Rick Gevers & Associates

March 12, 2017

Greetings:

It’s been a good week for the THREE people who were hired this week as news directors. And to the best of my knowledge, there were NO openings, bringing our count of news director openings to 24.

We have THREE paid help wanted ads this week, two for EP jobs in medium markets.

There are lots of items in Names in the News, as well as in our GM section.

And…good luck with your basketball brackets next week if you’re in to such things!

New News Director Openings:

I’m not aware of any new openings. If you are, please let me know!

Newly Named News Directors:

Garber

KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT…MIKE GARBER heads west to become ND for this Sinclair owned CBS affiliate. He most recently spent two years as ND for CBS’s KTVT in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Mike told me he’s happy to join a #1 operation in one of the most beautiful spots he could imagine, adding he took his kids to school almost every day and took his wife to Spain to celebrate their 20th and is happy to be back in the business. He’s a former ND in West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, FL, and Columbia, SC. Mike began his career as a sports producer for stations in Tampa and San Francisco. In Salt Lake, he replaces LEE ELDRIDGE who left in January after just over 1 1/2 years.

Sullivan

KVII-TV, Amarillo, TX…AMY SULLIVAN receives a promotion within Sinclair Broadcasting as she gets her first ND job at this ABC affiliate. Amy is currently an EP for sister-Sinclair station KTUL-TV in Tulsa. She’s also worked as a producer for another Tulsa station, and for stations in Wichita and Alexandria, LA. Amy replaces RYAN HAZELWOOD who left in December after 4 1/2 years as ND here.

Farrell

KTEN-TV, Denison, TX…MARK FARRELL returns to this Lockwood Broadcasting owned NBC affiliate. He was the ND here until May, 2012, before leaving for a series of management jobs in Austin, TX, Jacksonville, FL and Orlando. He replaces TOM CRESPO who’d been both ND and anchor here. Tom remains at the station.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

PM Executive Producer, WCSC-TV, Charleston, SC:

WCSC (CBS) Live 5 News, the dominant number one TV station in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, has a rare opening for an experienced afternoon/evening Executive Producer.

We need an independent leader who can execute research-based strategy, aggressively pursue breaking news, coach a team of eager and experienced producers, and deliver measurable ratings growth.

Our ideal candidate:

Has at least two-years’ experience as an Executive Producer and/or five years as a producer
Must be able to work flexible hours
Possesses the creative, critical eye of a “Show Doctor” who can deliver visually compelling show production
Knows the importance of delivering highly promotable stories with strong viewer benefit
Coaches excellent writing and copy editing
Understands the importance of maintaining high journalistic and ethical standards
Builds strong collaboration among producers, reporters, anchors and directors

Please apply online by clicking here.

EOE-M/F/D/V.

Executive Producer, WPTA-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN:

WPTA-TV in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a highly successful, legacy station with a rare opportunity for an energetic and creative leader.

This senior position, functioning as the hub of our news organization, will serve as a
primary editorial decision maker for our TV, Web, mobile and social networking
platforms. We’re seeking an experienced producer who can handle day-to-day needs, including breaking news.

WPTA-TV operates the ABC and NBC affiliates serving the market. We produce a combined 51 hours of news per week from our state-of-the art news center. This person will oversee and be in regular contact with all involved in our news-gathering and delivery processes, will weigh the full editorial possibility of every story and make decisions on how they will be disseminated. Candidates must have a proven producing record. Strong communication skills and leadership qualities are required.

Northeastern Indiana offers a low cost of living, affordable homes, beautiful lakes and great sports. You can make your mark here, and you will. Click here to learn our story.

Submit cover letter and resume with references, plus online links, to:

Jonathan Shelley, News Director, at: jshelley@wpta21.com.

Please indicate how you learned of the job.

WPTA is part of the QMI Broadcast Group, a family-owned company. Throughout QMI, positions are available for candidates with all levels of experience and the advancement you are seeking. Visit www.careersatquincy.com for links to all stations and opportunities.

WPTA-TV provides a competitive compensation and benefits plan
WPTA-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Executive Producer/Show-runner, Tegna, Denver, CO:

Have you produced LIVE TV?
Are you addicted to everything from news to pop culture?
Are you actively involved in social media?

We’re looking for an EP/Showrunner for a live, daily multi-platform news and entertainment show.

This person should have worked in live, local, network or cable news PLUS syndicated or National TV Shows and IS ABLE TO WORK IN DENVER.

