Rick Gevers & Associates

March 15, 2026

Saturday, March 21, 2026 UPDATE:

Greetings:

I’m very sorry to share that the head of one of the largest journalism organizations in the country died suddenly on Friday.

Fuentes

DIANA FUENTES, who’s been the Executive Director of Investigative Reporters and Editors since 2021, died yesterday in Washington. She was there to attend an FOIA Conference. IRE Board President JOSH HINKLE of KXAN-TV in Austin, TX shared the news via this email to members.

Diana’s background was in newspapers. She was the Deputy Metro Editor for the San Antonio Express News before she joined IRE.

Her complete career history is on her Linkedin page.

The IRE Board will hold an emergency meeting this Sunday.

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

regards,

Rick Gevers

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 UPDATE:

Greetings:

We have news management changes in the top two markets to tell you about in this UPDATE.

Morris

At WNBC-TV in New York, the position of Senior Vice President of News has been eliminated, and AMY MORRIS will leave WNBC-WNJU-TV (Telemundo) on Friday. We have the staff emails from General Manager ERIC LERNER and from Amy. Amy first joined in 2018 as VP/News and was promoted to Senior VP/News in 2023. Her Linkedin page details her previous roles, including stints in Chicago, Philadelphia, another NYC station, and several others.

Manney

Eric’s email above also tells us that DAVE MANNEY, currently the News Director for WNBC, has been promoted to VP/News for the duopoly. He returned to WNBC in 2016 as EP of investigations after two years as news director for WXYZ-TV in Detroit. As you know from my newsletter, the search continues for a news director for both WNBC and WNJU.

Flores

Meanwhile, another large market change, this time in Los Angeles, where MARCO FLORES has left KMEX-TV (Univision) where he was Vice Presdient of News and Content. Marco had been at the station for more than 15 years and earlier spent 10+ years at Univision’s KTVW-TV in Phoenix, where he left as news director. He also worked in Palm Springs as a sports and weather anchor.

Flores
We’ll see you this weekend with our full report.

regards,

Rick Gevers
**** ***** ****

Greetings:

TWO new news director appointments and THREE new vacancies in this week’s report, though the items in Names in the News may be more significant.

Those changes mean our list of open ND jobs edges up to 23.

ONE paid ad for an opportunity at a family owned company in Oklahoma, and BARRY NASH has a post as well.

There’s ONE obituary for a longtime GM and past president of the NBC affiliates board. And there’s ONE GM retirement in Florida.

And check out these other items:

• The FCC chair threatens (again) to go after broadcast licenses
• But CNN’s Chief Media Analysts says not to worry.
• Gray Media and Dish TV issues dueling (and biting) news releases over a retransmission dispute.
• A new job with an unlikely partner for a former head of MSNBC.
• And a sportscaster turned morning news anchor turned news director launches a new effort to fund his other passion.

Details below.

Newly Named News Directors:

Geraghty

KHOU-TV, Houston, TX…Tuesday’s UPDATE shared that TIM GERAGHTY is moving within Tegna after six months at KSDK-TV in St. Louis to replace KATHRYN BONFIELD at this CBS affiliate. Here’s the note from Tegna VP/Content RAQUEL AMPARO. Our Tuesday item pointed out that Nexstar owns the FOX affiliate in St. Louis and cynically wondered if the pending acquisition by Nexstar played a role in his decision. Thanks to a loyal reader who reminded me that Nexstar also owns KIAH-TV (CW) in Houston which has a small news operation run by LIZ ROLDAN, who once was the ND for…wait for it…KHOU.

Fowler

Tegna’s Vice President and Regional Content Director, CAROL FOWLER, will serve as acting news director at KSDK. She was Director of Content there from 2019-2023 and returned to St. Louis after a short stint at Tegna’s WXIA-TV in Atlanta, GA.

St. Hilaire

WITI-TV, Milwaukee, WI…congratulations to AMANDA St. HILAIRE who’s been promoted to news director for this FOX o-and-o. Amanda began at the staton eight years ago as an investigative reporter and has spent the last four years as news content manager. She also worked in Harrisburg and Toledo. At WITI, she replaces BRANDICE BAILEY who left in November after three years as ND.

