August 2, 2015

Greetings:

Our list of open news director jobs drops…a little…to 40, with this week’s activity.

FOUR positions were filled, but another TWO opened up. We have paid help wanted ads for FOUR of those 40 jobs, with other ads for management jobs in markets large and small, and a Production Manager ad for an opening in Denver.

We have an obituary for a long-ago Syracuse ND who ran newsrooms at two stations there, as well details about TWO former ND’s who’ve taken management jobs. One heads to Texas, and another leaves the Lone Star state.

Details on these stories and more below.

New News Director Openings:

Roach

WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH…we first told you last Monday that KEVIN ROACH is leaving this Raycom Media owned FOX affiliate in mid-August. Kevin’s been the ND here for the past 2+ years. He’s twice been a news director for WDTN-TV in Dayton, has worked for the AP in several different roles, has been an EP for another Cincinnati station, and has a few other stops on his resume, outlined here on his Linkedin page. You can learn more about this opportunity in the paid Help Wanted ad below.

KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX…JASON GOODWIN has left this Bonten Media owned ABC affiliate after more than two years to take a new job in Reno. More on that below.

And while not a new opening, we do have a paid Help Wanted ad below for the opportunity at WSPA-TV in Spartanburg, SC.

Newly Named News Directors:

Kurtz

WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA…congratulations to MARK KURTZ who’s been promoted to News Director for this Media General owned NBC affiliate. He’s been the interim ND since JIM GILCHRIEST left for Nashville’s WSMV-TV in June after four years as ND here. Mark was the Assistant ND for the past 3 1/2 years, is a former ND for KWES-TV in Midland-Odessa, TX, and worked in Waco and Corpus Christi, TX.

Velasquez

KLEW-TV, Lewiston, ID…ANNA VELASQUEZ returns to Lewiston and KLEW as the news director. I’m told her first job out of college was as a reporter at KLEW (which is part of the Spokane, WA, market.) She most recently has been working in Albuquerque, and in between has worked for two different stations in Bakersfield, CA, and as a bureau reporter for a Seattle station. My records show SCOTT STOVALL had been the ND and early evening anchor here for the past two years. KLEW is owned by Sinclair and is a CBS affiliate.

Huger

WACH-TV, Columbia, SC…DARRYL HUGER returns to Columbia as the ND for this Sinclair Broadcasting owned FOX affiliate. We told you a few weeks ago that he was leaving WTVM-TV in Columbus, GA, where he spent 2 1/2 years as ND. Earlier in his career he worked for two different stations in Columbia, and he’s also worked in Charleston, SC, and Raleigh. Darryl replaces JERRY GIESLER who left the station last December after just three months on the job.

Goodwin

KRNV-TV, Reno, NV…JASON GOODWIN is the new News Director for this Sinclair owned NBC affiliate. He most recently was the ND for KTXS-TV in Abilene, TX, a job he held for 2+ years when he was promoted from Assistant ND. Jason’s also worked in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Tampa, and New York. At KRNV, he replaces MATT McCONICO who left the station in April after four years as news director.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH:

WXIX, the Raycom-owned FOX affiliate in Cincinnati, OH (DMA 36) is looking for an aggressive, hands-on news/digital coverage leader who knows how to use every tool available to craft exceptional content.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, skilled communicator who leads in the execution of breaking news and weather coverage and lives the NOW brand on all screens.

Job responsibilities include managing daily news content, constant recruiting and leadership of news staff, budget administration and strategic planning in collaboration with the General Manager and Marketing Manager. Should have at least five years of broadcast television newsroom management experience including time as a News Director and have proven track record of mentoring/coaching a news staff. Would like examples of how the candidate has improved news product at another broadcast television station.

To be considered for this excellent opportunity with Raycom Media, apply online by clicking here and attach your cover letter and resume.

EOE-M/F/D/V

News Director, WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, SC:

WSPA and WYCW, the Media General owned CBS and CW affiliates operating out of Spartanburg, SC (DMA 37) is looking for a winning News Director with experience in hyphenated markets and a strong track record of success in the Digital environment.

The News Director is responsible for 47 hours of local news between the CBS and CW affiliates. Local content is a priority and we are staffed accordingly to deliver on that content promise both on air and on line. We are also uniquely equipped to cover the broad geographic area with a fleet of Live Trucks, Dual Path Satellite Truck, Backpacks, Air 7 and News Bureaus and microwave links strategically positioned across the DMA.

WSPA’s next News Director must be able to execute Media General’s “Three Screen’ strategy and have an entrepreneurial approach to growing that audience. They will understand how to motivate the next generation of news viewers to rely on our products as a daily resource for their information.

Prior news management experience and a strong background in producing and story-telling, mentoring and growing talent and winning in a metered market are necessary requirements.

Spartanburg is right in the middle of the Upstate area less than 30 minutes from Greenville, SC and less than an hour from Asheville, NC. Located just hours from historic areas like Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC, Savannah and Atlanta, GA Spartanburg is the “Hub City” of South Carolina.

To apply for this position with Media General click here.

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

Manager of Coverage and Content, KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA:

KIRO 7 is looking for someone with a great passion and understanding for news across all platforms to be its first Manager of Coverage and Content. This person will join a team that dominates breaking news coverage and in-depth story coverage. This person will be responsible for how viewers see KIRO journalism, whether it be digital, social or TV. This individual will make value decision and determine which stories should be placed on which platform. The Manager of Coverage and Content is also responsible for the content of each story and how it is portrayed and will be accountable for mobilizing resources to execute the story. S/he will manage the enrichment of the story to provide the best viewer experience whether it is on digital, social or TV.

They will work closely with our Executive Producer of Digital, our Managing Editor, and our broadcast EPs to manage great coverage through an awesome team of KIRO 7 journalists making sure that all coverage is in-line with the KIRO 7 brand. S/He should lead the clear and rapid communication of all stories, large and small. The person will manage directly a team of Assignment Editors providing daily direction and support, and provide indirect oversight to a team of Digital Content Producers partnering with the Executive Producer of Digital to manage workflow, content distribution and coverage planning. The person will oversee communication and organization logistics working directly with assignment editors, reporters, photographers, producers, managers, and others to cover the news of the day.

Click here to apply:

Assistant News Director, KION-TV, Salinas, CA:

KION-TV, the CBS affiliate in Monterey, CA is seeking an aggressive, highly motivated Assistant News Director to supervise day-to-day operations of the news department. The ideal candidate should be able to lead by example, have a talent for enterprising stories and a passion for breaking news. The Assistant News Director will contribute story ideas daily and have excellent copy editing skills.

This position supervises and directs producers and reporters, copy edits scripts, participates in both daily and long range planning to match resources to planned coverage, in addition to coordinating breaking news coverage including program interrupts, bulletin crawls and website coverage. Position also completes other duties and tasks in support of the News Department mission and business operations.

A minimum of 5 years broadcast journalism experience required. A degree in journalism, mass communications or equivalent experience is required. You will need to have excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong attention to detail. The ability to stay calm under pressure and handle stress is a must. Must be a good team leader, proficient in multi-tasking and have a flexible schedule. Must have good computer skills and have experience in management and supervisory positions.

Successful candidate must pass a drug test and background check.

Please send resumes to:

KION News Channel 5
Attn: Deb Monroe
1550 Moffett Street
Salinas, CA 93905

Email: Debra.Monroe@kionrightnow.com

Please note referral source (tell ’em you saw it here!).

News Channel 5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Director of Production and Creative Operations, Rocky Mt. PBS, Denver, CO:

One of the nation’s most cutting-edge public media companies is expanding its team. Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting, based in Denver, serves the Rocky Mountain region as a PBS and NPR affiliate.

