Rick Gevers & Associates

July 11, 2015

Greetings:

THREE new ND openings in our report this week, with ONE  ND getting a promotion within her company, leaving (by our unofficial count) 36 stations with news director openings.

TWO of those ND openings are featured in our FIVE paid help wanted ads this week.

We have a taker on our free Situations Wanted ad, a handful of news management openings, some news managers on the move, and details on a former ND and consultant…now a South Carolina State Representative…and his no vote on removing the Confederate battle flag.

All that and more below.

New News Director Openings:

Roghaar

WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL…as you know from our UPDATE earlier this week, PETER ROGHAAR is leaving his news director’s job at his Tegna (formerly Gannett) owned CBS station at the end of September to take a job in the station’s sales department. Peter’s been the ND here for 5+ years, spent almost ten years as a news director in West Palm Beach, and has also worked in Boston, Atlanta, Miami and Austin, TX (two stations). Peter’s Linkedin page has the details. In his email to staff, Peter said he’s always been interested in the business side.

KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM…SUE STEPHENS is being promoted within Hearst to take over the newsroom at the company’s WVTM-TV in Birmingham, AL. She’s been the ND for this ABC affiliate for more than 12 years. More on that below. You can learn more about this opportunity in the Paid Help Wanted Ad below.

Wojtanik

KIMA/KEPR-TV, Yakima/Pasco, WA…after more than nine years as News Director here, ROBIN WOJTANIK is leaving these Sinclair owned CBS affiliates to be a full-time Mom. She’s also worked in Seattle, Cleveland, and Palm Springs, CA.

Also, you may have seen reports that KBTX-TV (Bryan, TX) ND JAMIE BURCH has left that Gray TV owned station. GM MIKE WRIGHT was nice enough to email while on vacation, and told me due to ‘shifted personnel’ there is not an ND opening there. I’ll reach out to him and update in our next edition.

Newly Named News Directors:

WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL…as mentioned above (as well as in our UPDATE last Wednesday) SUE STEPHENS will be the next ND for this Hearst owned NBC affiliate. The local newspaper has more. Sue’s spent the last 12 years as ND for Hearst’s KOAT-TV, the ABC affiliate in Albuquerque. She’s also been an ND in Springfield, IL, and has worked in Atlanta, Mobile, and Charleston, SC. Sue told me she still has many friends in Alabama from her time in Mobile. At WVTM, she replaces TIM GARDNER who was ND here for eight years.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM:

KOAT-TV Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate in Albuquerque, NM is looking for a seasoned manager to lead the news department. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, skilled communicator who leads our number-one rated team in the execution of market-leading breaking news, breaking weather coverage and community service on all platforms daily. With a great team already in place and the resources of Hearst Television, this is a rare opportunity to join one of the best in the nation.

Job Responsibilities:

Management of news department including editorial leadership of content on KOAT, and digital platforms
Recruiting and leadership of news staff
Execution of contemporary news product on all platforms
Budget administration
News Department strategic planning in collaboration with Creative Services Director
Collaboration with other department heads on strategic station planning/initiatives

Experience Requirements:

Prior experience as a news director a plus. Without that, five (5) plus years of broadcast television newsroom management
Proven track record of mentoring/coaching a news staff
Ability to demonstrate how the candidate has improved news product at another broadcast television station

Qualifications Requirements:

Strong communication skills
Valid Driver’s License

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

To Apply: Please apply online with your resume at: careers.hearsttelevision.com

EOE – M/F/D/V

News Director, WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY:

WKBW, an E.W. Scripps owned ABC affiliate in Buffalo, NY seeks an experienced news leader to run its newsroom. The News Director is responsible for developing and implementing measurable strategies for audience growth while effectively managing news content delivered on multiple platforms.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated qualities such as:

Creating & implementing strategic plans for audience growth and newsroom operations
Communicating a compelling and inspired vision consistent with company strategy
Analyzing and responding to trends affecting the industry and DMA
Building and maintaining key relationships to foster a positive news image within the community
Working closely with other members of station management team to develop and attain departmental and station goals
Ability to adapt current resources to emerging technology
Proven and effective leadership skills; fosters open dialogue, empowers others

It’s a great time to join WKBW with the significant investment made in the station and its people. You will have the opportunity to make a big impact in this competitive news market.

Buffalo is on the move, with a new economy rapidly taking shape due to evolving investments in advanced manufacturing, life science and high techindustries. Also with an affordable cost of living and excellent schools, the city is ideal for people looking to move.

If you are ready for a new adventure, please visit www.scripps.com/careers and submit your information to requisition #10567.

WKBW and E.W. Scripps are equal employment opportunity employers.

Morning Executive Producer, WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA:

WHTM-TV/abc27, the leading multi-platform news operation in Pennsylvania’s beautiful state capital is growing its morning team!

Are you a great producer looking to move into a senior leadership role? This could be the opportunity for you!

We are hiring a Morning Executive Producer to lead our a.m. news efforts. This person will assist in producing 2.5 hours of morning news and will be a key leader on our management team.

Abc27 News Daybreak is the fastest growing morning news in the DMA, up significantly in 2014. Our new EP will be crucial in continuing this success, insuring proper execution of our mission and strategy on all platforms in the morning. Our EP will also help guarantee excellent showcasing is being achieved.

Applicants should be skilled in web and social media content and understand the importance of strength in all of these areas. You must be a strong, decisive leader with excellent news judgment and an aggressive appetite for breaking news.

This is a full-time position that offers a full benefit plan.

Harrisburg offers a great location, close to the great outdoors of Pennsylvania and just a short drive to Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington D.C. When you’re not playing, visiting the great museums in Philadelphia or kayaking the breathtaking Susquehanna River, you’ll be working in a great newsroom!

Send resume, cover letter, and a DVD or link of your most recent newscast to: humanresources@abc27.com

or via mail to:

Human Resources
WHTM-TV abc27
P.O. Box 5860
3235 Hoffman Street
Harrisburg PA 17110

Morning Executive Producer, KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO:

KOAA News5, the Colorado Broadcasters Association Station of the Year and the number one NBC affiliate in beautiful Colorado Springs-Pueblo, is searching for an Executive Producer to push the envelope on our award-winning two-and-a-half-hour newscast.

We are looking for a true leader who can manage a morning team of 10+ employees. We set the pace in the market on multiple platforms including web, mobile and social media. We staff for multiple morning lives shots, in a fast paced, informative newscast that is always what’s new, now, and next.

The ideal candidate will be a great mentor for producers, and a team player with seasoned journalists. You will coordinate with marketing, collaborate with other news managers and bring creative solutions to the table. You must be able to make smart decisions and execute last minute changes without supervision.

We are an investigative station in a market with a lot of breaking news, including critical weather conditions during morning drive.

At least two years line producing experience required, but strong leadership qualities are even more important. Familiarity with NBC NewsChannel, ENPS, World Now and Ross Overdrive is helpful.

