Rick Gevers & Associates

October 6, 2008

Greetings:

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we have a fair amount of activity to report this week.

FIVE new NDs were hired, two in top 20 markets, while FOUR ND jobs became open, all in medium and smaller markets.

That keeps the count of open ND jobs at 36.

We have two new paid ads this week, including our first ad for a ‘Content Brand Manager’. The other new ad is for an Assistant ND job in Oklahoma City, and there’s still time to send me your application for the major market ND job we’re advertising again. (Please note I’m NOT involved in that search…just forwarding applications to the right people.)

There are two obituaries this week: one for a longtime Houston newsman, the other for the mother of a former RTNDA chairman. And there’s just one Name in the News.

That and more after this week’s changes:

NEW NEWS DIRECTOR OPENINGS:

WPMI-TV, Mobile, AL…MIKE McCORMICK has been promoted to be ND for sister Newport station WTEV/WAWS in Jacksonville, FL. More on that below. Mike’s been ND here for about 16 months. WPMI is an NBC affiliate.

KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA…PAUL BERGEN is leaving this Nexstar-owned NBC affiliate after seven months as ND.

WTVA-TV, Tupelo, MS…ROBERT DAVIDSON has left this NBC affiliate. The station is owned by Frank Spain, LLC.

KNOE-TV, Monroe, LA…TAYLOR HENRY will be leaving this Hoak Media owned CBS affiliate. Taylor tells me he is talking with several other news organizations and will leave KNOE by the ned of this year. Taylor has been the ND here since December, 2005.

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS NAMED:

WSNS-TV, Chicago, IL…JOSE ‘TONY’ MARTINEZ has been promoted to ND for this Telemundo station in Chicago, according to a report from ROBERT FEDER in the Chicago Sun-Times. Martinez has been the EP here, and replaces ESTEBAN CRESTE who became ND for KVEA-TV in Los Angeles.

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO…JEFF HARRIS returns to Denver and this McGraw-Hill owned ABC affiliate as ND. Jeff has been working as EP of Special Projects for KPIX-TV in San Francisco, but previously had held the same position for KMGH. He’s also worked in Cleveland, and replaces BYRON GRANDY who was promoted to Station Manager here after more than seven years as ND.

WTEV/WAWS, Jacksonville, FL…MIKE McCORMICK is the next ND for this Newport owned CBS/FOX duopoly. As noted above, Mike’s been at sister Newport station WPMI-TV in Mobile, but he’s no stranger to Jacksonville, having spent seven years as ND for WTLV/WJXX there before moving to Cleveland as ND for WKYC-TV for ten months. He replaces GENE ROSS who has left the station after just six months as ND.

KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX…HENRY MEDRANO will be the next ND for the Communications Corporation of America NBC affiliate. Henry now works for KENS-TV in San Antonio and formerly worked for CBS Newspath. He replaces DREW HADWAL who left in August after a year on the job. Drew was the station’s first ND.

WAGT-TV, Augusta, GA…GREG BALDWIN has been promoted to ND for this Schurz Communications owned NBC affiliate. He has been the EP there, and replaces SCOTT BRADY who was promoted to be ND for this company’s sister station in Springfield, MO.

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

HELP WANTED ADS

CONTENT BRAND MANAGER, WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH

NBC 4 (WCMH-TV) is an NBC affiliate of the Media General Broadcast Group and market leader with breaking news, Storm Team 4, and news on the Web at www.nbc4i.com is looking for a Content Brand Manager to join the Newsroom Team.

The person filling this position will be responsible for the development and presentation of all content developed by the WCMH News Department and the execution of brand images in all content on a daily basis.

The Content Brand Manager will act as Brand Champion for news and news related content. Manage and develop branding elements within product(s) to ensure all content fits with brand strategy and customer focus as outlined in our market research. Coordinates education of staff on branding, how they are to use, apply and grow it.

This position requires someone with superior news judgment, outstanding marketing acumen, strong organizational skills, and the force of personality to effectively supervise reporters and anchors on a daily basis, with the end-product being a newscast that clearly and effectively illustrates and ‘lives’ our brand.

Experience working with Media General would be useful. Ideal candidate should have a College Degree in Journalism, Communication or any other related field. At least five years of experience in a Top 50 market in a supervisory role. Preferably would have some leadership experience (either the #1 or #2 person within the newsroom). Candidate is required to have experience working in a newsroom and strong marketing experience that comes from working within a marketing/promotional department.

Qualified applicants may either send their resume and cover letter to:

WCMH-TV
Attn: Human Resources
3165 Olentangy River Road
Columbus OH 43202

or email: wcmhhr@wcmh.com.

ASS’T NEWS DIRECTOR, KOCO-TV, Oklahoma City, OK

KOCO-TV, the Hearst-Argyle owned ABC affiliate in Oklahoma City, seeks a strategic power player in local news.

Successful Assistant News Director candidates must have a proven track record of running a winning day to day news operation in a metered market, managing not only the broadcast newsroom, but also news coverage on the station’s digital news based initiatives as well.

Candidates must also have a minimum of three years news experience managing a large to medium staff in a medium to major market, excellent news judgment, the ability to direct coverage of and own latebreaking news, and the ability to work effectively with promotions, while coaching reporters, news anchors and other news managers.