We are seeking an experienced television production manager to oversee the internal production of video content.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated academic success with a bachelor’s degree (or exceptional relevant job experience), at least five years’ experience in television production, and at least three years’ experience in management related to production. Spanish language is a plus.

The director will:

· Hire, train and supervise production personnel.
· Oversee annual production budget and recommend the acquisition and/or replacement of production equipment, software, services and systems.
· Lead continuous process improvement and quality control of production and creative operations.
· Support production of content, including series and documentaries, news packages, promotional messages, pledge breaks, underwriting spots, community events, and other productions.

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:

Submit the following items via email to hr@rmpbs.org and please put “Director of Production/Creative Ops” in the subject line.

1. A cover letter detailing how the applicant’s qualifications fit the company’s needs and stating how you found out about this opening.

2. A résumé detailing education, training, salary history, and employment experience.

3. Names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three professional references with a thorough knowledge of the applicant’s professional experience and achievements

4. Salary requirements.

Position will be posted at www.rmpbs.org/jobs until filled.

No phone calls please.

News Director, KULR-TV, Billings, MT:

KULR-TV is seeking an experienced, dynamic, engaging and creative leader to be our next News Director. This position is based in beautiful Billings, Montana, close to Yellowstone Nat’l Park and the Beartooth Mountains. Cowles Montana Media continues to invest in people and technology to build this station into Montana’s premiere news leader.

The News Director will be responsible for budgets, training, hiring, talent contracts, strategic planning, and the station’s digital news content. Candidates should be engaged in building and developing a highly skilled, passionate and empowered newsroom staff. As our leader of leaders, you should also possess superior news judgment and a deep understanding of social media and its relationship to local news.

If this sounds like you, and you’re ready to earn your news director stripe or looking for a higher quality of life, please send resume and cover letter to Doug Miles, Station Manager at doug.miles@cowlesmontana.com or to 2045 Overland Ave., Billings, MT 59102.

News Director, WBBJ-TV, Jackson, TN:

WBBJ/ABC & CBS, in Jackson Tennessee, is seeking a News Director to lead the 7 Eyewitness News team. WBBJ is the only local news station between Memphis and Nashville, Paducah KY and Tupelo MS, covering local news in West Tennessee, Southern Kentucky and Northern Mississippi.

The WBBJ News Director is responsible for managing a staff of 50+ news editorial and production staff, crafting plans for sweeps and special coverage as well as recruiting, hiring and training the 7 Eyewitness News staff. Candidates must have a degree in broadcast journalism or related field and at least five years experience in television news. News management experience is preferred.

Our successful candidate must be able to identify with the needs of West Tennessee viewers and create and execute an effective strategy as well as posses journalistic integrity and a strong work ethic.

For consideration, send your resume and references to:

Mark Brooks
VP/General Manager
WBBJ/ABC & CBS
346 Muse St.
Jackson Tennessee 38301

Email: mabrooks@wbbjtv.com

Email is preferred.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 6/14/15)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/7/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 7/5/15)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 6/14/15)
WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH (listed 7/19/15)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (listed 6/7/15)
WKBN-TV, Youngstown, OH (listed 7/19/15)
KION-TV, Salinas, CA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (relisted 6/21/15)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (2 jobs, Inv/Spec. Proj. & newscast EP, relisted 7/11/15)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/21/15)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 7/19/15)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Dayside EP, listed 7/5/15)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (PM EP, relisted 6/14/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Dayside EP, relisted 6/14/15)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 7/11/15)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 6/28/15)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/11/15)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (AM EP, listed 6/28/15)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, relisted 7/26/15)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (AM EP, listed 7/5/15)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 6/14/15)
WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA (listed 7/5/15)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 6/14/15)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (relisted 7/11/15)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 6/28/15)

Obituary:

Brigham

ANDY BRIGHAM died Friday, July 24, at the age of 76. Andy was in San Diego for his granddaughter’s wedding when he died suddenly. He was a news director for two Syracuse stations in the 70’s and 80’s but was perhaps best known in that market for his investigative reporting skills. He later went to New Orleans as the Assistant ND for WDSU-TV, where he was hired by LARRY PRICE…they’d worked together in Syracuse. (Many of you know Larry, now with the Associated Press.) He shared this remembrance of his friend and colleague.

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

Names in the News…and other things:

Two former News Directors landed news management jobs this week: one left Texas, the other moved there.

Headed to Texas is former WTOL-TV (Toledo) News Director CJ HOYT who’s been named Managing Editor for CBS’s KTVT-TV in Dallas. His wife’s family lives in Texas. Also at KTVT, LAURIE PASSMAN joins this o-and-o as the Assistant News Director. She most recently has been at KTVK-TV in Phoenix, and is a former ND in Albuquerque.

Longtime Beaumont (KFDM-TV) News Director DAVID LOWELL returns to Springfield, MO, to become the Executive Producer for KSPR-TV. David went to high school in Springfield, and later worked in Columbia, MO, and Oklahoma City, in addition to two stints in Beaumont.

ADAM WILHELM joins WOFL-TV, the FOX o-and-o in Orlando as Senior Weekend Producer. He’s been an EP at WPEC-TV in West Palm Beach. Adam’s also worked in Milwaukee, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Miami.

General Manager News:

ARIKA ZINK heads east, the result of a promotion by Nexstar Broadcasting. She’ll be the new GM of the company’s WFXR/WWCW-TV in Roanoke, VA. She’s been the GM of Nexstar’s WEHT-TV in Evansville, IN.

And CHRIS PRUITT returns to Texas as GM of KWKT/KYLE-TV in Waco. He’s been the GM of KMVT/KSVT-TV in Twin Falls, ID.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, August 2, 2015.

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

KCBS-TV 4200 Radford Ave. Los Angeles CA 91604
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton St. Philadelphia PA 19130
KXAS-TV 4805 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76155
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Boulevard St. Petersburg FL 33702
Northwest Cable News, 333 Dexter Avenue N. Seattle, WA 98109
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
WKMG-TV 4466 N. John Young Parkway Orlando, FL 32804
WTVD-TV 411 Liberty St. Durham NC 27701
WKRC-TV 1906 Highland Ave. Cincinnati OH 45219
WXIX-TV 635 W. Seventh St. Cincinnati OH 45203 (see ad above!)
WSPA-TV 250 International Drive Spartanburg SC 29303 (see ad above!)
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89102
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas 89109
KOAT-TV 3801 Carlisle Boulevard NE Albuquerque NM 87107
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza Buffalo NY 14202
KVEO-TV 394 North Expressway Brownsville TX 78521
WBRZ-TV 1650 Highland Rd. Baton Rouge LA 70802
WHBF-TV 231 18th St. Rock Island IL 61201
WFIE-TV 1115 Mount Auburn Rd. Evansville IN 47720
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee FL 32309
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Rd. Ft. Wayne IN 46807
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Blvd. Macon GA 31201
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima,WA 98901
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus GA 31901
WTVM-TV 1909 Wynnton Road Columbus GA 31906
KTVL-TV 1440 Rossanley Dr. Medford OR 97501
KWES-TV P.O. Box 60150 Midland, TX 79711
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Road Ghent WV 25843
KTXS-TV 4420 North Clack St. Abilene, TX 79603
KTMF/KWYB-TV 2200 Stephens Ave. Missoula, MT 59801
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59108 (see ad above)
WDHN-TV 5274 E. State Highway 52 East Dothan AL 36376
WBBJ-TV 346 Muse Street, Jackson, TN 38301 (see ad above!)
WHSV-TV 50 North Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22802
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KMVT/KSVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. North Twin Falls, ID 83301
KTVH-TV 100 W. Lyndale Ave. Suite A Helena MT 59601
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station

July 26, 2015

Monday, July 27, 2015 UPDATE:

A veteran Cincinnati News Director is leaving his station.

