January 22, 2011

January 27, 2011 UPDATE:

Funeral services will be held this weekend for GREG KOELFGEN whose passing we note below.

Visitation wil be held Friday, January 28, from 5:00-9:00 PM at the Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels, TX, with a funeral service set for Saturday, January 29th, at 2:00 at First United Methodist Church in New Braunfels.

A college scholarship fund has been set up for Greg’s youngest daughter, Hayley, at the Broadway Bank.  The address I have is:

Koelfgen Memorial Scholarship Fund
Broadway Bank
2219 Common St.
New Braunfels TX 78130

January 25, 2011 UPDATE:

Greg Koelfgen

I’m very sorry to report the passing of GREG KOELFGEN, the longtime News Director for KABB-TV, the FOX affiliate in San Antonio.

Greg died suddenly on Monday, January 24, at the age of 53.  An autopsy will determine the cause of death.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Donna, and their two daughters, Quinn and Hayley.

Greg was promoted to news director in 2002, but had worked at the station for more than 12 years.  He also worked at another San Antonio station, as well as in Reno earlier in his career.

Funeral arrangements are still pending.  I’ll update this site when that information is available.

Please join me in extending sympathy to Greg’s family and co-workers.

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Greetings:

We have actual breaking news today…with the story of a new News Director for WCCO-TV in Minneapolis named this afternoon.  That move is the only new ND this week, while we have TWO new openings, one of which created a second opportunity in the same top ten market.

My always unofficial count of open ND jobs stands at 23. We expect at least one of those to be filled early next week.

Also this week, we have a new ad for an ND job in the Northeast, and a repeat of an ad for a morning EP in Shreveport.

In Names in the News, details about the retirement of a former ND turned GM (at the same station for 27 years!), a new Assistant ND in the Windy City, and the passing of NPR’s first news director.

But first, this week’s changes:

Newly Named News Directors:

Caputa

WCCO-TV, Minneapolis, MN…as teased above, congratulations to longtime WCCO-TV newsman MIKE CAPUTA who was named ND for this CBS o-and-o late this afternoon.  Mike’s been the Acting ND since SCOTT LIBIN left the station last October after three years as ND there.  Mike had been the Assistant ND there who first joined the station in 2002 as Managing Editor.  He’s a Twin Cities native who previously worked for KSTP-TV in the Twin Cities.

New News Director Openings:

McFarland

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX…we told you earlier this week that RICK McFARLAND is returning to his previous job as Assistant ND for this Post-Newsweek owned NBC affiliate.  Rick’s been ND there about two years, spent ten years before that as the Assistant ND, and has worked for the station for 30 years, first as a sports photographer.  Rick’s also worked at KHOU-TV in Houston, and in Columbus, OH, Syracuse, and Columbia, MO.  (Full disclosure: we were classmates at the University of Missouri.)  Rick will replace KATHY WILLIAMS as the Assistant ND.  She is leaving the station for a new opportunity to be announced soon.

Crabtree

WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN…longtime news director STEVE CRABTREE will be leaving this Gray Television owned CBS affiliate when his successor is named.  He’s been ND here for more than ten years, and has also been a news director in Erie, PA, Jackson, TN, Bowling Green, KY, and Lexington, KY.  He also worked as Director of News Research and Planning for Gray Communications.

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HELP WANTED ADS:

News Director, WTNH/WCTX-TV, New Haven, CT

WTNH News 8 and WCTX MyTV 9 is seeking an experienced and creative leader in the position of News Director. The position of News director will be accountable for budgets, strategic planning, brand building, and talent contracts. The ideal News Director will have experience in unions with a broad portfolio of experience in news operations, be instantaneous decision-making; able to fluidly move between strategic and tactical activities; able to influence and engage multiple internal and external audiences; and accomplished in building and developing a highly skilled, empowered, passionate news room staff.

Incumbents in this role will have strong business and financial acumen, demonstrating the ability to build and manage a budget. The News Director must possess and drive the highest code of ethical conduct, taking ownership for protecting the station and the license. College degree in journalism/mass communications plus previous News Director experience is required. WTNH/WCTX-TV is an EOE employer.

Applicants should forward a copy of their resume and a brief statement of news philosophy with salary requirements preferably via email to jobs@wtnh.com or via regular mail to:

Human Resources
WTNH/WCTX Television
8 Elm Street
New Haven, CT 06510

No phone calls, we will contact you for additional information if necessary.

