Rick Gevers & Associates

January 14, 2012

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 UPDATE:

Keeshan

A surprise from San Francisco today, where longtime KGO-TV News Director KEVIN KEESHAN announced he was leaving that ABC o-and-o to join NBC News in New York as an ombudsman. Kevin’s worked (in two different stints) for 21 years at KGO, interrupted by a three year run as ND of sister ABC o-and-o KFSN-TV in Fresno. He’s been ND there since 2001.

Kevin also worked in Bakersfield (two stations) and Sacramento, and spent some time as an anchor and consumer reporter. He’s one of the few news directors who often attends the annual Investigative Reporters and Editors conference.

Of note: Kevin’s former GM at KGO, VALARI STAAB, was named President of the NBC owned stations last summer.

More on this story…and some other ND changes…in our regular report later this week.

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Greetings:

We have THREE new news directors in this week’s report, including one in a top ten market. And there are THREE new openings to tell you about.

Those changes leave our count of open ND jobs at 26.

THREE of those open ND jobs are featured in ads this week. One of those ads features a bear…ya’ gotta love that. There’s a new ad for an EP in sunny Florida. And we welcome back another advertiser with a special FREE offer you should check out.

No Names in the News this week, but we do have two obituaries to report, including one for a former Indiana News Director who died at age 47.

That’s all below, after this week’s changes.

Also this week, LIN Media announced it was selling its FOX affiliate in Toledo, WUPW-TV, to a company who will contract with Raycom’s WTOL-TV to produce newscasts for the station. That would seem to mean the demise of the WUPW newsroom and most of its staff, though no official announcement has been made.

New News Director Opening:

KMTV, Omaha, NE…AL CARL has left this Journal Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate after two years as ND. He’s a former ND in Huntsville, AL, and worked in Kansas City before moving to Omaha.

WTVY-TV, Dothan, AL…KATIE McMANUS FAYE is leaving after seven years as ND here. She’s moving to her native Illinois for a job at WICS/WICD in Springfield (more on that below.) WVTY is a CBS affiliate owned by Gray Television.

WCAV-TV, Charlottesville, VA…another Gray Television station has an ND opening. My records show that JIM HANCHETT had been ND here for just over three years. WCAV is a CBS affiliate.

Newly Named News Directors:

Pittman

WSB-TV, Atlanta, GA…we reported the changes at this COX-owned ABC affiliate to you in an UPDATE yesterday. MARIAN PITTMAN, who’s been the ND here since 2006, has been promoted to station manager. Marian has been with Cox for 23 years in a variety of roles at several of the company’s stations.

Dreaden

And another Cox veteran, MIKE DREADEN, was promoted to ND to replace her. Mike’s been Managing Editor here since 1998, and previously worked in Miami and New York. Those moves meant a step up for some other WSB employees: MISTI TURNBULL was promoted from Senior EP to Managing Editor, REENA BHARDWAJ to Senior Executive Producer, and TINA COMMODORE to Manager of Coverage and Content.

McManus-Faye

WICS/WICD, Springfield/Champaign, IL…Illinois native KATIE McMANUS-FAYE returns home to become the Executive News Director for this Sinclair owned duopoly. Katie is currently ND for WTVY-TV in Dothan, AL (see above). She’s also been an ND in Jackson, TN, and Sarasota, and has also worked in Nashville, Miami (two stations), Tampa, and Dallas. Katie replaces DEANA REECE who announced in September she’d be leaving after four years as ND.

Marino

KWES-TV, Midland-Odessa, TX…DAVID MARINO has been promoted to news director here. He’s currently an anchor there but will eventually concentrate on the management side. David’s a Texas native who worked for KWES before taking a job in Tucson a few years ago. At this Drewry Communications owned NBC affiliate, he replaces MARK KURTZ who left in December after almost four years as ND. Mark is joining WAVY-TV in Norfolk as Assistant ND.

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Help Wanted Ads:

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!

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News Director, WBRE-TV, Wilkes-Barre, PA:

Individual will be responsible for the overall responsibility of our news operation, overseeing a staff of approximately 50 at WBRE-TV, the NBC affiliate in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton market.

