Rick Gevers & Associates

February 10, 2012

Thursday, February 16, 2012 UPDATE:

There are two large market ND changes to tell you about today.

Michaelsen

LANE MICHAELSEN is leaving WTVJ-TV in Miami, as of tomorrow. Lane told me he decided to ‘see what else is out there’. His decision comes just two days after a new GM, MANUEL MARTINEZ, was named at WTVJ. . Manuel had been GM of co-owned WSCV-TV, the Telemundo station in Miami. Lane’s been ND for this NBC o-and-o since 2009, and previously has been an ND in Washington, Tampa, and Little Rock, served as a corporate VP/News for Gannett, and also worked for Poynter. He began his career as a photographer.

Hobson

And we’re a little tardy in reporting (though I haven’t seen it anywhere else) that NANNETTE HOBSON is the new ND for Comcast’s NEW ENGLAND CABLE NEWS. Apparently her appointment was announced in January. Nanette’s a former ND for WNCN-TV in Raleigh (where she was known as NANETTE WILSON). She previously spent almost 20 years (in two different stints) at WRC-TV in Washington, DC, rising to Assistant ND. She’s also worked for two stations in Baltimore and also worked in Norfolk, VA. At NECN, she replaces DEBRA JUAREZ who left the station last fall to return to Chicago as ND for WMAQ-TV.

More on these moves…and all the week’s developments…in our regular report tomorrow.

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Greetings:

TWO new news directors this week, TWO new openings, and FOUR paid help wanted ads, and some updates to our list of Other News Management openings. It’s been a busy week, with lots of items in our Names in the News section, too.

Those ND changes leave our count of open ND jobs at 24.

As I mentioned, four paid help wanted ads, including TWO for newly opened ND jobs, and TWO for Assistant ND positions. And we welcome a new advertiser this week, SocialNewsDesk, to help you with your social media strategy. Click on the ad below to learn more about their services.

Apologies to those of you who tried to follow our links last week showing how KESQ-TV and KPSP-TV in Palm Springs, CA, covered the consolidation of the two stations. I checked those links moments before I distributed the newsletter: they worked fine. Oddly, less than three hours later, neither story remained on either station’s website. The link to the local newspaper story continues to work.

Keep reading for this week’s changes and a whole lot more:

New News Director Openings:

Killian

KWQC-TV, Davenport, IA…DENISE KILLIAN is returning home to Dallas, where she’ll be the new Assistant ND for the Tribune-owned, CW affiliate, KDAF-TV. Denise has been the ND for this NBC affiliate since May, 2009. She previously worked for sister station WKRN-TV in Nashville as a Senior Producer, and has also worked previously in Dallas as well as Waco and Corpus Christi, TX. Please note you can learn more about this opportunity in the paid ad below.

Kellerman

KTAB/KRBC-TV, Abiliene, TX…AUSTIN KELLERMAN is leaving this Nexstar CBS and NBC duopoly for another job which he’ll announce at the end of the rating period. Austin’s been ND here since August, 2008, and previously worked for KTVT-TV in Dallas as a producer and for KTAL-TV, another Nexstar station, in Shreveport. Please note you can learn more about this opportunity in the paid ad below.

Newly Named News Directors:

Mungo

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX…we told you earlier this week that CAROLYN MUNGO was named ND for this Belo-owned ABC affiliate. It’s a return to Belo and a reunion with GM MIKE DEVLIN for Carolyn. They worked together at KHOU-TV in Houston when Mike was the ND and Carolyn was a reporter there. She later moved from KHOU to KRIV-TV in Houston as the Assistant ND (see the paid ad below: KRIV is searching for her replacement).  Carolyn has also worked in Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Austin, TX. At WFAA, she replaces MICHAEL VALENTINE who is being promoted to VP of Content for Belo.

Huff

WFXL-TV, Albany, GA…JENNA (McWILLIAMS) HUFF has been promoted to news director for the Barrington Broadcasting owned Fox affiliate. She had been the assistant ND. She worked as a reporter for the station earlier in her career and also worked in Knoxville, TN. Jenna replaces TERRY GRAHAM who left the station last April for a job in Florida. Sadly, he died shortly after that.

Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KWQC-TV, Davenport, IA:

KWQC HD6 News the Quad Cites number one news station is seeking an experienced television news manager to keep KWQC HD6, KWQC.com, and other digital platforms winning and growing.

JOB DUTIES: The News Director will be responsible for supervising and coordinating
news staff and all news activities in a manner that will produce quality newscasts using all
available resources in an efficient and cost effective manner. The ideal candidate must have a proven record of success, strong leadership skills, excellent news judgment, passion for production, unwavering commitment to community, and vision. Candidate needs to have the ability to teach and lead by example, using the latest in technology. Experience working with a departmental budget a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS: Qualified applicants should have a Broadcast Journalism or Communications degree from an accredited four-year College or University or equivalent experience. A minimum of five years in news management experience and a deep understanding of news in the digital world.

TO APPLY:

Send your news philosophy, resume, and a newscast from the past week to:

EEO/News Director Search
KWQC-TV6
805 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803

We Conduct Pre-Employment Background Screening, Drug Screening, and Driving History Verification

Young Broadcasting of Davenport, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring, training, or promotion of employees by reasons of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, physical or mental handicap, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or age.

