Newsletter | Rick Gevers & Associates

April 10, 2011

Greetings:

It’s been a little more than a week since our last full report, and we have a lot to tell you. (Some of these moves were covered in two emailed UPDATES.)

We have FIVE new NDs to tell you about this week, while TWO openings were created with the departures of veteran NDs.

These changes drop our unofficial number of open ND jobs to 29.

TWO of those open ND jobs are featured in paid help wanted ads below. And we have a new ad this week for an EP opening at a legendary North Carolina station, along with ads for two other management positions.

If you’re headed to NAB, check out ads below from two of our sponsors who will be on hand in Las Vegas.

And in Names in the News, items about two former ND’s turned GMs, while a longtime CBS employee who many of you might know (at least if you’ve worked at a CBS affiliate, has left the company.

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

Newly Named News Directors:

Finch

WRTV, Indianapolis, IN…KEVIN FINCH completes an Indianapolis hat trick as he joins his third Indy station, and second as ND, as he takes over for this Mc-Graw Hill owned ABC affiliate. Kevin’s been freelancing and producing documentaries since leaving the ND chair at WISH-TV in Indianapolis almost two years ago after 2+ years as ND and six years at the station. He earlier worked as a producer and EP/Special Projects for WTHR-TV, and has also worked in Champaign, IL. He becomes the fifth ND in just over eight years here, as he replaces SHELDON RIPSON who left in February after slightly more than two years as ND.

Parquet-Taylor

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC…ANDREA PARQUET-TAYLOR returns to North Carolina to become the next news director for this Media General-owned NBC affiliate. Andrea’s been the Assistant ND for KHOU-TV in Houston, but earlier in her career was the ND for WRAL-TV in Raleigh. She also served briefly as an ND in Baltimore and for almost six years at WXYZ-TV in Detroit. The move to NC brings her closer to family there. She replaces ERIC LUDGOOD who left the station in February after just three months as ND. Eric returned to WGCL-TV in Atlanta as ND…he’d been the Assistant ND there before moving to WNCN.

Perret

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT…this Newport TV-owned ABC station has hired veteran newsman LARRY PERRET as its next ND. Larry will start in May, after he finishes his producer gig at Entertainment Tonight, and his assignment at the Royal Wedding. Larry most recently spent six years as a consultant with Magid, has been an ND at two Los Angeles stations, worked in two other LA newsrooms, and has also worked in St. Louis, Chicago, Boston, Denver, San Francisco, Greensboro, NC, and Colorado Springs, CO. He replaces PAT LIVINGSTON who left the station last month and is now an ND for WPBN/WTOM-TV in Traverse City, MI. Larry becomes the sixth ND in less than ten years here.

Raghuveer

WNWO-TV, Toledo, OH…this Barrington Broadcasting owned NBC affiliate has promoted AMULYA RAGUHVEER to news director. She’s been the station’s internet managing editor and has worked there for four years. The ND’s job has been vacant…at least on a full time basis…since TIM LIVINGSTON left in 2009 after just more than a year as ND. Amulya becomes the sixth ND in less than ten years here.

WSHM-TV, Springfield, MA…DAVE WARD is being promoted within Meredith Broadcasting to become ND for this CBS affiliate. Dave’s currently the Assignment Manager at another Meredith CBS affiliate, WFSB-TV in Hartford. He’ll replace DOUG LEZETTE, the station’s first ND, who left after more than five years there to become Assistant ND at WJAR-TV in Providence.

New News Director Openings:

KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO…CAROLYN KANE has left this combined newsroom (owned by both LocalTV and Tribune) after just more than two years as ND. Carolyn had worked for a California based production company before moving to KDVR/KWGN, but had previously been an ND in Tucson and an Assistant ND in Columbus, OH.

Bleicher

WJRT-TV, Flint, MI…JIM BLEICHER has parted company with this ABC affiliate after more than 20 years as ND. He left the same day new/old owners took over. SJL Broadcasting (aka Lilly Broadcasting) bought the station back from ABC, to whom they’d sold it in 1995. He was apparently one of more than a dozen employees to leave the station, including two veteran anchors. Jim’s also been an ND in Lansing and worked for many years in Detroit. During his time in Michigan, he’s mentored dozens, if not hundreds, of young journalists. He was also inducted into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2008. Friends can wish him well via an email to: jimbleicher@gmail.com
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HELP WANTED ADS:

Executive Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:

Would you like to be a leader in a news operation with a commitment to excellence and the resources you need to succeed?

