Rick Gevers & Associates

August 7, 2022

Wednesday, August 10, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

A veteran newswoman stays in California and gets her first news director’s job.

Gearhart

BOBBI GEARHART will be the next ND for Scripps’ KGTV (ABC) in San Diego. She’s currently the managing editor for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, where she’s worked for nine years, beginning as an EP in 2013. GM LEON CLARK advised the staff of its new boss via this email, in which you will learn that Bobbi was graduated from San Diego State University, so a return to San Diego for her.

She’s also worked for another San Francisco station, as well as in Denver, Austin, TX, and Palm Springs. The full story is on her Linkedin page.

Bobbi replaces TODD REED who left the station in late June after four months as ND.

We’ll see you this weekend with our full newsletter.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Published reports estimated about 5,000 people attended this week’s combined NABJ/NAHJ convention at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. And 5,000 is about the number of steps attendees need to get TO the convention from the entrance of the hotel.

It’s the first in-person for many since 2019, and you’d hear a lot of ‘Great to see you’ comments which seemed a little more heartfelt this year. I certainly enjoyed seeing some old friends and meeting new ones.

During this last week, a hiring spree found SIX new news directors named to jobs, with just ONE new opening, bringing our list of open jobs to a lower-than-it’s-been-in-a-long-time 26!

Just one Paid Help Wanted Ad this week, for an Assistant ND job out west.

Our streak of no obituaries came to a halt, with SIX deaths to tell you about, including the sudden passing of a Tampa chief photographer and a former GM and network executive. Those are all below.

Lots of GM news from Gray, and just THREE items in Names in the News, one of which is a fun list of TV people who have run for public office.

Check that and all the news below.

Newly Named News Directors:

Bailey

WITI-TV, Milwaukee, WI…this FOX o-and-o has named BRANDICE BAILEY as next news director. She’s currently the Assistant ND for WIS-TV in Columbia, SC, but has held management positions in San Francisco, Houston, and Miami, and has worked in Las Vegas, Chattanooga, and for CNN. She replaces JIM WILSON who left in May after three years as ND (and 30 at the station). He’s now chief photographer for Scripps’ WTMJ-TV (NBC) in Milwaukee.

Betts

WIVB/WNLO-TV, Buffalo, NY…BRIANNE BETTS returns to New York as the next ND for this Nexstar owned CBS/CW duopoly. More in this note from GM JOE ABOUZEID, where you’ll learn two fun facts about her sister AND another degree she has. She’s spent the last eleven years as the Assistant ND at Nexstar’s WCMH-TV (NBC) in Columbus, OH. Brianne replaces LISA (POLSTER) POLIZZI who left in May after five years as ND and seven at the station.

Wideman

WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA…another Nexstar station, another promotion within the company. KATHY WILDEMAN comes from WJBF-TV in Augusta, GA, where she was Operations Manager and Assistant ND. You’ll see in this note to me from GM DAVID HART that it was her second time at WJBF. She has big shoes to fill, replacing KEVIN BRENNAN who retired earlier this year after 22 years as ND for this NBC affiliate.

Martin

WCSC-TV, Charleston, SC…JENNIFER MARTIN will be the next ND at this Gray owned CBS affiliate. She’s been the Assistant ND here for six years (in her second time at the station). She spent 14 years as a producer and EP for WLBT-TV in Jackson, MS. Jennifer replaces JENNIFER DALE who has taken a new job as VP/Recruiting for Gray. Jennifer (Dale, not Martin) was ND here for 4 1/2 years and has also been an ND in Johnson City, TN, and has worked in Mobile, Myrtle Beach and Columbus, GA.

Babcock

KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX…another Nexstar station fills an open ND job, one of FOUR. CHRIS BABCOCK advances from Digital Content Director for this NBC station, a job he’s held for the last year. His background, including a stint as editor for a local newspaper, is interesting. Chris replaces TIM GUITERREZ who left the station earlier this year after about 18 months as ND.

Hart

WJBF-TV, Augusta, GA…JOHN HART is the new Director of Digital Journalism and Content for this Nexstar owned ABC affiliate. John’s been here for 22 years, first as a sports anchor. He moved to news in 2009. He’s giving up anchoring to be ND, where he’ll replace a long time colleague, SCOTT ELLEDGE who left earlier this year after 13 years as ND. Scott’s now VP/Director of Development for Bahakel.

New News Director Openings:

Lafferty

WJET/WFXP-TV, Erie, PA…SEAN LAFFERTY, who added ND responsibilities to his plate…in addition to his anchor job…is giving up the ND part of his portfolio. The dual role lasted less than a year. He’s been at the station since 1988. He’s also worked at another station in Erie and in Akron. WJET is an ABC affiliate owned by Nexstar which provides services to Mission Broadcasting’s WFXP, a FOX affiliate.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

Assistant News Director, KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ:

KNXV, The EW Scripps ABC station based in Phoenix, Arizona is looking for an experienced leader and broadcast journalist to join our news team as Assistant News Director. If you desire to work with a great team of journalism professionals in gathering, producing, and delivering stories on multiple platforms that make a difference in our communities, we want to hear from you!

Our Assistant News Director is responsible for managing daily coverage and operations of the news team and is responsible for consistently executing strategies.

In this role, we require a person who will roll up their sleeves to get the job done, is highly organized, can successfully multi-task, and is focused on fostering creativity and coaching the team for growth and development.