The Assistant News Director must work effectively with the News Director in executing the station’s mission and vision. Please send news philosophy and last night’s 6p and 10p newscast (no phone calls please) to:

Stephanie Croswait
News Director
KOCO 5
1300 East Britton Road
Oklahoma City OK 73131

KOCO-TV is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring, training or promotion of employees by reason of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. We are engaged in a continuing effort to seek out prospective applicants for employment with our company. We earnestly solicit your assistance in obtaining employees and request that you refer prospective applicants to us at the address below.

Resumes will be accepted until a qualified candidate is identified.

Please note source of referral on all resumes/cover letters/applications.

REFERENCE NUMBER: 09192008-26

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

MAJOR MARKET NEWS DIRECTOR OPENING

Major market is seeking a News Director to lead a growing department in a growth market.

The candidate must have a track record of ratings success and be dedicated to investigative reporting, severe weather coverage and breaking news.

This group owned station offers top benefits and is committed to the finest in Broadcast Journalism.

Resumes and letters to: NDad@rickgevers.com

or you can mail resumes and letters to:

News Director Opening
Rick Gevers & Associates
PO Box 577
Zionsville IN 46077

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

OTHER NEWS MANAGEMENT OPENINGS:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 8/8/08)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 9/26/08)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (relisted 9/26/08)
KOCO-TV, Oklahoma City, OK (new listing this week, see ad above)
KHBS/KHOG, Fort Smith, AR (relisted 8/15/08)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 8/29/08)
KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA (AM EP, relisted 9/19/08)
KING-TV, Seattle, WA (Nightside EP, listed 9/14/08)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 9/26/08)
WFOR-TV, Miami, FL (Nightside EP, listed 9/26/08)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (AM EP, listed 9/19/08)
WSOC-TV, Charlotte, NC (Nightside EP, relisted 9/19/08)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/8/08)
WZTV, Nashville, TN (relisted 9/26/08)
WHP-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 9/26/08)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (Dayside EP, relisted 9/26/08)
KOLD-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 8/22/08)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (relisted this week)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, SPECIAL PROJECTS:

KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/25/08)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, INVESTIGATIONS/SPECIAL PROJ.

KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 8/8/08)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 7/25/08)

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

OBITUARY:

Funeral services were held this morning (Friday, 10/3) for longtime Houston newsman RAY MILLER. We told you earlier in the week that he died at the age of 89 after a long illness. Ray retired as ND of KPRC-TV in 1979, though he continued to work at the station. Be sure to check out the opening sentence (and more, of course) in this obituary from the Houston Chronicle.

Our sympathy to former RTNDA chairman and longtime Baton Rouge newsman JOHN SPAIN on the recent loss of his mother. FRAN SPAIN died Thursday, 9/25/08, at the age of 94. The family has requested memorial donations to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, where John is the Executive Vice President. Your condolence note would reach him at: jspain@braf.org

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

NAME in the NEWS:

KRCR-TV in Redding, CA has a new Assistant ND. CARA DOYLE joins the station from KCTV in Kansas City where she was the morning producer.

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

Here’s a complete list of all stations that I believe have a current ND opening, as of Friday, October 3, 2008. If you know of any updates, corrections, or additions to this list, please let me know via email at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTLA-TV   5800 Sunset Blvd.               Los Angeles, CA 90028
CLTV News 2000 York, Suite 114            Oak Brook IL 60523
KTVK-TV   5555 N. 7th Avenue              Phoenix AZ 85013
WWSB-TV   1477 10th St.                   Sarasota FL 34236
WOFL-TV   35 Skyline Dr.                  Lake Mary FL 32746
WRTV      1330 N. Meridian St.            Indianapolis IN 46202
KGTV      4600 Air Way                    San Diego CA 92102
KUTH-TV   525 South 300 West #1           Salt Lake City UT 84101 *
KUTV      299 S. Main St. #150            Salt Lake City UT 84111
WVUE-TV   1025 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy.   New Orleans LA 70125
WGRZ-TV   259 Delaware Avenue             Buffalo NY 14202
KMPH-TV   5111 E. McKinley Ave.           Fresno CA 93727
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.              Albany NY 12204
WPMI-TV   661 Azalea Road                 Mobile AL 36609
WFTX-TV   621 SW Pine Island Rd.          Cape Coral FL 33991
KMTV      10714 Mockingbird Dr.           Omaha NE 68127
WSTM-TV   1030 James St.                  Syracuse NY 13203
KTAL-TV   3150 N. Market                  Shreveport LA 71107
WAAY-TV   1000 Monte Sano Boulevard       Huntsville AL 35801
WPTZ-TV   5 Television Drive              Plattsburgh NY 12901
WHBF-TV   231 18th St.                    Rock Island IL 61201
WQAD-TV   3003 Park 16th St.              Moline IL 61265
KDBC-TV   2201 E. Wyoming Ave.            El Paso TX 79903
WCTI-TV   225 Glenburnie Dr.              New Bern NC 28561
WTXL-TV   1620 Commerce Blvd.             Midway FL 32343
KDLT-TV   3600 S. Westport Ave.           Sioux Falls SD 57106
KOLO-TV   4850 Ampere Dr.                 Reno NV 89502
KBAK/KBFX 1901 Westwind Dr.               Bakersfield CA 93301
WTVA-TV   PO Box 350                      Tupelo MS 38802
KNOE-TV   1400 Oliver Rd.                 Monroe LA 71211
KBMT-TV   525 Interstate 10 S.            Beaumont TX 77701
KMIR-TV   72920 Parkview Dr.              Palm Desert CA 92260
KTUU-TV   701 E. Tudor Rd. #220           Anchorage AK 99503
WTHI-TV   918 Ohio St.                    Terre Haute IN 47808
KIMT-TV   112 N. Pennsylvania Ave.        Mason City IA 50401
KIDK-TV   1255 E.17th St.                 Idaho Falls ID 83404

