Rick Gevers & Associates

May 20, 2018

Monday, May 28, 2018 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Due to the Holiday weekend, our next newsletter will be posted later today.

Thanks for your understanding.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Just ONE newly named news director this week, with NO new openings that I’m aware of.

With that ONE new news director, the list of openings drops to 28.

THREE of those openings are featured among our FIVE paid help wanted ads this week.

We have lots of items in Names in the News, so be sure to check that section out. Among the items…a one-time news director named President of a major broadcast group.

And we have one obituary for a Denver station employee whose father had a long career as a news director and general manager.

Kneeland will exceed your expectations.  Guaranteed.
(Applications are due June 1)

Applications are due Friday, June 1, for The Kneeland Project’s next session, which will be held September 5-8, 2018 in Austin, Texas.

Thanks to Kneeland’s generous funders, this opportunity is nearly free for 20 selected participants.The Kneeland Project pays for all tuition costs as well as hotel and several meals.

In a recent survey of Kneeland Fellows, 100% reported they still regularly use lessons learned at Kneeland, believe that time spent at Kneeland improved their career and said they have recommended Kneeland to a friend or colleague.

You’ll join this session’s faculty and 19 other outstanding journalists to explore the exciting challenges that face our industry, and you’ll leave the program with a solid plan to guide your leadership decisions starting day one. This isn’t theoretical information that you will put on a shelf and neglect. Every participant will walk away with concrete action items to implement immediately that will make a difference in their newsroom…and their life.

It’s an intensive program unlike any other. It’s practical. It’s highly interactive. It produces long-lasting results. Journalists return to their stations refreshed and ready to tackle the sometimes overwhelming challenges newsrooms now face.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Newly Named News Directors: 

Delgado

KCAU-TV, Sioux City, IA…DAN DELGADO will be the next news director for this Nexstar Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate.  He’s been the Assistant News Director for KSNT-TV in Topeka.  Dan’s been an ND in Laredo and Tyler, TX, and anchored in San Antonio.  At KCAU, he replaces JIM PARKER who left the station in February after 18 months as news director.

New News Director Opening: 

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WTEN-TV, Albany, NY:

WTEN in Albany, New York is seeking an experienced News Director who is an innovative and dynamic leader, possessing excellent news judgment, strong digital news initiative, and a passion to win.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Manages all aspects of the News Department to establish and reach station goals, including ratings growth.
Oversee daily and weekly news coverage from the state capitol to regional sister stations.
Develops news coverage strategy for the station, website and mobile platforms.
Critiques newscasts on a daily basis to correct errors, improve coverage, and provide mentoring feedback to news staff.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism or an equivalent combination of education and work related experience.
Minimum ten years’ news management experience, guiding, directing, and motivating co-workers.
Experience establishing long-range objectives along with the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Nestled along the Hudson River, Albany is the state capital and a great “news” market.

You would be joining the Nexstar Media Group, one of the country’s fastest growing broadcast and digital companies.

Interested candidates apply by sending email to: rromines@news10.com and by completing our online application which you can find here.

WTEN, WXXA and Nexstar Broadcasting Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

News Content Director, WIS-TV, Columbia, SC:

WIS-TV, Raycom Media’s legacy NBC affiliate and digital media operation in the beautiful state capitol of Columbia, South Carolina, seeks a News Content Director to lead its #1 rated news operation and award-winning team.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned leader with a sense of urgency, who is passionate, creative and collaborative and has a track record of exceptional performance as a news content leader. Our next NCD will work with the latest technology which will enable and empower team members to deliver compelling content on all of our platforms.

Applicants should have at least 5 years’ experience as a news manager and be able to manage a large newsroom with over 34 hours of live newscasts per week. NCD must also be able to manage and develop OTT (Over The Top) news programming for our various streaming platforms. College degree in Broadcast Journalism preferred.

Qualified applicants, please apply online and attach your resume with cover letter, which should include your vision for making WIS viewers the most well served in the market.

Drug screen and MVR check required. No phone calls or emails please. EOE-M/FD/V

No phone calls or emails will be returned.

WIS Television, PO Box 367, Columbia, SC 29202.

An employment application may be downloaded from the WIS website.

All employment practices of WIS Television shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Personnel decisions and actions shall not be influenced by an applicant’s or employee’s race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin/ancestry or disability.