This person needs to thrive in a live environment where things are happening and changing at every moment.
Must understand social media and how to delve into a story that is trending
Understands how to synthesize a story and capture it in a compelling way
Must understand how to work with a variety of talent. Navigate multi on-camera hosts to guide them to engage the audience and illicit a response
Is a strong, positive leader to a large staff
Must possess the ability to change the course of a live show on a dime – while staying calm and in charge
Thrives on unscripted, opinionated Television – someone who’s not afraid to change the way a story is delivered.
Endless Energy, Enthusiasm, Super Smart and a Team Player will best describe this EP/Show-runner

Send resumes to Lisa Kridos via an email to: Lisa.kridos@gmail.com

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 1/8/17)
WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 1/22/17)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (relisted 2/5/17)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (new listing this week)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (relisted 2/5/17)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 2/26/17)
KTUU-TV, Anchorage, AK (relisted 2/19/17)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (AM EP, relisted 2/26/17)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM & PM EPs, listing revised 1/22/17)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (AM EP, new listing this week)
KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (PM EP, listed 2/19/17)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (AM & PM EP, listing revised 2/26/17)
KPTV, Portland, OR (relisted 2/26/17)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (Dayside EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Dayside EP, listing revised 1/22/17)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, listing modified 2/5/17)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, relisted 1/8/17)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (PM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 1/22/17)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (AM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
KGUN-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 2/12/17)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 1/8/17)
WCSC-TV, Charleston, SC (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 2/5/17)
WPTA-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN (new listing this week, see ad above!)

Obituary:

MIKE McCARVILLE, a longtime Oklahoma newsman who once served as the Assistant ND for KWTV in Oklahoma City, has died after a long illness. He was 76. More in this obituary.

Names in the News:

Mondora

We told you in an UPDATE on Tuesday that BILL MONDORA was joining Nexstar as head of its Washington, DC bureau. Bill most recently was the ND for Fox’s KTTV in Los Angeles. You may more likely remember him for a 24 year career at CBS News, including a long run as head of the network’s Newspath service. Bill also worked on the desk in Orlando and Oklahoma City, and worked as a radio reporter in Oklahoma City.

Brooks

ANDRE BROOKS joins WGCL-TV, Meredith’s CBS affiliate in Atlanta, as the morning executive producer. Andre’s also worked in Denver, Dallas, San Diego, Dayton, Norfolk, Jacksonville, and Reno, NV.

CHRIS FORD has been promoted to Assistant News Director for Nexstar’s WFLA-TV in Tampa. He joined the station a few months ago as an EP. Chris is a former ND in Rochester, NY, and has held a number of other jobs in the business, as you’ll see on his Linkedin page.

Antonitis

Congratulations to second-generation broadcaster MATTHEW ANTONITIS who joins KOAT-TV in Albuquerque as an executive producer. He’s been a producer for KRIV-TV in Houston and has also worked in Minneapolis and Sioux City. Matt’s dad is longtime GM and News Director MARK ANTONITIS, who began his career as a photographer and also worked at Frank Magid.

General Manager News and Notes:

Bracco

We told you earlier this week of the approaching (his word) ‘re-wiring’ for BRIAN BRACCO, currently the GM for Scripps’ KSHB-TV in Kansas City. He’s held that job a little over four years, and spent 20+ years with Hearst, first as ND for KMBC-TV in Kansas City then as VP/News for the company. He’s a former ND in Columbus, OH, and Birmingham, and also worked in Wichita. Take a moment to enjoy the classy note he sent to his staff.

Nexstar Media has named new General Managers in Little Rock and Odessa/Midland, TX.

Not to be outdone, Gray Television named four new General Managers in Davenport, IA, Lincoln, NE, Marquette, MI, and Parkersburg, WV.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, March 12, 2017.

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTVU-TV 2 Jack London Square NW Oakland, CA 94607
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
KDEN-TV 2851 S. Parker Road Suite 1130 Aurora, CO 80014
WNCN-TV 1205 Front St. Raleigh, N.C., 27609
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Rd, Nashville, TN 37209
WJAR-TV 23 Kenney Dr, Cranston, RI 02920
WIVB-TV, 2077 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14207
KJRH-TV 3701 S Peoria Ave. Tulsa, OK 74105
KOTV 303 N. Boston Ave Tulsa, OK 74103
KSNW-TV 833 N Main St. Wichita, KS 67203
WOWK-TV 555 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
KOLD-TV 7831 N Business Park Dr, Tucson, AZ 85743
WICS-TV 2680 East Cook St. Springfield, IL 62703
WCBD-TV 210 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Drive New Bern, NC 28560
KWQC-TV 805 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52803
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Road, Ghent, WV 25841
WNCT-TV 3221 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27834
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323. Tyler, TX 75701
KVAL/KMTR-TV 4575 Blanton Rd, Eugene, OR 97405
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave. Duluth MN 55802
WGFL-TV 1703 NW 80th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian MS 39301

March 5, 2017

Thursday, March 9, 2017 UPDATE:

One of our industry’s nicest people…at least in my estimation…is stepping down from his job in mid-April.