Duties will include, but are not limited to, brand management, daily story selection, news promotion and website content. Must have a clear understanding of new media and social media and how to appropriately integrate it into the newsroom culture. Will be responsible for shaping future news content direction, helping direct news coverage and news gathering. Will be a key member of the station management team.

3-5 years of experience as ND or Assistant ND, managing a sizeable staff. The position requires strong people and coaching skills and dedication to quality broadcast journalism. Please send resumes to:

Personnel
WBRE-TV
62 South Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

lparri@pahomepage.com

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DIRECTOR OF NEWS STRATEGY, E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY:

The E.W. Scripps Company is seeking a Director of News Strategy who will lead strategic initiatives that advance the news departments in the Scripps Television Group and support the company mission of serving our communities by producing quality journalism on multiple platforms through delivering tactical assistance to the newsrooms.

* Provide daily news strategy consultation to Scripps Station Group.
* Work directly with General Managers and News Directors on daily news strategy and development at all levels to incrementally grow and improve news product and commensurate ratings.
* Integrate newly acquired McGraw-Hill stations into Scripps culture in partnership with corporate news strategy team.
* Act as liaison with research consultants to assist news departments in executing tracking and digital research plans.
* Develop content strategies based on tracking research recommendations for each station.
* Work with Director Digital Content to execute cross-platform content advancement on a daily basis.
* Execute daily 3-screen strategies across division with news, marketing and news media teams
* Work with VP Marketing and Directors of New Media to develop strategic products and partnerships
* Lead conversations with Special Projects Executive Producers regarding sweeps calendars, stories and 3-screen innovation for all Scripps stations.
* Execute daily content and sweeps special project strategies in partnership with the D.C.-based Scripps Howard News Service and MMJ team.
* Develop, execute and provide oversight to investigative content strategies and specialty MMJ(s) on special projects.
* Work with Scripps General Counsel in mitigating newsgathering, broadcast risk, ethical decision making and drive FCC compliance.
* Work with HR to design recruitment strategy focused on attracting diverse talent and developing high-potential employees.

Please apply for this role at: www.scripps.com/careers . Requisition # 4347

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Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WFLD-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 12/16/11)
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 (listed 10/14/11)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 1/6/12)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (new listing this week)
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 (listed 12/2/11)
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (relisted 12/16/11)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM EP, listed 10/7/11)
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)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (listed 9/17/11)
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, new listing this week) 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)

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Obituaries:

Runyon

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 14, in Marshall, IL, for former WTHI-TV News Director DOUG RUNYON who died Wednesday of an apparent heart attack. He was 47 years old. Doug began his career in law enforcement but spent ten years at WTHI, including the last two as ND, before leaving to help run a private security business he co-owned. Among his survivors is his wife, KELLY RUNYON, the ND for WEIU-TV at Eastern Illinois University.

Pryor

CLAUDIA PRYOR-MALIS, an award winning producer who worked for PBS, ABC, and NBC, died January 4 of complications from treatment for cancer. She was 58 years old. After graduating from Harvard, Claudia began as a news writer at KGO-TV in San Francisco. Later in her career she had her own company to produce documentary films. More on her life and career can be found here.

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No Names in the News:

Nothing this week.  Feel free to send me your news (or those of your friends!) at: rick@rickgevers.com

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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, January 13, 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
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!)
WACH-TV                                            1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
KHGI-TV                                              13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
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!)
KSWT-TV                                             1301 Third Ave. Yuma AZ 85364
KYMA-TV                                           1385 S. Pacific Ave. Yuma AZ 85365
KGNS-TV                                             120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
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

January 6, 2012

Greetings:

There’s a news director change at an Atlanta power house today, and we also are sad to report the death of a former Indiana news director.

Pittman

MARIAN PITTMAN, who’s been ND for Cox’s WSB-TV in Atlanta since 2006, has been named station manager for that ABC affiliate. She’ll oversee news, programming, public affairs and engineering.

Dreaden

Longtime WSB employee MIKE DREADEN has been promoted to News Director. He’s been the Managing Editor there since 1998, and previously worked in New York and Miami.

In addition, several other employees were promoted: MISTI TURNBULL to Managing Editor, REENA BHARDWAJ to Senior Executive Producer, and TINA COMMODORE to Manager of Coverage and Content.

Congratulations to all.