WRAL, the dominant television station in the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville market, is seeking a strong Executive Producer to oversee the presentation and look of WRAL newscasts. We’re looking for a leader who will coach the producing staff, write and approve scripts, review topical and image promotion, enhance weather and sports coverage and contribute to special coverage and sweeps planning.

This person will work closely with our graphics and promotion teams as well as the news management team. We are looking for a person with outstanding communication skills, superb news judgment who excels at breaking news and has an eye for details. If you have a vision for graphics and a passion for memorable, creative and topnotch newscasts, this is the job for you.

WRAL is locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a community-oriented company that offers some of the best benefits in the business. Requirements include five years of experience in producing newscasts, two years of news management experience, a four-year college degree and a pre-employment drug screening. All candidates must apply online at www.cbc-raleigh.com.

EOE, M/F. All Capitol Broadcasting Company properties are tobacco free.

JOB NUMBER: 11057 POSTED: April 5, 2011 CLOSING: April 19, 2011

It is the policy of the company to be fair and impartial in all relations with employees and applicants for employment. No person will be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, religion, age, sex, military status, national origin, physical/mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.

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News Director, WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA:

WDBJ7, the CBS affiliate in Roanoke, VA, is looking for a news director to lead, direct, and motivate a news team of approximately 45, including satellite newsrooms. The news director is responsible developing strategies that will position WDBJ7 as the market’s leader for local news. The news director sets and enforces standards for all news content and its dissemination through television as well as Internet and other digital platforms.

Successful candidate have a demonstrated ability to coach and develop both on-air and support staff. Other responsibilities include preparing and maintaining the news budget and working with other departments to achieve the company’s goals.

Minimum of three years management experience or equivalent required. Must have valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Send cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources
Attn: News Director Position
WDBJ Television, Inc.
2807 Hershberger Road
Roanoke, VA 24017

Or email: jobs@wdbj7.com

WDBJ Television is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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News Director, WCYB-TV, Bristol, VA:

We are looking for an experienced, goal oriented newsroom leader to take our team to the next level and beyond. WCYB (NBC) is the long time ratings leader in the Tri Cities DMA (#91) with high standards for executing great journalism and strategic news images. WCYB also supplies news services for Esteem Broadcasting LLC d/b/a Fox Tri Cities – WEMT-TV. We produce 35 hours of local news weekly. WCYB-TV is located in Bristol, VA.

The candidate we select for this position will report to the Senior Vice President/General Manager and will be responsible for the following:

• Establishing performance standards for newsroom staff and holding staff accountable
• Responsible for day to day management of news operations: on air, online, on mobile.
• Recruiting, hiring, supervising, coaching, training and evaluating newsroom personnel
• Working closely with other managers and staff to accomplish company performance goals
• Developing strategic news plans and executing them
• Ensure compliance with journalistic, ethical and legal standards at all times
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Promoting a collaborative, effective work environment in concert with our “Culture of Excellence”

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven news leader with track record of success delivering results with market leading stations – minimum 5 years experience as a television News Director
• Excellent written/verbal communication skills
• Proficient in software applications: MS Word, Excel, ENPS, Power Point et al.
• Reliable, self motivated individual with strong ethics
• Understanding of New Media
• Superb organizational skills
• “Hands on” – collaborative management style
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Valid driver license with good driving record

If you meet our criteria and are looking forward to working in an environment which rewards excellence, please contact SVP/GM Jim McKernan at jmckernan@wcyb.com. No phone calls please.

WCYB-TV is owned and operated by Bonten Media Group. We are an equal opportunity employer.

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Morning Executive Producer, KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ:

KPHO-TV, the Meredith owned CBS affiliate television station located in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, is seeking an experienced Executive Producer for our Morning Newscast.

The perfect candidate for this job is a voracious news-seeker, who is always on top of the latest developments and social trends. This person is a great team-builder, who inspires through action, clear coaching and communication. This person has a strong internal compass, and is unafraid to make decisions under deadline pressure. Above all, the ideal candidate for this job is an inventive leader, someone with great critical thinking skills who is always reviewing and improving their strategic plans and processes.

If this sounds like you we want to hear from you! Please send us your resume and application today.

