Rick Gevers & Associates

November 17, 2019

November 19, 2019 UPDATE:

There are THREE new news directors we’ll tell you about in this brief update.

McNamara

WDAF-TV (FOX/Nexstar) in Kansas City has hired SEAN McNAMARA as its next ND. Here’s the memo from GM TRACY BROGDEN-MILLER. Sean’s spent the last eight years as the Assistant News Director for Graham Media’s WKMG-TV (CBS) in Orlando. He’s been an ND three times before and began his career in newspapers. Sean replaces DANA McDANIEL who left this summer to become ND for KFMB-TV in San Diego

Lee

Another Nexstar vacancy has been filled as DAVID LEE moves from sunny Florida to chilly Green Bay, where he’ll be the next news director for WFRV-TV (CBS). David most recently was the news director for WTXL-TV in Tallahassee, FL, where he had THREE owners in just 5 1/2 years at that ABC affiliate.  David began his career on-air before moving to management.

Sherer

Finally, we’re a little tardy in telling you that BRANDON SHERER started in October as the new ND for Morris Multimedia’s WWAY-TV (ABC/CBS/CW) in Wilmington, NC. He most recently was the ND for Spectrum’s Central North Carolina operation, and spent 13 years as the Assistant ND for WTVD-TV in Raleigh. Earlier in his career he was an ND in Cape Girardeau, MO.

I expect at least TWO more announcements this week and will bring them to you then.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

There’s just ONE new news director named this week, but we’re taking FOUR stations off our list of stations with open ND jobs. (You can read on to find out why.)

And there are THREE new ND openings.

All those changes reduce our list of open ND jobs to 25.

Some interesting items in Names in the News, including some new news managers in Indianapolis, an honor for a longtime Vermont newsman (and one-time news director) and we’ll tell you how eating 2,000 chicken wings led to a big weight loss for one news director.

And there’s one GM on his way out of his job after 22 years at the same Oklahoma station.

All that and more below.

Newly Named News Directors: 

Giesler

WJFW-TV, Rhinelander, WI…JERRY GIESLER is (as he told me) coming out of retirement to become the next ND for this Rockfleet Broadcasing NBC affiliate. He was encouraged to take the job by his former Magid colleague JOHN QUARDERER. John now serves as an advisor to the station after six years as ND there following 20+ years working for Magid. Jerry’s last gig was in Missoula, MT, but his background is wide and varied as his Linkedin page will attest. He replaces LANE KIMBLE. Lane left this summer to become the Assistant ND for KYTV in Springfield, MO.

We are removing the following stations from our list of ND Openings below:

WDAF-TV (FOX), Kansas City, MO. We expect an announcement there this week.
WFRV-TV (CBS), Green Bay, WI. We also expect an announcement there this week.
KVII-TV (ABC), Amarillo, TX. Our listing was wrong. The job is for a newscast director.

New News Director Openings: 

Pederson

KTVE/KARD-TV, Monroe, LA…the search is on for a new news director here. KARD is a FOX affiliate owned by Nexstar, which operates Mission Broadcasting owned KTVE (NBC). ANDY PEDERSON has decided not to renew his contract and will leave when it expires. He’s been the ND here since February, 2017 and spent most of his career as a photographer. Andy’s station bio has much more.

Warner

KSWO-KAUZ-TV, Lawton, OK/Wichita Falls, TX…JAMES WARNER is off to Florida to become the Assistant ND for WOFL-TV, the FOX o-and-o. This is his second tour of duty for this operation. KSWO (ABC) is owned by Gray while, KAUZ (CBS) is owned by American Spirit Media which has an SSA with Gray. He’s also been an ND in Ft. Smith, AR, and Charleston, SC, and worked in Seattle.

Plyler

WDTV, Clarksburg, WV…ADAM PLYLER is moving from one Gray TV owned station to another as he joins WSAZ-TV in Huntington, WV, as Assistant ND. He’s been ND here since the summer of 2016. More details in this story from his alma mater. It’s Adam’s second time at WSAZ. He’s also worked in another station in the market and in Kingsport, TN.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Assistant News Director, KTIV-TV, Sioux City, IA:

Are you an aggressive, seasoned producer, anchor or reporter with an unending passion for news?