If you land this job you will get to work in one of the most beautiful places on earth, in a happy newsroom, with competitive pay. We invest in our employees with training opportunities like Poynter and IRE, great benefits and a lot of fun team building (we’re having a Fit Bit challenge for a cruise right now!) We love what we do and where we work – come see why.

Rush your resume & link to your work to EPJob@KOAA.com, SUBJECT LINE: Executive Producer

NO phone calls please.

Executive Producer, WTVM-TV, Columbus, Georgia:

WTVM News Leader 9, Raycom’s legacy station in Columbus, Georgia is seeking a full-time Executive News Producer with exceptional showcasing skills. The successful candidate will lead producers in developing compelling content for newscasts, web and mobile that delivers on our promise of Coverage You Can Count On.

Raycom gives us all the latest news gathering tools: multiple live trucks, a satellite truck, LiveU backpacks, the leading news and weather apps and a well-staffed newsroom with a “digital first” urgency.

The successful candidate will possess superior writing and organizational skills and have a passion for news.

Columbus, Georgia offers great outdoor activities, like our world class white water rafting course on the Chattahoochee River; zip lines, a 25 mile Riverwalk from Columbus to Fort Benning and a friendly southern lifestyle. We’re located just an hour and a half southwest of Atlanta and just a three hour drive from Florida beaches.

To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity, please apply on line at www.raycommedia.com/careers with links to your work.

No phone calls please. EOE/M/F/D/V.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 6/14/15)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/7/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (relisted 7/5/15)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 6/14/15)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (listed 6/7/15)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (relisted 6/21/15)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted 5/24/15)
KNTV, San Jose/San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 5/30/15)
WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (2 jobs, Inv/Spec. Proj. & newscast EP, relisted this week)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/21/15)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/17/15)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Dayside EP, listed 7/5/15)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (PM EP, relisted 6/14/15)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (PM EP, listed 5/3/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Dayside EP, relisted 6/14/15)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (new listing this week)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 6/28/15)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (listed 7/5/15, see ad above!)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (relisted this week)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (AM EP, listed 6/28/15)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, relisted 5/24/15)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (AM EP, listed 7/5/15, see ad above!)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 6/14/15)
WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA (listed 7/5/15, see ad above!)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 6/14/15)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (relisted this week)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 6/28/15)
WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA: (relisted 5/24/15)

Obituary:

TOM HIGGINS, a former News Director and Anchor for WYIN-TV, the PBS station in Northwest Indiana, died this week at the age of 82. His obituary from the local newspaper is here.

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

This week, meet LON TEGELS:

Tegels

Looking for a news director or assistant news director? I’m available. Award winning news executive with 25 years managerial expertise. Specializes in taking under performing newsrooms and transitioning them into successful operations that draw eyeballs. I’m able to take on large projects and logistics, develop strategic plans, and lead staff. My news director experience includes small and medium markets including Des Moines, Rockford, Sioux City, Lima and Gulfport. Top 20 management and supervisory experience in San Diego and Hartford.

Managed all four network affiliates under one roof providing news programming for each. Launched duopoly from scratch. I’m a teacher, educator, coach and mentor. Always looking to break standard paradigms. Workaholic who strives to balance personal life. If you want to hear from staff, check out Linkedin.com . Send me an e-mail (lontegels@gmail.com) and I will forward my materials.

Names in the News…and other things:

WOFL-TV in Orlando reached across town to hire its new Assistant News Director, STEVE LINDEN. He’d been working on the Assignment Desk for WKMG-TV. Steve’s also worked in New York (three stations).

ADAM DARSKY heads to New Haven/Hartford, CT, as the new Assistant News Director for WTNH-TV, the ABC affiliate there. He previously was the morning EP for WABC-TV in New York. Adam has also worked in Houston, Charlotte, Tucson, Savannah, and Sherman, TX.

Hanner

MARK HANNER is the new Assistant ND for WDJT-TV in Milwaukee. He most recently was the Assistant ND for NewsChannel 8, which is  WJLA-TV’s cable news operation in Washington. He’s a one-time ND in Yuma, AZ, has been a producer for CBS News, CNN, and Bloomberg News, and has worked in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Greenville-Spartanburg, SC, Salinas/Monterey, and Santa Barbara, CA.

Taylor

One time news director/anchor-turned consultant (Magid and AR&D)-turned politician BILL TAYLOR was one of 20 South Carolina State Representatives who voted against the bill to remove the Confederate battle flag from the South Carolina Statehouse grounds. He explained his position in this email he sent to followers.

General Manager News:

BILL BRADLEY is the new GM for Sinclair’s WHP-TV in Harrisburg, PA. He’s been the Director of Sales for the company’s WWMT-TV in Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids, MI. He’s also worked in Chicago, Minneapolis, Baltimore, and Louisville.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Saturday, July 11, 2015.

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.comKCBS-TV 4200 Radford Ave. Los Angeles CA 91604
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton St. Philadelphia PA 19130
KXAS-TV 4805 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76155
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Boulevard St. Petersburg FL 33702
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
WTVD-TV 411 Liberty St. Durham NC 27701
WKRC-TV 1906 Highland Ave. Cincinnati OH 45219
WSPA-TV 250 International Drive Spartanburg SC 29303
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89102
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas 89109
WAVY-TV 300 Wavy St. Portsmouth VA 23705
KOAT-TV 3801 Carlisle Boulevard NE Albuquerque NM 87107 (see ad above!)
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza Buffalo NY 14202 (see ad above!)
WTOL-TV 730 N. Summit St Toledo OH 43604
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
WFIE-TV 1115 Mount Auburn Rd. Evansville IN 47720
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee FL 32309
KRNV-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Rd. Ft. Wayne IN 46807
WPTA/WISE-TV 3401 Butler Rd Ft. Wayne, IN 46808
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Blvd. Macon GA 31201
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima,WA 98901
KION-TV 1550 Moffett St. Salinas, CA 93905
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus GA 31901
KTVL-TV 1440 Rossanley Dr. Medford OR 97501
KWES-TV P.O. Box 60150 Midland, TX 79711
KTMF/KWYB-TV 2200 Stephens Ave. Missoula, MT 59801
WDHN-TV 5274 E. State Highway 52 East Dothan AL 36376
WBBJ-TV 346 Muse Street, Jackson, TN 38301
WHSV-TV 50 North Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22802
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KMVT/KSVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. North Twin Falls, ID 83301
KTVH-TV 100 W. Lyndale Ave. Suite A Helena MT 59601
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station

July 5, 2015

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 UPDATE:

A veteran Florida news director is stepping down from his post, and making an unusual career change within the station.

Roghaar

PETER ROGHAAR, who’s been ND for Tegna’s WTSP-TV in Tampa since December, 2009 (way back when the company was known as Gannett) will become an account executive for this CBS affiliate in October.