* indicates Spanish language station

Rick Gevers
Rick Gevers & Associates
PO Box 577
Zionsville IN 46077
317-769-7900 (phone)
317-769-7910 (fax)
rick@rickgevers.com
www.rickgevers.com

September 29, 2008

Greetings:

We have another busy week to tell you about, with lots of news director changes and many updates to our list of news management openings.

On the news director front, THREE new NDs were hired this week, and there are also THREE new openings. Two of those new NDs created two of those new openings.

So my count of 36 stations with current ND openings remains this week.

And thanks to those of you who passed along information about some of those changes. It’s much appreciated by me, and benefits all readers. I welcome all tips about any of these openings: rick@rickgevers.com

I’m sorry to have to bring you an obituary of a veteran CBS news producer that many of you (at least those at CBS affiliates) probably knew. That’s below.

We also have two paid ads this week: one is a blind box ad for a major market station, and the other is a repeat of last week’s ad for an Assistant ND in Salt Lake City.

In Names in the News, we’ll tell you about a new book written by a TV news pioneer and bring you up to date on some management moves by your colleagues.

That and more after this week’s changes:

NEW NEWS DIRECTOR OPENINGS:

WVUE-TV, New Orleans, LA…MIMI STRAWN is on her way to Alabama to rejoin her former WVUE GM as ND for WAFF-TV. More on that below. Mimi’s been the ND for this Fox affiliate for a pretty eventful four years. The station was recently purchased by the Louisiana Media Company, a group who’s principal owner is New Orleans Saints owner TOM BENSON.

WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL…FORREST CARR is leaving this Journal Broadcasting owned Fox affiliate to become ND at KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. (More on that below.) Forrest has been the ND here since December, 2005.

KOLO-TV, Reno, NV…BOB PAGE has left as ND here after about 18 months. He’s previously worked in San Diego and San Francisco. His replacement will be the sixth ND here in seven years. KOLO is an ABC affiliate and is owned by Gray Television.

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS NAMED:

KRQE-TV, Albuquerque, NM…as mentioned above, FORREST CARR will be the next ND for this LIN-owned CBS affiliate. It’s a return to the Southwest for Forrest, who’d been an ND in Tucson before moving to Florida, first as ND at WFLA-TV in Tampa, and then Ft. Myers. He replaces MICHELLE DONALDSON who left after almost five years as ND to take the same job at KPHO-TV in Phoenix.

WCSH-TV, Portland, ME…MAUREEN O’BRIEN has been promoted to News Director for this NBC affiliate. She had been the Managing Editor here, and replaces MIKE CURRY who retired earlier this summer. WCSH is owned by Gannett.

WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL…MIMI STRAWN has been named ND for this Raycom owned NBC affiliate. We told you above she’s been the ND for WVUE-TV in New Orleans. The move to Alabama reunites her with former WVUE GM VANESSA OUBRE who recently made the same move. Mimi’s also been an ND in Tulsa. At WAFF, Mimi replaces STEW HIRSCH who left the station in July after a year as ND.

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

HELP WANTED ADS

MAJOR MARKET NEWS DIRECTOR OPENING

Major market is seeking a News Director to lead a growing department in a growth market.

The candidate must have a track record of ratings success and be dedicated to investigative reporting, severe weather coverage and breaking news.

This group owned station offers top benefits and is committed to the finest in Broadcast Journalism.

Resumes and letters to: NDad@rickgevers.com or you can mail resumes and letters to:

News Director Opening
Rick Gevers & Associates
PO Box 577
Zionsville IN 46077

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

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR, KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT

KTVX TV, the Newport Television ABC affiliate in Salt Lake City, Utah, needs an Assistant News Director.

You’ll guide a newsroom based on original reporting and delivering on our brand promise every day, every newscast. Producer or EP background is preferred.

Most importantly, you need a track record of strong people skills that make others want to follow where you lead.

This is a unique opportunity to help build a dynamic new identity for Utah’s first TV station. (And to enjoy some of the world’s best skiing, hiking, and mountain views.)

