Rick Gevers & Associates

November 7, 2021

Friday, November 12, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

A top 25 market finds its next news director across the street.

Caruso

WRTV (Scripps/ABC) in Indianapolis has hired MAUREEN JENNINGS CARUSO as its next news director.

She’s a Central Indiana native who is currently the Assistant News Director for WTTV/WXIN-TV (Nexstar/CBS/FOX) here in Indianapolis. She first joined WXIN in 2013 as an EP and was promoted to Assistant ND for both stations in 2016.

Here’s the note from GM LANA DURBAN-SCOTT to the staff.

She’s also worked for WGN-TV and CLTV in Chicago and in South Bend.

At WRTV, she replaces TERRI COPE-WALTON who left to become GM for Graham Media’s independent station in Jacksonville, FL, WJXT-TV. Terri was ND for WRTV for eight years.

We’ll have more details in our full (and busy) newsletter this weekend.

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

Greetings:

In our never-ending efforts to overuse sports clinches, this week we have a Daily Double.

TWO stations in the Rochester/Austin, MN, market have ND openings this week, with the departure of a longtime ND who’s been an ND in TWO top three markets.

That new opening is one of FIVE new ones this week, with THREE new NDs making out list.

You know what that means…an uptick in the number of open ND jobs. This week: 42 stations on our list.

ONE of those openings is featured among our THREE Paid Help Wanted Ads.

NO obituaries for the second consecutive week. I like that.

Also for the second week in a row, just ONE new GM to report.

And just THREE items in Names in the News: A veteran broadcaster (both a multi market GM and consultant) offers his thoughts on the discussions on the challenges facing the business. And he points our there’s just one person in each company who can change the problem.

Also: a large number of stations are finalists for duPont-Columbia awards, and a digital manager gets a promotion in Columbus, OH.

Newly Named News Directors:

KUVN-TV, Dallas, TX…a nice career move for CALIXTO GONZALEZ as he transfers from Assistant ND for Univision’s KWEX-TV in San Antonio to VP/News for another Univision station. He’s worked for KWEX for the last five years and replaces RAQUEL AMPARO who also made a nice career move: to VP/GM for CBS owned KTVK/KTXA-TV in Dallas.

Parrick

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO…MARK PARRICK is joining this Mission Broadcasting owned but operated by Nexstar CBS affiliate. He’s been the Assistant ND for WDSU-TV (Hearst-NBC) in New Orleans for the last five years, and has also worked in Kansas City, Tampa, Peoria, and the Quad Cities. At KOLR, he replaces LISSA HAMBLEN who left in October after three years as ND and 35 at the station (in two tenures).

Reyes

KINT-TV, El Paso, TX…BRENDA REYES continues an unusual career path as she is the new news director for this Entravision owned Univision affiliate. She first joined the station in 2009 as a weather anchor. When her newscast was cancelled, she moved into a producer position and has been the Assistant ND for the last three years. She replaces URIEL POSADA who went to KTRK-TV (ABC) in Houston as an EP.

New News Director Openings:

Sullivan

KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX…AMY SULLIVAN is leaving this Nexstar owned NBC/CBS affiliate. I have been told she has a new ND job but have not confirmed, and we try to avoid rumors in this space. Amy’s been the ND here since January, 2020, and has earlier been an ND for another station in that market, as well as in Amarillo, She’s also worked in Wichita, Tulsa, and Alexandria, LA.

Gibson

KWWL-TV, Waterloo, IA…longtime news manager ALLISON GIBSON’s last day at this recently acquired by Allen Media owned NBC affiliate was Friday. She tells me she’s headed west to be closer to her family after the death of her mother last year. Allison has been the news director for KWWL for four years, spent 18 years as Assistant ND for News 12 New Jersey, and has also worked in Roanoke, South Bend, and Peoria.

Miller

KRCG-TV, Jefferson City/Columbia, MO…MARIA MILLER is leaving this Sinclair Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate after three years as news director. The move to KRCG was a promotion within Sinclair: she had been the Assistant News Director for the company’s WJAC-TV in Johnstown, PA. Maria worked there for seven years, beginning as a reporter and anchor.

Streeter

KXMB-TV, Bismarck, ND…TIA STREETER is leaving this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate after at least ten years (by my count) at the station. And hers is another case of a slightly different career path. Tia was the sports director for three years, then a news anchor, was promoted to executive producer, and has been news director for almost five years.

Hume

KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN…another veteran newsman, CRAIG HUME is leaving this Hubbard owned ABC affiliate after two years as news director. General Manager RHONDA LaVELLE shared this note with her staff. Craig tells me he’ll share his ‘next adventure’ in the next few weeks. His Linkedin page details his experience, ranging from ND jobs in large markets (like Los Angeles and Chicago) to smaller ones like Las Vegas (twice) and Harrisburg, PA

Also, please check out the Paid Help Wanted ad just below for the vacancy at WTVG-TV, Gray’s ABC affiliate in Toledo, OH.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA:

Come work for The Walt Disney Company!

KFSN-TV/ABC30, the ABC Owned Station in Central California, is searching for its next Executive Producer. We want a proven leader who can help lead our award-winning news team. You’ll chase the big story, mentor young producers and reporters and collaborate with veteran storytellers who know and love this market.

This is a great opportunity for a large market producer looking to jump into management, or a small/medium market EP looking for their next opportunity. We work closely with the ABC Owned Stations in LA, San Francisco and other top markets across the country.

Fresno is affordable, and is a short drive away from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Yosemite, and California’s beautiful Central Coast.

Click HERE to apply.

News Director, WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH:

WTVG-TV (ABC) in Toledo, OH (DMA #80) is seeking a News Director.

13abc is the #1 news station in the market and our current News Director is retiring at the end of the year creating a huge opportunity for the right candidate.

Must be a strong competitive leader with excellent communication skills, a successful track record in coaching and developing news staff, and growing audience across all platforms. The ideal candidate must also have a passion for local news and digital media.

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field

– 3 to 5 years’ experience in television news management
– Outstanding knowledge of television news operations and other media platforms

WTVG is located in Northwestern Ohio. Our viewers and customers are extremely friendly and down-to-earth. We are a region of proud automotive workers home to Chrysler and GM plants. We are extremely passionate about our collegiate sports teams, including The Ohio State University Buckeyes, the University of Michigan Wolverines, the University of Toledo Rockets and the Bowling Green University Falcons. We enjoy our lakes, bays, and rivers. We are home to nationally award winning Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, and Metroparks!