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Morning Executive Producer, KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA

KSLA NEWS 12 seeks a solid and experienced producer to manage our morning newscasts and multi-platform news product.

Applicant should have at least three years television news producing experience.  Strong leadership and team-building skills are a must.  Applicant must be a strong writer, have solid news judgment skills, produce energetic and compelling newscasts, adjust quickly and efficiently to breaking news situations, and use graphics effectively.

Responsibilities also include posting text, pictures, and video to the web.  New media literacy is essential in reaching our viewers on all platforms. Executive Producer will produce, supervise, and manage direction for all of our morning newscasts.  These qualifications apply to our multi-platform news product.

Send your resume’ and a DVD of newscasts you have produced to:

Jayne Ruben
KSLA News 12
1812 Fairfield Avenue
Shreveport LA 71101

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Other News Management Openings:

Assistant News Director:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 11/28/10)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 12/10/10)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 12/10/10)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 1/1/11)
KMBC-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 12/10/10)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 1/1/11)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (relisted 1/1/11)
KHBS/KHOG, Ft. Smith/Fayetteville, AR (listed 12/10/10)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (relisted 1/14/11)

Executive News Producer:

KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, listed 12/18/10)
WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC (listed 1/9/11)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (PM EP, listed 1/1/11)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 12/10/10)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Morning EP, listed 12/18/10)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (Special Projects EP, listing revised 1/14/11)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 1/14/11)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (Morning EP, new listing this week)
KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (listed 12/3/10)
KOKI-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM EP, relisted 12/3/10)
WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 1/1/11)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (Morning EP, relisted 1/14/11, see ad above!)
KRNV-TV, Reno, NV (relisted 1/14/11)

Special Projects Producer:

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/10/10)

Managing Editor:

KTVU-TV, Oakland/San Francisco, CA (relisted 1/14/11)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 1/14/11)

Assignment Manager:

WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC (listed 1/9/11)
KHBS/KHOG, Ft. Smith/Fayetteville, AR (listed 12/10/10)

Digital Media Manager:

KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 12/10/10)

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Names in the News:

Klinsky

Congratulations to one-time news director and long time General Manager ARNOLD KLINSKY on his upcoming retirement.  He’s been GM for Hubbard’s WHEC-TV in Rochester, NY, since 1983!  (That’s more than 27 years for those with limited math skills.)  He’d earlier served as ND for WVIT-TV in Hartford, CT, and WICD-TV in Champaign, IL.  Sandwiched between those jobs were stints at KTVI-TV in St. Louis and WOC-TV (now KWQC-TV) in the Quad Cities of Iowa.  Arnold tells me he looking for the next step in his life.  If you know what that is…or just want to wish him well, his email is: aklinsky@whec.com

KAREN RARIDEN returns to Chicago as the new Assistant ND for WBBM-TV. Karen comes from another CBS o-and-o, KYW-TV in Philadelphia, where she was the EP.  Earlier in her career Karen worked at WGN-TV in Chicago as the morning EP, and also spent two years as ND for Tribune’s WXIN-TV in Indianapolis.

While we don’t often report on radio news managers, we did want to mention the passing of CLEVE MATTHEWS, the first news director for National Public Radio.  Mr. Matthews died last Friday, January 14, of esophageal cancer.  Cleve was 84.  He also spent many years teaching journalism at Syracuse and Wichita State, among other places.

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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 21, 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  **
KHOU-TV   1945 Allen Parkway                       Houston TX 77019
KPRC-TV 8181 SW Freeway                        Houston TX 77074
KTVW-TV 6006 South 30th St.                          Phoenix AZ 85040 **
KOIN-TV   222 SW Columbia St.                      Portland OR 97201
WTNH/WCTX-TV 8 Elm St.                              New Haven CT 06510
News 8 Austin 1708 Colorado St.                      Austin TX 78701
WWL-TV     1024 N. Rampart St.                       New Orleans LA 70116
WTEN-TV    341 Northern Blvd.                         Albany NY 12204
WVLT-TV 6516 Papermill Dr.                         Knoxville TN 37919
KMSB-TV     1855 N. 6th Ave.                             Tucson AZ 85705
KVOA-TV 209 W. Elm St.                                    Tucson AZ 85705
WNWO-TV   300 S. Byrne Rd.                           Toledo OH 43615
KTAL-TV 3150 N. Market                                   Shreveport LA 71107
KVEO-TV    349 N. Expressway                         Brownsville TX 78521
WJAC-TV   49 Old Hickory Lane                      Johnstown PA 15905
WSHM-TV One Monarch Place #300            Springfield MA 01144
KVAL-TV   4575 Blanton Road                          Eugene OR 97405
KTKA-TV   2121 SW Chelsea Dr.                       Topeka KS 66614
KIMT-TV 112 N. Pennsylvania Ave.                 Mason City IA 50401
KTEN-TV   10 High Point Circle                        Denison TX 75020
KGNS-TV   120 W. Delmar Blvd.                       Laredo TX 78045
KFBB-TV   3012 Highwoods Blvd.                    Great Falls MT 59403