News Director, WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH:

WTVG-TV (ABC) in Toledo, OH (DMA #78) is seeking a News Director. 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 an understanding and enthusiasm for digital, social, and mobile media.

Qualifications/Requirements:

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
Expertise in enhancing the presentation and delivery of news content through coaching and mentoring staff
Strong editorial judgment and leader in the newsroom
Understands 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, strategic media and community partners
Ability to meet deadlines while handling multiple tasks

Persons interested in submitting an application for the position identified above should apply online by clicking here.

Executive Producer, KCTV, Kansas City, MO:

Job Description: The Executive Producer directs a team of reporters, producers, editors, and photographers in the production of news products that are high quality and maintain KCTV’s brand. Serves as member of management team; actively engages in ever-improvement of news product. Participates in projects as assigned by News Director.

Experience: Three years experience producing in a broadcast television news environment required. Experience as an executive producer preferred.

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

*Must possess advanced understanding of legal and ethical issues impacting journalism.
*Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to combine words and pictures into informative and interesting news stories.
*Advanced knowledge of the locale, governing bodies, demographics and public figures a plus.
*Ability to edit stories as necessary.
*Strong initiative and self motivation to create news stories.
*Ability to perform quality work in high-pressure deadline situations.
*Able to balance between planning ahead and getting results.
*INEWS experience a plus
*Adapt to flexible schedule

Click HERE to apply.

EOE

Executive Producer, WMC-TV, Memphis, TN:

WMC-TV in Memphis, Tennessee is looking for an experienced Morning Executive Producer to join our award-winning news team. The ideal candidate would lead and inspire our morning team to work together for a great newscast. We’re looking for an innovative thinker who can develop and execute a creative vision.

WMC is a fixture in the Memphis market and wants an experienced, passionate journalist to join our growing team. This is your opportunity to put your stamp on a newscast and grow as a manager in one of the coolest cities in America.

As Morning Show Executive Producer, we’ll look for you to aggressively react and respond to breaking news across all station platforms while demonstrating good news judgement and journalistic integrity. You’ll work with show producers, directors, field crews and digital producers for the best showcasing, live shots and digital collaboration in the market.

We want a team player who can handle a variety of tasks, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced, deadline driven, stressful environment.

WMC is part of Raycom Media, an employee-owned company, and one of the nation’s largest privately-owned local media companies. Raycom owns and/or provides services for 65 television stations and 2 radio stations in 44 markets located in 20 states. Raycom Media owns or provides services for stations covering 16% of U.S. television households and employs over 8,300 individuals in full and part-time positions.

You can apply by clicking here!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

Spectrum News, Los Angeles, CA (listed 3/18/18)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 4/22/18)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/25/18)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/31/18)
KSBW-TV, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, CA (relisted 3/31/18)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 4/22/18)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM EP, listed 5/13/18)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted 4/22/18)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 3/25/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, relisted 4/29/18)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (listed 5/13/18, see ad above!)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (AM EP, listed 5/13/18)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (AM EP, listed 5/13/18, see ad above!)
WRGB-TV, Albany, NY (relisted this week)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (Nightside EP, relisted 5/13/18)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, listed 4/22/18)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (AM EP, listing revised 4/29/18)

Obituary:

Buettner

MATT BUETTNER, whose father GIL BUETTNER had a long career as news director and general manager, died May 11th of a heart attack. Here’s the obituary. Matt was 46 and was working as a digital media producer at KCNC-TV in Denver at the time of his death. He began his TV career as a production assistant at WWMT-TV in Kalamazoo, MI where he rose to newscast director. Matt’s dad Gil’s long career in our industry included both GM and ND stops in a variety of markets. Your kind note reaches Gil at: gilbuettner@yahoo.com

Names in the News (and other items):

McCreery

Another case of news manager makes good as PATRICK McCREERY has been named President of Meredith’s Local Media Group. He currently oversees all Meredith stations as Executive VP, a job he’s held since January when he was promoted from VP News & Marketing. He’s been an ND and GM at Meredith stations, and has also worked in San Francisco and Toledo. Patrick replaces the retiring PAUL KARPOWICZ who’ll step down at the end of the June. Fun fact: Paul’s dad RAY KARPOWICZ was the GM when I worked at what was then KSD-TV (now KSDK) in St. Louis.

