Rick Gevers & Associates

May 25, 2026

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 UPDATE:

Greetings:

The first of what may be many changes at Tegna happened today.

Roark

ADRIENNE ROARK, who’s been the Senior VP and Chief Content Officer for Tegna since March, 2025, confirmed to me in an email late this afternoon that she has left the company. Her Tegna bio is still online, (but for how long)? Her updated Linkedin page already reflects her departure. Adrienne’s move comes just one day after Tegna named PATRICK PAOLINI as CEO of Tegna while it awaits the resolution of Nexstar’s attempt to buy the company.

On another front…check out this Facebook post from NPR Critic ERIC DEGGANS, commenting on a Mediaite report that CBS News bosses ordered CBS Mornings to ignore STEPHAN COLBERT‘s last show on its Friday broadcast. He suggests that the move might answer BARI WEISS‘ question about why American don’t trust journalists any more.

We’ll be back Sunday with our full newsletter, barring any more UPDATES.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 UPDATE:

Greetings:

The seemingly never ending saga of Nexstar and Tegna has taken another turn.

Paolini

Tegna has named PATRICK PAOLINI as CEO. This story from Variety explains the twists in this move, as Tegna is currently a subsidiary of Nexstar, though Nexstar has been blocked by a court order from actually running Tegna. Patrick’s a veteran of Fox who, until last week, was EVP of Ad Sales for Fox Television Sales. He’s a former GM of FOX o-and-o’s in Washington and Philadelphia and worked at other FOX stations, as outlined in his Linkedin page.

This seems to me, at least, that Nexstar expects the litigation trying to block its acquisition of Tegna will take some time to be resolved.

Singer

One more item. Due to an editing error on my part, we had the wrong link to a story about the death of former KCBS-TV (Los Angeles) News Director MICHAEL SINGER.

Here is the correct link.

We’ll be back Sunday with our full newsletter, barring any more UPDATES.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

I hope you had a great Holiday weekend.

As is our custom, we pay tribute to the winner of the Indianapolis 500, which was FELIX ROSENQVIST, who edged DAVID MALUKAS in the closest finish in the 110 previous races.

       Photo by Bob Priddy – Missourinet

And my favorite fun fact about the race which I have shared before.

With a crowd of about 350,000, that means one in every 1,000 people in America was at the race.

On to our normal business.

THREE new news directors were named this week, with TWO openings, ONE created by an ND moving to the GM office at her station.

Our count of ND openings remains at 24.

We have THREE ads this week with perhaps the most diverse jobs we’ve ever had in one issue. Consider these opportunities:

• The GM job at the University of Missouri’s KOMU-TV (Click on the ad and search for job 59610).
• Director of News and Public Affairs at Arizona’s PBS
• And the executive director for Investigative Reporters and Editors.

And because I know YOU want to know, the salary range for each job is listed in the ad, but you will have to click on the link to find out.

There are THREE new GMs in TWO cities.

There are TWO obituaries, including ONE for a former Los Angeles ND.

And more!

• The New York Times publisher blasts CBS AND Nexstar in a speech about a free press.
• Paramount went after websites that uploaded a public access show from Monroe, MI…because STEPHEN COLBERT made an appearance.
• CBS News Radio went away this week.
• A look at what might be ahead for CBS News this summer.
• After eleven years, an Idaho newswoman returns to a newsroom.
• Ever get a letter saying your qualifications for a job didn’t suffice, even though they exceeded them? You’ll commiserate with a sportscaster.
• And the Boston Red Sox owned New England Sports Network pulled an ad for a Maine Senate candidate who trashed team management.

Enjoy your short week!

Newly Named News Directors:

Paez

Univision, Northern California…VIVIANA PÁEZ has been named Regional News Director for Univision Northern California. She’ll oversee stations in the Bay Area and Sacramento, where she has been working as an anchor and executive producer. Viviana replaces VLADIMIR ARAYA who left in March after a little more than a year in that role. More details in this story from Media Moves.

Dayton

WNDU-TV, South Bend, IN…RICK DAYTON takes over as ND for this Gray Media NBC affiliate. He shared the news on his Linkedin page. Rick had been the executive reporter at WRTV (ABC) in Indianapolis before Scripps sold to Circle City Broadcasting which laid off almost the entire news department. He’s a former anchor in Pittsburgh and West Virginia and also hosted a talk show on KDKA radio. Rick replaces GARY WORDLAW who left the station in March.

Ellis

WLUC-TV, Marquette, MI…this Gray Media owned NBC and FOX station has promoted DAVE ELLIS to be its next news director. He’s currently an EP there in his second stint at WLUC, and has also worked in Lansing as well as for Michigan State University, his alma mater. He replaces SHANNON KONOSKE who left in March after less than a year as ND.

New News Director Openings:

Stahlman

WLKY-TV, Louisville, KY…always like to share when a news director moves to the GM’s chair. So congrats to ANDREA STAHLMAN who’s been the ND here since 2012, first starting at this Hearst owned CBS affiliate as an intern, was hired as an assignment editor, then producer, EP, Assistant ND before become ND. She replaces GLENN HAYGOOD who is retiring after four decades in our business.

Merckx

KOKH/KOCB-TV, Oklahoma City…BARBARA MERCKX has left this Sinclair Broadcasting owned FOX/CW operation after just nine months on the job. Before that, she spent seven years on the faculty at the Gaylord College of Journalism at the Univeristy of Oklahoma where she spent some of that time as ND for a student led station. Her career has had several distinct stops as you’ll learn via her LinkedIn page.