Roach

KEVIN ROACH, who’s been the ND for Raycom Media’s WXIX-TV for the last 2+ years, announced his departure today, as of August 14th.  WXIX is the Fox station in what the locals call The Queen City, and his departure means TWO of the stations there have ND openings, WKRC-TV being the other.

Kevin spent 5+ years before Cincinnati working for the Associated Press in a variety of roles. He’s also TWICE been a News Director for WDTN-TV in Dayton, an EP for another Cincinnati station, and held a variety of jobs at other stations and around the industry.

More on his background in his Linkedin profile here.

Kurtz

We’ve also learned that MARK KURTZ has been promoted to ND for WAVY-TV in Norfolk. He’s been the Assistant ND there for 3+ years, and the interim ND for that Media General owned NBC affiliate since JIM GILCHRIEST left for Nashville last month.  Here’s the link to Mark’s Linkedin page.

More on both these stories in our full report later this week.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

THREE more news director openings this week bring our count of stations looking for news directors to 41. That’s about as high as I can remember in the 19 years I’ve been distributing this newsletter. And all three of this week’s openings involve veteran news directors (two to retirement).

I’m not aware of anyone being hired this week to fill those openings. (That means stations are saving a lot of money in unpaid news director salaries.)

We had paid help wanted ads for FIVE of those 41 openings, and for an Assistant ND job. Those are below.

The National EMMY award nominations were released this week. NINE local stations were honored, one of them with TWO nominations. We have the entire list below.

Also this week, we have stories about dramatic changes at two local stations, a handful of management changes at stations, and details about a Celebration of Life for longtime newsman BILL SLATTER.

Those stories…and more…below.

New News Director Openings:

Lynch

Northwest Cable News, Seattle WA…WAYNE LYNCH is retiring September 4th. He’s been the News Director for this Tegna-owned cable news operation for eleven years. (Here’s the memo from KING-TV ND MARK GINTHER to staff.) Wayne’s also run cable news operations in Washington, DC, and Milwaukee, was an ND in Richmond, worked in Baltimore and Columbus, OH, and began his career as a newspaper reporter in Akron. He will continue teaching and his volunteer work with mental health and suicide prevention organizations. He began that work after the suicide of his younger brother, his best friend, ten years ago.

Hyvonen

WKMG-TV, Orlando, FL…STEVE HYVONEN resigned on Tuesday after seven years as the ND for the Graham Media owned CBS affiliate. His departure comes less than a month after a new General Manager, JEFF HOFFMAN, began. Steve’s a former ND in Cleveland and Birmingham, has worked for two stations in Miami, as well as in Hartford, Ft. Myers, and for MSNBC. The Orlando Sentinel has more.

Bark

WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA…longtime news director CHUCK BARK is retiring at the end of the year from this Manship owned ABC affiliate. He’s been the ND here since 2004, previously spent 14 years as a news director in Mobile, and has also worked in Memphis. Chuck told a local publication that, at age 63, he’s not ready to quit work entirely, but that he and his wife plan to stay in the Baton Rouge area.

And while they are not new openings, I do want to call your attention to new Paid Help Wanted ads for the news director openings at KULR-TV in Billings, MT, and WBBJ-TV in Jackson, TN. You can see both ads below, along with ads for THREE other news director openings.

Newly Named News Directors:

I’m not aware of any new hires this week. If you know of any, please let me know.

Finally, apologies to newly named KION-TV (Salinas/Monterey, CA) News Director DEB MONROE whose last name I got wrong in last week’s newsletter.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KULR-TV, Billings, MT:

KULR-TV is seeking an experienced, dynamic, engaging and creative leader to be our next News Director. This position is based in beautiful Billings, Montana, close to Yellowstone Nat’l Park and the Beartooth Mountains. Cowles Montana Media continues to invest in people and technology to build this station into Montana’s premiere news leader.

The News Director will be responsible for budgets, training, hiring, talent contracts, strategic planning, and the station’s digital news content. Candidates should be engaged in building and developing a highly skilled, passionate and empowered newsroom staff. As our leader of leaders, you should also possess superior news judgment and a deep understanding of social media and its relationship to local news.

If this sounds like you, and you’re ready to earn your news director stripe or looking for a higher quality of life, please send resume and cover letter to Doug Miles, Station Manager at doug.miles@cowlesmontana.com or to 2045 Overland Ave., Billings, MT 59102.

News Director, WBBJ-TV, Jackson, TN:

WBBJ/ABC & CBS, in Jackson Tennessee, is seeking a News Director to lead the 7 Eyewitness News team. WBBJ is the only local news station between Memphis and Nashville, Paducah KY and Tupelo MS, covering local news in West Tennessee, Southern Kentucky and Northern Mississippi.

The WBBJ News Director is responsible for managing a staff of 50+ news editorial and production staff, crafting plans for sweeps and special coverage as well as recruiting, hiring and training the 7 Eyewitness News staff. Candidates must have a degree in broadcast journalism or related field and at least five years experience in television news. News management experience is preferred.

Our successful candidate must be able to identify with the needs of West Tennessee viewers and create and execute an effective strategy as well as posses journalistic integrity and a strong work ethic.

For consideration, send your resume and references to:

Mark Brooks
VP/General Manager
WBBJ/ABC & CBS
346 Muse St.
Jackson Tennessee 38301

Email: mabrooks@wbbjtv.com

Email is preferred.

News Director, WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL:

WHBF TV, the CBS affiliate in Rock Island, IL (Mkt #100) seeks a dynamic News Director to lead our team of journalists. With the Iowa Caucus just around the corner, this is a terrific opportunity for an experienced journalist who understands how to put stories in context and win the big coverage events. Every candidate in the Presidential race will be coming through our area in the next 6 months. If you know how to cover politics with the viewer in mind this is your next job.

Other qualifications include a strong background in producing newscasts with an emphasis on local enterprise stories. How to generate good storytelling and your ability to coach this important skill to your team will be essential in obtaining this job. You need to be a hands on manager who is not afraid to produce a newscast or spend hours in the edit room working on an investigative story.

The Quad Cities is an exceptional place to live and raise a family. Strong family values in a picturesque Midwest setting, with the mighty Mississippi River rolling through the heart of it all, bordering IA and IL. Easy travel to Chicago, Des Moines and Madison. Active communities with numerous fairs, festivals and activities for all, throughout the year. Home of John Deere World HQ, Alcoa and Rock Island Arsenal (1st Army), along with the John Deere Classic PGA event.

To apply go to: https://nexstar.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/248

EEO/M-F

News/Content Director, WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA:

WTVM, the Raycom-owned ABC affiliate in Columbus, GA (DMA 126) is looking for a hands-on news and digital coverage leader who knows how to use every tool available to craft exceptional content.

WTVM is the long-time market leader in the Columbus, GA-Opelika-Auburn, AL market. Covering two states, WTVM is the only station with a fully staffed news bureau on the campus of Auburn University.

The News/Content Director oversees a News Operations Manager, Assistant News Director, Executive Producer, Digital Content Manager and a full staff of producers, anchors and MMJs.

Raycom Media gives us tremendous news gathering equipment and support, including three LiveU backpacks, two live trucks and a dual path satellite-ENG truck.

Our news cameras use the new Zixi software platform that enables live reporting through the camera alone, an example of the many cutting edge assets used by our news department.

The successful News/Content Director candidate will understand and execute Raycom’s “Digital First” strategy.