Send a resume and letter explaining why you are a perfect fit to: jobs@abc4.com

or you can mail that same information to:

Tom Bell
News Director
KTVX
2175 West 1700 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84104

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

OTHER NEWS MANAGEMENT OPENINGS:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 8/8/08)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted this week)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (relisted 9/19/08, see ad above)
KHBS/KHOG, Fort Smith, AR (relisted 8/15/08)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 8/29/08)
KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA (AM EP, relisted 9/19/08)
KING-TV, Seattle, WA (Nightside EP, listed 9/14/08)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted this week)
WFOR-TV, Miami, FL (Nightside EP, new listing this week)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (AM EP, listed 9/19/08)
WSOC-TV, Charlotte, NC (Nightside EP, relisted 9/19/08)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/8/08)
WZTV, Nashville, TN (relisted this week)
WHP-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted this week)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (Dayside EP, relisted this week)
KOLD-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 8/22/08)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 7/03/08)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, SPECIAL PROJECTS:

KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/25/08)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, INVESTIGATIONS/SPECIAL PROJ.

KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 8/8/08)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 7/25/08)

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

OBITUARY:

Our condolences to the family and friends of longtime CBS News producer MARTY GILL who died last weekend after a long battle with cancer. Marty most recently had worked in New York, but earlier in his career had been a Newspath producer in Detroit, where I first met him. He was only 58, and leaves behind a wife and three children. You can read more (and post your online message to the family) by clicking here.

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

NAMES in the NEWS:

Boston’s CBS o-and-o, WBZ-TV, has promoted JOHN KARALIS to the position of Managing Editor. He had been the morning EP here.

Congratulations to MARGIE RUTTENBERG who’s been named Assistant News Director for Washington’s WTTG-TV. She’s a longtime DC newswoman, having worked at WRC-TV for 18 years, most recently as dayside EP.

WGGB-TV in Springfield, MA, has a new Executive Producer. It’s DEBRA BURKE, who has been the Senior Producer at WKBW-TV in Buffalo.

AL PRIMO has written a new book, along with his former colleague RANDY TATANO. It’s called Eyewitness Newsman and chronicles Al’s career as a pioneering news director in Philadelphia and New York. Many of you know Al as the creator of the Eyewitness News format. He’s also been a consultant and currently oversees the weekend syndicated program Teen Kids News. You can learn more about the book (and even buy a copy!) by going to this website: www.eyewitnessnewsman.com

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

Here’s a complete list of all stations that I believe have a current ND opening, as of Friday, September 26, 2008. If you know of any updates, corrections, or additions to this list, please let me know via email at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTLA-TV   5800 Sunset Blvd.               Los Angeles, CA 90028
CLTV News 2000 York, Suite 114            Oak Brook IL 60523
WSNS-TV   430 W. Grant Place              Chicago IL 60614 *
KTVK-TV   5555 N. 7th Avenue              Phoenix AZ 85013
WWSB-TV   1477 10th St.                   Sarasota FL 34236
KMGH-TV   123 Speer Blvd,                 Denver CO 80203
WOFL-TV   35 Skyline Dr.                  Lake Mary FL 32746
WRTV      1330 N. Meridian St.            Indianapolis IN 46202
KGTV      4600 Air Way                    San Diego CA 92102
KUTH-TV   525 South 300 West #1           Salt Lake City UT 84101 *
KUTV      299 S. Main St. #150            Salt Lake City UT 84111
WVUE-TV   1025 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy.   New Orleans LA 70125
WGRZ-TV   259 Delaware Avenue             Buffalo NY 14202
KMPH-TV   5111 E. McKinley Ave.           Fresno CA 93727
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.              Albany NY 12204
WFTX-TV   621 SW Pine Island Rd.          Cape Coral FL 33991
KMTV      10714 Mockingbird Dr.           Omaha NE 68127
WSTM-TV   1030 James St.                  Syracuse NY 13203
WAAY-TV   1000 Monte Sano Boulevard       Huntsville AL 35801
KVEO-TV   394 N. Expressway               Brownsville TX 78521
WPTZ-TV   5 Television Drive              Plattsburgh NY 12901
WHBF-TV   231 18th St.                    Rock Island IL 61201
WQAD-TV   3003 Park 16th St.              Moline IL 61265
KDBC-TV   2201 E. Wyoming Ave.            El Paso TX 79903
WCTI-TV   225 Glenburnie Dr.              New Bern NC 28561
WTXL-TV   1620 Commerce Blvd.             Midway FL 32343
KDLT-TV   3600 S. Westport Ave.           Sioux Falls SD 57106
KOLO-TV   4850 Ampere Dr.                 Reno NV 89502
WAGT-TV   905 Broad St.                   Augusta GA 30901
KBAK/KBFX 1901 Westwind Dr.               Bakersfield CA 93301
KBMT-TV   525 Interstate 10 S.            Beaumont TX 77701
KMIR-TV   72920 Parkview Dr.              Palm Desert CA 92260
KTUU-TV   701 E. Tudor Rd. #220           Anchorage AK 99503
WTHI-TV   918 Ohio St.                    Terre Haute IN 47808
KIMT-TV   112 N. Pennsylvania Ave.        Mason City IA 50401
KIDK-TV   1255 E.17th St.                 Idaho Falls ID 83404

* indicates Spanish language station

Rick Gevers
Rick Gevers & Associates
PO Box 577
Zionsville IN 46077
317-769-7900 (phone)
317-769-7910 (fax)
rick@rickgevers.com
www.rickgevers.com

September 22, 2008

Greetings:

If I didn’t know better, I’d swear a whole bunch of General Managers woke up recently and said “Geez. November’s almost here. I need a news director.”

