Rick Gevers & Associates

August 22, 2021

Thursday, August 26, 2021 UPDATE:

CBS has filled another general manager opening at one of its owned stations, and for the THIRD consecutive time, they’ve tabbed a news person.

Wieland

Today it’s TIM WIELAND, who’s been promoted to general manager of KCNC-TV in Denver. He’s been the news director there since 2004.

More in this news release.

Tim’s a 27 year veteran of KCNC, having first worked there from 1992-1999, beginning as a writer and progressing to executive producer. He left for a short stint at CNN, and returned in 2001 as the assistant ND.

Tim replaces WALT DeHAVEN who is retiring.

As I mentioned above, Tim’s the third consecutive newsperson to fill a CBS owned station GM job.

First was JOHNNY GREEN, Jr. at WCBS-TV in New York, followed last week by JENNIFER LYONS, who was named to the top job at WBBM-TV in Chicago.

Still open: KCBS-TV in Los Angeles and KTVT-TV in Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Let the wagering begin!

Rogers

We”ll have a lot of interesting stories in this week’s newsletter which would take to long to include here, but I do want to tell you about the passing of legendary KENS-TV (San Antonio) news director BOB ROGERS who died earlier this week at the age of 87. The station remembered him here while the local newspaper did a nice job of looking back at his 27 year career at the station.

Finally, a correction from last week’s full newsletter. WISC-TV in Madison, WI, won the National Edward R. Murrow for Overall Excellence for small market TV. I accidentally listed another Madison station.

We’ll see you this weekend with a busy newsletter.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Lots of movement and lots of news in this week’s report.

FOUR new news directors appointed, with just ONE new opening. Our list of open ND jobs drops to 34.

Sadly (and least for me and my bank account) NONE of those new jobs are featured in a paid help wanted ad.

But we do have an ad from RTDNA reminding all that the registration deadline for next month’s annual convention. “The Year of the Team” is coming up soon. Check out the ad just below for details. I hope to see many of you there.

Speaking of conferences, NAB’s will require proof of covid-19 vaccinations for attendees at its October gathering in Las Vegas.

We first alerted you to a rash of top 50 market GM appointments earlier this week, THREE of which involved people with news director experience. We’ll revisit those hires below.

In Names in the News, we’ll tell you of the pending retirement of a longtime NBC NewsChannel executive. We also have details of how being a Star Wars fan played a role in a life-saving organ donation for a longtime Pennsylvania news director. We’ll recap the National Edward R. Murrow Award winners, tell you who RTDNA will honor with the Paul White Award, and share news of a retirement of a longtime major market anchor who also spent a year as a news director in California.

And we’ll tell you about a unusual purchase by Nexstar.

New News Director Hires:

Palestina

WVUE-TV, New Orleans, LA…KRISTEN PALENTINA has been promoted to news director for this Gray owned FOX affiliate. She’s been the assistant news director here for 12 years and earlier in her career worked for WWL-TV (CBS) in New Orleans for two years. She’s replacing MIKEL SCHAEFER who’s being promoted to general manager (more on that in our GM section below).

Breazeale

KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX…JIM BOB BREAZEALE has been named Director of Content for this Scripps owned NBC affiliate. Details from GM RAMON PINEDA. Jim Bob is currently the Assistant ND for KGBT/KVEO-TV in Harlingen and Brownsville. He’s also worked in Austin. At KRIS, he replaces MARK SILBERSTEIN who left in May after nine months as news director.

McLain

WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA…an inter-Gray TV transfer sends WILLIAM McLAIN to this ABC affiliate for his first ND job. GM HOLLY STEUART told the staff in this memo. William is currently the Assistant ND for Gray’s WAFF-TV in Huntsville, AL, where he began as a producer, advanced to digital content manager, and eventually AND. He’s also worked in Montgomery and replaces MARK ROSEN who moved closer to family and be ND for WFXG-TV in Augusta, GA.

LeSavage

KBJR-TV, Duluth, MN…another Gray station filled its open ND job by promoting interim ND BRIGGS LeSAVAGE. She’s a Duluth native who first joined this dual NBC/CBS operation as a producer, co-anchor and reporter five years ago. She’s replacing veteran newsman KEVIN JACOBSEN who left to operate a business with his wife.

New News Director Opening:

Gaylord

KPAX-TV, Billings, MT…ERIC GAYLORD is leaving this Scripps owned CBS affiliate after two years as ND to take a job at Scripps’ Newsy. He’s also been a ND in Great Falls, MT. Eric began as a photographer, working in Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver, and as a chief photographer in San Diego before moving into management.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

No paid ads this week.  If you want to advertise your management openings, it’s just $300 for two weeks, $550 for four to reach the most targeted audience. Email me: rick@rickgevers.com for details.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (new opening this week)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (new opening this week)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (listed 7/4/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 7/4/21)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/25/21)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)
KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR (listed 8/8/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, listed 8/8/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/27/21)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 8/15/21)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/25/21)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro-High Point, NC (AM EP, relisted 8/1/21)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 7/4/21)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted 8/8/21)
WOWK-TV, Charlestown, WV (new listing this week)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 7/4/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 7/4/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, relisted 6/13/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 7/18/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 6/27/21)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 8/15/22:

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

Relisted 8/1/21:

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 6/27/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content

Listed 6/20/21:

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Digital Content Director)

Names in the News:

SHARON HOUSTON is retiring as President of NBC’s NewsChannel, where she has worked since 1991. Before moving to Charlotte and NewsChannel, she worked at the CBS Bureau in Atlanta. CORRIE HARDING gets a new title of (take a deep breath) VP of News Partnerships and Executive In Charge of NBC News Channel. Congrats to Sharon, who I have missed working with since my days as an NBC affiliate ND and when she was the deputy bureau chief for CBS in Atlanta and I was the AND at the CBS affiliate in Jacksonville.

