Rick Gevers & Associates

April 18, 2022

Thursday, April 21, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Well, THAT didn’t last long.

(And we have UPDATES on NAB events of interest and an important UPDATE to a story from last Sunday’s newsletter.)

Warner Bros. Discovery has pulled the plug, effective the end of April, on CNN’s new streaming service, CNN+. Here’s the CNN story on its demise, and here’s one from The Wall St. Journal.

This excerpt from the CNN story:

Hundreds of CNN+ staffers may lose their jobs. (Chris) Licht said in an internal memo that “all CNN+ employees will continue to be paid and receive benefits for the next 90 days to explore opportunities at CNN, CNN Digital and elsewhere in the Warner Bros. Discovery family.”

Staffers who aren’t absorbed elsewhere in the company will receive a minimum of six months of severance, he added.

Two other items:

My story in last Sunday’s newsletter gave you bad information about local stations winning Peabody Award nominations. Both KNTV (NBC owned) in San Jose/San Francisco, which received multiple nominations, and KNXV-TV (Scripps/ABC) in Phoenix were honored. Here’s the complete list which includes the nomination I earlier shared for KUSA-TV (Tegna/NBC) in Denver.

Apologies for the error.

And for those of you coming to Las Vegas for NAB, here are few items of note.

First, RTDNA is NOT organizing a gathering for news people as it has for the past few years. This explanation from Executive Director DAN SHELLEY:

We’re going to skip our usual meet-up this year. We’ve made a pretty heavy commitment to doing some stuff with BEA in Vegas next week. That, and given the fact that much of NAB will be different this year, prompted us to get the new lay of the land this year so we can put something bigger and better together next year.

Two of the advertisers that support this newsletter are exhibiting and would appreciate your visit. (At least stop by and tell them you saw it here!)

AccuWeather provided this information:

Our booth is N4506, we will be doing presentations at the top of every hour of our interactive touchscreen products, Weathershow Creator and StoryTeller+…

You can click here to set up an appointment with an AccuWeather representative.

And WMVision will also be at NAB:

Our booth number is N4725 and we are super excited to announce several new features at NAB, including enhanced workflows & security, as well as the new integration of Partner Camera Networks, with our first two partners being Vizzion and TrafficLand.

I will be at NAB and hope to see many of you there.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

FOUR new news directors this week, with NO new openings. So the list of open jobs gets a little shorter, with just 33 open ND jobs on our complete list below.

We have TWO Paid Help Wanted Ads, both for management positions at a top ten market station in Texas.

Just ONE new GM move this week…but it’s in Miami, a top 20 market.

And two big award competitions made announcements this week. Check out those items in our Names in the News department.

Have a great week.

Newly Named News Directors:

Beard

WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA…LEISHA BEARD moves from one Nexstar station to another as she takes over at this ABC affiliate. We told you last week…in reporting her departure from KSNF/KODE-TV (ABC/NBC) in Joplin, MO…that her next job would be announced soon…and it was. Leisha was ND for 12 of her 17 years there. In Harrisburg, she replaces OLIVIA DANGLER who transferred to WDTN-TV (NBC) in Dayton. Olivia is an Ohio native, so the move gets her closer to home.

Pace

WOI-TV, Des Moines/Ames, IA…PERRY PACE has been named news director for this Tegna owned (sale pending to Standard Media) ABC affiliate. He’s currently the Assistant ND for sister-Tegna station WTHR-TV (NBC) in Indianapolis in his second stint there. (Perry served as an EP at WTHR from 2012-2016 before a three year run as the Assistant ND for Hearst’s WVTM-TV (NBC) in Birmingham). He’s also worked in Houston. Perry replaces RYAN ROBERTSON who left WOI last October and is now, according to his Linkedin page, working as a media consultant and content director.

Lane

KRCG-TV, Jefferson City, MO…MEGHAN LANE gets her first news director job at this Sinclair owned CBS affiliate. She’s an eleven year veteran of the station, having first joined as a reporter in 2011 and advancing to weekend anchor, morning anchor, and, in 2014, evening anchor. She also served as interim ND in 2015 for several months. Meghan replaces MARIA MILLER who left way back in November, 2021, after three years as ND.

McConico

KBJR-TV, Duluth, MN…MATT McCONICO returns to his home state as the next ND for this Gray owned NBC/ABC operation. He most recently was the ND for Nexstar’s WTVO-WQRF-TV in Rockford, IL. Matt’s a former ND in Reno and Harrisburg and has worked in Eau Claire, Ft. Myers, and Green Bay. At KBJR, he replaces BRIGGS LeSAVAGE who continues to anchor at the station but gives up the ND chores.

New News Director Openings:

As far as I know, there were no new news directors hired this week. If I’ve missed something, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, KPRC-TV, Houston, TX:

KPRC2, the Graham Media Group owned/NBC affiliated station, is on the search for a leader, coach, creative thinker, innovator and top-notch journalist to join our news team as an Executive Producer.

Our next EP will come to work every day, with the passion and drive to be the #1 news organization in Houston on all platforms.

Houston is a diverse, growing city with a non-stop appetite for breaking news, enterprise and investigative journalism. It’s a market prone to year-round severe weather events and winning weather coverage is a top priority.

You’ll help lead the editorial direction of the newsroom, focusing on stories that interest and engage our very diverse audience. Our ideal candidate is someone who’s obsessed with understanding and serving our target audience, understands how to showcase big stories with memorable live shots, has impeccable news judgement and can motivate and lead veteran reporters and young producers while maintaining their cool under pressure.

Our Executive Producers need to react to breaking news and weather without hesitation and be willing to scrap stories the team has been working on all day to get it covered.

As a condition of employment, GMG requires that all newly hired employees be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by the first day of employment, to the extent permitted by applicable law, unless you qualify for a medical or religious accommodation, or as otherwise allowed by law.

Visit Click2Houston.com to learn more and apply.

KPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Managing Editor, KPRC-TV, Houston, TX:

KPRC2 is on the search for a Managing Editor to oversee assignment desk operations.

Our next Managing Editor will serve as a leading voice on daily editorial calls, setting the tone for the day and coming prepared with a competitive strategy to win the big story.

They will supervise all operations of the KPRC2 assignment desk, including making key content decisions and leading efforts on pre-planned, breaking news, severe weather and enterprise coverage. They will serve as one of several “point-people” for news crews in the field, coaching reporters and videographers on story elements, logistics and execution of content on all platforms.