His note to his staff says he’s always had a strong interest in the business side of the industry.

He’s also been an ND in West Palm Beach for almost ten years, and has worked in newsrooms in Boston, Atlanta, Miami and Austin, TX (two stations). His linkedin page has the full story.

Also, travel prevented us from telling you on Monday about SUE STEPHENS, who’s moving from Hearst’s KOAT-TV in Albuquerque to WVTM-TV, the company’s NBC affiliate in Birmingham. More in this story. Sue tells me she’s looking forward to returning to Alabama, where she worked earlier in her career, and where she still has many friends. She’s been the ND for KOAT, an ABC affiliate, for 12 years, has been an ND in Springfield, IL, and has also worked in Atlanta, Mobile, and Charleston, SC.

Congrats to Peter and Sue. We’ll have more on their moves in our full newsletter later this week.

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

Greetings:

I hope your holiday was terrfiic.

I’m guessing the FIVE people who recently took new ND jobs and a good holiday. Those changes…along with the ONE newly opened ND position, leaves our list of openings at 34.

We have SIX paid help wanted ads…one for an ND job in Buffalo, and another for a job in a top 50 Western market. And there are ads for FOUR EP positions in a variety of markets.

You’ll note that the deadline to enter a reporting contest has been extended, as well.

Lots of news in Names in the News, including the retirement (after 55 years!) of a former Los Angeles and San Francisco ND, some management moves, and news about TWO former news directors.

Enjoy!

New News Director Openings:

Sundstrom

WBBJ-TV, Jackson, TN…SHANDA SUNDSTROM will leave this Bahakel owned ABC affiliate at the end of July. She’s been the ND there for just over two years. She had been an EP for KFSM-TV in Ft. Smith, and has previously worked in Sioux Falls, SD, El Paso, TX, and Miami.

Newly Named News Directors:

Rozman

WZDC-TV, Washington, DC…MARIA ROZMAN began as the new news director for this Telemundo affiliate in Washington, DC.  Maria took a brief detour from news and spent five months as Director of Hispanic Media for the Hispanic Access Foundation. She’d been working for CNN en Espanol before the brief hiatus. She’s also a former news director, EP and anchor for KDEN-TV in Denver.

Frank

WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH…we told you earlier that KELLY FRANK will be the next Director of News and Digital Content for this Dispatch Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate. She’s been the Senior Managing Editor, Broadcast, Digital, & Social at WGCL-TV in Atlanta since last December. Kelly previously spent four years at CNN, and has also worked in Washington, Phoenix, Milwaukee, and at WCMH-TV in Columbus, where she began her career as a producer. Kelly’s a former all-state athlete in Ohio, as detailed in this memo to the staff from GM JOHN CARDENAS. At WBNS, she replaces ELBERT TUCKER who left the station (after five years) in May to become ND for WISH-TV in Indianapolis.

Sternfield

KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT…Assistant ND MARC STERNFIELD will become the news director for the Tribune-owned FOX affiliate, following the departure of longtime ND RENAI BODLEY. She’s been the ND here for 15+ years (and 19 at the station). Here’s the note from the GM to the staff. Careful readers may remember our report three weeks ago that Marc was headed to KHOU-TV as the Assistant ND. He tells me that changed when Renai decided to step down. Marc has also worked in Denver (three stations, one twice), in Lexington and Boston.

KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK…MICHAEL McCARDEL leaves KTVT-TV in Dallas for the ND job at this Scripps’ owned NBC affiliate. Michael’s been the Assistant ND at KTVT for the past three years, and worked for that CBS o-and-o for almost seven years. He’s worked for another Dallas station and one in Houston, as well as in Tulsa. At KJRH-TV, he replaces SUSAN D’ASTOLI who left the station in February. She’s now the ND at Central Florida News 13.

Giesler

KPAX-TV, Missoula MT…veteran broadcaster JERRY GIESLER is the next ND for this Cordillera Communications CBS affiliate. He most recently spent a few months as ND for WACH-TV, the Sinclair/FOX affiliate in Columbia, SC. Before that, Jerry worked nine years in Ft. Wayne as the GM of a Granite-owned duopoly. He’s been a GM in a number of markets, including San Francisco, worked in the online world for a while, spent seven years as a consultant for Magid, and also worked in Phoenix as an Assistant ND. MIKE POWERS had been the ND here since 2011. He also anchored for the station.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY:

WKBW, an E.W. Scripps owned ABC affiliate in Buffalo, NY seeks an experienced news leader to run its newsroom. The News Director is responsible for developing and implementing measurable strategies for audience growth while effectively managing news content delivered on multiple platforms.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated qualities such as:

Creating & implementing strategic plans for audience growth and newsroom operations
Communicating a compelling and inspired vision consistent with company strategy
Analyzing and responding to trends affecting the industry and DMA
Building and maintaining key relationships to foster a positive news image within the community
Working closely with other members of station management team to develop and attain departmental and station goals
Ability to adapt current resources to emerging technology
Proven and effective leadership skills; fosters open dialogue, empowers others

It’s a great time to join WKBW with the significant investment made in the station and its people. You will have the opportunity to make a big impact in this competitive news market.

Buffalo is on the move, with a new economy rapidly taking shape due to evolving investments in advanced manufacturing, life science and high techindustries. Also with an affordable cost of living and excellent schools, the city is ideal for people looking to move.

If you are ready for a new adventure, please visit www.scripps.com/careers and submit your information to requisition #10567.

WKBW and E.W. Scripps are equal employment opportunity employers.

Morning Executive Producer, WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA:

WHTM-TV/abc27, the leading multi-platform news operation in Pennsylvania’s beautiful state capital is growing its morning team!

Are you a great producer looking to move into a senior leadership role? This could be the opportunity for you!

We are hiring a Morning Executive Producer to lead our a.m. news efforts. This person will assist in producing 2.5 hours of morning news and will be a key leader on our management team.

Abc27 News Daybreak is the fastest growing morning news in the DMA, up significantly in 2014. Our new EP will be crucial in continuing this success, insuring proper execution of our mission and strategy on all platforms in the morning. Our EP will also help guarantee excellent showcasing is being achieved.

Applicants should be skilled in web and social media content and understand the importance of strength in all of these areas. You must be a strong, decisive leader with excellent news judgment and an aggressive appetite for breaking news.

This is a full-time position that offers a full benefit plan.

Harrisburg offers a great location, close to the great outdoors of Pennsylvania and just a short drive to Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington D.C. When you’re not playing, visiting the great museums in Philadelphia or kayaking the breathtaking Susquehanna River, you’ll be working in a great newsroom!

Send resume, cover letter, and a DVD or link of your most recent newscast to: humanresources@abc27.com

or via mail to:

Human Resources
WHTM-TV abc27
P.O. Box 5860
3235 Hoffman Street
Harrisburg PA 17110

Morning Executive Producer, KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO:

KOAA News5, the Colorado Broadcasters Association Station of the Year and the number one NBC affiliate in beautiful Colorado Springs-Pueblo, is searching for an Executive Producer to push the envelope on our award-winning two-and-a-half-hour newscast.