New News Director Openings:

KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO…you learned above that TIM GERAGHTY is moving within Tegna to be ND at KHOU-TV in Houston. Tim was here for less than six months.

Erbach

WGNO-TV, New Orleans, LA…after almost 17 years, RICK ERBACH is retiring as ND for this Nexstar owned ABC affiliate. He sent me this note earlier this week, which included the note he sent his staff last month. Rick’s career was long and varied, includes ND stops in Atlanta and St. Louis as detailed here. And the NOLA City Council honored him with a proclamation.

Help Wanted Ads:

Director of Local Content, KWTV, Oklahoma City, OK:

The best News Director job in America has just opened.

Griffin Media is seeking a Director of Local Content for KWTV News 9 in Oklahoma City.

KWTV is one of the most ambitious newsrooms in the country, with unmatched resources, a deeply engaged audience, polished talent, and local ownership that believes in the power of local journalism. We invest in content and expect to lead on every platform.

The Director of Local Content will lead our newsroom across broadcast, digital, streaming, and social. This role demands both strategic vision and strong daily execution. You will build and drive a long-term content strategy that strengthens our Oklahoma’s Own brand, grows audience everywhere, and upholds the highest journalistic standards. You will shape culture, develop leaders, and set the tone for excellence.

Weather isn’t a segment here; it’s a mission. As a legacy weather pioneer in the heart of Tornado Alley, we treat every forecast as consequential and every storm as breaking news. Our coverage is powered by an experienced team of meteorologists, a dedicated unit of storm chasers, and our own news chopper delivering critical coverage when viewers need us most.

The ideal candidate is a humble, proven newsroom leader who builds high-performing teams, embraces innovation, and understands that strong people drive strong performance.

If you’re ready to lead with urgency and compete to win every day, come build the future of local journalism with us.

Click here for more details and to apply.

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 2/22/26)
KSTP-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/25/26)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 2/15/26)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (relisted 3/15/26)
WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 3/8/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (relisted 2/8/26)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 3/15/26)
KWES-TV, Midland-Odessa, TX (listed 3/1/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 3/15/26)
WXIA-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 2/15/26)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 3/15/26)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 2/22/26)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (listed 3/15/26)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 3/15/26)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 3/15/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/22/26)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (Special Projects EP, listed 3/8/26)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (Cable stations EP, listed 1/18/26)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 3/15/26)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 3/15/26)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 3/15/26)
KTHV-TV, Little Rock, AR (listed 3/15/26)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (EP of Digital Content, listed 2/8/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, listed 1/25/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (Morning EP, relisted 2/22/26)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (Lifestyle program EP, listed 3/1/26)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (listed 3/15/26)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (listed 3/15/26)
WGRF/WTVO-TV, Rockford, IL (listed 3/15/26)
KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX (listed 3/15/26)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (Digital EP, relisted 3/15/26)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 3/8/26:

WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 3/1/26:

WHNT-TV, Huntsville, AL (Content Manager)

Listed 2/22/26:

KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (Digital Director)

Listed 2/15/26:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (Digital Director)

Obituary:

Waterbury

JIM WATERBURY, the longtime General Manager for KWWL-TV in Waterloo, IA, died this week. He was 78 and succumbed to metastatic melanoma. He wrote his own obituary (so his family wouldn’t have to) and it’s a self-deprecating and fun read. But he omitted his role as Presdient of the NBC affiliates board and his long service as the VP of Institutional Advancement for Allen Hospital.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

Has there ever been a more tumultuous time in our industry? This is a recording.

FCC Chairman BRENDAN CARR is again threatening to revoke station licenses over coverage he doesn’t like: this time coverage of the war with Iran. CNN’s Chief Media Analyst, BRIAN STELTER, reminds us that Carr has little power to actually do that.

Gray Media and DISH TV are in a war over retransmission agreements. Click on the links to read dueling (and seemingly nastier than normal) press releases from Gray and from Dish. Gray says DISH introduced a last minute and unprecedented demand…but won’t say what it is.