Please indicate in your correspondence exactly where you heard of this opening.

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News Director, KTAB/KRBC-TV, Abilene, TX:

Nexstar Broadcasting group is looking for a dynamic news manager to lead the news operations for KTAB (CBS) , KRBC (NBC), and BigCountryHomepage.com in Abilene, TX. The successful candidate will be a hands on news manager who enjoys coaching and developing talent, has solid journalism skills, a passion for on-line journalism and social media and an own the big news story and weather philosophy.

Job Responsibilities:

• Day to day editorial supervision of the news operation.
• Provide regular feedback to direct reports.
• Developing dynamic and relevant news content and special programs.
• Work with the creative services team to recruit viewers though on-air, on-line, social media and other methods.
• Work with General Manager and other department heads on station projects and initiatives.
• Administrative duties including staff scheduling, time sheets, performance reviews and budgets.
• Supervise and enhance content available on the station’s website, social media sites, mobile applications and other methods.
• Grow viewership of on-air and on-line platforms.
• Work with news directors in the region on sharing content and taking advantage of regional opportunities.
• Develop partnerships within the local community. This includes regular communication with local organizations.

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work related experience.
• Minimum five years’ experience in news programming production

Please send cover letter, resume, news philosophy and links/DVD to:

Jerry Walsh
Director of Local Content Development
Nexstar Broadcasting Group
5215 North O’Connor Boulevard, Suite 1400
Irving, TX 75039

e-mail: jwalsh@nexstar.tv

KTAB/KRBC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Assistant News Director, KRIV-TV, Houston, TX:

Fox O & O in Houston has opening for a “hands-on” Assistant News Director. Position will be responsible for managing the day to day newsroom operation including but not limited to: running editorial meetings, assigning reporter stories, story placement, etc.

Will directly oversee the scheduling of anchors and reporters and approve other schedules as needed. Stay involved with all news operations including Investigations, Special Projects, Weather, Sports, etc. Prevent on-air mistakes, work with reporters to make their stories better, work with desk to improve quality and quality of coverage, take a lead role in breaking news and have a firm grip on local news. Must lead specialized coverage including web streamed events, election & political coverage, and specialty reporting. Must provide consistent feedback to staff and insure newsroom policies for fair/accurate newsgathering are followed.

Requires degree in journalism or related field. 5 years broadcast television experience as asst. news director or executive producer in major market preferred. Knowledge of production, copy editing, live story coverage, journalism ethics, journalism law, news photography, news tape editing, news equipment, and operations required. Knowledge of multi-platform journalism and social networks is also required. Must have proven track record of success with strong leadership skills. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal are essential. Must be computer literate with above average proficiency. Ability to lead, coach, and manage is critical.

Please send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: roberta.hudson@foxtv.com

EOE M/F/D/V

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Assistant News Director, KTIV-TV, Sioux City, IA

Emmy award winning; dominant NBC affiliate KTIV-TV, Sioux City, Iowa is seeking a take charge leader to help guide us as we grow beyond traditional broadcast news.

This position, functioning as the literal hub of our news organization, will serve as an editorial decision maker for our TV, Web, Mobile and Social Networking platforms.

KTIV News Four is a continuous local news source with an immediate deadline mentality. The Assistant News Director is the second ranking position in the department and directly oversees all involved in our news gathering and distribution processes. This manager directs the development of our content, weighs the full editorial possibility of every story, and makes immediate decisions on how it will be disseminated on the appropriate platforms. This senior leader will work very closely with the News Director and Internet Director to ensure that our customers are being served on all platforms. KTIV News Four delivers news as it happens on air, online and on the go all the time.

Our company is part of Quincy Newspapers, Inc. a family owned media company operating 12 television stations and 2 newspapers in 7 states and a variety of market sizes. This means immediate internal opportunities for professional growth.

Please send your resume, reel and references to:

Bridget Breen
Director of News & Operations
KTIV Television
3135 Floyd Blvd.
Sioux City, IA 51108

or via email to: bbreen@ktiv.com

KTIV Television, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
No phone calls please.
Posted Date: January 11, 2012

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (new listing this week see ad above!)
WTSP-TV, Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL (listed 1/6/12)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 1/20/12)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 1/13/12)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted this week)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 1/27/12)
KTIV-TV, Sioux City, IA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX (listed 12/9/11)
KTVM-TV, Bozeman, MT (listed 12/16/11)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX (Morning EP, listed 1/20/12)
KTVT-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth. TX (dayside EP, new listing this week)
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (relisted 12/16/11)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listing revised 1/20/12)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, relisted this week)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted this week)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Dayside EP, listed 1/27/12)
WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (AM EP, relisted this week)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 12/31/11)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (AM EP, listed 1/13/12)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (Dayside EP, relisted 12/9/11)
WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 1/27/12)
KMTV, Omaha, NE (new listing this week)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 12/9/11)

MANAGING EDITOR:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (ME of Video, listed 12/23/11)

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Names in the News:

Marrs

Longtime broadcaster CRAIG MARRS has been named VP/GM for Journal’s KMIR-TV in Palm Desert, CA. He’s currently the GM for KTEN-TV in Denison, TX. He’s been a GM in Huntsville, AL, station manager for KRON-TV in San Francisco, worked for three different consulting firms (Magid, SmithGeiger, and Crawford, Johnson and Northcott), launched Northwest Cable News in Seattle, and was an ND for KWTV in Oklahoma City.