Bracco

BRIAN BRACCO told me he’s not ‘retiring’ but ‘re-wiring’.

He’s currently the General Manager for Scripps’ KSHB-TV (NBC)in Kansas City. Many of you will remember him from a long career with Hearst, first as ND for KMBC-TV (ABC) in Kansas City and later as VP/News for the company. He also worked as a news director in Columbus (OH), Birmingham, and also worked in Wichita.

Brian sent this delightful note to this staff, and we also have the memo from Scripps’ corporate.

Sadly, Brian’s happy day was likely marred late this afternoon when his beloved Kansas Jayhawks were upset by TCU in the Big 12 Tournament. (Full disclosure: I am a Missouri grad. This gives me pleasure.

More full disclosure: Missouri was awful this year.)

Garber

Earlier this week we teased a large market ND landing a new job. It’s now official: MIKE GARBER is headed to Salt Lake City as ND for Sinclair’s KUTV, the CBS station there. He most recently was ND for CBS’s KTVT-TV in Dallas/Ft. Worth.

More on both stories in our full newsletter this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Tuesday, March 7, 2017 UPDATE:

Greetings:

A name that many of you will recognize has a new job today.

Mondora

BILL MONDORA has been named Washington, DC, Bureau Chief for the Nexstar Media Group’s expanding operation there. All the details are in the company’s news release.

Bill most recently served as VP/News for KTTV, the FOX owned station in Los Angeles, a position he left last June. But you may more likely know Bill (or know of him) via his 24 years at CBS, many overseeing the network’s Newspath service.

Bill also worked on the assignment desk in Orlando and Oklahoma City, and worked as a radio reporter in Oklahoma City.

More on this story…and details about a new news director job for a former major market news director…later this week.

regards,

Rick Gevers

**** ***** ****
Greetings:

Just ONE newly named news director and TWO new ND openings in this week’s report. Our always unofficial list of news director openings increases to 27.

ONE of those open ND ads is among our THREE paid help wanted ads this week. Another of those ads features an EP/show-runner for a new show to be based in Denver.

In Names in the News, we have the retirement of a 35 year assignment desk veteran, a few people on the move, and what I thought was an interesting article on branding yourself in a new age of journalism. And we have several GM items, including a new GM in Denver and the retirement of a news director turned GM in West Virginia.

New News Director Openings:

McCardel

KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK…MICHAEL McCARDEL has left this Scripps’ owned NBC affiliate after about 18 months as news director. He’s also worked for two stations in Dallas and also in Houston.

KWQC-TV, Davenport, IA…RICH KURZ is returning to Portland as news director for Nexstar’s KOIN-TV, the CBS affiliate there. Details below. He’s been the ND for this NBC affiliate for three years.  More in this note to the KWQC staff.

Newly Named News Director:

Kurz

KOIN-TV, Portland, OR…as noted above, RICH KURZ is returning to Portland as the ND for this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate. He’s spent the last three years as ND for KWQC-TV in Davenport, IA, but worked the previous 15 years for Portland’s KGW-TV in a variety of roles. Rich has also worked in Tucson, Washington, DC, and Columbia, MO. At KOIN, he replaces KATE GLOVER who left in September to become ND for WGRZ-TV in Buffalo.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer/Show-runner, Tegna, Denver, CO:

Have you produced LIVE TV?
Are you addicted to everything from news to pop culture?
Are you actively involved in social media?

We’re looking for an EP/Showrunner for a live, daily multi-platform news and entertainment show.

This person should have worked in live, local, network or cable news PLUS syndicated or National TV Shows and IS ABLE TO WORK IN DENVER.

This person needs to thrive in a live environment where things are happening and changing at every moment.
Must understand social media and how to delve into a story that is trending
Understands how to synthesize a story and capture it in a compelling way
Must understand how to work with a variety of talent. Navigate multi on-camera hosts to guide them to engage the audience and illicit a response
Is a strong, positive leader to a large staff
Must possess the ability to change the course of a live show on a dime – while staying calm and in charge
Thrives on unscripted, opinionated Television – someone who’s not afraid to change the way a story is delivered.
Endless Energy, Enthusiasm, Super Smart and a Team Player will best describe this EP/Show-runner

Send resumes to Lisa Kridos via an email to: Lisa.kridos@gmail.com

News Director, WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC:

WCBD-TV, the NBC affiliate in beautiful Charleston, SC is seeking a News Director. The ideal candidate must have solid news judgment, solid journalistic ethics, and working knowledge of FCC and other legal issues related to broadcast and digital journalism. We need a strategic thinker, effective communicator, and disciplined and determined leader. The News Director is not only responsible for setting goals and standards, but also establishing and maintaining systems to achieve those goals. Must be able to coach staff members on storytelling, newscast showcasing, and promotion. Must have working knowledge of newsroom computer systems and control room equipment. Knowledge of Ignite is a plus.