Cohen

Longtime broadcaster STEVE COHEN joins the long list of one-time TV news people who have switched to politics. Steve is running as a Republican for the 50th Congressional district in the San Diego area, where he spent more than 20 years as ND for KUSI-TV. Here’s how the station covered that news, and here’s a link to his campaign website. Steve also served as a news director in Los Angeles and a general manager in Philadelphia.

Former MSNBC head RASHIDA JONES has a new job. She’ll be the CEO of a content company founded by former CNN talk show host PIERS MORGAN. It’s called Uncensored.

WXIN-TV/WTTV in Indianapolis is bringing AMON RIZVI back to this FOX/CBS duopoly. Amon fills the open AM EP position. She’s been a producer for NewsNation but earlier worked as a morning producer for this Nexstar operation.

Holliday

ART HOLLIDAY has had an amazing career, from sports to morning anchor to MMJ to news director, almost all of it at KSDK-TV in St. Louis where we worked together (as we had at KOMU-TV in Columbia). Along the way, he’s also produced several documentaries and is continuing to do that. But that’s expensive, and now Art has launched a Shopify store with original items, some of which is aimed at YOU. His Linkedin post explains more, or you can go straight to his website.

General Manager News and Notes:

PAM BARBER is retiring as GM of WMOR-TV in Tampa after four decades in Florida TV. WMOR is a Hearst owned independent station. JOHN SOAPES, who’s the GM of Hearst’s WESH-TV/WKCF-TV (NBC/CW) in Orlando will add her duties to his portfolio.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, March 15, 2026:

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

WNBC/WNJU-TV 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. W. Sacramento, CA 95605
KSDK-TV 1001 Highlands Plaza Dr. St. Louis, MO 63110
WBFF-TV 2000 W 41st St Baltimore, MD 21211
KWEX-TV 12451 Network Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78249
KWTV 100 West Main, #100, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (see ad above!)
WAVE-TV 725 S. Floyd St. Louisville KY 40203
WGNO-TV 1 Galleria Blvd, Suite 850 Metairie LA 70001
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KCEN-TV 215 N. 3rd Street Temple, TX 76501
KKTV 3100 N Nevada Ave, Ste B, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
WAPT-TV 7616 Channel 16 Way. Jackson, MS 39209
WNDU-TV 54516 State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46637
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KSNT/KTKA-TV 6835 NW HWY 24 Topeka, Kansas 66618
KSWO-TV 1401 SE 60th St. Lawton, OK 73501
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station

March 8, 2026

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 UPDATE:

Greetings:

I hope he rented.

Geraghty

I’m speaking about TIM GERAGHTY, who is moving within Tegna to become news director for its CBS affiliate in Houston, KHOU-TV. The move comes less than six months after Tim joined Tegna as ND for KSDK-TV (NBC) in St. Louis. Here’s the memo to the KHOU staff from RAQUEL AMPARO, VP of Content for Tegna’s Texas region. (They worked together many years ago when Tim was the ND at WTVJ-TV in Miami, and Raquel was a writer.)

Tim’s also been a news director in Orlando, Sacramento, and Cincinnati.

Only a cynic would wonder if this move is a result of the pending Tegna/Nexstar merger, as Nexstar already owns two stations in St. Louis (KTVI-TV) (FOX), and KPLR-TV (CW). Presumably they would not need two news directors.

Okay, call me a cynic.

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

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

While there are THREE new news directors to report this week, with just ONE opening, most of the big news is in our Names in the News segment.

Those changes mean our list of open ND jobs drops to 22.

We have ONE paid ad for a pretty good ND opportunity.

If you missed our mid-week UPDATE correcting errors in our obituary for JERRY GIESLER, you can check it out below.

And it’s been a wild week for news in our business.

• Nexstar whacks perhaps as many as 400 more people.
• NewsNation runs an ‘unusual’ promo ripping CNN.
• Scripps sells one station, buys another, and the end result may be two fewer newsrooms
• CBS staffers have more concerns about the editorial direction of the network.
• And longime broadcaster FRANK BIANCUZZO is retiring.