The ideal candidate will have 5 years of experience managing a team of journalists, preferably in a local, network, cable or OTT news operation, advanced understanding of state laws regarding libel, fair use, and video/audio recordings, and a collaborative, positive, competitive attitude and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Located in the 4th largest city in the nation, the home of NASA, and “the energy capital of the world”, KPRC2 is a Graham Media Group news hub with strong ratings on broadcast and digital platforms and deep community ties.

As a condition of employment, GMG requires that all newly hired employees be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by the first day of employment, to the extent permitted by applicable law, unless you qualify for a medical or religious accommodation, or as otherwise allowed by law.

Visit Click2Houston.com to learn more and apply.

KPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, relisted 4/17/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 4/3/22)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 2/27/22)
WXBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 3/13/22)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 3/13/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 4/3/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 3/27/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted 3/27/22)
KBTX-TV, Bryan, TX (listed 2/27/22)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (listed 3/13/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/27/22)
WTVC-TV, Chattanooga, TN (listed 4/3/22)
WBND-TV, South Bend, IN (listed 4/3/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 3/20/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (listed 3/27/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WDCW-TV, Washington, DC, (Digital EP, listed 4/10/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 4/3/22, see ad above!)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 4/3/22)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 2/13/22)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 2/27/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 4/10/22)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 3/13/22)
WJZY-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 4/3/22)
KMOV-TV. St. Louis, MO (Special Projects EP, listed 2/27/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (Digital EP, listing revised 4/10/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (listing revised 3/27/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 2/27/22)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 4/10/22)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (2 openings, one a Digital EP, listed 4/17/22)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (listed 2/20/22)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans (EP Special Projects, revised 2/27/22)
WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 4/10/22)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 3/13/22)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (Digital EP, listed 4/10/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 2/27/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 3/20/22)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (relisted 3/20/22)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/20/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, listed 1/16/22)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 4/3/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (listed 3/20/22)
WBND-TV, South Bend, IN (listed 4/3/22)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, relisted 4/17/22)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (relisted 2/27/22)
KFDX-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (listed 4/17/22)
KSAN/KLST-TV, San Angelo, TX (listed 4/17/22)

SUPERVISING PRODUCER:

KOMU-TV, Columbia, Mo (relisted 4/3/22)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 4/3/22, see ad above!)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised 4/3/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/27/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, Mo (relisted 4/3/22)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted 4/17/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Relisted 4/3/22:

Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Director, Documentary Journalism Center)

Listed 3/27/22:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (Digital Content Director)

Listed 3/13/22:

Listed 3/6/22:

U. of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (Director of Student Media)

Names in the News:

No ‘Names’ in the news this week, but important news as award winners and finalists were named by two organizations.

The Peabody Awards announced its nominees, including KUSA-TV (Tegna/NBC) in Denver, the only local commercial station to be honored.  including NBC’s KTNV in San Francisco with several nominations. Other local commercial stations to receive nominations: KNXV-TV (Scripps/ABC) in Phoenix and KUSA-TV (Tegna/NBC) in Denver. The link above shows the entire list.

And IRE announced a long list of winners. You can see the list…with links to the winning submissions…by clicking here.

General Manager News and Notes:

Chaparro

Just one general manager move this week, but it’s in a top 20 market as ANDRÉS CHAPARRO moves to Scripps‘ WSFL-TV (CW) in Miami-Ft. Lauderdale. He’s been the GM for Scripps’ KXXV-TV and KRHD-TV, ABC affiliates in the Waco, Bryan, and Temple, TX markets.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, April 17, 2022.

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

KPIX-TV 855 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95605
KDKA-TV 1 Gateway Ctr. Pittsburgh, PA 15222
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
WPTV 1100 Banyan Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33401
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WZZM-TV 645 3 Mile Rd NW. Grand Rapids, MI 49544
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
KGMB/KHNL-TV 420 Waiakamilo Rd. Suite 205, Honolulu, HI, 96817
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
KXXV-TV 1909 S. New Rd. Waco, TX 76711
WBTW-TV 101 McDonald Ct, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
KNDO/KNDU-TV 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KAPP/KVEW-TV 601 N. Edison Kennewick, WA 99336
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
WTVO/WQRF-TV 1917 N. Meridian Road Rockford, IL 61101
KMIR-TV 72920 Park View Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92260
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KIMT-TV 135 E William St. Albert Lea, MN 56007
KODE/KSNF-TV 1502 S. Cleveland Avenue, Joplin, MO 64801
WBNG-TV 560 Columbia Dr. Johnson City, NY 13790
KTAB/KRBC-TV 4510 South 14th St. Abilene TX 79605
KULR-TV. 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
KXLF/KBZK-TV 90 Television Way, Bozeman, MT 59718
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station

April 10, 2022

Greetings:

A relatively slow week to share with you, with THREE new openings, TWO involving news directors leaving for jobs to be announced soon.

That leaves our count of open ND jobs at 37.

ONE of those 37 jobs is among our FIVE Paid Help Wanted Ads.

In our General Manager news section, a BIG shakeup at TWO Los Angeles owned stations. And what we may lack in new news directors, we make up for in new general managers, with FIVE stories about either new GMs or new responsibilities for existing managers.

In Names in the News: MSNBC comes under fire from within for a new hire, and new Assistant NDs in Indianapolis, Columbus, OH, Austin, TX, Lexington, KY, and Waco, TX.

Read on!

Newly Named News Directors:

To my knowledge, there were NO newly named news directors this week. If you know of one I’ve missed, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

New News Director Openings:

Greg S.

KRNV/KRXI-Reno, NV…GREG SCHIEFERSTEIN is leaving this duopoly after three years as ND for the proverbial job to be announced soon. Greg’s a former ND in Pocatello, Peoria, Augusta, GA, and Missoula, MT. He’s also worked in Seattle, Toledo, OH, Rockford, IL, Montgomery, AL and Rapid City, SD. KRNV is an NBC affiliate owned by Cunningham Broadcasting but operated by Sinclair which owns KRXI, a FOX affiliate.

