Rick Gevers & Associates

March 8, 2021

Saturday, March 13, 2021 Update:

Greetings:

Another high level change in news management at a Nexstar property.

Burns

VICKIE BURNS has resigned as VP/News and content at WPIX-TV in New York. She’ll be there through the end of the month, having spent two years at this CW affiliate. She had consulted the station for previous owner Tribune before ascending to the news director’s position in March 2019.

Vickie spent much of her career at NBC owned stations in Washington, Chicago, and Los Angeles. When she left the last of those jobs at KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, she said she wanted to live east of the Mississippi. She’s also worked for two stations in Chicago.

We’ll have more on this developing story in our full newsletter tomorrow.

Until then, enjoy all the basketball!

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

More trouble tonight for Nexstar’s troubled NewsNation.

Lyons

JENNIFER LYONS has resigned as VP/News for NewsNation, less than a year after leaving her job as news director of sister-Nexstar property WGN-TV.

Here are stories with more details, first from longtime Chicago media reporter ROBERT FEDER, and the other from The Chicago Tribune.

Jennifer spent more than 25 years at WGN except for a brief interlude of about two months when she left for a job with a non-profit in 2018. She had not been replaced when she decided to return.

Jennifer first became the ND at WGN in 2014.

I’m sure we’ll have more on this story this weekend.

And…while I have you…I need to clarify a poorly written first paragraph from last week’s newsletter.

In referring to ART HOLLDAY’S promotion to News Director at KSDK-TV in St. Louis, I wrote “…this week brought the FIRST Black news director in a top 25 market.”

I meant, of course, that Art was the first Black news director in THAT top 25 market, not the first Black news director in any top 25, of which there have been many…including many currently holding that role.

Apologies and thanks to those who wrote to point out my poor writing.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

To the best of my knowledge, this week brought a top 25 Midwest market its FIRST black news director. That’s ONE of TWO new jobs filled during the last seven days, while we have THREE new openings.

Our total of open ND jobs now increases to 23. And ONE of those openings is among our THREE paid below wanted ads.

We have obituaries for a longtime Tulsa anchor and news director, and another for a veteran broadcaster whose daughter is currently an ND.

We have ONE item about a GM change, and there’s a lot to learn in our Names in the News segment about news managers both current and former.

All that and more below!

Newly Named News Directors:

Holliday

KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO…our mid-week UPDATE told you of ART HOLLIDAY’s promotion to ND for this Tegna/NBC station. KSDK interviewed him on air about his new role. He’s been anchoring the 4:00 PM news, but began in 1979 as a sports anchor/reporter. Art was the first anchor of KSDK’s morning newscast and twice served as EP. He’ll report to Director of Content CAROL FOWLER. Full disclosure: we worked together at KSDK and were classmates at the University of Missouri.

Raffaele

WNYT-TV, Albany, NY…the long search for a new news director for this Hubbard Broadcasting NBC affiliate has ended with the hire of MICHAEL RAFFAELE. More here. He’s been the ND for Sinclair’s WACH-TV (FOX) in Columbia, SC. Michael replaces DAVID JONES who left almost a year ago saying he was leaving TV. Four months later he joined WLNE-TV in Providence, RI as news director.

New News Director Openings:

Maisel

KAKE-TV, Wichita, KS…ANTHONY MAISEL has announced his retirement after five years as news director for this Lockwood Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate. He came to Wichita from another Lockwood station, KTEN-TV in Denison, TX, where he was the GM. He’s had a number of other stops along the way, as you’ll learn when you check out his Linkedin page.

WACH-TV, Columbia, SC…as noted above, MICHAEL RAFFAELE is leaving this Sinclair/FOX operation to become ND for Hubbard’s WNYT-TV in Albany, NY.

Carpenter

WAOW-TV, Wausau, WI…KEVIN CARPENTER is retiring after almost three years as news director for this Quincy Media owned (for now, sale pending to Gray) ABC affiliate. Kevin spent 16 years as Director of Digital Operations for WLS-TV in Chicago and began his career as a reporter in Plattsburgh, VT, and Flint, MI.

And while it’s not a new opening, please check out the new Paid Ad for the open ND job at WKBT-TV in La Crosse, WI.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI:

News 8 Now/WKBT-TV has a rare opening for a News Director to lead our team in one of Wisconsin’s best cities to live in. La Crosse is a university town, a regional health care center and city with a rich history. La Crosse is home to three institutions of higher learning. La Crosse is also home to top rated Gunderson Health System as well as having a Mayo Clinic Health System hospital and regional clinics.

WKBT has not had a news director opening for nearly thirty years. We are looking for someone to break the mold and connect with local audiences in a new way. We produce 20+ hours of television news a week and embrace coverage through our app, social, web site and streaming video channels resulting in a digital leadership position in the market. The right candidate will have a proven track record of audience growth and will understand how to build emerging platforms.

We are committed to quality journalism. We are proud of being honored as the Small Market Television Station of the Year from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association eight times.

In this role, you’ll be asked to set and execute a strategy for audience growth with a content editorial team. You’ll lead efforts to build and retain a top-notch staff. You’ll need to be aggressive moving resources to meet the demand of a shifting local news marketplace. You’ll be asked to make critical editorial decisions with a deep understanding of journalism ethics.

Apply at https://morganmurphymedia.com/

Executive Producer, WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA:

Meredith Corporation is searching for an Executive Producer. This is a great opportunity to create compelling content while promoting an engaging work environment. This position works closely with Producers, Reporters and Assignment Editors in developing and maintaining high quality newscasts. The Executive Producer oversees story selection, pre-production and Producer rundowns. The incumbent proofs and edits scripts on a daily basis. In addition, the Executive Producer helps reporters craft their stories and oversees brand management and content for the show. Prior experience is EP required.

