as changes to rundown order, script content and segment leads.
* Establish and maintain a professional, trained and motivated staff through the implementation of NBC’s performance management process. Work with VP of News to ensure training/coaching is provided for Producers. Facilitate the orientation of new employees.
Basic Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s Degree
* At least 5 years of news management experience in a top 25 market
* At least 5 years of producing experience
Click here to apply.
Assistant News Director, New England Cable News, Boston, MA:
At NBCUniversal, we believe in the talent of our people. It’s our passion and commitment to excellence that drives NBCU’s vast portfolio of brands to succeed. From broadcast and cable networks, news and sports platforms, to film, world-renowned theme parks and a diverse suite of digital properties, we take pride in all that we do and all that we represent. It’s what makes us uniquely NBCU.
Here you can create the extraordinary.
NBCUniversal Owned Station, NECN (New England Cable News), is looking for an Assistant News Director with strong news judgment and the ability to lead and inspire a highly talented news staff.
Responsibilities:
* Manage newsroom personnel, editorial content, and newsroom operations. Announce the stories that will be part of each rundown and what angle to take with each one. Address how to market the stories giving specific language to the producers (both newscast & promotions) about the best way to promote stories.
* Advocate for the needs of NECN
* Supervise production of newscasts and ensure they are updated with rigor throughout the day
* Provide regular supervision to Producers making editorial decisions and exhibit leadership by keeping Producers disciplined on the fundamentals of producing newscasts. Keep Producers focused on the basics such as changes to rundown order, script content and segment leads.
* Establish and maintain a professional, trained and motivated staff though effective implementation of NBC’s performance management process. Work with VP of News to ensure training and coaching is provided for Producers. Facilitate the orientation of new employees.
Basic Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s Degree
* At least 5 years of news management experience in a top 25 market
Click here to apply!
Assistant News Director, WBND-TV, South Bend, IN:
ABC57 in South Bend, Indiana, launched its newscast in April 2011 with 12 hours a week of local news. Since then, ABC57 has expanded its newscasts to include 44.5 hours of live local news a week as well as special coverage of local and national events. Our news team seeks an Assistant News Director to lead our newsroom as we innovate and grow.
We are committed to storytelling, investigating and viewer advocacy. This award-winning newsroom requires a hands-on leader who can grow ratings and grow our content on all platforms. Our managers work as a team in a collaborative environment. We seek a dynamic team leader who is comfortable in a fast-paced environment, who brings excellent judgment, high ethical standards and practices, and who has demonstrated success in helping mentor and grow emerging journalists.
You should be passionate about social media and skilled in using it to complement our broadcast and digital offerings. Candidate needs at least 5 years of professional journalism experience with at least 2 years in a progressive management capacity.
Please apply with a resume and/or cover letter here.
News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WSNS-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 10/21/18)
WBTS-TV, Boston, IL (listed 10/28/18, see ad above!)
New England Cable News (listed 10/28/18, see ad above!)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 10/14/18)
Spectrum News Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/7/18)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 9/3/18)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 9/9/18)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (listed 10/21/18)
WBND-TV, South Bend, IN (listed 10/28/18, see ad above!)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 9/30/18)
KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX (relisted 9/9/18)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (AM EP, relisted 10/14/18)
WFAA-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (listed 10/14/18)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (Dayside EP, listed 9/9/18)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Special Projects EP, new listing this week, see ad above!)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (PM EP, listed 10/21/18)
KPNX-TV, Phoenix, AZ (AM EP, relisted 9/9/18)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted 9/16/18)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 10/14/18)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (AM EP, listed 9/9/19)
WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (PM EP, listed 10/7/18)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, relisted 9/23/18)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (TWO openings, AM & PM, listed 8/26/18)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (Dayside EP, new listing this week)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, listing modified 10/21/18)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 9/23/18)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (TWO EP openings, listing revised 9/9/18)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (listed 10/14/18)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (AM EP, listed 9/3/18)
WIS-TV, Columbia, SC (relisted 10/21/18)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (relisted 10/14/18)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (AM EP, listed 10/28/18)
WCTV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 10/14/18)
OTHER NEWS MANAGEMENT OPENINGS:
Re-listed 10/21/18:
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Manager of Editorial Content)
Listed 10/21/18:
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (PM Content Manager)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (AM Content Manager)
Listed 10/14/18:
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (Content Manager)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (Broadcast Director)
Listed 10/7/18:
Spectrum News Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (Assignment/Planning Manager)
Obituaries:
Lippold
HENRY LIPPOLD, who taught hundred of future broadcasters during a long career, died October 20th. He was 89. Henry spent more than 30 years of that career at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and also worked part time at WEAU-TV there. Much more on his career and impact in this story.
