Newsletter | Rick Gevers & Associates

September 17, 2011

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 UPDATE:

There’s a news director change at a CBS o-and-o in Miami to report to you.

Aldama

CESAR ALDAMA, who’s been the ND at WFOR-TV in Miami since March, 2010, is leaving to become Director of News for Comcast Sports Net-Mid Atlantic, based in Bethesda, MD.

Cesar had three tours of duty in Miami, one at WSVN-TV where he worked as an editor, photographer, and assignment manager, and an earlier stint as Managing Editor for WFOR. He’s also worked in Baltimore and Orlando.

We’ll have more on this story…and all the week’s changes, in our regular weekly report later this week.

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Greetings:

We have ONE new ND to report this week (though he’s a three-time news director) and ONE new open ND position, created by the departure of a longtime news director in this week’s report. Combined with one position we’re removing from our open list of jobs, that brings our count of open ND jobs to 26.

We have help wanted ads for ONE of those openings, along with a help wanted ad for an EP position in Portland, OR. And we have displays ads this week for one new sponsor, Weather Metrics, as well as some of our regular sponsors, DEVLIN DESIGN GROUP, CHYRON, and BEAT THE TRAFFIC. All four will have a presence at RTDNA and I hope you’ll check out their offerings.

We have a few new News Management Openings this week, and a wide variety of items in Names in the News, including a new GM job for a former New York State ND, a new job for a two-time Minneapolis ND, and the loss of a full-time job for a veteran Utah newsman.

All that, and more, after this week’s changes.

New News Director Opening:

Baumert

KHGI-TV, Kearney, NE…longtime ND MARK BAUMERT is taking a job with Energy Pioneer Solutions in Hastings. He’s been ND for this Pappas-owned ABC affiliate since 1996 and has worked for the station for 23 years, including a stint on the assignment desk. Mark’s wife is a teacher and has been commuting for five years and this move will eliminate that. Mark’s a Nebraska native.

Newly Named News Director:

Schillinger

KWWL-TV, Waterloo, IA…veteran newsman DAN SCHILLINGER has been named ND for this Quincy Newspapers owned NBC affiliate. Dan’s currently the News Operations Manager for WJBF-TV in Augusta, GA, where he’s worked in a variety of roles since 2007. He’d earlier spent five years as the ND for KCEN-TV in Waco, TX, and was the ND and anchor for KEVN-TV in Rapid City, SD. At KWWL, he replaces NATE LEDING who left the station in June after two years as ND.

Also, please note that we’ve removed KMSB-TV in Tucson, AZ, from the list of stations looking for a new news director. That Belo-owned Fox affiliate is no longer searching for an ND and may have postponed plans for a morning newscast. BOB RICHARDSON continues to oversee the newsroom with the title of Managing Editor.

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Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WNEP-TV, Moosic, PA

One of the nation’s dominant news stations is looking for a new leader.

WNEP-TV Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is searching for its next News Director. The right candidate will eat, breathe, live and love news – in all forms. This team produces 53 1/2 hours of HD news each week on WNEP & WNEP2, along with 1.3 million page views per week on wnep.com. Joined by a staff of 60+, two news bureaus, four ENG and two SNG trucks, the right candidate will continue to grow ratings on one of the nation’s top rated ABC affiliates, while building the future of Newswatch16 on all platforms.

Nestled at the base of the Pocono Mountains between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, WNEP is owned by Local TV LLC. Its signal covers 17 counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

If you would like to lead one of the strongest news teams in the nation, send your resume and cover letter via email to:

chuck.morgan@wnep.com

or via mail to:

Chuck Morgan
WNEP-TV
16 Montage Mountain Road
Moosic, Pa 18507

EOE

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Executive Producer, KPTV, Portland, OR:

FOX 12 in Portland, Oregon is looking for a highly motivated leader to oversee its morning show. The successful candidate for the Executive Producer position will be a hands on news manager, with a solid producing background, a passion for breaking news, attention to details and strong communication skills.