WGCL-TV & WPCH TV are owned and operated by the Meredith Local Media Group. Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; www.meredith.com), a leading media company for nearly 120 years, produces service journalism that engages audiences with essential, inspiring, and trusted content. Meredith reaches more than 190 million unduplicated American consumers every month, including nearly 95 percent of all U.S. women, across media platforms including digital, video, print, and broadcast television. Meredith’s Local Media Group includes 17 television stations reaching more than 10 percent of U.S. households. Meredith’s portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, with seven stations in the nation’s Top 25 – including Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Portland – and 14 in Top 60 markets. Meredith’s stations produce approximately 745 hours of local news and entertainment content each week and operate leading local digital destinations.

Please visit https://www.meredith.com/careers

Executive Producer, WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA:

WTVM News Leader 9 is looking to fill one of our most critical roles: Executive Producer.

Don’t let the market size fool you – we produce 38.5 hours of news per week for the market’s ABC, NBC and Fox affiliates. We’re literally building a bigger newsroom right now! This is a leadership role with a focus on every facet of our newscasts. You will train and hire producers who are not “show stackers”. Instead, you’ll teach them how to select lead stories & showcase them.

You must have at least 5+ years’ experience. Your challenge: build on our already-strong market lead.

Columbus Georgia sits 85 minutes south of Atlanta and we have the kind of breaking news that you just don’t see everywhere. From weather (chasing storms in our Mobile Alert Center) to crime, we really give our “breaking news” graphics a workout.

You’ll have the tools you need to make sure we get news on the air as it happens (with access to several live backpacks, in-camera live capabilities, satellite truck & a pair of drones that can be deployed any day of the week). And as this past year reinforced, NO company cares for its employees more than Gray!

You’ll love Columbus – especially if you like outdoor activities! Mountains and beaches are just a few hours away. And do you love college football? You’ll be surrounded by all the best schools (Auburn is in our DMA).

If you’re a leader ready for your opportunity to shine, please APPLY!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WJLA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 2/21/21)
KARE-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/17/21)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 1/31/21)
WGAL-TV, Lancaster, PA (listed 2/21/21)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 1/24/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City,TN (listed 2/14/21)
KIII-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (listed 2/14/21)
KXMB-TV, Bismarck, ND (new listing this week)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WGN-America/News Nation, Chicago, IL (relisted this week)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP Special Projects, listed 1/10/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP, listed 1/10/21)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (EP Investigations, relisted 1/31/21)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 2/21/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (PM EP, relisted 1/24/21)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/21/21)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (Lifestyle show, new listing this week)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (Digital Content EP, relisted 2/21/21)
WISN-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 2/21/21)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 1/10/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 2/21/21)
WATN-TV Memphis TN (relisted 1/18/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 2/21/21)
KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 1/17/21)
WVLA-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 2/14/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 2/21/21)
WNCT-TV, Greenville, NC (listed 2/14/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, listed 1/31/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (listed 1/31/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, listed 1/3/21)
KATC-TV, Lafayette, LA (new listing this week)
WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA (listed 2/28/21, see ad above!)
KDRV-TV, Medford, OR (relisted 2/14/21)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 2/28/21:

WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (Broadcast Director)

Listed 2/21/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content

Listed 2/14/21:

Listed 1/10/21:

Spectrum News: Senior Director of News, New York

Obituaries:

Vaughn

CLAYTON VAUGHN, a longtime anchor and news director for KOTV in Tulsa, died Wednesday, March 3, at the age of 86. He spent much of his career in Tulsa but also anchored at KABC-TV in Los Angeles and at stations in New York and New Jersey. More on his life (and a Bob Hope anecdote) here. KOTV remembered their former colleague with this story.

Luck

ROD LUCK, a longtime broadcaster and father of KXLY-TV (Spokane, WA) News Director MELISSA LUCK, died February 27th at the age of 72. He lost a battle with cancer. Rod anchored sports in a number of large markets and finished his career as high profile morning reporter for KUSI-TV in San Diego, which aired this tribute to him. And the San Diego Union Tribute did a long obituary on him.

Names in the News:

The New York Times looks at Nexstar’s NewsNation program, which has already undergone many changes since its September launch. Here’s the story, which may require a subscription to read.

We have a number of new news managers named this week.

Stegen

In St. Louis, KSDK-TV (Tegna/NBC) added ANNE STEGEN as its Director of Digital Content. As will newly named ND ART HOLLIDAY (see above) both will report to Director of Content CAROL FOWLER who introduced Anne to the staff via this email.

KRISTIE ANDERSON jumps from Managing Editor of Daily Content to Assistant News Director at another Tegna NBC affiliate, WXIA-TV in Atlanta.

Two new news managers at NBC o-and-o WVIT-TV in Hartford. ND JANET HUNDLEY sent this memo to the staff introducing AMANDA STEFFEN as the new Senior Content Producer and SHELITHA HURD as the station’s new Dayside Executive Producer.

NICOLE BUFFINGTON has been promoted to executive producer for Scripps‘ KSTU-TV (FOX) in Salt Lake City. She’s been a producer there.

And we have news of THREE former news directors:

Faye

KATIE FAYE is retiring after 41 years in television news. She’s currently the news manager for WTGS-TV in Savannah, GA. Katie reports to the ND of sister Sinclair station WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach, but runs the day to day operation in Savannah. She sent me this email detailing both her background and her plans going forward. (Her email address is there for anyone wanting to wish her well.)