Platzer

A mutual passion for Star Wars played a role in helping WJAC-TV (Johnstown, PA) news director JIM PLATZER receive a life-saving liver transplant. Details from the WJAC website. You may remember last year the station sponsored a blood drive on Jim’s behalf after he collapsed in the newsroom. Jim began his career at WJAC, and returned as ND in 2011 after ND stints in Greensboro, NC, Decatur, IL, and Clarksburg, WV. He’s also worked in Orlando, Tampa, Mobile and Altoona, PA.

Nolte

STEPHANIE NOLTE moves within Nebraska to become the next Assistant News Director for Standard Media’s KLKN-TV (ABC) in Lincoln. She’s been the chief photographer for KMTV in Omaha (Scripps/CBS) for the past four years. She has also worked in Des Moines, LaCrosse, WI, and Florence, SC, where she worked as a multimedia journalist for a newspaper.

In case you missed our emailed UPDATE earlier this week, RTDNA announced the winners of the National Edward R. Murrow Awards. Congratulations to Chicago’s WBBM-TV (CBS owned) and WKOW-TV WISC-TV in Madison, WI (ABC/Morgan Murphy Media) for taking the Overall Excellence Awards. The complete list is here.

In that UPDATE, I congratulated my friend and former WTOL-TV (Toledo, OH) employee STEVE HARTMAN of CBS News for another win for Excellence in Writing but failed to note that my friend and Missouri classmate JOHN FERRUGIA and his team at Rocky Mountain PBS took top honors in large market TV for documentary. Congrats to both and to all the winners.

Zirinsky

Another RTDNA note: The organization announced that longtime CBS newswoman and past CBS News President SUSAN ZIRINKSY will be honored with the Paul White Award at the upcoming conference in Denver. Paul White was the first news director for CBS news. The award honors people for their lifetime contributions to broadcast news.

Becker

One time Palm Springs (KMIR-TV) News Director ROSS BECKER (who is MUCH better known for his many large market anchor jobs) has announced he’s stepping off the anchor desk after 49 years. But he’s not calling it a retirement, saying he’s working on a project. Ross most recently worked for KAAL-TV in Rochester, MN. Details on his background and future plans in this story.

Finally, Nexstar has purchased the online political site The Hill for $130 million dollars. More here.

General Manager News and Notes:

Our Friday UPDATE brought news of FOUR top 50 market GMs, three with news backgrounds.

Lyons

In Chicago, former longtime WGN-TV ND (and short time News Nation executive) JENNIFER LYONS was named general manager for CBS owned WBBM-TV. Veteran Chicago media writer ROBERT FEDER has more. She replaces DEREK DALTON who was released a few weeks ago, along with KCBS-TV (Los Angeles) GM JAY HOWELL. Earlier in her career, Jennifer worked in Des Moines and Davenport, IA.

Ellis

BOB ELLIS returns to Detroit’s WDIV-TV (Graham Media/NBC) as GM. Earlier in his career, Bob was the ND there for 18 months at the end of a 15 year run. He’s spent the last 12 years running Graham Media’s successful independent station, WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, FL. Bob’s replacing longtime Detroit media executive MARLA DRUTZ, who retired.

Corrente

Gray Television promoted TWO employees to new general manager jobs. RONNA CORRENTE moves to WAVE-TV (NBC) in Louisville as GM, replacing KEN SELVAGGI who left the station earlier this month. She’s been the GM for Gray’s WVUE-TV (FOX) in New Orleans. Ronna is a Kentucky native who began her career in sales at WDKY-TV (FOX) in Lexington.

Schaefer

Gray immediately replaced her at WVUE by promoting news director MIKEL SCHAEFER. He’s been the news director here since 2008 and earlier worked for cross-town CBS affiliate WWL-TV. And he was immediately replaced as ND by the Assistant ND there, KRISTEN PALESTINA, as you learned above.

The promotions of Ronna, Mikel, and Kristen are covered in this Gray news release.

Nexstar has named MICHAEL SILECCHIA GM of its Rockford, IL, station, WQRF-TV (FOX). He’ll also be in charge of Mission Broadcasting’s WTVO-TV (ABC). Michael comes from the sales side of our business, having worked most recently in Oklahoma City and Fresno.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 22, 2021:

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

WCBS-TV 530 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KMSP/WTTC-TV 11358 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
KUTV 299 South Main St. # 150, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
WHNS-TV 21 Interstate Court Greenville, SC 29615
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza. Buffalo, NY 14202
KJRH-TV 3701 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74105
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St Charleston, WV 25301
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WFFF/WVNV-TV 298 Mountain View Dr, Colchester, VT 05446
KFSM-TV 5101 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KATC-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Road. Lafayette, LA 70506
KION-TV 1550 Moffett Street Salinas, CA 93905
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road Rockford, IL 61103
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WJET-TV 8455 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501

**: Spanish language station

August 15, 2021

Friday, August 20, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

FOUR top 50 market GM jobs were filled Thursday, and THREE of the four were filled by either current or former news directors. And we have a MOST unusual story from Nashville.

Lyons

We’ll start in Chicago (market #3) where longtime former WGN-TV (and short time News Nation executive) JENNIFER LYONS was named GM for the CBS o-and-o there, WBBM-TV. The news came just a few days after the station won the National Edward R. Murrow Award for overall excellence. More from longtime Chicago media reporter ROBERT FEDER.

Jennifer replaces DEREK DALTON who left the station last month along with JAY HOWELL, the GM at KCBS-TV in Los Angeles.