And a personal note if you will…thanks to those who sent a kind note after I reported the death of my mom, EDITH GEVERS, last week. I read all of them and appreciated the time and kindness.
Names in the News (and other items):
JESSE HAMILTON changes cities and network o-and-o’s as he joins WNBC-TV in New York as an executive producer. He held the same job at ABC’s WLS-TV in Chicago. He’s also worked in Phoenix, Oklahoma City, and for the Weather Channel.
Moreno
MANUEL MORENO moves across the Metroplex and gets a promotion as he joins KXTX-TV in Dallas as Assistant News Director. That’s the Telemundo station there. He had been the executive producer for Univision’s KUVN-TV in Dallas. He’s also worked in Venezuela. More from Media Moves here.
Moving a little further for her new job is KAREN VAN VLECK. She’s joining Scripps’ WEWS-TV in Cleveland…all the way from Phoenix, where she was the Senior EP at Meredith’s KTVK-KPHO-TV duopoly.. She’s also worked in Seattle and Portland, OR.
Another Scripps station has a new Digital Content Manager. CATLIN BOGARD moves from the company’s Buffalo station, WKBW-TV, to sister station WTVF-TV in Nashville.
Dixon
LA’QUNTA DIXON reports to TV news (after some time away for a health issue) as she starts tomorrow WJCL-TV in Savannah as Executive Producer. More from news director SINAN SIDAR. La’Qunta is a former news director in Tallahassee, worked as an assistant news director in Louisville, and was a producer in Houston.
Finally, apologies to JOHN TUMMINO whose name I screwed up in reporting his promotion to executive producer at WKBW-TV in Buffalo.
General Manager News and Notes:
Two Tegna stations are getting new general managers. MARK CORNETTA adds GM at KUSA-TV in Denver to his resume. He remains an Executive Vice President for the company. At KUSA, he replaces STEVE CARTER who moves to the same position at Tegna’s KGW-TV in Portland, OR.
Robbins
Another Tegna station is losing its GM to retirement. DAN ROBBINS will step down from KIII-TV in Corpus Christi, TX, and the end of the year. He’s been GM three since 2012, and has spent more than 30 years as a GM, running stations across Texas: Abilene, Tyler, El Paso, Midland, Waco, and Brownsville, as well as Corpus Christi. More here.
Clark
LEON CLARK moves within Scripps and becomes general manger for KGTV in San Diego. He’s held the same job for KGUN-TV in Tucson. Leon’s a Southern California native.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 28, 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
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
WAGA-TV 1551 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KIRO-TV 2807 Third Ave., Seattle WA 98121
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 (see ad above!)
WTTV/WXIN-TV 6910 Network Pl, Indianapolis, IN 46278
WATE-TV 1306 North Broadway Knoxville, TN 37917
KOTV 303 N. Boston Ave. Tulsa, OK 74103
KJRH-TV 3701 S. Peoria Tulsa, OK 74105
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main St, Dayton, OH 45409
KCCI-TV 888 9th St. Des Moines, Iowa 50309
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street. Green Bay, WI 54301
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens Street, Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
WHEC-TV 191 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604
KTSM-TV 3801-D Constitution El Paso, TX 79922
KKTV 520 E. Colorado Colorado Springs, CO 80903
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas RD Ft. Wayne IN 46807
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Dr. New Bern, NC 28560
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus, GA 31901
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78411
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
WTVA-TV P.O. Box 320 Tupelo, MS 38802
KRCG-TV, 10188 Old Highway 54 North. New Bloomfield, MO 65063
WTWO-TV PO Box 9268 Terre Haute, IN 47808
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
**: Spanish language station