September 6, 2010

Greetings:

We’re slightly delayed due to holiday travel, but that doesn’t mean that we’re lacking for news.  There are new ND’s at THREE stations and  ONE new opening.

That brings our always unofficial tally of open ND positions to  27.

We have four new ads for jobs in Detroit, Portland, OR, Cincinnati, and a faculty position at the University of Missouri School of Journalism which would involve work at the University’s NBC affiliate, KOMU-TV.

In Names in the News, we have information about a mini-stroke suffered by a longtime Michigan ND, news of the first grandchild for an ND turned General Managers, and details about the arrest of a suspect in the murder of a Kansas City Assignment Editor.

But first, this week’s changes:

New News Director Openings:

WKRC-TV, Cincinnati, OH…ELBERT TUCKER is leaving this Newport owned CBS affiliate to become ND for WBNS-TV in Columbus, OH.  More on that below.  Elbert has been ND here since 2001, and worked at the station since 1992.

New News Directors Named:

KIAH-TV, Houston, TX…GARY JAFFE will head the news department for this Tribune owned CW affiliate.  He’ll have the title of Executive Producer.  KIAH is planning a different type of news presentation, and Gary’s background is different as well, as listed on his Linkedin bio (you may need to register to see it).  At KIAH, he replaces KYANN LEWIS who left the station to become VP of Lifestyle Content for Fisher Broadcasting.  KyAnn was ND there for about two years.

KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT…JENNIFER DAHL returns to this CBS affiliate after two years away.  She’s been working for Tribune/LocalTV as Director of News and Media Strategies since 2008, but was the Assistant ND at KUTV before that.  She replaces STEVE HERTZKE who will remain with the station as a Special Projects Producer.  Steve was promoted to ND for this Four Points Media owned station in April, 2009, but has worked there for years in a variety of roles.

Tucker

Tucker

WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH…as we told you in an UPDATE during the week, ELBERT TUCKER will be the next ND for this Dispatch Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate.  Elbert won’t have far to move…he’s currently the ND for Newport TV’s WKRC-TV in Cincinnati, the CBS affiliate in the Queen City.  He’s been ND there since 2001, and has worked at the station since 1992.  Elbert’s also worked in Birmingham and Chattanooga.  At WBNS, he replaces JOHN CARDENAS who was promoted to GM for sister-Dispatch station WTHR-TV in Indianapolis earlier this summer.

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HELP WANTED ADS:

WXYZ

Assistant ND, Morning EP, WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI

WXYZ-TV, the ABC affiliate station in Detroit, is searching for an Assistant News Director and a Morning Executive Producer.

The Assistant News Director is responsible for managing the day to day news operation for distribution to multiple platforms. This individual will also lead coverage planning of major events as well as evaluate workflow efficiencies.  To view the complete list of responsibilities and requirements for this position, please apply to requisition # 2564 at www.scripps.com. Please complete your profile and include your resume.

The Morning Executive Producer is for developing the look, style and production of newscasts and news specials.  This individual will review anchor and reporter news scripts, packages and voiceovers for distribution to multiple platforms.  To review the complete list of responsibilities and requirements for this position, please apply to requisition # 2493 at www.scripps.com.  Please complete your profile and include your resume.

WXYZ-TV is an equal opportunity employer .

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Assistant News Director, KATU-TV, Portland, OR

KATU-TV, the ABC affiliate in Portland, OR seeks an Assistant News Director.  We are looking for a solid journalist with strong news judgment and leadership skills.  The ideal candidate has a strong background in local television news production, and experience in covering various types of news situations.  This is a hands-on position, not a desk job.  The candidate is highly involved in the day-to-day news operation, working with our staff to create a unified vision and standard for the editorial content, presentation and execution of KATU newscasts.  Managing multiple priorities is required, including administrative duties.  This position is available starting in December, 2010.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 7 years of television news experience, management experience preferred.
  • Bachelor degree or equivalent preferred.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license to use a company vehicle.
  • Knowledge of non-linear editing systems essential
  • Typing and an operating knowledge of standard news computer systems.
  • History of award winning journalism preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Must be able to write, speak clearly, read, hear and see (with or without corrective devices) in order to produce news stories for visual presentation on the air.
  • Must be able to work weekends and accommodate shift changes including working extended hours.
  • Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods of time.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED FOR AN INTERVIEW.