January 14, 2011

Monday, January 17, 2011 UPDATE:

Happy Martin Luther King Day.

We have an ND change in a top ten market today.

McFarland

RICK McFARLAND is returning to his previous job as Assistant News Director at KPRC-TV, the Post-Newsweek owned NBC affiliate in Houston.  Rick’s been ND there since April, 2009, and recently marked his 30th year at the station.  He began at KPRC as a sports photographer and worked his way up through the ranks.  He’s also worked at another Houston station as well as in Columbus, OH, Syracuse and Columbia, MO, where we were classmates at the University of Missouri.  KATHY WILLIAMS, who’s been the Ass’t. ND here since May 2009, is leaving the station for a new opportunity to be announced soon.

More on this story and the rest of the week’s changes in our regular report later this week.

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Greetings:

What?  An actual Friday afternoon edition of our weekly newsletter covering news director and news manager openings?  Between holidays and travel, our publication schedule has been a little erratic, but our offer of a FULL refund of your subscription price remains valid for anyone who wants it.

This week’s on-time report features ONE new news director, and some updated information about an ND opening we first reported last week.  That means our count of open ND jobs drops to 22.

We do have a new Help Wanted Ad this week for a morning EP position in Louisiana, and we have an ad as well for a well-regarded training program for news directors.  And tuition and hotel costs are covered by the organization!  Check that ad out below.

Also this week, a former Albuquerque ND returns to his old station as an EP, details about sentencing for a man who admitted he killed a Kansas City assignment editor, and we’ll tell you about a new EP in Columbus, OH.  We’ve also updated our list of Other News Management Openings.

That’s all below, after this weeks change(s):

Newly Named News Directors:

Long

WMGT-TV, Macon, GA…BRANDON LONG is being promoted to ND for this NBC affiliate.  He’s currently an anchor and Managing Editor there.  Brandon’s also worked in Memphis and Knoxville.  If my records are correct, he replaces MIKE ROBERTS who left the station in December.  Of 2008.  (It’s possible my records are wrong, of course.)  DENNY MOORE has been the interim ND. WMGT-TV is owned by Morris Multimedia.

New News Director Openings:

Berry

KIMT-TV, Mason City, IA…it’s technically not a new opening since we reported it last week, but at that time we did not know where GREG BERRY was headed.  Turns out he’s headed to sister-New Vision TV station WIAT-TV in Birmingham, AL, where he’ll be the Assistant News Director.  Greg spent two years as ND for this CBS affiliate, but first joined the station in 2000 as a sports reporter.  Congratulations to Greg.

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HELP WANTED AD:

Executive Producer, KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA

KSLA NEWS 12 seeks a solid and experienced producer to manage our morning newscasts and multi-platform news product.

Applicant should have at least three years television news producing experience.  Strong leadership and team-building skills are a must.  Applicant must be a strong writer, have solid news judgment skills, produce energetic and compelling newscasts, adjust quickly and efficiently to breaking news situations, and use graphics effectively.

Responsibilities also include posting text, pictures, and video to the web.  New media literacy is essential in reaching our viewers on all platforms. Executive Producer will produce, supervise, and manage direction for all of our morning newscasts.  These qualifications apply to our multi-platform news product.