Samp

APRIL SAMP, late of WOI-TV in Ames/Des Moines, IA, has achieved her dream of being a small business owner.

And one-time WATE-TV (Knoxville, TN) ND MARTHA DOOLEY is in the news for filing a grievance against the Knox County Sheriff (she’s long worked for the department.)

General Manager News and Notes:

Dunaway

KEVIN DUNAWAY, who spent 16 years as ND for WWTV/WWUP-TV in Traverse City, MI, before a five year run as GM of that CBS affiliate, has a new job. He’s now the VP of Affiliate Relations for VUit. If you, like me, aren’t familiar with the company, this story will tell you about it and Kevin’s new job.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, March 7, 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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
KTLA-TV 5800 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
WFOR-TV 8900 NW 18th Terrace, Doral FL 33172
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820
WVIT-TV 1422 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110
KMPH/KFRE-TV 5111 E. McKinley Ave. Fresno, CA 93727
KAKE-TV 1500 N West St, Wichita, KS 67203
WCHS-TV 1301 Piedmont Rd. Charleston, WV 25301
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens Street, Suite 600 Columbia, SC 29201
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Road McAllen TX 78501 **
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KADN/KLAF-TV 1500 Eraste Landry, Lafayette, LA 70506
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi TX 78411
WKBT-TV 141 South 6th Street La Crosse, WI 54601 (see ad above)
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
WAOW-TV 1908 Grand Ave, Wausau, WI 54403
KTEN-TV 10 High Point Cir, Denison, TX 75020
KTXS-TV 4420 N. Clack Abilene, TX 79602
WDAM-TV 2362 US-11, Moselle, MS 39459
KAIT-TV 472 Craighead 766. Jonesboro, AR 72401
KIDY/KXVA-TV 5 S. Chadbourne Street San Angelo, TX 76903 ***

**: Spanish language station
***: News Director and Anchor

February 28, 2021

March 4, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

He started as a sports reporter, then became morning anchor, filled some other roles, and now is the news director…all at the same station in a top 25 market.

Holliday

That’s the story of ART HOLLIDAY, who moments ago was named news director for Tegna’s KSDK-TV (NBC) in St. Louis. Here’s the staff email from Director of Content CAROL FOWLER, to whom Art will report.

Art’s a 41 year veteran of the station. He’s been the interim news director since the start of the year, and had anchored the 4:00 PM news before that.

He first joined the station in 1979 as a sports reporter/anchor before launching the station’s morning newscast. He also spent two stints as EP of the that program.

Art’s also worked in Oklahoma City and Columbia, MO.

Full disclosure: he and I were classmates at Missouri and worked together at what was then KSD-TV.

Congrats to Art.

It’s been a busy week with other developments which we’ll recap in our full report this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Another busy week in the world of news director and news manager changes.

And the number of news director openings continues to creep up, reaching 21 after THREE new openings occurred this week…with TWO positions filled.

ONE of those openings is featured among our FOUR paid help wanted ads this week.

Among our other items…the President of Nexstar Broadcasting is retiring. There’s a new GM for CBS owned stations in Miami, and we have several items in Names in the News.

There’s also an obituary for a longtime Oklahoma City Hispanic broadcasters.

Read on for all the details!

Newly Named News Directors:

Presley

WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN…congratulations to COREY PRESLEY as he returns to Tennessee and gets his first ND job at this Tegna owned NBC affiliate. Details in this email from GM DAVID HUNT. Corey is currently the EP at WBTV in Charlotte and earlier was an EP for WIS-TV in Columbia, SC. He began his career in Tennessee at WCYB-TV in Bristol. At WBIR, he replaces JEREMY CAMPBELL who left last November after 14 months as ND.

Lopez

KAKW-TV, Austin, TX…MARIO LOPEZ starts tomorrow (Monday, March 1) as the ND for this Univision owned station. He’s a longtime news manager at other Univision stations and served a brief stint working for News Nation in Chicago. Mario replaces ISMAEL MARTINEZ who left the station last October.

New News Director Openings:

Hundley

WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT…JANET HUNDLEY is leaving this NBC o-and-o in early April after 2 1/2 years as VP/News. Learn more about her decision in the email she sent her staff. Janet’s a former ND in Milwaukee (WTMJ-TV) and Toledo (WTVG-TV) and a former Assistant ND at WLS-TV in Chicago. She’s also worked for two stations in Raleigh-Durham and in Fayetteville, NC.

Paape

WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI…ANNE PAAPE is retiring later this year from this Morgan Media owned CBS affiliate, and the station is beginning the search for her replacement. Anne also holds the title of station manager here, and has worked at the station for more than 30 years! Her station bio has more about her.

White

KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR…JOSH WHITE will leave this Gray TV owned ABC affiliate in a few months. Josh has no immediate plans except to move his family closer to relatives. He’s been the ND here since 2015 in his second stint at KAIT. Josh was the Assistant ND here before moving to sister station WFIE-TV in Evansville in the same role. He’s also worked in Kentucky, Missouri, and South Carolina in a variety of roles.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA:

WTVM News Leader 9 is looking to fill one of our most critical roles: Executive Producer.

Don’t let the market size fool you – we produce 38.5 hours of news per week for the market’s ABC, NBC and Fox affiliates. We’re literally building a bigger newsroom right now! This is a leadership role with a focus on every facet of our newscasts. You will train and hire producers who are not “show stackers”. Instead, you’ll teach them how to select lead stories & showcase them.

You must have at least 5+ years’ experience. Your challenge: build on our already-strong market lead.