Trauring

Congratulations to old friend (and fellow IndyCar racing fan) BRIAN TRAURING, News Director for WTVG-TV in Toledo, who’s assuming additional responsibilities as Executive News Director for parent company SJL Broadcasting. Brian’s been ND at WTVG for ten years, and previously was an ND in Knoxville, Augusta, GA, and Steubenville, and has also worked in Indianapolis and Louisville. He’s a past RTNDA board member, as well. You can wish Brian well via an email to: brian.trauring@13abc.com

MediaBistro reports that DIANA MILLER has joined WCBS-TV in New York as an EP. She most recently was a producer for Anderson Cooper’s talk show, and previously worked for Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN. She’s also been a senior producer for MTV.

Two management hires at KOMO-TV, the Fisher-owned ABC station in Seattle, and its Univision affiliate, KUNS-TV. JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ will be the EP for KUNS. He previously worked in Los Angeles. And SARAH GARZA joins KOMO as EP of Special Projects. She previously was the Assistant ND for KTVT-TV in Dallas, and also worked at WFAA-TV and KDFW-TV there.

LUIS FELIPE GODINEZ has been named EP for Univisions KDTV in San Francisco. He’s spent the last four years as a producer/anchor/reporter for KINC-TV, the Univision affiliate in Las Vegas. He’s also worked for Univision affiliates in Denver and Amarillo, TX.

DAVID RUSH moves east to become the new Assistant ND for WTEN-TV in Albany, NY. He had been an EP for KGUN-TV in Tucson.
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The Full List:

To the best of my knowledge, here is the list of stations with open news director jobs, as of Friday, February 10, 2012.

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

NY 1 News                                             75 Ninth Ave. New York NY 10011
KGO-TV                                             900 Front Street San Francisco, CA 94111
New England Cable News                160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
Central Florida News 13                20 N. Orange #13, Orlando, FL 32801 (see ad above!)
WCPO-TV                                          1730 Gilbert Ave. Cincinnati OH 45202
WBRE-TV                                          62 S. Franklin Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
KSNW-TV                                       833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
KMTV                                                  10714 Mockingbird Dr. Omaha NE 68127
WACH-TV                                            1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
KWQC-TV                                        805 Brady Street Davenport, IA 52803 (see ad above!)
KHGI-TV                                              13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
WTXL-TV                                        1620 Commerce Blvd. Midway, FL 32343
KVII-TV                                                One Broadcast Center Amarillo TX 79101
KNOE-TV                                         1400 Oliver Rd. Monroe, LA 71211
KAUZ-TV                                             PO Box 25 Wichita Falls TX 76309
KTUU-TV                                          701 E. Tudor Rd. #220 Anchorage AK 99503
KTAB/KRBC-TV                        4510 S. 14th St. Abiliene, TX (see ad above!)
WTVY-TV                                           PO Box 1089 Dothan AL 36302
WCAV-TV                                        999 2nd St. SE Charlottesville, VA 22902
KKCO-TV                                          2325 Interstate Ave. Grand Junction CO 81505
KGNS-TV                                             120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KGWN-TV                                           2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001
KSAX-TV                                             PO Box 189 Alexandria, MN 56308
WYIN-TV                                            8625 Indiana Place Merrilville IN 46410

** Spanish language station

February 4, 2012

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 UPDATE:

There’s a new ND to tell you about for Belo flagship WFAA-TV in Dallas.

Mungo

CAROLYN MUNGO returns to the company as ND for this ABC affiliate. She’s spent the last seven years as the Assistant ND for Fox o-and-o KRIV-TV in Houston, but worked as a reporter for Belo’s KHOU-TV (also in Houston) before that. She’s also worked in Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Austin, TX.

At WFAA she replaces MICHAEL VALENTINE who is being promoted within Belo to Vice President of Content for the company.

More on this move…and all the week’s developments…in our regular report later this week.

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Greetings:

The start of the February rating period means a slow week in news manager movement: just ONE new ND to report (and can you call someone who’s been an ND at the same station THREE times….new?). And, to my knowledge, NO new openings.

Those changes leave our count of open ND jobs at 24.

We have a paid ad for ONE of those ND openings (I love that ad, it has a picture of a bear and mountains in it!), as well as an ad for an EP opening at a powerhouse Indianapolis TV station. And this is the last week to take advantage of a great FREE offer from another advertiser. (Did I mention free?)

Also this week, another consolidation of news operations, this time in Palm Springs, CA, where the owners of KESQ-TV (ABC) bought low-power CBS affiliate KPSP-TV. About half of the staff at KPSP lost their jobs, including veteran news director STEVE MINIUM. The local newspaper story is here.

(Editor’s update 10:00 PM 2/3/12):  I originally linked to the stories from both TV stations, and checked the links before I posted and emailed the newsletter.  Both links were good then.  Neither link works now, three hours later.  Seems like a funny coincidence.)

In Names in the News, new jobs for two former NDs, and a lengthy interview with the new Executive Director of RTDNA.