CBS has now filled two of its GM openings with former news directors, the other being JOHNNY GREEN Jr. who took over at flagship WCBS-TV in New York. Still to be filled: o-and-o’s in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Denver. Expect at least one newsperson to get one of those jobs.

Ellis

On to Detroit, where BOB ELLIS will be the next GM for Graham Media’s WDIV-TV (NBC). It’s a return to WDIV and Detroit for Bob, who spent 15 years there, including 18 months as ND. Bob left in 2009 when he was promoted to GM of sister station WJXT-TV in Jacksonville. FL. Details here. He replaces MARLA DRUTZ who announced her retirement earlier this year.

And Gray Television didn’t want to be left out of all the fun, promoting TWO new GMs and ONE news director (to fill the void left by one of the GM promotions).

Corrente

RONNA CORRENTE returns to her native Kentucky as the next GM for Gray’s Louisville station, WAVE-TV (NBC). She’s been the GM for WVUE-TV (FOX) in New Orleans but began her career in sales at WDKY-TV in Lexington, KY. She replaces KEN SELVAGGI.

Schaefer

Gray wasted no time filling her job in New Orleans, promoting longtime news director MIKEL SCHAEFER. He’s been the ND at WVUE since 2008 and previously worked at WWL-TV (CBS) in NOLA.

Palestina

But you can put your resume away…he’s being replaced as news director by the assistant ND at WVUE, KRISTEN PALESTINA. She’s a 12 year veteran of the station, and spent two years before that at WWL.

All the Gray changes are detailed in this news release.

Finally, our nominee for bizarro story of the week comes from Nashville, where a former massage therapist…facing charges of sex crimes against women…now faces additional charges of identity theft and criminal impersonation.

Of a news director.

Specifically, former WSMV-TV (Meredith/NBC) ND MITCH JACOB.

Read the station’s story here.

We’ll have lots more in this week’s full newsletter later this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Perhaps a reflection of the summer doldrums, but a relative slow week of news management changes. Just TWO new NDs to share, with ONE new opening. Our list of open ND jobs stands at 36.

TWO of those 36 jobs are featured in our FOUR paid help wanted ads. There are also ads for TWO EP openings in Charlotte and for an Assistant ND job at a powerhouse small market station.

Also pleased when there are no obituaries, as is the case this week.

We now have the second and third Presidents of the CBS o-and-o group. And we’ll tell you about a former ND who’s becoming a GM, and you’ll also learn about a new GM in Norfolk.

In Kentucky, a former anchor/reporter at one station returns to another as its new Assistant ND, and a new Phoenix ND talks to the newspaper about his plans.

Read on for details!

Newly Named News Directors:

Gegg

WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY…CHRIS GEGG moves within Tegna as he’ll be the next news director for this ABC affiliate. He’s been the ND for Tegna’s WVEC-TV (also ABC) for the last 18 months, but this move gets him closer to family in Missouri. Chris is a former ND in Albany, NY, Milwaukee and Madison, WI and has worked in Detroit, Tampa, Nashville, Toledo, and Midland, TX. At WHAS, he replaces JULIE WOLFE who was transferred to Tegna’s KING-TV in Seattle.

BonFleur

WDTV, Bridgeport, WV…congratulations to BRENT BONFLEUR who moves within Gray for his first ND job at this CBS affiliate. Details here from the station’s website. Brent is currently the Assistant ND at KLKN-TV in Lincoln, NE, where he began as the weekend producer and worked his way up. He replaces MICHAEL BALDWIN who moved to Gray’s WTVG-TV in Toledo as Assistant ND.

New News Director Opening:

Calderon

KUAN-TV, San Diego, CA…PEDRO CALDERON has resigned as news director for this Telemundo owned news operation which shares facilities with parent company NBC’s owned station, KNSD-TV. Pedro came to San Diego to launch the station in 2017. More details about his past…and future…in this story from Media Moves. He’s a former ND in Denver and Sacramento.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WBRE-TV, Wilkes-Barre, PA:

This is the market where it all started…

Join the largest TV ownership group in the country in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Market #58) as NEWS DIRECTOR.

A lot has changed since the early days of Nexstar Media Group 25 years ago. We now own 199 stations in 116 markets… But our commitment to the original market – now with WBRE/NBC and WYOU/CBS – and the original mission – serving our communities with LOCAL NEWS – is stronger than ever.

The perfect candidate for this perfect opportunity is collaborative, creative and competitive. We are looking for someone dynamic and innovative, with a proven track record of success on broadcast and digital platforms. We are ready to move you so you can move us.

This could be where it all starts for you, too. Imagine where Nexstar could take you.

Apply here!

News Director, WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH:

Cox Media Group in Dayton, OH is seeking a strategic, team-oriented, and passionate journalist to lead the powerhouse WHIO TV team as our News Director.

WHIO TV is the Dayton region’s number one station for news and the number one CBS affiliate in the nation in household shares. The News Center 7 newsroom is a respected organization driven by aggressive, investigative storytelling, cutting edge producing, and the region’s best severe weather team.

This is a rare opportunity for a leader who possesses a passion for local news along with the highest standards for producing unbiased and impactful reporting for our audience. The WHIO philosophy is built on a foundation of breaking news and investigative journalism that is dedicated to pursing the facts and holds that the truth is the ultimate, unwavering guide.

Our ideal candidate will be a hands-on servant leader, with a vision and mission to serve the needs of our viewers while fueling the passion and professional development of our news team.

The CMG culture is based on the idea that we compete with our products, but we win with our people.

If you are ready to help our team to their best work for the Dayton region, click on the link below and apply today.

Click here to apply.

We want innovative, agile and savvy risk-takers with entrepreneurial minds and diverse points of view on our team. If this description fits, we’d love to have you join CMG.

