Rick’s Weekly Newsletter | Rick Gevers & Associates

June 11, 2012

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 UPDATE:

We have two more large market ND changes to share with you.

In Washington, ALEX LIKOWSKI has left WJLA-TV. That’s the Albritton-owned ABC affiliate. He’s been ND there for six years, and previously had run the Albritton owned NewsChannel 8 cable news operation there.

Culver

And a bit of a surprise from Tampa, where DOUG CULVER has announced he’s leaving WFTS-TV for a great new opportunity…but hasn’t as yet said where or what that is. Doug’s been the ND for this Scripps-owned ABC affiliate for more than three years.

Before that, he worked as an EP for WJLA-TV in Washington, where current Station Manager BILL LORD was the ND. He also worked with Lord at KIRO-TV in Seattle when Bill was the ND and Doug was the Assistant ND.

Interestingly, both WJLA and KIRO currently have news director openings.

Doug also worked for eight years as an EP for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles (which coincidentally has a new ND, TODD MOKHTARI, who started there on Monday.)

More on an already very busy week in our regular full edition this weekend, which may be delayed by our attendance at the IRE Convention in Boston.

Monday, June 11, 2012 UPDATE:

Williams

A surprising development late today from Sacramento, where longtime KCRA-TV News Director ANZIO WILLIAMS announced he is leaving that Hearst-owned NBC affiliate next Monday.

In an email to staff, GM ELLIOTT TROSHINSKY said that Anzio “has expressed a desire to pursue some other career interests and opportunities and he and I have agreed that now would be the appropriate time for him to do so.”

He’s been ND there since 2007, spent two years before that as ND for Hearst’s WDSU-TV in New Orleans, and 18 months before that as the Assistant ND for another Hearst station, WESH-TV in Orlando.

Anzio also has worked in Charlotte, Miami, Cincinnati, and Greensboro, NC.

More on this move and all the week’s developments in our regular weekly edition this weekend. A reminder that we may be delayed this weekend by travel to the annual IRE convention.

Greetings:

We’re a little late with this week’s report, and may well be next week due to my travel to the annual IRE conference in Boston. (If you’ve never gone, you should.)

Despite the delay, we have lots to report. Just ONE new ND to my knowledge, but THREE new openings, bringing the list of openings to 30.

One of those new openings is featured in a paid ad below, along with a new ad for a morning EP position in a very desirable California market. And we are repeating ads for an EP in New York State and an Assistant News Director in North Carolina.

And we welcome back CGS Automation as an advertiser. We thank them for their support, and you can thank them by checking their ad below.

A former Dallas and Birmingham ND died this past week. We have his obituary below. And a number of moves by news managers in Names in the News, and we also have “Bobs in the News” this week…stories about two former NDs, one with a new job and one who’s written a new book.

All that, and more, after this week’s changes:

New News Director Openings:

KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA…as we reported earlier this week, TODD MOKHTARI is leaving this Cox-owned CBS affiliate to become VP/News for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. It’s Todd’s second time at KNBC: he served as Managing Editor there for one year before taking the job in Seattle five years ago. More on that below.

WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI…long time news director GRANT UITII is leaving this Weigel owned CBS affiliate. He’s been ND here since 2000. Grant’s a former ND in Champaign, IL, and also worked in the Cape Girardeau market. You may remember we reported the passing of his wife CHERYL last December after she lost her battle with brain cancer.

Dunster

NBC Montana, Missoula, MT…SEAN DUNSTER is leaving this unique operation after not quite a year as ND here. The ND here oversees four NBC affiliates owned by Bonten Media across two markets. (Learn more in the paid help wanted ad below.) Sean is returning to his native Ohio as Newsroom Technology Manager for WHIO-TV in Dayton. He previously spent 22 years working for WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. (Some of you may have known his father George, a longtime ND in Lima, OH.) Sean’s replacement here will be the third news director in just over two years.

Newly Named News Director:

Mokhtari

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA…TODD MOKHTARI returns home to Los Angeles and this NBC o-and-o as VP of News. We told you above that he’s spent the last five years as ND for KIRO-TV, the Cox owned CBS affiliate in Seattle. Before Seattle, he’d been the Managing Editor for KNBC. Todd began his career in Sacramento, then become the first ND for KCPQ-TV in Seattle 1997. He then moved to NBC’s KNTV in San Jose/San Francisco as Assistant ND before his first stint at KNBC. Todd will be the fourth ND in four years there. He replaces VICKI BURNS who left in March saying she wanted to live east of the Mississippi.

Help Wanted Ads:

Montana NBC News Director, Missoula, MT:

Bonten Media Group has an opening for a knowledgeable, experienced, and goal-oriented News Director to manage news operations across 4 Montana properties and across 2 DMAs: Missoula/Kalispell (KECI) and Butte/Bozeman (KTVM). The position is based out of Missoula, MT. (KECI).