Details on all this…and more…below.

Newly Named News Directors:

Neely

WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA…a move within Hearst brings LEE NEELY to this ABC affiliate as ND. Lee’s been the ND for WAPT-TV in Jackson, MS, for the last 3+ years. He first joined Hearst as an editor at WYFF-TV in Greenville, SC, before becoming a producer. He’s replacing KIMBERLY ELLER. We told you in January she’s off to a teaching job at Washington and Lee in Lexington, VA after almost 3 years here.

Dreyer

WCIV-TV, Charleston, SC…MATT DREYER returns to this Sinclair owned ABC affiliate as its next news director. He’d been the Managing Editor and Assignment Manager before moving to WIS-TV (Gray Media/NBC) in Columbia, SC, as assistant news director in 2023. He’s also worked in Charlotte. At WCIV, he is replacing BRETT AUSTIN whose linkedin page says he left the station in January.

Dunn

KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN…PAUL DUNN has been promoted to news director for this Hubbard Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate. He’s been the Nightside EP here after starting at the station as a producer. Paul’s a Minnesota native and you’ll learn he has a twin brother in his KAAL profile page. Paul replaces DAN CLOUSE who left the station earlier this year after less than a years as ND.

New News Director Openings:

WAPT-TV, Jackson, MS…we told you above that LEE NEELY is moving with Hearst to become ND for WJCL-TV (ABC) in Savannah, GA. Lee spent nine years here, the last 3 as ND.

Help Wanted Ads:

Director of Local Content, KWTV, Oklahoma City, OK:

The best News Director job in America has just opened.

Griffin Media is seeking a Director of Local Content for KWTV News 9 in Oklahoma City.

KWTV is one of the most ambitious newsrooms in the country, with unmatched resources, a deeply engaged audience, polished talent, and local ownership that believes in the power of local journalism. We invest in content and expect to lead on every platform.

The Director of Local Content will lead our newsroom across broadcast, digital, streaming, and social. This role demands both strategic vision and strong daily execution. You will build and drive a long-term content strategy that strengthens our Oklahoma’s Own brand, grows audience everywhere, and upholds the highest journalistic standards. You will shape culture, develop leaders, and set the tone for excellence.

Weather isn’t a segment here; it’s a mission. As a legacy weather pioneer in the heart of Tornado Alley, we treat every forecast as consequential and every storm as breaking news. Our coverage is powered by an experienced team of meteorologists, a dedicated unit of storm chasers, and our own news chopper delivering critical coverage when viewers need us most.

The ideal candidate is a humble, proven newsroom leader who builds high-performing teams, embraces innovation, and understands that strong people drive strong performance.

If you’re ready to lead with urgency and compete to win every day, come build the future of local journalism with us.

Click here for more details and to apply.

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 2/22/26)
WMUR-TV, Manchester, NH (Boston market), listed 1/11/26)
KSTP-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/25/26)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 2/15/26)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 1/11/26)
WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 3/8/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (relisted 2/8/26)
KWES-TV, Midland-Odessa, TX (listed 3/1/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WXIA-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 2/15/26)
WCVB-TV, Boston, MA (listed 1/11/26)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (Streaming Content EP/Host, relisted 1/11/26)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 2/22/26)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 2/22/26)
WBAL-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 1/11/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/22/26)
WPBF-TV, West Palm Beach, FL (listed 1/11/26)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (Special Projects EP, listed 3/8/26)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (Cable stations EP, listed 1/18/26)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (listed 1/11/26)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (EP of Digital Content, listed 2/8/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, listed 1/25/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (Morning EP, relisted 2/22/26)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (Lifestyle program EP, listed 3/1/26)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (Digital EP, relisted 1/11/26)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 3/8/26:

WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 3/1/26:

WHNT-TV, Huntsville, AL (Content Manager)

Listed 2/22/26:

KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (Digital Director)

Listed 2/15/26:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (Digital Director)

Obituary:

Giesler

Apologies again for our errors in rushing to report the death of former ND and GM JERRY GIESLER in last week’s edition. We told you that he suffered from ALS. That was wrong, based on an old email from a former co-worker. This obituary contains both details about his life and career, as well as information about services, which will be held in Illinois next Saturday, March 14th.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

Has there ever been a more tumultuous time in our industry?