Job Duties:

Manage the stations broadcast and digital news operations, as well as the production staff
Responsible for implementing and executing long-term strategies and daily newsgathering efforts
Supervise production of special reports and coverage of significant community events
Set news department budget in conjunction with GM and manage expenses accordingly
Recruit, hire, train and supervise news department staff members. Provide consistent constructive feedback
Work closely with marketing department to create consistent vision and execution of the News 2 brand

College degree required

Previous management experience in a commercial television news department preferred.

Please send cover letters and resumes to Gray Soapes, General Manager, WCBD-TV 210 West Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 or via email to: goapes@wcbd.com

All candidates must apply online by clicking here.

No phone calls, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans. Pre-employment background check required. Valid driver’s license required with good driving record. References required.

Executive Producer, KPTV, Portland, OR:

KPTV Fox12 in Portland, OR is currently recruiting for the position of Executive Producer.

The Executive Producer will lead a team of producers to deliver promotable, compelling, and well- written newscasts as well as online content. The EP will also regularly produce a primary newscast and write topical tease copy.

The EP will work closely with the News Director and Assistant ND to develop and implement strategies to improve product and raise ratings while managing resources and containing overtime. In addition, the successful candidate will:

Exercise strong news judgment and review newscast rundowns with an eye toward promotable content

Engage in creative content development following up on viewer submission of story ideas via Facebook, Twitter and other online sources, as well as official sources

Motivate staff and encourage “buy in” for station’s news brand, news strategies and action plans.

Work with multi-media reporters/photographers to determine direction of stories and expectations.

Works closely with assignment desk on coverage, story selection, live coverage, assignment of reporters and crews.

Collaborate with producers on rundowns, story selection, formats, graphic elements, content and pace and flow of newscasts.

Supervise long term planning for sweeps and special events.

Other duties as assigned

Qualified applicants may apply online via the Meredith Careers page located here.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 1/8/17)
WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 1/22/17)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 2/5/17)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (relisted 2/5/17)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (relisted 2/5/17)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 2/26/17)
KTUU-TV, Anchorage, AK (relisted 2/19/17)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (AM EP, relisted 2/26/17)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM & PM EPs, listing revised 1/22/17)
KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (PM EP, listed 2/19/17)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (AM & PM EP, listing revised 2/26/17)
KPTV, Portland, OR (relisted 2/26/17, see ad above!)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (Dayside EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Dayside EP, listing revised 1/22/17)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, listing modified 2/5/17)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, relisted 1/8/17)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (PM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (PM EP, relisted 1/22/17)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 1/22/17)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (AM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
KGUN-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 2/12/17)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 1/8/17)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 2/5/17)

Obituary:

CHEZ PAZIENZA, a longtime newsman who worked for three stations in both Los Angeles and Miami, as well as for CNN and MSNBC, died Saturday, February 25th at the age of 47. Chez was the editor of an online site, The Daily Banter, and was the son of Miami investigative reporter RALPH (PAZIENZA) PAGE. This story from the Miami Herald has much more on his life and death.

Names in the News:

Congratulations to longtime WXYZ-TV (Detroit) Assignment Editor BOB KUSZYNSKI who’s retiring after an amazing 35 years manning the desk there. He began his career in radio. This station paid him this on-air tribute.

One time KOTA-TV (Rapid City, SD) news director (and still an anchor there) HELENE DUHAMEL is retiring at the end of this week.

After a two year stint at WSMV-TV in Nashville, MEGAN ROBERTS is returning to WRCB-TV in Chattanooga as an executive producer. She’d been a producer there before going to Nashville where she also worked as a producer.

ANDRES ANGULO has parted ways with Spanish language Estrella TV. He’d been sued for sexual harassment there.

Finally, I meant to include this interesting story last week but forgot! It’s a look at building your own brand in a new era of broadcasting.

General Manager News and Notes:

Littleton

DEAN LITTLETON returns to Denver as General Manager for Scripps’ KMGH-TV, the ABC affiliate there. Dean earlier served as Sales Manager for another Denver station. He’s spent the last eight years as GM for WATE-TV in Knoxville and started his career as a news photographer and editor for another Knoxville station. More in this article from the Denver Business Journal.