Job Responsibilities:
· Directs editorial content for assigned newscasts
· Ensures the writing style and presentation of content meets station standards
· Executes research and ratings strategies for assigned newscast
· Handles some scheduling, timesheets and performance reviews

Job Requirements:
· Degree in Communications, Journalisim or related field
· 5 years newscast producing experience preferred
· Ability to conceptualize and execute strong visual newscast elements
· Strong writing and writing coaching skills required
· Strong news judgment and an expert understanding of libel and fairness issues
· Must be able to motivate and lead both new and veteran employees

Please send cover letter and resume to:

Corey Hanson
Executive News Director
FOX 12
14975 NW Greenbrier Parkway
Beaverton, OR 97006

Or via email to corey.hanson@kptv.com

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Other News Management Openings:

Assistant News Director:

WFLD-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 9/10/11)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted this week)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 9/3/11)
WPMT-TV, Harrisburg, PA (listed 7/29/11)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 9/10/10)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (relisted 9/10/10)
KTVM-TV, Bozeman, MT (new listing this week)

Executive News Producer:

KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (AM EP, relisted 8/5/11)
KCNC-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP, listed 8/26/11)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 9/10/11)
KPTV, Portland, OR (AM EP, listed 9/10/1, see ad above!)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (new listing this week)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, relisted 8/26/11)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 8/26/11)
WVIT-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (relisted 8/5/11)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (PM EP, listing revised 8/12/11)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 7/1/11)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (PM EP, listed 8/12/11)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 8/19/11)

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Names in the News:

Vetters

Former ND VIC VETTERS has been named GM for Media General’s WJAR-TV in Providence, RI. He’s worked at WKTV in Utica, NY, for more than 17 years, including four years as ND. He most recently has been GM for WKTV and also oversaw two other stations. Vic’s also worked in Syracuse and Wilkes-Barre, PA. He also has a law degree!

Psarras

Longtime Salt Lake City newsman CON PSARRAS, who’s been a news manager for three SLC stations, has left KSL-TV, at least on a full-time basis. He’ll now work as an independent contractor for the station, working on special projects and an occasional editorial. He’s been VP of Special Projects and Editorials since January, but the station has decided to discontinue regular on-air editorials and thus eliminated Con’s position.

Univision has promoted three members of its news team. LOURDES TORRES has been appointed director of special projects for Univision News; JAIRO MARIN will be EP of the newsmagazine Aquí y Ahora (Here and Now); and MARIA MARTINEZ-HENAO has been promoted to managing editor of network news. More in this story from TVNewsCheck.com.

Libin

Old friend SCOTT LIBIN is now a full-time employee of Internet Broadcasting. We told you a few issues ago that Scott was working there as a consultant and project manager. He’s now been named Vice President of Content Solutions for IB, which allows Scott and his wife MICHELLE to stay in the Twin Cities, where her family lives. Most of you know that Scott’s been an ND at both KSTP-TV and WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, as well as WGHP-TV in Greensboro/High Point, NC, and spent seven years in two different stints at Poynter.

Finally, if you’re headed to RTDNA in New Orleans (and I hope you are), the Missouri Mafia will hold a gathering (open to all, by the way) hosted by the Devlin Design Group and held in Dan’s suite at the Sheraton. The get-together will be Monday evening from 6:00-7:30. You can stop by Dan’s booth (#400) on the exhibit floor to get the suite number, and we’ll try in post it here once it is assigned!

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Obituary:

A former New York State newsman committed suicide last week, shortly after being arrested on federal child pornography charges. ROBERT JASON FAIN, who went by the name ROB JASON, had been an ND at WWTI-TV in Watertown, NY, and earlier served as an anchor for WWNY-TV in Watertown. He was 51.