WNBC-TV in New York has hired C.C. BOGGIANO as director of news operations. He’s been the Manager of News Operations at WLS-TV in Chicago, and has also worked in Washington and Hartford.

SINDY ESPINOSA is the new executive producer for Telemundo’s KTMD-TV in Houston.

Oliphant

The new “Senior Manager of Broadcast Content” (think Assistant News Director) at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati is KENNAN OLIPHANT. He’s currently the Manager of Coverage and Content for Cox’s WHBQ-TV in Memphis. Kennan’s had a variety of jobs in his career, which started on-air. It’s all explained on his Linkedin page.

In Harrisburg, ED ALBERT joins WPMT-TV as an executive producer. He had been a producer at WHTM-TV and has also been a producer at KDKA-TV and WJAC-TV. Ed replaces TOSHI MACALUSO who left for a PR job.

RTDNA has hired TARA PUCKEY as its first director of strategic initiatives. What does that mean and what will she do? This article should answer your questions.

DAVID BRODY, once a news director in Colorado Springs, now enjoys special access to the Trump administration as the chief political correspondent for the Christian Broadcasting Network. The New York Times ran this profile of David and his role in covering Washington.

Speaking of politics, one time Tri-Cities, WA, news director, anchor, and general manager CHRISTINE BROWN is running for Congress. More here.

General Manager News and Notes:

I’m not aware of any GM changes this week. We’re always open to emailed tips.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, May 20, 2018:

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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
WBBM-TV 22 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
WBTS-TV 160 Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. West Sacramento, CA 95605
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KATU-TV 2153 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97232
WFSB-TV 333 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215
WHAS-TV 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
WTEN-TV 341 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY 12204 (see ad above!)
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Drive, Suite 1. Roanoke, VA 24019
WNEM-TV 107 N. Franklin St. Saginaw, MI 48607
WIS-TV 1111 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201 (see ad above!)
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607 (see ad above!)
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
WOAY-TV 7113 Legends Hwy, Oak Hill, WV 25901
KOTA-TV 2001 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
WETM-TV 101 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701

**: Spanish language station

May 13, 2018

Greetings:

Another week of news director changes is in the books:

THREE new news directors to tell you about, with just ONE new opening…one created by a longtime news director moving to a corporate role.

So, our list of open ND jobs drops to 29.

We have TWO paid ads for executive producer openings in medium market stations.

A former RTDNA chair gives a graduation speech and is cheered with he pulls out some props. That story is below, along with a profile of the man who put New Orleans’ WDSU-TV on the air.  And Gray TV picks TWO industry vets to lead stations in cities which begin with the same letter.

(That’s a really weak tease, I know.)

All this and more below!

Newly Named News Directors: 

Burgess

WFXT-TV, Boston, MA…as we told you on Thursday, SARAH BURGESS has been promoted to news director for this Cox Media owned FOX affiliate. More in this news release. She’s worked for WFXT since January, 2005, most recently as Managing Editor and previously worked in Las Vegas and for another Boston station. Sarah replaces MIKE OLIVEIRA who transferred to Cox’s WSOC-TV (ABC) in Charlotte in March after less than two years as ND here.

Vizcon

WTMO-TV, Orlando, FL…ROBERTO VIZCÓN returns to the Telemundo station as Vice President/News. In his first go-round here, he was the General Manager. He most recently has worked as a news director for Univision stations in Miami and Puerto Rico. All the details on his new job and his background are in this story from Media Moves.

Lamont

KMIR-TV, Palm Springs, CA…GINO LAMONT will assume additional duties as news director at this Entravsion owned NBC/Univision duopoly. More here. He began at the station more than 20 years ago as a photographer, and worked his way up to evening anchor, a job he’s held since 2010. Gino replaces ROSS BECKER who left the station in January after just more than a year as ND.

New News Director Opening: 

Salamone

WTEN-TV, Albany, NY…our Thursday UPDATE also contained the news of DAN SALAMONE’s promotion within Nexstar to an additional position of Director Of Local Content Development. Dan’s been the ND for this ABC affiliate since late 2016. He’s been an ND and Station Manager in Portland, OR, and Albuquerque, a news director in Detroit and Portland, and an EP in Chicago.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, KCTV, Kansas City, MO:

Job Description: The Executive Producer directs a team of reporters, producers, editors, and photographers in the production of news products that are high quality and maintain KCTV’s brand. Serves as member of management team; actively engages in ever-improvement of news product. Participates in projects as assigned by News Director.