Sheppard

ROGER SHEPPARD, a one-time news director turned general manager for WTAP-TV in Parkersburg, WV, retired on Friday after 27 years at the station. He also anchored and reported for the station, and worked for stations in Huntington and Pittsburgh. More in this profile from the local newspaper.

ROBERT RAFF returns to Topeka as GM for Nexstar’s KSNT/KTMJ-TV. He’ll also oversee the operations of KTKA-TV under a joint operating agreement. Details in this news release from Nexstar.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, March 5, 2017.

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTVU-TV 2 Jack London Square NW Oakland, CA 94607
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
KDEN-TV 2851 S. Parker Road Suite 1130 Aurora, CO 80014
WNCN-TV 1205 Front St. Raleigh, N.C., 27609
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Rd, Nashville, TN 37209
KUTV 299 South Main Street, Suite 150. Salt Lake City, UT 84111
WJAR-TV 23 Kenney Dr, Cranston, RI 02920
WIVB-TV, 2077 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14207
KJRH-TV 3701 S Peoria Ave. Tulsa, OK 74105
KOTV 303 N. Boston Ave Tulsa, OK 74103
KSNW-TV 833 N Main St. Wichita, KS 67203
WOWK-TV 555 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
KOLD-TV 7831 N Business Park Dr, Tucson, AZ 85743
WICS-TV 2680 East Cook St. Springfield, IL 62703
WCBD-TV 210 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 (see ad above!)
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Drive New Bern, NC 28560
KWQC-TV 805 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52803
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Road, Ghent, WV 25841
WNCT-TV 3221 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27834
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323. Tyler, TX 75701
KVAL/KMTR-TV 4575 Blanton Rd, Eugene, OR 97405
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave. Duluth MN 55802
WGFL-TV 1703 NW 80th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606
KTEN-TV 10 Highpoint Circle Denison, TX 75020
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian MS 39301

February 26, 2017

Greetings:

Just in time for some reading during the Oscar telecast…here’s your weekly look at the latest in news director movement and other news management (and GM) news.

There’s not much ND movement, though, with just ONE newly named ND and NO new openings. Our list of openings drops to 26.

But we have lots to tell you about, with a number of items in Names in the News, Among those items are TWO former news manager taking senior management positions with newspapers. There are a few news managers on the move, and we have a link to a long article updating you on a Houston news director turned anchor of the CBS Evening News.

And we have an obituary for a former San Antonio and Houston consumer reporter who also served as a news director in Wichita Falls.

Enjoy the Oscar’s…hope you win your pool if you have such a thing.

New News Director Openings:

While there are NO new news director openings this week, please note the new paid help wanted ad for the vacant ND job at WCBD-TV in Charleston, SC. We told you in November that BRYAN LUHN had left this NBC affiliate after 2 1/2 years. Bryan’s now the Senior EP for KRIV-TV in Houston.

Newly Named News Directors:

Pederson

KARD/KTVE-TV, West Monroe, LA…congratulations to ANDY PEDERSON who gets his first news director job at this Nexstar operation. Here’s the memo to the staff. He’s currently the News Operation Manager and 6:00 AM producer for WTVR-TV in Richmond. He began as a photographer editor, then advanced to Chief Photographer before being promoted to his current role. He’s also worked in Lynchburg, VA. In West Monroe, he replaces SHARITA ERVES who left last July after just six months as ND.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC:

WCBD-TV, the NBC affiliate in beautiful Charleston, SC is seeking a News Director. The ideal candidate must have solid news judgment, solid journalistic ethics, and working knowledge of FCC and other legal issues related to broadcast and digital journalism. We need a strategic thinker, effective communicator, and disciplined and determined leader. The News Director is not only responsible for setting goals and standards, but also establishing and maintaining systems to achieve those goals. Must be able to coach staff members on storytelling, newscast showcasing, and promotion. Must have working knowledge of newsroom computer systems and control room equipment. Knowledge of Ignite is a plus.

Job Duties:

Manage the stations broadcast and digital news operations, as well as the production staff
Responsible for implementing and executing long-term strategies and daily newsgathering efforts
Supervise production of special reports and coverage of significant community events
Set news department budget in conjunction with GM and manage expenses accordingly
Recruit, hire, train and supervise news department staff members. Provide consistent constructive feedback
Work closely with marketing department to create consistent vision and execution of the News 2 brand

College degree required

Previous management experience in a commercial television news department preferred.

Please send cover letters and resumes to Gray Soapes, General Manager, WCBD-TV 210 West Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 or via email to: goapes@wcbd.com

All candidates must apply online by clicking here.

No phone calls, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans. Pre-employment background check required. Valid driver’s license required with good driving record. References required.

Executive Producer, KPTV, Portland, OR:

KPTV Fox12 in Portland, OR is currently recruiting for the position of Executive Producer.