Send your resume’ and a DVD of newscasts you have produced to:

Jayne Ruben
KSLA News 12
1812 Fairfield Avenue
Shreveport LA 71101

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Other News Management Openings:

Assistant News Director:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 11/28/10)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 12/10/10)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 12/10/10)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 1/1/11)
KMBC-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 12/10/10)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 1/1/11)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (relisted this week)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (relisted 1/1/11)
KHBS/KHOG, Ft. Smith/Fayetteville, AR (listed 12/10/10)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (relisted this week)

Executive News Producer:

KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, listed 12/18/10)
WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC (listed 1/9/11)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (PM EP, listed 1/1/11)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 12/10/10)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Morning EP, listed 12/18/10)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (Special Projects EP, listing revised this week)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted this week)
KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (listed 12/3/10)
KOKI-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM EP, relisted 12/3/10)
WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 1/1/11)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (Morning EP, relisted this week, see ad above!)
KRNV-TV, Reno, NV (relisted this week)

Special Projects Producer:

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/10/10)

Managing Editor:

KTVU-TV, Oakland/San Francisco, CA (relisted this week)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (relisted this week)

Assignment Manager:

WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC (listed 1/9/11)
KHBS/KHOG, Ft. Smith/Fayetteville, AR (listed 12/10/10)

Digital Media Manager:

KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 12/10/10)

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Kneeland Accepting Applications Now.   Apply today!

The Kneeland Project is accepting applications until next Friday, January 21 for their March 30 – April 2, 2011 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 journalism will look like in the coming decade
• How social media is reshaping the face of our business, and what you need to do today to stay relevant
• How your internal and external systems need to be revolutionized to meet the challenges you are facing
• Best practices for leading change and helping others find and maintain focus
• 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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Names in the News:

Shipley

Who said you can’t go back again?  Not the case for one-time KOAT-TV (Albuquerque, NM) News Director PAHL SHIPLEY. He’s returning to this Hearst-owned ABC affiliate as an Executive Producer.  Pahl left KOAT-TV in 2003 for a job in state government and moved quickly into the Governor’s office, where he served as press secretary to BILL RICHARDSON.  Pahl also worked in Richardson’s short-lived presidential campaign before returning to his old job.  Most recently, he served as head of publicity and media relations for the state film office.  He’s also worked for KOB-TV in Albuquerque.

ALLISON GROTJAN returns to Columbus, OH, an an EP for WSYX/WTTE, the Sinclair owned ABC/FOX duopoly.  Allison had been working for WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, but earlier in her career she’d worked at WBNS-TV in Columbus.  She’s also worked in Des Moines.

A judge in Kansas City sentenced the man accused of killing KSHB-TV Assignment Editor NICK DUTCHER to two life sentences plus 97 years in jail after he pled guilty to 14 different felonies.  ANTONIO GRANDISON admitted to killing Dutcher during a burglary when Dutcher arrived home unexpectedly.  Dutcher was 30 years old.  Grandison is 20 years old, and told the court he deserved the sentence.

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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 14, 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  **
KHOU-TV   1945 Allen Parkway                       Houston TX 77019
KTVW-TV 6006 South 30th St.                          Phoenix AZ 85040 **
WCCO-TV    90 S. 11th St.                                   Minneapolis MN 55403
KOIN-TV   222 SW Columbia St.                      Portland OR 97201
WTNH/WCTX-TV 8 Elm St.                              New Haven CT 06510
News 8 Austin 1708 Colorado St.                      Austin TX 78701
WWL-TV     1024 N. Rampart St.                       New Orleans LA 70116
WTEN-TV    341 Northern Blvd.                         Albany NY 12204
KMSB-TV     1855 N. 6th Ave.                             Tucson AZ 85705
KVOA-TV 209 W. Elm St.                                    Tucson AZ 85705
WNWO-TV   300 S. Byrne Rd.                           Toledo OH 43615
KTAL-TV 3150 N. Market                                   Shreveport LA 71107
KVEO-TV    349 N. Expressway                         Brownsville TX 78521
WJAC-TV   49 Old Hickory Lane                      Johnstown PA 15905
WSHM-TV One Monarch Place #300            Springfield MA 01144
KVAL-TV   4575 Blanton Road                          Eugene OR 97405
KTKA-TV   2121 SW Chelsea Dr.                       Topeka KS 66614
KIMT-TV 112 N. Pennsylvania Ave.                 Mason City IA 50401
KTEN-TV   10 High Point Circle                        Denison TX 75020
KGNS-TV   120 W. Delmar Blvd.                       Laredo TX 78045
KFBB-TV   3012 Highwoods Blvd.                    Great Falls MT 59403

January 10, 2011

Greetings:

Apologies for the delay, but a busy weekend and a lot of changes to share with you.

We have  FOUR new NDs named this week…with THREE new openings.  My count of open ND jobs stands at 23.