Columbus Georgia sits 85 minutes south of Atlanta and we have the kind of breaking news that you just don’t see everywhere. From weather (chasing storms in our Mobile Alert Center) to crime, we really give our “breaking news” graphics a workout.

You’ll have the tools you need to make sure we get news on the air as it happens (with access to several live backpacks, in-camera live capabilities, satellite truck & a pair of drones that can be deployed any day of the week). And as this past year reinforced, NO company cares for its employees more than Gray!

You’ll love Columbus – especially if you like outdoor activities! Mountains and beaches are just a few hours away. And do you love college football? You’ll be surrounded by all the best schools (Auburn is in our DMA).

If you’re a leader ready for your opportunity to shine, please APPLY!

Senior Manager, News and Content, Spectrum Networks NY1:

Spectrum Networks is looking for a dynamic, innovative, creative leader to join the Spectrum Networks family at NY1.

We are looking for a leader to oversee our live local newscasts, engage with our communities through character-driven storytelling and offer our audiences the kind of coverage they care about. The kind that impacts their lives.

At Spectrum Networks, we look to inspire and be inspired! We are looking for a leader who is passionate, tech savvy and who is interested in “telling the story”.
If you want to be a part of something bigger and create an impact on the industry, let’s talk about this incredible opportunity.

Email Jennifer.Indemaio@charter.com with a resume and any questions you may have. New York City experience preferred. Top market experience in a local news station preferred.

Click here to apply!

News Director, KMPH-TV, Fresno, CA:

Lead a legacy FOX station in Fresno, CA to new heights.

KMPH is searching for a new leader to expand our content center operation across all platforms. Sure, you will lead a five-hour morning news, a midday news, an hour of late prime and newscasts for sister stations.

But you will also lead the charge of content for digital, social and emerging platforms. We need a leader who understands that consumers need content now on digital and social channels. An intense understanding of how to develop content unique to each platform is key.

Your leadership skills must be outstanding, The life-blood of our organization is our people. Your staff includes seasoned veterans as well as early career journalist who can benefit from your skills as a mentor.

And Fresno’s location has a lot to offer! It’s s near the geographical center of California. It lies approximately 220 miles north of Los Angeles, 170 miles south of the state capitol, Sacramento, and 185 miles southeast of San Francisco. Yosemite National Park is about 60 miles to the north, and Sequoia National Park is 75 miles to the southeast.

Join the team now! Apply here.

Executive Producer, WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH:

The biggest news station in the Midwest is searching for its next leader!

WXIX-TV in Cincinnati has an immediate opening for a dynamic, creative, and bold Executive Producer.

We deliver 11+ hours of news each day, 60+ hours of news each week. Fox19 is #1 all morning, #1 in the afternoon, and #1 at night!

Cincinnati is a vibrant, booming town with amazing entertainment, culture, and food. We have 3 professional sports teams, top colleges, and unique, thriving communities.

We are seeking someone who is not afraid to take the reins of a newscast, using showcasing skills and production tools to make the newscast sizzle. 5+ years of line producing experience is required. Executive Producer experience is preferred. Must be a news geek and have the ability to find and dig for stories.

Qualified candidates will have experience working closely with digital team to create content on all platforms. Must be strong at multi-tasking and attentive to the details but also possesses solid people/management skills. Must be creative, a great writer and can enterprise beyond the news of the day.

Qualified applicants, please apply online.

Drug screen required. No phone calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WJLA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 2/21/21)
KARE-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/17/21)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 1/31/21)
WGAL-TV, Lancaster, PA (listed 2/21/21)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 1/24/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City,TN (listed 2/14/21)
KIII-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (listed 2/14/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WGN-America/News Nation, Chicago, IL (listed 1/3/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP Special Projects, listed 1/10/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP, listed 1/10/21)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (EP Investigations, relisted 1/31/21)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (listed 2/7/21)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 2/21/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (PM EP, relisted 1/24/21)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 1/3/21)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/21/21, see ad above!)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (Digital Content EP, relisted 2/21/21)
WISN-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 2/21/21)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 1/10/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 2/21/21)
WATN-TV Memphis TN (relisted 1/18/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 2/21/21)
WFXR-TV, Roanoke, VA (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 1/17/21)
WVLA-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 2/14/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 2/21/21)
WNCT-TV, Greenville, NC (listed 2/14/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, listed 1/31/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (listed 1/31/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, listed 1/3/21)
WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KDRV-TV, Medford, OR (relisted 2/14/21)

More News Management Openings:

Listed this week:

WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (Broadcast Director)

Listed 2/21/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content (see ad above!)

Listed 2/14/21:

Listed 1/10/21:

Spectrum News: Senior Director of News, New York

Obituary:

Rubio

ARMANDO RUBIO, a well known Spanish language broadcaster who served as station manager for KTUZ-TV in Oklahoma City, died of Covid-19 on February 18th. He was 73 years old. Armando served in the Army, worked for GM, but later moved to radio and TV where he often championed Hispanic causes. This interesting obituary has more.

Names in the News:

Eure

JOSH EURE joins the Black News Channel as Senior Director of Live Programming in the network’s Washington bureau. BNC CEO PRINCELL HAIR told the staff via this email. Josh most recently was ND for KXXV-TV in Waco, TX, a job he left last October after about a year. His Linkedin page outlines his other jobs, both in local and network news.

Garcia

Milwaukee newswoman JESSIE GARCIA continues her unusual ascent up the management ladder. Just a little over a year after moving from sports to become Broadcast Director for Scripps’s WTMJ-TV (NBC), she begins tomorrow as the station’s Editorial Director, overseeing content for WTMJ. More in this staff note from news director TIM VETSCHER.