The Executive Producer will lead a team of producers to deliver promotable, compelling, and well- written newscasts as well as online content. The EP will also regularly produce a primary newscast and write topical tease copy.

The EP will work closely with the News Director and Assistant ND to develop and implement strategies to improve product and raise ratings while managing resources and containing overtime. In addition, the successful candidate will:

Exercise strong news judgment and review newscast rundowns with an eye toward promotable content

Engage in creative content development following up on viewer submission of story ideas via Facebook, Twitter and other online sources, as well as official sources

Motivate staff and encourage “buy in” for station’s news brand, news strategies and action plans.

Work with multi-media reporters/photographers to determine direction of stories and expectations.

Works closely with assignment desk on coverage, story selection, live coverage, assignment of reporters and crews.

Collaborate with producers on rundowns, story selection, formats, graphic elements, content and pace and flow of newscasts.

Supervise long term planning for sweeps and special events.

Other duties as assigned

Qualified applicants may apply online via the Meredith Careers page located here.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 1/8/17)
WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 1/22/17)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 2/5/17)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (relisted 2/5/17)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (relisted 2/5/17)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted this week)
KTUU-TV, Anchorage, AK (relisted 2/19/17)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (AM EP, relisted this week)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM & PM EPs, listing revised 1/22/17)
KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (PM EP, listed 2/19/17)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (AM & PM EP, listing revised this week)
KPTV, Portland, OR (relisted this week, see ad above!)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (Dayside EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Dayside EP, listing revised 1/22/17)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, listing modified 2/5/17)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, relisted 1/8/17)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (PM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (PM EP, relisted 1/22/17)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 1/22/17)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (AM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
KGUN-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 2/12/17)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 1/8/17)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (relisted 1/22/17)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 2/5/17)

Names in the News:

BRANDON WILLIAMS gets a new job but stays within Cox Media and Florida. He’s headed from Orlando to sister Cox operation WJAX/WFOX-TV in Jacksonville as the executive producer. He’s been a producer for WFTV and previously worked for WBBH/WZNZ-TV in Ft. Myers.

WOI-TV in Des Monies has promoted SARAH BECKMAN from producer to executive producer. Sarah’s also worked as a political reporter in radio before moving to TV.

At WCTI-TV in New Bern, NC, ANNA BULSZEWICZ has moved from morning anchor to morning executive producer. She anchored there for seven years.

Fifty years ago this month, DAN RATHER left Houston (where’d been the ND for KHOU-TV) to take a job with CBS’s Southwest bureau. You know the rest. But you may not have seen this recent article profiling Dan, who’s now 85.

Rodrique

Two former TV news managers have new roles with newspapers. GEORGE RODRIGUE, a one time Assistant ND at WFAA-TV in Dallas and Washington bureau chief for Belo , takes additional responsibilities as President of the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer Publishing Company. He remains editor and GM of the paper.

Langley

And former KOAA-TV (Colorado Spring) news director MICHAEL LANGLEY has been named executive editor of the Golden State newspaper chain, which owns a number of papers in California.

Another former KOAA-TV news director, CYNDY AUBREY, is now the interim CEO of the Colorado Springs United Way.

Frost

One time Alexandria, LA, news director JACK FROST is recovering from kidney cancer surgery. He spent most of his career in Louisiana and Nebraska, and, at age 80, still does a regular segment on seniors for a Lincoln TV station. Friends can wish him well via an email to: lf68505@aol.com

Obituary:

Garcia

DAN GARCIA died this week of congestive heart failure at the age of 65. He’s a former news director in Wichita Falls who won praise for his work as a consumer reporter in San Antonio and Houston. His daughter follows in his footsteps as a producer in Wichita Falls. This obituary details the unusual non-TV position he took after retiring from television.

General Manager News and Notes:

Mancuso

DOMINIC MANCUSO heads east on I-90 but doesn’t escape lake effect snow as he takes over as GM for Nexstar’s WIVB/WLNO-TV (CBS/CW) He most recently was GM for Raycom’s WOIO/WUAB-TV in Cleveland. More in this news release.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, February 26, 2017. If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTVU-TV 2 Jack London Square NW Oakland, CA 94607
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
KDEN-TV 2851 S. Parker Road Suite 1130 Aurora, CO 80014
WNCN-TV 1205 Front St. Raleigh, N.C., 27609
KOIN-TV 222 SW Columbia St. Portland OR 97201
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Rd, Nashville, TN 37209
KUTV 299 South Main Street, Suite 150. Salt Lake City, UT 84111
WJAR-TV 23 Kenney Dr, Cranston, RI 02920
WIVB-TV, 2077 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14207
KOTV 303 N. Boston Ave Tulsa, OK 74103
KSNW-TV 833 N Main St. Wichita, KS 67203
WOWK-TV 555 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
KOLD-TV 7831 N Business Park Dr, Tucson, AZ 85743
WICS-TV 2680 East Cook St. Springfield, IL 62703
WCBD-TV 210 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 (see ad above!)
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Drive New Bern, NC 28560
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Road, Ghent, WV 25841
WNCT-TV 3221 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27834
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323. Tyler, TX 75701
KVAL/KMTR-TV 4575 Blanton Rd, Eugene, OR 97405
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave. Duluth MN 55802
WGFL-TV 1703 NW 80th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606
KTEN-TV 10 Highpoint Circle Denison, TX 75020
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian MS 39301