Beard

KSNG/KODE-TV, Joplin, MO/Pittsburg, KS…also leaving for a job to be announced soon is LEISHA BEARD, who’s been the news director here for 12 of her 17 years at the station(s). She started as an assignment editor at KODE in 2005 and became the Assistant ND for both stations in 2009. Nexstar owns KSNF, which is an NBC affiliate, and operates the ABC affiliate, KODE, under a JSA. KODE is owned by Mission Broadcasting

Gaylord

KBZK/KXLF-TV, Butte/Bozeman, MT…REBECCA GAYLORD has left these Scripps owned CBS stations after almost three years as news director. She moved to Montana to be closer to family. Earlier, Rebecca spent six years as news director for Hearst’s KOCO-TV (ABC) in Oklahoma City. She’s also worked in Albuquerque, Denver, and St. Louis.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC:

Join the largest television ownership group in the country at WBTW CBS13 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Work in a positive work culture, leading a team of passionate journalists. We are looking for someone who can serve as a mentor and motivator with excellent editorial judgement. Must have solid time management skills, multitasking abilities and understand how to budget.

You will oversee our strategy for excellence on broadcast and digital. We currently produce 47 hours of local programming a week, and will be looking to add more with you at the helm. We also provide news production services to Springfield Independent Television Co., Inc which owns WFXB-TV (FOX) in the market.

Live in a great market at the beach while working for a great station and a great company with endless possibilities.

Up for the challenge? Apply here!

Executive Producer, KPRC-TV, Houston, TX:

KPRC2, the Graham Media Group owned/NBC affiliated station, is on the search for a leader, coach, creative thinker, innovator and top-notch journalist to join our news team as an Executive Producer.

Our next EP will come to work every day, with the passion and drive to be the #1 news organization in Houston on all platforms.

Houston is a diverse, growing city with a non-stop appetite for breaking news, enterprise and investigative journalism. It’s a market prone to year-round severe weather events and winning weather coverage is a top priority.

You’ll help lead the editorial direction of the newsroom, focusing on stories that interest and engage our very diverse audience. Our ideal candidate is someone who’s obsessed with understanding and serving our target audience, understands how to showcase big stories with memorable live shots, has impeccable news judgement and can motivate and lead veteran reporters and young producers while maintaining their cool under pressure.

Our Executive Producers need to react to breaking news and weather without hesitation and be willing to scrap stories the team has been working on all day to get it covered.

As a condition of employment, GMG requires that all newly hired employees be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by the first day of employment, to the extent permitted by applicable law, unless you qualify for a medical or religious accommodation, or as otherwise allowed by law.

Visit Click2Houston.com to learn more and apply.

KPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Managing Editor, KPRC-TV, Houston, TX:

KPRC2 is on the search for a Managing Editor to oversee assignment desk operations.

Our next Managing Editor will serve as a leading voice on daily editorial calls, setting the tone for the day and coming prepared with a competitive strategy to win the big story.

They will supervise all operations of the KPRC2 assignment desk, including making key content decisions and leading efforts on pre-planned, breaking news, severe weather and enterprise coverage. They will serve as one of several “point-people” for news crews in the field, coaching reporters and videographers on story elements, logistics and execution of content on all platforms.

The ideal candidate will have 5 years of experience managing a team of journalists, preferably in a local, network, cable or OTT news operation, advanced understanding of state laws regarding libel, fair use, and video/audio recordings, and a collaborative, positive, competitive attitude and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Located in the 4th largest city in the nation, the home of NASA, and “the energy capital of the world”, KPRC2 is a Graham Media Group news hub with strong ratings on broadcast and digital platforms and deep community ties.

As a condition of employment, GMG requires that all newly hired employees be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by the first day of employment, to the extent permitted by applicable law, unless you qualify for a medical or religious accommodation, or as otherwise allowed by law.

Visit Click2Houston.com to learn more and apply.

KPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Executive Producer, KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ:

We’re looking for an Executive Producer to lead our evening producers to deliver promotable, compelling, and well- written newscasts as well as online content. He, she will work closely with the News Director and Assistant ND to develop and implement strategies to improve product and raise ratings while managing resources. The EP will also work closely with our promotions department to ensure content is not only dynamic but also promoted accurately on multiple platforms. In addition, the successful candidate will:

• Exercise strong news judgment and review newscast rundowns with an eye toward promotable content,
• Engage in creative content development following up on viewer submission of story ideas via Facebook, Twitter and other online sources, as well as official sources
• Motivate staff and encourage “buy in” for station’s news brand, news strategies and action plans, ·
• Work with reporters/photographers to determine direction of stories and expectations.
• Work closely with assignment desk on coverage, story selection, live coverage, assignment of reporters and crews.
• Collaborate with producers on rundowns, story selection, formats, graphic elements, content and pace and flow of newscasts.
• Supervise long term planning for sweeps and special events.

Requirements include at least four years of experience in producing newscasts.

Experience in management and a four-year college degree preferred.

Interested applicants can click here to apply and learn more!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, relisted 1/16/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 4/3/22, see ad above!)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 2/27/22)
WXBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 3/13/22)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 3/13/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 4/3/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 3/27/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted 3/27/22)
KBTX-TV, Bryan, TX (listed 2/27/22)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (listed 3/13/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/27/22)
WTVC-TV, Chattanooga, TN (listed 4/3/22)
WBND-TV, South Bend, IN (listed 4/3/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 3/20/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (listed 3/27/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WDCW-TV, Washington, DC, (Digital EP, listed 4/10/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 4/3/22, see ad above!)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 4/3/22, see ad above!)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 2/13/22)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 2/27/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 4/10/22)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 3/13/22)
WJZY-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 4/3/22)
KMOV-TV. St. Louis, MO (Special Projects EP, listed 2/27/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (Digital EP, listing revised 4/10/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (listing revised 3/27/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 2/27/22)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 4/10/22)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (listed 2/20/22)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans (EP Special Projects, revised 2/27/22)
WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 4/10/22)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 3/13/22)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (Digital EP, listed 4/10/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 2/27/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 3/20/22)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (relisted 3/20/22)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/20/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, listed 1/16/22)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 4/3/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (listed 3/20/22)
WBND-TV, South Bend, IN (listed 4/3/22)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, relisted 2/13/22)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (relisted 2/27/22)

SUPERVISING PRODUCER:

KOMU-TV, Columbia, Mo (relisted 4/3/22)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 4/3/22, see ad above!)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised 4/3/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/27/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, Mo (relisted 4/3/22)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted 4/3/22:

Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Director, Documentary Journalism Center)

Listed 3/27/22:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (Digital Content Director)

Listed 3/13/22:

Listed 3/6/22:

U. of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (Director of Student Media)

Listed 2/13/22:

KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (Digital Director)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (Assignment Desk Manager)

Relisted 2/13/22:

E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH: National Director of News Platform Strategies and Special Projects

Relisted 2/6/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Relisted 1/30/22:

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (Assistant Professor)

Names in the News:

Lopez

MIKE LOPEZ returns to Indianapolis where he’ll be the Assistant News Director for Nexstar’s WTTV/WXIN-TV (CBS/FOX). Here’s the staff email from ND CJ HOYT. Mike’s currently the Managing Editor for Graham Media’s KPRC-TV (NBC) in Houston (which is advertising the job below), but earlier was an EP for WISH-TV (then CBS, now CW) in Indy. He’s a former ND in Rock Island, IL, and Eau Claire, WI, and has also worked in San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Norfolk (three times at two stations.)

Waldvogel

Also getting an Assistant News Director’s job is MASON WALDVOGEL who fills the vacancy at Tegna’s WBNS-TV (CBS) in Columbus, OH. He’s been an executive producer for sister Tegna station KING-TV in Seattle. Mason earlier worked in Tulsa at KTUL-TV where he began as a producer, was promoted to executive producer, and then to assistant news director. He also worked for KJRH-TV in Tulsa.

There are TWO new assistant news directors at Nexstar stations:

CHRISSY MAZZONE has been promoted to AND from Executive Producer at KXAN-TV (NBC) in Austin, TX.

MELISSA HOUNSHELL joins WDKY-TV (FOX) in Lexington, KY, as its new Assistant ND. She’s also worked at another Lexington station.

And ONE new Assistant ND at a Scripps station, that at KXXV-TV (ABC) in Waco where LAURA HARTOG joins from sister Scripps station WEWS-TV (ABC) in Cleveland, where she was an EP.

Also at Scripps, KENNEDY THOMAS will be the new EP at KERO-TV in Bakersfield.  She’s worked (twice) for KGET-TV in Bakersfield.

For the second week in a row, we have details on a network under fire for hiring someone from politics to serve as a on-air consultant. This week it’s MSNBC, criticized from within for hiring JEN PSAKI, President Biden’s Press Secretary. Last week we told you that journalists at CBS News were unhappy that the network had hired former Trump interim chief of staff MICK MULVANEY.

General Manager News and Notes:

Carlston

A big shakeup in senior management at NBC’s Los Angeles properties, where both KNBC-TV General Manager  STEVE CARLSTON and CELIA CHAVEZ, the GM for Telemundo’s KVEA-TV are on the way out. Limited details in this story from TVSpy.com

After 14 years as GM there, JOHN O’BRIEN leaves Gray’s WNDU-TV (NBC) in South Bend to move south to Louisville, where he will take over as GM of sister Gray NBC affiliate WAVE-TV. He also spent seven years at WILX-TV in Lansing, MI, as the General Sales Manager.

Scott

CHASTITY SCOTT starts Monday as the new GM for WFXG-TV (Lockwood Broadcasting/FOX) in Augusta, GA. (Hope she got in town to early to check out the Masters.) Her background in in sales with jobs at a number of local stations, as well as a role with the Air Force. At WFXG, she replaces DENISE VICKERS who left to become Director of the Innovation News Center at the University of Florida.

Sinclair named three new general managers this week:

CORY CULLETON will be the next GM for WPMI/WJTC-TV in Mobile, AL, and WEAR/WFGX-TV in Pensacola.

In Gainesville, FL, HILLARY WALKER is being promoted from General Sales Manager at WGFL/WNBW-TV to General Manager of WTGS-TV in Savannah, GA. She will also oversee WGFL/WNBW-TV.

Finally, GREG CONNER assumes additional duties overseeing WGXA-TV in Macon, GA. He’s currently for TWO Sinclair/Fox stations, WACH-TV in Columbia, SC, and WFXL-TV in Albany, GA.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, April 10, 2022.

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

KPIX-TV 855 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95605
KDKA-TV 1 Gateway Ctr. Pittsburgh, PA 15222
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
WPTV 1100 Banyan Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33401
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WZZM-TV 645 3 Mile Rd NW. Grand Rapids, MI 49544
WHTM-TV 3235 Hoffman Street. Harrisburg, PA 17110
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
KGMB/KHNL-TV 420 Waiakamilo Rd. Suite 205, Honolulu, HI, 96817
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
KXXV-TV 1909 S. New Rd. Waco, TX 76711
WBTW-TV 101 McDonald Ct, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 (see ad above!)
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
KNDO/KNDU-TV 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KAPP/KVEW-TV 601 N. Edison Kennewick, WA 99336
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KRCG-TV 10188 Old Highway 54 North. New Bloomfield, MO 65063
WTVO/WQRF-TV 1917 N. Meridian Road Rockford, IL 61101
KBJR-TV 246 S Lake Ave. Duluth, MN 55802
KMIR-TV 72920 Park View Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92260
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KIMT-TV 135 E William St. Albert Lea, MN 56007
KODE/KSNF-TV 1502 S. Cleveland Avenue, Joplin, MO 64801
WBNG-TV 560 Columbia Dr. Johnson City, NY 13790
KTAB/KRBC-TV 4510 South 14th St. Abilene TX 79605
KULR-TV. 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
KXLF/KBZK-TV,90 Television Way, Bozeman, MT 59718
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station

April 3, 2022

Greetings:

While there’s not a lot of news director movement this week, we have a bunch of Paid Help Wanted ads in markets large, medium and small.

Something for everyone!

Just TWO new NDs this week, with TWO new openings, one of which was created by the promotion of the news director at a CBS owned station to GM of another.

That leaves count of open ND jobs at 34.

TWO of those 34 jobs are featured among our SEVEN Paid Help Wanted Ads.

Speaking of ads, we welcome back WMVision as an advertiser and thus supporters of our efforts. PETER LEVY and members of his team will be at NAB later this month in Las Vegas (as will I.) Be sure to check out the WMVision booth.