SUBMIT: Cover letter, resume, newscast tape, and a one-page critique outlining your contribution to that newscast to:

Don Pratt
News Director
KATU-TV
2153 NE Sandy Blvd.
Portland, OR  97232

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.  Salary dependent on experience and qualifications.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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WCPO-hd logo

EP of Special Projects, WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH

The Executive Producer of Special Projects is responsible for managing the content and delivery of investigative, consumer, health and other franchise stories while ensuring the station is competitive on all platforms.

Job Duties:
• Oversee all aspects of the special projects unit including but not limited to multi-media journalists, producers, researchers, photojournalists and editors.
• Supervise storylines, writing and editing of content related to investigations or special projects.
• Coordinate 52-week strategy with emphasis on sweeps months for multiple platforms.
• Use computer database to research statistics and facts.
• Knowledge and demonstration of creativity, editorial judgment, journalistic ethics and libel laws.
• Identify and manage opportunities to repurpose and extend content to create synergy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
• Typically requires BS/BA in related discipline.
• Generally 5+ years experience in related field.
• May spend up to 40% of time as an individual contributor performing assignments that require a higher level of experience or technical expertise than subordinates’ work.
• Contribute to development of an operating plan, budget, and performance goals (revenue and/or expense) for the work group(s) managed.
• Focused on maintaining steady workflow and productivity, meeting service/productivity standards, and resolving operational problems and handling disturbances.

Interested candidates should apply via our career center at www.scripps.com, broadcast division. requisition # 2508
Salary: Commensurate with experience

Television station WCPO is an equal opportunity employer.

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University of Missouri/KOMU-TV Faculty Position

The Missouri School of Journalism seeks candidates for a faculty position in its unique television teaching laboratory, KOMU-TV, in Columbia, MO.

The Missouri School of Journalism and KOMU will select a candidate who will strengthen our efforts to improve coverage of diverse communities and people, and serve a diverse student enrollment.

The Position: The Missouri School of Journalism seeks a journalist with extensive newsroom experience and a talent for teaching at the university level. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of television newsroom experience. Some newsroom management experience is preferred. Duties include a minimum of 30 hours per week in the KOMU-TV (NBC-affiliate) newsroom supervising the work of student reporters, anchors, newscast producers and videographers. Duties also include classroom teaching and service to the journalism school and the university.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Hiring is expected to be completed in the fall of 2010 with a start date as soon as possible. Applications must include an academic CV or professional resume, the names of three references in the field of television journalism, and a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in teaching and in students, and opinions about teaching television journalism. This cover letter must also include an analysis of the television news profession’s transition from solely broadcast to broadcast and digital/internet news platforms.

Applications may be sent electronically (preferred) to: hardte@missouri.edu, or by mail to:

Elizabeth Hardt
Staff Assistant to the Dean
Missouri School of Journalism
120 Neff Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia MO 65211

If sending the application electronically, please send as a Word or PDF attachment with candidate’s last name as title. Please reference position number 100251.

The University of Missouri is committed to cultural diversity and it is expected that successful candidate will share this commitment. MU is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ADA institution and encourages applications from women and minority candidates.

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WSBT-TV

News Director, WSBT-TV, South Bend, IN

WSBT-TV (CBS) South Bend-Elkhart’s News-Leader and number one rated television station is looking for our next newsroom coach, visionary and leader who will maximize all of the co-owned market news resources (South Bend Tribune, WSBT Radio Group) in a 24/7 news world while developing and delivering compelling content to all WSBT-TV platforms.