The News Director must be capable of handling multiple tasks. The News Director position is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations of the television newsrooms and websites, budgeting, hiring of newsroom personnel, successful execution of station plans, and maintenance of journalistic and legal standards. In addition, the News Director position is responsible for team-building, motivation, teaching and mentoring diverse newsrooms across our Montana properties.

The News Director must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Organization and time management skills are a must. Position reports directly to VP/General Manager. A minimum of one year News Director experience is highly preferred, however Assistant News Director will be considered.

If you wish to work for a company that rewards excellence and you are a motivated, goal-oriented self-starter, please contact Parker Harms via email: pharms@keci.com

No phone calls please.

Bonten Media Group is an equal opportunity employer.

Morning Executive Producer, KGTV, San Diego, CA:

KGTV, San Diego’s ABC Affiliate, is seeking an experienced Morning Executive News Producer. This position is responsible for managing the content and showcasing across multiple platforms, ensuring the station is competitive within the market.

Must have a strong journalistic sense, knowledge of what makes news, and interests people.
Proven ability to use audience research to develop and execute an action plan
Create tactics and strategies to increase demo performance in key target areas for multiple platforms
Knowledge and demonstration of editorial judgment, journalistic ethics, and libel laws
Drive content and presentation across multiple platforms to include television, web, and social media
Enhance and support content with graphics, video and station branding
Supervise pre-production to ensure quality and ethical standards and coordination between Control Room and design staff
Supervise the writing of content, including but not limited to teases and web headlines
Manage schedules, overtime and performance for assigned direct reports, including but not limited to yearly reviews
Monitor web analytics to enhance user experience, site stickiness, and engagement
Have working knowledge of federal, state and local laws impacting operations
Ability to meet deadlines and work with a wide range of personalities. At least three years of news line producing experience with a commercial news operation required.

College degree required.

If interested in this opportunity, please apply online at scripps.com/careers Requisition # 4786

Executive Producer, WROC-TV, Rochester, NY:

WROC-TV, Rochester, NY has an immediate opening for Executive Producer to plan, implement and oversee our growing Newscasts. The successful EP candidate will oversee a team of producers, anchors, reporters, photographers and editors to produce the #1 primetime newscasts in the market. Primary responsibilities include: Advance segment planning and coordination, daily show reviews with producers, including critiquing writing and training. Planning and overseeing continuity into upcoming newscasts. Applicants must be able to drive content on television, on the web, and on social media outlets. 6 Years of news producing experience required.

Qualifications: Four-year degree in journalism or communications preferred and a minimum of 6 years related experience. Strong writing skills and attention to detail a must with a proven track record for getting results on initiatives. Great leadership and people skills with an emphasis on coaching and motivating, and multi-media news experience are preferred.

Salary: Competitive Start Date: Immediate

Apply to:

Bryan Queen
News Director
WROC-TV
201 Humboldt Street
Rochester, NY 14610
585-287-8060

or via email to: bqueen@wroctv.com

WROC/WUHF-TV IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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

Assistant News Director, WCTI-TV, Greenville-New Bern, NC:

Newschannel 12 & FOX Eastern Carolina is looking for an Assistant News Director to help lead a dynamic newsroom. We just won the AP Outstanding News Operation in North Carolina.

Here is a great opportunity to earn those senior manager stripes. You will work closely with the news director in all aspects of running this ABC and FOX High Definition News Department.

Duties include: Supervising newscast producers, reporters and photographers. You’ll be instrumental in building and executing a successful strategic plan. The qualified candidate will be a fantastic coach of energetic producers, reporters and photographers. Three Years producing or Assignment Desk experience required along with a college degree.

Send resume and newscast DVD or link to: smoreland@wcti12.com.

or via mail to:

Shane Moreland
News Director
WCTI-TV
225 Glenburnie Dr.
New Bern, NC 28560

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

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (relisted 4/20/12)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 5/12/12)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 5/12/12)
WITI-TV, Milwaukee, WI (relisted 4/27/12)
WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 5/26/11)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted this week)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 4/20/12)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (relisted 6/1/12, see ad above!)
KVLY/KXJB-TV, Fargo, ND (listed 5/4/11)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KDFW-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (Morning EP, relisted 4/20/12)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listing revised 5/4/11)
WKMG-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 5/4/11)
KOIN-TV, Portland OR (PM EP, listed 4/7/12)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, relisted 4/20/12)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, new listing this week, see ad above!)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (AM EP, listed 5/18/12)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 5/12/12)
WITI-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 4/27/12)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 4/20/12)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (PM EP, 3/17/12)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 6/1/12, see ad above!)
KBAK/KBFX-TV, Bakersfield, CA (AM EP, listed 5/26/12)
WCYB-TV, Bristol, VA (relisted 4/20/12)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 4/27/12)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 4/20/12)