KTIV, the #1 Station in Sioux City, Iowa seeks a career-minded journalist with strong leadership skills to join our award-winning team as an Assistant News Director. You will drive News 4’s editorial process, constantly guiding our multi-media journalists and producers to develop news content on all platforms.

This is a senior newsroom position, perfect for the aspiring news director. The successful candidate will have a four-year degree, preferably in broadcast news/journalism or related field and significant producing, writing or newsgathering experience in a commercial newsroom.

Send resume, news philosophy, cover letter and references to:

Keith W. Bliven, News Director
Email: kbliven@ktiv.com
Address: 2929 Signal Hill Drive, Sioux City, IA 51108

Executive Producer, WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL:

ABC7/WWSB in Sarasota, Florida, has a rare opening for Executive Producer in this paradise of a city. This job isn’t a day at the beach, however. We are going through a time of exciting change and transition.

We have the technology, tools, gear, cars, research, experience and work ethic to set new standards in dedication to covering the Suncoast community. We are looking for the hard workers, overachievers, innovative thinkers, hardcore journalists, and adaptable people who believe in delivering content in real-time on all available platforms. An investigative spirit is a big plus!

You’ll be the front line of this mission, helping recruit the best, implement strategic plans and hold people accountable day in and out, oversee elections & special projects and work with reporters and producers daily to elevate our content distribution.

3-5 years in a local television news market experience required, with at least 1-2 years in a management position. Must work well with independent tasks, but also thrive in a team environment.

Apply online at gray.tv/careers and search for Sarasota or WWSB.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WDVM-TV, Hagerstown, MD (listed 11/3/19)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 11/10/19)
WACH-TV, Columbia SC (listed 11/10/19)
WJAC-TV, Johnstown, PA (relisted this week)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/20/19)
KRCG-TV, Jefferson City, MO (listed 9/15/19)
KXMA-TV, Bismarck, ND (listed 10/20/19)
KTIV-TV, Sioux City, IA (new listing this week, see ad above!)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 10/20/19)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 11/10/19, see ad above!)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP, relisted 10/20/19)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MMO (listed 10/20/19)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 10/20/19)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (new listing this week)
KFMB-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, listed 9/29/19)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/20/19)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT (Dayside EP, listing modified 9/15/19)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (2 openings, EP and Digital EP revised this week)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Senior EP, relisted 9/8/19)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 9/29/19)
WISN-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, relisted 11/10/19)
WPBF-TV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, listed 10/13/19)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (Digital EP, relisted 11/10/19)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 10/13/19)
WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (PM EP, relisted 8/18/19)
WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA (AM EP, relisted 11/10/19)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 10/6/19)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (AM EP, listed 9/8/19)
WHNT-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 11/10/19)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (listed 11/3/19)
WJTV, Jackson, MS (2 openings, EP & Digital EP, revised this week)
KNWA-TV, Fayetteville, AR (listed 10/27/19)
WTAJ-TV, Altoona, PA (Digital Executive Producer, relisted 11/10/19)
WFXG-TV, Augusta, GA (relisted 10/20/19)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/13/19)
WVNS-TV, Beckley, WV (relisted this week)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KNSD-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/13/19)

More News Management Openings:

New Listing This Week:

WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Content Manager)

Relisted 8/25/19:

Rocky Mountain PBS, Denver, CO (Investigative Producer)

Names in the News (and other items):

A number of management changes at WISH-TV (CW) here in Indianapolis, including an internal promotion to Assistant ND for a longtime Indianapolis newsman, and two new managers to the station. It’s all detailed in this news release.

Vetscher

TIM VETSCHER joins Scripps’ WTMJ-TV (NBC) in Milwaukee as editorial director. No, he won’t do editorials but will oversee the station’s daily content. His first job was as a sports producer for WDJT-TV in Milwaukee. Most recently he was Senior Producer of In-Depth & Investigative Reports for KSTP-TV in Minneapolis. There have been a number of stops in between, as you’ll see here.

Ledbetter

Congratulation to one-time WPTZ-TV (Burlington, VT) News Director STEWART LEDBETTER on his upcoming induction into the Vermont Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame in December. Stewart’s a 35 year veteran of this NBC affiliate who spent most of the 90’s as ND there. He gave up the big office (okay, I’m assuming it a big office) to return to the street and anchor desk for the station. His station profile has more.