That’s another way of telling you there’s lots of new NDs to tell you about. There are also THREE new openings, in addition to the FIVE new hires.

That leaves, by my count, 36 stations with current ND openings. If you know of either jobs open or filled (see my list at the end of the newsletter) please let me know via email: rick@rickgevers.com

Also this week…we have a paid ad for a news management opening at a Salt Lake City station, and a clarification on one of last week’s Names in the News.

That and more after this week’s changes:

NEW NEWS DIRECTOR OPENINGS:

KMTV, Omaha, NE…KEN DUDZIK has left this Journal Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate. He’s been the ND here since June, 2001, and previously was an ND in Topeka, KS.

WTHI-TV, Terre Haute, IN…DOUG RUNYON is leaving this LIN TV owned CBS affiliate. He’s been the ND here for just over two years. Doug, whose background is in law enforcement, tells me he’s going to work full time for a business he co-owns in the field of security and investigative consulting.

KDLT-TV, Sioux Falls, SD…JEN WAHLE is taking a job as Communications Director of the Dakotas for the Heart Association. She added ND responsibilities to her anchor duties about a year ago. KDLT is owned by Red River Broadcasting, and is an NBC affiliate. Her replacement will be the seventh ND in just over seven years.

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS NAMED:

WUSA-TV, Washington, DC…as we shared with you in two separate emailed updates earlier this week, LANE MICHAELSEN is the new ND (or, as Gannett calls it, VP of the Information Ceneter) for this CBS affiliate. He’s been a corporate VP/News for Gannett most recently, has served as news director for the company’s Tampa and Little Rock stations. Lane began his career as a photojournalist. At WUSA, he replaces MIKE WARD who left the station after 16 months as ND. Lane’s the fourth ND here in four years.

WTVR-TV, Richmond, VA…BILL ANDERSON is the new ND for this Raycom-owned (for now, at least) CBS affiliate. He is currently the Marketing Manager, but he does have a news background as a photojournalist and producer. Bill has been the interim ND since CHIP MAHANEY left last month to become Director of Digital Content for Scripps. Chip spent just over a year as ND here.

KWCH-TV, Wichita, KS…CHAD CROSS has been promoted to ND for this Sunflower Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate. He’s been the interim ND there since MICHELE GORS left after almost three years as ND.

WIS-TV, Columbia, SC…this Raycom-owned NBC affiliate has promoted BRAD NEUHOFF. He replaces TINA LUQUE BLACKLOCKE who left the station in June after five years as ND. She’s now ND for WTKR-TV in Norfolk, VA.

WKOW-TV, Madison, WI…veteran ND PERRY BOXX returns as the new ND for this Quincy Newspaper owned ABC affiliate. Perry most recently was ND for WCIV-TV in Charleston, SC. He’s also been an ND in Savannah, Oklahoma City, Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Nashville, Corpus Christi, and Las Vegas, and also worked in Little Rock and St. Louis. At WKOW, he replaces AL ZOBEL who left the station earlier this month after almost five years as ND.

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

HELP WANTED AD

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR, KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT

KTVX TV, the Newport Television ABC affiliate in Salt Lake City, Utah, needs an Assistant News Director.

You’ll guide a newsroom based on original reporting and delivering on our brand promise every day, every newscast. Producer or EP background is preferred.

Most importantly, you need a track record of strong people skills that make others want to follow where you lead.

This is a unique opportunity to help build a dynamic new identity for Utah’s first TV station. (And to enjoy some of the world’s best skiing, hiking, and mountain views.)

Send a resume and letter explaining why you are a perfect fit to:

Tom Bell
News Director
KTVX
2175 West 1700 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84104

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

OTHER NEWS MANAGEMENT OPENINGS:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WBZ-TV, Boston, MA (listed 8/15/08)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 8/8/08)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 6/6/08)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (relisted this week, see ad above)
KVIA-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 6/27/08)
KHBS/KHOG, Fort Smith, AR (relisted 8/15/08)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (listed 7/10/08)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 8/29/08)
KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA (AM EP, relisted this week)
KING-TV, Seattle, WA (Nightside EP, listed 9/14/08)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 7/25/08)
KDVR-TV, Denver, CO (Weekend EP, relisted 7/3/08)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (AM EP, new listing this week)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 6/20/08)
WSOC-TV, Charlotte, NC (Nightside EP, relisted this week)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 8/08/08)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/8/08)
WZTV, Nashville, TN (listed 6/20/08)
WHP-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 7/03/08)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (Dayside EP, listing revised 7/03/08)
KOLD-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 8/22/08)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 7/03/08)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, SPECIAL PROJECTS:

KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/25/08)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, INVESTIGATIONS/SPECIAL PROJ.

KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 8/8/08)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WBZ-TV, Boston, MA (listed 8/15/08)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 7/25/08)

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

NAMES in the NEWS:

One clarification on an item from last week’s Names in the News. TONY BALLEW is volunteering in the field of drug and alcohol treatment. Tony tells me some health issues are keeping him from working, but he hopes to one day be certified in counseling and intervention.