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Doug Runyon

I’m sorry to report the death of former WTHI-TV (Terre Haute, IN) News Director DOUG RUNYON. Doug died yesterday at the age of 47 of an apparent heart attack. Funeral services will be held Saturday in Marshall, IL, where Doug lived.

He left WTHI in 2008. He told me then he was going to work full time for a company he co-owned in the private security business.

More on both stories in tomorrow’s regular weekly full edition of the newsletter.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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Greetings:

Welcome to a busy report for the first full week of the New Year.

We have TWO new NDs this week (both in top 25 markets), and ONE new ND opening. All these moves involved veteran news directors.

That leaves our list of open ND jobs at 25.

Also this week, THREE help wanted ads, including two ND jobs and an addition to the corporate staff at Scripps. We also have an ad for a great training opportunity for news directors, which is almost free to you!

There are some updates to our Other News Management Openings section, thankfully NO obituaries, and one Name in the News, that of a veteran Michigan newsman, who, after 28 years in the Wolverine State, has figured out a way to escape cold weather.

That’s all below, after this week’s changes:

New News Director Opening:

Morford

WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH…veteran news director BOB MORFORD will leave this Scripps owned ABC affiliate in the next few months. Bob turns 55 in April and can officially retire from the company. He plans to take some time off and then pursue his next opportunity. Bob’s been ND here since 2001, and has previously worn the ND hat in Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati (WLWT-TV), Knoxville, TN, Huntsville, AL, and Ft. Pierce, FL. He’s also worked in Columbia, MO.

New News Directors:

Schwartz

WFLD-TV, Chicago, IL…we alerted you yesterday via an emailed UDPATE about the change at this FOX o-and-o. PHYLLIS SCHWARTZ returns for her third stint as a Chicago ND at her fourth station. (She earlier was ND at WLS-TV and WMAQ-TV, and ass’t ND at WBBM-TV). NBC transferred her to its station in San Diego (KNSD-TV) where she was GM until 2009, when she formed a consulting company. She replaces CAROL FOWLER, herself a three time Chicago ND (WGN-TV and WBBM) who left to pursue other opportunities after three years as ND.

KGW-TV, Portland, OR…congratulations to RICK JACOBS who’s been promoted to News Director for this Belo-owned NBC affiliate. Rick’s been the acting ND since last June when ROD GRAMER left the station. Rick’s been the Assistant News Director for KGW since 1999. Before that, he was the ND at KEZI-TV in Eugene. He’s also worked in Medford, OR, and earlier in his career for another station in Portland.

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News Director, WBRE-TV, Wilkes-Barre, PA:

Individual will be responsible for the overall responsibility of our news operation, overseeing a staff of approximately 50 at WBRE-TV, the NBC affiliate in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton market.

Duties will include, but are not limited to, brand management, daily story selection, news promotion and website content. Must have a clear understanding of new media and social media and how to appropriately integrate it into the newsroom culture. Will be responsible for shaping future news content direction, helping direct news coverage and news gathering. Will be a key member of the station management team.

3-5 years of experience as ND or Assistant ND, managing a sizeable staff. The position requires strong people and coaching skills and dedication to quality broadcast journalism. Please send resumes to:

Personnel
WBRE-TV
62 South Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

lparri@pahomepage.com

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DIRECTOR OF NEWS STRATEGY, E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY:

The E.W. Scripps Company is seeking a Director of News Strategy who will lead strategic initiatives that advance the news departments in the Scripps Television Group and support the company mission of serving our communities by producing quality journalism on multiple platforms through delivering tactical assistance to the newsrooms.

* Provide daily news strategy consultation to Scripps Station Group.
* Work directly with General Managers and News Directors on daily news strategy and development at all levels to incrementally grow and improve news product and commensurate ratings.
* Integrate newly acquired McGraw-Hill stations into Scripps culture in partnership with corporate news strategy team.
* Act as liaison with research consultants to assist news departments in executing tracking and digital research plans.
* Develop content strategies based on tracking research recommendations for each station.
* Work with Director Digital Content to execute cross-platform content advancement on a daily basis.
* Execute daily 3-screen strategies across division with news, marketing and news media teams
* Work with VP Marketing and Directors of New Media to develop strategic products and partnerships
* Lead conversations with Special Projects Executive Producers regarding sweeps calendars, stories and 3-screen innovation for all Scripps stations.
* Execute daily content and sweeps special project strategies in partnership with the D.C.-based Scripps Howard News Service and MMJ team.
* Develop, execute and provide oversight to investigative content strategies and specialty MMJ(s) on special projects.
* Work with Scripps General Counsel in mitigating newsgathering, broadcast risk, ethical decision making and drive FCC compliance.
* Work with HR to design recruitment strategy focused on attracting diverse talent and developing high-potential employees.