If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people, just click here to learn more and apply.

Executive Producer, WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI:

WNEM, a Meredith Corporation TV station, is recruiting for an Executive Producer.

If you have a passion for producing high-energy, memorable shows and are super creative, this management job may be just for you. WNEM-TV is in search of an Executive Producer who will lead a team of producers, reporters, and photographers to deliver promotable, compelling, and well- written shows,.

The Executive Producer will work closely with the News Director and Assistant News Director to develop and implement strategies to improve product, while managing resources.

• Exercise strong news judgment and supervise news show rundowns
• Collaborate with producers on story selection, graphic elements, and pace and flow of news shows
• Brainstorm with staff on story ideas, showcasing and presentation
• Encourage innovation
• Work with News Director and Assistant News Director on promotable editorial calendar and any special events
• Must have strong copy editing skills
• Work closely with digital team, producers and reporters on creative content development following up on viewers story ideas via Facebook, Twitter and other online sources, as well as official sources
• Motivate staff and encourage “buy in” for station’s news brand, news strategies and action plans
• Must be able to fill-in as line producer when needed
• Other duties as assigned

You can learn more about this opportunity…and apply…by going to this web page.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, listed 10/24/21)
WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/3/21)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 10/24/21)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake, UT (new listing this week)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 10/24/21)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/3/21)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 10/24/21)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 10/3/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted this week)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (relisted 10/31/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, relisted 10/31/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, relisted 10/31/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 10/10/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, listed 10/3/21)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised 10/17/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/10/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 10/10/21)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/17/21)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 10/3/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/10/21)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WKRG-TV, Mobile, AL (AM EP, listed 10/31/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV (new listing this week)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (listed 10/31/21, see ad above!)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 10/24/21)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (AM EP, listed 10/24/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (listed 10/24/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/17/21)
WSYM-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 10/24/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 10/3/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR (listed 10/10/21)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted 10/31/21

Spectrum Networks NY1 (Senior Mgr., News and Content)

Listed 10/24/21:

E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Director of Community Connection and Inclusive Journalism)

Relisted 10/10/21:

WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 10/3/21:

KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/19/21:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 9/12/21:

New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)

Names in the News:

Price

Longtime broadcaster HANK PRICE offers his thoughts on the continuing discussion on salaries, recruiting and retention this week in a piece he wrote for his regular column in TV NewsCheck. And he accurately points out that…by and large…only one person in a company can solve this issue. But will they? His column is here.

DuPont

The duPont-Columbia Awards announced its finalists this week. The local stations honored are WBBM-TV (CBS owned-Chicago), KNTV (NBC owned, San Francisco/San Jose), KNXV-TV (ABC-Scripps/Phoenix), KARE-TV (NBC-Tegna-Minneapolis), KUSA-TV (NBC-Tegna-Denver), KXTV (ABC-Tegna-Sacramento), and WVUE-TV (Fox/Gray/New Orleans). Check out the complete list of finalists here.

Hofmann

BRIAN HOFMANN has been promoted to Digital Director for Nexstar’s WCMH-TV (NBC) in Columbus, OH, He’s been a Digital EP there for a little more than a year, and previously worked for 23 years at newspapers in Columbus, Detroit, and Huntington, WV.

General Manager News and Notes:

Once again, just ONE GM move this week.

Longtime Texas broadcaster GREG McALISTER joins Gray’s KCBD-KLCW-TV (NBC/CW) in Lubbock as GM. He’s also worked in Corpus Christi and Victoria, TX. Details in this Gray news release.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, November 7, 2021:

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

WDCW-TV 2121 Wisconsin Ave. NW #350 Washington, DC 20007
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KPHO/KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008 **
WRTV 1330 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123 **
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WBAY-TV 115 S Jefferson St Green Bay, WI 54301
WGBA-TV 1391 North Rd Green Bay, WI 54313
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607 (see ad above!)
KVEO-TV 9201 W. Expressway 83. Harlingen, TX 78552 **
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
KWWL-TV 511 E 5th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703
WRCB-TV 900 Whitehall Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37405
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KBAK-TV 1901 Westwind Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93301
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KCBD-TV 5600 Avenue A Lubbock, TX 79404
KRCG-TV 10188 Old Highway 54 North. New Bloomfield, MO 65063
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KXMB-TV 1811 N 15th Street Bismarck, ND 58501
KAAL-TV 1320 Salem Road SW Rochester, MN 55902
KTTC-TV 6301 Bandel Road NW Rochester, MN 55901
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503

**: Spanish language station

October 31, 2021

Greetings:

We have the Green Bay hat trick this week, as THREE of the FOUR stations there now have news director openings. The lone ND standing is WLUK-TV‘s JULI BUEHLER whohas been at her post for 26 years.

The new Green Bay opening is the ONLY new ND opening with week, while we can tell you that FIVE jobs have been filled, leaving 40 stations with ND openings on our always unofficial list below.

THREE of those openings are featured among our FOUR Paid Help Wanted Ads.

Speaking of ads, we welcome the return of Heller Weather, whose ad is just below. Veteran meteorologist TIM HELLER will help coach and grow your meteorologists. Click on the ad for details.

Also this week:

NO obituaries. We always like that.

ONE new GM to report.

And MANY items in Names in the News, including, as promised, ANDREW HEYWARD‘s (of the Knight Cronkite Newslab) followup on his widely read post last week on the continuing discussion about hiring, paying, and retaining employees. Also, a new job for a former Texas ND, some news managers on the move, while some other news managers retire or take new jobs.

It’s another busy week!

Newly Named News Directors:

WAYV-TV, Norfolk, VA…SARAH ZAK starts November 15th as ND for this Nexstar owned NBC affiliate. She most recently was ND for Scripps’ WFTX-TV (FOX) in Ft. Myers. She left in September after 3 1/2 years. Sarah’s also worked for Scripps in Tampa and Cincinnati. At WAVY, she replaces MARK KURTZ, who was ND here for nine years here before leaving in June to become GM for WCAV-TV in Charlottesville, VA.

WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN…MATT KUMMER moves within Gray to be ND at this CBS affiliate. He’s spent the last eight years as ND for WBAY-TV (ABC) in Green Bay. Matt started as the Assistant ND there, and has worked at another Green Bay station, two in Detroit, as well as Minneapolis and Indianapolis. He replaces MARY BETH JACOBY who left in August to return become ND for WHNS-TV (FOX) in Greenville.

WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH…LAURA EVANS will be the next ND for this Cox owned CBS affiliate. She most recently was the Assistant ND for Tegna’s KING-TV (NBC) in Seattle. Laura’s also worked for another Seattle station, as well as in Sacramento, Vancouver, Albuquerque, Tucson, and Colorado Springs. She replaces CARYN GOLDEN who left in July after three years as ND and more than 20 at WHIO in two stints.

WNKY-TV, Bowling Green, KY…WHITNEY SCOTT is the new news director for this Marquee Broadcasting owned NBC/CBS affiliate. The station’s post is here. She began her career at another Bowling Green station and later anchored in her hometown of Evansville, IN. At WNKY, she replaces DEBI HIGHLAND who left the station in September (after 3 1/2 years) and now works for the City of Bowling Green.

KPAX-TV, Missoula, MT…a move within Scripps sends KEITH HATTEN to this CBS affiliate as ND. He’s been the Assistant ND for ND-less WRTV (ABC) in Indianapolis, had earlier been the Assistant ND for WLFI-TV in Lafayette, IN, and worked as a photojournalist there and for another Indianapolis station. Keith replaces ERIC GAYLORD who took a job at Scripps-owned Newsy earlier this year.

New News Director Openings:

WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI…as we shared above, MATT KUMMER is leaving this Gray owned ABC affiliate to head to Gray’s WVLT-TV (CBS) in Knoxville, TN. Matt was ND for eight years and worked here for ten.

While it is not a new opening, I did want to point out the Paid Help Wanted ad just below for the vacancy at WTVG-TV, Gray’s ABC affiliate in Toledo, OH.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH:

WTVG-TV (ABC) in Toledo, OH (DMA #80) is seeking a News Director.

13abc is the #1 news station in the market and our current News Director is retiring at the end of the year creating a huge opportunity for the right candidate.

Must be a strong competitive leader with excellent communication skills, a successful track record in coaching and developing news staff, and growing audience across all platforms. The ideal candidate must also have a passion for local news and digital media.

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field

– 3 to 5 years’ experience in television news management
– Outstanding knowledge of television news operations and other media platforms

WTVG is located in Northwestern Ohio. Our viewers and customers are extremely friendly and down-to-earth. We are a region of proud automotive workers home to Chrysler and GM plants. We are extremely passionate about our collegiate sports teams, including The Ohio State University Buckeyes, the University of Michigan Wolverines, the University of Toledo Rockets and the Bowling Green University Falcons. We enjoy our lakes, bays, and rivers. We are home to nationally award winning Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, and Metroparks!

If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people, just click here to learn more and apply.

Executive Producer, WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI:

WNEM, a Meredith Corporation TV station, is recruiting for an Executive Producer.

If you have a passion for producing high-energy, memorable shows and are super creative, this management job may be just for you. WNEM-TV is in search of an Executive Producer who will lead a team of producers, reporters, and photographers to deliver promotable, compelling, and well- written shows,.

The Executive Producer will work closely with the News Director and Assistant News Director to develop and implement strategies to improve product, while managing resources.

• Exercise strong news judgment and supervise news show rundowns
• Collaborate with producers on story selection, graphic elements, and pace and flow of news shows
• Brainstorm with staff on story ideas, showcasing and presentation
• Encourage innovation
• Work with News Director and Assistant News Director on promotable editorial calendar and any special events
• Must have strong copy editing skills
• Work closely with digital team, producers and reporters on creative content development following up on viewers story ideas via Facebook, Twitter and other online sources, as well as official sources
• Motivate staff and encourage “buy in” for station’s news brand, news strategies and action plans
• Must be able to fill-in as line producer when needed
• Other duties as assigned

You can learn more about this opportunity…and apply…by going to this web page.

News Director, WDCW-TV, Washington, DC.

THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!

#NexstarNation has an immediate opening for a NEWS DIRECTOR at our newly formed duopoly in Washington, DC -Market #9.

The News Director will work with station leadership to launch new and expanded newscasts and local programming on WDCW (CW), WDVM (Independent) and our digital properties in the market.

The ideal candidate will have news leadership experience in a Top 20 Market, know how to handle multiple large scale projects at the same time, and be a master recruiter. We need a dynamic leader who can build a team, a culture, and a brand. If you have already launched news at a broadcast affiliate, this might be your next big move.

You already know DC is a great news market… What are you waiting for?

Click here to apply (or share with a colleague) who might make a new kind of history in the nation’s capital with the country’s largest TV ownership group.

News Director, KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN:

KTTC Television has a rare opening for a News Director who will lead and manage KTTC news coverage across our linear television and digital platforms.

The candidate must have proven newsroom leadership experience with a track record of success. You will take charge of the fast-paced, proven, and award-winning KTTC Newsroom and ensure it moves to the next level no matter where today’s news consumers decide to watch or view us.

The candidate must also demonstrate an understanding and enthusiasm for evolving digital, social and mobile media. In a market that is fiercely competitive, you will ensure the station’s content delivers audience growth by being distinct, research driven, and community focused.

The primary job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Outstanding knowledge of television news operations and other media platforms
• Expertise in enhancing the presentation and delivery of news content through coaching and mentoring staff
• Strong editorial judgment and leader in the newsroom
• Understand the importance of recruiting and creating a culture of success in the newsroom
• Proven administrative skills with budgeting, planning and staff scheduling
• Ability to work closely with other station department heads and fellow managers within the company
• Ability to meet deadlines while handling multiple tasks

Apply Here

As a condition of employment, Gray Television will require that all employees be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by the first workday to the extent permitted by applicable law, unless you qualify for a medical or religious accommodation.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, listed 10/24/21)
WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/3/21)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 10/24/21)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 10/24/21)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/3/21)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 10/24/21)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 10/3/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/5/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (relisted this week)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, relisted this week)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, relisted this week)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 10/10/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, listed 10/3/21)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised 10/17/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/10/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 10/10/21)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/17/21)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 10/3/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/10/21)
WKRG-TV, Mobile, AL (AM EP, new listing this week)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 10/24/21)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (listed 10/17/21)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (AM EP, listed 10/24/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (listed 10/24/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/17/21)
WSYM-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 10/24/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 10/3/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR (listed 10/10/21)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted this week:

Spectrum Networks NY1 (Senior Mgr., News and Content)

Listed 10/24/21:

E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Director of Community Connection and Inclusive Journalism)

Relisted 10/10/21:

WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 10/3/21:

KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/19/21:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 9/12/21:

New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)

Listed 9/5/21:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital Manager)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Names in the News:

We are fulfilling our promise from last week in sharing part two of ANDREW HEYWARD’s post from the Knight-Cronkite NewsLab on the salary-recruiting-retension discussion that TY CARVER kicked off with his item a few weeks ago. Andrew says last week’s column was the most read in NewsLab history.