Experience: Three years experience producing in a broadcast television news environment required. Experience as an executive producer preferred.

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

*Must possess advanced understanding of legal and ethical issues impacting journalism.
*Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to combine words and pictures into informative and interesting news stories.
*Advanced knowledge of the locale, governing bodies, demographics and public figures a plus.
*Ability to edit stories as necessary.
*Strong initiative and self motivation to create news stories.
*Ability to perform quality work in high-pressure deadline situations.
*Able to balance between planning ahead and getting results.
*INEWS experience a plus
*Adapt to flexible schedule

Click HERE to apply.

EOE

Executive Producer, WMC-TV, Memphis, TN:

WMC-TV in Memphis, Tennessee is looking for an experienced Morning Executive Producer to join our award-winning news team. The ideal candidate would lead and inspire our morning team to work together for a great newscast. We’re looking for an innovative thinker who can develop and execute a creative vision.

WMC is a fixture in the Memphis market and wants an experienced, passionate journalist to join our growing team. This is your opportunity to put your stamp on a newscast and grow as a manager in one of the coolest cities in America.

As Morning Show Executive Producer, we’ll look for you to aggressively react and respond to breaking news across all station platforms while demonstrating good news judgement and journalistic integrity. You’ll work with show producers, directors, field crews and digital producers for the best showcasing, live shots and digital collaboration in the market.

We want a team player who can handle a variety of tasks, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced, deadline driven, stressful environment.

WMC is part of Raycom Media, an employee-owned company, and one of the nation’s largest privately-owned local media companies. Raycom owns and/or provides services for 65 television stations and 2 radio stations in 44 markets located in 20 states. Raycom Media owns or provides services for stations covering 16% of U.S. television households and employs over 8,300 individuals in full and part-time positions.

You can apply by clicking here!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

Spectrum News, Los Angeles, CA (listed 3/18/18)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 4/22/18)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/25/18)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/31/18)
KSBW-TV, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, CA (relisted 3/31/18)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 4/22/18)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM EP, new listing this week)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted 4/22/18)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 3/25/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, relisted 4/29/18)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (AM EP, new listing this week)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (AM EP, new listing this week, see ad above!)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (Nightside EP, relisted this week)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, listed 4/22/18)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (AM EP, listing revised 4/29/18)

Obituary:

Jefferson

DICK JEFFERSON, who had a long career in both local and network news, died May 4th at the age of 63. He spent much of his network time at CBS but his departure was rocky. He sued the network over a gay discrimination claim. The NY Daily News has more on Dick’s life, career, and lawsuit in this story.

Names in the News (and other items):

Past RTDNA chair and retired Missourinet News Director BOB PRIDDY gave the commencement speech to the College of Arts and Sciences at his alma mater, the Univeristy of Missouri yesterday. The audience cheered when he brought out some props to add to his remarks. The story is here, but you’ll have to click on the photo gallery to picture #2.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune is profiling 300 people who made New Orleans what it is, in honor of the city’s tricentennial. This edition looks at EDGAR STERN who established WDSU-TV as the city’s first television station.

General Manager News and Notes:

Gray Television filled GM vacancies in Omaha and Odessa, TX, with two industry veterans, ANDREW STEWART at WOWT-TV and DON DAVIS at KOSA-TV. Learn more here.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, May 13, 2018:

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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
WBBM-TV 22 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
WBTS-TV 160 Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. West Sacramento, CA 95605
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KATU-TV 2153 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97232
WFSB-TV 333 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215
WHAS-TV 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
WTEN-TV 341 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY 12204
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Drive, Suite 1. Roanoke, VA 24019
WNEM-TV 107 N. Franklin St. Saginaw, MI 48607
WIS-TV 1111 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 51106
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
WOAY-TV 7113 Legends Hwy, Oak Hill, WV 25901
KOTA-TV 2001 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
WETM-TV 101 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701

**: Spanish language station

May 6, 2018

Thursday, May 10, 2018 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Congratulations to a veteran news director who’s been promoted to a corporate role with his current company.