Please apply for this role at: www.scripps.com/careers . Requisition # 4347

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Senior Director of News, Central Florida News 13, Orlando, FL:

Central Florida News 13 is seeking its next great Senior Director of News. This person will be overseeing an award-winning team of journalists providing around-the-clock local television news coverage for viewers in the Orlando/Daytona Beach/Melbourne, FL, market. The largest television newsgathering team in Central Florida needs a hands-on leader who can coach and develop talent, inspire a passion for excellence, and who thrives on new technology and innovation.

Previous News Director experience a must, along with a track record of aggressive and strategic news and weather coverage.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

** Developing news coverage strategy for 24-hour local news channel, web site, and on-demand products;
** Daily newscast analysis for quality control and program growth;
** Collaborating editorially with other stations within Bright House Network’s Local Programming Group;
** Leading and inspiring a talented and accomplished team committed to providing outstanding local coverage.

This is an exceptional opportunity to take your career to the next level at a station utilizing the very latest state-of-the-art technology. We have the finest tools available and an exceptional team using them. In the past year alone News 13 has won, among others, a national SPJ breaking news award, regional Edward R. Murrow award for its website, and a national Walter Cronkite Award for Political Reporting. The best candidate for this job will be a leader who appreciates the tradition of television news and who is also constantly looking for ways to establish new and creative coverage traditions for News 13 and its viewers.

Apply online at: www.mybrighthouse.com

Central Florida News 13 is an EOE – all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
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Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WFLD-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 12/16/11)
KDAF-TV, Dallas-Ft Worth, TX, (listed 12/9/11)
WTSP-TV, Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL (new listing this week)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 10/14/11)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted this week)
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 (listed 12/2/11)
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (relisted 12/16/11)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM EP, listed 10/7/11)
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)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (listed 9/17/11)
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)
WPEC-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 10/7/11)
WPMT-TV, Harrisburg, PA (AM EP, listing revised 10/14/11)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 12/31/11)
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)

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Training Opportunity:

Kneeland Accepting Applications Now

Apply today!

The Kneeland Project is accepting applications until 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 to win 2012 election coverage
• The latest trends in social media – and what your newsroom ought to be doing today
• How your internal and external systems need to be revolutionized
• 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!

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Name in the News:

Bleicher

Congratulations to longtime Michigan newsman JIM BLEICHER who’s finally figured out how to stay warm in the winter. He’s been named General Manager for Barrington’s WACH-TV in Columbia, SC. Jim’s spent most of his career in Michigan, first in Detroit, then on to ND jobs in Lansing and later Flint, where he spent more than 20 years as ND for WJRT-TV. Jim left the station last March when new owners took over. You can wish him well via an email to: jimbleicher@gmail.com
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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, January 6, 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
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!)
WACH-TV                                            1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
WICS/WICD-TV                                2680 E. Cook St. Springfield IL 62703
KHGI-TV                                              13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
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
KWES-TV                                         11320 W. County Rd. 127 Midland, TX 79711
KSWT-TV                                             1301 Third Ave. Yuma AZ 85364
KYMA-TV                                           1385 S. Pacific Ave. Yuma AZ 85365
KGNS-TV                                             120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
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

January 1, 2012

Thursday, January 5, 2012 UPDATE:

A former Chicago News Director returns to the Windy City…that’s one of two new NDs in this UPDATE.

Schwartz

PHYLLIS SCHWARTZ has been named ND for WFLD-TV, the FOX o-and-o there.  That’s the third Chicago station for which she’s served as ND.  She replaces another three time Chicago ND, CAROL FOWLER, who’s left the station to ‘pursue other opportunities’.

WFLD will be the third Chicago station for which Phyllis has been ND. She served as ND for both WLS-TV and WMAQ-TV, and also was the Assistant ND for WBBM-TV. NBC later transferred her to San Diego, where she was GM of the company’s KNSD-TV there.