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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 Saturday, September 17, 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
KDFW-TV 400 N. Griffin St. Dallas TX 75202
New England Cable News 160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
KXLN-TV 9440 Kirby Dr. Houston TX 77054
KGW-TV 1501 SW Jefferson St. Portland OR 97201
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd. Moosic PA 18507 (see ad above!)
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt St. Rochester NY 14610
WSYR-TV 5904 Bridge St. Syracuse NY 13057
WICS/WICD-TV 2680 E. Cook St. Springfield IL 62703
KOAA-TV 530 Communications Cir. Colorado Springs CO 80905
KHGI-TV 13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
WGGB-TV 1300 Liberty St. Springfield MA 01104
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St. Lewiston ID 83501
KVII-TV One Broadcast Center Amarillo TX 79101
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert CA 92260
WFXL-TV 1211 N. Slappey Blvd. Albany GA 31707
KTUU-TV 701 E. Tudor Rd. #220 Anchorage AK 99503
WCJB-TV 6220 NW 43rd St. Gainesville FL 32653
KSWT-TV 1301 Third Ave. Yuma AZ 85364
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings MT 59102
WHSV-TV 50 N. Main St. Harrisonburg VA 22802
WLUC-TV 177 US Highway 41 East Negaunee MI 49866
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Manor Grand Junction CO 81502
KSAN/KLST-TV 2800 Armstrong San Angelo TX 76903
KGWN-TV 2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001

September 10, 2011

Greetings:

We’re delayed by travel but several stories broke late yesterday so we are able to include them in this week’s report. (And we may be delayed by travel next week, as well.)

Among those stories was a new ND in Minneapolis…and an interesting new assignment for the man being replaced there.

That’s one of TWO new NDs in this week’s report, while we have THREE new ND openings, bringing our count of open ND jobs to 27.

We’re pleased this week to welcome a new sponsor and the return of another. Chyron will help support this newsletter over the next year with ads featuring their products. You can check the first one out below. And Beat the Traffic returns as an advertiser as we approach the RTDNA convention. Both join longtime advertiser the Devlin Design Group in supporting our efforts and I urge you to check out their services.

And we have two help wanted ads this week, one for a morning EP in Portland (OR) and a repeat of an ad for a news director in Rochester (NY).

Also this week, just one Name in the News and some updated postings in our Other News Management Openings section.

New News Director Openings:

NEW ENGLAND CABLE NEWS, Newton, MA…DEBRA JUAREZ, who’s been ND here since July, 2010, is leaving to return to Chicago where she’s been named ND for WMAQ-TV, the NBC o-and-o. She’ll report to Station Manager and VP/News FRANK WHITTAKER. More on this story below.

WICS/WICD, Springfield, IL…DEANA REECE will be leaving this Sinclair-owned ABC affiliate so the search is on for her replacement. Deana tells me she’ll be there for a few more months and isn’t yet ready to divulge her next move. She’s been the ND here since October, 2007, and earlier had been an ND for KVAL-TV in Eugene, OR.

MacDonald

KTUU-TV, Anchorage, AL…longtime Alaskan newsman STEVE MacDONALD is leaving the ND office to return to an on air role as a senior reporter and fill-in anchor. Steve’s worked for this Schurz-owned NBC affiliate since 1992, first as a reporter and anchor. He was promoted to ND in 2008, dismissed in 2009, but rehired after a flurry of protests. He’s also been an ND for KTVA-TV in Anchorage. The station has hired veteran Minneapolis ND TOM LINDNER as the interim ND.

Newly Named News Directors:

Juarez

WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL…DEBRA JUAREZ returns to Chicago as ND for this NBC o-and-o. Debra spent 12 years as the ND for WFLD-TV, the FOX o-and-o in Chicago. She’s been the ND for New England Cable news since June of 2010. We’ve not had the ND job here listed, though the station was searching for an Assistant ND. ROBERT FEDER reports that she was named ND in deference to her experience. She will report to VP/News FRANK WHITTAKER.