Apply at scripps.com/careers.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 6/19/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 7/31/22, see ad above!)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg (listed 7/31/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 7/10/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 6/5/22)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 7/17/22)
KENS-TV, San Antonio TX (relisted 7/17/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 7/10/22)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 7/31/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 6/5/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo NY (relisted 7/24/22)
WPRI-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/17/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (listed 6/5/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (relisted 6/5/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (relisted 7/24/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 6/5/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTVT-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (AM EP, listed 7/10/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM EP, listing revised 7/31/22)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/17/22)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 6/5/22)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 6/26/22)
WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (MSP EP, listed 7/10/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 7/17/22)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 6/12/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Weekend EP, revised 7/24/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (relisted 7/17/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/5/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/3/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP. relisted 7/17/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 5/30/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, revised 7/24/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 7/10/22)
KFOR/KAUT-TV, Oklahoma City (Overnight EP, listed 7/3/22)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 7/24/22)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point NC (listed 6/19/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 7/10/22)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (2 openings, listed 7/10/22)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (AM EP, relisted 7/24/22)
KMTV. Omaha, NE (listed 7/17/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 6/5/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (two openings, AM & PM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 7/24/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (2 openings, one a Digital EP, revised 7/24/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 6/5/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (relisted 7/24/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 7/17/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (listed 6/26/22)
KFDX/KJTL-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (PM EP, listed 7/17/22)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (listed 6/26/22)
KBZK-TV, Boseman, MT (listed 7/17/22)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (relisted 7/17/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (relisted 6/5/22)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 7/31/22:

Listed 7/24/22:

WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Manager)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (Director of Digital Media)
WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA (Director of Digital Media)

Relisted 7/24/22:

Spectrum News NY1 (Senior Producer & Senior Producer-Politics)
Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Supervising Producer, Documentary Journalism Center)

Listed 7/10/22:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Director)

Listed 7/10/22:

WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (Director of Digital Content)
KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (Digital News Manager)

Listed 7/3/22:

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 6/26/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 6/12/22:

KVEO/KGBT-TV, Rio Grande Valley, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Obituaries:

Sadly, lots of obituaries this week.

Lamison

Our sympathy to the folks at Tampa’s WFLA-TV on the sudden passing this week of chief photographer PAUL LAMISON. A 29+ year veteran of that Tegna Nexstar owned NBC affiliate, Paul died Wednesday at the age of 57 of an apparent heart attack. He was well known in the market as a part of the station’s morning team. More in this obituary. Paul is survived by a wife and daughters.

Severino

President JOHN KENNEDY (and others) said “Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.” Such it is with claims to have invented Eyewitness News. One who has been called that was longtime TV executive JOHN SEVERINO, who died July 27th at 85. He ran stations in Los Angeles and Chicago, was Presdient of ABC, head of the CBS stations group, and much more. Details from The Hollywood Reporter and in this obituary.

Hogan

JACK HOGAN, a legendary Western Michigan news director who also served as President of (then) RTNDA, died Thursday. He was 89. Jack was the longtime ND for WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids and later worked for the city. One of the many people he hired was meteorologist BILL STEFFEN who years later went across town to WOOD-TV where he wrote this remembrance. Be sure to check out Jack’s references for a post retirement job.

Pritchett

STEVE PRITCHETT began at KVII-TV in Amarillo, TX, as a reporter, producer and anchor. He later became news director there for six years, during which time (according to this obituary) the station was number one. He died Tuesday at the age of 65. After leaving KVII, in 1994 he joined the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, leaving as Vice-President after 22 years.

Hamilton

Longtime Fargo broadcaster DOUG HAMILTON lost his battle with cancer this week. He was 72. Doug was a reporter, producer, anchor and news director for two Fargo stations that are now branded as Valley News Live. This story is from that website. He most recently worked for Prairie Public Radio in Fargo. Doug was also active in the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater.

Walorski

Indiana Congresswoman JACKIE WALORSKI, 58, was one of four people killed in a head-on collision in northern Indiana Wednesday. She was a passenger in a car driven by ZACHARY POTTS, head of the St. Joseph Country Republican Party. Potts and another aide, EMMA THOMPSON, also died, as did the driver of the other car. We tell you this because Walorksi spent four years as a reporter for WSBT-TV in South Bend earlier in her career. She was first elected to Congress in 2012.

Names in the News:

Kiss

Philadelphia’s CBS o-and-o, KYW-TV, has named RICHARD KISS as its next Assistant News Director. He comes from WCAU-TV (NBC owned) in Philadelphia where he was an executive producer. Richard is following new KYW ND KATHY GERROW who left WCAU last month to become ND at KYW. Richard’s also worked at News 12 in New York and for WDSU-TV in New Orleans

There’s a new effort to help journalists improve coverage of crime, public safety, and the courts. It includes a year long mentorship program. More from the Nieman Lab website.

Finally, a fun list thanks to the Columbia Journalism Review: a list of journalists who have run for office,. Check it out here.

General Manager News and Notes:

Ingram

TIM INGRAM‘s departure from Gray Television (reported first in this space last week) spurred a lot of changes, as the company has tagged TEN current GMs for new roles as Regional Vice Presidents/General Managers, where they will continue running their stations and overseeing others. And a GM who already had that title had a few more stations added to his portfolio. The list is too long for this space, but NOT for this Gray TV news release.

Speaking of Gray news releases, here’s a two-fer. The company promoted new general managers at two of its stations, KWCH/KCSW-TV (CBS/CW) in Wichita, and WGGB/WSHM-TV (ABC/CBS) in Springfield, MA. DAVID HERRMANN is the winner in Wichita, while Station Manager/News Director PATIENCE HETTRICK has been bumped up in Springfield. I have not yet been able to confirm if that creates an ND opening there.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 7, 2022:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

KTTV 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KTVT/KTVA-TV 5233 Bridge St. Fort Worth, TX 76103
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
KGTV 4600 Air Way. San Diego, CA 92102
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street, Norfolk VA, 23510
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WHAM-TV 4225 W. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt Street Rochester, NY 14610
WEYI/WSMH-TV, 3463 W. Pierson Road. Flint, MI 48504
KAGS-TV 2800 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77802
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
WPTA/WISE-TV 3401 Butler Road, Fort Wayne, IN
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
WJET-TV 8455 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station

July 31, 2022

Greetings:

We’re a little late this week due to out of town company and (okay, I’ll be honest) the NASCAR race in town.