Since 2009, she’s run Phyllis Schwartz Solutions, a programming and content development company in San Diego.

Carol Fowler is also a three time Chicago ND, having overseen WBBM-TV and WGN-TV. She joined WFLD three years ago.

Also this week, RICK JACOBS has been promoted to ND for Belo’s KGW-TV in Portland, OR. He’s been the Assistant ND there, and has been the acting ND since ROD GRAMER left the station in June, 2011.

We’ll have more on both these stories when we update the full newsletter tomorrow.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

As we enter into a new year, I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone for their interest in this weekly newsletter. From a modest beginning in 1996 (a private email to two friends looking for a new job), it’s grown to 1,100 email subscribers and more than 1,500 hits a week on my website. Thanks to all, and on to this week’s news.

We have ONE new ND this week (in Washington), and ONE new ND opening (created by someone leaving for a network bureau position in Washington). We also have some newsroom consolidations to tell you about.

Our list of open ND jobs now totals 25.

We have more consolidations of newsrooms, both in California. Cowles Communications of California is combining its newsrooms in Salinas (KION/KCBA) with its newsroom in Santa Maria (KCOY/KKFX). TRACIANN ZERAVICA, who’s been the ND at KION, will oversee both newsrooms.

And Entravision is closing its news operation in Santa Barbara, and will air a newscast produced from Monterrey-Salinas.

Also this week, we’ll tell you about the death of the father of a longtime RTDNA officer and three time ND. And we’ll introduce you to the new son of a California news director.

We have one help wanted ad for an interesting job at The Weather Channel.

That’s all below, after this week’s changes.

New News Director Opening:

Settle

WBRE-TV, Wilkes-Barre, PA…JEREMY SETTLE is leaving this Nexstar-owned NBC affiliate to return to his hometown of Washington, DC. Jeremy will be the Senior Producer of the Fox News Channel DC Bureau. He’s been the ND for WBRE for just over two years, earlier worked as ND for Albritton’s NewsChannel 8 cable operation in DC, and was an ND/anchor in Charlottesville, VA. He’s also worked for WUSA-TV in Washington.

Newly Named News Director:

WFDC-TV, Washington, DC…KAREN MUNDEZ is already on the job as the new ND for this Entravision owned Univision affiliate. She most recently has been working at WAPA-TV in Puerto Rico, but has earlier been an ND in Orlando and Puerto Rico, and also worked in New York. She replaces ERNESTO CLAVIJO who retired from WFDC earlier this fall.

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

Help Wanted Ads:

Managing Editor of Video, The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA:

The Managing Editor of Video is responsible for timely delivery of video segments, stories and forecasts across all The Weather Channel platforms.

Duties: Ensure all best video is airing and posting, approves and oversees all field content, manages live content & package production, work closely with executive producers and digital content managers on plans, leads and big story coverage execution. Work with segment producers on daily production.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop strategies to grow video consumption on all platforms as well as cross platform promotion. Work effectively with cross-functional team (meteorologists, producers, designers, developers & product managers) to effectively deliver consistently excellent, compelling content in its most effective form to the particular platform.

Produce multimedia content (video, audio, maps, data presentation) that aligns with programming initiatives. Seek continuous improvement of overall content offering and develop new content ideas. Maintain knowledge of all technologies and platforms that will put our video in the hands of viewers and users.

Required experience:

5 years experience management in television production
Journalism Degree or equivalent experience
Must know how to write, produce, and edit for TV and interactive platforms.
3 years experience in web producing preferred.
Thrives in a multi-team, multi-in-house customer environment.

Go to weather.com/careers to apply.

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

Senior Director of News, Central Florida News 13, Orlando, FL:

Central Florida News 13 is seeking its next great Senior Director of News. This person will be overseeing an award-winning team of journalists providing around-the-clock local television news coverage for viewers in the Orlando/Daytona Beach/Melbourne, FL, market. The largest television newsgathering team in Central Florida needs a hands-on leader who can coach and develop talent, inspire a passion for excellence, and who thrives on new technology and innovation.

Previous News Director experience a must, along with a track record of aggressive and strategic news and weather coverage.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

** Developing news coverage strategy for 24-hour local news channel, web site, and on-demand products;
** Daily newscast analysis for quality control and program growth;
** Collaborating editorially with other stations within Bright House Network’s Local Programming Group;
** Leading and inspiring a talented and accomplished team committed to providing outstanding local coverage.