Helmke

KARE-TV, Minneapolis, MN…longtime station employee JANE HELMKE has been promoted to ND. Jane’s been at this Gannett-owned NBC affiliate for 28 years, working in a wide variety of roles in several departments. She most recently was the Managing Editor and has been the interim ND since April when longtime ND TOM LINDNER left the station. Tom ran the news department for 19 years, the last 15 with the title of VP/News. (Be sure to check the listing above for the open position at KTUU-TV in Anchorage to see the latest on Tom.)

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Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, KPTV, Portland, OR:

Please send cover letter and resume to:

Corey Hanson
Executive News Director
FOX 12
14975 NW Greenbrier Parkway
Beaverton, OR 97006

Or via email to corey.hanson@kptv.com

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News Director, WROC-TV, Rochester, NY:

WROC-TV, the CBS affiliate in Rochester, NY, seeks a forward thinking and aggressive journalist for the position of News Director. We have an established anchor team and a group of hungry and creative journalists. Now we need a leader to take us to the next level. The successful candidate will be a hands on news manager who has a proven track record for coaching and developing talent, solid journalism skills, an own the big news story and weather philosophy, and a passion for breaking news.

We provide services to WUHF-TV, the FOX affiliate in Rochester, which includes the nightly production of a one hour 10:00 pm newscast.

Job Responsibilities:
• Day to day editorial supervision of the news operation.
• 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.
• Administrative duties including staff scheduling, timesheets, performance reviews and budgets.
• Supervise and enhance content available on the station’s website, social media sites, mobile applications and other methods.
• 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:
• At least 5 years in as a news manager
• Over 10 years working in a news operation
• Medium to large market producing or reporting experience is a plus
• Degree in broadcast journalism preferred

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

Louis A. Gattozzi
Vice-President and General Manager
WROC-TV
201 Humboldt Street
Rochester, NY 14610
e-mail: lgattozzi@wroctv.com
WROC/WUHF-TV IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Other News Management Openings:

Assistant News Director:

WFLD-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted this week)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 7/1/11)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 9/3/11)
WPMT-TV, Harrisburg, PA (listed 7/29/11)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted this week)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (relisted this week)

Executive News Producer:

KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (AM EP, relisted 8/5/11)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (AM EP, listed 8/12/11)
KCNC-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP, listed 8/26/11)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (new listing this week)
KPTV, Portland, OR (AM EP, new listing this week, see ad above!)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, relisted 8/26/11)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 8/26/11)
WVIT-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (relisted 8/5/11)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (PM EP, listing revised 8/12/11)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 7/1/11)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (PM EP, listed 8/12/11)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 8/19/11)

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Name in the News:

Telemundo Executive VP News RAMON ESCOBAR is leaving his post to pursue other interests. Ramon’s been in that job for just over 18 months. He’s a former ND for WTVJ-TV in Miami and also worked at MSNBC.

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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 Saturday, September 10, 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
KDFW-TV 400 N. Griffin St. Dallas TX 75202
New England Cable News 160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
KXLN-TV 9440 Kirby Dr. Houston TX 77054
KGW-TV 1501 SW Jefferson St. Portland OR 97201
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd. Moosic PA 18507
KMSB-TV 1855 N. 6th Ave. Tucson AZ 85705
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt St. Rochester NY 14610 (see ad above!)
WSYR-TV 5904 Bridge St. Syracuse NY 13057
WICS/WICD-TV 2680 E. Cook St. Springfield IL 62703
KWWL-TV 500 East Fourth St. Waterloo IA 50703
KOAA-TV 530 Communications Cir. Colorado Springs CO 80905
WGGB-TV 1300 Liberty St. Springfield MA 01104
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St. Lewiston ID 83501
KVII-TV One Broadcast Center Amarillo TX 79101
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert CA 92260
WFXL-TV 1211 N. Slappey Blvd. Albany GA 31707
KTUU-TV 701 E. Tudor Rd. #220 Anchorage AK 99503
WCJB-TV 6220 NW 43rd St. Gainesville FL 32653
KSWT-TV 1301 Third Ave. Yuma AZ 85364
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings MT 59102
WHSV-TV 50 N. Main St. Harrisonburg VA 22802
WLUC-TV 177 US Highway 41 East Negaunee MI 49866
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Manor Grand Junction CO 81502
KSAN/KLST-TV 2800 Armstrong San Angelo TX 76903
KGWN-TV 2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001

September 3, 2011

Greetings:

TWO new ND openings and TWO newly appointed NDs in this week’s slightly-delayed-by-the-Labor-Day-holiday report.