(That discussion continues, by the way, with NO response from any corporate execs to whom I offered space to outline what they and their companies are doing about the problem. The offer is still good.)

Andrew Heyward does offer SIX ideas for companies to consider, as you can read here.

Matos

WLS-TV (ABC owned) in Chicago has promoted VIRGINIA MATOS to be dayside executive producer. The station’s news release is here. Virginia started as the station as an intern in 2000, went to Rockford, IL, as a producer, and came back to WLS as a newswritter and fill-in producer, and was later promoted to produce the 4:30 newscast.

Quick takes:

Arvesu

Updating a story of a few weeks ago, we told you that TERI ARVESU was leaving Univision’s Chicago station for a new corporate job. Turns out that job is (deep breath) SVP of social impact and sustainability for Univision worldwide, based in Miami where she had worked before.

WTAE-TV (Hearst/ABC) in Pittsburgh has hired MIKE SOLAKIAN as its new Assistant ND. He’s a ten year veteran of sister Hearst station WBAL-TV in Baltimore. Mike also produced at Hearst’s Louisville station and worked in Columbia, MO.

MIGUEL DIAZ-LUCIER returns to WAFF-TV (Gray/NBC) in Huntsville, AL, as Assistant ND. He’s a former Assignment Editor there who moved to Orlando to News 13, then to KCRA-TV in Sacramento as Assignment Manager.

Mendoza

MANDI MENDOZA has joined USAA in San Antonio as Director of Media Production. Wikipedia can explain what USAA is better than I can! But I can do a better job in telling you that that Mandi is the former ND for WOAI-KABB-TV (Sinclair-NBC-FOX) in San Antonio. She left that job in mid-September to ‘spend more time with family’.

Cummings

DAN CUMMINGS, a one-time news director and long-time anchor for WSYR-TV (formerly WIXT-TV) in Syracuse, NY, is retiring after a remarkable 37 years at the station. As you’ll learn in this story from the station’s website, he has had a remarkable variety of jobs at the station.

Horgen

And CHRIS HORGEN has retired from KAUZ-TV in Wichita Falls, TX, where he was anchor and assistant ND, to take a job with city of Wichita Falls as Public Information Officer. Chris worked there for 29 years. KAUZ is operated by Gray Television but owned by American Spirt Media.

General Manager News and Notes:

Just ONE GM move this week.

SHARON MERRELL rejoins Sinclair as GM for KBOI/KYUU-TV in Boise, ID. She earlier ran KHQA-TV in Quincy, IL for Sinclair, and most recently was GM for Nexstar’s WCIA-TV in Champaign, IL.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 31, 2021:

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

KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan Street, # 1900 Dallas, TX 75201 **
WDCW-TV 2121 Wisconsin Ave. NW #350 Washington, DC 20007 (See ad above!)
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KPHO/KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008 **
WRTV 1330 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123 **
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WBAY-TV 115 S Jefferson St Green Bay, WI 54301
WGBA-TV 1391 North Rd Green Bay, WI 54313
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607 (see ad above!)
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
WRCB-TV 900 Whitehall Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37405
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KBAK-TV 1901 Westwind Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93301
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KCBD-TV 5600 Avenue A Lubbock, TX 79404
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KTTC-TV 6301 Bandel Road NW Rochester, MN 55901 (see ad above!)
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503

**: Spanish language station

October 24, 2021

Greetings:

Yet ANOTHER busy week of news director changes.

THREE jobs were filled (including one in the number ONE market) while FIVE jobs opened up (including a start-up in a top ten market) and TWO openings created by news directors moving to GM jobs.

Our count of open ND jobs increases to 43.

THREE of those 43 openings are featured in some of our FIVE paid ads.

We’re still waiting for a corporate executive to step up and tell us what their company plans to do with the challenges of hiring, recruiting AND retention of employees. We’ve discussed that issue in each of the last two issues.

No one has, but we do have an article from former CBS News President ANDREW HEYWARD tackling the issue. It’s worth your time, as is a Washington Post article on the impact when a local on-air TV news person loses a job for failing of comply with a company’s vaccine mandate.

There’s ONE obituary for the wife of a longtime NBC and Telemundo executive, and a few news managers on the move.

And a remarkable SEVEN new general managers this week, including TWO former news directors.

And remember…while you read this…that I wrote most of it while watching the Colts-49ers football game. That’s my excuse for any mistakes!

We’ll correct them next week. 🙂

Newly Named News Directors:

Kowalski

News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley, New York…STAN KOWALSKI adds oversight of this Altice operation. He’s been running the Bronx/Brooklyn newsroom for this hyper local cable channel. Here’s the note from SVP/GM JACQUES NATZ. Stan’s Linkedin page lists MOST of his jobs, but not his first one, working for me as a $5.00/hour tape editor at WTOL-TV in Toledo.

Jones

WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL…AUTUMN JONES returns to a newsroom as ND for this Scripps owned FOX affiliate. The staff note is from GM EVAN PAPPAS. She’s been working as a Media Relations Manager for the Orlando Police Department. She spent 14 years at WFTV in Orlando as a EP and Senior Producer, and has also worked in Kalamazoo and Columbia, MO. She replaces SARAH ZAK who left in September after 3 years as ND.

Firnbach

WWTV/WWUP-TV, Cadillac, MI…DAN FIRNBACH was promoted in July to ND for this Heritage Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate. Dan had been the Assistant ND. He has worked here for seven years, beginning as a producer. Dan’s also worked in Davenport, IA and replaces SEAN MAHON who was ND for five years (in his second stint at the station) before leaving in May.