This is an exceptional opportunity to take your career to the next level at a station utilizing the very latest state-of-the-art technology. We have the finest tools available and an exceptional team using them. In the past year alone News 13 has won, among others, a national SPJ breaking news award, regional Edward R. Murrow award for its website, and a national Walter Cronkite Award for Political Reporting. The best candidate for this job will be a leader who appreciates the tradition of television news and who is also constantly looking for ways to establish new and creative coverage traditions for News 13 and its viewers.

Apply online at: www.mybrighthouse.com

Central Florida News 13 is an EOE – all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

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

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WFLD-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 12/16/11)
KDAF-TV, Dallas-Ft Worth, TX, (listed 12/9/11)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 10/14/11)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/28/11)
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 (listed 12/2/11)
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (relisted 12/16/11)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM EP, listed 10/7/11)
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)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (listed 9/17/11)
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)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (PM EP, listing revised 8/12/11)
WPEC-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 10/7/11)
WPMT-TV, Harrisburg, PA (AM EP, listing revised 10/14/11)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted this week)
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, see ad above!)

Obituary:

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2012, in Media, PA, for DR. ENIO TOBIA, father of former ND LOREN TOBIA. Dr. Tobia died December 30th at the age of 80. He’s a retired veteran, having served during the Korean War. Dr. Tobia is survived by his wife, Laura, and two sons, including Loren. Loren’s a former ND in Charleston-Huntington, WV, Omaha, and Syracuse, and is the longtime RTDNA Treasurer. He’s been with Accu-Weather since 2005. A kind note would reach him at: tobia@accuweather.com

Name in the News:

Jacob & Parents

Congratulations to KFSN-TV (Fresno, CA) News Director TRACEY WATKOWSKI and her husband JIM SILVA on the birth of their first child, JACOB LUCIO SILVA. The future newsman was born on December 19th, and weighed in six pounds, eight ounces, and 19 inches long. Mom’s been the ND for that ABC o-and-o since 2006, and earlier worked in San Francisco, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and for CNN. Perhaps she’d have a moment between diaper changings to read a nice email sent to her at: Tracey.Watkowski@abc.com
**** ****** ****

The Full List:

To the best of my knowledge, here is the list of stations with open news director jobs, as of Saturday, December 31, 2011.

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
New England Cable News                160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
Central Florida News 13                  20 N. Orange #13, Orlando, FL 32801
KGW-TV                                                1501 SW Jefferson St. Portland OR 97201
WITI-TV                                               9001 N. Green Bay Road Milwaukee WI 53209
WBRE-TV                                         62 S. Franklin Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
WACH-TV                                            1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
WICS/WICD-TV                                2680 E. Cook St. Springfield IL 62703
KHGI-TV                                              13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
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
KWES-TV                                         11320 W. County Rd. 127 Midland, TX 79711
KSWT-TV                                             1301 Third Ave. Yuma AZ 85364
KYMA-TV                                           1385 S. Pacific Ave. Yuma AZ 85365
KGNS-TV                                             120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
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

December 23, 2011

Greetings:

Best wishes for a happy holiday to all.

We alerted you earlier this week to a new ND opening in Dallas, but the biggest surprise in this week’s report may be the new news director at a small market Wisconsin station. That news is below, and it’s one of FIVE new NDs named this week. And the Dallas vacancy is the only new ND opening I’m aware of.

Our list of open ND jobs now totals 26.

We have ads for two of those news director openings, as well as a new ad for a Managing Editor job at the Weather Channel. And we’ll tell you about a Rhode Island station looking for producers.

We’re sorry to report the death of the wife of a longtime Milwaukee ND. That’s below.

And we’ll tell you who the top five executives in local TV are…at least according to one publication. That’s among the items in Names in the News.

That’s all below, after this week’s changes.

New News Director Openings:

Valentine

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX…MICHAEL VALENTINE is being promoted to VP of Content for station owner Belo. He’s been ND for this ABC affiliate since 2005, and earlier worked as the ND for Belo’s WVEC-TV in Norfolk, VA. Michael’s first ND job was in Evansville, IN. He’ll continue at WFAA until his successor is found.