Also this week, repeats of ads for news managers in Alabama and Virginia, and some updates to our list of Other News Management Jobs.

There are some moves among news managers in Names in the News as well as an obituary for a longtime Alabama broadcaster and one-time ND.  And we’ll share details about four local stations who scored a huge honor, and tell you about wedding bells in the future for a industry veteran.

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

Newly Named News Directors:

Central Florida News 13, Orlando, FL…STEPHEN CHAVARIE has been promoted to ND for this Bright House Network’s cable news channel.  It’s his second stint in the job, if my records are correct…having been ND there ten years ago.  He replaces SEAN McNAMARA who left the station last week after four years as news director there.

Connors

WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN…we told you in a Friday UPDATE that KEITH CONNORS had been named ND here. He’ll join this Dispatch Broadcasting owned NBC affiliate this week.  Keith’s a veteran ND, having spent the last 5+ years as Executive ND for Belo’s KHOU-TV in Houston.  He also worked as an ND for Belo stations in Charlotte and Norfolk.  His first ND job was in Rochester, NY.  Earlier in his career, Keithworked in Nashville and in Toledo, where (full disclosure) we worked together when I was the ND for WTOL-TV. He replaces CAROLYN WILLIAMS who requested to return to her old job as Assistant ND after 2+ years as news director.

KSL-TV, Salt Lake City, UT…longtime Salt Lake City newswoman TANYA VEA has been named (deep breath here) Executive Vice President of News and Cross-Platform Development.  Tanya has been working for the parent company as Director of Program Development, but she spent three years as ND for KUTV in Salt Lake City before taking a job with an advertising agency.  She joined KSL last year.  CON PSARRAS, who’s been ND for this NBC affiliate since 2004, was promoted to VP of Editorials and Special Projects.

WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL…KATHRYN BONFIELD is moving across Florida to become the next ND for this Post-Newsweek owned independent station.  She is currently Assistant ND-Content for WFLA-TV in Tampa.  That’s her second stint there…in between she was ND for Media General’s WCBD-TV in Charleston, SC.  She replaces MAUREEN “MO” RUDDY-BAKER who stepped down to pursue other opportunities after more than nine years as ND.  Mo also worked as an EP for Post-Newsweek’s KPRC-TV in Houston on between two stints at WJXT.

New News Director Openings:

KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA…veteran newswoman WILLY WALKER has left this Nexstar-owned NBC affiliate after just more than two years as ND.  Willy’s also been an ND in Birmingham and Huntsville, AL, and spent more than eight years as a news manager in Houston.

Lezette

WSHM-TV, Springfield, MA…ND and anchor DOUG LEZETTE is leaving this Meredith-owned CBS affiliate to become the Assistant ND at WJAR-TV in Providence.  Doug started the news department here in 2005.  It’s a return to Providence for Doug:  earlier in his career he worked as a reporter and anchor for WPRI-TV there.  He’s also worked in Albany, NY, Binghamton, and Savannah.

Berry

KIMT-TV, Mason City, IA…GREG BERRY is leaving one New Vision TV owned CBS affiliate for another.  He’s joining sister station WIAT-TV in Birmingham, AL, as Assistant ND.  Greg has been ND at KIMT since October, 2008.

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Help Wanted Ads:

Assistant News Director, WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL

Are you seeking a challenge? Do you know how to win?

WBRC, the No. 1 Fox affiliate in the nation, seeks an assistant news director to help lead a large staff and nearly 50 hours of news per week.

Here’s what we need: The successful candidate must be a master of content, havingat least three years of experience as a small market news director or three years as a major market assistant news director or executive producer; must have proven motivation, delegation and people management skills; must be able to create compelling stories and promotion for TV, web and mobile; must be a great writer; must be an outstanding communicator; must be an excellent strategic planner.

The assistant ND will evaluate and critique employees and use research to build new strategies. A background in producing and/or reporting is a plus. Knowledge of ENPS and server-based workflow is a plus.

Successful candidate must have a valid driver license; must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, extra hours, etc.

Send resumes and cover letters to:

News Director
PO Box 6
Birmingham AL 35201

or via email to: jfinch@wbrc.com

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

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Executive Producer, WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA

Come work for the dominant television station in Virginia.  WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia is looking for an executive producer. Successful candidate must be willing to collaborate with a group of successful journalists and provide an energetic vision for the future of local news and the web.