All this and more following this week’s change:

New News Director Opening:

None, at least that I know about. If you know of new openings or new NDs, please let me know.

Newly Named News Director:

Cruz

KYMA-TV, Yuma, AZ…and the Yuma hat trick goes to LUIS CRUZ who returns for his third run as ND at the same station! Luis has previously been ND here from 2004-2006 and then again from 2008-2011. He left the station last year to be a reporter and fill-in anchor in San Diego, but Luis tells me he missed management and mentoring young journalists. He replaces his successor, JENNIFER MUSA, who was ND here for four months. KYMA is an NBC affiliate owned by Intermountain West Communications Company. Luis also worked at the company’s NBC station in Las Vegas between his first two stints as ND at KYMA.

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Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN:

The top-rated NBC affiliate in Indianapolis is searching for a Dayside Executive Producer.  WTHR won the 2011 Murrow Award for Overall Excellence. This is your chance to join one of the best newsrooms in the country and work for a private company that values journalism and journalists.

This EP is responsible for overseeing our noon, 5, 530 and 6pm newscasts. We’re looking for an experienced “show doctor” who can teach and preach excellent writing and outstanding production values. This requires senior news management experience and abilities. A minimum of six years experience in local television news as a producer in larger markets and/or as an EP in news departments with a strong news image is required.  College degree highly preferred.

Qualified applicants may apply online www.dispatchbroadcast.com.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.  WTHR/WALV are equal opportunity employers.

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Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KDAF-TV, Dallas-Ft Worth, TX, (listed 12/9/11)
WTSP-TV, Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL (listed 1/6/12)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 1/20/12)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 1/13/12)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 11/25/11)
WTEN-TV, Albany, NY (listed 11/25/11)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 1/27/12)
WRDW-TV, Augusta, GA (listed 11/25/11)
KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX (listed 12/9/11)
KTVM-TV, Bozeman, MT (listed 12/16/11)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX (Morning EP, listed 1/20/12)
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (relisted 12/16/11)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listing revised 1/20/12)
KUNS-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 11/25/11) **
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
KPTV, Portland, OR (AM EP, relisted 12/16/11)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, relisted 11/25/11)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 11/11/11)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Dayside EP, listed 1/27/12) See ad above!
WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (AM EP, listed 10/28/11)
WPMT-TV, Harrisburg, PA (AM EP, listing revised 10/14/11)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 12/31/11)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (AM EP, listed 1/13/12)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (Dayside EP, relisted 12/9/11)
WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 1/27/12)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 12/9/11)

MANAGING EDITOR:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (ME of Video, listed 12/23/11)
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Names in the News:

GREG MEYER, who spent almost ten years as ND for KLEW-TV in Lewiston, ID, has been named Director of Communications for Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston. Greg first joined KLEW in 1989 and held a variety of jobs in his time there.

Richardson

Longtime newsman BOB RICHARDSON is launching a new media consulting company, RAR Productions, in Tucson. Bob’s nine year run overseeing the news department at Belo’s KMSB-TV ended when the company outsourced the news operation KOLD-TV in Tucson. Bob’s worked (twice) in Tucson, as well as Houston, Albuquerque, Nashville, San Antonio, and Columbia, MO. You can learn more about the company by clicking here. And you can wish Bob well with an email to: bobr@rarproductions.com

MIKE CAVENDER is now on the job as Executive Director of RTDNA/RTDNF and outlined his vision for the organization in a lengthy interview with TVNewscheck. You can read it here.

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The Full List:

To the best of my knowledge, here is the list of stations with open news director jobs, as of Friday, February 3, 2012.

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

NY 1 News                                             75 Ninth Ave. New York NY 10011
WFAA-TV                                           606 Young St. Dallas TX 75202
KGO-TV                                             900 Front Street San Francisco, CA 94111
New England Cable News                160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
Central Florida News 13                20 N. Orange #13, Orlando, FL 32801 (see ad above!)
WCPO-TV                                          1730 Gilbert Ave. Cincinnati OH 45202
WBRE-TV                                          62 S. Franklin Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
KSNW-TV                                       833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
KMTV                                                  10714 Mockingbird Dr. Omaha NE 68127
WACH-TV                                            1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
KHGI-TV                                              13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
WTXL-TV                                        1620 Commerce Blvd. Midway, FL 32343
KVII-TV                                                One Broadcast Center Amarillo TX 79101
KNOE-TV                                         1400 Oliver Rd. Monroe, LA 71211
KAUZ-TV                                             PO Box 25 Wichita Falls TX 76309
WFXL-TV                                             1211 N. Slappey Blvd. Albany GA 31707
KTUU-TV                                          701 E. Tudor Rd. #220 Anchorage AK 99503 (see ad above!)
KYMA-TV                                           1385 S. Pacific Ave. Yuma AZ 85365
WTVY-TV                                           PO Box 1089 Dothan AL 36302
WCAV-TV                                        999 2nd St. SE Charlottesville, VA 22902
KKCO-TV                                          2325 Interstate Ave. Grand Junction CO 81505
KGNS-TV                                             120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KGWN-TV                                           2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001
KSAX-TV                                             PO Box 189 Alexandria, MN 56308
WYIN-TV                                            8625 Indiana Place Merrilville IN 46410

** Spanish language station

January 28, 2012

Greetings:

Congratulations are in order for THREE new news directors named this week. Two of them are veteran NDs, while one is a first-time ND. And there is ONE new opening.