February 19, 2017

Greetings:

For the middle of a rating period, it’s been pretty busy.

There are THREE new news director openings (including one in a top ten market) and THREE newly named news directors, each getting their first ND position.

Our list of open news director jobs remains at 27.

But there’s more! A well known former ND is on the mend after a mild stroke. That’s in Names in the News, along with several articles I found interesting this week…I hope you do, too. There’s a look at a station shutting its news operation, while, in a nearby market, another station beefs up its news presence. There’s also a look at a failed experiment in Seattle, and a profile of a former ND and GM now running a PBS station.

It’s all below.

New News Director Openings:

McDaniel

KTVU-TV, Oakland/San Francisco, CA…we reported to you earlier this week that DANA McDANIEL (HAHN) has resigned her job as ND for this FOX o-and-o for personal reasons. She’s been the news director here since October, 2014, shortly after FOX acquired the station in a trade with Cox.. Dana been the ND for the company’s Washington station, WTTG-TV, and earlier spent almost 12 years as ND for WJBK-TV in Detroit.

Beutein

WNDU-TV, South Bend, IN…congratulations to longtime news director C.J. BEUTEIN who’s retiring at the end of March. Take a good look at the picture accompanying this item before you read the note he sent to the staff. C. J.’s been th ND for the Gray TV owned NBC affiliate for more than 10 years. He’s also been an ND in Evansville, the Quad Cities, and Toledo, where he replaced me as ND in 1993. C. J. also worked in Chattanooga, if memory serves, as a reporter and anchor. Friends can wish him well via email to: c.j.beutien@wndu.com

Tegels

WVNS-TV, Beckley, WV…another longtime newsman LON TEGELS has left this recently acquired by Nexstar Media CBS/FOX operation. He’d been the ND there since November, 2015. He’s previously been a news director in Gulfport, MS, Lima, OH, Rockford, IL, and Des Moines. Lon’s also worked in Baton Rouge, San Diego, and Hartford.

Two updates from last week’s report. We told you that WICS-TV in Springfield, IL, is looking for a replacement for KENT HARRELL. Kent reached out to let us know he’ll be at the station until the end of March. And we told you that PEDRO CALDERON MITCHEL is leaving KDEN-TV in Denver. We now know he’s headed to San Diego to start a Telemundo news operation on a digital channel of NBC’s KNSD-TV.

Newly Named News Directors:

Newell

WMBD/WYZZ-TV, Peoria, IL…SHAUN NEWELL will be the new ND for this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate. He’s a former radio news director in Peoria and spent more than three years on the assignment desk for another Peoria station. He’s been working for the Center for Prevention of abuse for the past 18 months. Shaun replaces JEFF MULLIGAN who left last month after more than three years as ND. Jeff took a job as an EP in Kansas City.

Welty

KLAF/KDAN-TV, Lafayette, LA…CHRIS WELTY has been promoted to news director for this Bayou City Broadcasting NBC/FOX operation. He’s been the weekend anchor there as you’ll learn in his not-yet-updated station bio. Chris replaces DOUG BARDEN who left in November to return to California for a new business venture.

Streeter

KX News Network, Bismarck/Minot ND…TIA STREETER has been promoted to News Director for this Nexstar owned operation service parts of North Dakota. She’s been the EP there, and replaces JIM OLSON who was promoted to Station Manager last September.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

News Director, KTEN-TV, Denison, TX:

KTEN-TV is seeking a highly motivated news director to lead our talented staff.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent news judgment, motivational skills and the ability to find and develop talent. Must be able to execute strategically across broadcast and digital platforms. If you are an innovative leader with a passion for local news we want to hear from you.