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

Here’s a complete list of all stations that I believe have a current ND opening, as of Friday, September 19, 2008. If you know of any updates, corrections, or additions to this list, please let me know via email at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTLA-TV   5800 Sunset Blvd.               Los Angeles, CA 90028
CLTV News 2000 York, Suite 114            Oak Brook IL 60523
WSNS-TV   430 W. Grant Place              Chicago IL 60614 *
KTVK-TV   5555 N. 7th Avenue              Phoenix AZ 85013
WWSB-TV   1477 10th St.                   Sarasota FL 34236
KMGH-TV   123 Speer Blvd,                 Denver CO 80203
WOFL-TV   35 Skyline Dr.                  Lake Mary FL 32746
WRTV      1330 N. Meridian St.            Indianapolis IN 46202
KGTV      4600 Air Way                    San Diego CA 92102
KUTH-TV   525 South 300 West #1           Salt Lake City UT 84101 *
KUTV      299 S. Main St. #150            Salt Lake City UT 84111
KRQE-TV   13 Broadcast Plaza              Albuquerque NM 87104
WGRZ-TV   259 Delaware Avenue             Buffalo NY 14202
KMPH-TV   5111 E. McKinley Ave.           Fresno CA 93727
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.              Albany NY 12204
KMTv      10714 Mockingbird Dr.           Omaha NE 68127
WCSH/WLBZ-TV One Congress Square          Portland ME 04101
WSTM-TV   1030 James St.                  Syracuse NY 13203
WAAY-TV   1000 Monte Sano Boulevard       Huntsville AL 35801
WAFF-TV   1414 N. Memorial Pkwy.          Huntsville AL 35801
KVEO-TV   394 N. Expressway               Brownsville TX 78521
WPTZ-TV   5 Television Drive              Plattsburgh NY 12901
WHBF-TV   231 18th St.                    Rock Island IL 61201
WQAD-TV   3003 Park 16th St.              Moline IL 61265
KDBC-TV   2201 E. Wyoming Ave.            El Paso TX 79903
WCTI-TV   225 Glenburnie Dr.              New Bern NC 28561
WTXL-TV   1620 Commerce Blvd.             Midway FL 32343
KDLT-TV   3600 S. Westport Ave.           Sioux Falls SD 57106
WAGT-TV   905 Broad St.                   Augusta GA 30901
KBAK/KBFX 1901 Westwind Dr.               Bakersfield CA 93301
KBMT-TV   525 Interstate 10 S.            Beaumont TX 77701
KMIR-TV   72920 Parkview Dr.              Palm Desert CA 92260
KTUU-TV   701 E. Tudor Rd. #220           Anchorage AK 99503
WTHI-Tv   918 Ohio St.                    Terre Haute IN 47808
KIMT-TV   112 N. Pennsylvania Ave.        Mason City IA 50401
KIDK-TV   1255 E.17th St.                 Idaho Falls ID 83404

* indicates Spanish language station

Rick Gevers
Rick Gevers & Associates
PO Box 577
Zionsville IN 46077
317-769-7900 (phone)
317-769-7910 (fax)
rick@rickgevers.com
www.rickgevers.com

September 15, 2008

Greetings:

We’re a little delayed this week due to our attendance at the Centennial Celebration of the University of Missouri School of Journalism last week, (and a temporary internet outage) but I hope you’ll find the newsletter worth the wait.

There are TWO new openings to tell you about, including one in a top 20 market. And we have ONE new news director to share. My figures now show 37 stations looking for a new news director.

We have a new management listing for an EP job in Seattle, and LOTS of Names in the News. We’re also repeating FOUR ads for news director jobs, including one that will include Station Management responsibilities.

That and more after this week’s changes:

NEW NEWS DIRECTOR OPENINGS:

WOFL-TV, Orlando, FL…we told you earlier this week that BOB CLINKINGBEARD is leaving this FOX o-and-o after more than three years as ND here. He also spent seven years as ND for Fox’s WITI-TV in Milwaukee, and has worked in Washington, Detroit, Philadelphia, Birmingham, and Columbia, MO. Bob tells me he’s going to take some time to visit family and friends.

WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC…INGRID JOHANSEN is leaving after more than six years as the ND here. WCTI is an ABC affiliate owned by Bonten Media. Ingrid’s also been an ND in Providence and Lexington, KY.

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS NAMED:

KSNW-TV, Wichita, KS…JASON KRAVARIK has been promoted to ND for this New Vision owned NBC affiliate. He’s been the interim ND here since TODD SPESSARD left in July to become ND for KOKI-TV in Tulsa after more than five years as ND. Jason has been an Assistant ND here, as well as an EP and a reporter/producer.

**** ***** ****
HELP WANTED ADS

STATION MANAGER/NEWS DIRECTOR, WQAD-TV, Moline, IL

Are you into John Deere tractors, fishing on the mighty Mississippi and eating tenderloin sandwiches?

OK…try this one.

Are you a successful News Director who wants a shot at running your own station some day?

Local TV LLC is now hiring a Station Manager/News Director who’ll help us rebuild WQAD in the Quad Cities.