That brings our count of openings to 25. Two of those openings are featured in paid ads below.

Also this week, details of an abrupt departure for an Illinois news manager, and a new baby for a Louisiana ND and his wife.

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

New News Director Openings:

KXLN-TV, Houston, TX…ISABEL GONZALEZ left this Univision o-and-o last month, so the search is on for her replacement. She’d been ND there since October, 2009. She’d earlier been an ND for KUVS-TV in Sacramento.

WNEP-TV, Moosic, PA…ERIK SCHRADER is leaving this ABC affiliate which serves the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton market to become ND for WTNH-TV in the New Haven/Hartford market. More on that below. Erik’s been ND for this LocalTV owned station for more than three years.

And while it’s not a new opening, we do want to mention the search for a new ND at WROC-TV in Rochester, NY. We told you a few weeks ago that ND JERRY WALSH was being promoted with Nexstar. The station has placed a help wanted ad with us and you can see that below, along with an ad for a new ND at KULR-TV in Billings, MT.

Newly Named News Directors:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT…after a long search, this LIN Media owned ABC affiliate has named ERIK SCHRADER as its next news director. Erik’s currently the ND for WNEP-TV in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton market. Erik’s been an ND in Joplin and Springfield, MO, and Savannah, GA. He’s worked in production, as a reporter, and as a sports director before moving into management. At WTNH, he replaces KIRK VARNER who left the station last November to become ND for WKRC-TV in Cincinnati.

Speciale

WREX-TV, Rockford, IL…PETER SPECIALE has been named ND here. He’s currently working at WPTZ-TV in Plattsburgh, NY, but had earlier been an ND in Gainesville, FL, Burlington, VT, and Youngstown, and has also worked in Dayton, Cleveland, Hartford and Oklahoma City. At WREX, Peter replaces MAGGIE HRADECKY who left this Quincy Newspapers owned NBC station after 15 years as news director.

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Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WROC-TV, Rochester, NY:

We provide services to WUHF-TV, the FOX affiliate in Rochester, which includes the nightly production of a one hour 10:00 pm newscast.

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

Louis A. Gattozzi
Vice-President and General Manager
WROC-TV
201 Humboldt Street
Rochester, NY 14610
e-mail: lgattozzi@wroctv.com
WROC/WUHF-TV IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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News Director, KULR-TV, Billings, MT:

Position is responsible for all aspects of our award winning news department including oversight of day to day duties, management of the operational budget, and strategic planning.

We’re only interested in the consummate professional committed to market leadership. Accreditation should include journalism degree and 2-5 years experience as an Executive Producer, Assistant News Director, Managing Editor, or News Director. Terrific opportunity with all the glory of Big Sky country in Montana.

Cover letter, resume, and salary history to:
General Manager
KULR-8
2045 Overland Ave.,
Billings, MT 59102

or via email to: bcummings@kulr.com

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. KULR-8 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full details at kulr8.com.

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Other News Management Openings:

Assistant News Director:

WFLD-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 7/1/11)
WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 8/5/11)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (relisted 7/1/11)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 7/1/11)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted this week)
WPMT-TV, Harrisburg, PA (listed 7/29/11)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 6/24/11)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (listed 7/1/11)

Executive News Producer:

KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (AM EP, relisted 8/5/11)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (AM EP, listed 8/12/11)
KCNC-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP, listed 8/26/11)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, relisted 8/26/11)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 8/26/11)
WVIT-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (relisted 8/5/11)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (PM EP, listing revised 8/12/11)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 7/1/11)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (PM EP, listed 8/12/11)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 8/19/11)

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Names in the News:

Dimmick

After more than 29 years at the station, anchor and Assistant News Director MIKE DIMMICK has left WEEK-TV in Peoria. He’s taking a new job in the video production department at Caterpillar in Peoria. Mike’s departure came earlier than he’d planned after he made comments critical of station owner Granite Broadcasting in the local newspaper. Mike started at WEEK-TV in 1982 as weekend sports anchor. He was later promoted to sports director, then news anchor and assistant news director.