New News Director Openings:

Kraham

WDCW/WDVM-TV, Washington, DC…this newly created Nexstar duopoly is expanding news, as you will learn in the Paid Help Wanted Ad below. WDCW is a CW affiliate, WDVM an independent in Hagerstown, MD. MARK KRAHAM, who’s been the ND for WDVM since 1996, will oversee several of the many bureaus the operation will have.

Robertson

WOI-TV, Des Moines/Ames, IA…this Tegna owned ABC affiliate is looking for a new news director to replace RYAN ROBERTSON. Ryan was only news director there for 18 months, and was previously a news director for KGWN-TV, Gray Television’s CBS affiliate in Cheyenne, WY. He’s also worked in Lincoln, NE, and began in radio in Omaha.

Laughrin

WGBA-TV, Green Bay, WI…JOHN LAUGRHIN is leaving (or perhaps has already left) this Scripps owned NBC affiliate in his hometown after 2 1/2 years as ND. He’s been an ND in Binghamton, NY, and Wausau, WI, and also has the Green Bay hat trick, having worked as a producer for WFRV-TV and as an EP and sports producer for WLUK-TV.

Starnes

WRCB-TV, Chattanooga, TN…we told you last August that CALLIE STARNES would be promoted to GM after a few months as both ND and Station Manager for this Sarkes Tarzian NBC affiliate, and the search is now on for her replacement. She joined the station in 2008 as a reporter, was later promoted to Assistant News Director, and then was named ND in 2016.

Gors

KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN…we always enjoy when an ND moves to a GM job, and that’s case here as MICHELE GORS moves within Gray to become GM for KEYC-TV in Mankato, MN. She’s been ND here since 2019. Michele’s been an ND in Wichita, Memphis and Cedar Rapids, and spent seven years as GM for Wichita’s PBS station, KPTS-TV. Learn more about this opening in the Paid Help Wanted ad below!

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WDCW-TV, Washington, DC.

THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!

#NexstarNation has an immediate opening for a NEWS DIRECTOR at our newly formed duopoly in Washington, DC -Market #9.

The News Director will work with station leadership to launch new and expanded newscasts and local programming on WDCW (CW), WDVM (Independent) and our digital properties in the market.

The ideal candidate will have news leadership experience in a Top 20 Market, know how to handle multiple large scale projects at the same time, and be a master recruiter. We need a dynamic leader who can build a team, a culture, and a brand. If you have already launched news at a broadcast affiliate, this might be your next big move.

You already know DC is a great news market… What are you waiting for?

Click here to apply (or share with a colleague) who might make a new kind of history in the nation’s capital with the country’s largest TV ownership group.

News Director, KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN:

KTTC Television has a rare opening for a News Director who will lead and manage KTTC news coverage across our linear television and digital platforms.

The candidate must have proven newsroom leadership experience with a track record of success. You will take charge of the fast-paced, proven, and award-winning KTTC Newsroom and ensure it moves to the next level no matter where today’s news consumers decide to watch or view us.

The candidate must also demonstrate an understanding and enthusiasm for evolving digital, social and mobile media. In a market that is fiercely competitive, you will ensure the station’s content delivers audience growth by being distinct, research driven, and community focused.

The primary job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Outstanding knowledge of television news operations and other media platforms
• Expertise in enhancing the presentation and delivery of news content through coaching and mentoring staff
• Strong editorial judgment and leader in the newsroom
• Understand the importance of recruiting and creating a culture of success in the newsroom
• Proven administrative skills with budgeting, planning and staff scheduling
• Ability to work closely with other station department heads and fellow managers within the company
• Ability to meet deadlines while handling multiple tasks

Apply Here

As a condition of employment, Gray Television will require that all employees be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by the first workday to the extent permitted by applicable law, unless you qualify for a medical or religious accommodation.

News Director, WSIL-TV, Carterville, IL:

NEWS 3 WSIL is looking for a dynamic, innovative newsroom leader who is committed to leading a group of talented journalists into the future of our industry.

The news operation at NEWS 3 WSIL is unique. It’s content-focused and thrives off of journalists willing to think outside the box.

Covering an expansive DMA covering more than 20,000 square miles – “There are sprawling television markets, and then there’s Paducah-Cape Girardeau-Harrisburg. The market covers not only chunks of Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois, but some stations’ signals reach into Tennessee and Arkansas as well. Despite its vast geography, the market gives a consistent small-town midwestern feel with no big cities but frequent small towns.” (TVB Profile)

Our mission is centered around Serving Our Community. The next News Director must have a passion for seeking the truth and help identify important stories to cover in our communities.

You’ll lead a team housed in a new newsroom, a state-of-the-art new studio, and news automation infrastructure. We’re looking for a candidate who strives for excellence in everything they do but isn’t afraid to run with scissors.

Click here to learn more and apply.

WSIL is a recently acquired Allen Media Broadcasting property.

Assistant News Director, WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH:

Come live in the land of scarlet and gray, the best damn band in the land, great midwestern manners and no shortage of scandals involving former football coaches, the zoo or politicians and energy corporations. There’s always news and always something to do in Columbus!

The Assistant News Director leads the day-to-day production of editorial content across 10TV’s multiple platforms with a specific eye toward coaching the reporters and multiskilled journalists on staff. Through careful coaching, this role elevates their storytelling, writing, crafting, and execution daily – to lift all the 10TV platforms higher. Daily responsibilities include overseeing the editorial process, the on-air execution of newscasts and directing newsroom operations. The Assistant News Director will also train, develop and coach the entire newsroom team while also source and recruit journalists to join the 10TV team.

Requirements:

– 10 years news industry experience, 7 years management experience
– Strong organizational and communication skills
– Proven track record of achieving results and hitting goals
– Ability to plan and execute breaking news and weather coverage
– Four-year degree in journalism or communications
– Field reporting experience is strongly preferred

You can apply for this position here.

Executive Producer, KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT:

Are you a show doctor?

Can you take any story, and tell it in a way that will make viewers want to watch?

Can you teach producers how to take a decent newscast and make it great?

Can you work with reporters to make sure each of their stories are focused, while striving to go after enterprise and exclusive content?

Do you have a passion for digital content, to make sure we are covering every big story on our mobile app, website, and social media?