The job requirements are simple:

· Create an interesting and compelling newscast that will keep the viewers awake at 10 pm.
· Develop promotional strategy for a two state market that will get the station noticed on both sides of the river.
· Drive Channel 8 into the digital age.
· Learn how to turn demos into dollars on the bottom line.
· Finally…train and develop your replacement.

This is a station with a hard working staff and a will to win. We’re not looking for a traditional News Director. We’re looking for Local TV’s next General Manager.

Get creative and e-mail your resume to: scharlier@localtvllc.com

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

NEWS DIRECTOR, WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL

WWSB-TV, ABC 7 in the Sarasota, Florida, market is looking for an experienced News Director.

The qualified candidate will have News Director Experience, which should include a proven track record of excellent news judgment, the ability to build a diverse news staff, and improve product and ratings.

Collaborative leadership skills and the ability to motivate are critical.

Weather is an important element of coverage in this market, and the qualified candidate will have experience managing severe weather coverage for all platforms.

We look forward to hearing from interested candidates. Please send resume and cover letter to:

ABC 7/Personnel-News Director
1477 Tenth Street
Sarasota, FL 34236

You can also apply via fax to: 941-923-6387

or via email to: personnel@wwsb.com.

WWSB is an Equal Opportunity Employer, women and minorities are encouraged to apply. No Phone calls please.

NEWS DIRECTOR, WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL

ABC 27 HD, WTXL the local high definition station in Tallahassee, has an immediate opening for a News Director.

We’re a small market station in a state-of-the-art facility with an aggressive and exciting news staff. Must have a passion for news, great leadership and communication skills.

The successful candidate must be a hands-on leader who participates in news planning and content, hiring, budgeting, newsroom administration and a working knowledge of online News gathering.

Candidate must have a successful track record of leadership and ratings success and a proven ability to work with Sales and Marketing on special projects.

Prefer a college degree in journalism and 5 years experience in television newsroom management in a large market. Prefer News Director experience, but will consider an Assistant News Director or Executive Producer.

Send resume to:

ABC 27
Attn: Gary Wordlaw
1620 Commerce Blvd
Midway, FL, 32343

or e-mail to: gwordlaw@wtxl.tv.

WTXL TV is EOE. No phone calls please.

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

NEWS DIRECTOR, KBAK/KBFX, Bakersfield, CA

Progressive station in Bakersfield, CA is looking for a News Director with a proven track record of outstanding news judgment, coaching, recruiting, and producing. Candidates should have command of what makes a good newscast both in content and presentation.

Aggressive Breaking News and Weather coverage would be baselines. KBAK has positioned themselves in the market as a strong Investigative station. Candidates should be able to sell their ability to drive lots of enterprise in daily content and include that when sending newscasts for review.

The News Director is responsible for managing a 45 person news team and implementing overall strategy that includes an evolving brand, formats, web site and morning news products. The News Director also has oversight for the Fox Prime and Morning newscasts. Demonstrating current online and on air best practices a plus.

Assistant News Directors and Executive Producers in larger markets with Producer background tracks and knowledge of contemporary journalism should also apply. Experience in news department management required, four year minimum degree in journalism preferred.

The station web site is www.bakersfieldnow.com.

Please apply to GM as indicated below. Candidates must submit a resume and DVD of a current newscast with their imprint on it, explaining how in the cover letter.

Troy McGuire
General Manager
KBAK/KBFX
1901 Westwind Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93301

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

OTHER NEWS MANAGEMENT OPENINGS:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WBZ-TV, Boston, MA (listed 8/15/08)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 8/8/08)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 6/6/08)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 6/13/08)
KVIA-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 6/27/08)
KHBS/KHOG, Fort Smith, AR (relisted 8/15/08)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (listed 7/10/08)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 8/29/08)
KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA (AM EP, listed 7/03/08)
KING-TV, Seattle, WA (Nightside EP, new listing this week)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 7/25/08)
KDVR-TV, Denver, CO (Weekend EP, relisted 7/3/08)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 6/20/08)
WSOC-TV, Charlotte, NC (Nightside EP, relisted 6/27/08)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 8/08/08)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT (relisted 6/27/08)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/8/08)
WZTV, Nashville, TN (listed 6/20/08)
WHP-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 7/03/08)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (Dayside EP, listing revised 7/03/08)
KOLD-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 8/22/08)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 7/03/08)
WGGB-TV, Springfield, MA (listed 6/20/08)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, SPECIAL PROJECTS:

KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/25/08)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, INVESTIGATIONS/SPECIAL PROJ.

KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 8/8/08)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WBZ-TV, Boston, MA (listed 8/15/08)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 7/25/08)

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

NAMES in the NEWS:

Our sympathy to longtime New York City news manager DIANNE DOCTOR on the recent death of her husband, ROGER HERNANDEZ. He died September 6th after a brief illness at the age of 53. Roger was a syndicated newspaper columnist and had worked for a number of newspapers. You can read more by clicking here. He is survived by Dianne, currently ND for the FOX owned WNWY/WWOR duopoly in New York, and two children.

PATRICK McCREERY, ND at Portland, OR, FOX affiliate KPTV since 2004, is now the Acting General Manager there. He continues as ND…for now.