Those changes leave our count of open ND jobs at 25.

We have paid ads for TWO of those ND openings, as well as a new ad for an EP opening at a powerhouse Indianapolis TV station. And we’re repeating last week’s ad for an Assistant ND at a strong Tennessee station.

There are some updates to our list of Other News Management Openings, and three items in Names in the News.

We also have obituaries for a former Honolulu ND and the father of a longtime broadcast educator.

And…I’ve been eating Crowe all week after botching what I thought was a clever line in last week’s newsletter. In reporting BILL CUMMINGS move to Yuma, I stole Bill’s line that he was taking the ‘3:10 to Yuma’ and called that film a bad Kevin Costner movie. Thanks to those of you who pointed out that it was a Russell Crowe film. (I was thinking of 3,000 Miles to Graceland…which really is bad!)

New News Director Opening:

Kravarik

KSNW-TV, Wichita, KS…JASON KRAVARIK is leaving one New Vision TV station for another. He’s been named Assistant ND for the company’s station in Portland, OR, KOIN-TV. Jason has worked at KSNW for ten years and was promoted to News Director three years ago. He began there as a reporter. Jason’s also worked in Amarillo, TX, and as an associate producer in Chicago.

Newly Named News Directors:

LaPorte

WITI-TV, Milwaukee, WI…JOHN LaPORTE takes over his second Milwaukee newsroom as he’s been promoted here. John’s been the News Content Manager for this LocalTV owned FOX affiliate since September, 2010. From November 2003-January 2005 he was ND at WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee. John’s also been an ND in Palm Springs, CA and Eau Claire, WI, and has worked in Houston, Albany, NY, Green Bay, Hartford, and Omaha. He replaces JIM LEMON who resigned in December to avoid another Wisconsin winter.

Hardy

KOLO-TV, Reno, NV…congratulations to JENNIFER HARDY returns to Reno for her first ND job at this ABC affiliate. Jennifer also stays within Nevada: she’s been the Assistant ND for KVVU-TV in Las Vegas since 2009, and worked there since 2006. Jennifer’s also worked in Spokane, Memphis, Tulsa, Tucson, and an earlier job in Las Vegas. She began her career at KRNV-TV in Reno. At KOLO, she replaces DAVE BEECH who left late last year after three years as ND. Jennifer becomes the seventh ND in ten years for the Gray TV owned station.

Shelby

KRCG-TV, Jefferson City, MO…veteran news director JOHN SHELBY will be the next ND for this Barrington Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate. John’s been an ND in Buffalo, New York; Green Bay, Wisconsin; Cedar Rapids, Sioux Falls, Lansing, and Pasco, WA. He’s also worked in Chicago, St. Louis, and Columbus, OH. At KRCG, he replaces LADD EGAN who left in November to return to his native Utah and a job at KUTV. John is the fourth ND in five years here.

Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN:

The top-rated NBC affiliate in Indianapolis is searching for a Dayside Executive Producer.  WTHR won the 2011 Murrow Award for Overall Excellence. This is your chance to join one of the best newsrooms in the country and work for a private company that values journalism and journalists.

This EP is responsible for overseeing our noon, 5, 530 and 6pm newscasts. We’re looking for an experienced “show doctor” who can teach and preach excellent writing and outstanding production values. This requires senior news management experience and abilities. A minimum of six years experience in local television news as a producer in larger markets and/or as an EP in news departments with a strong news image is required.  College degree highly preferred.

Qualified applicants may apply online www.dispatchbroadcast.com.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.  WTHR/WALV are equal opportunity employers.

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

News Director, WCAV-TV, Charlottesville, VA:

The Charlottesville Newsplex (home of CBS19, ABC16, WAHU FOX27, and newsplex.com) in award-winning Charlottesville, VA is looking for the leader who can take our news team and content to the next level. The successful candidate will have working knowledge of every facet of newsroom operations; must be able to recruit, train, motivate, and teach by example; and will benefit from the momentum of our ongoing ratings growth across the board.

Our news team is talented, eager, and on the rise, having won the 2011 VAB award for Most Outstanding Newscast in Virginia (all market sizes). Candidates who wish to continue anchoring are encouraged to apply, but anchoring is not a requirement; previous management experience is preferred, but also not required.

Gray Television is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. Excellent driving record is a MUST. If you think you have what it takes, rush your cover letter and resume to General Manager Brad Ramsey via email: brad.ramsey@newsplex.com  or mail it to:

Brad Ramsey
General Manager
Charlottesville Newsplex
999 2nd Street SE
Charlottesville, VA 22902

No phone calls please.

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

Assistant News Director, WMC-TV, Memphis, TN:

Rare opportunity at NBC powerhouse: WMC-TV in Memphis, Tennessee seeks dynamic journalist to lead team as Assistant News Director.

Work with competitive professionals to refine stories, showcase newscasts and oversee the best breaking news team in the Mid-South.

Be ready to run, not walk, to the desk when the big story breaks.