Help Wanted Ads:

Director of News and Public Affairs, Arizona PBS:

Arizona PBS is expanding its news and public affairs content offering 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 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.

Click here to apply at this link below before June 6.

Executive Director, Investigative Reporters & Editors:

Investigative Reporters & Editors is looking for an executive director with the vision to lead the world’s largest organization supporting investigative and data journalism. The position involves overseeing a dynamic organization with more than 4,200 members internationally, 13 staff members and dozens of volunteer contributors, as well as serving as a staff member at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

For more than 50 years, IRE — a nonprofit organization — has led the journalism industry in supporting and training journalists and college students in techniques for investigative reporting and data analysis. The organization runs the world’s biggest conferences on investigative and data journalism – known respectively as IRE and NICAR. IRE provides training and resources for journalists in news organizations of all sizes, from rural U.S. communities to cities across the globe. Its website, ire.org, offers a growing portfolio of training tools, tipsheets, video tutorials and an extensive library of resources.

The right candidate will have experience in investigative journalism, management and fundraising, and an enthusiasm for evangelizing on behalf of investigative journalism and raising funds to support that mission. IRE is located in Columbia, Missouri, where candidates may have the option of moving or working remotely. This position may include teaching two classes per year at the School of Journalism. The position also involves considerable travel, both domestically and internationally.

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Click here to learn more and apply.

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 5/25/26)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 5/25/26)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC listed 5/25/26)
WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 5/17/26)
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (relisted 5/25/26)
WXOW-TV, Wausau, WI (listed 3/22/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (Digital EP, listed 5/10/26)
WPHL-TV, Philadelphia, PA (Digital Content EP, listed 4/26/26)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (relisted 5/17/26)
WMUR-TV, Manchester, NH (Boston market) (listed 5/17/26)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 4/12/26)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 4/19/26)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 5/17/26)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 5/17/26)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 4/19/26)
WBAL-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 5/17/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 4/19/26)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 5/17/26)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (relisted 5/17/26)
KOCO-TV, Oklahoma City, OK (listed 5/17/26)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (relisted 5/17/26)
WBBH-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 5/17/26)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (relisted 5/17/26)
KTHV-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted 5/17/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, relisted 3/29/26)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 4/19/26)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 5/17/26)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (Digital EP, listed 5/25/26)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (relisted 5/17/26)
KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX (relisted 5/17/26)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (Digital EP, listed 5/2/26)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 5/25/26:

KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (General Manager, see ad above!)
Arizona PBS, Phoenix, AZ (Dir. of News & Public Affairs, see ad above!)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (Executive Reporter)

Listed 5/3/26:

WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Senior Producer, Nighttime Newscast)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Newscast Producer)

Relisted 4/19/26:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (Digital Director)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (Digital Director)

Listed 4/12/26:

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (GM of Student Broadcast Media and Instructor)

Obituaries:

Singer

A former news director for KCBS-TV in Los Angeles died May 13th. MICHAEL SINGER was 85 years old. He was named ND there in 1989, replacing ERIC SORENSON who was promoted to VP/Station Manager. Michael was a former investigative reporter who also worked as a producer for CBS News. But he may have been best known in LA as ‘The Reluctant Gourmet’ in restaurant reviews written by his wife, RUTH REICHL, who was a critic for the Los Angeles Times.

Sweitzer

STEVE SWEITZER, a former chief photographer and news operations manager for WISH-TV in Indianapolis, died Thursday at the age of 77. Steve was a past president of the National Press Photographers Association. After stepping down from his management roles, he contributed “Tech Talk” segments for a WISH program. The station remembered him here.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

New York Times publisher AG SULZBERGER blasted, by name, CBS and Nexstar in a speech this week defending a free press.

Speaking of CBS, the network sent copyright infringement notices to websites that uploaded STEPHEN COLBERT’s appearance on “Only in Monroe”, a public access program in Monroe, MI. They have since backed off that strategy after an outcry. You may remember Colbert used an appearance on that show as a promotional gimmick before launching his now-cancelled late night show in 2015.

Speaking of CBS cancelling things, the CBS Radio Network also went away this week. Here’s a look back at its history from a media historian who suggests that its departure reflects a change in the attitude that news media should serve the public interest.

The Hollywood Reporter looks at the summer ahead for CBS News and BARI WEISS as she is expected to make major changes to 60 Minutes and CBS Mornings.

CHAR JACKSON returns to a newsroom as she joins KIVI-TV in Boise as its assistant ND. She worked as a producer for KTVB-TV in Boise until 2015 when she embarked on a series of public relations jobs.

I’m guessing that many, if not all of you, have received rejection letters, saying your experience didn’t ‘align’ with a job’s requirements, even though your experience might have exceeded those requirements. So you can sympathize with BILL ROSINSKI, a sports play by play announcer who was rejected by the Baltimore Ravens, even though he’s done play by play for TWO NFL teams, and called college football for ten years for ESPN.

And while we’re on the subject of curious moves by sports teams, check out this story. The New England Sports Network, owned by the Boston Red Sox, pulled an commercial for a candidate for the US Senate from Maine who bashed the team in his ad.

General Manager News and Notes:

THREE new GMs this week, TWO in the same market.

You learned above that Hearst promoted ANDREA STAHLMAN to be the next General Manager at WLKY-TV (CBS) in Louisville. She’s been the ND there since 2012 and replaces GLENN HAYGOOD who is retiring.