The Shelleys

Congratulations to WDSU-TV (New Orleans) News Director JONATHAN SHELLEY and his wife STACIE on the birth of their first child, AARON JOSEPH SHELLEY. The future news director was born August 18 and weighed in at 7 lbs., 5 oz. Unlike most journalists, he arrived about two weeks before his due date. His proud papa has been ND in New Orleans for more than four years, and earlier worked in Oklahoma City, Las Vegas, Milwaukee and Ft. Myers.

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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 Saturday, September 3 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
KDFW-TV 400 N. Griffin St. Dallas TX 75202
KXLN-TV 9440 Kirby Dr. Houston TX 77054
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy. Minneapolis MN 55427
KGW-TV 1501 SW Jefferson St. Portland OR 97201
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd. Moosic PA 18507
KMSB-TV 1855 N. 6th Ave. Tucson AZ 85705
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt St. Rochester NY 14610 (see ad above!)
WSYR-TV 5904 Bridge St. Syracuse NY 13057
KWWL-TV 500 East Fourth St. Waterloo IA 50703
KOAA-TV 530 Communications Cir. Colorado Springs CO 80905
WGGB-TV 1300 Liberty St. Springfield MA 01104
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St. Lewiston ID 83501
KVII-TV One Broadcast Center Amarillo TX 79101
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert CA 92260
WFXL-TV 1211 N. Slappey Blvd. Albany GA 31707
WCJB-TV 6220 NW 43rd St. Gainesville FL 32653
KSWT-TV 1301 Third Ave. Yuma AZ 85364
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Avenue Billings MT 59102 (see ad above!)
WHSV-TV 50 N. Main St. Harrisonburg VA 22802
WLUC-TV 177 US Highway 41 East Negaunee MI 49866
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Manor Grand Junction CO 81502
KSAN/KLST-TV 2800 Armstrong San Angelo TX 76903
KGWN-TV 2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001

August 26, 2011

Greetings:

Another slow week of news director changes, with just ONE new opening and TWO new ND..the newly named NDs fill the two smallest market positions that were open.

That brings our list of open ND jobs to 25.

This week’s new opening is featured in a paid help wanted ad below.

There are two obituaries this week. One is for a longtime CBS News executive while the other is for a man who spent 30 years as an anchor and ND for a Louisiana TV station.

Also this week, we’ve freshened the list of news management openings, and, in Names in the News, details about new EPs for two stations out West.

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

New News Director Openings:

Lundstad

KULR-TV, Billings, MT…JOEL LUNDSTAD is headed east to become ND for KSAX-TV in Alexandria, MN (more on that below.) Joel tells me the move will put him close to two brothers who live in the Twin Cities. Joel has been ND here since December, 2007, and earlier served as ND for two other Montana stations and one in Bend, OR. He began his career as a reporter and anchor in Great Falls, MT. More on this opportunity in the paid ad below. KULR is an NBC affiliate and is owned by Max Media of Montana.

Newly Named News Directors:

Thomas

WAGM-TV, Presque Isle, ME…LAURA THOMAS has been promoted to ND for this CBS affiliate. Laura’s a native of the area who’s been working at the station since the summer of 2008. She replaces JON GULLIVER who I believe left the station in July.

KSAX-TV, Alexandria, MN…JOEL LUNDSTAD will be the next ND for this Hubbard Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate. As mentioned above, he’s been a longtime ND for three different stations in Montana, as well as one year as an ND in Bend, OR. He replaces CRISTI JESSEE who left last month after almost two years as ND to take the same job at KBAK-TV in Bakersfield, CA.