THREE stories in Names in the News: Cox Media sells 18 stations in 12 markets, CBS News comes under fire from its own staff for its latest hire, and a new Assistant ND in Richmond.

Read on!

Newly Named News Directors:

Radske

WEAU-TV, Eau Claire, WI…JOE RADKSE will be the next news director for this Gray TV owned NBC affiliate. For the last six years, he’s been the ND for KVRR-TV in Fargo, ND, owned for the moment by Red River Broadcasting but being sold to Forum. Joe’s also been an ND in Madison, Milwaukee, and Omaha and has worked in Minneapolis. My records show JANIS HARPER had been the ND here for the last two years.

Erikson

WTOK-TV, Meridian, MS…EMILY ERIKSON ascends to the news director’s office for this Gray TV owned ABC affiliate, where she also anchors. She’s a native of the area, grew up watching WTOK, and worked for another Meridian station earlier in her career. She replaces PAT PETERSON who left earlier this year to become ND for Allen Media’s WTVA-TV in Tupelo after five years as ND.

New News Director Openings:

Hostetter

KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh, PA…our Wednesday UPDATE told you that veteran ND KATHY HOSTETTER is off to Charm City (aka Baltimore) to be GM for sister CBS o-and-o WJZ-TV. New this edition: a look at her time in Pittsburgh from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She was the ND at KDKA for 3 1/2 years, and has earlier been an ND in Indianapolis, Louisville, Norfolk, and Ft. Wayne, IN. Kathy’s also worked in San Jose/San Francisco, Grand Rapids, MI, and Moline, IL.

Webb

WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC…RYAN WEBB is returning to his old job as EP of the late news at WKRN-TV (ABC) in Nashville. Both are Nexstar stations. Ryan’s been ND here for little more than two years, worked at WKRN before that, worked at WBTW before THAT, and has also worked in Knoxville. Learn more about this opportunity in the Paid Help Wanted ad just below.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC:

Join the largest television ownership group in the country at WBTW CBS13 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Work in a positive work culture, leading a team of passionate journalists. We are looking for someone who can serve as a mentor and motivator with excellent editorial judgement. Must have solid time management skills, multitasking abilities and understand how to budget.

You will oversee our strategy for excellence on broadcast and digital. We currently produce 47 hours of local programming a week, and will be looking to add more with you at the helm. We also provide news production services to Springfield Independent Television Co., Inc which owns WFXB-TV (FOX) in the market.

Live in a great market at the beach while working for a great station and a great company with endless possibilities.

Up for the challenge? Apply here!

Executive Producer, KPRC-TV, Houston, TX:

KPRC2, the Graham Media Group owned/NBC affiliated station, is on the search for a leader, coach, creative thinker, innovator and top-notch journalist to join our news team as an Executive Producer.

Our next EP will come to work every day, with the passion and drive to be the #1 news organization in Houston on all platforms.

Houston is a diverse, growing city with a non-stop appetite for breaking news, enterprise and investigative journalism. It’s a market prone to year-round severe weather events and winning weather coverage is a top priority.

You’ll help lead the editorial direction of the newsroom, focusing on stories that interest and engage our very diverse audience. Our ideal candidate is someone who’s obsessed with understanding and serving our target audience, understands how to showcase big stories with memorable live shots, has impeccable news judgement and can motivate and lead veteran reporters and young producers while maintaining their cool under pressure.

Our Executive Producers need to react to breaking news and weather without hesitation and be willing to scrap stories the team has been working on all day to get it covered.

As a condition of employment, GMG requires that all newly hired employees be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by the first day of employment, to the extent permitted by applicable law, unless you qualify for a medical or religious accommodation, or as otherwise allowed by law.

Visit Click2Houston.com to learn more and apply.

KPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Managing Editor, KPRC-TV, Houston, TX:

KPRC2 is on the search for a Managing Editor to oversee assignment desk operations.

Our next Managing Editor will serve as a leading voice on daily editorial calls, setting the tone for the day and coming prepared with a competitive strategy to win the big story.

They will supervise all operations of the KPRC2 assignment desk, including making key content decisions and leading efforts on pre-planned, breaking news, severe weather and enterprise coverage. They will serve as one of several “point-people” for news crews in the field, coaching reporters and videographers on story elements, logistics and execution of content on all platforms.

The ideal candidate will have 5 years of experience managing a team of journalists, preferably in a local, network, cable or OTT news operation, advanced understanding of state laws regarding libel, fair use, and video/audio recordings, and a collaborative, positive, competitive attitude and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Located in the 4th largest city in the nation, the home of NASA, and “the energy capital of the world”, KPRC2 is a Graham Media Group news hub with strong ratings on broadcast and digital platforms and deep community ties.

As a condition of employment, GMG requires that all newly hired employees be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by the first day of employment, to the extent permitted by applicable law, unless you qualify for a medical or religious accommodation, or as otherwise allowed by law.

Visit Click2Houston.com to learn more and apply.

KPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Executive Producer, KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ:

We’re looking for an Executive Producer to lead our evening producers to deliver promotable, compelling, and well- written newscasts as well as online content. He, she will work closely with the News Director and Assistant ND to develop and implement strategies to improve product and raise ratings while managing resources. The EP will also work closely with our promotions department to ensure content is not only dynamic but also promoted accurately on multiple platforms. In addition, the successful candidate will:

• Exercise strong news judgment and review newscast rundowns with an eye toward promotable content,
• Engage in creative content development following up on viewer submission of story ideas via Facebook, Twitter and other online sources, as well as official sources
• Motivate staff and encourage “buy in” for station’s news brand, news strategies and action plans, ·
• Work with reporters/photographers to determine direction of stories and expectations.
• Work closely with assignment desk on coverage, story selection, live coverage, assignment of reporters and crews.
• Collaborate with producers on rundowns, story selection, formats, graphic elements, content and pace and flow of newscasts.
• Supervise long term planning for sweeps and special events.

Requirements include at least four years of experience in producing newscasts.

Experience in management and a four-year college degree preferred.

Interested applicants can click here to apply and learn more!

News Director, KULR-TV, Billings, MT:

Executive Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:

Would you like to be a leader in a news operation with a commitment to excellence and the resources you need to succeed?

WRAL News, a multiplatform news organization in the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville market, is seeking a strong Executive Producer to oversee the presentation and look of WRAL newscasts. We are looking for a leader who will coach the producing staff, write and approve scripts, review topical and image promotion, enhance weather and sports content, and contribute to special coverage.