KUTV, the CBS affiliate in Salt Lake City, is looking for a Daytime Executive Producer to join our winning news team! The ideal candidate will have solid news judgment, be a compelling and accurate writer and be able to multitask and manage their time in order to put together an exciting and informative newscast.

The candidate must also /have strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to execute news strategies and goals in daily newscasts. Flexibility and on-the-spot problems solving abilities are a must.

Job Responsibilities:

Determining the content and flow of newscasts
Writing stories with relentless attention to detail
Use of graphics creatively and effectively
Producing content for multiple platforms, including TV, internet, mobile, etc.
Working with management and reporters to generate stories
Meeting daily deadlines in a high energy working environment
Other responsibilities as assigned

Send resumes to Mike Friedrich, News Director at mfriedrich@sbgtv.com or Apply here:

When applying online, please include a recent web link of your work.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, new listing this week)
WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/3/21)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (new listing this week)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 10/17/21, see ad above!)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/3/21)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (new listing this week)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 10/3/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/5/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (listed 8/22/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, listed 8/29/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, listed 8/29/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 10/10/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, listed 10/3/21)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised 10/17/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/10/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 10/10/21)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/17/21, see ad above!)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 10/3/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/10/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (new listing this week)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (listed 10/17/21)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (AM EP, new listing this week)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (new listing this week)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/17/21)
WSYM-TV, Lansing, MI (new listing this week)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 10/3/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR (listed 10/10/21)

More News Management Openings:

New Listing this week:

Listed 10/17/21:

E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Director of Community Connection and Inclusive Journalism)

Relisted 10/10/21:

WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 10/3/21:

KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/19/21:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 9/12/21:

New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)

Listed 9/5/21:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital Manager)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 8/29/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 (Senior Mgr., News and Content)

Obituary:

Browne

MARIA BROWNE died October 2nd. She was married to longtime newsman DON BROWNE for more than 40 years. When she was ten years, Maria and her extended family fled Cuba, settling in Florida. She was the first Hispanic Miss Florida and had a career in banking. Maria’s survived by Don, and their two sons. Don’s a former NBC and Telemundo exec.

Names in the News:

Two items of note, the first of which we’ve touched on in our last two issues.

Former CBS News President ANDREW HEYWARD, writing for the Knight-Cronkite News Lab at ASU, takes on the recruiting challenges facing local stations. Here’s the first of two parts…we’ll bring you part two next week.

And The Washington Post looks at the impact when an on-air TV person loses a job by failing to comply with a vaccine mandate from station owners. The article (which may be behind a paywall), references a GoFundMe attempt to raise money for a suit against one such owner, Gray Television.

That fund is falling short of its $100,000 goal.

As of this writing it has raised $385.00.

Weiner

MARC WEINER, who’s been a news director in several markets, has a new job at CBS News. He writes: FYI, I have joined CBS News’ recently expanded “Race & Culture Unit” within CBS News as a Producer. Having worked with and for the “Office of Professional Development” as Director on West 57th Street almost two and half years recruiting, and assisting with CBS News development & strategy, I now return to my roots producing the very best compelling and relevant stories with a terrific new team.

JENNIE HINZ returns to Hubbard’s KAAL-TV in Austin, MN as an EP. She left the station earlier this year for a job outside of TV but is now returning.

General Manager News and Notes:

SEVEN new general managers this week..that’s more than I can remember in a single week.

Neelly

MIKE NEELLY moves up within Hearst to become GM for WDSU-TV (NBC) in New Orleans. He’s been the GM for Hearst’s WAPT-TV (ABC) in Jackson, MS, where he’d been a producer earlier. Mike’s also been an ND for Hearst stations in Cincinnati (WLWT-TV/NBC) and Louisville (WLKY-TV/CBS). He replaces JOEL VILMENAY who left to become GM for KCBS/KCAL-TV in Los Angeles.

Hefner

Nexstar filled TWO general manager openings, the largest of which finds MARK HEFNER headed to Dallas to run KDAF-TV, Nexstar’s CW affiliate there. Mark’s been the GM for WSAV-TV (NBC) in Savannah, GA. The other move is a promotion at WTWO-TV (NBC) in Terre Haute, IN. TIM SAUNDERS is a 17 year veteran of the station, serving in sales management since 2015.

Not to be outdone, Gray Television named THREE new GMs:

At KOLO-TV in Reno, NV, JOHN FIORELLI has been promoted to GM. The news release doesn’t mention it, but because WE ARE WORKING FOR YOU! and are ON YOUR SIDE! we dug deep and can tell you KOLO is an ABC affiliate. John’s been in the market for 20 years and at KOLO for 15.

We told you earlier that MICHELE GORS is being promoted to GM for KEYC-TV (CBS) in Mankato, MN. She’s been the ND for Gray’s KTTC-TV in Rochester, MN, which is advertising the search for her replacement above.

And HERB BRUCE will add GM duties to his role as Sales Manager at KALB-TV (NBC) in Alexandria, LA. He’s been at the station for almost 19 years and replaces MICHELE GODARD who is retiring after 14 years as GM.

Chapparo

Finally, Scripps named ANDRES CHAPARRO as Vice President and General Manager for KXXV/KRHD-TV, ABC affiliates serving Waco, Temple, and Bryan, TX. He starts tomorrow. Andres most recently was the GM for KDEN-TV, the Telemundo station in Denver. More details in the company’s news release.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 24, 2021:

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

KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan Street, # 1900 Dallas, TX 75201 **
WDCW-TV 2121 Wisconsin Ave. NW #350 Washington, DC 20007 (See ad above!)
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KPHO/KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008 **
WRTV 1330 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123 **
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive; Knoxville, TN 37919
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main St. Dayton, OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WGBA-TV 1391 North Rd Green Bay, WI 54313
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918 (see ad above!)
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
WRCB-TV 900 Whitehall Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37405
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KBAK-TV 1901 Westwind Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93301
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KCBD-TV 5600 Avenue A Lubbock, TX 79404
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KTTC-TV 6301 Bandel Road NW Rochester, MN 55901 (see ad above!)
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503

**: Spanish language station

October 17, 2021

Monday, October 18th, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

TWO items today, including a former ND turned GM moving to a top 50 market.