We are looking for a true leader who can manage a morning team of 10+ employees. We set the pace in the market on multiple platforms including web, mobile and social media. We staff for multiple morning lives shots, in a fast paced, informative newscast that is always what’s new, now, and next.

The ideal candidate will be a great mentor for producers, and a team player with seasoned journalists. You will coordinate with marketing, collaborate with other news managers and bring creative solutions to the table. You must be able to make smart decisions and execute last minute changes without supervision.

We are an investigative station in a market with a lot of breaking news, including critical weather conditions during morning drive.

At least two years line producing experience required, but strong leadership qualities are even more important. Familiarity with NBC NewsChannel, ENPS, World Now and Ross Overdrive is helpful.

If you land this job you will get to work in one of the most beautiful places on earth, in a happy newsroom, with competitive pay. We invest in our employees with training opportunities like Poynter and IRE, great benefits and a lot of fun team building (we’re having a Fit Bit challenge for a cruise right now!) We love what we do and where we work – come see why.

Rush your resume & link to your work to EPJob@KOAA.com, SUBJECT LINE: Executive Producer

NO phone calls please.

Executive Producer, WTVM-TV, Columbus, Georgia:

WTVM News Leader 9, Raycom’s legacy station in Columbus, Georgia is seeking a full-time Executive News Producer with exceptional showcasing skills. The successful candidate will lead producers in developing compelling content for newscasts, web and mobile that delivers on our promise of Coverage You Can Count On.

Raycom gives us all the latest news gathering tools: multiple live trucks, a satellite truck, LiveU backpacks, the leading news and weather apps and a well-staffed newsroom with a “digital first” urgency.

The successful candidate will possess superior writing and organizational skills and have a passion for news.

Columbus, Georgia offers great outdoor activities, like our world class white water rafting course on the Chattahoochee River; zip lines, a 25 mile Riverwalk from Columbus to Fort Benning and a friendly southern lifestyle. We’re located just an hour and a half southwest of Atlanta and just a three hour drive from Florida beaches.

To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity, please apply on line at www.raycommedia.com/careers with links to your work.

No phone calls please. EOE/M/F/D/V.

Blind Box News Director Ad, Top 50 market:

News Director in a beautiful Western Top 50 market.

Seeking a News Director to lead an experienced and success driven team.

We are a dominant station, nationally recognized, award-winning, and part of a major broadcasting group. We are seeking a dynamic visionary leader that is be able to foster a culture of enterprise reporting and produce compelling and distinctive content on all platforms. Must demonstrate a passion for the product with strong oversight and consistent communication and feedback.

We are searching for a strong leader who has experience demonstrating qualities such as:

Working with other department heads to establish and reach goals
Developing your staff through critiques, training and mentoring
Researching new trends and technological advances in news gathering and distribution
Developing and adhering to budgets
Exemplary oral and written communications skills

Quality drives our success and we are eager to have a proven leader join us and lead us on this quest. We are looking for long term players who love the quality of the West and it’s healthy lifestyles.

Minimum of 7 years’ experience in news management and proven track record in enterprising content and ratings success.

Please include your news philosophy along with your resume and cover letter when applying via email to: news6222015@gmail.com

News Operations Manager, KRPC-TV, Houston, TX:

KPRC TV Channel 2, the Graham Media Group owned – NBC affiliate in Houston, Texas is looking for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment with daily deadlines and changing priorities. The News Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the superior quality of KPRC2 News video, audio and digital presentation. This individual is the technology guru of the newsroom, constantly correcting, evaluating and implementing digital newsgathering solutions.

Responsibilities:

-Provide strategic, logistical planning, and insight to upcoming events, special programs and/or elements to be included in news coverage.
-Lead, develop, and coordinate electronic and digital news gathering operations: video gathering, editing, remote broadcasts, microwave, SNG trucks and field shop maintenance.
-Provide technical guidance, training, and leadership for editorial and newsgathering personnel, including photographers, editors and others as assigned.
-Ensure necessary equipment is in place and in working order to support assigned employees.
-Oversee staffing and supervisory duties, including hiring, performance management, scheduling, and evaluation of photographers and editors.
-Mentor and develop news employees’ technology skills, especially in the use of digital and wireless tools.
-Work with News Director and Engineering Department to plan and manage the TV News operating and capital budgets. -Plan, supervise, and track operational expenditures.
-Budget, plan, and manage large remote broadcasts including breaking news and special events.
-Responsible for maintaining station disaster recovery procedures for News team.

To apply please send resume via email: rlavelle@kprc.com or mail to:

Rhonda LaVelle
News Director
KPRC-TV
8181 Southwest Freeway
Houston TX 77074

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 6/14/15)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/7/15)
WTNH-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (listed 5/10/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (relisted this week)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 5/10/15)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 6/14/15)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (listed 6/7/15)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (relisted 6/21/15)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted 5/24/15)
KNTV, San Jose/San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 5/30/15)
WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (2 jobs, Inv/Spec. Proj. & newscast EP, revised 5/3/15)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/21/15)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/17/15)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Dayside EP, new listing this week)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (PM EP, relisted 6/14/15)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (PM EP, listed 5/3/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Dayside EP, relisted 6/14/15)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 6/28/15)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (AM EP, listed 6/28/15)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, relisted 5/24/15)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (AM EP, new listing this week, see ad above!)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 6/14/15)
WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA (new listing this week, see ad above!)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 6/14/15)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 5/10/15)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 6/28/15, see ad above!)
WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA: (relisted 5/24/15)

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

Names in the News…and other things:

BOB PAPPER has put together an interesting look at the makeup of today’s news director, age, tenure, gender, etc. You can check it out here.

Cereghino

After 55 years working in our business, WARREN CEREGHINO retired June 30th from KTTV in Los Angeles, where he’s been working for the last 14 years. Warren is 78. He’s been a major market ND in Los Angeles (KTLA-TV) and San Francisco/Oakland (KTVU-TV), and has worked in Phoenix, Sacramento, and for NBC News in Burbank. Warren was interviewed on KTTV’s 5:00 PM newscast, which you can see here: You can wish him well via an email to: WarreNews@aol.com

KGTV in San Diego has promoted DORIS LEWIS to Assistant News Director. She’s been an EP there, and the search is now on for her replacement in that role.

MICHELLE CHISM moves east to become Assistant ND for WBAL-TV in Baltimore. She’s been the Assistant ND for KVUE-TV in Austin, and has also worked in Little Rock and Kansas City.

ADAM CHODAK joins Rochester’s WROC-TV as Managing Editor and Anchor. He had been anchoring for WHAM-TV there.