Executive Producers, Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC:

Are you ready to make a change in your career and join a news organization that values true storytelling and quality content? Ready to showcase your management skills in a fantastic, fast-growing market?

Spectrum News currently has two Executive Producer openings in our Charlotte Newsroom and we’re hiring immediately.

Click the link for specifics—but we want Journalists who believe in what we are all about. We are looking for someone with 5+ years of management experience who excels at leading and coaching a multi-generational workforce.

We’re innovative. We’re growing. We’re different. If you haven’t yet considered Spectrum Networks for your next job—now is the time! Questions? Email Mike.bothwell@charter.com

Click here to apply.

Assistant News Director, KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR:

KAIT, Gray Television’s dominant #1 station in Jonesboro, Arkansas is looking for its next Assistant News Director.

This person will work side by side with our news director to run the day-to-day newsroom across all platforms. The best candidate will demonstrate how they build a team as well as the ability to train reporters and producers.

Jonesboro is the regional hub, seeing yearly double-digit growth. Jonesboro is also home to Arkansas State University and a short drive to mountains, lakes, and rivers.

Gray Television supports local community interests by providing quality television broadcasting and exceptional service in each market we serve. Gray owns and/or operates television stations and leading digital properties over 100 television markets including the first or second highest rated television station in 86 markets.

We are an unmatched broadcast pioneer that keeps getting bigger and better.

If you are looking for that first leadership role or an experienced leader, apply today.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 6/13/21)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/4/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (listed 7/4/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (listed 6/18/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 7/4/21)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/25/21)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)
KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR (listed 8/8/21, see ad above!)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, listed 8/8/21, see ad above!)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/27/21)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted this week)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/25/21)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro-High Point, NC (AM EP, relisted 8/1/21)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 7/4/21)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted 8/8/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 7/4/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 7/4/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, relisted 6/13/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 7/18/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 6/27/21)

More News Management Openings:

New listing this week:

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

Relisted 8/1/21:

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 7/11/21:

KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (Senior Manager of Investigative)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (Real Time Desk Manager)

Relisted 6/27/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content

Listed 6/20/21:

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Digital Content Director)

Names in the News:

Combs

MIRANDA COMBS returns to television as she’ll be the first assistant news director for start-up WDKY-TV (FOX) in Lexington, KY. She’s spent the last year+ working for the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office, but before that she spent more than 13 years (in two stints) for cross-town CBS affiliate WKYT-TV. The details are in this story.

Jacob

Newly-returned-to-Phoenix news director MITCH JACOB talked with The Arizona Republic for his plans at his new station, KNXV-TV (Scripps/ABC). Earlier in his career, Mitch was the ND for KPHO-TV in Phoenix. He’s also been a news director in Washington, DC, Columbus, OH, Wichita, Toledo and Harlingen, TX.

General Manager News and Notes:

More changes at the CBS owned station division. JENNIFER MITCHELL and TOM CANEDO become the second and third Presidents of the o-and-o’s. They join ADRIENNE ROARK in that role. This story from Deadline.com explains their backgrounds and responsibilities.

LaVelle

We like to celebrate the ascension of news people to the GM’s job, so it’s our pleasure to share that RHONDA LaVELLE is the latest to make that move. She’ll be the next GM for Hubbard KAAL-TV (ABC) in Rochester, MN. She most recently was ND for WXYZ-TV in Detroit, leaving in January after five years. She also spent two years as ND for KPRC-TV in Houston. And Rhonda held a number of jobs during 15 years at WDIV-TV in Detroit and she also produced in Saginaw.

Chase

ADAM CHASE is the new GM for Scripps’ WTKR-TV (CBS) in Norfolk, VA. He’s currently the GM for sister-Scripps station KXXV-TV in Waco, TX, and earlier had run KERO-TV, the Scripps station in Bakersfield, CA.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 15, 2021:

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

WCBS-TV 530 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KMSP/WTTC-TV 11358 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
KUTV 299 South Main St. # 150, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
WHNS-TV 21 Interstate Court Greenville, SC 29615
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701 (see ad above!)
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza. Buffalo, NY 14202
KJRH-TV 3701 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74105
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409 (see ad above!)
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St Charleston, WV 25301
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WFFF/WVNV-TV 298 Mountain View Dr, Colchester, VT 05446
KFSM-TV 5101 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KATC-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Road. Lafayette, LA 70506
KION-TV 1550 Moffett Street Salinas, CA 93905
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
WTVM-TV 1909 Wynnton Rd Columbus, GA 31906
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road Rockford, IL 61103
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave., Duluth MN 55802
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WJET-TV 8455 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501

**: Spanish language station

August 8, 2021

Greetings:

Happy 47th anniversary to those of you who remember that President RICHARD NIXON resigned on this date in 1974. I happened to be visiting Washington that day and had taken the public tour of the White House, learning when my friends and I left that the President was going to quit.

A flurry of news director hires this week, with SIX new NDs to tell you about. Notably, FIVE of the SIX were promoted within their current company. And I know of NO new openings, so our list of open ND jobs drops to 37.

THREE of those 37 jobs are among our FIVE paid help wanted ads. There are also ads for TWO EP openings in Charlotte and for an Assistant ND job at a powerhouse small market station.

Sorry to report the passing of a longtime Hearst GM who ran his station for more than 27 years.

In Names in the News, a tough health battle facing a New York City news director while another NYC station gets a network veteran as its new managing editor. There’s a new head of Newsy, and a new job for a veteran newsman who’s spent the last few years working as a fill-in ND for lots of stations.

In Louisville, ONE new GM while a veteran GM leaves another station, and Gray promotes a GM in West Virginia.

Lots of news this week…read on!