CHRIS BEST, news director for Nexstar’s WKRG-TV (CBS) in Mobile, has found an unusual route to an impressive weight loss. It involves about 2,000 chicken wings. More here.

                                  Chris Best

General Manager News and Notes:

PAT BALDWIN is leaving Sinclair’s KTUL-TV in Tulsa at the end of the year. He’s been the GM for this ABC affiliate since 1997 and earlier worked in sales management in Little Rock.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, November 17, 2019:

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

KTTV 1999 South Bundy Drive Los Angeles CA 90025
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KSHB-TV 4720 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
WVEC-TV 613 Woodis Ave Norfolk, VA 23510
KJRH-TV 3701 S. Peoria Tulsa, OK 74105
WDBJ-TV 2807 Hershberger Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24017
WISC-TV 7025 Raymond Road Madison, WI 53719
KGAN-TV 600 Old Marion Rd NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
WWAY-TV 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
KRCR-TV 755 Auditorium Dr. Redding, CA 96001
KDRV-TV 1090 Knutson Ave, Medford, OR 97504
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Road West Monroe, LA 71292
KSWO/KAUZ-TV 1401 SE 60th St, Lawton, OK 73501
WBNG-TV 560 Columbia Dr. Johnson City, NY 13790
WDTV 5 Television Dr, Bridgeport, WV 26330
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr, Carterville, IL 62918
Delta News 837 Washington Av. Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E St Eureka, California 95501

**: Spanish language station

November 10, 2019

Greetings:

We have TWO new news directors to tell you about this week, with ONE new opening.

That means 26 stations are on our list of stations with open ND jobs.

TWO of those openings are among our THREE paid help wanted ads below.

In Names in the News, a new job for a former West Virginia ND, a new executive director for SPJ, and a new book from an IU professor with a unique claim to fame.

Finally, clearly I failed in my mission last week, so as you read the rest of the newsletter, I will continue to search for a new kicker for the Indianapolis Colts.

Newly Named News Directors: 

Stanley

WMBF-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC…MATT STANLEY moves from one Gray TV owned station to another as he becomes ND for this NBC affiliate. He’s been the Assistant ND for Gray’s KSLA-TV in Shreveport, LA, for the the last two years. WMBF GM SARAH MILES sent this note to the staff. Matt, a Marine Corp veteran, has also worked in Baton Rouge and Montgomery. He replaces ASHLEY TALLEY who left to become Enterprise Executive Producer for WRAL-TV in September after 4+ years as ND at WMBF.

Armstead

WWVA-TV, Bluefield, WV…WES ARMSTEAD is the new news director for this Quincy Media owned NBC affiliate. He’s spent the last nine years as the Assignment Manager for WCHS-TV in Charleston, WV. Wes succeeds the late KEN WHITE who stepped down as ND last August to concentrate on his cancer battle, a fight he lost in early October.

New News Director Opening: 

Fitzgerald

KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK…this Scripps owned NBC affiliate is on the hunt for a new news director following the departure of SCOTT FITZGERALD. He was ND here for less than a year after spending two years as ND in Reno, NV. His replacement will ne the fourth ND here in less than three years.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL:

ABC7/WWSB in Sarasota, Florida, has a rare opening for Executive Producer in this paradise of a city. This job isn’t a day at the beach, however. We are going through a time of exciting change and transition.

We have the technology, tools, gear, cars, research, experience and work ethic to set new standards in dedication to covering the Suncoast community. We are looking for the hard workers, overachievers, innovative thinkers, hardcore journalists, and adaptable people who believe in delivering content in real-time on all available platforms. An investigative spirit is a big plus!

You’ll be the front line of this mission, helping recruit the best, implement strategic plans and hold people accountable day in and out, oversee elections & special projects and work with reporters and producers daily to elevate our content distribution.

3-5 years in a local television news market experience required, with at least 1-2 years in a management position. Must work well with independent tasks, but also thrive in a team environment.

Apply online at gray.tv/careers and search for Sarasota or WWSB.

News Director, WBNG-TV, Binghamton, NY:

WBNG-TV in Binghamton, NY seeks a News Director to help guide our news department to new heights of journalistic and ratings success. This is an exciting opportunity to join a great team in one of New York’s most beautiful places to live.