But we have some interesting items, including what I believe is the first report of a senior management change at Gray. That’s in our GM section below.

Also this week, TWO new news directors (both promotions at Scripps stations) and ONE new opening, leaving our list of open ND jobs at 31.

There are THREE Paid Help Wanted ads, a new one for an Assistant ND job in a top 15 market and two for EP openings.

Once again, happy there are no obituaries this week.

In addition to the Gray TV item teased above, a longtime GM retires in Houston and there’s a new GM in Oklahoma City. That’s in our GM news section.

In Names in the News, a former Casper, WY news director retires from a different job for which he was much better known. We’l tell you about a departure from Extra!, a new job for a former RTDNA chair, and the daughter in law of a longtime broadcast gets promoted at a New York o-and-o.

And if you’re going to NABJ/NAHJ this week, I hope to see you there, perhaps at this reception hosted by the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

The Missouri School of Journalism invites you to attend an
Alumni and Friends Reception
at the NABJ/NAHJ Convention
Featuring
Ron Stodghill, Meredith Chair in Service Journalism
Friday, August 5, 2022 – 6:00–7:30 p.m.
in the Reno Room at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
3555 S. Las Vegas Boulevard
The reception will feature light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

SciLine, a nonpartisan, philanthropically funded, free service for reporters, tees up articulate scientists from universities across the country for windows of media availability. Journalists can sign up to book broadcast-quality Zoom interviews for their exclusive use. SciLine also hosts on-the-record expert panels for reporters, with ample time for Q&A.

1-ON-1 INTERVIEW AVAILABILITIES

Aug. 2: Electric vehicles (Dr. Lewis Fulton, University of California, Davis)
Aug. 9: Teen mental health (Dr. Nick Allen, University of Oregon)
Aug. 25: Delta-8 and other cannabinoids (Dr. Ziva Cooper, UCLA)

UPCOMING MEDIA BRIEFINGS

Aug. 4: Wildfire resilience: buildings, water, and land use (with experts from Headwaters Economics, Oregon State University, and University of Colorado Boulder)

Sign up to get notified about upcoming opportunities.

Follow @RealSciLine on Twitter.

Newly Named News Directors:

Roberts

KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City…this Scripps owned FOX affiliate has promoted interim news director STACEY ROBERTS. Here’s the note from GM TIM ERMISH. Scripps sent Stacey there as interim from her job as Assistant ND for KNXV-TV in Phoenix, where she worked for almost four years following 17 years at KPNX-TV in Phoenix. At KSTU, she replaces MARC STERNFIELD who is now Director of Content at KTLA-TV in Los Angeles.

Williams

KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV…another Scripps station, another promotion. JESSIE WILLIAMS will join this ABC affiliate as ND, coming from sister Scripps’ station WSYM-TV in Lansing, MI. The move reunites her with newly arrived KTNV GM JEFF KIERNAN: they worked together in Milwaukee. Here’s Jeff’s note to the staff. Jessie replaces NANCY BAUER who left the station in June.

New News Director Openings:

Shelley

WPTA/WISE-TV, Fort Wayne, IN…JONATHAN SHELLEY has left this Gray owned NBC/ABC/CW operation. He’s been there for six years following nine as ND for WDSU-TV in New Orleans. He’s also worked in Oklahoma City, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, and Ft. Myers. His departure comes less than two months after a new GM, CHRIS FEDELE, arrived, bringing to mind this old saying (which we haven’t dusted off in almost three years!):

30 days hath September, April, and any sitting ND who gets a new GM.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Assistant News Director, KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ:

KNXV, The EW Scripps ABC station based in Phoenix, Arizona is looking for an experienced leader and broadcast journalist to join our news team as Assistant News Director. If you desire to work with a great team of journalism professionals in gathering, producing, and delivering stories on multiple platforms that make a difference in our communities, we want to hear from you!

Our Assistant News Director is responsible for managing daily coverage and operations of the news team and is responsible for consistently executing strategies.

In this role, we require a person who will roll up their sleeves to get the job done, is highly organized, can successfully multi-task, and is focused on fostering creativity and coaching the team for growth and development.

Apply at scripps.com/careers.

Weekend 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 News, a multiplatform news organization in the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville market, is seeking an executive producer to oversee the content and presentation of WRAL weekend newscasts. We’re looking for a leader who will coach the weekend staff, write and approve scripts and digital content, enhance weather presentations, and contribute to special coverage.

The ideal candidate will find new and engaging ways of presenting content in our newscasts while working closely with our graphics, promotions, and news management teams. We are looking for a person with outstanding communication and organizational skills, superb news judgment, and a creative mind. Our weekend EP needs to excel at breaking news and have an eye for showcasing.

If you have a vision for graphics and a passion for memorable, creative and captivating newscasts, this is the job for you. You must be willing to work weekends and produce newscasts during the week.

WRAL is locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a pioneering, community advocate company that offers some of the best benefits in the business. We are based in Raleigh, NC, which is consistently named one of the best places to live in America.

Requirements include five years of experience in producing newscasts, two years of news management experience and a four-year college degree.

You can learn more and apply by clicking here.

Executive Producer, WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL:

Join THE. BEST. newsroom leadership team in country.

(Well, the news director says it is the best. She’s not biased at all.)

This job is all about coaching reporters and producers and elevating already-great newscasts. The newsroom at WBRC Fox6 is a collaborative environment. The team approaches the work with an attitude of service.

You must love severe weather coverage, strategic planning, innovation, and high-energy work environments.

You will work hard and be proud of it. And you will be appreciated! WBRC Fox6 and Birmingham are gems!