The News/Content Director will lead and motivate our staff in creating outstanding news, weather and sports content for all screens.

Prior news management experience, exceptional character, strong news judgment, the ability to successfully execute the “Coverage You Can Count On” brand are required attributes for the position.

Columbus, GA is located on the beautiful Chattahoochee River with a new world-class white water rafting course, a zip line from Georgia to Alabama and a 20 mile Riverwalk between Columbus and Fort Benning.

To be considered for this excellent opportunity with Raycom Media, please apply here. keyword “News/Content Manager”.

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

News Director, WVNS-TV, Beckley, WV:

WVNS-TV/CBS and FOX, a West Virginia Media station in Beckley, WV is searching for a hands-on News Director. You will oversee day-to-day management of news content and quality.

Us – Our numbers are growing, our product not small market, our staff a mixture of experience and potential. We compete to win and in the process learn, grow and have fun together as a team.

You – Need to be an aggressive, dynamic and a highly competitive news manager. You need significant knowledge of television journalism, web usage, marketing, ethics and law. You need to be detail oriented, be able to follow through and communicate very effectively.

What you know, you’ll teach. What you need to learn we’ll teach you.

If you know it all…yeah, that’s not going to work out.

The News Director is responsible for maintaining a budget and handling personnel issues. Candidates must show knowledge of current news events and have an understanding of local news delivery on multiple platforms. The position requires strong talent recruiting and development skills. The News Director at WVNS works with the station’s General Manager to establish and build upon a news philosophy that keeps the television news operation competitive and growing.

This position opens up in September. We will bring the right person on early to smoothly transition with the current News Director.

Phone calls accepted after resume is received. Email resume to: ASandubrae@WVNS-TV.com

Al Sandubrae
General Manager
WVNS-TV
304-929-6424

Assistant News Director, WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH:

WTVG Toledo has an immediate opportunity for the position of Assistant News Director.

The successful candidate will be a leader who is passionate about excellence and inspires collaboration and creativity. Strong decision-making skills required. The Assistant News Director will guide 13abc’s top-rated, experienced on air and digital team.

Our area includes great recreation on Lake Erie, a world class art museum and zoo, terrific parks, and active university communities. Plus this is home to the Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye!

Please send your application materials via email to hr@13abc.com

or via mail to:

Brian Trauring
News Director
WTVG-TV 13abc
4247 Dorr Street
Toledo OH 43607

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 6/14/15)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/7/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 7/5/15)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 6/14/15)
WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH (listed 7/19/15, see ad above!)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (listed 6/7/15)
WKBN-TV, Youngstown, OH (listed 7/19/15)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (relisted 6/21/15)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KNTV, San Jose/San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 5/30/15)
WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (2 jobs, Inv/Spec. Proj. & newscast EP, relisted 7/11/15)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/21/15)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 7/19/15)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Dayside EP, listed 7/5/15)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (PM EP, relisted 6/14/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Dayside EP, relisted 6/14/15)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 7/11/15)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 6/28/15)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/11/15)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (AM EP, listed 6/28/15)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, relisted this week)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (AM EP, listed 7/5/15)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 6/14/15)
WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA (listed 7/5/15)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 6/14/15)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (relisted 7/11/15)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 6/28/15)

Memorial Service:

Slatter

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life next month for the late BILL SLATTER. We told you back in April that Bill had died at the age of 87. During his long career, Bill was an anchor/reporter in New Orleans, a talent scout for NBC News, and later owned his own talent agency.

The Celebration of Life will be at the Landsdowne in Natchez, MS, on Saturday, August 1, at 2:00.

Bill’s daughter KATHERINE KIRLIN asks anyone who plans to attend to drop her an email at kkirlin@american.edu.

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

Names in the News…and other things:

Congratulations to KNTV in San Francisco which received TWO EMMY Nominations in the National News and Documentary Awards. EIGHT other stations were nominated. The complete list (including network nominations) is here. (Of note: One of those nominated is my client STEVE OSUNSAMI, a correspondent for ABC News in Atlanta.)

I thought you might enjoy two local newspaper stories about big changes to news operations at two stations. WJZY-TV in Charlotte is abandoning its attempt to develop a new way of doing local news after just 18 months. And WEVV-TV in Evansville, IN, is resuming news after 14 years without.

CRAIG CHEATHAM has been named Assistant ND for KSTP-TV in Minneapolis. He’s spent the last 16 years as an Investigative Reporter for KMOV-TV in St. Louis.

We told you two weeks ago that SHANDA SUNDSTROM was leaving her job as ND of WBBJ-TV in Jackson, TN. We can now tell you that she’s returning to her former station, KFSM-TV in Ft. Smith, AR, as the Assistant ND.

NBC News Senior Vice President ALEX WALLACE has left the network after ten years.

One time KYW-TV (Philadelphia) News Director SCOTT HERMAN has been named Chief Operating Officer of CBS Radio.

ALBERTO MENDOZA joins NAHJ as Executive Director. He has extensive non-profit management experience but no media experience, according to Media Moves.

General Manager News:

JIM CLAYTON is serving as the interim General Manager for Tribune’s KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver He retired in 2012 when he was GM of KOMO-TV in Seattle. He’s a former GM in New York, Detroit, and Cincinnati, and recently served as an interim GM in Greensboro, NC.

Newsblues is reporting that JOE McNAMARA has resigned after just seven months as GM of Nexstar’s WFXR-TV in Roanoke. He previously ran KHON-TV in Honolulu.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, July 26, 2015.

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

KCBS-TV 4200 Radford Ave. Los Angeles CA 91604
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton St. Philadelphia PA 19130
KXAS-TV 4805 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76155
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Boulevard St. Petersburg FL 33702
Northwest Cable News, 333 Dexter Avenue N. Seattle, WA 98109
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
WKMG-TV 4466 N. John Young Parkway Orlando, FL 32804
WTVD-TV 411 Liberty St. Durham NC 27701
WKRC-TV 1906 Highland Ave. Cincinnati OH 45219
WSPA-TV 250 International Drive Spartanburg SC 29303
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89102
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas 89109
WAVY-TV 300 Wavy St. Portsmouth VA 23705
KOAT-TV 3801 Carlisle Boulevard NE Albuquerque NM 87107
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza Buffalo NY 14202
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
KVEO-TV 394 North Expressway Brownsville TX 78521
WBRZ-TV 1650 Highland Rd. Baton Rouge LA 70802
WHBF-TV 231 18th St. Rock Island IL 61201 (see ad above!)
WFIE-TV 1115 Mount Auburn Rd. Evansville IN 47720
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee FL 32309
KRNV-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Rd. Ft. Wayne IN 46807
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Blvd. Macon GA 31201
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima,WA 98901
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus GA 31901
WTVM-TV 1909 Wynnton Road Columbus GA 31906 (see ad above!)
KTVL-TV 1440 Rossanley Dr. Medford OR 97501
KWES-TV P.O. Box 60150 Midland, TX 79711
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Road Ghent WV 25843 (see ad above!)
KTMF/KWYB-TV 2200 Stephens Ave. Missoula, MT 59801
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59108 (see ad above)
WDHN-TV 5274 E. State Highway 52 East Dothan AL 36376
WBBJ-TV 346 Muse Street, Jackson, TN 38301 (see ad above!)
WHSV-TV 50 North Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22802
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KMVT/KSVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. North Twin Falls, ID 83301
KTVH-TV 100 W. Lyndale Ave. Suite A Helena MT 59601
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station

July 19, 2015

Tuesday, July 21, 2015 UPDATE:

There’s news of an ND change in a top 20 market today.