The ideal candidate will find new and engaging ways of presenting content in our newscasts while working closely with our graphics, promotions, and news management teams. We are looking for a person with outstanding communication and organizational skills, superb news judgment, and a creative mind. Our next EP needs to excel at breaking news and have an eye for showcasing. If you have a vision for graphics and a passion for memorable, creative, and captivating newscasts, this is the job for you.

WRAL is locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a pioneering, community advocate company that offers some of the best benefits in the business. We are based in Raleigh, NC, which is consistently named one of the best places to live in America.
Requirements include five years of experience in producing newscasts, two years of news management experience and a four-year college degree.

You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. A pre-employment drug screening is required.

To apply, visit here:

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, relisted 1/16/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 4/3/22, see ad above!)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 2/27/22)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 1/30/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 2/27/22)
WXBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 3/13/22)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 3/13/22)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (listed 2/20/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 4/3/22)
WDKY-TV, Lexington, KY (listed 3/20/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 3/27/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted 3/27/22)
KBTX-TV, Bryan, TX (listed 2/27/22)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (listed 3/13/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/27/22)
WTVC-TV, Chattanooga, TN (listed 4/3/22)
WBND-TV, South Bend, IN (listed 4/3/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 3/20/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (listed 3/27/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 4/3/22, see ad above!)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 4/3/22, see ad above!)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 2/13/22)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 2/27/22)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 3/13/22)
WJZY-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 4/3/22)
KMOV-TV. St. Louis, MO (Special Projects EP, listed 2/27/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (relisted 3/13/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (listing revised 3/27/22, see ad above!)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 2/27/22)
KTVX/KUCW-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 3/20/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (Special Projects EP, listed 3/6/22)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (listed 2/20/22)
WHTM-TV, Harriburg, PA (listed 3/6/22)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans (EP Special Projects, revised 2/27/22)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 3/13/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 2/27/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 3/20/22)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (relisted 3/20/22)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/20/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, listed 1/16/22)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 4/3/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (listed 3/20/22)
WBND-TV, South Bend, IN (listed 4/3/22)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, relisted 2/13/22)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (relisted 2/27/22)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CO (listed 2/27/22)

SUPERVISING PRODUCER:

KOMU-TV, Columbia, Mo (relisted 4/3/22)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 4/3/22, see ad above!)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised 4/3/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/27/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, Mo (relisted 4/3/22)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted 4/3/22:

Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Director, Documentary Journalism Center)

Listed 3/27/22:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (Digital Content Director)

Listed 3/13/22:

Listed 3/6/22:

U. of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (Director of Student Media)

Listed 2/13/22:

KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (Digital Director)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (Assignment Desk Manager)

Relisted 2/13/22:

E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH: National Director of News Platform Strategies and Special Projects

Relisted 2/6/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Relisted 1/30/22:

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (Assistant Professor)

Names in the News:

More changes in station ownership this week as Cox Media Group sold 18 stations (in 12 markets) to Imagicomm Communications. The largest market involved is Memphis, where Cox is selling WHBQ-TV (FOX). More details in the company’s news release.

CBS News has come under fire from within for hiring the former interim chief of staff for President Trump to be a paid on-air consultant. MICK MULVANEY made his first on-air appearance last Tuesday, much to the apparent dismay of some CBS News employees. The Washington Post has more.

McMullin

WRIC-TV, Nexstar’s ABC affiliate in Richmond, VA, has a new Assistant News Director. It’s NICOLE McMULLIN, who has been the Digital Content Manager for the station. News Director SHANE MORELAND shared the news in this email. Nicole spent 12 years at the local newspaper before making the switch to TV.

General Manager News and Notes:

Hostetter

We told you above (in our Mew News Director Openings section) that KATHY HOSTETTER was moving from ND for CBS’s KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh to become GM for CBS owned WJZ-TV in Baltimore. More on her background and new job in the CBS news release.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, April 3, 2022.

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

KPIX-TV 855 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95605
KDKA-TV 1 Gateway Ctr. Pittsburgh, PA 15222
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
WPTV 1100 Banyan Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33401
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WZZM-TV 645 3 Mile Rd NW. Grand Rapids, MI 49544
WHTM-TV 3235 Hoffman Street. Harrisburg, PA 17110
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
KGMB/KHNL-TV 420 Waiakamilo Rd. Suite 205, Honolulu, HI, 96817
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
KXXV-TV 1909 S. New Rd. Waco, TX 76711
WBTW-TV 101 McDonald Ct, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 (see ad above!)
KNDO/KNDU-TV 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KAPP/KVEW-TV 601 N. Edison Kennewick, WA 99336
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KRCG-TV 10188 Old Highway 54 North. New Bloomfield, MO 65063
WTVO/WQRF-TV 1917 N. Meridian Road Rockford, IL 61101
KBJR-TV 246 S Lake Ave. Duluth, MN 55802
KMIR-TV 72920 Park View Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92260
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KIMT-TV 135 E William St. Albert Lea, MN 56007
WBNG-TV 560 Columbia Dr. Johnson City, NY 13790
KTAB/KRBC-TV 4510 South 14th St. Abilene TX 79605
KULR-TV. 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102 (see ad above!)
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station

March 27, 2022

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Always pleased to report that another news director moving into the general manager’s office.

Hostetter

Today it’s KATHY HOSTETTER, who will be the next GM for CBS’s WJZ-TV in Baltimore. Here’s the news release.

Kathy’s currently the ND for CBS’s KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, a job she’s held for the past 3 1/2 years.

She’s also been an ND in Indianapolis (WTHR-TV/NBC), Louisville (WAVE-TV/NBC), Norfolk (WAVY-TV/NBC) and Ft. Wayne (WKJG-TV then NBC, now WISE-TV/CW.)

She’s also worked in San Jose/San Francisco, Grand Rapids, MI, and Moline, IL.

One other note…the Black News Channel officially filed for bankruptcy earlier this week. Details here.

And here’s the note that President/CEO PRINCELL HAIR sent to the staff last Friday announcing the shutdown. The station is airing repeats until the end of the month.

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

regards,

Rick Gevers

Monday, March 28, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

One more bit of information about the closing of the Black News Channel.