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Help Wanted Ad:

News Director, KULR-TV, Billings, MT:

Position is responsible for all aspects of our award winning news department including oversight of day to day duties, management of the operational budget, and strategic planning.

Cover letter, resume, and salary history to:
General Manager
KULR-8
2045 Overland Ave.,
Billings, MT 59102

or via email to: bcummings@kulr.com

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. KULR-8 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full details at kulr8.com.

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Other News Management Openings:

Assistant News Director:

WFLD-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 7/1/11)
WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 8/5/11)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (relisted 7/1/11)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (relisted 7/1/11)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 6/10/11)
WPMT-TV, Harrisburg, PA (listed 7/29/11)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 6/24/11)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (listed 7/1/11)

Executive News Producer:

KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (AM EP, relisted 8/5/11)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (AM EP, listed 8/12/11)
KCNC-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP, new listing this week)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, relisted this week)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted this week)
WVIT-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (relisted 8/5/11)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (PM EP, listing revised 8/12/11)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 7/1/11)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (PM EP, listed 8/12/11)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 8/19/11)

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Obituaries:

Vernardos

Longtime CBS News executive LANE VERNARDOS died last Friday of a heart attack at his retirement home in Maui. He was 67. Lane began his career in radio news and later joined CBS News in Washington as a producer for the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. He later became EP of the Evening News three years after DAN RATHER became the anchor. Lane retired in 2000 but served as a consultant for CBS News for a short time and later worked on several reality programs, including Survivor. He’s survived by his wife, four children and his brother.

Cremeens

CARLTON CREMEENS, who served for many years as an ND and anchor for WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, died Wednesday, August 24th at the age of 89. He retired in 1990 after more than 30 years at that CBS station. He’d earlier served as both a radio and TV news director in Little Rock, AR. WAFB remembered him with this story.

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Names in the News:

Lackey

KOVR-TV in Sacramento has a new Nightside EP. MISTIE LACKEY joins this CBS o-and-o from WPEC-TV in West Palm Beach where she was an EP. She’s also worked as a producer for WGCL-TV in Atlanta, WOFL-TV in Orlando, for two stations in Nashville and one in Knoxville.

Messer

ROBBY MESSER has been named the Nightside EP for KVOA-TV in Tucson. He has been working as the Morning EP for KOB-TV in Albuquerque for just over a year. Before that he was the ND for KIVI-TV in Boise. He’s also worked in Green Bay where he was the Assistant ND for WGBA-TV.

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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, August 26, 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
KDFW-TV 400 N. Griffin St. Dallas TX 75202
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy. Minneapolis MN 55427
KGW-TV 1501 SW Jefferson St. Portland OR 97201
WTNH/WCTX-TV 8 Elm St. New Haven CT 06510
KMSB-TV 1855 N. 6th Ave. Tucson AZ 85705
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt St. Rochester NY 14610
WSYR-TV 5904 Bridge St. Syracuse NY 13057
KWWL-TV 500 East Fourth St. Waterloo IA 50703
KOAA-TV 530 Communications Cir. Colorado Springs CO 80905
WGGB-TV 1300 Liberty St. Springfield MA 01104
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St. Lewiston ID 83501
KVII-TV One Broadcast Center Amarillo TX 79101
WREX-TV 10322 W. Auburn Rd. Rockford IL 61105
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert CA 92260
WFXL-TV 1211 N. Slappey Blvd. Albany GA 31707
WCJB-TV 6220 NW 43rd St. Gainesville FL 32653
KSWT-TV 1301 Third Ave. Yuma AZ 85364
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Avenue Billings MT 59102 (see ad above!)
WHSV-TV 50 N. Main St. Harrisonburg VA 22802
WLUC-TV 177 US Highway 41 East Negaunee MI 49866
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Manor Grand Junction CO 81502
KSAN/KLST-TV 2800 Armstrong San Angelo TX 76903
KGWN-TV 2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001