Hiett

Also in Louisville, Gray Media named JAY HIETT to run both WAVE-TV (NBC) and its newly acquired FOX affiliate, WDRB-TV. He replaces JOHN O’BRIEN at WAVE and BILL LAMB at WDRB. Jay has been the GM for Gray’s WFIE-TV (NBC) in Evansville since 2015.

Gray also promoted JAMIE BREWER to replace Jay at WFIE. She’s been the Director of Sales there.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Monday, May 25, 2026:

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

WPVI-TV 4100 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
KIRO-TV 2807 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98121
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
KSDK-TV 1001 Highlands Plaza Dr. St. Louis, MO 63110
WKRN-TV 441 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37210
WBFF-TV 2000 W 41st St Baltimore, MD 21211
KOKH/KOCB-TV 1228 E. Wilshire Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73111
WAVE-TV 725 S. Floyd St. Louisville KY 40203
WLKY-TV 1918 Mellwood Ave. Louisville, KY 40206
WGNO-TV 1 Galleria Blvd, Suite 850 Metairie LA 70001
KOKI-TV 2625 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74129
KREM-TV 4103 S Regal St Spokane WA 99223
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
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
KKTV 3100 N Nevada Ave, Ste B, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
KNDU-TV 3312 W. Kennewick Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KIFI-TV 1915 N Yellowstone Hwy Idaho Falls, ID 83401
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station

May 17, 2026

Monday, May 18, 2026 UPDATE:

Greetings:

One of the mysteries from last night’s newsletter has been solved.

Hiett

Gray Media announced today that JAY HIETT will run its three stations in Louisville, WAVE-TV (NBC), WDRB-TV (FOX) and WBKI-TV (CW). Jay has been the GM for Gray’s WFIE-TV (NBC) in Evansville, IN, since 2015, and first joined the station in 2010 as sales manager. Here’s the company’s news release. Gray just closed on its purchase of WDRB from Block Communications earlier this month.

At publication last night we’d been unable to confirm reports that BILL LAMB, GM for WDRB, and JOHN O’BRIEN, GM for WAVE, had left their stations on Friday. Clearly that has now been proven true.

Additional, here’s a Saturday Louisville Courier-Journal story on the merger, written before today’s announcement, obviously.

Bremer

One more item. Director of Sales JAMIE BREMER will replace Jay as GM for WFIE. She’s been at the station for 13 years, beginning as a media executive before moving into sales management.

We’ll see you next weekend (probably on Monday due to the holiday) with our full report.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

We did some LONG overdue checking on some of the ‘open’ ND jobs on our list, so that drops our count of ND openings to 24.

ONE of those filled jobs was actually filled this week, and it’s at a network o-and-o in a top five market.

We have an ad for the executive director’s job at a leading journalism organization.

TWO obituaries this week, including ONE of a former sports/reproter anchor who became a GM for TWO different stations.

And while details are sketchy, it appears TWO Louisville GM’s ‘left the station’ after Gray closed on its purchase of the Block Communication stations.

There’s more, of course!

• A new survey says journalists must quit using ‘no comment’.
• Ever want to go on TV and crap on the people who are getting rid of you? STEPHEN COLBERT is doing just that.
• Gray and Scripps complete a series of station trades.
• Gray names TWO new Senior VPs.
• A former reporter and Assistant ND will run the West Virginia Broadcasters Association.
• IRE hires a new development director.
• And there are a lot of updates to our list of open management jobs.

Those stories and more below…but first! (If the networks can sell stuff during newscasts, why can’t I?)

The 110th running of the Indianapols 500 is this weekend. It’s sold out but I still have two tickets left (view below, technically Tower Terrace, section 48, row BB). If you are interested (and don’t mind sitting with a handful of retired TV types, all from top five markets except me) please let me know.

They are $140 each and I will get them to you ASAP.

Newly Named News Directors:

Gonzalez

WCAU/WWSI-TV, Philadelphia, PA…NOE GONZALEZ moves from one NBC operation to another as he’ll be the next ND for this NBC/Telemundo duopoly. Noe has been the ND for Telemundo’s stations in Phoenix and Tucson. He will report to ELIZABETH FLORES who’s the VP/News. The job opened up when ANA HERNANDEZ left to move (also within NBC) to be ND for WNBC/WNJU-TV in New York.

We did some long overdue checks on some stations that we’ve had on the ‘open’ list for FAR too long. Here are the results:

WTWO-TV, Terre Haute, IN…BRADY CALHOUN is the ND for this Nexstar owned NBC station. Here’s more on Brady.

KSWO-TV, Lawton, OK…this Gray Media owned ABC affiliate’s news director is JUSTIN ROSE. Of note: he has a doctorate in political science.

We’ll try and do a better job of keeping the list current. Your assistance in that task is always welcome.

New News Director Openings:

I’m not aware of any new openings this week.

Help Wanted Ad:

Executive Director, Investigative Reporters & Editors:

Investigative Reporters & Editors is looking for an executive director with the vision to lead the world’s largest organization supporting investigative and data journalism. The position involves overseeing a dynamic organization with more than 4,200 members internationally, 13 staff members and dozens of volunteer contributors, as well as serving as a staff member at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

For more than 50 years, IRE — a nonprofit organization — has led the journalism industry in supporting and training journalists and college students in techniques for investigative reporting and data analysis. The organization runs the world’s biggest conferences on investigative and data journalism – known respectively as IRE and NICAR. IRE provides training and resources for journalists in news organizations of all sizes, from rural U.S. communities to cities across the globe. Its website, ire.org, offers a growing portfolio of training tools, tipsheets, video tutorials and an extensive library of resources.