Hair

Here’s the note that President and CEO PRINCELL HAIR sent to employees last Friday.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

While there are a lot of ND moves this week, they are perhaps overshadowed by the news we first reported on Friday, and that’s the closing of the Black News Channel.

Here’s a new story from The Wall Street Journal.

230 people will lose jobs. The channel will continue to air repeat programming until the end of the month, but no new shows will air.

On to our normal business.

Another flurry of ND hires this week, with SIX jobs filled, though another FOUR opened up.

Our count of open ND Jobs stands at a more typical 33.

ONE of those open ND jobs is among our TWO Paid Help Wanted ads.

We have THREE obituaries this week, including one for a longtime ABC news executive.

In a reversal of the typical move, a ND turned GM returns to a newsroom, thanks to an ad she saw in this newsletter. Tegna names a new GM in Buffalo, and a veteran Meredith manager lands at Nexstar.

There are TWO stories this week that involve second generation broadcasters, one of them among items in Names in the News.

Have a great week.

Newly Named News Directors:

Gaito

WLNE-TV, Providence, RI…ALLISON GAITO returns to Providence as news director for this Standard Media ABC affiliate. (The station is being sold to Cox Media). Allison is currently an EP for KTRK-TV (ABC) in Houston. She previously worked for WPRI-TV in Providence. At WLNE, she replaces KELLY BOAN who spent less than a year as ND before being promoted to a corporate role.

Altenbern

KWWL-TV, Waterloo, IA…second generation newsman ANDREW ALTENBERN returns to this Allen Media owned NBC affiliate as ND. Details from GM JOHN HUFF. John’s been the Assistant ND for KFSM-TV in Ft. Smith, AR, has worked in Denver and Kansas City, and began at KWWL. His Dad JOHN is a former ND at KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids and is a longtime consultant, now at Crawford Johnson and Northcott. Andrew replaces ALLISON GIBSON who left late last year after four years as ND here.

Jones

WLBT-TV, Jackson, MS…CHARLEY JONES has been promoted to ND for this Gray TV owned NBC affiliate. He has been the Assistant News Director here since 2015, and served as the EP and Managing Editor before. Charley started at WLBT as a producer/photograpehr, went to Birmingham as a producer and then returned to Jackson. He replaces MARK LITTLE who was promoted to ND for Gray’s WMC-TV (NBC) in Memphis after four years here.

Harrell

WNDU-TV, South Bend, IN…KENT HARRELL has a new job. The veteran news director will take the helm for this Gray TV owned NBC affiliate. Kent most recently spent 4 1/2 years as ND for Weigel’s WDJT-TV (CBS) in Milwaukee. He’s also been a news director in Springfield, IL, Green Bay and Rockford, IL. At WNDU, he replaces KATE GLOVER who was promoted to ND for Gray’s newly acquired KCTV in Kansas City after 4 1/2 years.

Stack

KOAM-TV, Joplin, MO…BRIT STACK will be the next news director for this Morgan Murphy owned NBC affiliate. The move brings her closer to family in her native Missouri. She most recently was ND for KADN-KALF-TV in Lafayette, LA for about a year and has worked in New Orleans and for two stations in Johnson City, TN. At KOAM, she replaces KRISTI SPENCER who left the station a few months ago after 23 years as news director.

Walker

KPLC-TV, Lake Charles, LA…LETITIA WALKER returns to the news director’s office as she takes over at this Gray owned NBC affiliate. She’s been working at WWL-TV (Tegna/CBS) in New Orleans as a morning EP, but earlier had been the ND for KATC-TV (Scripps/ABC) in Lafayette, LA. At KPLC, she replaces GREG DeBROSSE who left for a job at The Weather Channel. Greg was ND here for 3 1/2 years.

New News Director Opening:

Inderhees

WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL…this Tegna owned (at least for now, pending the sale to Standard Media) duopoly has a job posted for news director on its website. JOE INDERHEES had been ND there since 2019. WTLV is an NBC affiliate while WJXX is the ABC affiliate: they are branded as First Coast News.

Humber

KHNL/KGMB/KFVE-TV, Honolulu, HI…it’s not unusual for an ND to follow his/her boss to a new job, but it’s different here as the new job is at City Hall. SCOTT HUMBER will be the next communications director for the Mayor of Honolulu, RICK BLANGARDI, who had been the GM for that Gray owned tripoly. (NBC/CBS/Telemundo). Scott has been ND here since 2016 and has worked in Hawaii for 20 years. He earlier worked in Boston.

McConico

WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL…MATT McCONICO has left this Nexstar operated duopoly after about 18 months as news director. He’s also been an ND in Harrisburg and Reno, and has worked in Ft. Myers, Green Bay, and Eau Claire, WI. WQRF (FOX) is owned by Nexstar, which operates Mission Broadcasting-owned WTVO (ABC) under a shared services agreement.

Stein

KULR-TV, Billings, MT…MATT STEIN has left this Cowles owned NBC affiliate after less than a year as news director. He had been ND for WAAY-TV in Huntsville, AL before coming to Billings. Matt also worked in Memphis, Salinas/Monterey, CA, Seattle, Denver, Charlotte, and Syracuse. You can learn more about this job opportunity in the Paid Help Wanted ad just below.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KULR-TV, Billings, MT:

Executive Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:

Would you like to be a leader in a news operation with a commitment to excellence and the resources you need to succeed?

WRAL News, a multiplatform news organization in the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville market, is seeking a strong Executive Producer to oversee the presentation and look of WRAL newscasts. We are looking for a leader who will coach the producing staff, write and approve scripts, review topical and image promotion, enhance weather and sports content, and contribute to special coverage.

The ideal candidate will find new and engaging ways of presenting content in our newscasts while working closely with our graphics, promotions, and news management teams. We are looking for a person with outstanding communication and organizational skills, superb news judgment, and a creative mind. Our next EP needs to excel at breaking news and have an eye for showcasing. If you have a vision for graphics and a passion for memorable, creative, and captivating newscasts, this is the job for you.

WRAL is locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a pioneering, community advocate company that offers some of the best benefits in the business. We are based in Raleigh, NC, which is consistently named one of the best places to live in America.
Requirements include five years of experience in producing newscasts, two years of news management experience and a four-year college degree.

You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. A pre-employment drug screening is required.