Must have the ethical and production skills to make newscasts interesting, visual and relevant to viewers.  Expect to help manage daily content, coach producers and reporters, as well as line produce when necessary.  The ideal candidate must juggle the daily news flow as well as work on special projects.  Experience in multiple markets a plus.

Send cover letter, resume and non-returnable DVD or VHS tape to:

News Director
ATTN:  Executive Producer Position
WDBJ
2807 Hershberger Road
Roanoke, VA  24017

or email: amorris@wdbj7.com

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Other News Management Openings:

Assistant News Director:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 11/28/10)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 12/10/10)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 12/10/10)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 1/1/11)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 10/3/10)
KMBC-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 12/10/10)
WBMA-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 10/22/10)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 1/1/11, see ad above)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (listed 10/29/10)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (relisted 1/1/11)
KHBS/KHOG, Ft. Smith/Fayetteville, AR (listed 12/10/10)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (listed 10/22/10)

Executive News Producer:

KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, listed 12/18/10)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (Nightside EP, listed 10/15/10)
WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC (new listing this week)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (PM EP, listed 1/1/11)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 12/10/10)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Morning EP, listed 12/18/10)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (PM EP, listed 11/5/10)
WSYX/WTTE-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 10/29/10)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (Special Projects EP, listing revised this week)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 11/14/10)
KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (listed 12/3/10)
KOKI-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM EP, relisted 12/3/10)
WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 1/1/11, see ad above)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (Morning EP, relisted 12/3/10)
KRNV-TV, Reno, NV (listed 12/10/10)

Special Projects Producer:

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/10/10)

Managing Editor:

KTVU-TV, Oakland/San Francisco, CA (listed 12/10/10)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (listed 11/21/10)

Assignment Manager:

WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC (new listing this week)
KHBS/KHOG, Ft. Smith/Fayetteville, AR (listed 12/10/10)

Digital Media Manager:

KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 12/10/10)

Senior Manager News Operations:

Source Media Group, Cedar Rapids, IA (listed 9/10/10)

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

Names in the News:

ALAN WAGMEISTER is the new morning EP for WRNN-TV in suburban New York.  Alan’s been working for WFMY-TV in Greensboro, NC.  He’s also worked as a producer for both NBC News and ABC News.

Former ABC NewsOne Producer ROD JACKSON is returning to a local newsroom as Managing Editor for KGAN/KFXA in Cedar Rapids, IA, late last month. Rod spent 12 years working for NewsOne in Los Angeles.  He’s also worked in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Billings, MT.

Congratulations to MACKIE MORRIS, a one-time Magid consultant and faculty member at the University of Missouri, on his recent engagement to KATHY CLEMENTS, Senior VP/TV Operations for Belo.  They met when Mackie consulted Belo’s WFAA-TV in Dallas, where Kathy was GM.  Mackie continues his consulting work, both with TV stations, groups, and organizations, and also works with corporations and executives.  Wish him well via email at: MackieM333@aol.com

Congratulations to four local commercial stations who were among the winners of this year’s Alfred I. duPont-Columbia awards:  KING-TV in Seattle, Denver’s KUSA-TV, WTHR-TV here in Indianapolis, and WKOW-TV in Madison, WI.  A complete list of the winners…and a brief description of the great work that helped them garner the honor, can be found here.

Finally, our condolences to the family and friends of longtime Dothan, AL broadcaster AL ROBERTS who died in late December of a heart attack, shortly after a round of golf.  He was 69.  Mr. Roberts was a longtime sportscaster for WTVY-TV in Dothan, but served a stint as the station’s news director, as well.  The Dothan Eagle pays tribute here, while his former station remembered him as well.

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

The Full List:

To the best of my knowledge, here is the list of stations with open news director jobs, as of Sunday, January 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  **
KHOU-TV   1945 Allen Parkway                       Houston TX 77019
KTVW-TV 6006 South 30th St.                          Phoenix AZ 85040 **
WCCO-TV    90 S. 11th St.                                   Minneapolis MN 55403
KOIN-TV   222 SW Columbia St.                      Portland OR 97201
WTNH/WCTX-TV 8 Elm St.                              New Haven CT 06510
News 8 Austin 1708 Colorado St.                      Austin TX 78701
WWL-TV     1024 N. Rampart St.                       New Orleans LA 70116
WTEN-TV    341 Northern Blvd.                         Albany NY 12204
KMSB-TV     1855 N. 6th Ave.                             Tucson AZ 85705
KVOA-TV 209 W. Elm St.                                    Tucson AZ 85705
WNWO-TV   300 S. Byrne Rd.                           Toledo OH 43615
KTAL-TV 3150 N. Market                               Shreveport LA 71107
KVEO-TV    349 N. Expressway                         Brownsville TX 78521
WJAC-TV   49 Old Hickory Lane                      Johnstown PA 15905
WSHM-TV One Monarch Place #300     Springfield MA 01144
KVAL-TV   4575 Blanton Road                          Eugene OR 97405
WMGT-TV PO Box 4328                                      Macon GA 31208
KTKA-TV   2121 SW Chelsea Dr.                       Topeka KS 66614
KIMT-TV 112 N. Pennsylvania Ave.          Mason City IA 50401
KTEN-TV   10 High Point Circle                        Denison TX 75020
KGNS-TV   120 W. Delmar Blvd.                       Laredo TX 78045
KFBB-TV   3012 Highwoods Blvd.                    Great Falls MT 59403

** Spanish language statiom

January 2, 2011

January 7, 2011 UPDATE:

KEITH CONNORS is the new ND for WTHR-TV, the NBC affiliate here in Indianapolis.

Connors

He spent the last 5+ years as Executive ND for Belo’s KHOU-TV in Houston, and earlier served as ND at Belo stations in Charlotte and Norfolk.  Keith’s first ND job was in Rochester, NY, and he also worked in Nashville and Toledo, where (full disclosure) he worked with me when I was ND for WTOL-TV.

At WTHR, he replaces CAROLYN WILLIAMS who (at her request) returned to her old job as Assistant ND for WTHR.

We’ll have all this week’s changes (and there are a few) in our full newsletter, which is delayed (most likely to Sunday) by both out of town company AND the AFC Wild Card game between the Colts and the NY Jets.

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

Greetings:

I hope you had a safe and enjoyable holiday period.  It appears to have been a slow time for ND movement.

We’ve not updated in two weeks…in part because there haven’t been any ND changes.  I expect that to change early this week with at least one of the larger market ND jobs to be filled and an opening to be announced at a small market East Coast station.

Our count of open ND jobs remains at 22.

In this week’s issue, we do have two new help wanted ads…an Assistant News Director’s job at a strong FOX affiliate, and an EP position at a medium market Virginia powerhouse.  And there are other new opportunities in our Other News Management Openings section.

In Names in the News, among other items, details about the arrest of a North Carolina ND, and two obituaries:  one a long-ago California ND, and the other the husband of a former New Orleans and Greenville, SC, ND.

We’ll publish an UPDATE with any big changes during the week, and return with what I expect will be a more robust edition next time.

Here’s to a great 2011 for all.

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

Help Wanted Ads:

Assistant News Director, WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL

Are you seeking a challenge? Do you know how to win?

WBRC, the No. 1 Fox affiliate in the nation, seeks an assistant news director to help lead a large staff and nearly 50 hours of news per week.

Here’s what we need: The successful candidate must be a master of content, havingat least three years of experience as a small market news director or three years as a major market assistant news director or executive producer; must have proven motivation, delegation and people management skills; must be able to create compelling stories and promotion for TV, web and mobile; must be a great writer; must be an outstanding communicator; must be an excellent strategic planner.

The assistant ND will evaluate and critique employees and use research to build new strategies. A background in producing and/or reporting is a plus. Knowledge of ENPS and server-based workflow is a plus.

Successful candidate must have a valid driver license; must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, extra hours, etc.

Send resumes and cover letters to:

News Director
PO Box 6
Birmingham AL 35201

or via email to: jfinch@wbrc.com

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

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

Executive Producer, WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA

Come work for the dominant television station in Virginia.  WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia is looking for an executive producer. Successful candidate must be willing to collaborate with a group of successful journalists and provide an energetic vision for the future of local news and the web.

Must have the ethical and production skills to make newscasts interesting, visual and relevant to viewers.  Expect to help manage daily content, coach producers and reporters, as well as line produce when necessary.  The ideal candidate must juggle the daily news flow as well as work on special projects.  Experience in multiple markets a plus.