The right candidate will have experience in investigative journalism, management and fundraising, and an enthusiasm for evangelizing on behalf of investigative journalism and raising funds to support that mission. IRE is located in Columbia, Missouri, where candidates may have the option of moving or working remotely. This position may include teaching two classes per year at the School of Journalism. The position also involves considerable travel, both domestically and internationally.

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Click here to learn more and apply.

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 5/17/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (relisted 4/22/26)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 4/19/26)
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (listed 5/10/26)
WXOW-TV, Wausau, WI (listed 3/22/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (Digital EP, listed 5/10/26)
WPHL-TV, Philadelphia, PA (Digital Content EP, listed 4/26/26)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (relisted 5/17/26)
WMUR-TV, Manchester, NH (Boston market) (listed 5/17/26)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 4/12/26)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 4/19/26)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 4/19/26)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 5/17/26)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 5/17/26)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 4/19/26)
WBAL-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 5/17/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 4/19/26)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 5/17/26)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (relisted 5/17/26)
KOCO-TV, Oklahoma City, OK (listed 5/17/26)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (relisted 5/17/26)
WBBH-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 5/17/26)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (relisted 5/17/26)
KTHV-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted 5/17/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, relisted 3/29/26)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 4/19/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (Morning EP, relisted 4/19/26)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 5/17/26)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (listed 3/22/26)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (relisted 5/17/26)
KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX (relisted 5/17/26)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (Digital EP, listed 5/2/36)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 5/3/26:

WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Senior Producer, Nighttime Newscast)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Newscast Producer)

Relisted 4/19/26:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (Digital Director)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (Digital Director)

Listed 4/12/26:

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (GM of Student Broadcast Media and Instructor)

Obituaries:

John H.

JOHN HUMPHRIES, who began as a sports reporter/anchor and eventually became a GM for two stations, died May 11 at 68. He retired in 2024 as GM of Hearst’s WYFF-TV in Greenville, SC and earlier ran Hearst’s WGAL-TV in Lancaster, PA. More about John in this story. The cause of death is NOT mentioned, but reports online said he died from injuries suffered in a fall while hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Clemente

Visitation will be held this Wednesday for MICHAEL CLEMENTE, whose four decades in news included jobs at ABC News, CNN, and FOX News. Michael died suddenly Thursday at his home in Garrison, NY. He was 70 years old. Michael spent 27 years at ABC, then seven years at FOX before departing in 2016. He’d been consulting news operations most recently. Click here to read the obituary.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

A new survey says journalists must retire the use of ‘no comment‘. The survey from the Reynolds Journalism Institute (in partnership with SmithGeiger) suggests it would help restore trust in journalism.

It was not a good week for CBS News.

Evening News anchor TONY DOUKOUPIL failed to get a visa to go to China to cover President Trump’s trip, so he anchored the news from Taiwan.

That screw up allowed outgoing Late Show host STEPHEN COLBERT to turn CBS News into a piñata in his cold open to the program earlier this week. (What are they going to do, fire him?)

And that wasn’t all…Colbert had DAVID LETTERMAN on the show and they resurrected an old Letterman trick, tossing stuff off the roof of the theatre. The ‘stuff’ was part of Colbert’s set. Dave called it ‘wanton destruction of CBS property, as they tossed chairs, etc., onto a CBS logo on the street below, before closing his segment with an obscenity we’ll not include here. This Variety story has it all, including a link to the segment (and the bleeped obscenity!)

Gray Media now says it has consummated all pending station deals with the completion of a series of station trades with Scripps. You should NOT be surprised to know that the trades created duopolies in every market involved. More from The Desk.net.

Gray also announced two managment moves. Company veteran JAMES FINCH has been named Senior Vice President of News Services. while JOANIE VASILIADIS joins Gray as Senior Vice President of Transformation. Joanie most recently had been VP of Content at Tegna.

LESLIE RUBIN, a former assistant ND and reporter for WCHS-TV in Charleston, WV, is the new executive director for the West Virginia Broadcasters Association.

McIlvain

Investigative Reporters and Editors filled its vacation Development Director position by hiring LYNNIE MCILVAIN. Lynnie had been the development director for InvestigateWest. More on her in this news release from IRE. The search continues for a new executive director for the organization following the sudden passing of DIANA FUENTES last March (see ad above).

General Manager News and Notes:

The Louisville Business Journal has two headlines on its website reporting that the GMs for both WDRB-TV (FOX) and WAVE-TV (NBC) left on Friday, shortly after Gray (which owns WAVE) closed on its purchase of Block Communications, which had owned WDRB. Both stories were behind paywalls so unavailable to me. My inquiry to a Gray executive was answered with “…news to me.” Hopefully we’ll have more next week.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, May 17, 2026:

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

WPVI-TV 4100 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
KIRO-TV 2807 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98121
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
KSDK-TV 1001 Highlands Plaza Dr. St. Louis, MO 63110
WKRN-TV 441 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37210
WBFF-TV 2000 W 41st St Baltimore, MD 21211
WAVE-TV 725 S. Floyd St. Louisville KY 40203
WGNO-TV 1 Galleria Blvd, Suite 850 Metairie LA 70001
KOKI-TV 2625 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74129
KREM-TV 4103 S Regal St Spokane WA 99223
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
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
KKTV 3100 N Nevada Ave, Ste B, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
WNDU-TV 54516 State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46637
KNDU-TV 3312 W. Kennewick Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KIFI-TV 1915 N Yellowstone Hwy Idaho Falls, ID 83401
WLUC-TV 177 US-41 East, Negaunee, MI 49866
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station

May 10, 2026

Thursday, May 14, 2026 UPDATE:

Greetings:

One of the TWO open ND jobs in Philadelphia has now been filled.