CHRIS CERBO moves a long way from his job as EP for WCAV-TV in Charlottesville, VA to Idaho. He’ll be the new Assistant News Director for Scripps’ KIVI-TV in Boise.

Balta

HUGO BALTA, recently ousted as the news director for public station WTTW-TV in Chicago, penned a lengthy letter to the editor/commentary in The Chicago Sun-Times saying his beliefs that a journalist can not be objective…only transparent…had a role in his departure from the station. You can read his letter here.

General Manager News and Notes:

Busch

TIM BUSCH, who’s the President of Nexstar Broadcasting, will retire from the company on June 1, ending a 36 year career in our industry. This news release has most of the important details. Tim first joined Nexstar in 2000 as general manager of the company’s Rochester, NY, station, WROC-TV. He’s also served in other corporate roles for Nexstar.

Green

DARRYLL GREEN has been named GM for CBS’s Miami duopoly, WFOR/WFBS-TV. He’s currently the GM for Scripps’ WFXT-TV (FOX) in Ft. Myers, FL. Darryll’s been a GM at WUSA-TV (CBS) in Washington, DC, and for WGRZ-TV (NBC) in Buffalo, NY. He’s also held GM jobs for radio stations and radio groups, including one in Miami.

Brady

After 15 years as general manager of WVVA-TV in Bluefield, WV, FRANK BRADY is going to retire from this Quincy Media owned NBC station. That 15 years is part of a 47 year career in broadcasting which included a stint as GM for KHQA-TV in Quincy. This story on the WVVA website has more details.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, February 28, 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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
KTLA-TV 5800 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
WFOR-TV 8900 NW 18th Terrace, Doral FL 33172
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820
WVIT-TV 1422 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110
KMPH/KFRE-TV 5111 E. McKinley Ave. Fresno, CA 93727 (see ad above!)
WNYT-TV 715 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204
WCHS-TV 1301 Piedmont Rd. Charleston, WV 25301
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Road McAllen TX 78501 **
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KADN/KLAF-TV 1500 Eraste Landry, Lafayette, LA 70506
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi TX 78411
WKBT-TV 141 South 6th Street La Crosse, WI 54601
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTEN-TV 10 High Point Cir, Denison, TX 75020
KTXS-TV 4420 N. Clack Abilene, TX 79602
WDAM-TV 2362 US-11, Moselle, MS 39459
KAIT-TV 472 Craighead 766. Jonesboro, AR 72401
KIDY/KXVA-TV 5 S. Chadbourne Street San Angelo, TX 76903 ***

**: Spanish language station
***: News Director and Anchor

February 21, 2021

Greetings:

There’s lots to tell you about in this week’s edition.

TWO news director openings, bring our total list to 19. ONE of those openings was created by a promotion to GM in the number one market!

ONE of those 19 ND openings is among our FOUR paid help wanted ads.

ONE new newly named ND, created by the promotion of an assistant news director to the top job at a Spanish language station in Texas.

THREE obituaries, including one of a woman who was the ND for the first Black owned station, another of a long ago Montana ND, and ONE for a longtime producer at a San Francisco o-and-o.

TWO new general managers, BOTH in New York City.

TWO items in Names in the News, both from Chicago, with both more details about the departure of a news director, and the other a retirement of a longtime Chicago EP.

And we welcome the return of AccuWeather as an advertiser. Please check out their ad just below!

Newly Named News Directors:

Rodriguez

KTLM-TV, McALLEN, TX…congratulations to IRIS RODRIGUEZ who’s been promoted to news director for this Telemundo owned station. She’s been the EP there since 2015 and previously worked in Dallas at Telemundo’s KXTX-TV where she was a producer and assignment editor. Iris replaces MIGUELANGEL LOPEZ who was promoted to VP/News at Telemundo’s WTMO-TV.

New News Director Openings:

Matthews

WABC-TV, New York, NY…our UPDATE earlier this week brought you the news that CHAD MATTHEWS has been promoted to news director for this ABC o-and-o. More here. Chad’s been the ND here for the last three years. He was the Assistant ND for one year before that, and earlier in his career spent 12 years at WABC. In between, he was the Assistant ND for WTVJ-TV (NBC) in Miami.

Stewart-James

WDAM-TV, Hattiesburg, MS…GALEAN STEWART-JAMES is leaving this Gray TV owned NBC/ABC affiliate after more than 3 1/2 years as news director. She’s off to West Palm Beach, FL, where she’ll be the assistant ND for Scripps’ WPTV (NBC). Before Hattiesburg, Galean was the EP for WLBT-TV in Jackson, MS and also worked for another Jackson station.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Senior Manager, News and Content, Spectrum Networks NY1:

Spectrum Networks is looking for a dynamic, innovative, creative leader to join the Spectrum Networks family at NY1.

We are looking for a leader to oversee our live local newscasts, engage with our communities through character-driven storytelling and offer our audiences the kind of coverage they care about. The kind that impacts their lives.

At Spectrum Networks, we look to inspire and be inspired! We are looking for a leader who is passionate, tech savvy and who is interested in “telling the story”.
If you want to be a part of something bigger and create an impact on the industry, let’s talk about this incredible opportunity.

Email Jennifer.Indemaio@charter.com with a resume and any questions you may have. New York City experience preferred. Top market experience in a local news station preferred.

Click here to apply!

News Director, KMPH-TV, Fresno, CA:

Lead a legacy FOX station in Fresno, CA to new heights.

KMPH is searching for a new leader to expand our content center operation across all platforms. Sure, you will lead a five-hour morning news, a midday news, an hour of late prime and newscasts for sister stations.