All resumes and applications are accepted on line only via our corporate career center at www.meredith.apply2jobs.com. Meredith Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Assistant News Director, WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA:

WHTM-TV/abc27 in Harrisburg, PA has an immediate opening for an Assistant News Director. The successful candidate will work closely with the reporters and producers, maintain the schedule for the news department, approve scripts and occasionally fill in as a producer or on the desk. We’re looking for someone with five or more years experience in TV News. Knowledge of the Harrisburg television market a definite plus.

SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO:
Human Resources
Harrisburg Television, Inc.
abc27 WHTM-TV
P.O. Box 5860
3235 Hoffman Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
humanresources@abc27.com
fax: 717-745-3997

*** NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE***

WHTM-TV/abc27 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/M/F

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Other News Management Openings:

Assistant News Director:

KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 3/12/11)
WVIT-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (relisted 1/30/11)
WISN-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 2/18/11)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (listed 3/31/11, see ad above)
KVOA-TV, Tucson, AZ (listed 3/31/11)
WSJV-TV, South Bend/Elkhart, IN (position relisted 2/25/11)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (relisted 1/1/11)
KTIV-TV, Sioux City, IA (relisted 2/25/11)

Executive News Producer:

KYW-TV, Philadelphia, PA (listed 3/12/11)
KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 3/31/11, see ad above!)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (listed 2/25/11)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, listed 3/25/11)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC (relisted 3/4/11)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 2/18/11)
WVIT-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (listed 2/18/11)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Morning EP, relisted 2/18/11)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (Special Projects EP, listing revised 1/14/11)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 2/6/11)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (AM EP, listed 1/28/11)
KVOA-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 3/31/11)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (Morning EP, relisted 1/14/11)
WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 2/6/11)
KRNV-TV, Reno, NV (relisted 1/14/11)

Special Projects Producer:

WSVN-TV, Miami, FL (listed 2/12/11)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 1/30/11)

Managing Editor:

WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 1/14/11)

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Names in the News:

Doerr

Longtime newsman STEVE DOERR is leaving his GM’s job at WLNE-TV in Providence, RI, as the station goes through an ownership change. Steve’s a former ND in Cleveland, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia, and also was VP/News for the NBC o-and-o’s and a GM for KXAS-TV in Dallas/Ft. Worth. He earlier worked in Cincinnati and spent 2+ years as a consultant with Audience Research & Development.

Audas

One time ND LARRY AUDAS continues his move up the GM ranks as he takes over at Gannett’s WFMY-TV in Greensboro, NC. Larry’s been the GM at the company’s Little Rock station, KTHV-TV, where he anchored earlier in his career. He was once the ND at WTLX-TV in Columbia, SC, and has also worked (on-air) in Houston and Oklahoma City.

Young

After more than 30 years in a variety of roles at CBS, old friend GED YOUNG left the company last week. Ged tells me a restructuring of the Affiliate Relations Department led to his departure. He’d worked for Affiliate Relations for the past nine years, and also worked for CBS News and CBS.com. You can drop Ged a note via email: gedyoung30@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 Saturday, April 9, 2011.

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

KMEX-TV 5999 Center Dr. Los Angeles CA 90045 **
KDVR/KWGN-TV 100 Speer Blvd. Denver CO 80203
KOIN-TV 222 SW Columbia St. Portland OR 97201
WTNH/WCTX-TV 8 Elm St. New Haven CT 06510
KLUZ-TV 2725 F. Broadbent Pwky NE Albuquerque NM 87107 **
KOB-TV 4 Broadcast Plaza SW Albuquerque NM 87104
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock AR 72201
WTEN-TV 341 Northern Blvd. Albany NY 12204
KOKI-TV 2625 S. Memorial Tulsa OK 74129
WKEF/WRGT-TV 45 Broadcast Plaza Dayton OH 45408
KMSB-TV 1855 N. 6th Ave. Tucson AZ 85705
WDBJ-TV 2807 Hershberger Road Roanoke VA 24017 (see ad above)
WJRT-TV 2302 Lapeer Road Flint MI 48503
WMTW-TV 99 Danville Corner Road Portland ME 04210
KVEO-TV 349 N. Expressway Brownsville TX 78521
WCYB-TV 101 Lee St. Bristol VA 24201 (see ad above)
KVAL-TV 4575 Blanton Road Eugene OR 97405
WREX-TV 10322 W. Auburn Rd. Rockford IL 61105
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd. West Monroe LA 71292
KTKA-TV 2121 SW Chelsea Dr. Topeka KS 66614
KIMT-TV 112 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Mason City IA 50401
WJHG-TV 8195 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach FL 32407
KUPB-TV 10313 W. Country Rd. #117 Midland TX 79706 **
WCJB-TV 6220 NW 43rd St. Gainesville FL 32653
KSWT-TV 1301 Third Ave. Yuma AZ 85364
WDAZ-TV 2220 S. Washington Grand Forks ND 52801
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KFBB-TV 3012 Highwoods Blvd. Great Falls MT 59403
KSAN/KLST-TV 2800 Armstrong San Angelo TX 76903