Gonzalez

NOE GONZALEZ moves within NBC Universal to become the next news director for WCAU-TV (NBC) and WWSI-TV (Telemundo) in the City of Brotherly Love. He’ll report to ELIZABETH FLORES, the VP/News for the duopoly. Noe is currently the news director for Telemundo’s KTAZ-TV in Phoenix and KHRR-TV in Tucson. Here’s the news release announcing his appointment.

He replaces ANA HERNANDEZ. We told you in April a few weeks ago that she was moving within NBC to be the ND for WNBC/WNJU-TV in New York.

We’ll be back on Sunday with our full report.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Happy Mother’s Day to all.

It’s a happy holiday for TWO people who got their first ND jobs this week. And while it’s not a new opening, the opening at a top 25 station is now an official opening. We’ll explain.

Our count of ND openings drops to 28.

We have TWO new ads for management positions at a powerhouse, family owned station in North Carolina.

We have more information on last week’s obituary of the brother of a recently retired Missouri ND.

ONE new GM to tell you about.

And we have several news items.

• ABC’s new CEO is taking an aggressive stand against the FCC.
• In an earnings call, Nexstar’s PERRY SOOK discusses the legal battle in the company’s attempt to buy Tega.
• Gray Media closes on its deal to buy Block Communications TV stations.
• IRE announces its award winners AND extends the early bird registration for its annual convention.
• And CBS Sunday Morning profiles the soon-to-be extinct CBS News Radio

Those stories and more below!

Newly Named News Directors:

Machi

WAPT-TV, Jackson, MS…MIKE MACHI returns to Hearst as the next ND for this ABC affiliate. Here’s the release. For the last year, Mike has been an EP for WPLG-TV in Miami, but earlier worked for Hearst at WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. His career history is here. At WAPT, Mike replaces LEE NEELY. We told you in March that Lee was moving within Hearst to become ND for WJCL-TV in Savannah, GA.

Oliver

KSNT/KTKA-TV, Topeka, KS…congratulations to ASHLEY OLIVER who’s been promoted to news director for this duopoly. She’s been at the stations for more than four years, first as EP and later Managing Editor. She replaces JESSE FRAY who left in January after ten years for a job out of TV. Nexstar owns NBC affiliate KSNT-TV and operates KSNT-TV (ABC) under a shared services agreement with Vaughn Media.

New News Director Opening:

It’s not a new opening, but worth pointing out that Tegna has now listed the open ND job at KSDK-TV (NBC) in St. Louis. (We may have been premature in posting the opening.)

The job’s been open since TIM GERAGHTY was transferred to KHOU-TV (CBS) in Houston in March. CAROL FOWLER, a Tegna Regional VP who’s based in St. Louis, is overseeing the newsroom. Of note: Tegna owns KSDK, but Nexstar owns KTVI-TV (FOX) and KPLR-TV (CW) in St. Louis, pending Nexstar’s proposed acquisition of Tegna.

Help Wanted Ads:

Senior Producer-Primetime Newscasts, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:

Take the lead where it matters most—primetime in Raleigh, North Carolina.

As Senior Producer for WRAL’s late newscasts, you’ll own the 11:00 p.m. broadcast and help shape the 10:00 p.m., driving the stories your community relies on to close the day informed. This is more than a producing role—it’s a leadership opportunity to set the tone, elevate storytelling, and build a high-performing evening team.

You’ll guide producers, reporters, and photographers with clear editorial vision, coaching them to deliver urgent, impactful journalism. From breaking news to enterprise reporting, you’ll make real-time decisions that bring depth, clarity, and accountability to every broadcast. Your ability to pivot quickly and uncover new angles will keep coverage fresh, relevant, and ahead of the curve.

Working across TV, digital, and streaming platforms, you’ll help create a seamless multiplatform experience—ensuring WRAL’s late news is not only the most watched, but the most trusted in the market. You’ll play a key role in executing content strategy, enhancing viewer engagement, and pushing innovation in how stories are told.

If you’re ready to step into a newsroom leadership role where your decisions drive both content and culture, this is your chance to make a lasting impact—on your team, your audience, and your career—right here in Raleigh.

Click here to learn more and apply!

Newscast Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:

Step into the center of the newsroom and shape the stories your community sees first.

As a Newscast Producer at WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina, you won’t just write the news—you’ll own it from pitch to broadcast across TV, digital, and social platforms. This is a high-impact, fast-paced role where creativity, urgency, and editorial judgment come together to inform and engage a massive audience.

You’ll produce live newscasts, craft compelling stories for WRAL.com, and drive coverage that connects across platforms—from breaking news to trending topics. With access to real-time analytics and social listening tools, you’ll make smart decisions about what matters most and how to tell it best.

Every day offers the chance to innovate, collaborate, and deliver content that stands out.

This role is built for growth. You’ll gain hands-on experience with live production, digital strategy, and cross-functional teamwork while positioning yourself for future newsroom leadership opportunities.

If you thrive under pressure, love storytelling, and want your work to make an immediate impact, this is your chance to be part of a respected, forward-thinking media organization. Add in strong benefits, career development, and access to local events—and you’ve got more than a job. You’ve got a launchpad.

Click here to learn more and apply!