But you will also lead the charge of content for digital, social and emerging platforms. We need a leader who understands that consumers need content now on digital and social channels. An intense understanding of how to develop content unique to each platform is key.

Your leadership skills must be outstanding, The life-blood of our organization is our people. Your staff includes seasoned veterans as well as early career journalist who can benefit from your skills as a mentor.

And Fresno’s location has a lot to offer! It’s s near the geographical center of California. It lies approximately 220 miles north of Los Angeles, 170 miles south of the state capitol, Sacramento, and 185 miles southeast of San Francisco. Yosemite National Park is about 60 miles to the north, and Sequoia National Park is 75 miles to the southeast.

Join the team now! Apply here.

Executive Producer, WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH:

The biggest news station in the Midwest is searching for its next leader!

WXIX-TV in Cincinnati has an immediate opening for a dynamic, creative, and bold Executive Producer.

We deliver 11+ hours of news each day, 60+ hours of news each week. Fox19 is #1 all morning, #1 in the afternoon, and #1 at night!

Cincinnati is a vibrant, booming town with amazing entertainment, culture, and food. We have 3 professional sports teams, top colleges, and unique, thriving communities.

We are seeking someone who is not afraid to take the reins of a newscast, using showcasing skills and production tools to make the newscast sizzle. 5+ years of line producing experience is required. Executive Producer experience is preferred. Must be a news geek and have the ability to find and dig for stories.

Qualified candidates will have experience working closely with digital team to create content on all platforms. Must be strong at multi-tasking and attentive to the details but also possesses solid people/management skills. Must be creative, a great writer and can enterprise beyond the news of the day.

Qualified applicants, please apply online.

Drug screen required. No phone calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V

Newscast Producer, The National Desk, Sinclair Broadcast Group:

There is nothing better than loving, living, and embracing what you do. We’ve dared to change the face of an industry and have become the most diversified innovative broadcasting company in the nation.

The National Desk is looking for a dynamic Newscast Producer to join the Sinclair family. Our goal is to offer audiences on multiple platforms something different. The kind of coverage they care about, the kind that impacts their lives. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of something bigger and create an impact on the industry.

The life-blood of our organization is our people. We have a compelling story, a goal-oriented culture, and we take really good care of people. How good? Here is a glimpse: 100% company-paid life and disability, 401k match, employee stock plan, education reimbursement, and the ability to design your own comprehensive benefit package to suit you and your family’s every need.

Ready to join a winning team? Let’s talk. Apply here.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WJLA-TV, Washington, DC (new listing this week)
KARE-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/17/21)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 1/31/21)
WGAL-TV, Lancaster, PA (new listing this week)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 1/24/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City,TN (listed 2/14/21)
KIII-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (listed 2/14/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WGN-America/News Nation, Chicago, IL (listed 1/3/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP Special Projects, listed 1/10/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP, listed 1/10/21)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (EP Investigations, relisted 1/31/21)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (listed 2/7/21)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (new listing this week)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (PM EP, relisted 1/24/21)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 1/3/21)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (Digital Content EP, relisted this week)
WISN-TV, Milwaukee, WI (new listing this week)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 1/10/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (new listing this week)
WATN-TV Memphis TN (relisted 1/18/21)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (Digital EP, relisted 2/14/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (new listing this week)
WFXR-TV, Roanoke, VA (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 1/17/21)
WVLA-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 2/14/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted this week)
WNCT-TV, Greenville, NC (listed 2/14/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, listed 1/31/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (listed 1/31/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, listed 1/3/21)
KDRV-TV, Medford, OR (relisted 2/14/21)

More News Management Openings:

Listed this week:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content (see ad above!)

Listed 2/14/21:

Listed 1/10/21:

Spectrum News: Senior Director of News, New York

Obituaries:

Lambert

Our sympathy to everyone at NBC’s KNTV (San Francisco/San Jose) on the sudden death last week of producer RICHARD (RICK) LAMBERT. He died of what the station says was a non-Covid related health issue, just days after his 50th birthday. A 20+ year veteran of the station, he’s remembered in this story posted to the station’s website.

Hudson-Samuels

KAREN HUDSON-SAMUELS, a former news director for Detroit’s WGPR-TV, then an independent station, (now WWJ-TV) died earlier this month at the age of 68. No cause of death has been reported. The station, now a CBS o-and-o, was the first Black owned station when she worked there, aired this obituary, and The Detroit News also reported on her passing.

Hanley

One time KXLF-TV (CBS/Butte, MT) news director JACK HANLEY died last Sunday at the age of 87. He died on Valentine’s Day, holding the hands of his two daughters, one of whom wrote this obituary. Check it out for details about a man who lived a very interesting life.

Names in the News:

Balta

We have more details about the departure of HUGO BALTA from public station WTTW-TV in Chicago which we first reported in an UPDATE this Wednesday. The Chicago Tribune says Hugo has joined The Chicago Reporter as a contributing writer, and The Chicago Sun-Times offered a commentary saying it’s a bad time for turmoil at the station.

Shute

Congratulations to longtime Chicago newsman (and old friend) TONY SHUTE on his upcoming retirement. Tony will leave WLS-TV (ABC owned) in late May after 31 years on State Street. He’s currently an EP at the station. Tony earlier worked for eight years as a writer and producer for WGN-TV in The Windy City.

General Manager News and Notes:

TWO new general managers named in New York City this week. We told you above about CHAD MATTHEWS‘ promotion to the top job at WABC-TV, where he’s been the ND for the past three years.