Hyvonen

STEVE HYVONEN, who’s been the News Director for Graham Media’s WKMG-TV in Orlando since March, 2008, announced his resignation today. His departure comes less than a month after a new GM, JEFF HOFFMAN, arrived at this CBS affiliate.

Steve’s also been an ND in Cleveland and Birmingham, has worked in Hartford, Miami (two stations), and Ft. Myers, and also for MSNBC. His entire background is detailed on his Linkedin page. The local newspaper has more in this story.

And we’ll have more in our full report later this week.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Monday, July 20, 2015 UPDATE:

A veteran news director who’s spent most of his career running local cable news operations announced his upcoming retirement today.

Lynch

WAYNE LYNCH…who’s run Northwest Cable News in Seattle for eleven years…will step down September 4th. NWCN shares facilities with sister-Tegna operation KING-TV.  KING’s Executive News Director, MARK GINTHER, sent this note to both staffs.

Wayne was the founding ND for NewsChannel 8 in Washington, where he worked for eleven years. He’s also worked on a cable start-up in Milwaukee, was an ND for WRIC-TV in Richmond, and also worked in Baltimore and Columbus, OH. His career started as a reporter for the Akron Beacon-Journal. More details on his Linkedin page.

Wayne told me he plans to keep active, including teaching as an adjunct at the University of Washington-Tacoma. He also volunteers with mental health and suicide prevention organizations, with which he became involved after the suicide of his younger brother, his best friend, some ten years ago.

Wayne would welcome your kind note via an email to: wlynch@nwcn.com

Congrats to Wayne…a good guy.

We’ll have more on this story and all the latest developments…in our full newsletter which may be delayed by this week’s Brickyard 400 NASCAR race here in Indianapolis.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

FIVE new ND openings in this week’s report…THREE new news directors…and a total of 38 stations looking for a new news director. Please take a moment to take a look at our oromplete list at the end of this newsletter…and let me know if any of those jobs have been filled.

We have paid help wanted ads for FOUR of those 38 openings, and a total of FIVE paid help wanted ads in all.

There’s a new study out that shows TV news viewership is increasing. That’s in our Names in the News (and other stuff) section below, along with some news managers on the move.

We also have a taker on our free Situations Wanted feature. (If you’re on the beach and looking, we’ll try and help you with a free posting.)

A former ND turned longtime GM in Kansas has left his post, and we have news of two other GM moves. And there’s an obituary for a long-ago Orlando news director, and the latest hurdle for a veteran ND turned author in his fight against cancer.

All that and more below!

New News Director Openings:

KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX…JON McCALL is retiring (again!). He’s been the ND for this Nexstar owned NBC affiliate twice. His current gig there was supposed to be a temporary assignment which lasted two years. Jon’s also been an ND in Decatur, IL, Bangor, ME, and Harrisburg, PA.

Stevenson

WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL…this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate is looking for a new news director. HEATHER (VOUDRIE) STEVENSON has been the ND here since October, 2008, when she was promoted from Executive Producer. You can learn more about this opportunity in the paid help wanted ad listed just below.

Huger

WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA…DARRYL HUGER is leaving this Raycom Media owned ABC affiliate to return to South Carolina, where he worked previously and still owns a home. Before coming to WTVM in January, 2013, Darryl was the Assistant ND for Raycom’s WCSC-TV in Charleston, SC. He’s also worked for another Charleston station, two stations in Columbia, SC, and in Raleigh. You can learn more about this opportunity in the paid help wanted ad below.

WVNS-TV, Beckley, WV…MARK DURHAM plans to leave this West Virginia Media owned CBS/FOX operation at the end of September when his contract expires. Mark’s been the ND here September, 2012, and has also worked in Orlando (twice), Miami, Chattanooga, Tucson, Seattle, Denver, St. Louis, and Sarasota. Learn more about this opportunity in the paid help wanted ad below.

KULR-TV, Billings, MT…ALAN WAGMEISTER is headed to Ft. Wayne, IN, as ND for WPTA/WISE-TV there. More on that below. He’s been ND here for more than two years. KULR is an NBC affiliate owned by Cowles.

We promised you an UPDATE on KBTX-TV in Bryan, TX. We told you last week that JAMIE BURCH had left this Gray Television owned CBS affiliate after not quite two years as ND. GM MIKE WRIGHT tells me that there is no ND opening right now: News Operations Manager JOSH GORBUTT is serving as interim ND while the station considers its next move.

Finally, apologies to ROBIN WOJTANIK whose name I misspelled in our report that she is leaving KIMA/KEPR-TV in Yakima/Pasco, WA.

Newly Named News Directors:

Knopps

WTOL-TV, Toledo, OH…ANTHONY KNOPPS moves from West Toledo to downtown as he ‘crosses the street’ to become ND for this Raycom Media owned CBS affiliate. Here’s the memo sent to the WTOL staff. Anthony’s been the Assistant ND at WTVG-TV (Gray TV/ABC) in Toledo for almost 12 years. He’s also worked in Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Cape Girardeau. Anthony’s also travelled abroad to teach journalism. At WTOL, he replaces CJ HOYT who announced in May he was leaving after four years as ND.

Wagmeister

WPTA/WISE-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN…ALAN WAGMEISTER will be the next ND for this ABC/NBC duopoly. GM DON OSIKA filled the staff in via this memo. Alan has been the ND for KULR-TV in Billings, MT, for the past three years. Before that, he was an EP for WRNN-TV in New York and spent eight years as the Special Projects Producer for WFMY-TV in Greensboro, NC. He’s also worked for several networks as a producer. In Ft. Wayne, he replaces PETER NEUMANN who retired after more than nine years as ND here, which followed 21 years as an ND in Pensacola.

Monroe

KION-TV, Salinas/Monterey, CA…DEB MONROE moves from radio and returns to TV as the new ND for this News Press and Gazette Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate. Earlier in her career she worked for KUTV in Salt Lake City. More recently, Deb’s worked for KGO radio in San Francisco for the past four years. Her full background is here on her Linkedin page. At KION, she replaces LESLIE MILLER who left in April for a new job in Florida after just over a year as ND.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL:

WHBF TV, the CBS affiliate in Rock Island, IL (Mkt #100) seeks a dynamic News Director to lead our team of journalists. With the Iowa Caucus just around the corner, this is a terrific opportunity for an experienced journalist who understands how to put stories in context and win the big coverage events. Every candidate in the Presidential race will be coming through our area in the next 6 months. If you know how to cover politics with the viewer in mind this is your next job.

Other qualifications include a strong background in producing newscasts with an emphasis on local enterprise stories. How to generate good storytelling and your ability to coach this important skill to your team will be essential in obtaining this job. You need to be a hands on manager who is not afraid to produce a newscast or spend hours in the edit room working on an investigative story.

The Quad Cities is an exceptional place to live and raise a family. Strong family values in a picturesque Midwest setting, with the mighty Mississippi River rolling through the heart of it all, bordering IA and IL. Easy travel to Chicago, Des Moines and Madison. Active communities with numerous fairs, festivals and activities for all, throughout the year. Home of John Deere World HQ, Alcoa and Rock Island Arsenal (1st Army), along with the John Deere Classic PGA event.

To apply go to: https://nexstar.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/248

EEO/M-F

News/Content Director, WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA:

WTVM, the Raycom-owned ABC affiliate in Columbus, GA (DMA 126) is looking for a hands-on news and digital coverage leader who knows how to use every tool available to craft exceptional content.

WTVM is the long-time market leader in the Columbus, GA-Opelika-Auburn, AL market. Covering two states, WTVM is the only station with a fully staffed news bureau on the campus of Auburn University.