Former Tampa and Greensboro ND DARREN RICHARDS has been promoted to Chief Operating Office for PR firm Tucker/Hall. Darren joined the company in 2009 after leaving WTSP-TV in Tampa. He’s also worked in newsrooms in Ft. Myers, Jacksonville, FL, Phoenix, and Denver. More on his promotion here. Old friends can wish Darren well by emailing him at: drichards@tuckerhall.com

Old friend and college classmate GARY WHITAKER has been elected President of the City and Regional Magazine Association. The honor came 14 years to the day that Gary and wife JOAN began publishing 417 Magazine which serves Southwest Missouri. Gary’s a former ND in St. Louis (two stations) and Albany, NY, and a GM in Springfield, MO. He began his career on-air. You can re-connect with him via email: gary@417mag.com

General Manager News:

Longtime FOX o-and-o GM KAREN ADAMS is moving to a new job as VP of Corporate Initiatives for the FOX o-and-o’s. She’s been the GM at the Charlotte o-and-o, WJZY/WMYT-TV and spent 16 years running the company’s WGHP-TV in Greensboro, NC, staying on four years after FOX sold the station in 2008.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, July 5, 2015.

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

KCBS-TV 4200 Radford Ave. Los Angeles CA 91604
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton St. Philadelphia PA 19130
KXAS-TV 4805 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76155
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
WTVD-TV 411 Liberty St. Durham NC 27701
WKRC-TV 1906 Highland Ave. Cincinnati OH 45219
WSPA-TV 250 International Drive Spartanburg SC 29303
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89102
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas 89109
WAVY-TV 300 Wavy St. Portsmouth VA 23705
WVTM 1732 Valley View Dr. Birmingham AL 35202
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza Buffalo NY 14202 (see ad above!)
WTOL-TV 730 N. Summit St Toledo OH 43604
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
WFIE-TV 1115 Mount Auburn Rd. Evansville IN 47720
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee FL 32309
KRNV-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Rd. Ft. Wayne IN 46807
WPTA/WISE-TV 3401 Butler Rd Ft. Wayne, IN 46808
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Blvd. Macon GA 31201
KION-TV 1550 Moffett St. Salinas, CA 93905
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus GA 31901
KTVL-TV 1440 Rossanley Dr. Medford OR 97501
KWES-TV P.O. Box 60150 Midland, TX 79711
KTMF/KWYB-TV 2200 Stephens Ave. Missoula, MT 59801
WDHN-TV 5274 E. State Highway 52 East Dothan AL 36376
WBBJ-TV 346 Muse Street, Jackson TN 38301
WHSV-TV 50 North Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22802
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KMVT/KSVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. North Twin Falls, ID 83301
KTVH-TV 100 W. Lyndale Ave. Suite A Helena MT 59601
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station

June 28, 2015

Wednesday, July 1, 2015 UPDATE:

A veteran newswoman moves back to the city where she attended high school (and began her career) and, now, gets her first news director’s job.

Frank

KELLY FRANK has been named Director of News and Digital Content for Dispatch Broadcasting’s WBNS-TV in Columbus, OH. That’s the CBS affiliate there.

Kelly is currently Senior Managing Editor, Broadcast, Digital, & Social at WGCL-TV in Atlanta, a job she began last December. She previously spent four years at CNN, and has also worked in Washington, Phoenix, Milwaukee, and at WCMH-TV in Columbus, where she began her career as a producer.

More on her career background…and her ties to Columbus (which include all-state honors!) in this memo to the staff from WBNS GM JOHN CARDENAS, himself a former WBNS news director.

More on this in our full report later this week.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

It was nice to see a few old friends and meet a few for the first time this week in Las Vegas at the ProMax convention. If I missed you, hopefully we’ll connect down the road.

There are TWO new ND openings in this week’s report, and TWO ND jobs filled, so our count of ND openings remains at a higher-than-it’s been 35.

One of those open ND jobs is among the FOUR paid help wanted ads this week, including a new blind box ND ad…the first of those we’ve had in a while. And we have a new ad for a News Operations Manager job in a top 15 market.

We have the entire list of National Edward R. Morrow Award winners in our Names in the News segment, along with the retirement of a longtime Seattle news manager and some other management moves. And there’s a taker for our Situations Wanted section who’s offering his services if you need an interim ND.

All that and more below.

New News Director Openings:

Diener

KCBS-TV, Los Angeles, CA…we were the first to tell you on Wednesday that SCOTT DIENER was leaving this CBS o-and-o after five years as news director. Here’s the note he sent to his staff, and here’s his (now deleted) bio from the station website. Scott first joined CBS as the Assistant ND at KTVT-TV in Dallas, and was later promoted to ND there. He’s also been an ND in San Francisco, Phoenix, Cincinnati and Louisville, and has worked in Minneapolis and Columbia, MO. His departure leaves CBS with openings at two o-and-o’s in the top four markets (KYW-TV in Philadelphia being the other).

Kelly

WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, SC…KAREN KELLY has left this Media General owned CBS affiliate after almost three years as ND. She first joined the station in 1998 as a producer, was promoted that same year to EP, and then to Managing Editor in 2002. She became ND in October, 2012, when DAN CATES left to become a GM. Karen has also worked in Springfield, MO, and for another station in Spartanburg.

Newly Named News Directors:

Mendez

WNJU-TV, New York, NY…KAREN MENDEZ will be the next ND for this Telemundo owned station. Here’s the official news release from NBC.  She’s been the ND for another Telemundo owned station, KXTX-TV in Dallas for the last year, and earlier was ND for WFDC-TV, the Univision station in Washington, DC. At WNJU-TV, she replaces JOSE MORALES who resigned earlier this month after five years as news director.

Hancock

KMIZ-TV, Columbia, MO…CURTIS HANCOCK returns to Central Missouri and this ABC affiliate as a first time news director. He worked as an anchor/reporter here in the late 90’s while working on a master’s of journalism from the University of Missouri. He’s been working as an EP in Tulsa, and has also worked in Springfield, MO, and San Antonio, in addition to an earlier time in Tulsa. He replaces another CURTIS, CURTIS VARNS, who’s been promoted to GM for this News Press & Gazette owned station.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Blind Box News Director Ad, Top 50 market:

News Director in a beautiful Western Top 50 market.

Seeking a News Director to lead an experienced and success driven team.

We are a dominant station, nationally recognized, award-winning, and part of a major broadcasting group. We are seeking a dynamic visionary leader that is be able to foster a culture of enterprise reporting and produce compelling and distinctive content on all platforms. Must demonstrate a passion for the product with strong oversight and consistent communication and feedback.

We are searching for a strong leader who has experience demonstrating qualities such as:

Working with other department heads to establish and reach goals
Developing your staff through critiques, training and mentoring
Researching new trends and technological advances in news gathering and distribution
Developing and adhering to budgets
Exemplary oral and written communications skills

Quality drives our success and we are eager to have a proven leader join us and lead us on this quest. We are looking for long term players who love the quality of the West and it’s healthy lifestyles.