McDonnell

And WPIX-TV, the newly-acquired-by Nexstar owned CW affiliate in New York, named CHRIS McDONNELL general manager. He’s been the GM for the company’s KRON-TV in San Francisco. More details in the official news release. Chris replaces BART FEDER, who many of you know from his long career in news.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, February 21, 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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
KTLA-TV 5800 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
WFOR-TV 8900 NW 18th Terrace, Doral FL 33172
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820
KAKW-TV 2233 W. North Loop Austin,TX 78756 **
KMPH/KFRE-TV 5111 E. McKinley Ave. Fresno, CA 93727 (see ad above!)
WNYT-TV 715 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204
WCHS-TV 1301 Piedmont Rd. Charleston, WV 25301
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Road McAllen TX 78501 **
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KADN/KLAF-TV 1500 Eraste Landry, Lafayette, LA 70506
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi TX 78411
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTEN-TV 10 High Point Cir, Denison, TX 75020
KTXS-TV 4420 N. Clack Abilene, TX 79602
WDAM-TV 2362 US-11, Moselle, MS 39459
KIDY/KXVA-TV 5 S. Chadbourne Street San Angelo, TX 76903 ***

February 14, 2021

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 UPDATE #2

Greetings:

A second update in the same day usually means big news, and there’s little bigger than an ND moving to the GM chair in the number one market!

Matthews

Congratulations to CHAD MATTHEWS who’s been elevated to President and GM of WABC-TV in New York. Details here. He’s been ND for this ABC owned station for the last three years, after a year as the Assistant News Director. Chad worked at WABC for 12 years earlier in his career, before spending five years as the Assistant ND for NBC’s WTVJ-TV in Miami.

He replaces DEBRA O’CONNELL, who became president of Networks for Disney last fall.

Chad is one of TWO former ND’s to run o-and-o’s in New York City, joining WNBC-TV’s ERIC LERNER who’s been on the job there since 2015.

McDonnell

And he’s one of TWO New York City General Managers named today, as Nexstar tabbed CHRIS McDONNELL to be GM for WPIX-TV (CW). Chris is currently the GM for Nexstar’s KRON-TV in San Francisco. You can learn more about his appointment and background in this news release.

It’s been a busy day: who knows what the rest of the week will bring. But you do know we’ll cover it all in our full newsletter this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

A Chicago news director is out after a flurry of criticism over his social media posts.

  Balta

WTTW-TV News Director (and EP of the program Chicago Tonight) HUGO BALTA has been ‘forced out’. That’s according to ROBERT FEDER, who has the scoop in the latest post to his website.

Hugo’s been the ND here for just about a year. He’s also worked for MSNBC, and ESPN, and is a former ND for WNJU-TV (Telemundo) in New York City. He’s also worked for two different stations in New York and one in Miami.

Hugo’s a two time President of NAHJ.

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

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Our Valentine’s Day report shows TWO newly named NDs, with TWO new openings, one of which was created by a transfer with Sinclair that accounted for one of the two new ND hires.

That leaves 18 stations looking for a new news director. None are featured in our TWO paid help wanted ads, both of which ARE featuring producer openings for candidates with a fair amount of experience

There are TWO obituaries, one of a multi-time news director who passed this week, and we have more information about last week’s death of marketing consultant BRUCE LINDGREN, including a detailed obituary.

And our thanks to Chicago media reporter ROBERT FEDER whose hard work produced the first two stories in our Names in the News section: a report on a Chicago ND placed on administrative leave, and more details on behind the scenes changes at Nexstar’s News Nation.

There are some other items in Names in the News, some involving names you may know like LABBE, WALDON, and SEALLS.

Read on and enjoy!

Newly Named News Directors:

Schmaltz

WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA…TREY SCHMALTZ, an eleven year veteran of the station, has been promoted to ND replacing LEE POLOWCZUK who is retiring. Trey’s been the Assistant ND: WBRZ has hired BEN LEMOINE to replace him. Ben’s a former reporter and anchor at this Manship family owned ABC affiliate. Lee spent five years as ND and has been an ND in New Orleans, W.Palm Beach, and Greenville, SC.

Swope

WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC…CHRIS SWOPE will be the next news director for this Sinclair owned ABC affiliate. He’s currently the ND for the company’s WCHS/WVAH-TV in Charleston, WV, but wanted to move to be closer to family. He’s been the ND here for 5+ of the nine years he worked there. Chris has also worked in Columbia, SC, Greenville and Charleston, SC, as well as Atlanta and Pittsburgh.

New News Director Openings:

WCHS/WVAH-TV, Charleston, WV…as we told you above, CHRIS SWOPE is leaving this Sinclair operated CBS/FOX duopoly after 5+ years as ND to become ND for WCTI-TV in New Bern, NC, to be closer to family.

Parker

KTEN-TV, Ada, OK/Sherman, TX/Addison, TX…after nine months, JOEY PARKER has left as the news director for this Lockwood Broadcasting owned NBC/ABC combination. Joey’s been an ND in Utica, NY, and Casper, WY, and has also worked in Columbia, MO, Gainesville, FL, Hastings, NE, Montgomery, and Dothan, AL.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Newscast Producer, The National Desk, Sinclair Broadcast Group:

There is nothing better than loving, living, and embracing what you do. We’ve dared to change the face of an industry and have become the most diversified innovative broadcasting company in the nation.

The National Desk is looking for a dynamic Newscast Producer to join the Sinclair family. Our goal is to offer audiences on multiple platforms something different. The kind of coverage they care about, the kind that impacts their lives. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of something bigger and create an impact on the industry.

The life-blood of our organization is our people. We have a compelling story, a goal-oriented culture, and we take really good care of people. How good? Here is a glimpse: 100% company-paid life and disability, 401k match, employee stock plan, education reimbursement, and the ability to design your own comprehensive benefit package to suit you and your family’s every need.