Click here to learn more and apply.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 6/19/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 7/31/22, see ad above!)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg (listed 7/31/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 7/10/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 6/5/22)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 7/17/22)
KENS-TV, San Antonio TX (relisted 7/17/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 7/10/22)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 7/31/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 6/5/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo NY (relisted 7/24/22)
WPRI-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/17/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (listed 6/5/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (relisted 6/5/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (relisted 7/24/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 6/5/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTVT-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (AM EP, listed 7/10/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM EP, listing revised 7/31/22)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/17/22)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 6/5/22)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 6/26/22)
WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (MSP EP, listed 7/10/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 7/17/22)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 6/12/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Weekend EP, revised 7/24/22, see ad above!)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (relisted 7/17/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/5/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/3/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP. relisted 7/17/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 5/30/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, revised 7/24/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 7/10/22)
KFOR/KAUT-TV, Oklahoma City (Overnight EP, listed 7/3/22)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 7/24/22, see ad above!)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point NC (listed 6/19/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 7/10/22)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (2 openings, listed 7/10/22)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (AM EP, relisted 7/24/22)
KMTV. Omaha, NE (listed 7/17/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 6/5/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (two openings, AM & PM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 7/24/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (2 openings, one a Digital EP, revised 7/24/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 6/5/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (relisted 7/24/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 7/17/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (listed 6/26/22)
KFDX/KJTL-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (PM EP, listed 7/17/22)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (listed 6/26/22)
KBZK-TV, Boseman, MT (listed 7/17/22)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (relisted 7/17/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (relisted 6/5/22)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 7/31/22:

Listed 7/24/22:

WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Manager)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (Director of Digital Media)
WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA (Director of Digital Media)

Relisted 7/24/22:

Spectrum News NY1 (Senior Producer & Senior Producer-Politics)
Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Supervising Producer, Documentary Journalism Center)

Listed 7/10/22:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Director)

Listed 7/10/22:

WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (Director of Digital Content)
KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (Digital News Manager)

Listed 7/3/22:

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 6/26/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 6/12/22:

KVEO/KGBT-TV, Rio Grande Valley, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Obituaries:

No obituaries this week.

Names in the News:

Williams

Friday was the last day for PETE WILLIAMS at NBC News, but he makes these pages because he’s a former ND for KTWO-TV in Casper, WY. He’s retiring after almost 30 years at NBC, most of it as the Justice Department correspondent. He also worked for then Wyoming Congressman (and future VP) DICK CHENEY and for the Justice Department. The Today Show offers this farewell.

Shepherd

One time RTDNA Chair TERENCE SHEPHERD moves cross country to become News Director for KPBS, San Diego’s NPR and PBS public media station. He’s been the ND for WLRN in South Florida since 2013. He’s also a former business editor for The Miami Herald. Learn more about Terence’s past and his new job in this story from KPBS.

Gregorish Dempsey

After more than 20 years in the job, LISA GREGORISCH-DEMPSEY is stepping down as executive producer of the syndicated show Extra!. She’s a former VP of News for FOX and once served as an EP for Hard Copy. Lisa’s been working from Florida where she and her husband moved after he recovered from cancer. Lots more details from The Daily Mail which first reported the change.

Shallcross

CATHY SHALLCROSS is moving up at New York’s WCBS-TV where she has been promoted to Director of Streaming and Digital Content. She’s worked there for eleven years, beginning as the 5:00 producer before advancing to EP and Special Projects EP. Cathy’s also worked in Miami and West Palm Beach and is the daughter in law of longtime broadcaster JOE COSCIA, who many of you know.

LAURA MATOVINA, who’s been the Assistant ND for Scripps’ WTMJ-TV (NBC) in Milwaukee, is headed off to a new job. She’ll be the Director of the company’s new producer hub.

General Manager News and Notes:

Ingram

Gray TV SVP TIM INGRAM has parted ways with the company. He’s been in that job since January, 2020, and has spent his entire career working for Gray and its predecessor, Raycom. (Gray acquired Raycom in 2019). Tim was a GM at WVUE-TV in New Orleans for about six years before being promoted, and held GM jobs in a number of other markets, as you will learn by checking out his Linkedin page. Tim told me the parting was amicable and that he is looking at his next step.

Martin

Longtime KPRC-TV (Houston/Graham Media/NBC) General Manager JERRY MARTIN will retire in early September, bringing to an end an eleven year commuter marriage. Jerry’s been back and forth to Indianapolis for those eleven years, where his family stayed after he left the GM gig at WTTV/WXIN-TV. Learn more about Jerry’s past…and future…in this story from the KPRC website.

Sinclair has named DIANA WILKIN as GM of its Oklahoma City operation, KOKH/KOCB-TV (Fox/CW). She’s a veteran GM who most recently has been managing partner at a media consulting firm.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 31, 2022:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

KTTV 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KTVT/KTVA-TV 5233 Bridge St. Fort Worth, TX 76103
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
KGTV 4600 Air Way. San Diego, CA 92102
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street, Norfolk VA, 23510
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WHAM-TV 4225 W. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt Street Rochester, NY 14610
WEYI/WSMH-TV, 3463 W. Pierson Road. Flint, MI 48504
KAGS-TV 2800 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77802
WSAV-TV 1430 East Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31404
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd. Charleston, SC 29414
KTSM-TV 3801-D Constitution El Paso, TX 79922
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
WJBF-TV 1336 Augusta W Pkwy., Augusta, GA 30909
WPTA/WISE-TV 3401 Butler Road, Fort Wayne, IN
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station

July 24, 2022

Greetings:

Lots of material in this week’s edition, with something for everyone.

We have FIVE new news directors to share, though THREE of them have been in place for a few weeks or even months. ONE of those new NDs is a familiar name who’s been an ND in a number of markets. And there’s ONE new opening.

Those changes drop our list of stations with ND openings to 32.