Newly Named News Directors:

Long

WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL…BAYLOR LONG has been named news director for this Hearst owned NBC affiliate. Details in this story, where you’ll learn that Baylor has been the Assistant ND at Hearst’s WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. WVTM will be his FIFTH job at a Hearst station. In Birmingham, he replaces SUE STEPHENS who is retiring after six years at WVTM and 40 years in our business.

Harris

KTUL-TV, Tulsa, OK…an promotion within Sinclair, as Le’ONDRE HARRIS moves to Oklahoma to become news director’s at this ABC affiliate. She’s the Assistant ND for WBFF-TV (FOX) in Baltimore and has worked in Atlanta, Seattle, Houston, and San Antonio and for the Weather Channel. She replaces PHILLIP BRUCE who also moved within Sinclair and is now the ND for KOMO-TV (ABC) in Seattle.

Stroud

KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA…MARCUS STROUD will be the next ND for this Nexstar owned NBC affiliate. It’s another inter-company move as Marcus leaves Nexstar’s WIAT-TV in Birmingham, where he was Assistant ND. Marcus, who began as a photographer, earlier was Chief Photographer at WAKA-TV in Montgomery. He replaces JOHN WALTON who moved to Nexstar’s WVLA/WGMB-TV, in Baton Rouge

Sweeney

KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX…GINNY SWEENEY, a Beaumont native, is on the job as the ND for this Tegna owned ABC/NBC operation. She’s been working for KAKE-TV in Wichita as Special Projects Producer. More in this email to the staff. Ginny’s also worked in Houston. Sadly, she last made these pages in April when we reported the sudden death of her husband, JOHN, the creative services director at KAKE.

Phillips

WBKO-TV, Bowling Green, KY…KALUP PHILLIPS moves within Gray Television as he joins this ABC affiliate for his first news director’s job. He’s spent the last eight years at Gray’s KAIT-TV (ABC) in Jonesboro, the last four years as the Assistant News Director. (KAIT is looking for this replacement…check out the station’s paid help wanted ad below). AT WBKO, he replaces longtime ND HENRY CHU who retired in April after 14 years as ND here.

KLST-TV, San Angelo, TX…yet ANOTHER inter-company moves results in CODY BROWN being promoted to ND for this CBS station. He has been the assistant news director and replaces DAVID WAGNER who left the station earlier this summer.

New News Director Openings:

To the best of my knowledge, there are NO new openings this week. If I’ve missed something, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WBRE-TV, Wilkes-Barre, PA:

This is the market where it all started…

Join the largest TV ownership group in the country in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Market #58) as NEWS DIRECTOR.

A lot has changed since the early days of Nexstar Media Group 25 years ago. We now own 199 stations in 116 markets… But our commitment to the original market – now with WBRE/NBC and WYOU/CBS – and the original mission – serving our communities with LOCAL NEWS – is stronger than ever.

The perfect candidate for this perfect opportunity is collaborative, creative and competitive. We are looking for someone dynamic and innovative, with a proven track record of success on broadcast and digital platforms. We are ready to move you so you can move us.

This could be where it all starts for you, too. Imagine where Nexstar could take you.

Apply here!

News Director, WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH:

Cox Media Group in Dayton, OH is seeking a strategic, team-oriented, and passionate journalist to lead the powerhouse WHIO TV team as our News Director.

WHIO TV is the Dayton region’s number one station for news and the number one CBS affiliate in the nation in household shares. The News Center 7 newsroom is a respected organization driven by aggressive, investigative storytelling, cutting edge producing, and the region’s best severe weather team.

This is a rare opportunity for a leader who possesses a passion for local news along with the highest standards for producing unbiased and impactful reporting for our audience. The WHIO philosophy is built on a foundation of breaking news and investigative journalism that is dedicated to pursing the facts and holds that the truth is the ultimate, unwavering guide.

Our ideal candidate will be a hands-on servant leader, with a vision and mission to serve the needs of our viewers while fueling the passion and professional development of our news team.

The CMG culture is based on the idea that we compete with our products, but we win with our people.

If you are ready to help our team to their best work for the Dayton region, click on the link below and apply today.

Click here to apply.

We want innovative, agile and savvy risk-takers with entrepreneurial minds and diverse points of view on our team. If this description fits, we’d love to have you join CMG.

Executive Producers, Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC:

Are you ready to make a change in your career and join a news organization that values true storytelling and quality content? Ready to showcase your management skills in a fantastic, fast-growing market?

Spectrum News currently has two Executive Producer openings in our Charlotte Newsroom and we’re hiring immediately.

Click the link for specifics—but we want Journalists who believe in what we are all about. We are looking for someone with 5+ years of management experience who excels at leading and coaching a multi-generational workforce.

We’re innovative. We’re growing. We’re different. If you haven’t yet considered Spectrum Networks for your next job—now is the time! Questions? Email Mike.bothwell@charter.com

Click here to apply.

Assistant News Director, KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR:

KAIT, Gray Television’s dominant #1 station in Jonesboro, Arkansas is looking for its next Assistant News Director.

This person will work side by side with our news director to run the day-to-day newsroom across all platforms. The best candidate will demonstrate how they build a team as well as the ability to train reporters and producers.

Jonesboro is the regional hub, seeing yearly double-digit growth. Jonesboro is also home to Arkansas State University and a short drive to mountains, lakes, and rivers.

Gray Television supports local community interests by providing quality television broadcasting and exceptional service in each market we serve. Gray owns and/or operates television stations and leading digital properties over 100 television markets including the first or second highest rated television station in 86 markets.

We are an unmatched broadcast pioneer that keeps getting bigger and better.

If you are looking for that first leadership role or an experienced leader, apply today.

News Director, KION-TV, Monterey/Salinas, CA:

KION News Channel 5, located in beautiful Monterey County, California, is seeking an extraordinary journalist to lead a growing news team. In addition to CBS we produce news daily on CW and Telemundo.