Salamone

DAN SALAMONE, who’s been the ND for Nexstar’s WTEN-TV in Albany, NY, since late 2016, is being upped to Director Of Local Content Development for the company. This news release has all the details on Dan’s new role.

Before Albany, he spent about a year as the EP at WFLD-TV in Chicago. Dan worked for more than nine years as ND for WOIO/WUAB-TV in Cleveland, and has been a News Director and Station Manager in Portland, OR, and Albuquerque, as well as a news director in Detroit and Providence. More on his Linkedin page.

Dan will relocate to Nexstar’s corporate headquarters in Irving, TX.

Burgess

And we’re a bit late in reporting the promotion of SARAH BURGESS to news director of Cox Media’s WFXT-TV in Boston. She had been the managing editor there, and replaces MIKE OLIVERA who moved to Cox’s WSOC-TV in Charlotte.

Here’s the news release from Cox.

More on this story and all the week’s news in our full newsletter later this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

**** ***** ****
Greetings:

We might have lacked for news director changes last week: not so much in this edition.

FOUR new news directors to tell you about, TWO new openings…one created by a longtime Ohio news director who’s moving to his former company in a corporate role.

Our list of open ND jobs is now at 30.

We have NO paid ads this week so we took the opportunity to explain how our ads can help you fill your vacant news management openings.

In Names in the News, honors for a former Nebraska ND, a veteran newsman retires after 17 years teaching, and we’ll look at why a broadcaster bought 110 newspapers.

There are TWO GM changes to share. A new GM for an Indiana cluster, and the retirement of a longtime newsman turned GM.

All that below after this ad from the Carole Kneeland Project.

Newly Named News Directors: 

Do you know someone who deserves a little Kneeland?

(Hint: it might be you.)

The Kneeland Project is accepting applications now for their September 5-8, 2018 session in Austin, Texas. Applications are due June 1 and are available at kneelandproject.org/apply

Thanks to Kneeland’s generous funders, this opportunity is nearly free for up to 20 selected news managers. The Kneeland Project pays for all tuition costs as well as hotel and several meals. Participants cover only their transportation and a few meals — Kneeland takes care of the rest.

In addition to tackling core Kneeland subjects like ethical leadership, time-saving strategies and results-driven digital ideas, we are covering race, religion and politics in our September session. You can’t miss this opportunity.

In a recent survey of Kneeland Fellows, 100% reported they still regularly use lessons learned at Kneeland, believe that time spent at Kneeland improved their career and said they have recommended Kneeland to a friend or colleague.

The Kneeland Project is an intensive program unlike any other. It’s practical. It’s highly interactive. It produces long-lasting results.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Only 20 journalists will be selected for this program. Apply today!

Newly Named News Directors: 

Little

WLBT/WDBD-TV, Jackson, MS…MARK LITTLE returns to Raycom Media as ND for this NBC/FOX operation. Mark most recently was ND for Raycom’s WIS-TV in Columbia, SC, a job he left in March after almost two years. He spent 14 years as ND for Raycom’s KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau, MO, where he began as the assignment editor. He’s also worked in St. Louis. Mark replaces HATTON WEEKS who was promoted to GM for Raycom’s KAIT-TV in Jonesboro, AR.

Gors

WAOW-TV, Wausau, WI…MICHELE GORS returns to commercial television as she joins this Quincy Media owned ABC affiliate as its next news director. She’s a former ND in Wichita, Memphis and Cedar Rapids, but spent seven years as GM for Wichita’s PBS station, KPTS-TV, a job she left in 2015. Michele replaces MARK DURHAM who left in January after two years as ND.

DeLeon

WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL…ALEX DeLEON has been promoted to news director here. He has been an executive producer for the station in his second stint for this Nexstar/Mission Broadcasting ABC/FOX operation. He has also worked for WSOC-TV (COX/ABC) in Charlotte for a year as a producer. Alex replaces SCOTT PICKEN who left in March after more than five years as ND.

Highland

WNKY-TV, Bowling Green, KY…DEBI HIGHLAND started May 1 as the new news director for this NBC/CBS duopoly owned by Marquee Broadcasting. She comes from a print background: her complete history is detailed on her Linkedin page. Debi replaces RICK BOONE who was ND here for just four months.

New News Director Openings: 

Lewis

KATU-TV, Portland, OR…KYANN LEWIS has left this Sinclair Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate after more than three years as news director. She has a wide and varied background in both local news and syndicated broadcasts. Her Linkedin page explains it all.