Shortly after Nexstar laid off many veteran (and thus, highly paid) journalists at its three largest market stations, the company took the axe to as many as 400 creative services employees as it moves to a ‘hub system’ for graphics. That’s according to this post from NewscastStudio.com

But someone in creative services was left to produce this remarkable spot for Nexstar’s NewsNation cable channel, which takes a shot at CNN. The spot, now, has taken a lot of shots itself.

And Nexstar is not alone in coming under fire. Status also reports that CBS News staffers are concerned about the direction of editorial decisions made under new Editor in Chief BARI WEISS. The latest issue involves coverage of social media posts made two years ago by the wife of new New York City Mayor ZOHRAN MANDAMI.

Scripps has been busy, selling its Ft. Myers station, WFTX-TV (FOX) to the owner of local CBS affiliate WINK-TV, which promptly shut down the WFTX newsroom.

And Scripps bought WTVQ-TV (ABC) in Lexington, where it already owns WLEX-TV (NBC), raising questions about the future of WTVQ. More in this article, which reports the WTVQ GM is already out, and I’ve heard the same is true for its news director.

Former Milwaukee General Manager, Magid Consultant and longtime head of Hearst Media Production Group FRANK BIANCUZZO will retire later this year.

And Octopus Newsroom (an occasional advertiser on these pages) shared this news about its role in transforming newsroom production at the two Griffin Media stations in Oklahoma.

General Manager News and Notes:

KATHERINE DOUGHERTY will be the next GM for Sinclair’s KMPH-KFRE-TV in Fresno, CA. She’s been the integrated sales manager for KOIN-TV in Portland, OR.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, March 8, 2026:

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

WNBC/WNJU-TV 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
KHOU-TV 5718 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77057
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. W. Sacramento, CA 95605
WBFF-TV 2000 W 41st St Baltimore, MD 21211
KWEX-TV 12451 Network Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78249
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
KWTV 100 West Main, #100, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (see ad above!)
WAVE-TV 725 S. Floyd St. Louisville KY 40203
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KKTV 3100 N Nevada Ave, Ste B, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
WAPT-TV 7616 Channel 16 Way. Jackson, MS 39209
WNDU-TV 54516 State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46637
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KSNT/KTKA-TV 6835 NW HWY 24 Topeka, Kansas 66618
KSWO-TV 1401 SE 60th St. Lawton, OK 73501
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station

March 1, 2026

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 UPDATE:

Greetings:

We have more details…and need to fix some incorrect information…about our report on the passing of a veteran broadcaster.

Giesler

We now have the full obituary for JERRY GIESLER whose death we reported Sunday night. That’s here. However, in our story we told you that Jerry suffered from ALS and was in a nursing home. That was incorrect, and I apologize. Jerry was actually living in a retirement facility in Illinois, had successfully undergone knee replacement surgery last Friday, was released on Saturday, talked to friends Saturday night, but died overnight, apparently in his sleep.

Jerry was a news director in four markets and a GM in six. He also worked for Magid and for DrKoop.com.

Our sympathy to his son, family and friends.

We’ll see you this weekend, hopefully with happier news.

regards,

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

Greetings:

Some activity to share with you this week, with TWO new news director openings and TWO newly named NDs. Both the new NDs are returning to cities in which they had previously worked.

That means our list of open ND jobs remains at 23.

TWO apparently is the key number this week. We have TWO ads, one of which may be for one of the best ND jobs in the country.

Sadly, we have TWO obituaries for former news directors, one of whom had also been a large market GM and Magid consultant. And the other is for someone I worked with years ago. That’s below.

And just TWO item in Names in the News…a new contract for a former assignment editor turned President and CEO of a big broadcast group and Nexstar axes a lot of veteran talent at the three biggest stations it operates.

Read on for more.