The News/Content Director oversees a News Operations Manager, Assistant News Director, Executive Producer, Digital Content Manager and a full staff of producers, anchors and MMJs.

Raycom Media gives us tremendous news gathering equipment and support, including three LiveU backpacks, two live trucks and a dual path satellite-ENG truck.

Our news cameras use the new Zixi software platform that enables live reporting through the camera alone, an example of the many cutting edge assets used by our news department.

The successful News/Content Director candidate will understand and execute Raycom’s “Digital First” strategy.

The News/Content Director will lead and motivate our staff in creating outstanding news, weather and sports content for all screens.

Prior news management experience, exceptional character, strong news judgment, the ability to successfully execute the “Coverage You Can Count On” brand are required attributes for the position.

Columbus, GA is located on the beautiful Chattahoochee River with a new world-class white water rafting course, a zip line from Georgia to Alabama and a 20 mile Riverwalk between Columbus and Fort Benning.

To be considered for this excellent opportunity with Raycom Media, please apply here. keyword “News/Content Manager”.

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

News Director, WVNS-TV, Beckley, WV:

WVNS-TV/CBS and FOX, a West Virginia Media station in Beckley, WV is searching for a hands-on News Director. You will oversee day-to-day management of news content and quality.

Us – Our numbers are growing, our product not small market, our staff a mixture of experience and potential. We compete to win and in the process learn, grow and have fun together as a team.

You – Need to be an aggressive, dynamic and a highly competitive news manager. You need significant knowledge of television journalism, web usage, marketing, ethics and law. You need to be detail oriented, be able to follow through and communicate very effectively.

What you know, you’ll teach. What you need to learn we’ll teach you.

If you know it all…yeah, that’s not going to work out.

The News Director is responsible for maintaining a budget and handling personnel issues. Candidates must show knowledge of current news events and have an understanding of local news delivery on multiple platforms. The position requires strong talent recruiting and development skills. The News Director at WVNS works with the station’s General Manager to establish and build upon a news philosophy that keeps the television news operation competitive and growing.

This position opens up in September. We will bring the right person on early to smoothly transition with the current News Director.

Phone calls accepted after resume is received. Email resume to: ASandubrae@WVNS-TV.com

Al Sandubrae
General Manager
WVNS-TV
304-929-6424

Assistant News Director, WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH:

WTVG Toledo has an immediate opportunity for the position of Assistant News Director.

The successful candidate will be a leader who is passionate about excellence and inspires collaboration and creativity. Strong decision-making skills required. The Assistant News Director will guide 13abc’s top-rated, experienced on air and digital team.

Our area includes great recreation on Lake Erie, a world class art museum and zoo, terrific parks, and active university communities. Plus this is home to the Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye!

Please send your application materials via email to hr@13abc.com

or via mail to:

Brian Trauring
News Director
WTVG-TV 13abc
4247 Dorr Street
Toledo OH 43607

News Director, KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM:

KOAT-TV Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate in Albuquerque, NM is looking for a seasoned manager to lead the news department. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, skilled communicator who leads our number-one rated team in the execution of market-leading breaking news, breaking weather coverage and community service on all platforms daily. With a great team already in place and the resources of Hearst Television, this is a rare opportunity to join one of the best in the nation.

Job Responsibilities:

Management of news department including editorial leadership of content on KOAT, and digital platforms
Recruiting and leadership of news staff
Execution of contemporary news product on all platforms
Budget administration
News Department strategic planning in collaboration with Creative Services Director
Collaboration with other department heads on strategic station planning/initiatives

Experience Requirements:

Prior experience as a news director a plus. Without that, five (5) plus years of broadcast television newsroom management
Proven track record of mentoring/coaching a news staff
Ability to demonstrate how the candidate has improved news product at another broadcast television station

Qualifications Requirements:

Strong communication skills
Valid Driver’s License

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

To Apply: Please apply online with your resume at: careers.hearsttelevision.com

EOE – M/F/D/V

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 6/14/15)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/7/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 7/5/15)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 6/14/15)
WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (listed 6/7/15)
WKBN-TV, Youngstown, OH (new listing this week)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (relisted 6/21/15)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted 5/24/15)
KNTV, San Jose/San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 5/30/15)
WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (2 jobs, Inv/Spec. Proj. & newscast EP, relisted 7/11/15)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/21/15)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted this week)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Dayside EP, listed 7/5/15)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (PM EP, relisted 6/14/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Dayside EP, relisted 6/14/15)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 7/11/15)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 6/28/15)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/11/15)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (AM EP, listed 6/28/15)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, relisted 5/24/15)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (AM EP, listed 7/5/15)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 6/14/15)
WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA (listed 7/5/15)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 6/14/15)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (relisted 7/11/15)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 6/28/15)
WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA: (relisted 5/24/15)

Obituary:

Longtime Orlando newsman HARTWELL CONKLIN died earlier this month of heart failure at the age of 87. This obituary from the Orlando Sentinel details his career, including a stint as News Director for Orlando’s Channel 6, then known as WDBO-TV. He also worked as a producer for CBS News on space related stories.

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

This week, meet KEVIN WING:

Wing

Emmy Award-winning San Francisco producer/news manager KEVIN WING seeks new opportunities. 20-plus years’ storytelling experience in San Francisco as executive producer, producer, field producer, special projects producer, assignment manager, writer and news and feature reporter for morning and evening newscasts. A dedicated, savvy, think-outside-the-box journalist with experience at major network stations.

Since 2006, Kevin has been a freelance network news field producer for ABC News’ “Good Morning America”, “World News Tonight” and “20/20”, creating original content from California. A multi-platform digital/broadcast journalist with television, social media and web experience, Kevin pitches story ideas for all platforms. He writes, produces and researches stories. Breaking news experience. Newsroom and field experience. Strong understanding of live shots, strong storytelling skills.

Successful ability to closely collaborate with news directors/managers, assignment desk, producers, social media producers, reporters/correspondents, writers, photographers and editors on story development/production. Team player, self-starter. Multi-tasks, prioritizes assignments and responsibilities.

His Linkedin page is here. Contact Kevin at kevinwingcalifornia@gmail.com

Names in the News…and other things:

The latest Pew Research Center report shows that local TV news viewership is growing.  Details here.

SAM EATON has joined KSHB-TV in Kansas City as an Executive Producer. He most recently was the ND at WRBL-TV in Columbus, GA. He’s also worked in Augusta, GA, Charlotte and Columbia, SC, and worked as a reporter in Lynchburg and Midland, TX.

CHRIS YU is the new EP at WHTM-TV in Harrisburg, PA. He had been the website manager at WCTI-TV in New Bern, N.C. And MYLES SNYDER has been promoted to be the new Digital EP at WHTM.

Former WSB-TV (Atlanta) News Director MARIAN PITTMAN has been promoted within Cox Media Group. Her new title (as you’ll read here) is Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy.

Former Tampa, Albuquerque, Ft. Myers, and Tucson News Director FORREST CARR continues to hit serious roadblocks in his fight against cancer. Forrest left TV to become an author.  You can read the latest in his blog.

The Evansville Courier-Press profiles former WEHT-TV News Director LLOYD WINNECKE who is running for his second term as Mayor of that Indiana city.

General Manager News:

Ogle

Old friend JIM OGLE has resigned as General Manager of Gray’s WIBW-TV in Topeka. He’s been there since 2006, and is a former ND in Greensboro, NC, Lexington, and Reno. Jim’s also worked in Miami and Columbia, MO. The local newspaper has more.

JOHN HURLEY will end his 40 year career at the end of the year when he steps down as GM of Cordillera’s KTVQ-TV in Billings, MT. He’s been the GM there since 2009.