The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining market leading standards for newsroom operations and content. Other duties include hiring, coaching, supervising and evaluating news personnel, as well as preparation and administration of newsroom budgets and capital requests. The News Director is expected to work closely with other department managers to achieve the company’s overall performance goals.

A minimum of 4 years television news management experience and a college degree in broadcast journalism preferred. Must be able to demonstrate strong working knowledge of community issues and sound journalistic principles. Must have the ability to make fast, accurate journalistic and logistical judgments.

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

Please send your resume and cover letter to:

Bob Krummenacker
General Manager
WBNG-TV
560 Columbia Dr.
Johnson City, NY 13790

Or via email to: rkrummenacker@wbng.com

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

WBNG is part of Quincy Media, a family owned company with television stations in 9 states. Throughout Quincy, positions are available for candidates with all levels of experience and the advancement you are seeking. Visit www.quincymediacareers.com for links to all stations and opportunities.

WBNG-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

News Director, Delta News, Greenville, MS:

The Delta News in Greenville, MS is looking for a Full-time News Director.

CALA Broadcasting is looking for the right person to join our management team!

Looking for a progressive and hands-on News Director who is not afraid of change and is willing to roll up his/her sleeves to get the job done. Our right candidate will be an experienced news manager who likes to be actively involved in all facets of the news operation. News Director Experience preferred however experienced executive producers or assistant news directors looking to move into the News Director role are also welcome to apply.

A minimum of three years’ experience in broadcast management is required.

If you’re the right candidate, send your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to jturnbough@deltanews.tv or mail your information to:

Jean Turnbough
Delta News
837 Washington Ave.
Greenville, MS 38701

All inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WDVM-TV, Hagerstown, MD (listed 11/3/19)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted this week)
WACH-TV, Columbia SC (new listing this week)
WJAC-TV, Johnstown, PA (relisted 9/8/19)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/20/19)
KRCG-TV, Jefferson City, MO (listed 9/15/19)
KXMA-TV, Bismarck, ND (listed 10/20/19)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 10/20/19)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP, relisted 10/20/19)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MMO (listed 10/20/19)
WISH-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 10/20/19)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 10/20/19)
KFMB-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, listed 9/29/19)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/20/19)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT (Dayside EP, listing modified 9/15/19)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (Digital EP, listed 11/3/19)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Senior EP, relisted 9/8/19)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 9/29/19)
WISN-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, relisted this week)
WPBF-TV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, listed 10/13/19)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (Digital EP, relisted this week)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 10/13/19)
WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (PM EP, relisted 8/18/19)
WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA (AM EP, relisted this week)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 10/6/19)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (AM EP, listed 9/8/19)
WHNT-TV, Huntsville, AL (new listing this week)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (listed 11/3/19)
WJTV, Jackson, MS (Digital EP, listed 11/3/19)
KNWA-TV, Fayetteville, AR (listed 10/27/19)
WTAJ-TV, Altoona, PA (Digital Executive Producer, relisted this week)
WFXG-TV, Augusta, GA (relisted 10/20/19)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/13/19)
WVNS-TV, Beckley, WV (listed 9/15/19)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KNSD-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/13/19)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 10/13/19:

WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (Content Manager)

Listed 9/15/19:

WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (Editorial Director)

Relisted 8/25/19:

Rocky Mountain PBS, Denver, CO (Investigative Producer)

Names in the News (and other items):

Levy

GRENDEL LEVY is now working for Hearst’s WDSU-TV in her hometown of New Orleans as a special project producer. She most recently had been the ND for WOWK-TV in Charleston/Huntington, WV. Grendel’s also been an ND in Boise, and has previously worked in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Biloxi.

JOHN SHERTZER is the new executive director for SPJ.

Conway

And old friend MIKE CONWAY has a new book out. Mike’s a former ND now teaching at Indiana University. The book is called Contested Ground. It looks at NBC’s 1962 broadcast, “The Tunnel,” a controversial documentary that Conway says solidified television journalism’s place in the communication domain. Learn more about it here.

By the way, a fun fact: Mike was one of the first two people to get a weekly email from me about job openings, an email which morphed (over the years) to this publication.

General Manager News and Notes:

JORGE CARBALLO, GM for the Telemundo station in Miami, WSCV-TV, adds additional responsibility as GM for NBC o-and-o WTVJ-TV. More here.