Our News Director will be a visionary coach who understands how to produce compelling and distinctive content on all multi-media platforms. Must have proven skillset to maximize content and customer engagement on digital and social media platforms. Must demonstrate a passion for the product with strong oversight and consistent communication and feedback.

The successful candidate will be called upon to provide strategic direction for daily news coverage as well as working closely with the General Manager on long-range planning, special news coverage and station projects.

Applicants should be prepared to discuss:

Previous experience
Creative approaches to building and innovating news brand
Digital and social strategies
Effective use of social media in a broadcast environment
Previous experience managing financial, technical and people resources

KION was acquired by News-Press & Gazette Company in December 2013, and has recently made significant capital investments to build a strong local news organization.

Candidate must pass a drug test and background check. A valid driver’s license is required. Please apply online by submitting brief cover letter that includes resume, and source of referral by clicking here.

NPG of Monterey-Salinas, CA LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Posting closes when position is filled.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (new listing this week)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 6/13/21)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/4/21)
WDKY-TV, Lexington, KY (listed 6/27/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (listed 7/4/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (listed 6/18/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 7/4/21)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/25/21)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)
KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR (new listing this week, see ad above!)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, new this week, see ad above!)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/27/21)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 6/13/21)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/25/21)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro-High Point, NC (AM EP, relisted 8/1/21)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 7/4/21)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted this week)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 7/4/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 7/4/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, relisted 6/13/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 7/18/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 6/27/21)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted 8/1/21:

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 7/11/21:

KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (Senior Manager of Investigative)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (Real Time Desk Manager)

Relisted 6/27/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content

Listed 6/20/21:

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Digital Content Director)

Obituaries:

Paul F.

PAUL FREDERICKSEN, who ran Des Moines’ KCCI-TV (Hearst/CBS) for more than 27 years, died Friday at the age of 76. Paul had worked in the insurance business before moving to TV, joining KCCI (then KRNT-TV) as business manager. His obituary is here, and his former station remembered him with this story.

Schruth

PETER SCHRUTH, a longtime affiliate relations VP at CBS, died in mid-July at the age of 69. He spent most of his career at CBS or one of its owned stations. A funeral service is planned for later this year.

Names in the News:

Aslam

REHAN ASLAM, the relatively new news director for WABC-TV in New York, is recovering from a surgery to remove a brain tumor. Earlier this week, he posted a Facebook Live discussing his case, but it’s no longer public. However, WABC anchor BILL RITTER did post this on Facebook which offers some more details. Best wishes, Rehan, who joined WABC just a few months ago from sister ABC o-and-o KTRK-TV in Houston.

Passant

Longtime CBS News employee COURT PASSANT joins Nexstar’s WPIX-TV in New York as Managing Editor. Court shared this note with me that he posted to Linkedin. His tenure at CBS included a stint as VP, Affiliate Marketing for CBS. Recently he consulted for FOX and Salesforce. Court’s also worked in Louisville, South Bend, and Columbia, MO.

Ludgood

ERIC LUDGOOD joins Scripps’ Newsy as Head of News. He’s currently the Assistant news director for FOX’s WAGA-TV in Atlanta. He’s a former news director in Atlanta (WGCL-TV/CBS) and Raleigh (WNCN-TV/then NBC, where he worked for five months). Eric also worked for 12 years at CNN in a variety of roles.

Ackermann

STEVE ACKERMANN can unpack his bags, at least for a while. After his time as VP/News for Raycom ended, he’s been working as a fill-in ND for many stations. Now, he’s accepted a one year appointment as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of North Texas in Denton. More from his post on Linkedin. He’s a former ND in Cincinnati, helped launch Texas Cable News, and spent many years working for CBS News. Click here if you want to send him a kind note.

Readers of a certain age will remember “The Lighting Round” from the game show Password. Consider this section our version of that.

A number of news managers on the move:

ANN ISSAC joins KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver as Morning EP. Here’s the note to staff from ND BRIAN GREGORY.

DEYJA CHARLES jumps to Scripps’ KGTV (ABC) in San Diego as EP. She’s been working as an EP for the Scripps’ station in Waco, KXXV-TV.

At another Scripps station, KSHB-TV (NBC) in Kansas City, RYAN TAKEO is the new Senior Manager of Investigations. He’s been the Managing Editor for KOMU-TV in Columbia, MO, and has worked as a reporter in San Francisco, Seattle and Grand Rapids, MI.

RON JACOBSOHN joins Nexstar’s WKRG-TV (CBS) in Mobile. Ron has been freelancing in Los Angeles, but previously worked for RNN-TV in New York.

MURRY LEE gets bumped up to Digital EP for WJHL-TV in Johnson City, TN. He had been a digital content producer at that Nexstar/CBS station.

Finally at WKOW-TV in Madison, WI, CAROLINE BACH was promoted to Content Manager.

General Manager News and Notes:

Two GM changes in Louisville:

Columbia

At Tegna’s WHAS-TV, LISA COLUMBIA has been promoted to GM. She’s worked at this ABC affiliate since 2012, first as local sales manager and then as GSM. Lisa’s also worked in Lexington and replaces CHRISTY MORENO who was promoted to GM for Tegna’s KING-TV in Seattle.

Across town, WAVE-TV GM KEN SELVAGGI has left that Gray owned NBC affiliate after more than ten years as ND. He’s also been a GM in Montgomery and is a former news director.