Trauring

WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH…congratulations to BRIAN TRAURING who’s been named VP/News, Marketing and Content Development, for Lilly Broadcasting. It’s a return to Lilly for Brian: the company owned this ABC affiliate before selling it to Gray TV. Here’s the release with all the details. Brian’s been the ND here for 16 years, and has also been an ND in Knoxville, Augusta, GA, and Steubenville, and has worked in Louisville and Indianapolis.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

We have no paid help wanted ads this week.

If you have a news management vacancy, our paid ads are a great way to reach a very targeted audience. We’ve runs ads from ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC o-and-o’s and stations owned by every major group. We have many repeat customers.

Ads run for two weeks and cost $300.00.

All you need to do is email me the copy (250 word limit) and a jpeg copy of the station logo. I’ll mail you an invoice and a W-9.

Please call if you have any questions.

If you’re an industry supplier, please contact me to explain how our display ads can help grow your business, like the ones you see this week from Devlin Design Group and Stephen Arnold Music, both of which have advertised for years to reach their customers.

You can email me at: rick@rickgevers.com or call me at 317-635-7912.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

Spectrum News, Los Angeles, CA (listed 3/18/18)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 4/22/18)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/25/18)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/31/18)
KSBW-TV, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, CA (relisted 3/31/18)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 4/22/18)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted 4/22/18)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 3/25/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, relisted 4/29/18)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (Nightside EP, listed 3/11/18)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, listed 4/22/18)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (AM EP, listing revised 4/29/18)

Names in the News (and other items):

You know Raycom Media as an owner for television stations. Did you know they bought 110 newspapers, most of them small, last year? This story looks at what the company hopes to learn from the acquisition.

Former KETV news director ROSE ANN SHANNON has been honored with induction into the Marian Andersen Nebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame. Rose Ann retired earlier this year after 24 years as ND of KETV, the ABC affiliate owned by Hearst.

Bremen

PHIL BREMEN is retiring from his faculty role at Ball State University in Muncie, IN, where he’s taught for 17 years. If the name is familiar, you may have seen him anchoring in Minneapolis (you MUST check out this promo, especially if you watched the Mary Tyler Moore show), Indianapolis, or for a statewide network in New Jersey. Or you may remember him from his years as an NBC correspondent. More here. Friends can wish Phil well via an email to pbremen@bsu.edu

General Manager News and Notes:

Marrs

CRAIG MARRS is retiring as the GM for Nexstar’s WFFF-TV in Burlington, VT. He’s been there for almost three years. Craig sent me this note:

After 45 years in this wonderful industry, I am retiring at the end of May. My last day will be Friday, June 1.

I have been privileged to work for and with some of the brightest and the best. Going from film to digital, and all the steps in between has been an incredible journey. I wish I could thank each of you personally for making this one incredible ride.

Trading one temperature extreme for another, I will head back to the SoCal desert to our home in LaQuinta where I will see if I can rediscover how to hit a golf ball and then will head to Houston to be with my wonderful wife, family and grandchildren.

Craig’s entire work history over those 45 years is detailed on his Linkedin page.

Star City Broadcasting has named BILLY HUGGINS General Manager of its Lafayette, IN, stations. And there are a lot of them! Details in this news release.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, May 6, 2018:

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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
WBBM-TV 22 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
WBTS-TV 160 Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459
WFXT-TV 25 Fox Drive. Dedham, MA 02026
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. West Sacramento, CA 95605
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KATU-TV 2153 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97232
WFSB-TV 333 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215
WHAS-TV 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Drive, Suite 1. Roanoke, VA 24019
WNEM-TV 107 N. Franklin St. Saginaw, MI 48607
WIS-TV 1111 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92260
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 51106
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
WOAY-TV 7113 Legends Hwy, Oak Hill, WV 25901
KOTA-TV 2001 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
WETM-TV 101 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701

**: Spanish language station

April 29, 2018

Greetings:

We’ve been producing this newsletter for more than 22 years, and, to be best of my memory, this is the FIRST week with no ND openings or hires to share with you. So our list of open ND jobs stands at 32.

But please read on as we have some items of interest.