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 3/8/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (relisted 4/22/26)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 4/19/26)
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (listed 5/10/26)
WXOW-TV, Wausau, WI (listed 3/22/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (Sports EP, listed 3/29/26)
WPIX-TV, New York, NY (Digital EP, listed 5/10/26)
WPHL-TV, Philadelphia, PA (Digital Content EP, listed 4/26/26)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 3/15/26)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 4/12/26)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 4/19/26)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 4/19/26)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (listed 3/15/26)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 3/15/26)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 4/19/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 4/19/26)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 3/15/26)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 3/15/26)
WPRI/WNAC-TV, Providence, RI (AM EP, listed 4/19/26)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 3/15/26)
KTHV-TV, Little Rock, AR (listed 3/15/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, relisted 3/29/26)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 4/19/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (Morning EP, relisted 4/19/26)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (listed 3/22/26)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (listed 3/15/26)
KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX (listed 3/15/26)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (Digital EP, listed 5/2/36)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 5/3/26:

WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Senior Producer, Nighttime Newscast, see ad above!)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Newscast Producer, see ad above!)

Relisted 4/19/26:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (Digital Director)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (Digital Director)

Listed 4/12/26:

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (GM of Student Broadcast Media and Instructor)

Listed 4/12/26:

WDHN-TV, Dothan, AL (Digital News Manager)

Obituaries:

Clyde H.

Our report last week on the death of CLYDE HOLLIDAY, brother of retired St. Louis newsman ART HOLLIDAY, was a little thin on details. Clyde was 79 years when he died April 13th. We’re grateful to Art for passing along more info on his brother’s life and career. Regular readers know that Art retired last year after 46 years at KSDK-TV in St. Louis, where he started as the weekend sports anchor and ended as ND.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

ABC’s new CEO JOSH D’AMARO is taking a stand against the FCC’s attempt to challenge its station’s licenses. The company filed an aggressive brief in the case.

Nexstar CEO PERRY SOOK spoke on the company’s earning call last Thursday and outlined the legal battles involving Nexstar’s planned deal to acquire Tegna. Our report is from Variety.

Meanwhile, two defamation and wrongful termination suits against Nexstar’s WOOD-TV (NBC) in Grand Rapids are one step closer to trial. ND STANTON TANG and Assistant ND AMY FOX are the plaintiffs.

Gray Media has closed on its acquisition of five stations owned by Toledo, OH, based Block Communications. The largest among them is WDRB-TV (FOX) in Louisville. More details here.

Congratulations to WFAA-TV in Dallas, WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, KRQE-TV in Albuquerque and KSLA-TV in Shreveport, LA, for being chosen as winners in the annual IRE awards contest. A few other stations were honored as finalists. The complete list of winners in all categories is here.

By the way, the deadline for early bird (i.e., discounted) registration for the annual IRE conference has been extended to May 15th. Details here. Long time readers know that I think the IRE conference is by far the most worthwhile gathering in journalism. I hope to see many of you at National Harbor in Maryland from June 18-21.

You should already know that, after almost a century, CBS News Radio, is shutting down later this month. CBS Sunday Morning’s MO ROCCA looked at the network’s history in this story that aired this morning.

General Manager News and Notes:

NICOLE LEWIS joins Gray Media’s KBTX-TV in Bryan-College Station, TX, as GM and Director of Sales. It’s a return to Texas for Nicole who earlier in her career was the General Sales Manager for KIAH-TV in Houston and most recently was Director of Sales for WKMG-TV in Orlando.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, May 10, 2026:

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

WCAU/WWSI-TV 1800 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
WPVI-TV 4100 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
KIRO-TV 2807 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98121
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
KSDK-TV 1001 Highlands Plaza Dr. St. Louis, MO 63110
WKRN-TV 441 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37210
WBFF-TV 2000 W 41st St Baltimore, MD 21211
WAVE-TV 725 S. Floyd St. Louisville KY 40203
WGNO-TV 1 Galleria Blvd, Suite 850 Metairie LA 70001
KOKI-TV 2625 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74129
KREM-TV 4103 S Regal St Spokane WA 99223
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
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
KKTV 3100 N Nevada Ave, Ste B, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
WNDU-TV 54516 State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46637
KNDU-TV 3312 W. Kennewick Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
KSWO-TV 1401 SE 60th St. Lawton, OK 73501
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KIFI-TV 1915 N Yellowstone Hwy Idaho Falls, ID 83401
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
WLUC-TV 177 US-41 East, Negaunee, MI 49866
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station

May 3, 2026

Greetings:

Only ONE ND change this week, a promotion at a Central Illinois CBS affiliate. And, as far as I know, NO new openings.

Our count of ND openings drops to 30.

We have TWO new ads for management positions at a powerhouse, family owned station in North Carolina, and are repeating ONE paid ad for an ND opening in the Pacific Northwest.

Be sure to check out BARRY NASH’s new ad, and be sure to click on it to check out his Substack post which contains some great graphics. And while you’re clicking, weather consultant TIM HELLER is offering help in improving your weather content without adding staff.

Sadly, FOUR obituaries, ONE for a Florida Assistant ND, TWO for former news directors, and ONE for the brother of a recently retired Missouri ND.

A former newsie ascends to the GM job at a top five market network o-and-o.