There are THREE Paid Help Wanted ads, all for EP openings in markets ranging from top ten to top 50.

We have a new advertiser for a start-up business which may be of interest to those of you struggling to hire producers. It’s a unique effort by a former ND. Check out the ad just below.

And Sciline is back…that’s the non profit organization hoping to improve coverage of science issues…they have a new schedule of interviews you can book on a variety of topics.

I’m grateful there are no obituaries this week.

We have THREE items about general managers on the move…two going, and one coming to a new job.

And check out Names in the News. It’s easy to bash consultants, but we have a story about one who has done something praiseworthy. We’ll also tell you about a potential new owner for the Black News Channel, CBS expanding news to its CW and independent stations, a longtime news manager leaving Chicago to return to Texas, and a Denver station that sprung a surprise on its news director during a staff meeting.

Like I said, something for everyone. Have a great week.

SciLine, a nonpartisan, philanthropically funded, free service for reporters, tees up articulate scientists from universities across the country for windows of media availability. Journalists can sign up to book broadcast-quality Zoom interviews for their exclusive use. SciLine also hosts on-the-record expert panels for reporters, with ample time for Q&A.

1-ON-1 INTERVIEW AVAILABILITIES

Aug. 2: Electric vehicles (Dr. Lewis Fulton, University of California, Davis)
Aug. 9: Teen mental health (Dr. Nick Allen, University of Oregon)
Aug. 25: Delta-8 and other cannabinoids (Dr. Ziva Cooper, UCLA)

UPCOMING MEDIA BRIEFINGS

July 28: High heat & health (with experts from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Boston University School of Public Health)
Aug. 4: Wildfire resilience: buildings, water, and land use (with experts from Headwaters Economics, Oregon State University, and University of Colorado Boulder)

Sign up to get notified about upcoming opportunities.

Follow @RealSciLine on Twitter.

Newly Named News Directors:

Lopez

WBZ/WSBK-TV, Boston, MA…Tuesday’s UPDATE told you GERARDO LOPEZ will be the next VP/News Director for this CBS owned duopoly. More in this news release. We told you last week that Gerardo was leaving Scripps’ WTKR-TV (CBS) in Norfolk after less than a year as ND. His resume is too long to run here, but it’s on his Linkedin page. He replaces JESSI MILLER BRADLEY who left the station earlier this year after 18 months as ND and 25 years at the station.

I’m sorry to say we dropped the ball on THREE news director hires over the past few months, all at Cowles stations:

KHQ-TV, Spokane, WA…hired PAUL BERGEN, formerly GM and before that news director at KBMT-TV in Beaumont, TX.

KNDO/KNDU-TV, Yakima-Pasco-Richland-Kennewick, WA… STEPHANIE ASHLEY moves from Fayetteville, AR, where she had been an assistant ND at KNWA-TV. Her Linkedin page has more.

KULR-TV, Billings, MT…DIANA CASANOVA was promoted to ND here. She’d been the EP there for two years. Check out the ‘about’ section on her Linkedin page.

Turpin

WETM-TV, Elmira, NY…this Nexstar owned NBC affiliate has hired JIM TURPIN as its news director. Jim’s a veteran news director with stops in Fresno, Memphis, Norfolk and Wichita. More here. At WETM, he replaces ZACH WHEELER who left the station in unfortunate circumstances last May, Zach had been ND here for just a few months but had worked there for 15 years, the last four as main anchor.

New News Director Openings:

Giffune

WEYI/WSMH-TV, Flint/Saginaw/Bay City, MI…this Sinclair operation is looking for a new news director to replace NEILIE-ANN GIFFUNE who spent almost three years of her ten years at the station as ND. Her background is in sports. Sinclair owns WSMH (FOX) and operates WEYI (NBC) under a shared services agreement with minority owned Howard Stirk Holdings.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Weekend 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 News, a multiplatform news organization in the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville market, is seeking an executive producer to oversee the content and presentation of WRAL weekend newscasts. We’re looking for a leader who will coach the weekend staff, write and approve scripts and digital content, enhance weather presentations, and contribute to special coverage.

The ideal candidate will find new and engaging ways of presenting content in our newscasts while working closely with our graphics, promotions, and news management teams. We are looking for a person with outstanding communication and organizational skills, superb news judgment, and a creative mind. Our weekend EP needs to excel at breaking news and have an eye for showcasing.

If you have a vision for graphics and a passion for memorable, creative and captivating newscasts, this is the job for you. You must be willing to work weekends and produce newscasts during the week.

WRAL is locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a pioneering, community advocate company that offers some of the best benefits in the business. We are based in Raleigh, NC, which is consistently named one of the best places to live in America.

Requirements include five years of experience in producing newscasts, two years of news management experience and a four-year college degree.

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Executive Producer, WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL:

Join THE. BEST. newsroom leadership team in country.

(Well, the news director says it is the best. She’s not biased at all.)

This job is all about coaching reporters and producers and elevating already-great newscasts. The newsroom at WBRC Fox6 is a collaborative environment. The team approaches the work with an attitude of service.

You must love severe weather coverage, strategic planning, innovation, and high-energy work environments.

You will work hard and be proud of it. And you will be appreciated! WBRC Fox6 and Birmingham are gems!