Ready to join a winning team? Let’s talk. Apply here.

Newscast Producer, KSTP-TV, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN:

What’s an ad for a newscast producer doing here?

We figure if you are reading Rick’s weekly newsletter, you are interested in keeping up with what is going on in our business.

So KSTP-TV, the Hubbard Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate in Minneapolis-St. Paul, is looking to hire an experienced newscast producer who wants to grow their career by joining what we believe is one of the best newsrooms in the country.

Sure, that sounds like boasting–but consider this: We are the flagship station of a family-owned broadcasting company in the 14th largest market. We treat our team members with respect and support innovation to make local television news more relevant. We believe in practicing solid journalism on every platform, and there isn’t a list of corporate-mandated stories to manage every day.

If you would like to be producing newscasts for a great news operation in a competitive, major market, then apply here.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KARE-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/17/21)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 1/31/21)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 1/24/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City,TN (new listing this week)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 1/24/21)
KIII-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (new listing this week)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WGN-America/News Nation, Chicago, IL (listed 1/3/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP Special Projects, listed 1/10/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP, listed 1/10/21)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (EP Investigations, relisted 1/31/21)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (listed 2/7/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (PM EP, relisted 1/24/21)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 1/3/21)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (Digital Content EP, relisted 12/20/20)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 1/10/21)
WATN-TV Memphis TN (relisted 1/18/21)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (Digital EP, relisted this week)
WFXR-TV, Roanoke, VA (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 1/17/21)
WVLA-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (new listing this week)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 12/20/20)
WNCT-TV, Greenville, NC (new listing this week)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, listed 1/31/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (listed 1/31/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, listed 1/3/21)
KDRV-TV, Medford, OR (relisted this week)

More News Management Openings:

Listed this week:

KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 1/10/21:

Spectrum News: Senior Director of News, New York

Obituaries:

Bowe

JACK BOWE died Thursday at the age of 78. He had been a news director at WSBT-TV in South Bend, KOLO-TV in Reno, KGET-TV in Bakersfield, WJHG-TV in Panama City and KMST-TV (now KION-TV in Monterey, CA). This obituary recaps his entire career and explains why memorial donations are directed to the University of Notre Dame.

Lindgren

We have more information on the death of longtime marketing consultant BRUCE LINDGREN, whose passing at the age of 81 we first reported last week. Here’s an obituary published today, and check out a nice tribute to Bruce penned by veteran marketer ERIK CANDIANI, first published on the Well Dunne! talent blog.

Names in the News:

Balta

Chicago’s media watcher ROBERT FEDER reports that WTTW-TV (PBS) News Director HUGO BALTA has been placed on administrative leave for what sources tell Feder were misdeeds on social media. The complete details in Feder’s story here. Hugo’s a two-term president of NAHJ and has worked at WCBS-TV in New York, ESPN, MSNBC, and as VP/News at WNJU-TV,the Telemundo station in New York.

Pudar

And Feder’s been busy. He followed up last week’s story on the departure of news director SANDY PUDAR from Nexstar’s Chicago based News Nation with this story looking at what he says are some of the reasons Pudar left the job. It’s an interesting read with more than a little behind the scene drama, apparently.

Hill

STEPHANIE HILL returns to a Tulsa newsroom as the new Assistant News Director at Scripps’ KJRH-TV (NBC). She’s been working as the Director of Communications for Oral Roberts University, her alma mater. But she spent 30 years working for KOTV (ABC) in Tulsa in a variety of roles, leaving as Managing Editor in 2016 when she took the position at Oral Roberts.

It’s Black History Month, and we’ve seen several examples of stories highlighting Black managers. Here’s a story from KABB/WOAI-TV in San Antonio profiling Sinclair Regional News Director BLAISE LABBE. Hearst has this interview with KOAT-TV (Albuquerque/ABC) General Manager (and two time news director) LORI WALDON. And, while not a manager, Accu-Weather posted this story on my longtime client ALAN SEALLS as a pioneering Black meteorologist. Alan’s the chief meteorologist at Sinclair’s WPMI-TV (NBC) in Mobile. Apologies to others whose profile I may have missed.

Ackermann

The curriculum overhaul at the University of Missouri School of Journalism continues, overcoming roadblocks like Covid-19, the 2020 election, and post election riots. So says STEVE ACKERMANN who just wrapped a long run as interim ND for the University’s KOMU-TV (NBC). Many of you know Steve, a former VP/News for Raycom.

General Manager News and Notes:

To my knowledge, no GM movement to report, though I expect one of the largest GM openings will be filled early this week. We’ll fill you in our report next weekend.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, February 14, 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

KTLA-TV 5800 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
WFOR-TV 8900 NW 18th Terrace, Doral FL 33172
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820
KAKW-TV 2233 W. North Loop Austin,TX 78756 **
KMPH/KFRE-TV 5111 E. McKinley Ave.Fresno, CA 93727
WNYT-TV 715 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204
WCHS-TV 1301 Piedmont Rd. Charleston, WV 25301
KTLM-TV 200 S 10th St. Fl 2 McAllen, TX 78501 **
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Road McAllen TX 78501 **
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KADN/KLAF-TV 1500 Eraste Landry, Lafayette, LA 70506
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi TX 78411
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTEN-TV 10 High Point Cir, Denison, TX 75020
KTXS-TV 4420 N. Clack Abilene, TX 79602
KIDY/KXVA-TV 5 S. Chadbourne Street San Angelo, TX 76903 ***

**: Spanish language station
***: News Director and Anchor