Newly Named News Directors:

Dobilas

WTVC-TV, Chattanooga, TN…BILL DOBILAS returns to a Chattanooga newsroom as ND as he takes over at this Sinclair Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate. He’s a former ND at WDSI-TV in Chattanooga (1999-2004) and has held a series of jobs since them, many in Atlanta. Details on his Linkedin page. At WTVC, Bill replaces PHIL BUEHLER who left late last year for a job outside of TV. Phil was here for four years.

Toomey

KALB-TV, Alexandria, LA…DEREK TOOMEY will be the next news director for this NBC/CBS affiliate owned by Gray Media. He sent me this note who which provides the explanation of WHY he chose Alexandria (hint: it’s his hometown) AND details his background. He replaces CARLI LUCA who left in December for the news director job at Scripps’ WXMI-TV (FOX) in Grand Rapids, MI.

New News Director Openings:

KWTV, Oklahoma City, OK…a great opportunity here as the station is searching for a new Director of Content. VP/Content ANDY MILLER says current Director of Content (I believe that’s NATHAN ELLIOTT) will move to a role overseeing statewide content. Learn more about this opportunity in the Paid Help Wanted ad just below this section. KWTV is a CBS affiliate locally owned by Griffin Media.

Wordlaw

WNDU-TV, South Bend, IN… GARY WORDLAW has had enough of the cold and is leaving this Gray media owned NBC affiliate. Here’s the note he sent me: Not sure I want to call it retirement for good but I can’t take another Michiana winter! Leaving on the best of terms, just the right time for my wife and me. Bring on some Florida sun! Gary’s a former ND in Washington, Baltimore and Baton Rouge, and served as a GM in Seattle, New Orleans, Syracuse and Tallahassee.

Help Wanted Ads:

Director of Local Content, KWTV, Oklahoma City, OK:

The best News Director job in America has just opened.

Griffin Media is seeking a Director of Local Content for KWTV News 9 in Oklahoma City.

KWTV is one of the most ambitious newsrooms in the country, with unmatched resources, a deeply engaged audience, polished talent, and local ownership that believes in the power of local journalism. We invest in content and expect to lead on every platform.

The Director of Local Content will lead our newsroom across broadcast, digital, streaming, and social. This role demands both strategic vision and strong daily execution. You will build and drive a long-term content strategy that strengthens our Oklahoma’s Own brand, grows audience everywhere, and upholds the highest journalistic standards. You will shape culture, develop leaders, and set the tone for excellence.

Weather isn’t a segment here; it’s a mission. As a legacy weather pioneer in the heart of Tornado Alley, we treat every forecast as consequential and every storm as breaking news. Our coverage is powered by an experienced team of meteorologists, a dedicated unit of storm chasers, and our own news chopper delivering critical coverage when viewers need us most.

The ideal candidate is a humble, proven newsroom leader who builds high-performing teams, embraces innovation, and understands that strong people drive strong performance.

If you’re ready to lead with urgency and compete to win every day, come build the future of local journalism with us.

Click here for more details and to apply.

Director of Development, Investigative Reporters and Editors:

Many of you know of my belief in and support for Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), which is the largest journalism organization in the country.

IRE now has an important opening to fill, as it searches for a new Director of Development. The ideal candidate would have both fund raising AND journalism experience.

IRE is located at the Univeristy of Missouri in Columbia, MO, a great college town (yes, I am an alum), but the job can be done remotely.

If you are interested, or know someone who is, please check out this link which includes both the job description and salary range.

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 2/22/26)
WMUR-TV, Manchester, NH (Boston market), listed 1/11/26)
KSTP-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/25/26)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 2/15/26)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 1/11/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (relisted 2/8/26)
KWES-TV, Midland-Odessa, TX (listed 3/1/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WXIA-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 2/15/26)
WCVB-TV, Boston, MA (listed 1/11/26)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (Streaming Content EP/Host, relisted 1/11/26)
KAZT-TV, Phoenix, AZ (Digital EP, listed 1/18/26)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 2/22/26)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (AM EP, relisted 2/22/26)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 2/22/26)
WBAL-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 1/11/26)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Digital EP, listed 2/22/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/22/26)
WPBF-TV, West Palm Beach, FL (listed 1/11/26)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (Cable stations EP, listed 1/18/26)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (listed 1/11/26)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (EP of Digital Content, listed 2/8/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, listed 1/25/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (Morning EP, relisted 2/22/26)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (Lifestyle program EP, listed 3/1/26)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (Digital EP, relisted 1/11/26)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 3/1/26:

WHNT-TV, Huntsville, AL (Content Manager)

Listed 2/22/26:

KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (Digital Director)

Listed 2/15/26:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (Digital Director)

Obituaries:

Giesler

I received word late tonight that JERRY GIESLER died in his sleep Sunday morning. A reader was kind to send me this Facebook post from Jerry’s friend JOHN DEUSHANE which provides some information. Not mentioned was that Jerry suffered from ALS and…at last word…was in a nursing home in Illinois. He’s a former ND and GM in several markets and also worked for Magid. I hope to have more details next week.

Machesky

My friend PAUL MACHESKY died in September. He was the night assignment editor when I produced the 10:00 at KSD-TV (now KSDK-TV) in St. Louis years ago. Paul also worked in his native Detroit (two stations), for KTVI-TV in St. Louis, at KMGH-TV in Denver, and was the ND for KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids. Paul later went to law school, became a labor lawyer and helped me with contracts when I became an agent.

He later specialized in wills and trusts, sold his small firm, and retired to Alabama last April. In our last email exchange in July, I asked him how retirement was. His reply:

So far it’s exceeded expectations. Really enjoying retirement. Just let me know when you’d like to talk.

Sadly, he died two months later before we had that conversation. RIP Paul.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

Lots of veteran familiar (and thus highly paid) talent were shown the door this week as Nexstar trimmed a lot of payroll. Impacted were WPIX-TV in New York (Nexstar operated but ‘owned’ by Mission Broadcasting), KTLA-TV in Los Angeles, and WGN-TV in Chicago. The Desk.net has more.

Symson

The Board of Directors of E.W. Scripps extended the contract of President and CEO ADAM SYMSON through 2029. Details here. Adam’s a former news guy who began his TV career on the assignment desk at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles, worked in several large markets as an investigative producer before moving into upper management. His career path is on his Linkedin page.

General Manager News and Notes:

Not aware of any changes this week.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, March 1, 2026:

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

WNBC/WNJU-TV 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
KHOU-TV 5718 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77057
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. W. Sacramento, CA 95605
WBFF-TV 2000 W 41st St Baltimore, MD 21211
KWEX-TV 12451 Network Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78249
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
KWTV 100 West Main, #100, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (see ad above!)
WAVE-TV 725 S. Floyd St. Louisville KY 40203
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WJCL-TV 1375 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA 31405
KKTV 3100 N Nevada Ave, Ste B, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
WNDU-TV 54516 State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46637
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KSNT/KTKA-TV 6835 NW HWY 24 Topeka, Kansas 66618
KSWO-TV 1401 SE 60th St. Lawton, OK 73501
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KAAL TV 1320 Salem Road SW Rochester, MN 55902
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station

February 22, 2026

Greetings:

It’s a very slow week, with just ONE new news director and ONE new opening.

That keeps our list of open ND jobs at 23.

We have ONE ad for what I consider a very important job at a very important organization.

There’s ONE obituary for a former NBC executive turned educator.

And ONE GM change this week, as a veteran GM returns to run a station where he once served as the ND

And only a few stories in Names in the News.

• A former Houston ND will be the Senior Editor for two Texas magazines.
• A Roanoke station gets a new EP

One personal note: Thanks to so many of you who sent a kind note after I reported the death of my sister in last week’s edition. I tried to reply to everyone, but if I missed you, know your note was appreciated.

Newly Named News Director:

López-Capó

KDEN-TV, Denver, CO…EMMANUEL LOPEZ-CAPO will be the next ND for this NBC Universal/Telemundo station. He is currently an executive producer for sister Telemundo station WWSI-TV in Philadelphia. Emmanuel has also worked for Telemundo’s WKAQ-TV in his native Puerto Rico. He replaces GRISELLE SIERRA who left the staton in December after seven years as ND.