The successful candidate will function as chief deputy to the News Director with supervisory responsibility for all news broadcasts. The Assistant News Director will work closely with fellow managers and producers to implement the Action News 5 focus and philosophy. This person will assist with employee schedules, oversee budgetary aspects of operation, on-going evaluation of personnel and broadcast standards. Ability to function under deadline pressure is a must. Ability to nurture the creativity of the team and the capacity to offer constructive criticism will win us over.

Email resume to: tphillips@wmctv.com or mail to:

Tammy Phillips
News Director
WMC-TV
1960 Union Ave.
Memphis TN 38104

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

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KDAF-TV, Dallas-Ft Worth, TX, (listed 12/9/11)
WTSP-TV, Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL (listed 1/6/12)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 1/20/12)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 1/13/12) See ad above!
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 11/25/11)
WTEN-TV, Albany, NY (listed 11/25/11)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (new listing this week)
WRDW-TV, Augusta, GA (listed 11/25/11)
KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX (listed 12/9/11)
KTVM-TV, Bozeman, MT (listed 12/16/11)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KYW-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted 1/20/12)
KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX (Morning EP, listed 1/20/12)
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (relisted 12/16/11)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listing revised 1/20/12)
KUNS-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 11/25/11) **
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
KPTV, Portland, OR (AM EP, relisted 12/16/11)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, relisted 11/25/11)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 11/11/11)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Dayside EP, new listing this week) See ad above!
WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (AM EP, listed 10/28/11)
WPMT-TV, Harrisburg, PA (AM EP, listing revised 10/14/11)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 12/31/11)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (AM EP, listed 1/13/12)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (Dayside EP, relisted 12/9/11)
WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH (new listing this week)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (listed 12/9/11)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 12/9/11)

MANAGING EDITOR:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (ME of Video, listed 12/23/11)
**** ***** ****

Obituaries:

Kellner

One time Honolulu News Director JACK KELLNER died in Sonoma, CA, earlier this week at the age of 75. He suffered from lung cancer. Jack had a wide and varied career in Honolulu, including working as a popular DJ who helped introduce a generation of teenagers to rock and roll. He later worked for KHON-TV, first on the assignment desk and later as news director. Jack is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.

DEANE UTSLER, father of longtime broadcast educator MAX UTSLER, died January 18th at the age of 90. He suffered a heart attack en route to a routine doctor’s appointment. Deane landed on Omaha Beach three days after D-Day and spent much of his life in central Illinois before relocating to Kansas City in 1998. His wife of 68 years, BETTY UTSLER, died in 2010.  Many of you know Max, who teaches at the University of Kansas and taught for many years at Missouri. He’s also worked at TV stations in Phoenix, St. Louis, Kansas City, Peoria, and Columbia, MO. Full disclosure: Max was best man in my wedding and has been a close friend for many years. Your note of sympathy can be sent to: utsler@ku.edu

Names in the News:

There’s a reunion in Chicago to tell you about, where CHRIS MYERS is joining Fox o-and-o WFLD-TV as assistant news director. That reunites him with newly named ND PHYLLIS SCHWARTZ: they worked together at both WLS-TV and WMAQ-TV in Chicago. Chris has worked in a variety of jobs in California since leaving Chicago in 2002.

Cope-Walton

TERRI COPE WALTON returns to the newsroom as the Assistant News Director for WRTV, the ABC affiliate here in Indianapolis. She’s been the station’s public affairs director for the past seven years, and was the morning news producer for seven years before that. She also worked in both TV and radio in Dayton, where she also spent one year as a language arts teacher.

And congratulations to KSTP-TV (Minneapolis) News Director LINDSAY RADFORD and her husband JASON on the birth of their son NOAH ANDREW FOSTER. We’re a little tardy in reporting this good news…Jason joined a brother and sister in November. Lindsay tells me he was born with Down Syndrome but he is healthy and happy, and added he loves to smile and his giggles are contagious. You can bring a smile to Lindsay with a kind email: lradford@kstp.com

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

The Full List:

To the best of my knowledge, here is the list of stations with open news director jobs, as of Friday, January 27, 2012.

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

NY 1 News                                             75 Ninth Ave. New York NY 10011
WFAA-TV                                           606 Young St. Dallas TX 75202
KGO-TV                                             900 Front Street San Francisco, CA 94111
New England Cable News                160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
Central Florida News 13                20 N. Orange #13, Orlando, FL 32801 (see ad above!)
WCPO-TV                                          1730 Gilbert Ave. Cincinnati OH 45202
WBRE-TV                                          62 S. Franklin Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
KSNW-TV                                       833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
KMTV                                                  10714 Mockingbird Dr. Omaha NE 68127
WACH-TV                                            1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
KHGI-TV                                              13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
WTXL-TV                                        1620 Commerce Blvd. Midway, FL 32343
KVII-TV                                                One Broadcast Center Amarillo TX 79101
KNOE-TV                                         1400 Oliver Rd. Monroe, LA 71211
KAUZ-TV                                             PO Box 25 Wichita Falls TX 76309
WFXL-TV                                             1211 N. Slappey Blvd. Albany GA 31707
KTUU-TV                                          701 E. Tudor Rd. #220 Anchorage AK 99503 (see ad above!)
KYMA-TV                                           1385 S. Pacific Ave. Yuma AZ 85365
WTVY-TV                                           PO Box 1089 Dothan AL 36302
WCAV-TV                                        999 2nd St. SE Charlottesville, VA 22902 (see ad above!)
KKCO-TV                                          2325 Interstate Ave. Grand Junction CO 81505
KGNS-TV                                             120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KGWN-TV                                           2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001
KSAX-TV                                             PO Box 189 Alexandria, MN 56308
WYIN-TV                                            8625 Indiana Place Merrilville IN 46410

** Spanish language station

January 20, 2012

Greetings:

There’s just ONE new ND in this week’s report.  That new ND cleverly worked in a reference to a Russell Crowe movie in telling me about his move, and I’m cheesy enough to steal it. And his move created one of the TWO new ND openings we have.