** Spanish language station

March 31, 2011

Thursday, April 7, 2011 UPDATE:

Two more UPDATES this evening, which I wanted to post now since my return to the office is being significantly delayed by airline problems, which may delay publication of the full newsletter. (Is is true that Delta in Latin means Never on Time?)

CAROLYN KANE has left KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver after just over two years as ND for this combined newsroom owned by LocalTV and Tribune. She came to the stations in 2009 from a company in San Francisco that produced reality based TV, but had earlier been a news director in Tucson and an assistant ND in Columbus, OH.

Perret

LARRY PERRET returns to a newsroom as ND for Newport’s KTVX-TV in Salt Lake City, UT. Larry is currently working as a producer for Entertainment Tonight (and will be covering the Royal Wedding, delaying his start in SLC until mid-May). He’s been an ND for two Los Angeles stations, worked at two other stations there, spent six years as a consultant for Magid, and worked in St. Louis, Chicago, Boston, Denver, San Francisco, Greensboro, NC, and Colorado Springs, CO. He replaces PAT LIVINGSTON who left the station last month and is now an ND for WPBN/WTOM-TV in Traverse City, MI.

Monday, April 4, 2011 UDPATE:

Greetings:

We have several developments for you involving a number of veteran news directors that have happened since our last full newsletter on Thursday. In chronological order…

Finch

KEVIN FINCH was named news director of WRTV in Indianapolis this afternoon. He most recently was ND at WISH-TV in Indianapolis, a job he left in June, 2009. He’s been working on documentaries and freelancing since then. It’s a hat trick of sorts for Kevin, who toiled for a third Indianapolis TV station, WTHR-TV, as a producer and EP of Special Projects, and has also worked in Peoria. At WRTV, he replaces SHELDON RIPSON who left this McGraw-Hill owned ABC affiliate in January after just more than two years as ND. Kevin becomes the fifth ND here in the last 8 1/2 years.

Bleicher

JIM BLEICHER has left WJRT-TV in Flint after more than 20 years as ND. Jim’s last day was Friday, the first day that SJL Broadcasting took over as owners. (SJL, aka known as Lilly Broadcasting, owned the station before selling it to ABC in 1995). Jim has been ND there since the late 80’s, was an ND in Lansing briefly before that, and worked in Detroit for years. He’s one of the very good guys in our business, has mentored dozens (hundreds?) of people during his career, and I wish him the best.

Parquet-Taylor

ANDREA PARQUET-TAYLOR returns to Raleigh as an ND, this time for WNCN-TV, the Media General owned NBC affiliate. Most recently she’s been the Assistant ND for KHOU-TV in Houston, but earlier in her career was the ND for Raleigh’s WRAL-TV. She also spent more than five years as ND for WXYZ-TV in Detroit and not quite a year as an ND for WMAR-TV in Baltimore. She replaces ERIC LUDGOOD who left the station in February after three months as ND to return to WGCL-TV in Atlanta as ND…he’d been the Ass’t. ND there before taking the job in Raleigh.

As I mentioned in our last full report, our next full edition may be delayed due to travel. We’ll have more on these stories when we do distribute it.

Thursday, March 31, UPDATE:

Congratulations to three commercial stations honored with Peabody Awards today. WFAA-TV in Dallas, KSTP-TV in Minneapolis, and WTHR-TV in Indianapolis were among 39 winners. The complete news release from the University of Georgia is here.

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Greetings:

We’re a little early this week to due to travel, and we may be a little delayed next week for the same reason.