There’s ONE paid help wanted ad. We have TWO obituaries of notable people in our business, and we have 785 regional Edward R. Murrow Award winners to tell you about. And there are a handful of news managers on the move.

This is a good opportunity, perhaps to remind you that we rely on your tips about changes, both news director and news managers. Send ’em our way via email and we’ll extend your subscription by a week. 🙂

Newly Named News Directors: 

None that I know about. Send any YOU know about to me at: rick@rickgevers.com

New News Director Opening: 

This is a recording: None that I know about. Send any YOU know about to me at: rick@rickgevers.com

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

Senior Executive Producer, WKOW-TV, Madison, WI:

Energized by new and innovative ways to present news content? If you want to expand your creative influence beyond a single newscast, our Senior Executive Producer position at WKOW – TV in Madison, Wisconsin is for you. We want a strong newsroom leader with a creative flair for style and presentation. The leading candidate will have a strong producing background, know how to inspire and will find ways to improve our product by creating meaningful and memorable moments in newscasts. Madison, Wisconsin is a very competitive news market and it’s consistently rated one of the best places to live in the Midwest.

Proven creativity with in-studio presentation, newsroom technology (LIVE U., Drone, GoPro, etc.) and graphics presentation will make you a top candidate. A strong eye for video and a desire to create something that helps the viewer “feel” the story is a top skill for our next EP.

If you have a desire to win every day, we want to talk with you. Five years of strong news producing and writing experience as well as sound editorial and ethical judgment is required. Management experience is a plus. Come work with a dynamic and growing newsroom named “Station of the Year” by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.

WKOW is part of Quincy Media, Inc., a family owned company.

If you have the drive to succeed, send your reel, writing samples, a resume and something surprising that will set you apart to: ereams@wkow.com

Ed Reams
News Director
WKOW – TV
5727 Tokay Blvd.
Madison, WI 53719

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

Spectrum News, Los Angeles, CA (listed 3/18/18)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 4/22/18)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/25/18)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/31/18)
KSBW-TV, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, CA (relisted 3/31/18)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 4/22/18)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted 4/22/18)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 3/25/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, relisted this week)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (Nightside EP, listed 3/11/18)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, listed 4/22/18, see ad above!)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (AM EP, listing revised this week)

Obituaries:

JOAN KONNER, who won dozens of awards as a documentary producer and later became the first woman to lead the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, died Wednesday, April 18th, at the age of 87. Her life and impressive career were profiled in this obituary from the New York Times.

AL SWIFT, a long-ago news director at KVOS-TV in Bellingham, WA (north of Seattle) died April 20th at the age of 82. He went on to become a Congressman and served for 16 years. An interesting obituary is yours by clicking here.

Names in the News (and other items):

RTDNA announced the winners of 785 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards this week. You can read if your former station was honored (since I assume you’d know if your CURRENT station had won) by clicking this link.

KSBW-TV in Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz has hired KIM PINCKNEY ELLER as its new Assistant News Director. She most recently was an EP at WBTV in Charlotte, and has also worked in Roanoke as a producer and EP.

MIKE SHARP is the new PM Content Manager (think executive producer) at Scripps’ KIVI-TV in Boise, ID.  He’s spent the last four years working for a local foodbank but earlier had been a reporter for KIVI and another Boise station.

General Manager News and Notes:

We’re a few weeks late in reporting that JAMES HANNING is the new GM for Sinclair’s WNWO-TV in Toledo. More here.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, April 29, 2018:

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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
WBBM-TV 22 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
WBTS-TV 160 Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459
WFXT-TV 25 Fox Drive. Dedham, MA 02026
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. West Sacramento, CA 95605
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
WFSB-TV 333 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215
WHAS-TV 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Drive, Suite 1. Roanoke, VA 24019
WNEM-TV 107 N. Franklin St. Saginaw, MI 48607
WIS-TV 1111 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
WLBT/WDBD-TV 715 South Jefferson Street Jackson, MS 39201
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
WAOW-TV 1908 Grand Ave. Wausau WI 54403
WTVO/WQRF-TV P.O. Box 470 Rockford, IL 61105
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92260
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 51106
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
WOAY-TV 7113 Legends Hwy, Oak Hill, WV 25901
KOTA-TV 2001 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
WETM-TV 101 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
WNKY-TV 325 Emmett Ave # N, Bowling Green, KY 42101
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701

**: Spanish language station