Click here to learn more and apply.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 6/19/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 7/17/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 7/10/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 6/5/22)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 7/17/22)
KENS-TV, San Antonio TX (relisted 7/17/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 7/10/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 6/5/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo NY (relisted 7/24/22)
WPRI-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/17/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (listed 6/5/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (relisted 6/5/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (relisted 7/24/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 6/5/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTVT-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (AM EP, listed 7/10/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 5/22/22)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/17/22) (See ad above!)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 6/5/22)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 6/26/22)
WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (MSP EP, listed 7/10/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 7/17/22)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 6/12/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Weekend EP, revised 7/24/22, see ad above!)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (relisted 7/17/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/5/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/3/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP. relisted 7/17/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 5/30/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, revised 7/24/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 7/10/22)
KFOR/KAUT-TV, Oklahoma City (Overnight EP, listed 7/3/22)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 7/24/22, see ad above!)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point NC (listed 6/19/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 7/10/22)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (2 openings, listed 7/10/22)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (AM EP, relisted 7/24/22)
KMTV. Omaha, NE (listed 7/17/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 6/5/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (two openings, AM & PM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 7/24/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (2 openings, one a Digital EP, revised 7/24/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 6/5/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (relisted 7/24/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 7/17/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (listed 6/26/22)
KFDX/KJTL-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (PM EP, listed 7/17/22)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (listed 6/26/22)
KBZK-TV, Boseman, MT (listed 7/17/22)
WRDE-TV, Milton, DE (listed 5/22/22) **

MANAGING EDITOR:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (relisted 7/17/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (relisted 6/5/22)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 7/24/22:

WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Manager)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (Director of Digital Media)
WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA (Director of Digital Media)

Relisted 7/24/22:

Spectrum News NY1 (Senior Producer & Senior Producer-Politics)
Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Supervising Producer, Documentary Journalism Center)

Listed 7/10/22:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Director)

Listed 7/10/22:

WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (Director of Digital Content)
KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (Digital News Manager)

Listed 7/3/22:

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 6/26/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 6/12/22:

KVEO/KGBT-TV, Rio Grande Valley, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Obituaries:

Grateful that there are no obituaries this week.

Names in the News:

The Black News Channel may not be dead yet. BYRON ALLEN‘s company is close to completing a deal to buy the cable channel. More in this story from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

CBS has launched newscasts at ten of its CW and independent stations this week. For many of the stations, it’s the first time they’ve aired their own newscasts.

Gumbert

A tip of the cap to JERRY GUMBERT, longtime president and CEO of AR&D in Dallas. He saw a story on MSNBC about a Michigan woman who’d lost her home to a scam. Jerry lives in Texas but is a Michigan native, and he stepped up to right the wrong. Check out this story from WDIV-TV anchor DEVIN SCILLIAN (who worked with Jerry at stations in Texas and Oklahoma.) A kind note to Jerry can be sent here.

Lupenski

TIFFANI LUPENSKI is on the move and returning to Texas. She posted this item on social media detailing her move to Graham Media’s KPRC-TV (NBC) in Houston, where she once interned. She’s been the Director of Content for CBS’s WBBM-TV in Chicago for the past three years, is a former ND in St. Louis, San Diego, and Portland, and has worked as an EP in several large markets.

There are some new managers at Raleigh’s WRAL-TV (NBC):

KIM URSICH moves from morning EP to dayside EP. She’s a nine year station employee who’s worked at another Raleigh station and in Charlotte. Her spot as morning EP was filled by senior AM producer LAUREN THOMSON. The station is also looking for a weekend EP. Check out the paid ad above!

Roberts

The University of Mississippi has hired a new director of its student media center (a job which the University advertised in this space). LARZ ROBERTS joins Ole Miss from Arkansas State University, where he’s worked for 25 years on the faculty teaching print, online, radio and TV courses. Learn more about Larz and the Ole Miss program, which includes the yearbook, campus TV station, radio station, and newspaper, here.

Gauntt

HOLLY GAUNTT is among the new members of the NATAS Silver Circle. She’s been the news director for Scripps’ KMGH-TV (ABC) in Denver for the past five years, spent almost two years as ND for KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver, has been an ND in Seattle and Philadelphia, and worked in several other markets. The station sprung the news on her during a staff meeting, as you’ll see in this video.

General Manager News and Notes:

Natz

Wednesday’s UPDATE shared the news that JACQUES NATZ has left Altice USA’s News 12 Networks, the NYC based local cable news operation, where he was SVP/General Manager for the last two years. Jacques’ a former ND and news manager in many large markets, worked for Hearst as director of digital content development and as a consultant for SmithGeige. His full history is on his Linkedin page.

After almost seven years, SCOTT DEMPSEY has left Gray’s WBTV (CBS) where he was general manager. He served as a regional GM when Raycom owned the station, had earlier been a GM in Savannah and worked in sales in a number of markets.

Congratulations to CORY GYLOCK who’s been named GM for Nexstar’s WLAX/WEUX-TV in La Crosse/Eau Claire, WI. He’s been the GM there since 2020.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 24, 2022:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

KTTV 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KTVT/KTVA-TV 5233 Bridge St. Fort Worth, TX 76103
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
KGTV 4600 Air Way. San Diego, CA 92102
KSTU-TV 5020 West Amelia Earhart Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street, Norfolk VA, 23510
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WHAM-TV 4225 W. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt Street Rochester, NY 14610
WEYI/WSMH-TV, 3463 W. Pierson Road. Flint, MI 48504
KAGS-TV 2800 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77802
WSAV-TV 1430 East Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31404
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd. Charleston, SC 29414
KTSM-TV 3801-D Constitution El Paso, TX 79922
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
WJBF-TV 1336 Augusta W Pkwy., Augusta, GA 30909
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station

July 17, 2022

Wednesday, July 20th, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

A veteran newsman has left his job at a New York City based cable news operation.

Natz

JACQUES NATZ, who had been the Senior Vice-President for Altice USA’s News 12, has left the company. He’s been there for a little more than two years. He’s a former news director in Boston, Seattle, and Indianapolis, held news management jobs in a number of large markets, worked for Hearst as director of digital content development for six years, and as a consultant for SmithGeiger for almost eight years.

His full history is on his LinkedIn page.

Jacques told me a few minutes ago he’s happy and ready to write his next chapter.