New News Director Opening:

Ramirez

KWEX-TV, San Antonio, TX…MOANA RAMIREZ is leaving this Univision owned station (after 12 1/2 years as ND) to become Vice President of Newsgathering for the Univision network, She’ll be based in Miami. Before moving to KWEX in 2014, she was an EP for KMEX-TV in Los Angeles. Moana also has a nickname: “La Dancing Jefa” which is explained in this story from 2019.

Help Wanted Ad:

Director of Development, Investigative Reporters and Editors:

Many of you know of my belief in and support for Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), which is the largest journalism organization in the country.

IRE now has an important opening to fill, as it searches for a new Director of Development. The ideal candidate would have both fund raising AND journalism experience.

IRE is located at the Univeristy of Missouri in Columbia, MO, a great college town (yes, I am an alum), but the job can be done remotely.

If you are interested, or know someone who is, please check out this link which includes both the job description and salary range.

News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 2/22/26)
WMUR-TV, Manchester, NH (Boston market), listed 1/11/26)
KSTP-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/25/26)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 2/15/26)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 1/11/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (relisted 2/8/26)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WXIA-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 2/15/26)
WCVB-TV, Boston, MA (listed 1/11/26)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (Streaming Content EP/Host, relisted 1/11/26)
KAZT-TV, Phoenix, AZ (Digital EP, listed 1/18/26)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 2/22/26)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (AM EP, relisted 2/22/26)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 2/22/26)
WBAL-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 1/11/26)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Digital EP, listed 2/22/26)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/22/26)
WPBF-TV, West Palm Beach, FL (listed 1/11/26)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (Cable stations EP, listed 1/18/26)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (listed 1/11/26)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (EP of Digital Content, listed 2/8/26)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Morning EP, listed 1/25/26)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (Morning EP, relisted 2/22/26)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (Digital EP, relisted 1/11/26)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 2/22/26:

KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (Digital Director)

Listed 2/15/26:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (Digital Director)

Listed 12/7/25:

WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (Story Desk Manager)

Obituary:

Angotti

Former NBC executive JOE ANGOTTI died in late January at the age of 85. He held many roles at NBC, including a stint as EP of the NBC Nightly News with John Chancellor.

Learn more about Joe and his career in both this obituary and this informative 2007 biography when he was named to the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

Schultz

DEANNA SCHULTZ has been named managing director and senior editor for The Houston Times Magazine and The Dallas Herald Magazine. She’s a former ND for Univision station KLXN-TV in Houston, among other jobs. More in this story from Media Moves.

PIERCE KLAS has been promoted to executive producer for Gray’s WDBJ-TV (CBS) in Roanoke, VA.

General Manager News and Notes:

Abouzeid

JOE ABOUZEID returns to Providence as General Manager for Nexstar’s WPRI/WNAC-TV (CBS/FOX). Earlier in his career, Joe was the ND here for more than eight of his 10+ years at the station. Most recently he’s been the GM for Nexstar’s WIVB-WNLO-TV in Buffalo. His complete career history is on his Linkedin page. This move gets him closer to his native Boston.

Our List of Open News Director Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, February 22, 2026:

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

WNBC/WNJU-TV 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
KHOU-TV 5718 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77057
KMGH-TV 2323 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80203
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. W. Sacramento, CA 95605
WBFF-TV 2000 W 41st St Baltimore, MD 21211
KWEX-TV 12451 Network Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78249
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
WAVE-TV 725 S. Floyd St. Louisville KY 40203
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WJCL-TV 1375 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA 31405
WTVC-TV 4279 Benton Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37406
KKTV 3100 N Nevada Ave, Ste B, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
WCBI-TV 201 5th Street South Columbus, MS 39701
KSNT/KTKA-TV 6835 NW HWY 24 Topeka, Kansas 66618
KSWO-TV 1401 SE 60th St. Lawton, OK 73501
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KAAL TV 1320 Salem Road SW Rochester, MN 55902
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KAVU-TV. 3808 N Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901

**: Spanish language station