Obituary:

Harris

WENDELL HARRIS, a former ND in Birmingham and Dallas, died earlier this week after a long illness. He was 78. Wendell began his career as a radio reporter in Birmingham before moving to what is now WVTM-TV there, working as a reporter, assignment editor, anchor and eventually ND. He later served as the GM for KTBC-TV in Austin and ND for KDFW-TV in Dallas. Wendell is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Names in the News:

Hilk

WSMV-TV (Nashville) ND MATTHEW HILK is assuming some additional duties for that Meredith-owned NBC affiliate. His new title is Director of News and Creative Services, and he’ll take on additional duties overseeing promotions, marketing, and graphics. Matthew’s been ND there for six years, and has also worked in Pittsburgh, Birmingham, Orlando, Louisville, Charleston, WV, and Oak Hill, VA

WHIO-TV in Dayton has two new EPs. SHAWANA PERRY is the new Evening EP. She most recently has worked in Salt Lake City, and previously worked in Hartford, Providence, and Springfield, MA. And QUINCY WALLACE has been promoted to Morning EP. She’ll oversee the noon news as well. Quincy is a ten year veteran at WHIO who has been producing the station’s 5:30 newscast.

WEYI-TV in Flint/Saginaw, MI, has hired NEILLE GIFFUNE as its Assistant News Director. She’s currently a sports reporter and anchor for WFMZ-TV in Allentown, PA. Neille has also worked in Elmira, NY, Billings, MT, and Springfield, MA, where she worked with WEYI’s news director KATHY REYNOLDS.

Two retired news directors are in the news:

Brunner

BOB BRUNNER, who’s served as ND and anchor for a number of stations before retiring last year, has self-published a new book, “Bob Brunner’s Reporter’s Recollections”. Bob spent 32 years as an anchor and manager in Charleston, WV, and of course is a past RTNDA chairman. Learn more about his book in this article from the Charleston Gazette.

Howell

And BOB HOWELL, who recently retired after many years at WSFA-TV in Montgomery, AL, has been chosen to run a new communications operation at Alabama State University. He’ll oversee the formation of the Center for Applied Communications Media at ASU. Bob retired at the end of the May book from WSFA after 32 years there.

Our Full List of News Director Openings:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, June 10, 2012.

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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square New York, NY 10023
WCAU-TV 10 Monument Road Bala Cynwyd PA 19004
KIRO-TV 2807 Third Ave. Seattle WA 98121
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave. Cleveland OH 44114
XETV 8253 Ronson Rd. San Diego CA 92111
WDJT-TV 809 S. 60th St. Milwaukee WI 53214
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas NV 89101
KXAN-TV 908 W. MLK Blvd. Austin TX 78701
WTLV/WJXX 1070 E. Adams St. Jacksonville FL 32202
KJRH-TV 3701 South Peoria Ave. Tulsa OK 74105
KSNW-TV 833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
KRBK-TV (apply to corporate) Springfield, MO
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
WKOW-TV 5727 Tokay Boulevard Madison WI 53719
KGAN-TV 600-2 Old Marion Rd NE Cedar Rapids IA 52402
KWQC-TV, 805 Brady Street Davenport, IA 52803
WTAJ-TV 5000 Sixth Ave. Altoona PA 16602
KHBS/KHOG-TV 2809 Ajax Ave. #200 Rogers AR 72758
KHGI-TV 13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
WTXL-TV 1620 Commerce Blvd. Midway, FL 32343
WGXA-TV 599 MLK Blvd. Macon GA 31201
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus GA 31901
KNOE-TV 1400 Oliver Rd. Monroe, LA 71211
KAAL-TV 1701 10th Place, NE Austin MN 55912
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Rd. Ghent WV 25843
KECI/KTVM-TV 340 W. Main St. Missoula MT 59802 (see ad above!)
KKCO-TV 2325 Interstate Ave. Grand Junction CO 81505
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KGWN-TV 2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001
KSAX-TV PO Box 189 Alexandria MN 56308

June 2, 2012

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 UPDATE:

Mokhtari

The long vacant ND opening at KNBC-TV in Los Angeles has been filled with news that TODD MOKHTARI will return to Burbank as ND. Todd is currently ND for KIRO-TV, the Cox-owned CBS affiliate in Seattle.