First, Sinclair Broadcast Group has issued this news release on what it describes as a ‘cyber security incident’ impacting its operations. It’s a rapidly evolving story which is being covered by mainstream media, including this recent article from the Associated Press.

Neelly

And congratulations to MIKE NEELLY who’s been promoted to General Manager for Hearst’s WDSU-TV (NBC) in New Orleans. Mike’s a longtime Hearst employee who most recently has been GM for the company’s WAPT-TV in Jackson, MS, where he had earlier worked as a photojournalist and producer. Mike also served as a news director for Hearst station’s in Cincinnati (WLWT-TV/NBC) and Louisville (WLKY-TV/CBS).

At WDSU, he replaces JOEL VILMENAY who left to become GM for CBS’s KCBS/KCAL-TV in Los Angeles.

As always, more details in our full newsletter this weekend. We’ll see you then.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

We’ve had a lot of reaction the past two weeks to TY CARVER’s posts (re-published here) about salaries and retaining employees.

Last week, I offered any corporate types (and MANY read this newsletter) the opportunity to tell us what they plan to do to solve a very real problem.

Reprinted here, in their entirety, are their responses.

Yeah, none.

Crickets.

Silence.

The offer is still good if any corporate execs want to share their thoughts.

On to our normal business. ANOTHER busy week, with SIX open positions filled, but another FIVE opened up. That leaves our count of open ND jobs at 41.

THREE of those filled jobs were in top 20 markets.

And FIVE of the SIX were filled with assistant ND’s getting moved up, while the sixth was a promotion within the same company.

ONE of those openings are among our THREE paid ads.

In Names in the News, a well-known Tegna executive is retiring at the end of the year. Read her note looking back…and forward. We also have a few news managers on the move, TWO new GMs in Boston, and some other GM appointments, as well.

And we have an obituary for a long time (and long ago) Ohio news director.

It’s another busy week…read on and enjoy.

Newly Named News Directors:

Palefsky

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA…our Tuesday UPDATE told you that JOSH PALEFSKY had been promoted to news director for this Nexstar owned MyNetwork affiliate. He’s been the Assistant News Director there for the past three years. Josh joined the station in 2011 as an associate producer. He replaces AARON PERO, who left in July. Aaron was there 20 years and news director for the last 15.

Wiederrich

KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA…if you saw our Wednesday UPDATE, you learned that JAKE WIEDERRICH has been promoted to VP/ND for this FOX o-and-o. He’s been the assistant ND for four months, and has worked in San Francisco, Portland, OR, and for another Seattle station. He replaces ERIK BREON who left in July, citing health reasons, after 16 months. (We called him JEFF in that update. He was good natured in accepting our apology, saying it was usually his last name that was butchered.)

Strain

KCNC-TV, Denver, CO…that same Wednesday UPDATE told you that KRISTINE STRAIN has been promoted to ND here after 17 years as the Assistant ND. But she still has the same boss, GM TIM WIELAND who’d been the ND there before his recent promotion to the corner office. Tim’s note to the staff is here. She’s also worked in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, for two stations in Kansas City, and in Wichita and Topeka, KS.

Kevin M.

KTBC-TV, Austin, TX…this FOX o-and-o wasted little time replacing longtime ND PAM VAUGHT by promoting Assistant News Director KEVIN McPHERSON to the top job after 22 years as the #2. He’s in this THIRD stint there: he began as a photographer, moved to Dallas as a photographer, back to KTBC as Managing Editor, then to Fox News Channel as a producer, before rejoining KTBC in 1999. Pam was ND here for 23 years.

Nolte

KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE…alert readers will see a pattern here as ANOTHER assistant ND is bumped up. Here it’s STEFFANI NOLTE who just joined the Standard Media ABC affiliate two months ago. She had been the Chief Photographer for KMTV in Omaha. Steffani’s also worked in Des Moines, LaCrosse, WI, and Florence, SC, where she worked as a multimedia journalist for a newspaper. At KLKN, she replaces JENNIFER HARDY who left earlier this summer after 13 months.

Gamboa

KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX…MATEO GAMBOA stays with Tegna and within Texas as he becomes the new ND for this CBS affiliate. Mateo spent the last 5 1/2 years at Tegna’s WFAA-TV (ABC) in Dallas as a producer and senior producer. He’s also worked for KXAS-TV (NBC) in Ft. Worth and for KCEN-TV in Temple, TX. My records show the last ND here was ZOLTAN CSANYI-SALCEDO who left in September 2019 after nine months.

And apologies to JERRY GOODMAN, the new ND for WALB-TV in Albany, GA, whose photo had the wrong caption (only in the emailed version of the newsletter) last week in reporting his hire.

New News Director Openings:

Dahl

KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ…in what was a busy week for UPDATES, our Wednesday report told you that JEN DAHL has left this Meredith owned (sale pending to Gray) CBS-independent duopoly. She was ND here for three years in her second stint (earlier as a producer for KTVK). She’s a former regional ND for Sinclair and an ND in Salt Lake City. Jen had been out of TV for three years before returning to Phoenix.

Cope-Walton

WRTV, Indianapolis, IN…one of our TWO Wednesday updates brought the good news that TERRI COPE-WALTON is leaving this Scripps owned ABC affiliate to become GM for Graham Media’s WJXT/WCWJ-TV (independent/CW). Terri spent 23 years at WRTV in a variety of roles before ascending to ND in 2013. She’s also worked in Dayton. In Jacksonville, she replaces BOB ELLIS (himself a former ND) who was promoted to GM for Graham’s WDIV-TV (NBC) in Detroit.

Watson

WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH…MEL WATSON is retiring December 17th as news director for this Gray Television owned ABC affiliate. She’s been the ND there for three years, but spent most of her career in Cleveland at WEWS-TV and WOIO-TV. She and her husband (who is retiring from Sherwin-Williams the same day) will move to Tennessee. The company has had a commuter marriage for the three years Mel’s worked in Toledo.

KBAK/KFBX-TV, Bakersfield, CA…JEFF LENK left this Sinclair Broadcasting owned CBS/FOX duopoly in early September. He’s been the news director for the last five years. Jeff worked here for 14 years, first as a producer and then executive producer before being promoted to ND.

Snead

KCBD-TV, Lubbock, TX….the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Really? How many avalanches ARE there in Lubbock?) is reporting that ND BENJI SNEAD and GM DAN JACKSON were dismissed by Gray Television for violating Gray’s Covid vaccination policies. They were apparently among six employees shown the door. More here from the Avalanche Journal (just wanted to say that again!)