LAURA WOLF has been named GM of Sinclair’s KVII-TV in Amarillo, TX. It’s a return to her home state for Laura, who’s been the GM at KHQA-TV in Quincy, IL.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, July 19, 2015.

KCBS-TV 4200 Radford Ave. Los Angeles CA 91604
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton St. Philadelphia PA 19130
KXAS-TV 4805 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76155
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Boulevard St. Petersburg FL 33702
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
WTVD-TV 411 Liberty St. Durham NC 27701
WKRC-TV 1906 Highland Ave. Cincinnati OH 45219
WSPA-TV 250 International Drive Spartanburg SC 29303
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89102
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas 89109
WAVY-TV 300 Wavy St. Portsmouth VA 23705
KOAT-TV 3801 Carlisle Boulevard NE Albuquerque NM 87107 (see ad above!)
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza Buffalo NY 14202
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
KVEO-TV 394 North Expressway Brownsville TX 78521
WHBF-TV 231 18th St. Rock Island IL 61201 (see ad above!)
WFIE-TV 1115 Mount Auburn Rd. Evansville IN 47720
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee FL 32309
KRNV-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Rd. Ft. Wayne IN 46807
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Blvd. Macon GA 31201
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima,WA 98901
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus GA 31901
WTVM-TV 1909 Wynnton Road Columbus GA 31906 (see ad above!)
KTVL-TV 1440 Rossanley Dr. Medford OR 97501
KWES-TV P.O. Box 60150 Midland, TX 79711
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Road Ghent WV 25843 (see ad above!)
KTMF/KWYB-TV 2200 Stephens Ave. Missoula, MT 59801
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59108
WDHN-TV 5274 E. State Highway 52 East Dothan AL 36376
WBBJ-TV 346 Muse Street, Jackson, TN 38301
WHSV-TV 50 North Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22802
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KMVT/KSVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. North Twin Falls, ID 83301
KTVH-TV 100 W. Lyndale Ave. Suite A Helena MT 59601
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station

July 11, 2015

Greetings:

THREE new ND openings in our report this week, with ONE  ND getting a promotion within her company, leaving (by our unofficial count) 36 stations with news director openings.

TWO of those ND openings are featured in our FIVE paid help wanted ads this week.

We have a taker on our free Situations Wanted ad, a handful of news management openings, some news managers on the move, and details on a former ND and consultant…now a South Carolina State Representative…and his no vote on removing the Confederate battle flag.

All that and more below.

New News Director Openings:

Roghaar

WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL…as you know from our UPDATE earlier this week, PETER ROGHAAR is leaving his news director’s job at his Tegna (formerly Gannett) owned CBS station at the end of September to take a job in the station’s sales department. Peter’s been the ND here for 5+ years, spent almost ten years as a news director in West Palm Beach, and has also worked in Boston, Atlanta, Miami and Austin, TX (two stations). Peter’s Linkedin page has the details. In his email to staff, Peter said he’s always been interested in the business side.

KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM…SUE STEPHENS is being promoted within Hearst to take over the newsroom at the company’s WVTM-TV in Birmingham, AL. She’s been the ND for this ABC affiliate for more than 12 years. More on that below. You can learn more about this opportunity in the Paid Help Wanted Ad below.

Wojtanik

KIMA/KEPR-TV, Yakima/Pasco, WA…after more than nine years as News Director here, ROBIN WOJTANIK is leaving these Sinclair owned CBS affiliates to be a full-time Mom. She’s also worked in Seattle, Cleveland, and Palm Springs, CA.

Also, you may have seen reports that KBTX-TV (Bryan, TX) ND JAMIE BURCH has left that Gray TV owned station. GM MIKE WRIGHT was nice enough to email while on vacation, and told me due to ‘shifted personnel’ there is not an ND opening there. I’ll reach out to him and update in our next edition.

Newly Named News Directors:

WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL…as mentioned above (as well as in our UPDATE last Wednesday) SUE STEPHENS will be the next ND for this Hearst owned NBC affiliate. The local newspaper has more. Sue’s spent the last 12 years as ND for Hearst’s KOAT-TV, the ABC affiliate in Albuquerque. She’s also been an ND in Springfield, IL, and has worked in Atlanta, Mobile, and Charleston, SC. Sue told me she still has many friends in Alabama from her time in Mobile. At WVTM, she replaces TIM GARDNER who was ND here for eight years.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM:

KOAT-TV Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate in Albuquerque, NM is looking for a seasoned manager to lead the news department. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, skilled communicator who leads our number-one rated team in the execution of market-leading breaking news, breaking weather coverage and community service on all platforms daily. With a great team already in place and the resources of Hearst Television, this is a rare opportunity to join one of the best in the nation.

Job Responsibilities:

Management of news department including editorial leadership of content on KOAT, and digital platforms
Recruiting and leadership of news staff
Execution of contemporary news product on all platforms
Budget administration
News Department strategic planning in collaboration with Creative Services Director
Collaboration with other department heads on strategic station planning/initiatives

Experience Requirements:

Prior experience as a news director a plus. Without that, five (5) plus years of broadcast television newsroom management
Proven track record of mentoring/coaching a news staff
Ability to demonstrate how the candidate has improved news product at another broadcast television station

Qualifications Requirements:

Strong communication skills
Valid Driver’s License

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

To Apply: Please apply online with your resume at: careers.hearsttelevision.com

EOE – M/F/D/V

News Director, WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY:

WKBW, an E.W. Scripps owned ABC affiliate in Buffalo, NY seeks an experienced news leader to run its newsroom. The News Director is responsible for developing and implementing measurable strategies for audience growth while effectively managing news content delivered on multiple platforms.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated qualities such as:

Creating & implementing strategic plans for audience growth and newsroom operations
Communicating a compelling and inspired vision consistent with company strategy
Analyzing and responding to trends affecting the industry and DMA
Building and maintaining key relationships to foster a positive news image within the community
Working closely with other members of station management team to develop and attain departmental and station goals
Ability to adapt current resources to emerging technology
Proven and effective leadership skills; fosters open dialogue, empowers others

It’s a great time to join WKBW with the significant investment made in the station and its people. You will have the opportunity to make a big impact in this competitive news market.

Buffalo is on the move, with a new economy rapidly taking shape due to evolving investments in advanced manufacturing, life science and high techindustries. Also with an affordable cost of living and excellent schools, the city is ideal for people looking to move.

If you are ready for a new adventure, please visit www.scripps.com/careers and submit your information to requisition #10567.

WKBW and E.W. Scripps are equal employment opportunity employers.

Morning Executive Producer, WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA:

WHTM-TV/abc27, the leading multi-platform news operation in Pennsylvania’s beautiful state capital is growing its morning team!

Are you a great producer looking to move into a senior leadership role? This could be the opportunity for you!

We are hiring a Morning Executive Producer to lead our a.m. news efforts. This person will assist in producing 2.5 hours of morning news and will be a key leader on our management team.

Abc27 News Daybreak is the fastest growing morning news in the DMA, up significantly in 2014. Our new EP will be crucial in continuing this success, insuring proper execution of our mission and strategy on all platforms in the morning. Our EP will also help guarantee excellent showcasing is being achieved.

Applicants should be skilled in web and social media content and understand the importance of strength in all of these areas. You must be a strong, decisive leader with excellent news judgment and an aggressive appetite for breaking news.

This is a full-time position that offers a full benefit plan.

Harrisburg offers a great location, close to the great outdoors of Pennsylvania and just a short drive to Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington D.C. When you’re not playing, visiting the great museums in Philadelphia or kayaking the breathtaking Susquehanna River, you’ll be working in a great newsroom!