Another Gray station has a new GM. CHARITY HOLMAN has been upped to GM here. More here. She’ll continue her role as general sales manager. She’s worked at this NBC affiliate for about 15 years.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 8, 2021:

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

WCBS-TV 530 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KMSP/WTTC-TV 11358 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
KUTV 299 South Main St. # 150, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
WHNS-TV 21 Interstate Court Greenville, SC 29615
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701 (see ad above!)
WHAS-TV 520 West Chestnut Street Louisville, KY 40202
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza. Buffalo, NY 14202
KJRH-TV 3701 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74105
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409 (see ad above!)
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St Charleston, WV 25301
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WFFF/WVNV-TV 298 Mountain View Dr, Colchester, VT 05446
KFSM-TV 5101 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KATC-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Road. Lafayette, LA 70506
KION-TV 1550 Moffett Street Salinas, CA 93905 (see ad above!)
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
WTVM-TV 1909 Wynnton Rd Columbus, GA 31906
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road Rockford, IL 61103
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave., Duluth MN 55802
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WJET-TV 8455 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
WDTV 5 Television Drive. Bridgeport, WV 26330
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501

**: Spanish language station

August 1, 2021

Greetings:

FIVE new news director openings in this week’s report, only ONE of which was created by the incumbent getting a promotion. And that move was one of our THREE new ND hires, leaving our list of open ND jobs at 42!

I don’t know if that’s a record in the 25 years we’ve been bringing you this report, but it’s dang close.

FOUR of those 42 jobs are advertised among our FIVE paid help wanted ads.

One obituary this week, that of a former GM in several midwest markets who retired more than 25 years ago.

In Names in the News, a new ‘interim’ EP for the CBS Evening News, a new Assistant ND in New York, and a handful of news manager moves.

And a Tennessee news director adds a new title (Station Manager) which will change to General Manager next year.

It’s a busy week…read on!

Newly Named News Directors:

Cronan

WCVB-TV, Boston, MA…our update on Thursday brought you first word of MARGARET CRONAN’s appointment as ND for this ABC affiliate. It’s a return to Hearst as she had earlier been the ND for company stations in Baltimore and W. Palm Beach. Most recently, she was ND at KYW-TV (CBS) in Philadelphia. At WCVB, she replaces PAIGE HARRISON who’s been named VP/News for Hearst.

Lopez

WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA…GERARDO LOPEZ moves from one Scripps station to another as he’s been named news director for this CBS affiliate. Since January, 2020, he’s been the ND for KJRH-TV (NBC) in Tulsa. The number of places he’s worked is too long for this space! At WTKR, he replaces ERIC OLSEN who is now ND for WHBF-TV in Rock Island, IL.

Parsons

WCHS-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV…WADE PARSONS is being promoted within Sinclair to be the next ND for this CBS/FOX operation. Here’s the staff email, which includes quotes from Wade. He’s currently the assistant ND for Sinclair’s KSNV-TV (NBC) in Las Vegas. Wade’s also worked in Providence, Orlando, and Greenville, SC. At WCHS, he replaces CHRIS SWOPE who requested a transfer to WCTI-TV in New Bern to be close to family.

New News Director Openings:

KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK…we told you above that GERARDO LOPEZ is moving to another Scripps station, WTKR-TV in Norfolk. His replacement will be the fifth ND in about four years.

Walker

KATC-TV, Lafayette, LA…LETICIA WALKER has left this Scripps’ owned ABC affiliate after almost 20 years at the station and 14 years as news director. More in this story which includes a quotes from both Leticia and GM SEAN TRCALEK. She began at the station as a reporter and fill-in anchor in 2002 and earlier and worked at KLFY-TV in Lafayette.

Sakai

KION-TV, Salinas/Monterey, CA…is looking for a new news director. My records show that STACY SAKAI was named news director of this News Press and Gazette station last September, replacing RON KELLER. You can learn more about this opportunity by checking out the Paid Help Wanted ad below.

Baxter

WJET-TV, Erie, PA…after 17 years as news director, and more than 40 years at the station, LOU BAXTER is retiring from the day to day operations of the newsroom. But, as you’ll learn in this article, he’s going to stay on coordinating special projects for both the station and its website. He began at the station as a reporter and anchor.

Kirby

KREX-TV, Grand Junction, CO…this Nexstar owned CBS and FOX operation has a news director opening. I believe that JOHN KIRBY had been the news director since March, 2019. His background was unusual for a news director.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KION-TV, Monterey/Salinas, CA:

KION News Channel 5, located in beautiful Monterey County, California, is seeking an extraordinary journalist to lead a growing news team. In addition to CBS we produce news daily on CW and Telemundo.

Our News Director will be a visionary coach who understands how to produce compelling and distinctive content on all multi-media platforms. Must have proven skillset to maximize content and customer engagement on digital and social media platforms. Must demonstrate a passion for the product with strong oversight and consistent communication and feedback.

The successful candidate will be called upon to provide strategic direction for daily news coverage as well as working closely with the General Manager on long-range planning, special news coverage and station projects.

Applicants should be prepared to discuss:

Previous experience
Creative approaches to building and innovating news brand
Digital and social strategies
Effective use of social media in a broadcast environment
Previous experience managing financial, technical and people resources

KION was acquired by News-Press & Gazette Company in December 2013, and has recently made significant capital investments to build a strong local news organization.

Candidate must pass a drug test and background check. A valid driver’s license is required. Please apply online by submitting brief cover letter that includes resume, and source of referral by clicking here.

NPG of Monterey-Salinas, CA LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Posting closes when position is filled.

News Director, KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA:

TOP 10 OPPORTUNITY- Nexstar Media Inc.’s KRON 4 is seeking a news director to lead a team of top-notch journalists in San Francisco, Market #6 – a world class city and the 10th best place to live in the country, according to U. S. News & World Report.

The Bay Area’s Local News Station delivers the most news coverage in our DMA – over 120 LIVE hours – across KRON 4, kron4.com and KRONon, our 24/7 local news app.