Send cover letter, resume and non-returnable DVD or VHS tape to:

News Director
ATTN:  Executive Producer Position
WDBJ
2807 Hershberger Road
Roanoke, VA  24017

or email: amorris@wdbj7.com

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

Other News Management Openings:

Assistant News Director:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 11/28/10)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 12/10/10)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 12/10/10)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (new listing this week)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 10/3/10)
KMBC-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 12/10/10)
WBMA-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 10/22/10)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted this week, see ad above)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (listed 10/29/10)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (relisted this week)
KHBS/KHOG, Ft. Smith/Fayetteville, AR (listed 12/10/10)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (listed 10/22/10)

Executive News Producer:

WRNN-TV, Rye Brook, NY (listed 10/22/10)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 10/22/10)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, listed 12/18/10)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (Nightside EP, listed 10/15/10)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (PM EP, new listing this week)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 12/10/10)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Morning EP, listed 12/18/10)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (PM EP, listed 11/5/10)
WSYX/WTTE-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 10/29/10)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 11/14/10)
KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (listed 12/3/10)
KOKI-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM EP, relisted 12/3/10)
WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, VA (new listing this week, see ad above)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (Morning EP, relisted 12/3/10)
KRNV-TV, Reno, NV (listed 12/10/10)

Special Projects Producer:

WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 11/28/10)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/10/10)

Managing Editor:

KTVU-TV, Oakland/San Francisco, CA (listed 12/10/10)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (listed 11/21/10)

Assignment Manager:

KHBS/KHOG, Ft. Smith/Fayetteville, AR (listed 12/10/10)

Digital Media Manager:

KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 12/10/10)

Senior Manager News Operations:

Source Media Group, Cedar Rapids, IA (listed 9/10/10)

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

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

Names in the News:

White

Authorities in Charlotte, NC, filed larceny charges against WCCB-TV (FOX) News Director KEN WHITE in late December following an incident at a local grocery store.  More details in this December 23 article from The Charlotte Observer.

SAMANTHA JULIEN returns to her native Chicago and Tribune’s WGN-TV as the 5:00 producer there.  She’s been with Tribune her entire career, including her current job as the Nightside EP for the company’s Indianapolis FOX affiliate, WXIN-TV.

We have two obituaries to report.

Hopson

MISSIE HOBSON, who once served as ND for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, CA, died December 26th after a 16th month long battle with breast cancer.  She worked at several California TV stations (including as a reporter for KCBS-TV) and worked for 23 years at Pacific Gas & Electric.  Her life and career are profiled here.

King

Our sympathy to MARY McCARTHY, one-time Rockford, IL, Greenville, SC and New Orleans ND, on the death of her husband, RAY KING. He died December 14 at the age of 76.  Mr. King was a long time resident of New Orleans who retired to Greenville, SC, in 1999, where Mary works as the Communications Manager of the Greenville County Museum of Art.  More details here.
**** ***** ****

The Full List:

To the best of my knowledge, here is the list of stations with open news director jobs, as of Saturday, January 1, 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
KHOU-TV   1945 Allen Parkway                       Houston TX 77019
KTVW-TV 6006 South 30th St.                          Phoenix AZ 85040
WCCO-TV    90 S. 11th St.                                   Minneapolis MN 55403
KOIN-TV   222 SW Columbia St.                      Portland OR 97201
WTHR-TV   1000 N. Meridian St.                    Indianapolis IN 46204
WTNH/WCTX-TV 8 Elm St.                              New Haven CT 06510
News 8 Austin 1708 Colorado St.                      Austin TX 78701
WJXT-TV    4 Broadcast Place                            Jacksonville FL 32247
WWL-TV     1024 N. Rampart St.                       New Orleans LA 70116
WTEN-TV    341 Northern Blvd.                         Albany NY 12204
KMSB-TV     1855 N. 6th Ave.                             Tucson AZ 85705
KVOA-TV 209 W. Elm St.                                    Tucson AZ 85705
WNWO-TV   300 S. Byrne Rd.                           Toledo OH 43615
KVEO-TV    349 N. Expressway                         Brownsville TX 78521
WJAC-TV   49 Old Hickory Lane                      Johnstown PA 15905
KVAL-TV   4575 Blanton Road                          Eugene OR 97405
WMGT-TV PO Box 4328                                      Macon GA 31208
KTKA-TV   2121 SW Chelsea Dr.                       Topeka KS 66614
KTEN-TV   10 High Point Circle                        Denison TX 75020
KGNS-TV   120 W. Delmar Blvd.                       Laredo TX 78045
KFBB-TV   3012 Highwoods Blvd.                    Great Falls MT 59403