• More attorneys general have signed onto the antitrust suit attempting to block the Nexstar-Tegna deal. Surprisingly, several are Republican.
• CBS changes its London Bureau Chief admit reports that the outgoing chief clashed with BARI WEISS over coverage of Israel and Gaza.
• Her replacement has never worked in TV.
• The Gray Media/Allen Media Group deal has closed and we have a detail-less news release from Gray.
• A former Atlanta and Dayton ND is retiring after 22 years at ESPN.
• AP’s longtime media writer takes a buyout.
• And student from archivals Indiana University and Purdue University are honored for coming together to defend press freedom.

It’s a busy newsletter. Hope you enjoy it.

Newly Named News Director:

Gordon

WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL…MARY GORDON has been promoted to news director for this Nexstar Media owned CBS affiliate. She’s been the Assignment Editor and Content Director.and replaces SHAUN NEWELL. Shaun had been both GM and ND when he passed away in October, 2025.

New News Director Openings:

Not aware of any new hires this week. If I’m wrong, please let me know by emailing me at: rick@rickgevers.com

Help Wanted Ads:

Senior Producer-Primetime Newscasts, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:

Take the lead where it matters most—primetime in Raleigh, North Carolina.

As Senior Producer for WRAL’s late newscasts, you’ll own the 11:00 p.m. broadcast and help shape the 10:00 p.m., driving the stories your community relies on to close the day informed. This is more than a producing role—it’s a leadership opportunity to set the tone, elevate storytelling, and build a high-performing evening team.

You’ll guide producers, reporters, and photographers with clear editorial vision, coaching them to deliver urgent, impactful journalism. From breaking news to enterprise reporting, you’ll make real-time decisions that bring depth, clarity, and accountability to every broadcast. Your ability to pivot quickly and uncover new angles will keep coverage fresh, relevant, and ahead of the curve.

Working across TV, digital, and streaming platforms, you’ll help create a seamless multiplatform experience—ensuring WRAL’s late news is not only the most watched, but the most trusted in the market. You’ll play a key role in executing content strategy, enhancing viewer engagement, and pushing innovation in how stories are told.

If you’re ready to step into a newsroom leadership role where your decisions drive both content and culture, this is your chance to make a lasting impact—on your team, your audience, and your career—right here in Raleigh.

Click here to learn more and apply!

Newscast Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:

Step into the center of the newsroom and shape the stories your community sees first.

As a Newscast Producer at WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina, you won’t just write the news—you’ll own it from pitch to broadcast across TV, digital, and social platforms. This is a high-impact, fast-paced role where creativity, urgency, and editorial judgment come together to inform and engage a massive audience.

You’ll produce live newscasts, craft compelling stories for WRAL.com, and drive coverage that connects across platforms—from breaking news to trending topics. With access to real-time analytics and social listening tools, you’ll make smart decisions about what matters most and how to tell it best.

Every day offers the chance to innovate, collaborate, and deliver content that stands out.

This role is built for growth. You’ll gain hands-on experience with live production, digital strategy, and cross-functional teamwork while positioning yourself for future newsroom leadership opportunities.

If you thrive under pressure, love storytelling, and want your work to make an immediate impact, this is your chance to be part of a respected, forward-thinking media organization. Add in strong benefits, career development, and access to local events—and you’ve got more than a job. You’ve got a launchpad.

Click here to learn more and apply!

News Director, KIFI-TV, Idaho Falls, ID:

• Live in the closest metropolitan destination to Yellowstone National Park
• Lead a team of journalists in the market’s #1 multi-platform newsroom.
• Work for a family-owned company with terrific employee-focused benefits
• Outdoor enthusiasts love the proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, relaxing natural hot springs, and fly fishing on the Snake River

NPG of Idaho, including the legacy stations for the Idaho Falls/Pocatello, ID/Jackson, WY DMA and the dominant news leader in Eastern Idaho/Western Wyoming, has an exciting opportunity for someone to lead our news team as News Director. A year-round tourist destination with world-class recreational activities and quality of life few cities can match. We are a diversified company committed to its people and successful news organizations.

The News Director will oversee and provide strategic direction to the station’s news operation consisting of broadcast and digital platforms. We are looking for a strong newsroom leader who considers coaching a priority.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary coach, and an effective communicator with a passion for the news business. Degree in Journalism, Broadcasting, Communications, or related field is preferred. In addition, a minimum of four years of newsroom or related managerial experience is a must.

Successful candidates must pass a background check, drug test, and provide proof of vehicle insurance.

NPG of Idaho is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

No Phone calls please.

Click here to learn more and apply!

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 3/8/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (relisted 4/22/26)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 4/19/26)
WXOW-TV, Wausau, WI (listed 3/22/26)
KWES-TV, Midland-Odessa, TX (listed 3/1/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (Sports EP, listed 3/29/26)
WPHL-TV, Philadelphia, PA (Digital Content EP, listed 4/26/26)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 3/15/26)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 4/12/26)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 3/15/26)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 4/19/26)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 4/19/26)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (listed 3/15/26)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 3/15/26)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 4/19/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 4/19/26)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 3/15/26)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 3/15/26)
WPRI/WNAC-TV, Providence, RI (AM EP, listed 4/19/26)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 3/15/26)
KTHV-TV, Little Rock, AR (listed 3/15/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, relisted 3/29/26)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 4/19/26)
WTEN/WXXA-TV, Albany, NY (Lifestyle show EP, listed 3/29/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (Morning EP, relisted 4/19/26)
WHNT-TV, Huntsville, AL (Evening EP, listed 3/29/26)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (listed 3/22/26)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (listed 3/15/26)
KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX (listed 3/15/26)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (Digital EP, listed 5/2/36)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 5/3/26:

WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Senior Producer, Nighttime Newscast, see ad above!)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Newscast Producer, see ad above!)