He began his career at KCRA-TV in Sacramento, then moved to Seattle for the first time as the first ND for Fox affiliate KCPQ-TV. He spent five years at KCPQ, four years as the Assistant ND for NBC’s KNTV in San Jose/San Francisco before moving to KNBC as Managing Editor, a job he held for one year before returning to Seattle as ND for KIRO more than five years ago.

He’ll be the fourth ND at KNBC in four years, replacing VICKIE BURNS who resigned in March, saying she wanted to return east of the Mississippi.

More on this move and all the week’s developments in our regular weekly edition this weekend.

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Greetings:

Lots of activity this week, much of it involving longtime news directors, some in top five markets.

In all, we have FOUR new ND openings, with just ONE newly named news director in our report. That brings our count of open ND jobs to 28.

We also have three paid help wanted ads: one for an EP in New York state, one for an Assistant ND in North Carolina, and we’re repeating last week’s ad for a position at Penn State University.

There are two obituaries: one for a 50 year veteran of the Philadelphia market, the other for a GM who spent 31 years at McGraw-Hill before retiring last year.

And Names in the News brings news of a retirement of a longtime Los Angeles newsman.

All that, and more, after this week’s changes:

New News Director Openings:

Plotnik

WABC-TV, New York, NY…we first reported in a mid-week UPDATE that KENNY PLOTNIK was leaving this ABC o-and-o today. He emailed his staff that his wife’s retirement from nursing “sparked my interest in looking elsewhere for career challenges.” Kenny worked for 25 years at WABC, the last ten as ND. He previously worked for the company at WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, and began his career in Buffalo.

Blackman

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA…in another story we told you about earlier, longtime NBC employee CHRIS BLACKMAN is leaving this o-and-o later this month. He told the staff that he and new GM ERIC LERNER agreed that it was time for new leadership, new ideas, and a new perspective. Chris joined WCAU in 2001 as assistant ND, and was promoted to ND early in 2002. He spent 25 years working for NBC in a variety of roles.

Boxx

WKOW-TV, Madison, WI…PERRY BOXX is leaving this Quincy owned ABC affiliate to take a new job which he tells me should be announced next week. He’s been the ND here since 2008, and previously was a ND in Charleston, SC, Savannah, Oklahoma City, Kalamazoo-Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Nashville, Corpus Christi, and Las Vegas. He’s also worked in Little Rock and St. Louis.

WGXA-TV, Macon, GA…GEORGE JOBIN is leaving this FOX affiliate on August 1st. He’s been ND here for the last two years in his second stint at WGXA. George earlier worked there from 1992-2001, first in sports, then as Assignment Editor and EP, and eventually Station Manager. He also was GM for WMGT-TV in Macon. WGXA is owned by Frontier Radio Management.

Newly Named News Director:

Moreno

WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN…CHRISTY MORENO has been named ND for this Gannett-owned NBC affiliate. She’s spent the last five years as the Assistant ND for KENS-TV in San Antonio. Christy earlier worked for KRIV-TV in Houston as a producer and EP, and also worked for KPRC-TV in Houston and in Wichita Falls.. At WBIR, she replaces BILL SHORY who left the station in March after eight years as ND.

Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, WROC-TV, Rochester, NY:

Salary: Competitive Start Date: Immediate

Apply to:

Bryan Queen
News Director
WROC-TV
201 Humboldt Street
Rochester, NY 14610
585-287-8060

or via email to: bqueen@wroctv.com

WROC/WUHF-TV IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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

Assistant News Director, WCTI-TV, Greenville-New Bern, NC:

Newschannel 12 & FOX Eastern Carolina is looking for an Assistant News Director to help lead a dynamic newsroom. We just won the AP Outstanding News Operation in North Carolina.

Here is a great opportunity to earn those senior manager stripes. You will work closely with the news director in all aspects of running this ABC and FOX High Definition News Department.

Send resume and newscast DVD or link to: smoreland@wcti12.com.

or via mail to:

Shane Moreland
News Director
WCTI-TV
225 Glenburnie Dr.
New Bern, NC 28560

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

Director of Student TV and Online Operations, Penn St.:

Penn State’s College of Communications is seeking a Director of Student Television and Online Operations beginning in August 2012.

Primary responsibilities include teaching at least one course in television news reporting and producing each semester, serving as executive producer of a weekly, student-staffed television news magazine program, and overseeing the College’s website for student media. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of professional media experience, including managerial experience as an executive producer, associate news director, or news director. Teaching experience would be considered a plus. All candidates must have at least a Bachelor’s degree.

Learn more about Penn State and the College of Communications by clicking here. And see the College’s website for student-produced work here.

Send a letter describing qualifications, a resume detailing relevant experience and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three to five references to:

Search Committee-TV/Online Director
College of Communications
Penn State
201 Carnegie Building
University Park PA 16802

Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

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