But we have lots to report. There are FOUR newly named news directors in this week’s report, while we’ve added THREE stations to the long list ofstations looking for a new ND.

That brings our count of open ND jobs to 32.

Two of those open ND jobs are featured in paid ads, along with ads for a Morning EP in Phoenix and for an Assistant ND job in Pennsylvania.

We have a few other new News Management openings, and just two Names in the News…one on a two-time ND who’s returning to an Ohio newsroom.

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

New News Director Openings:

KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM…JULIE SZULCZEWSKI is leaving this Hubbard Broadcasting owned NBC affiliate to return to Charlotte, where she’s been named ND for WSOC-TV. More on that below. Julie was ND here for one year.

WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA…AMY MORRIS is leaving this Schurz Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate after 3 1/2 years as ND. She’s also worked in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Norfolk, and spent seven years at WDBJ earlier in her career as a producer.

KLST/KSAN-TV, San Angelo, TX…this CBS/NBC duopoly is advertising for a new news director. My records show KATHY MUNOZ had been ND there since April, 2001. I believe that Nexstar owns KLST and operates KSAN, which is owned by Mission Broadcasting.

Newly Named News Directors:

WSOC-TV, Charlotte, NC…as mentioned above, JULIE SZULCZEWSKI is returning to this Cox-owned ABC affiliate as ND. Julie was Managing Editor here before leaving to become ND at KOB-TV in Albuquerque, a job she held about a year. Before WSOC, Julie worked at another Cox station, WFTV in Orlando. She’s also worked in Miami, St. Louis, and Ft. Myers. At WSOC, she replaces ROBIN WHITMEYER who left the station in February after more than nine years as news director and a total of 30 years at the station.

KABB-TV, San Antonio, TX…KEITH McMAHAN has been promoted to news director here, replacing the late GREG KOELFGEN. You’ll remember that Greg died suddenly in late January. Keith has been the Assistant ND here and has worked for 13 years at WOAI-TV (formerly KMOL-TV) in San Antonio before taking a short break into the world of public relations. KABB is a FOX affiliate and is owned by Sinclair.

News 8 Austin, Austin, TX…MICHAEL PEARSON has been promoted to news director for this Time-Warner owned 24 hour cable news channel. He had been the Assistant ND. Michael replaces KEVIN BENZ who left last December after eleven years as ND.

Hobbs

WCIV-TV, Mt. Pleasant, SC…congratulations to CATHY HOBBS who’s been promoted to News Director at this Albritton owned ABC affiliate. She’s currently the Assistant ND for sister-Albritton station, WHTM-TV in Harrisburg, PA, which is now looking for her replacement (see ad below). Cathy has been the Assistant ND here for six years, worked for WBFF in Baltimore and for Sinclair News Central, and earlier worked at the FOX affiliate in the Harrisburg market. She tells me she’s never had to move before, having been able to commute to all her previous jobs. At WCIV, she replaces JIM CHURCH who was promoted to another Albritton station, KATV in Little Rock, as head of technology and operations after 3+ years at WCIV.

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HELP WANTED ADS:

News Director, WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA:

Minimum of three years management experience or equivalent required. Must have valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Send cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources
Attn: News Director Position
WDBJ Television, Inc.
2807 Hershberger Road
Roanoke, VA 24017

Or email: jobs@wdbj7.com

WDBJ Television is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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News Director, WCYB-TV, Bristol, VA:

The candidate we select for this position will report to the Senior Vice President/General Manager and will be responsible for the following:

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

If you meet our criteria and are looking forward to working in an environment which rewards excellence, please contact SVP/GM Jim McKernan at jmckernan@wcyb.com. No phone calls please.

WCYB-TV is owned and operated by Bonten Media Group. We are an equal opportunity employer.

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Morning Executive Producer, KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ:

KPHO-TV, the Meredith owned CBS affiliate television station located in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, is seeking an experienced Executive Producer for our Morning Newscast.

If this sounds like you we want to hear from you! Please send us your resume and application today.

All resumes and applications are accepted on line only via our corporate career center at www.meredith.apply2jobs.com. Meredith Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Assistant News Director, WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA:

SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO:
Human Resources
Harrisburg Television, Inc.
abc27 WHTM-TV
P.O. Box 5860
3235 Hoffman Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
humanresources@abc27.com
fax: 717-745-3997

*** NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE***

WHTM-TV/abc27 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/M/F

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