Minimum of 7 years’ experience in news management and proven track record in enterprising content and ratings success.

Please include your news philosophy along with your resume and cover letter when applying via email to: news6222015@gmail.com

News Operations Manager, KRPC-TV, Houston, TX:

KPRC TV Channel 2, the Graham Media Group owned – NBC affiliate in Houston, Texas is looking for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment with daily deadlines and changing priorities. The News Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the superior quality of KPRC2 News video, audio and digital presentation. This individual is the technology guru of the newsroom, constantly correcting, evaluating and implementing digital newsgathering solutions.

Responsibilities:

-Provide strategic, logistical planning, and insight to upcoming events, special programs and/or elements to be included in news coverage.
-Lead, develop, and coordinate electronic and digital news gathering operations: video gathering, editing, remote broadcasts, microwave, SNG trucks and field shop maintenance.
-Provide technical guidance, training, and leadership for editorial and newsgathering personnel, including photographers, editors and others as assigned.
-Ensure necessary equipment is in place and in working order to support assigned employees.
-Oversee staffing and supervisory duties, including hiring, performance management, scheduling, and evaluation of photographers and editors.
-Mentor and develop news employees’ technology skills, especially in the use of digital and wireless tools.
-Work with News Director and Engineering Department to plan and manage the TV News operating and capital budgets. -Plan, supervise, and track operational expenditures.
-Budget, plan, and manage large remote broadcasts including breaking news and special events.
-Responsible for maintaining station disaster recovery procedures for News team.

To apply please send resume via email: rlavelle@kprc.com or mail to:

Rhonda LaVelle
News Director
KPRC-TV
8181 Southwest Freeway
Houston TX 77074

News Director, WCTV, Tallahassee, FL:

WCTV, the market’s dominant news station in Tallahassee, Florida is looking for a News Director to lead our award winning news team.

All candidates should have a degree in broadcast journalism or a related field and at least seven years of experience in a commercial television newsroom. News management experience is preferred to lead a staff of almost forty news professionals. Extensive knowledge of multi-platform content generation and delivery is crucial.

This highly organized individual creates and implements long range plans and sweeps strategies. The ideal candidate knows the importance of continual teaching and training and is passionate about local news.

Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida and home to Florida State University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

If you qualify, please email your resume to HR@wctv.tv or mail to:

WCTV Human Resources
1801 Halstead Boulevard
Tallahassee FL 32309

Must have clean driving record and drug screening required for employment.

Gray Television participates in E-Verify and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Executive Producer, KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO:

KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver is looking for our next rock star Executive Producer to oversee the 3½ hours of news we produce on-air weekday evenings (5pm/9pm/10pm on KDVR and 7pm on KWGN).

We are looking for a strong leader who is aggressively competitive and creative, and who can help us continue to shake up the Denver market.

Our Executive Producers are responsible for managing all aspects of newscast content and play a vital role in our strategic plan to grow ratings and improve our on-air product in addition to digital platforms. Must have solid news judgment, be able to meet daily deadlines, work well under pressure, generate story and coverage ideas on a daily and long-term basis, manage a team of producers, and work with a large, diverse staff in a professional manner to ensure our content meets standards for editorial and technical integrity.

Excellent communication skills are required, as is prior management and major market producing experience.

Please apply by clicking here.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 6/14/15)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/7/15)
WTNH-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (listed 5/10/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 6/21/15)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 5/10/15)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 6/14/15)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (listed 6/7/15)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (relisted 6/21/15)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted 5/24/15)
KNTV, San Jose/San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 5/30/15)
WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (2 jobs, Inv/Spec. Proj. & newscast EP, revised 5/3/15)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/21/15, see ad above!)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/17/15)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (PM EP, relisted 6/14/15)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (PM EP, listed 5/3/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Dayside EP, relisted 6/14/15)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted this week)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (AM EP, new listing this week)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, relisted 5/24/15)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 6/14/15)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 6/14/15)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 5/10/15)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA: (relisted 5/24/15)

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

Shelby

This week, meet JOHN SHELBY:

Looking for an interim news director while the search is on for a permanent replacement?

John Shelby, former news director and 23 year broadcast news veteran, will run your newsroom in every capacity while a methodical and comprehensive search for a permanent replacement is underway.

John’s experience has taken him from Washington State to New York State. He has worked in small and large market television stations including: WBBM-TV in Chicago, KTVI-TV in St. Louis, WBNS-TV in Columbus and WKBW-TV in Buffalo. John quickly adapts to a particular market. If consultant driven strategies are in place, John will work with the news team and other department heads to meet those objectives and goals. If requested, John helps in the search for a permanent replacement.

John enjoys working with journalists at every experience level. While on site, he will mentor, develop and coach.

If interested in John’s services, email him at johnwshelby@gmail.com. LinkedIn profile here

Names in the News…and other things:

Congratulations to KING-TV (Seattle/NBC/Gannett) and KETV (Omaha/ABC/Hearst) who were honored with Overall Excellence Awards in RTDNA’s annual Edward R. Murrow Awards. And KXAS-TV (Dallas/NBC o-and-o) won THREE awards, two for an investigative series called Injured Hereos. You can watch that report…and ALL the entries, by clicking on this link.

White

Speaking of KING-TV, their longtime Planning Manager ED WHITE is retiring after more than 30 years with the station. Ed was working as an attorney for a Seattle law firm when he made a major career change. He moved to KING as a production assistant, then to the assignment desk, and on to the planning manager role in 2000. Gannett President DAVE LOUGEE (while he was GM at KING) said Ed was the guy ‘you hope your kids would grow up to be’. The Mayor of Seattle honored Ed by declaring his last day on the job “Ed White Day”, and the station paid tribute to him with this profile.

KEVIN DUCKWORTH, chief photographer for WDSU-TV in New Orleans, moves to Assistant ND for the cluster of stations known as NBC Montana. He’ll be based at KTVM-TV in Bozeman, reporting to ND JULIE WEINDEL who works at KECI-TV in Missoula. Kevin’s diverse background is well detailed on his Linkedin page.

JAMIE McCUTHEON is stepping down from the anchor desk at WCTI-TV in New Bern, NC, to become Assistant ND there. She says she’s making the move to spend more time with her daughter who starts kindergarten this fall.

Former News Director turned author FORREST CARR continues to battle cancer, and has blogged about a particularly tough week he just survived…literally. You can read that blog post here.

Here’s a link to a column written by PAUL GREELEY for TVNewsCheck about what’s working, and not working in news promotion. Check out the lengthy but very well produced (and interesting) video featuring GRAEME NEWELL, President of 602 Communications.

Finally, congratulations to our friends at DEVLIN DESIGN GROUP on their latest award. At this week’s ProMax/BDA convention, DDG was honored with a gold award for its work on a new set for WAGA-TV in Atlanta. Here’s the news release and here’s a look at the set. DDG, of course, is a longtime supporter of this newsletter.