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WSIL-TV, Carterville, IL:

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WSIL is a recently acquired Allen Media Broadcasting property.

Assistant News Director, WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH:

Come live in the land of scarlet and gray, the best damn band in the land, great midwestern manners and no shortage of scandals involving former football coaches, the zoo or politicians and energy corporations. There’s always news and always something to do in Columbus!

The Assistant News Director leads the day-to-day production of editorial content across 10TV’s multiple platforms with a specific eye toward coaching the reporters and multiskilled journalists on staff. Through careful coaching, this role elevates their storytelling, writing, crafting, and execution daily – to lift all the 10TV platforms higher. Daily responsibilities include overseeing the editorial process, the on-air execution of newscasts and directing newsroom operations. The Assistant News Director will also train, develop and coach the entire newsroom team while also source and recruit journalists to join the 10TV team.

Requirements:

– 10 years news industry experience, 7 years management experience
– Strong organizational and communication skills
– Proven track record of achieving results and hitting goals
– Ability to plan and execute breaking news and weather coverage
– Four-year degree in journalism or communications
– Field reporting experience is strongly preferred

You can apply for this position here.

Executive Producer, KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT:

Are you a show doctor?

Can you take any story, and tell it in a way that will make viewers want to watch?

Can you teach producers how to take a decent newscast and make it great?

Can you work with reporters to make sure each of their stories are focused, while striving to go after enterprise and exclusive content?

Do you have a passion for digital content, to make sure we are covering every big story on our mobile app, website, and social media?

KUTV, the CBS affiliate in Salt Lake City, is looking for a Daytime Executive Producer to join our winning news team! The ideal candidate will have solid news judgment, be a compelling and accurate writer and be able to multitask and manage their time in order to put together an exciting and informative newscast.

The candidate must also /have strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to execute news strategies and goals in daily newscasts. Flexibility and on-the-spot problems solving abilities are a must.

Job Responsibilities:

Determining the content and flow of newscasts
Writing stories with relentless attention to detail
Use of graphics creatively and effectively
Producing content for multiple platforms, including TV, internet, mobile, etc.
Working with management and reporters to generate stories
Meeting daily deadlines in a high energy working environment
Other responsibilities as assigned

Send resumes to Mike Friedrich, News Director at mfriedrich@sbgtv.com or Apply here:

When applying online, please include a recent web link of your work.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/3/21)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/3/21)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 10/3/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/5/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 8/22/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (listed 8/22/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, listed 8/29/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, listed 8/29/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 10/10/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, listed 10/3/21)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised this week)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/10/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 10/10/21)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 10/3/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/10/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (new listing this week)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (new listing this week)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 10/3/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR (listed 10/10/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (relisted 8/29/21)

More News Management Openings:

New Listing this week:

E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Director of Community Connection and Inclusive Journalism)

Relisted 10/10/21:

WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 10/3/21:

KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/19/21:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 9/12/21:

New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)

Listed 9/5/21:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital Manager)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Obituary:

Dunster

GEORGE DUNSTER, who spent 25 years as the news director for WLIO-TV in Lima, OH, died last Monday. He was 89 years old. After leaving the station in 1999, he remained VERY involved in a large number of organizations in Lima. Among his six children was son SEAN DUNSTER who was a news director for several stations. Much more in this obituary.

Names in the News:

Dennis

Veteran Tegna executive (almost 44 years!) PATTI DENNIS is retiring at the end of the year. She’s currently Director of Recruiting but may be best known for her long tenure as ND for Tegna’s KUSA-TV (NBC) in Denver. Patti sent me this note looking back at her past and what her plans are for the future.

Sandoval

LOURDES SANDOVAL has been named VP of News Operations, Public Affairs and Engagement for Entravision. She replaces LUISA COLLINS who moved to Univision in New York. More from Media Moves.

St. Peter

KEITH ST. PETER joins KNXV-TV in Phoenix (Scripps/ABC) as Senior Executive Producer. He most recently was the ND for Nexstar’s WBRE/WYOU-TV in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he job he left in July after two years. He’s also worked in Dayton, OH, and Jacksonville, FL.

ANDREW BIRKLE has been promoted to Digital Manager at WLNS-TV in Lansing, MI. He had been a digital reporter for this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate.

General Manager News and Notes:

TWO new general managers in Boston to share with you:

Brown

In one of our TWO updates Wednesday, we told you that TODD BROWN would be the next GM for Cox Media Group’s WFXT-TV (FOX) in Boston. He’s been the interim GM there and previously worked for Meredith, first in Las Vegas at KVVU-TV, where he spent 16 years, the last six years as GM, and later as an SVP and Chief Revenue Officer.

Draper

And there’s a new general manager for CBS’s WBZ-TV in Boston. JUSTIN DRAPER returns as GM for this o-and-o. He’d been the controller there from 2006-2010 before the network sent him west to become GM for KOVR/KMAX-TV in Sacramento. He’s also worked for CBS owned stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis.

TWO GM related items in our ‘New News Director Openings’ section above.

You learned above that TERRI COPE-WALTON is leaving her job as news director at WRTV (Scripps/ABC) in Indianapolis to become GM for WJXT-WCWJ-TV, Graham Media’s duopoly (independent/CW) in Jacksonville, FL.

And we also reported that DAN JACKSON was out (with five others) at Gray’s KCBD-TV in Lubbock, TX, for violating Gray’s Covid policy.

Finally, BROOK ARNOLD has been named general manager for Morgan-Murphy’s KOAM-TV (CBS) in Pittsburg, KS/Joplin, MO. She replaces longtime KOAM GM DANNY THOMAS who is leaving after 26 years as GM and 34 at the station. More in this news release.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 17, 2021:

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

News 12 Westchester, 6 Executive Plaza Yonkers, NY 10701
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan Street, # 1900 Dallas, TX 75201 **
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KPHO/KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008
WRTV 1330 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WFTX-TV 621 S.W. Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral, FL 33991
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive; Knoxville, TN 37919
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main St. Dayton, OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918 (see ad above!)
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KBAK-TV 1901 Westwind Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93301
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KCBD-TV 5600 Avenue A Lubbock, TX 79404
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503

**: Spanish language station