Send resume, cover letter, and a DVD or link of your most recent newscast to: humanresources@abc27.com

or via mail to:

Human Resources
WHTM-TV abc27
P.O. Box 5860
3235 Hoffman Street
Harrisburg PA 17110

Morning Executive Producer, KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO:

KOAA News5, the Colorado Broadcasters Association Station of the Year and the number one NBC affiliate in beautiful Colorado Springs-Pueblo, is searching for an Executive Producer to push the envelope on our award-winning two-and-a-half-hour newscast.

We are looking for a true leader who can manage a morning team of 10+ employees. We set the pace in the market on multiple platforms including web, mobile and social media. We staff for multiple morning lives shots, in a fast paced, informative newscast that is always what’s new, now, and next.

The ideal candidate will be a great mentor for producers, and a team player with seasoned journalists. You will coordinate with marketing, collaborate with other news managers and bring creative solutions to the table. You must be able to make smart decisions and execute last minute changes without supervision.

We are an investigative station in a market with a lot of breaking news, including critical weather conditions during morning drive.

At least two years line producing experience required, but strong leadership qualities are even more important. Familiarity with NBC NewsChannel, ENPS, World Now and Ross Overdrive is helpful.

If you land this job you will get to work in one of the most beautiful places on earth, in a happy newsroom, with competitive pay. We invest in our employees with training opportunities like Poynter and IRE, great benefits and a lot of fun team building (we’re having a Fit Bit challenge for a cruise right now!) We love what we do and where we work – come see why.

Rush your resume & link to your work to EPJob@KOAA.com, SUBJECT LINE: Executive Producer

NO phone calls please.

Executive Producer, WTVM-TV, Columbus, Georgia:

WTVM News Leader 9, Raycom’s legacy station in Columbus, Georgia is seeking a full-time Executive News Producer with exceptional showcasing skills. The successful candidate will lead producers in developing compelling content for newscasts, web and mobile that delivers on our promise of Coverage You Can Count On.

Raycom gives us all the latest news gathering tools: multiple live trucks, a satellite truck, LiveU backpacks, the leading news and weather apps and a well-staffed newsroom with a “digital first” urgency.

The successful candidate will possess superior writing and organizational skills and have a passion for news.

Columbus, Georgia offers great outdoor activities, like our world class white water rafting course on the Chattahoochee River; zip lines, a 25 mile Riverwalk from Columbus to Fort Benning and a friendly southern lifestyle. We’re located just an hour and a half southwest of Atlanta and just a three hour drive from Florida beaches.

To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity, please apply on line at www.raycommedia.com/careers with links to your work.

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

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 6/14/15)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/7/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (relisted 7/5/15)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 6/14/15)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (listed 6/7/15)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (relisted 6/21/15)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted 5/24/15)
KNTV, San Jose/San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 5/30/15)
WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (2 jobs, Inv/Spec. Proj. & newscast EP, relisted this week)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/21/15)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/17/15)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Dayside EP, listed 7/5/15)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (PM EP, relisted 6/14/15)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (PM EP, listed 5/3/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Dayside EP, relisted 6/14/15)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (new listing this week)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 6/28/15)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (listed 7/5/15, see ad above!)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (relisted this week)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (AM EP, listed 6/28/15)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, relisted 5/24/15)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (AM EP, listed 7/5/15, see ad above!)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 6/14/15)
WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA (listed 7/5/15, see ad above!)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 6/14/15)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (relisted this week)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 6/28/15)
WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA: (relisted 5/24/15)

Obituary:

TOM HIGGINS, a former News Director and Anchor for WYIN-TV, the PBS station in Northwest Indiana, died this week at the age of 82. His obituary from the local newspaper is here.

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

This week, meet LON TEGELS:

Tegels

Looking for a news director or assistant news director? I’m available. Award winning news executive with 25 years managerial expertise. Specializes in taking under performing newsrooms and transitioning them into successful operations that draw eyeballs. I’m able to take on large projects and logistics, develop strategic plans, and lead staff. My news director experience includes small and medium markets including Des Moines, Rockford, Sioux City, Lima and Gulfport. Top 20 management and supervisory experience in San Diego and Hartford.

Managed all four network affiliates under one roof providing news programming for each. Launched duopoly from scratch. I’m a teacher, educator, coach and mentor. Always looking to break standard paradigms. Workaholic who strives to balance personal life. If you want to hear from staff, check out Linkedin.com . Send me an e-mail (lontegels@gmail.com) and I will forward my materials.

Names in the News…and other things:

WOFL-TV in Orlando reached across town to hire its new Assistant News Director, STEVE LINDEN. He’d been working on the Assignment Desk for WKMG-TV. Steve’s also worked in New York (three stations).

ADAM DARSKY heads to New Haven/Hartford, CT, as the new Assistant News Director for WTNH-TV, the ABC affiliate there. He previously was the morning EP for WABC-TV in New York. Adam has also worked in Houston, Charlotte, Tucson, Savannah, and Sherman, TX.

Hanner

MARK HANNER is the new Assistant ND for WDJT-TV in Milwaukee. He most recently was the Assistant ND for NewsChannel 8, which is  WJLA-TV’s cable news operation in Washington. He’s a one-time ND in Yuma, AZ, has been a producer for CBS News, CNN, and Bloomberg News, and has worked in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Greenville-Spartanburg, SC, Salinas/Monterey, and Santa Barbara, CA.

Taylor

One time news director/anchor-turned consultant (Magid and AR&D)-turned politician BILL TAYLOR was one of 20 South Carolina State Representatives who voted against the bill to remove the Confederate battle flag from the South Carolina Statehouse grounds. He explained his position in this email he sent to followers.

General Manager News:

BILL BRADLEY is the new GM for Sinclair’s WHP-TV in Harrisburg, PA. He’s been the Director of Sales for the company’s WWMT-TV in Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids, MI. He’s also worked in Chicago, Minneapolis, Baltimore, and Louisville.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Saturday, July 11, 2015.

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.comKCBS-TV 4200 Radford Ave. Los Angeles CA 91604
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton St. Philadelphia PA 19130
KXAS-TV 4805 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76155
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Boulevard St. Petersburg FL 33702
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
WTVD-TV 411 Liberty St. Durham NC 27701
WKRC-TV 1906 Highland Ave. Cincinnati OH 45219
WSPA-TV 250 International Drive Spartanburg SC 29303
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89102
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas 89109
WAVY-TV 300 Wavy St. Portsmouth VA 23705
KOAT-TV 3801 Carlisle Boulevard NE Albuquerque NM 87107 (see ad above!)
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza Buffalo NY 14202 (see ad above!)
WTOL-TV 730 N. Summit St Toledo OH 43604
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
WFIE-TV 1115 Mount Auburn Rd. Evansville IN 47720
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee FL 32309
KRNV-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Rd. Ft. Wayne IN 46807
WPTA/WISE-TV 3401 Butler Rd Ft. Wayne, IN 46808
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Blvd. Macon GA 31201
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima,WA 98901
KION-TV 1550 Moffett St. Salinas, CA 93905
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus GA 31901
KTVL-TV 1440 Rossanley Dr. Medford OR 97501
KWES-TV P.O. Box 60150 Midland, TX 79711
KTMF/KWYB-TV 2200 Stephens Ave. Missoula, MT 59801
WDHN-TV 5274 E. State Highway 52 East Dothan AL 36376
WBBJ-TV 346 Muse Street, Jackson, TN 38301
WHSV-TV 50 North Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22802
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KMVT/KSVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. North Twin Falls, ID 83301
KTVH-TV 100 W. Lyndale Ave. Suite A Helena MT 59601
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station