The successful candidate will have:
•        Impeccable journalistic standards and ethics.
•        Great storytelling, writing and producing coaching skills.
•        A minimum of ten years of TV news experience with at least five years as a news manager or supervisor.
•        Keen eye for talent.
•        Documented audience growth in previous position(s).
•        The ability to articulate the specifics of how he/she will manage the news process in the 24/7, on-demand world, as well as regularly-scheduled television news broadcasts.
•        Superior organization and resource management skills.
•        A clear vision of the newsroom work flow of today and the future newsroom work flow of “tomorrow.”

Please submit a detailed resume on or before 10/15/10 to:

Ms. Rhonda Malone
HR Manager/Accounting Assistant
WSBT-TV
1301 E Douglas Rd
Mishawaka, IN 46545

WSBT-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
DMV check and substance screening are pre employment requirements.

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WTVM color3dlogo 2002

News Director, WTVM/WXTX-TV, Columbus, GA

WTVM-TV, Raycom Media’s dominate ABC affiliate in Columbus, GA, is seeking a News Director to guide its news department in producing multiple daily newscasts for WTVM and WXTX, the local FOX affiliate.

Responsibilities include daily news planning, direct leadership of news staff, supervision of all news content, hiring and promotion, budgeting and newsroom administration. Successful candidate needs  a strong track record in the areas of digital news growth, citizen contributions, and cultivating talent to contribute the most compelling content to our news products on-air, on-line, and on mobile.

Your background needs to include significant experience in television newsroom management –  3 to 5 years preferred.

Send your resume and salary requirement to:

Human Resources Department
WTVM-TV
PO Box 1848
Columbus GA 31902

or via email to:  lbrantley@wtvm.com

EOE-M/F/H/V

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WTHR email sig2

Executive News Producer, WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN

The top-rated news station in Indianapolis seeks an Executive Producer who will aggressively manage enterprise, newscast promotions, breaking news on all platforms and the important details inherent in a first class product at WTHR, the NBC affiliate.

This EP position is responsible for overseeing the final presentation of our evening and late newscasts and ensuring superior digital content. This requires senior news management experience and abilities as well as strong people skills. The ideal candidate has demonstrated success in improving ratings, developing interesting content, topical promotion and a high level of production. Other duties may include newscast producing, leading or assisting in the planning and production of sweeps, sports and other major events.

A minimum 10 years experience in major market television news as a producer and /or executive producer is required. College degree highly preferred.

Qualified applicants may apply online at www.dispatchbroadcast.com

DISPATCH BROADCAST GROUP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  WE ARE A SMOKE-FREE AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.

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4HD_Working 4 You Logo-1Assistant News Director, WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN

WSMV-TV seeks a hands-on leader to plan, oversee, and execute day-to-day news coverage for all platforms – and help manage a high-performing team of more than 70.

Must be an organized, detail-oriented, and forward-thinking individual with strong news judgment and management skills. Direct supervision of assignment desk and reporting staff. Must ensure that all coverage meets standards for station strategy and journalistic excellence. Will manage various projects as assigned by news director, including community events, special reports, new digital platforms, and ongoing process improvement. Hands-on execution of breaking news and weather events.

The right candidate is a creative thinker who has fully embraced multi-platform journalism and can help brainstorm innovative ways to present great content on air, online and everywhere else. Enterprising unique content is what we do best – so we’re looking for a person full of ideas, and full of passion to inspire others to see them through.

Minimum 10 years experience, with assignment desk and management experience preferred.

To apply, click here.

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Other News Management Openings:

Assistant News Director:

WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 7/16/10)
KATU-TV, Portland, OR (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 6/26/10)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 6/20/10)
WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/27/10, see ad above!)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 7/2/10)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (listed 6/20/10)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (listed 8/20/10)
WAOW-TV, Wausau, WI (listed 7/9/10)

Executive News Producer:

KYW-TV, Philadelphia, PA (listed 6/4/10)
KTVU-TV, Oakland/San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 7/16/10)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (PM EP, listed 8/1/10)
WKMG-TV, Orlando, FL (relisted 8/13/10)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (listed 8/13/20)
WISH-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 7/9/10)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/27/10, see ad above!)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (Morning EP, relisted 8/20/10)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Special Projects EP, new listing this week, see ad above!)
WKRC-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 8/13/10)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, relisted 7/23/10)
KENS-TV, San Antonio, TX (listed 8/20/10)
WTLV/WJXX, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, listing revised 7/23/10)
KOLD-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 6/20/10)
WHAM-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 7/9/10)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (Morning EP, listed 6/13/10)
KHQ-TV, Spokane, WA (new listing this week)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (listed 8/8/10)

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Names in the News:

Hogan

Hogan

Longtime Michigan News Director, and one time President of (then) RTNDA, JACK HOGAN is recovering from a mini-stroke he suffered about a week ago following a routine medical procedure.  Jack spent more than 25 years as ND for WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids, where he also anchored for a while.   Jack later worked for the city of Grand Rapids, and then retired to Florida, where he now serves as a councilman for the city of Clermont.  I’m told his recovery is going well.  It might go better if you send him a get well note: jjhogan@gmail.com

Congratulations to KTNV (Las Vegas) General Manager (and former Milwaukee ND) JIM PRATHER on the birth of his first grandchild.  CLARA MADELYN PRATHER was born in late August to Jim’s son ALEX and his wife BRANDY in Indianapolis, where Alex works for Reebok.  Your best wishes will reach him at: jprather@ktnv.com

A 20 year old Kansas City man has been charged with murder in the death of KSHB-TV (Kansas City) Assignment Editor NICK DUTCHER who was strangled July 20th in his home.  ANTONIO GRANDISON broke into Dutcher’s home and is accused of killing him when he arrived home unexpectedly.  Dutcher had worked for KSHB for about a year.  He was 30 years old.

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The full list:

Here’s our complete list of the stations that I believe are currently looking for an ND, as of Monday, September 6, 2010.

If you know of any changes, additions, corrections, or deletions, please let me know via email:  rick@rickgevers.com

WNCN-TV 1205 Front St.                           Raleigh NC 27609
XETV        8253 Ronson Rd.                        San Diego, CA 92111
WKRC-TV, 1906 Highland Road               Cincinnati, OH 45219
WFMY-TV 1615 Phillips Avenue                Greensboro NC 27405
WJAR-TV 23 Kenney Dr.                            Cranston, RI 02920
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.                   Albany, NY 12204
KMSB-TV 1855 N. 6th Ave.                         Tuscon, AZ 85705
WNWO-TV   300 S. Byrne Rd.                    Toledo OH 43615
WGME-TV 81 Northport Drive                   Portland, ME 04103
KVEO-TV 349 N. Expressway                    Brownsville TX 78521
KCRG-TV 501 2nd Ave. NE                        Cedar Rapids IA 52401
WDBD-TV, One Great Place                      Jackson MS 39209
WSBT-TV  1301 E. Douglas Rd.             Mishawaka IN 46545 (see ad above!)
WCBD-TV 210 W. Coleman Blvd.             Mt. Pleasant SC 29464
KHAS-TV 6475 Osborne Dr.                     West Hastings NE 68901
KSFY-TV 300 N. Dakota Ave. #100        Sioux Falls SD 57104
KTRV-TV  1 Sixth St. N.                               Nampa ID 83687
KVAL-TV 4575 Blanton Road                   Eugene OR 97405
WMGT-TV   PO Box 4328                            Macon GA 31208
WTVM-TV 1900 Wynnton Rd.             Columbus GA 31906 (see ad above!)
WEAU-TV 1907 S. Hastings Way            Eau Claire WI 54701
KTKA-TV, 2121 SW Chelsea Dr.               Topeka KS 66614
KTVL-TV 1440 Rossanley Dr.                   Medford OR 97501
WVIR-TV 503 E. Market St.                      Charlotteville VA 22902
KLDO-TV 226 Bob Bullock Loop                Laredo, TX 78040
KGNS-TV   120 W. Delmar Blvd.                Laredo TX 78045
KFBB-TV 3012 Highwoods Blvd.               Great Falls MT 59403

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