We’ll be back this weekend with our full newsletter. Until then, stay hydrated!

regards,

Rick Gevers

Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

The mystery behind GERARDO LOPEZ’s next job has been solved with an announcement today.

Lopez

Gerardo’s headed to Boston, where he’ll be the next vice president and news director for CBS owned WBZ/WSBK-TV (MyNetwork TV). He’ll replace JESSI MILLER BRADLEY who left the station in late May after about 18 months as news director, and 25 years at the station. More details about Gerardo’s appointment in this news release from CBS.

We told you Sunday that Gerardo was leaving Scripps’ WTKR-TV (CBS) in Norfolk after less than a year as news director. By my count (and yours, if you check out his Linkedin page) this is his 14th job in our business since 2000.

Have a great week and we’ll see you this weekend with our full newsletter.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Travel…and a busy week…has slightly delayed our weekly report.

TWO newly named news directors this week, both in top 20 markets, with just ONE new opening.

Our list of open jobs remains at 35.

ONE of those openings is advertised in one of FOUR Paid Help Wanted ads, the newest of which is for an EP opening in a top ten market network o-and-o.

There’s new information about the deaths of TWO important figures in our industry, and a NEW obituary for a long-ago St. Louis producer.

THREE new GMs to tell you about, all the result of promotions from their current companies, and Names in the News has THREE items, including a new venture from a former network o-and-o news director.

Read on for more!

Newly Named News Director:

Gerrow

KYW-TV, Philadelphia, PA…you learned here Monday that KATHY GERROW was crossing the street to become ND for CBS-owned KYW-TV. She’s spent the last 26 years at NBC’s WCAU-TV, the last ten as Assistant ND. It’s a return to KYW for Kathy who worked as a producer there for 13 years. She replaces JOHN WILSON who will help with the transition. John worked there for almost 20 years, and has been ND since 2017.

Oliphant

WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI…this Scripps owned ABC affiliate has promoted KENNAN OLIPHANT to news director. He’s been the Assistant ND since JEFF KIERNAN left to become GM for sister-Scripps ABC affiliate KTNV-TV in Las Vegas earlier this year. Kennan joined WXYZ two years ago as Assistant ND. More details in this staff email from GM MIKE MURRI. (And apologies to Kennan whose first name I misspelled in our
Friday UPDATE.)

New News Director Openings:

Lopez

WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA…this Scripps owned CBS affiliate is looking for a new news director to replace GERARDO LOPEZ. Gerardo just joined the station less than a year ago, coming from Scripps’ KJRH-TV in Tulsa. I’m told he’s leaving for a new job in the Northeast, but being old-fashioned, I’ll wait until I can confirm that before publishing. By my count, his new job will be his 14TH since 2000.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT:

Sometimes you have to hit pause and take a beat to get it right.

That’s what we did.

Now, we have a *NEW* General Manager in place – and we are ready to hit play!

#NexstarNation has an immediate opening for an experienced NEWS DIRECTOR in Salt Lake City – Market #29. The right candidate will lead a team of committed journalists, collaborate to create market strategy, and impact not only the station, but also the community. We believe in local, local, local.

Salt Lake City is one of the fastest growing DMAs in the United States. The state boasts the youngest population in the country. Living in Salt Lake City means easy access to world class hiking, climbing, bike trails and some of the best ski resorts in the world.

It’s an incredible time to be a News Director. Why not do it with the nation’s largest TV ownership group, in a city full of opportunities, in a company with endless opportunities?

Executive Producer, WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL:

WINK News-Southwest Florida’s news leader has an immediate opening for an Executive Producer. We are looking for a newsroom leader. The right candidate will lead with integrity, have sound judgement, high journalistic and newsgathering standards. Script reading for editorial approval an extremely important attribute. They must foster a collaborative environment that respects each individual and role. Must have strong organizational abilities and is capable of working and managing others in a fast paced newsroom. 5 years of experience in a television newsroom preferred.

Southwest Florida is often praised as being one of the healthiest and happiest places in the world with miles of white-sand beaches and a dynamic community. Broadcast Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we are a drug-free and smoke-free environment.

Send resume to: Rich.garcia@winknews.com

Executive Producer of Digital Content, WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL:

WINK-TV News – Fort Myers/Naples has a unique opening for an Executive Producer of Digital Content.

Ready to take your broadcast experience to the digital level?

The Executive Producer of Digital Content will oversee our day-to-day content digital news content. You will oversee and work with a team of digital producers and digital director to drive the content on all of our platforms, this includes the WINK news website, apps, push alerts, and social media.

The right candidate will have some of the following qualities:

• Identifying local news stories and producing them for our various digital platforms
  Lead the digital team in breaking news, emergency situations and severe weather coverage digitally.
  Display strong organizational skills.
  Edit content and copy edit spelling and grammar.
  Maintain and update online publishing tools and refine workflow processes as needed
  Coach digital and news teams to “think digitally” when crafting content on a daily basis.
  Meet with other platform leaders to form a synergistic relationship in content sharing
  Establish goals and drive digital strategy forward.
  Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills:

• Familiarity with the AP print writing style
  Knowledge of web scripting practices is recommended but not required
  Working knowledge of video production and post production techniques and software
  Familiarity with live streaming products and software
  Being familiar with various social platform details
  Attention to detail pertaining to spelling and grammar
  Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic newsroom

Experience:

Management experience in a television newsroom of 3 years or more required

Click here to apply!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 6/19/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 7/17/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 7/10/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 6/5/22)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 7/17/22)
KENS-TV, San Antonio TX (relisted 7/17/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 7/10/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 6/5/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo NY (listed 5/15/22)
WPRI-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/17/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (listed 6/5/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (relisted 6/5/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (relisted 5/22/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 6/5/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTVT-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (AM EP, listed 7/10/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 5/22/22)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/17/22) (See ad above!)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 6/5/22)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 6/26/22)
WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (MSP EP, listed 7/10/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 7/17/22)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
KMOV-TV. St. Louis, MO (Special Projects EP, relisted 5/8/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 6/12/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (listing revised 5/8/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (relisted 7/17/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/5/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/3/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP. relisted 7/17/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 5/30/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (listed 5/1/22)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 7/10/22)
KFOR/KAUT-TV, Oklahoma City (Overnight EP, listed 7/3/22)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point NC (listed 6/19/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 7/10/22)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (2 openings, listed 7/10/22) (TWO ads above!)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (AM EP, listed 5/22/22)
KMTV. Omaha, NE (listed 7/17/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 6/5/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (two openings, AM & PM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 5/1/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 5/22/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 6/5/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (relisted 5/22/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 7/17/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (listed 6/26/22)
KFDX/KJTL-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (PM EP, listed 7/17/22)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (listed 6/26/22)
KBZK-TV, Boseman, MT (listed 7/17/22)
WRDE-TV, Milton, DE (listed 5/22/22) **

MANAGING EDITOR:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 5/15/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (relisted 6/5/22)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted 7/17/22:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Director)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (Digital Content Director)

Listed 7/10/22:

WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (Director of Digital Content)
KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (Digital News Manager)

Listed 7/3/22:

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 6/26/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 6/12/22:

KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (Director of Digital Content)
KVEO/KGBT-TV, Rio Grande Valley, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 5/30/22:

WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (Director of Digital Content)

Listed 5/15/22:

Spectrum News NY1 (Senior Producer & Senior Producer-Politics)

Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Supervising Producer, Documentary Journalism Center)

WLAX/WEUX-TV, LaCrosse, WI (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 5/15/22:

U. of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (Director of Student Media)

Obituaries:

Aslam

We included this in an UPDATE last Tuesday, but for those of you who missed it, WABC-TV (New York-ABC-owned) posted a story on the death of news director, REHAN ASLAM. That story came after we published Sunday and I wanted to make sure you had a chance to see it. Rehan died at the age of 47 of an aggressive form of brain cancer. Our sympathy to his wife and son, as well as his co-workers at WABC.

Collins

We also told you in UPDATES of the death of longtime Missouri broadcaster and educator KENT COLLINS, who lost a fight with pancreatic cancer. He was 74. Kent trained hundreds, if not thousands, of journalists across the country and the world. The son of two newspaper journalists, Kent was a journalist to the end, writing his own obituary, included at the bottom of this facebook post from his son. Kent served two terms as ND for KOMU-TV, which aired this remembrance. And the University owned Columbia Missourian ran this story. New details this edition: Kent co-founded the job site Medialine, wrote a nationally syndicated column, The Senior Forum, for 23 years and in 2019 was honored with Edward Bliss Award for Distinguished Broadcast Journalism Education by AEJMC.

A celebration of life is planned later this year. He’s survived by his wife, BEE, sons JUSTIN and JEREMY, daughter SUMMER, and thousands of friends and former students.

BILL BALCH, who worked as producer for (then) KSD-TV (NBC) in St. Louis in the 70’s and 80’s, died June 30th. He was 92 years old. Bill began his career in radio in Minneapolis, then moved to KSD Radio in St. Louis before switching to the TV side in a shared newsroom. We worked together while I was a producer and EP there and I remember he was quite a gentleman.

Names in the News:

Neerman

Longtime news director MARK NEERMAN has launched a new venture, Indarra Media. Mark sent along this note which explains the new company, his first two partners, including a former network o-and-o GM, and has already teamed up with two companies. Mark’s last newsroom job was as ND for CBSs KPIX-TV in San Francisco. His Linkedin page covers some, though not all, of his career history.

Duff

Outgoing WSFA-TV (Montgomery, AL/Gray/NBC) News Director SCOTT DUFF got quite the sendoff this week. The station organized a luau in honor of Scott’s new job as news director for KGMB/KHNL/KFVE-TV in Honolulu, HI. It’s a transfer between Gray owned stations. Some of the staff even wore Hawaiian shirts in his honor.

Estrada

DAVID ESTRADA is now the executive producer for University of Missouri-owned KOMU-TV (NBC) in Columbia, MO. He’s been the digital content producer there, is an alum of the j-school, has worked as a producer in residence in Jacksonville, FL, and had a lengthy internship at Telenoticias, Teletica Canal 7, in his native Puerto Rico.

General Manager News and Notes:

Three new General Managers to tell you about, all promotions within their current companies.

WDTN-TV (Dayton/Nexstar/NBC) has promoted MELLISA JONES to succeed JOE ABOUZEID who was promoted to GM for WIVB-TV in Buffalo. She’s been the director of sales for WTEN-TV in Albany, NY.

In Omaha, Scripps named LISA VOLONEC GM of KMTV, its CBS affiliate there. She had been a regional business development director for Scripps’ Local Media division.

And Sinclair promoted JONI RIPPEN to GM for KHGI/KFXL-TV (ABC/FOX) in Lincoln/Hastings/Kearney, NE. She’s been the GSM there.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 17, 2022:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

KTTV 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KTVT/KTVA-TV 5233 Bridge St. Fort Worth, TX 76103
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
KGTV 4600 Air Way. San Diego, CA 92102
KSTU-TV 5020 West Amelia Earhart Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104 (see ad above!)
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street, Norfolk VA, 23510
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
WHAM-TV 4225 W. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt Street Rochester, NY 14610
KAGS-TV 2800 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77802
WSAV-TV 1430 East Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31404
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd. Charleston, SC 29414
KTSM-TV 3801-D Constitution El Paso, TX 79922
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
WJBF-TV 1336 Augusta W Pkwy., Augusta, GA 30909
KNDO/KNDU-TV 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KULR-TV. 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WETM-TV 101 East Water Street Elmira, NY 14901
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station