Send resume to:

Dave Tillery
General Manager
KTEN-TV
10 Highpoint Circle
Denison, TX 75020

or email me at dtillery@kten.com

KTEN is an equal opportunity employer. Pre-employment drug screen required.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 1/8/17)
WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 1/22/17)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 2/5/17)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (relisted 2/5/17)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (relisted 2/5/17)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 12/24/16)
KTUU-TV, Anchorage, AK (relisted this week)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (AM EP, listed 12/24/16)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM & PM EPs, listing revised 1/22/17)
KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (PM EP, new listing this week)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/24/16)
KPTV, Portland, OR (relisted 1/22/17)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (Dayside EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Dayside EP, listing revised 1/22/17)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, listing modified 2/5/17)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, relisted 1/8/17)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (PM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, relisted this week)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (PM EP, relisted 1/22/17)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 1/22/17)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (AM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WOI-TV, Des Moines, IA (relisted 12/24/16)
KGUN-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 2/12/17)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 1/8/17)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (relisted 1/22/17)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 2/5/17)

Names in the News:

Another news operation shut down this week when New Hampshire’s WBIN-TV sold its frequency in the spectrum auction. News staff were told in a meeting Friday morning that the station’s last newscast had aired Thursday night. More in this story.

Not far away, Boston’s WHDH-TV added news when it lost its NBC affiliation at the start of the year. How’s it going? The Nieman Lab takes a look.

Twenty four years ago this month, KIRO-TV in Seattle began ‘news out of the box’. It didn’t work. Here’s one look why.

Stokes

One time commercial news director (WAVY-TV, Norfolk) and general manager (WVTM-TV, Birmingham) GARY STOKES is now running the PBS station in Spokane, KSPS-TV, which is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. The local newspaper talked with Gary about his career and the challenges facing his station.

Becherer

Old friend TOM BECHERER is back home and on the mend after suffering a very mild stroke (it’s easy to call it mild when it’s not yours) a few days ago. He spent six days in the hospital but tells me life is getting back to normal. Remarkably his wife was hospitalized for one night during this ordeal, but she’s doing better, too. Tom’s the longtime general manager of Conus and was a local news director in Detroit, Baltimore, and Louisville.

Of note…Tom was in the shower preparing to go visit his old mentor AL MANN when the stroke hit. Sadly, Al died before Tom could make the trip. Despite Tom’s ailments, he went to great efforts to provide me information about Al, which you’ll find in the Obituary section below. Appreciate the help, Tom. You can thank him…and wish him well…via a kind email to: tom@becherer.org

Obituary:

Mann

As noted above, AL MANN died February 9th. He was 90. He had a wide and varied career in our business, ranging from anchor of the ABC Evening Report to news director at stations in Chicago, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and other markets. His son, JOHN, is now GM for KWQC-TV in the Quad Cities. More about his life and career in this obituary, written by his good friend TOM BECHERER.

General Manager News and Notes:

Grandy

We told you Monday that former ND and GM BYRON GRANDY is returning to TV as GM for Nexstar’s WNCN-TV (CBS) in Raleigh. Byron spent more than 13 years at KMGH-TV in Denver, the first seven as ND and the last six as GM. He’s a former ND in San Antonio and Augusta, GA, consulted briefly, and began his career as reporter in Bryan and Amarillo, TX and Milwaukee before moving into management as an EP in Jackson, MS. Here’s the release from Nexstar.

GRAY SOAPES returns to his hometown as general manager for WCBD-TV in Charleston, SC. That’s Nexstar’s NBC/CW affiliate. More here.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, February 19, 2017. If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTVU-TV 2 Jack London Square NW Oakland, CA 94607
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
KDEN-TV 2851 S. Parker Road Suite 1130 Aurora, CO 80014
WNCN-TV 1205 Front St. Raleigh, N.C., 27609
KOIN-TV 222 SW Columbia St. Portland OR 97201
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Rd, Nashville, TN 37209
KUTV 299 South Main Street, Suite 150. Salt Lake City, UT 84111
WJAR-TV 23 Kenney Dr, Cranston, RI 02920
WIVB-TV, 2077 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14207
KOTV 303 N. Boston Ave Tulsa, OK 74103
KSNW-TV 833 N Main St. Wichita, KS 67203
WOWK-TV 555 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
KOLD-TV 7831 N Business Park Dr, Tucson, AZ 85743
WICS-TV 2680 East Cook St. Springfield, IL 62703
WCBD-TV 210 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Drive New Bern, NC 28560
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Road, Ghent, WV 25841
WNCT-TV 3221 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27834
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323. Tyler, TX 75701
KVAL/KMTR-TV 4575 Blanton Rd, Eugene, OR 97405
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KARD/KTVE-TV 200 Pavilion Road W. Monroe, LA 71292
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave. Duluth MN 55802
WGFL-TV 1703 NW 80th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606
KTEN-TV 10 Highpoint Circle Denison, TX 75020 (see ad above!)
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian MS 39301