General Manager News:

MICHAEL SMITH has been promoted to General Manager for WFRV-TV in Green Bay as well as sister-Nexstar station WJMN-TV in Marquette, MI. He’s been the sales manager for the stations for three years, and previously worked for another Green Bay station.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, June 28, 2015.

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

KCBS-TV 4200 Radford Ave. Los Angeles CA 91604
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton St. Philadelphia PA 19130
KXAS-TV 4805 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76155
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
WTVD-TV 411 Liberty St. Durham NC 27701
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215
WKRC-TV 1906 Highland Ave. Cincinnati OH 45219
WSPA-TV 250 International Drive Spartanburg SC 29303
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89102
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas 89109
WAVY-TV 300 Wavy St. Portsmouth VA 23705
WVTM 1732 Valley View Dr. Birmingham AL 35202
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza Buffalo NY 14202
KJRH-TV 3701 South Peoria Avenue Tulsa OK 74105
WTOL-TV 730 N. Summit St Toledo OH 43604
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
WFIE-TV 1115 Mount Auburn Rd. Evansville IN 47720
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee FL 32309 (see ad above!)
KRNV-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Rd. Ft. Wayne IN 46807
WPTA/WISE-TV 3401 Butler Rd Ft. Wayne, IN 46808
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Blvd. Macon GA 31201
KION-TV 1550 Moffett St. Salinas, CA 93905
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus GA 31901
KTVL-TV 1440 Rossanley Dr. Medford OR 97501
KWES-TV P.O. Box 60150 Midland, TX 79711
KTMF/KWYB-TV 2200 Stephens Ave. Missoula, MT 59801
WDHN-TV 5274 E. State Highway 52 East Dothan AL 36376
WHSV-TV 50 North Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22802
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KMVT/KSVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. North Twin Falls, ID 83301
KTVH-TV 100 W. Lyndale Ave. Suite A Helena MT 59601
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station

June 21, 2015

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 UPDATE:

Diener

A surprise today from Los Angeles, where veteran news director SCOTT DIENER is leaving KCBS-TV after 5+ years as the ND there.

In this note to his staff, he referred to his decision to step aside and pursue ‘new and exciting opportunities.

Scott first joined CBS as the Assistant ND for KTVT-TV in Dallas. He later rose to ND there. He’s also been a news director in San Francisco, Phoenix, Cincinnati, and Louisville. Scott’s also worked in Minneapolis and Columbia, MO.

Here’s a look at his bio from the KCBS website.

His departure leaves two openings among the 13 by my count) CBS stations that produce news:  SUSAN SCHILLER stepped down from her job at Philadelphia’s KYW-TV last month after 14 years as ND there.

One other note: RTDNA announced the National Edward R. Murrow Awards today. The complete list of winners is available in this story from the RTDNA website.

More on this in our full report later this week.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

We come to you tonight from Las Vegas, where the ProMax conference gets underway this week. Media General is bringing all its NDs for meetings during ProMax, and there might be others, too. I’ll be around the Mirage a few times early in the week and look forward to seeing some of you.

Our count of open News Director jobs jumps to a higher-than-it’s-been-in a while (35) after this week’s activity. FIVE newly opened positions, with just ONE job filled, to my knowledge.

We have a paid help wanted ad for one of those new openings, along with TWO ads for management jobs in some large markets.

We’ve updated our list of Open News Management jobs, as well.

Names in the News features some names that many of you will recognize: STEVE DOERR, HARRY FULLER, CHRIS JADICK, and JOHHNY GREEN, among others.

A former ND turned GM jumps 20+ markets for a new challenge, while another veteran GM retires.

And we have one obituary of an interesting broadcaster, who played for both the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys before becoming a major market ND and GM…in addition to a co-founder of Univision.

It’s a lengthy newsletter this week. I hope you enjoy it.

New News Director Openings:

Tully

KXAS-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX…we first told you on Friday of SUSAN TULLY‘s promotion within NBC to become GM for WVIT-TV in Hartford. Susan’s a longtime NBC employee, having spent time at o-and-o’s in San Diego and Philadelphia prior to her 14+ years as ND in Dallas. More on her move in this article from Uncle Barky, longtime DFW media observer, and in this story from the TV writer for the Star-Telegram.

Varner

WKRC-TV, Cincinnati, OH…in another move we told you about on Friday, KIRK VARNER is leaving this Sinclair Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate in early July. He’s been at the helm here for 4+ years, and told his staff in this memo that it was time for a new coach to lead the team. The sports analogy comes easily for Kirk, who’s run newsrooms at both ESPN and SportsChannel America. He’s been a local ND in New Haven and Buffalo, helped develop the Time Warner Cable news channels, and has also worked in New York and Boston. He tells me he’s searching for the next opportunity.

Polster

WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY….LISA POLSTER moves across the street to join Media General’s WIVB-TV as the morning executive producer. She’s been ND for this Scripps’ owned ABC affiliate for 18 months…and explains her move in the second item in this story. She’s worked at WKBW twice for total of eleven years, earlier worked at WGRZ-TV, so she now completes the hat trick of Buffalo stations. She’s also been an EP in Paducah and Baltimore.

Sanders

WCTV, Tallahassee, FL…veteran news director STAN SANDERS is leaving this CBS affiliate after three years as ND. Stan emailed me that he accomplished the goals he set when he arrived, and feels it’s better to leave when it’s ‘time’. He’s a former news director in Columbus, OH (almost ten years at WCMH-TV), and Jackson, MS, and ran the Student Media Center at Southern Mississippi. You can learn more about this opportunity in the paid ad below.

Allen

KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX…this Gannett owned CBS affiliate has a new opening for news director. My records show that LORRI ALLEN had been the ND here since September, 2013. Her background is a little different than many news directors. See her Linkedin page for more details.

Newly Named News Directors:

Tompkins

WFXR-TV, Roanoke, VA…congratulations to ROB TOMPKINS who’ll be the next ND for this Nexstar owned FOX affiliate. He’s currently the Assistant ND for the company’s Salt Lake City station, KTVX-TV. He’s held that job for just over four years, returning to the business after a four year hiatus. He’s also worked in Las Vegas, Lexington, KY (two stations), Greensboro/High Point, NC, and Jackson, MS. His Linkedin page has the entire story.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WCTV, Tallahassee, FL:

WCTV, the market’s dominant news station in Tallahassee, Florida is looking for a News Director to lead our award winning news team.

All candidates should have a degree in broadcast journalism or a related field and at least seven years of experience in a commercial television newsroom. News management experience is preferred to lead a staff of almost forty news professionals. Extensive knowledge of multi-platform content generation and delivery is crucial.

This highly organized individual creates and implements long range plans and sweeps strategies. The ideal candidate knows the importance of continual teaching and training and is passionate about local news.

Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida and home to Florida State University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

If you qualify, please email your resume to HR@wctv.tv or mail to:

WCTV Human Resources
1801 Halstead Boulevard
Tallahassee FL 32309

Must have clean driving record and drug screening required for employment.

Gray Television participates in E-Verify and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Executive Producer, KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO:

KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver is looking for our next rocks star Executive Producer to oversee the 3½ hours of news we produce on-air weekday evenings (5pm/9pm/10pm on KDVR and 7pm on KWGN).

We are looking for a strong leader who is aggressively competitive and creative, and who can help us continue to shake up the Denver market.

Our Executive Producers are responsible for managing all aspects of newscast content and play a vital role in our strategic plan to grow ratings and improve our on-air product in addition to digital platforms. Must have solid news judgment, be able to meet daily deadlines, work well under pressure, generate story and coverage ideas on a daily and long-term basis, manage a team of producers, and work with a large, diverse staff in a professional manner to ensure our content meets standards for editorial and technical integrity.

Excellent communication skills are required, as is prior management and major market producing experience.

Please apply by clicking here.

Several Management Opportunities, RNN, Rye Brook, NY:

Regional News Network (RNN) is a privately owned enterprise based in Rye Brook, NY. Reaching more than six million homes throughout New York, New Jersey and Long Island, RNN is distributed on Verizon FiOS 1 News.

Due to a recent expansion, RNN is recruiting for a variety of weekend positions. Candidates must be able to work all shifts. Current open positions include Executive Producers, Producers, Assignment Editor, Technical Director, Editor and many other positions.

Please visit our website and apply online at https://rnn-tvcareers.silkroad.com/.

Please mention Rick Gevers as your source.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 6/14/15)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/7/15)
WTNH-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (listed 5/10/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (new listing this week)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 5/10/15)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 6/14/15)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (listed 6/7/15)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (relisted this week)
KECI/KCFW/KTVM, Bozeman, MT (listed 4/26/15)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted 5/24/15)
KNTV, San Jose/San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 5/30/15)
WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (2 jobs, Inv/Spec. Proj. & newscast EP, revised 5/3/15)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (new listing, see ad above!)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/17/15)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (PM EP, relisted 6/14/15)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (PM EP, listed 5/3/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Dayside EP, relisted 6/14/15)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 4/19/12)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (PM EP, listed 4/26/15)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, relisted 5/24/15)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 6/14/15)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 6/14/15)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 5/10/15)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA: (relisted 5/24/15)

Obituary:

Villaneuva

DANNY VILLANEUVA, a one-time place kicker in the NFL who when on to be an ND and GM in Los Angeles, died this week at the age of 77 from complications of a stroke. He played for the Rams and Cowboys, and held a Dallas kicking record for 41 years before it was broken. He helped found Univision and gave millions to charities. Two good articles you should read: this one from the Los Angeles Times, and this tribute from his alma mater, New Mexico State.

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

Names in the News…and other things:

JOHNNY GREEN joins WBZ-TV in Boston as the next Assistant News Director for that CBS o-and-o. He’s currently an Executive Producer for NBC’s WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, and earlier had been the Nightside and Special Projects EP for WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh. Johnny’s also worked in Florence, New Bern, Raleigh and Charlotte (two stations).

REBECCA JOHNSON, the assistant ND for Media General’s WPRI-TV in Providence, is headed south for the same job at WNCN-TV in Raleigh. She’ll be replaced in Providence by MAUREEN CAPASSO, who makes the trek east from her job as EP for KDVR-TV in Denver. She’s also worked in Boston and Miami.

KEVIN JACOBSON has been named Assistant ND for KBJR-TV in Duluth. He’ll continue to anchor the 6:00 PM news.

Doerr

STEVE DOERR has joined Crawford Johnson & Northcott (aka CJ&N) as VP of Client Development and Senior Consultant. He’s been a GM in markets as large as Dallas, and an ND in Philadelphia and Cleveland, and worked as a consultant for AR&D. His lengthy bio is well detailed on his Linkedin page. The company’s news release is a click away, here.

One-time Tampa and Louisville News Director CHRIS JADICK leaves the private sector after six years to become Director of Bright House Sports Network, which covers Central Florida and Tampa Bay. Chris has also worked in Detroit, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and for another Tampa station.

Retired San Francisco News Director (both KGO-TV and KPIX-TV) HARRY FULLER has published a book about his passion…birding, and specifically the great gray owl. More in this profile from a new publication to these pages, the Ashland Daily Tidings!

General Manager News:

Hoffman

JEFF HOFFMAN has been named GM for Graham Media’s WKMG-TV (CBS) in Orlando. He’s been running WTKR-TV in Norfolk for the past seven years. He’s also been a GM in Huntsville, and has worked in a wide range of markets as a news director, station manager, EP, etc. The full story is available in this news release from the company.

Longtime General Manager BROOKE SPECTORSKY has retired after 17 years as GM of Cleveland’s WKYC-TV, the station at which he began his career more than 45 years ago. But there were a few other stops along the way, including four years as GM of WUAB-TV in Cleveland, and at stations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston and Orlando. He’s being succeeded by his wife, MICKI BYRNES. The Cleveland Plain Dealer looks at his career and the party at the station honoring him.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, June 21, 2015.

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

WNJU-TV 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 *
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton St. Philadelphia PA 19130
KXAS-TV 4805 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76155
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
WTVD-TV 411 Liberty St. Durham NC 27701
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215
WKRC-TV 1906 Highland Ave. Cincinnati OH 45219
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89102
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas 89109
WAVY-TV 300 Wavy St. Portsmouth VA 23705
WVTM 1732 Valley View Dr. Birmingham AL 35202
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza Buffalo NY 14202
KJRH-TV 3701 South Peoria Avenue Tulsa OK 74105
WTOL-TV 730 N. Summit St Toledo OH 43604
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
WFIE-TV 1115 Mount Auburn Rd. Evansville IN 47720
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee FL 32309 (see ad above!)
KRNV-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Rd. Ft. Wayne IN 46807
WPTA/WISE-TV 3401 Butler Rd Ft. Wayne, IN 46808
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Blvd. Macon GA 31201
KION-TV 1550 Moffett St. Salinas, CA 93905
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus GA 31901
KMIZ-TV 501 Business Loop 70 East Columbia MO 65201
KTVL-TV 1440 Rossanley Dr. Medford OR 97501
KWES-TV P.O. Box 60150 Midland, TX 79711
KTMF/KWYB-TV 2200 Stephens Ave. Missoula, MT 59801
WDHN-TV 5274 E. State Highway 52 East Dothan AL 36376
WHSV-TV 50 North Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22802
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KMVT/KSVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. North Twin Falls, ID 83301
KTVH-TV 100 W. Lyndale Ave. Suite A Helena MT 59601
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station