Congratulations to KILEY RIFFELL who’s been promoted to Executive Producer of the morning news for KTVU-TV in Oakland/San Francisco. Kiley has been the 10:00 producer for this FOX affiliate, and has also worked for two stations in San Diego.

ROB CARTWRIGHT returns to Dallas as Assistant ND for KDAF-TV, the Tribune owned station there. The move reunites him with KDAF ND DAVID DUITCH. They worked together at WFAA-TV in Dallas. Rob is leaving his current job as Senior EP for WJLA-TV in Washington.

Another promotion to report, this one in Denver, where SARAH BURKE is the new Nightside EP for KCNC-TV. She has been the 10:00 producer for this CBS o-and-o.

KVIA-TV in El Paso, TX, has hired CARLOS ROSALES as the new Assistant ND.It’s a return to El Paso for Carlos who most recently has been the Assignment Manager at WFAA-TV in Dallas.

Longtime News Director TONY BALLEW is proud to be a new grandfather. He tells me that AVERY JEAN was born last month, and Tony says she’s the most beautiful baby girl on the planet. (I told you he was proud!) Tony is now working out of our business and is working in the field of drug and alcohol abuse treatment. He welcomes hearing from old friends at: desertmediaguy@yahoo.com

Also proving there is life after TV is SUSAN KELLEY. Susan’s been a GM in Medford, OR, and a news director in Oklahoma City and Grand Rapids, MI. Now, she and husband KEVIN VANDERKOLK (also a recovering TV-type) have launched preppyprincess.com. It’s an online store aimed at those who love all things preppy. She’s also blogging at: http://thepreppyprincess.wordpress.com/

Oops! Last week, in reporting one-time ND HOLLY STEUART’s new gig as GM of WHP-TV in Harrisburg, I mistakenly called WHP an ABC station. Old friend GED YOUNG gently pointed out that it’s a CBS affil. Thanks, Ged, and sorry for the error.

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

Here’s a complete list of all stations that I believe have a current ND opening, as of Sunday, September 14, 2008. If you know of any updates, corrections, or additions to this list, please let me know via email at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTLA-TV   5800 Sunset Blvd.               Los Angeles, CA 90028
CLTV News 2000 York, Suite 114            Oak Brook IL 60523
WSNS-TV   430 W. Grant Place              Chicago IL 60614 *
KTVK-TV   5555 N. 7th Avenue              Phoenix AZ 85013
WWSB-TV   1477 10th St.                   Sarasota FL 34236 (see ad above)
KMGH-TV   123 Speer Blvd,                 Denver CO 80203
WOFL-TV   35 Skyline Dr.                  Lake Mary FL 32746
WRTV      1330 N. Meridian St.            Indianapolis IN 46202
KGTV      4600 Air Way                    San Diego CA 92102
KUTH-TV   525 South 300 West #1           Salt Lake City UT 84101 *
KUTV      299 S. Main St. #150            Salt Lake City UT 84111
KRQE-TV   13 Broadcast Plaza              Albuquerque NM 87104
WGRZ-TV   259 Delaware Avenue             Buffalo NY 14202
KMPH-TV   5111 E. McKinley Ave.           Fresno CA 93727
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.              Albany NY 12204
WTVR-TV   3301 W. Broad St.               Richmond VA 23230
KWCH-TV   2815 East 37th Street North     Wichita KS 67219
WCSH/WLBZ-TV One Congress Square          Portland ME 04101
WSTM-TV   1030 James St.                  Syracuse NY 13203
WIS-TV    1111 Bull St.                   Columbia SC 29201
WAAY-TV   1000 Monte Sano Boulevard       Huntsville AL 35801
WAFF-TV   1414 N. Memorial Pkwy.          Huntsville AL 35801
WKOW-TV   5727 Tokay Boulevard            Madison WI 53719
KVEO-TV   394 N. Expressway               Brownsville TX 78521
WPTZ-TV   5 Television Drive              Plattsburgh NY 12901
WHBF-TV   231 18th St.                    Rock Island IL 61201 (see ad above)
WQAD-TV   3003 Park 16th St.              Moline IL 61265
KDBC-TV   2201 E. Wyoming Ave.            El Paso TX 79903
WCTI-TV   225 Glenburnie Dr.              New Bern NC 28561
WTXL-TV   1620 Commerce Blvd.             Midway FL 32343 (see ad above)
WAGT-TV   905 Broad St.                   Augusta GA 30901
KBAK/KBFX 1901 Westwind Dr.               Bakersfield CA 93301 (see ad above)
KBMT-TV   525 Interstate 10 S.            Beaumont TX 77701
KMIR-TV   72920 Parkview Dr.              Palm Desert CA 92260
KTUU-TV   701 E. Tudor Rd. #220           Anchorage AK 99503
KIMT-TV   112 N. Pennsylvania Ave.        Mason City IA 50401
KIDK-TV   1255 E.17th St.                 Idaho Falls ID 83404

# indicates Spanish language station

Rick Gevers
Rick Gevers & Associates
PO Box 577
Zionsville IN 46077
317-769-7900 (phone)
317-769-7910 (fax)
rick@rickgevers.com
www.rickgevers.com