Those changes leave our count of open ND jobs at 27.

TWO of those news director openings are featured in paid ads below, along with a new ad for an Assistant ND job at a mid-south powerhouse and another for a morning EP in Florida. LiveU returns with a FREE offer, and we have details about an upcoming deadline for a training opportunity for news directors.

That…and more…follows this week’s changes.

New News Director Openings:

Keeshan

KGO-TV, San Francisco, CA…we told you in an UPDATE earlier this week that KEVIN KEESHAN has left this ABC o-and-o to become the ombudsman for NBC News. Kevin’s been ND here for almost eleven years and has worked at KGO for a total of 21 years, interrupted by a three year assignment as sister ABC o-and-o KFSN-TV in Fresno. He’s also worked in Bakersfield and Sacramento, spent some time as an anchor and consumer reporter, and is one of the few NDs who often attends the valuable IRE conference. (His former GM at KGO, VALARI STAAB, was named President of the NBC owned stations last year.) You can send Kevin a note of congratulations at: kkeeshan@aol.com

WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL…another veteran newsman is making a cross country trip, as BILL CUMMINGS is leaving this ABC affiliate to take a job in Yuma, AZ. (More on that below.) Bill’s been ND here for almost three years. WTXL is owned by Calkins Media.

Newly Named News Director:

Cummings

KSWT-TV, Yuma, AZ…BILL CUMMINGS is taking the 3:10 to Yuma to become the ND for this Pappas owned CBS affiliate. We reported above he was leaving his job in Tallahasee. Bill tells me he’s wanted to move west for family reasons: his brother and in-laws live in Tucson, his oldest son is in California, and another brother lives in Reno. Bill’s a former ND in Tucson, Evansville, IN, Huntington, WV, and Tri-Cities, TN, and also worked for weather vendor Baron Services. He replaces SHANNON MAZE who left the station almost a year ago for an Assistant ND job in Birmingham.

Training Opportunity:

Kneeland Accepting Applications Now.

Apply today!

The Kneeland Project is accepting applications until next Friday, January 27 for their April 11-14, 2012 session in Austin, Texas.

Thanks to Kneeland’s generous funders, this opportunity is nearly free for 18 selected participants. The Kneeland Project pays for all tuition costs as well as hotel and several meals. Participants cover only their transportation and a few meals — Kneeland takes care of the rest.
What you need to do now to win 2012 election coverage
How social media continues to reshape the face of our business, and what you must do today
How your internal and external systems need to be revolutionized to meet new challenges
Leading Millennials
Ethics and leadership in a 24-hour socially networked world
Selected news directors will be joined by some of the best and brightest leaders in the industry, but they won’t provide didactic, one-way lectures. On the contrary. Kneeland is seeking applications from news directors with high-level expertise, insight, and experience to make a truly unique opportunity.

It’s an intensive program unlike any other. It’s practical. It’s highly interactive. It produces long-lasting results. News Directors return to their stations refreshed and ready to tackle the sometimes overwhelming challenges newsrooms now face.

Click here for more information and to apply. Only 18 news directors will be selected for this program. Apply today!

Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WCAV-TV, Charlottesville, VA:

The Charlottesville Newsplex (home of CBS19, ABC16, WAHU FOX27, and newsplex.com) in award-winning Charlottesville, VA is looking for the leader who can take our news team and content to the next level. The successful candidate will have working knowledge of every facet of newsroom operations; must be able to recruit, train, motivate, and teach by example; and will benefit from the momentum of our ongoing ratings growth across the board.

Our news team is talented, eager, and on the rise, having won the 2011 VAB award for Most Outstanding Newscast in Virginia (all market sizes). Candidates who wish to continue anchoring are encouraged to apply, but anchoring is not a requirement; previous management experience is preferred, but also not required.

Gray Television is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. Excellent driving record is a MUST. If you think you have what it takes, rush your cover letter and resume to General Manager Brad Ramsey via email: brad.ramsey@newsplex.com  or mail it to:

Brad Ramsey
General Manager
Charlottesville Newsplex
999 2nd Street SE
Charlottesville, VA 22902

No phone calls please.

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

Assistant News Director, WMC-TV, Memphis, TN:

Rare opportunity at NBC powerhouse: WMC-TV in Memphis, Tennessee seeks dynamic journalist to lead team as Assistant News Director.

Work with competitive professionals to refine stories, showcase newscasts and oversee the best breaking news team in the Mid-South.

Be ready to run, not walk, to the desk when the big story breaks.