Relisted 4/19/26:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (Digital Director)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (Digital Director)

Listed 4/12/26:

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (GM of Student Broadcast Media and Instructor)

Listed 4/12/26:

WDHN-TV, Dothan, AL (Digital News Manager)

Obituaries:

Cavazos

WWSB-TV (ABC) in Sarasota, FL, is mourning the loss of assistant news director JOHN CAVAZOS who died Saturday, April 25th at the age of 63. Here’s the story from the station’s website. He’s a former news director in Burlington, VT, worked twice on Boston, for several stations in Tampa, and also worked in Jacksonville and Harlingen, TX. John’s full career history is here.

Holston

We’re a little tardy in reporting that MARK HOLSTON, who spent 15 years as news director and anchor for KCFW-TV in Kalispell, MT, died back in February. He was 79. Mark later worked in public relations for the Flathead Basin Commission but gained acclaim as a music writer and historian, primarily in jazz music. Mark also served on several boards. Learn more in this obituary.

Lawyer

A one time news director for the Christian Broadcasting Network, RICHARD “DICK” LAWYER died in late April. at the age of 80. He worked for CBN for about two years, but may be better remembered (especially if you ever worked in the station) for having spent more than four decades working for the AP in Pennsylvania, serving as broadcast editor from 1972 until 2014.

Clyde H.

I’m sorry to report that CLYDE HOLLIDAY, brother of long time St. Louis newsman ART HOLLIDAY, died April 13th. Clyde was 79 years old and sadly lost his son just a few months before he passed. Regular readers know that Art retired last year after 46 years at KSDK-TV in St. Louis, where he started as the weekend sports anchor and ended as news director. Your kind note of support can be sent to Art by clicking here.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

The never ending saga of the proposed Nexstar acquistion of Tegna took yet another turn this week when five more attorneys general joined the federal antitrust suit in an attempt to block the deal. Notably, three of the newcomers are Republican.

The New York Post says CBS News canned London Bureau Chief CLAIRE DAY after she clashed with Editor in Chief BARI WEISS over coverage of Israel and Gaza. The network wasted little time in replacing Day, naming SHAYNDI RAICE to the job. Raice is a 16 year veteran of The Wall Street Journal who, notably, like Weiss, has not previously worked in TV.

Gray Media and BYRON ALLEN‘s company Allen Media Group closed on a long ago announced deal in which Gray is buying some of Allen’s stations. Oddly, the Gray news release was remarkably devoid of details. Fortunately, TheDesk.net filled in those pesky facts.

Roberts

DAVE ROBERTS, who started in local news and served as a news director in Dayton and Atlanta, is retiring in August after more than 22 years at ESPN and 50 years in our business.. His current title is (take a deep breath here) ESPN Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment. That lengthy title covers, as you might expect, a wide variety of duties.

Longtime Associated Press media writer DAVID BAUDER has taken a buyout from the wire service. His last day was Thursday and one of his last stories was about a photographer who is fascinated by things that evoke a time gone by…or about to pass into history. Like newspaper offices.

You probably don’t need to be a big sports fan to know that Indiana University and Purdue University are arch-rivals. But students at the two schools bonded together to defend press freedom and were honored this week by the SPJ. The Indianapolis Star explains what they did, while this item from SPJ explains the award.

General Manager News and Notes:

Second week in a row with just one GM move, but it’s a big one. There’s also a new president for a small company.

Morris

ABC has named JOHN MORRIS as President and General Manager of its Philadelphia o-and-o, WPVI-TV. He’s been the Vice President of Multiplatform Programming for ‘PVI. But he began at the station as a news writer before advancing to producer and later executive producer. He replaces BERNIE PRAZENICA who retired in January after 17 years as GM and 40 at the station.

I’m just guessing here but would assume that near the top of John’s to-do list is finding a new news director. We told you in March that TOM DAVIS left after 15 years as ND and the previous seven as assistant ND.

Vernon

Meanwhile, Draper Media named BILL VERNON as its new President. He’s been the VP there since late 2024 and first joined Draper in 2020. If you’re not familiar with Draper, the company owns seven TV properties and 12 radio stations across Delaware and Maryland, including WBOC-TV (CBS) in Salisbury, MD. He replaces CRAIG JAHELKA who retired earlier this year.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, May 3, 2026:

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

WCAU/WWSI-TV 1800 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
WPVI-TV 4100 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
KIRO-TV 2807 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98121
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
KSDK-TV 1001 Highlands Plaza Dr. St. Louis, MO 63110
WKRN-TV 441 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37210
WBFF-TV 2000 W 41st St Baltimore, MD 21211
WAVE-TV 725 S. Floyd St. Louisville KY 40203
WGNO-TV 1 Galleria Blvd, Suite 850 Metairie LA 70001
KOKI-TV 2625 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74129
KREM-TV 4103 S Regal St Spokane WA 99223
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
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
KKTV 3100 N Nevada Ave, Ste B, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
WAPT-TV 7616 Channel 16 Way. Jackson, MS 39209
WNDU-TV 54516 State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46637
KNDU-TV 3312 W. Kennewick Ave. Kennewick, WA 99336
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
KSNT/KTKA-TV 6835 NW HWY 24 Topeka, Kansas 66618
KSWO-TV 1401 SE 60th St. Lawton, OK 73501
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KIFI-TV 1915 N Yellowstone Hwy Idaho Falls, ID 83401 (see ad above!)
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
WLUC-TV 177 US-41 East, Negaunee, MI 49866
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station