The News Director will lead daily on-air and online news coverage; hire, train, and mentor producers, reporters and anchors; oversee special projects and execute day-to-day operations in the newsroom. Excellent time management skills, the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and working within a defined budget are key. Must be able to lead and motivate both experienced, seasoned pros and those who are new to the media industry.

The news director must have a track record of successful collaboration with department head peers and value the importance of community involvement. A degree in journalism, mass communications, or a related field is preferred.

Prior newsroom leadership experience is required.

Apply here.

News Director, KBJR-TV, Duluth, MN:

We’re looking for a dynamic newsroom leader to take our team to the next level.
KBJR Television in Duluth, MN seeks a News Director to grow our news team and advance our news products.

The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining market leading standards for newsroom operations and content. Other duties include hiring, coaching, supervising and evaluating news personnel as well as preparation and administration of newsroom budgets and capital requests.

Reporting to the General Manager, the News Director is expected to work closely with other department managers to achieve the company’s overall performance goals.

A minimum of 3 years television news management experience and a college degree in broadcast journalism preferred. Must be able to demonstrate strong working knowledge of community issues and needs, as well as sound journalistic principles. Must have the ability to make fast, accurate journalistic, ethical and logistical judgments.

If you have a passion for excellence and a burning desire to lead what can become the best local broadcast news operation in Northern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin, we want to hear from you.
Send your cover letter and resume to:

Todd Wentworth
246 South Lake Ave
Duluth, MN 55802
twentworth@kbjr6.com

Throughout QMI, positions are available for candidates with all levels of experience and the advancement you are seeking.

Visit https://quincymediacareers.com/ for links to all stations and opportunities.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

KBJR 6 & CBS 3 is an EEO/AA Employer

News Director, WREX-TV, Rockford, IL:

13 WREX is looking for a dynamic, innovative journalist committed to leading a group of talented journalists into the future of our industry.

Our news operation is content-focused and thrives off of journalists willing to think outside the box. We don’t just document what happened — we are storytellers.

WREX is committed to telling important, impactful stories that make a difference in our local communities. Our next news director must have a passion for seeking the truth and help identify important stories.

WREX has been named Station of the Year by the Illinois Broadcasters Assoc., Outstanding News Operation by the Illinois AP and the regional winner of the Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence. We’re looking for a candidate who strives for excellence in everything they do.

Other duties include hiring, coaching, supervising and evaluating news personnel, preparation and administration of newsroom budgets and capital requests. The news director works closely with other department managers to achieve the company’s overall performance goals.

A minimum of 4 years of TV news management experience and a degree in broadcast journalism is preferred. You must demonstrate a strong working knowledge of community issues and sound journalistic principles with fast, accurate journalistic and logistical judgments.

If you have a passion for excellence, and a desire to lead the best local broadcast news operation in Rockford, Illinois, we want to hear from you.

Please send resume & cover letter to:

Ed Reams
General Manager
13 WREX
P.O. Box 530
Rockford, IL 61105

ereams@wrex.com

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 6/13/21)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/4/21)
WDKY-TV, Lexington, KY (listed 6/27/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (listed 7/4/21, see ad above!)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (listed 6/18/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 7/4/21)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/25/21)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted this week)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/27/21)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 6/13/21)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 6/13/21)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/25/21)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro-High Point, NC (AM EP, relisted this week)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 7/4/21)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (listed 6/6/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (Digital EP, listed 6/13/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 7/4/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 7/4/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, relisted 6/13/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 7/18/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (listed 7/25/21)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 6/27/21)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted this week:

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 7/11/21:

KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (Senior Manager of Investigative)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (Real Time Desk Manager)

Relisted 6/27/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content

Listed 6/20/21:

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Digital Content Director)

Obituary:

Herbst

RICH HERBST, who ran stations in Milwaukee (WTMJ-TV) and Cedar Rapids, IA (KGAN-TV) before retiring at age 57, died this week at the age of 83 at his home in Tennessee. More in this obituary. After retiring, Rich worked as a consultant and continued his work with several non-profit organizations. Services will be held later this month.

Names in the News:

Ortiz

CBS veteran AL ORTIZ has been named interim executive producer of The CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell. He held the same job when the program was called The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. For the past seven years, he’s been the vice president of standards and practices for CBS News.

Adams

SAUL ADAMS gets a promotion at Nexstar’s WPIX-TV in New York. He’ll be the next Assistant News Director there. Saul had been Managing Editor for the CW affiliate. He’s in his second stint at ‘PIX, interrupted by three years at WNBC-TV. He’s also worked for WNYW-TV, the FOX station in New York.

Wilson

WOIO-TV (CBS), the Gray owned CBS affiliate in Cleveland, has named ERICA WILSON as its news morning executive producer. She joins from WHDH-TV (Sunbeam/independent) in Boston where she had been the 5:30 producer.

And at another Gray station in Ohio, MEGAN LAIRD moves from 10:00 producer to EP at WXIX-TV in Cincinnati.

Murrell

GROVER MURRELL returns to his native Baltimore, joining CBS o-and-o WJZ-TV as the dayside executive producer. He’s leaving Cox Media Group’s WJAX/WFOX-TV in Jacksonville, where he was the managing editor. His GM there, BOB LONGO, sent this nice note to the staff. Grover’s also worked for another Baltimore station at in Nashville.

General Manager News and Notes:

Starnes

Congratulations to WRCB-TV (Chattanooga, TN) News Director CALLIE STARNES who’s adding station manager duties to her job, part of a plan that will make her GM next year. She’s been the ND for this Sarkes Tarzian owned NBC affiliate since 2016. She first joined the station in 2008 as a reporter and was later promoted to Assistant News Director.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 1, 2021:

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