The successful candidate will function as chief deputy to the News Director with supervisory responsibility for all news broadcasts. The Assistant News Director will work closely with fellow managers and producers to implement the Action News 5 focus and philosophy. This person will assist with employee schedules, oversee budgetary aspects of operation, on-going evaluation of personnel and broadcast standards. Ability to function under deadline pressure is a must. Ability to nurture the creativity of the team and the capacity to offer constructive criticism will win us over.

Email resume to: tphillips@wmctv.com or mail to:

Tammy Phillips
News Director
WMC-TV
1960 Union Ave.
Memphis TN 38104

Morning Executive Producer, WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL:

WJXT-TV, a Post-Newsweek Station, is looking for an Executive Producer for morning news. We produce 4.5 hours of news Monday – Friday and 2 hours of morning news on Saturday and Sunday. We need someone who can manage anchors, producers, reporters, photographers and editors.

You will also oversee web and social media content. In addition, you will be involved in daily planning and sweeps projects. We need a strong writer and copy editor. You must also be creative and understand good storytelling.

Prior EP experience is a plus, but this is also a good move for an excellent line-producer with at least 5 years of experience. This is an overnight shift. You will also be part of the weekend on-call manager rotation.

Email resume and link to: kbonfield@wjxt.com

Or send resume and DVD to:

Kathryn Bonfield
News Director
4 Broadcast Place
Jacksonville, FL 32207
NO PHONE CALLS!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KDAF-TV, Dallas-Ft Worth, TX, (listed 12/9/11)
WTSP-TV, Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL (listed 1/6/12)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted this week)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 1/13/12) see ad above!
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 11/25/11)
WTEN-TV, Albany, NY (listed 11/25/11)
WRDW-TV, Augusta, GA (listed 11/25/11)
KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX (listed 12/9/11)
KTVM-TV, Bozeman, MT (listed 12/16/11)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KYW-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted this week)
KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX (Morning EP, new listing this week)
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (relisted 12/16/11)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listing updated this week)
KUNS-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 11/25/11) **
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
KPTV, Portland, OR (AM EP, relisted 12/16/11)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, relisted 11/25/11)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 11/11/11)
WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (AM EP, listed 10/28/11)
WPMT-TV, Harrisburg, PA (AM EP, listing revised 10/14/11)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 12/31/11)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (AM EP, listed 1/13/12) See ad above!
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (Dayside EP, relisted 12/9/11)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (listed 12/9/11)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 12/9/11)

MANAGING EDITOR:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (ME of Video, listed 12/23/11)
**** ***** ****

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

Names in the News:

KAMI McDONALD returns to Baton Rouge television as she joins WAFB-TV as the morning Executive Producer. She previously worked for WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, at KATC-TV in Lafayette, LA, and was a co-producer and writer on a documentary on public education in Louisiana.

Esposito

Past RTDNA Chairman ED ESPOSITO has been named Secretary and Treasurer of RTNDF. He’s been on the RTDNF Board since 2003, was chairman of RTDNA from 2007-2008, and spends his spare time as vice president of information media for Rubber City Radio Group in Northeast Ohio. He replaces MIKE CAVENDER who resigned as treasurer when he was named Executive Director of both RTDNA and RTDNF last December.

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

The Full List:

To the best of my knowledge, here is the list of stations with open news director jobs, as of Friday, January 20, 2012.

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

NY 1 News                                             75 Ninth Ave. New York NY 10011
WFAA-TV                                           606 Young St. Dallas TX 75202
KGO-TV                                             900 Front Street San Francisco, CA 94111
New England Cable News                160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
Central Florida News 13              20 N. Orange #13, Orlando, FL 32801 (see ad above!)
WITI-TV                                               9001 N. Green Bay Road Milwaukee WI 53209
WCPO-TV                                          1730 Gilbert Ave. Cincinnati OH 45202
WBRE-TV                                         62 S. Franklin Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 (see ad above!)
KMTV                                                  10714 Mockingbird Dr. Omaha NE 68127
WACH-TV                                            1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
KHGI-TV                                              13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
WTXL-TV                                        1620 Commerce Blvd. Midway, FL 32343
KOLO-TV                                         4850 Ampere Dr. Reno, NV 89502
KVII-TV                                                One Broadcast Center Amarillo TX 79101
KNOE-TV                                         1400 Oliver Rd. Monroe, LA 71211
KRCG-TV                                            Highway 54 North Holts Summit MO 65043
KAUZ-TV                                             PO Box 25 Wichita Falls TX 76309
WFXL-TV                                             1211 N. Slappey Blvd. Albany GA 31707
KTUU-TV                                          701 E. Tudor Rd. #220 Anchorage AK 99503 (see ad above!)
KYMA-TV                                           1385 S. Pacific Ave. Yuma AZ 85365
WTVY-TV                                           PO Box 1089 Dothan AL 36302
KKCO-TV                                          2325 Interstate Ave. Grand Junction CO 81505
KGNS-TV                                             120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
WCAV-TV                                        999 2nd St. SE Charlottesville, VA 22902 (see ad above!)
KKCO-TV                                             2325 Interstate Ave. Grand Junction CO 81505
KGWN-TV                                           2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001
KSAX-TV                                             PO Box 189 Alexandria, MN 56308
WYIN-TV                                            8625 Indiana Place Merrilville IN 46410

** Spanish language station