Newly Named News Directors:

KDEN-TV, Denver, CO…MARIA ROZMAN has been promoted to News Director for this Telemundo station. She has been the EP there and also anchors for the station.

WLNE-TV, Providence, RI…BOB ROCKSTROH has been named ND for the Citadel Communications-owned ABC affiliate. Bob’s a former ND in Hartford and Ft. Wayne who’s been the EP for FiOS1, Verizon’s news operation in New York. He’s also worked in San Francisco, Minneapolis, and San Diego. At WLNE, he replaces IRENE MAHONEY PAGE who left the station a few weeks ago after four months as ND.

WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV…ELISABETH SHAFFER has been named ND for the West Virginia Media owned CBS affiliate. Elizabeth has worked for WCHS-TV for the past 30 years. At WOWK, she replaces APRIL KAULL who will remain with the company. April first joined WOWK in 2000, and has been news director since May, 2010.

Quarderer

WJFW-TV, Rhinelander, WI...after almost 21 years at Magid, JOHN QUARDERER is moving home to Wisconsin and becoming ND for this NBC affiliate. Rhineland is home for John and he told friends he and his wife are excited to be back. Earlier in his career, John was on the faculty of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and was ND for KOMU-TV. He’s also was an ND in Salinas, CA, and an EP in San Francisco. John replaces HEATHER SCHALLOCK who left the station after 12 years as ND for a job out of TV.

Bothwell

WTOV-TV, Steubenville, OH…MIKE BOTHWELL remains with Cox as he has been named ND for this NBC affiliate. Mike’s currently the Director of Content and Coverage for Cox’s WPXI-TV in nearby Pittsburgh. He’s a former ND in Bend, Or, an Assistant ND in Palm Desert, CA, and worked in Philadelphia as well as an earlier stint in Pittsburgh. He replaces BRANDON GOBEL who was also promoted within Cox as he moved to WSB-TV in Atlanta as an EP.

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

Help Wanted Ads: 

Managing Editor of Video, The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA:

The Managing Editor of Video is responsible for timely delivery of video segments, stories and forecasts across all The Weather Channel platforms.

Duties: Ensure all best video is airing and posting, approves and oversees all field content, manages live content & package production, work closely with executive producers and digital content managers on plans, leads and big story coverage execution. Work with segment producers on daily production.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop strategies to grow video consumption on all platforms as well as cross platform promotion. Work effectively with cross-functional team (meteorologists, producers, designers, developers & product managers) to effectively deliver consistently excellent, compelling content in its most effective form to the particular platform.

Produce multimedia content (video, audio, maps, data presentation) that aligns with programming initiatives. Seek continuous improvement of overall content offering and develop new content ideas. Maintain knowledge of all technologies and platforms that will put our video in the hands of viewers and users.

Required experience:

5 years experience management in television production
Journalism Degree or equivalent experience
Must know how to write, produce, and edit for TV and interactive platforms.
3 years experience in web producing preferred.
Thrives in a multi-team, multi-in-house customer environment.

Go to weather.com/careers to apply.

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

Senior Director of News, Central Florida News 13, Orlando, FL:

Central Florida News 13 is seeking its next great Senior Director of News. This person will be overseeing an award-winning team of journalists providing around-the-clock local television news coverage for viewers in the Orlando/Daytona Beach/Melbourne, FL, market. The largest television newsgathering team in Central Florida needs a hands-on leader who can coach and develop talent, inspire a passion for excellence, and who thrives on new technology and innovation.

Previous News Director experience a must, along with a track record of aggressive and strategic news and weather coverage.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

** Developing news coverage strategy for 24-hour local news channel, web site, and on-demand products;
** Daily newscast analysis for quality control and program growth;
** Collaborating editorially with other stations within Bright House Network’s Local Programming Group;
** Leading and inspiring a talented and accomplished team committed to providing outstanding local coverage.

This is an exceptional opportunity to take your career to the next level at a station utilizing the very latest state-of-the-art technology. We have the finest tools available and an exceptional team using them. In the past year alone News 13 has won, among others, a national SPJ breaking news award, regional Edward R. Murrow award for its website, and a national Walter Cronkite Award for Political Reporting. The best candidate for this job will be a leader who appreciates the tradition of television news and who is also constantly looking for ways to establish new and creative coverage traditions for News 13 and its viewers.