To apply, visit here:

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, relisted 1/16/22)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 2/27/22)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 1/30/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 2/27/22)
WXBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 3/13/22)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 3/13/22)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (listed 2/20/22)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (listed 2/27/22)
WDKY-TV, Lexington, KY (listed 3/20/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 3/27/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted 3/27/22)
KBTX-TV, Bryan, TX (listed 2/27/22)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (listed 3/13/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/27/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 3/20/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (listed 3/27/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 2/13/22)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 2/27/22)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 3/13/22)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (relisted 1/30/22)
WJZY-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 1/30/22)
KMOV-TV. St. Louis, MO (Special Projects EP, listed 2/27/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (relisted 3/13/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (listing revised 3/27/22, see ad above!)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 2/27/22)
KTVX/KUCW-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 3/20/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (Special Projects EP, listed 3/6/22)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (listed 2/20/22)
WHTM-TV, Harriburg, PA (listed 3/6/22)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans (EP Special Projects, revised 2/27/22)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 3/13/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 2/27/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 3/20/22)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (relisted 3/20/22)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/20/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, listed 1/16/22)
WTVC-TV, Chattanooga, TN (listed 1/23/22)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 1/30/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (listed 3/20/22)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, relisted 2/13/22)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (relisted 2/27/22)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CO (listed 2/27/22)

SUPERVISING PRODUCER:

KOMU-TV, Columbia, Mo (listed 1/30/22)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/27/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, Mo (listed 1/30/22)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 3/27/22:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (Digital Content Director

Listed 3/13/22:

Listed 3/6/22:

U. of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (Director of Student Media)

Listed 2/13/22:

KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (Digital Director)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (Assignment Desk Manager)

Relisted 2/13/22:

E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH: National Director of News Platform Strategies and Special Projects

Relisted 2/6/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 1/30/22:

Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Director, Documentary Journalism Center)

Relisted 1/30/22:

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (Assistant Professor)

Relisted 1/23/22:

New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)

Obituaries:

Westin

AV WESTIN, a longtime ABC News executive, died March 12th at 92 of cardiac arrest. He spent one year as executive producer of World News Tonight and then moved on to supervise 20/20 in 1979. He left ABC in 1987, according to this obituary in The New York Times, after distributing a lengthy memo about what he saw as th3 shortcomings of the ABC News division. Remarkably, I could not find an obituary on abc.com.

Fleming

Longtime Columbus, GA, broadcaster AL FLEMING passed away Sunday, March 13th. He was 91. Al served as the news director and anchor at was what was then called WDAK-TV (now WTVM-TV) and also worked at several other Columbus stations. He later opened several restaurants, including one called “Al Who’s Place?” More on Al’s life and career in this obituary.

George K.

GEORGE KRONSCHNABEL died February 23rd at the age of 88. He began his career in radio and later moved to Casper, WY, where he worked for 40 years until his retirement in 2005. Since he thought Kronschnabel was too long, he went by GEORGE KAY on the air. He was a newsman, sports director, and news director there. You can learn more about him by reading this obituary.

Names in the News:

Snyder

A second generation broadcaster will be the executive producer for SYMONE SANDERS‘ new MSNBC program. CATHERINE SNYDER has been the Managing Editor for WRC-TV (NBC) in Washington, has also worked for two other DC stations, and was a senior producer for CNBC. Catherine’s father was the late JIM SNYDER, who worked for CBS, was an ND for Post-Newsweek stations in Washington and Detroit, and was VP/News for Post-Newsweek.

Martinez

CBS has named JOELLE MARTINEZ as its West Coast Bureau Chief. She’s been the Deputy Bureau Chief for Vice News in Los Angeles, and previously worked for MSNBC as a producer and at NBC News as a researcher. More on her background and new job here.

Quick notes:

JEREMY SPEARMAN has been promoted to Streaming EP for WRAL-TV in Raleigh. He had been there 7:00 producer there and has also worked at WNCN-TV in Raleigh.

SAM WOOD is the new Nightside EP for Weigel’s WDJT-TV (CBS) in Milwaukee. He has been the 10:00 producer there. News Director JESSIE GARCIA’s note to the staff suggests he’s landing in the new role at a most interesting time.

General Manager News and Notes:

Vickers

Former news director turned GM DENISE VICKERS is headed back to a newsroom. She’s been named Director of the Innovation News Center at the University of Florida. That’s the newsroom for the College of Journalism at UF. Denise is the GM for Lockwood’s WFXG-TV (FOX) in Augusta, GA and has been an ND in Huntsville, AL, Charleston, SC, Montgomery, AL, and Boise, ID. Self promotion alert: I’m told that Denise learned of her new job via the ad in this newsletter.

Manders

MARK MANDERS has been promoted to General Manager for Tegna-soon-to-be-Standard-Media’s WGRZ-TV (NBC) in Buffalo, He’s been the director of sales there for the past 16 years, has held sales positions at two stations in Syracuse and one in Kansas City, and was VP of Marketing for a major furniture chain.

DePalma

Nexstar has tabbed KLARN DePALMA to be its Senior Vice President of Sales and Sponsorship. He’s a former GM for several Meredith stations and had held a number of other positions at Meredith. More details here.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, March 27, 2022.

KPIX-TV 855 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95605
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
WPTV 1100 Banyan Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33401
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WZZM-TV 645 3 Mile Rd NW. Grand Rapids, MI 49544
WHTM-TV 3235 Hoffman Street. Harrisburg, PA 17110
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
KGMB/KHNL-TV 420 Waiakamilo Rd. Suite 205, Honolulu, HI, 96817
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
KXXV-TV 1909 S. New Rd. Waco, TX 76711
KNDO/KNDU-TV 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KAPP/KVEW-TV 601 N. Edison Kennewick, WA 99336
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KRCG-TV 10188 Old Highway 54 North. New Bloomfield, MO 65063
WTVO/WQRF-TV 1917 N. Meridian Road Rockford, IL 61101
KBJR-TV 246 S Lake Ave. Duluth, MN 55802
KMIR-TV 72920 Park View Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92260
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KIMT-TV 135 E William St. Albert Lea, MN 56007
WBNG-TV 560 Columbia Dr. Johnson City, NY 13790
KTAB/KRBC-TV 4510 South 14th St. Abilene TX 79605
KULR-TV. 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102 (see ad above!)
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian, MS 39301
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station