Apply online at: www.mybrighthouse.com

Central Florida News 13 is an EOE – all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

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

Producer, WLNE-TV, Providence, RI:

ABC6 in Providence, Rhode Island is looking for a creative and energetic newscast producer who has the ability to juggle breaking and daily news. We want a producer who takes ownership of the newscast and understands relevant news content and viewer benefit.

Only producers with significant booth and editorial experience will be considered. Please send your resume by 12/31/2011 to:

Anne Marie Menard
Business Manager
WLNE/ABC6
10 Orms Street
Providence, RI 02904

No phone calls please. WLNE-TV / ABC6 is and equal opportunity employer.

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

News Director, KTUU-TV, Anchorage, AK:

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

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WFLD-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 12/16/11)
KDAF-TV, Dallas-Ft Worth, TX, (listed 12/9/11)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 10/14/11)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 12/16/11)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/28/11)
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 (listed 12/2/11)
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (relisted 12/16/11)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM EP, listed 10/7/11)
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)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (listed 9/17/11)
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)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (PM EP, listing revised 8/12/11)
WPEC-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 10/7/11)
WPMT-TV, Harrisburg, PA (AM EP, listing revised 10/14/11)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 9/23/11)
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, new listing this week, see ad above!)

Obituary:

Uitti

CHERYL UITTI, wife of WDJT-TV (Milwaukee, WI) News Director GRANT UITTI, lost her long battle with brain cancer this week. She died Sunday, December 18th, at the age of 46. Cheryl once performed with Second City in Chicago, appeared on QVC, and worked as a reporter for public radio. In addition to Grant, she’s survived by the couple’s two children and her parents. Services were held yesterday in Carbondale, IL.

Names in the News:

Congratulations to WFAA-TV in Dallas, WSB-TV in Atlanta, WTVF-TV in Nashville, and Detroit Public Television, all honored this week with Alfred I. DuPont Awards. Check out the entire list of winners here.

Speaking of honors, WCVB-TV (Boston) ND ANDREW VREES, former ND and now GM for WTHR-TV in Indianapolis JOHN CARDENAS, and longtime newsman ADAM SYMSON were among five people picked by Broadcasting and Cable as the Local TV Executives of the Year.

Longtime RTDNA officer and former News Director LOU PRATO has had an upclose view of the Penn State story this fall, and doesn’t like a lot of what he’s seen. He offered his thoughts in this commentary on the RTDNA website, posted ten days ago.

Bray

Perhaps the busiest man in television is going to get a little busier, apparently. STEVE BRAY, who is the Chief Meteorologist AND News and Weather Operations Manager for WISH-TV in Indianapolis, has been named Assistant News Director for this Lin Media owned CBS affiliate. Steve also does the weather on the 5:00 news. He first joined WISH in 1995, and earlier worked in Mobile, AL, and Lake Charles, LA.

A cross-town move in Cincinnati, where JEANNINE GALLENSTEIN has been named EP of the morning newscast for WKRC-TV.  She’s spent almost 25 years working for WCPO-TV in a variety of roles, but actually began her career at WKRC.

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

The Full List:

To the best of my knowledge, here is the list of stations with open news director jobs, as of December 23, 2011.

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
New England Cable News                160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
WFDC-TV                                            101 Constitution Ave. NW Washington DC 20001  **
Central Florida News 13                  20 N. Orange #13, Orlando, FL 32801 (See ad above!)
KGW-TV                                                1501 SW Jefferson St. Portland OR 97201
WITI-TV                                               9001 N. Green Bay Road Milwaukee WI 53209
WACH-TV                                            1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
WICS/WICD-TV                                2680 E. Cook St. Springfield IL 62703
KHGI-TV                                              13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
KOLO-TV                                         4850 Ampere Dr. Reno, NV 89502
KCOY/KKFX-TV                              1211 W. McCoy Santa Maria CA 93455
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!)
KWES-TV                                         11320 W. County Rd. 127 Midland, TX 79711
KSWT-TV                                             1301 Third Ave. Yuma AZ 85364
KYMA-TV                                           1385 S. Pacific Ave. Yuma AZ 85365
KGNS-TV                                             120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
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