Lawrence

Nexstar has promoted KENNY LAWRENCE to general manager for WSPA-TV in Spartanburg, SC. He’s been the GM for the company’s WJHL-TV in the Tri-Cities market of Tennessee. It’s the Nexstar hat trick for Lawrence, who earlier had been GM for KLFY-TV in Lafayette, LA.

One correction from last week in our mention of new GMs for two Gray Television stations. We reported that MARK GENTNER had been named General Manager for WITN-TV in Greenville-New Bern, NC. In fact, Mark is retiring as GM and being replaced by RON HENSLEE as you’ll read here. Apologies to Ron and to Mark.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, November 10, 2019:

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

KTTV 1999 South Bundy Drive Los Angeles CA 90025
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KSHB-TV 4720 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112
WDAF-TV 3030 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
WVEC-TV 613 Woodis Ave Norfolk, VA 23510
KJRH-TV 3701 S. Peoria Tulsa, OK 74105
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
WDBJ-TV 2807 Hershberger Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24017
WISC-TV 7025 Raymond Road Madison, WI 53719
KGAN-TV 600 Old Marion Rd NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
WWAY-TV 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KRCR-TV 755 Auditorium Dr. Redding, CA 96001
WJFW-TV 3217 County Rd G Rhinelander, WI 54501
KDRV-TV 1090 Knutson Ave, Medford, OR 97504
WBNG-TV 560 Columbia Dr. Johnson City, NY 13790 (see ad above!)
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr, Carterville, IL 62918
Delta News, 837 Washington Av. Greenville, MS 38701 (see ad above!)
KAEF-TV 540 E St Eureka, California 95501

**: Spanish language station

November 3, 2019

Greetings:

TWO new news director openings this week, with ONE of those openings created by a promotion to GM for the incumbent.

The changes leave 27 stations with public news directors openings.

THREE of those openings are featured in paid help wanted ads below.

In Names in the News, a new job for a former Phoenix news director, a former news director returns to a newsroom in a different role, and a new EP in Atlanta.

And we’ll tell you about some new general managers, including one who’s being promoted from a ND job at a sister station.

While you read on, I’ll be searching for a new kicker for the Indianapolis Colts.

Newly Named News Directors: 

I’m not aware of any new news directors again this week. If you are, please share with me via an email to rick@rickgevers.com.

New News Director Opening: 

WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA…congratulations to DOUG WIEDER who’s been promoted to General Manager at this Tegna owned ABC affiliate. The news release is here. Doug’s been the executive news director here for the last seven years, and spent nine years as an executive producer before being bumped up to ND. He’s also worked in Richmond, Chattanooga, and Macon, GA.

WABG/WXVT/WNBD/WABG-DT, Greenville, MS…this Cala Broadcasting owned operation is looking for a new news director. This explains the operation there. MARK RIGSBY, who had been the ND there since May, 2018, left for a job at KLFY-TV in Lafayette, LA (where his girlfriend’s family lives), as a weekend anchor-reporter. Learn more about this opportunity in this Paid Help Wanted ad below.

Two more things: Check out our GM News section to found out what happened to former WDBJ-TV (Roanoke, VA) news director DAVID HUGHES, whose departure from that job we reported a few weeks ago.

And…it’s not a new opening..but there is also an ad below for the ND job at WBNG-TV in Binghamton, NY.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WBNG-TV, Binghamton, NY:

WBNG-TV in Binghamton, NY seeks a News Director to help guide our news department to new heights of journalistic and ratings success. This is an exciting opportunity to join a great team in one of New York’s most beautiful places to live.

The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining market leading standards for newsroom operations and content. Other duties include hiring, coaching, supervising and evaluating news personnel, as well as preparation and administration of newsroom budgets and capital requests. The News Director is expected to work closely with other department managers to achieve the company’s overall performance goals.

A minimum of 4 years television news management experience and a college degree in broadcast journalism preferred. Must be able to demonstrate strong working knowledge of community issues and sound journalistic principles. Must have the ability to make fast, accurate journalistic and logistical judgments.

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

Please send your resume and cover letter to:

Bob Krummenacker
General Manager
WBNG-TV
560 Columbia Dr.
Johnson City, NY 13790

Or via email to: rkrummenacker@wbng.com

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

WBNG is part of Quincy Media, a family owned company with television stations in 9 states. Throughout Quincy, positions are available for candidates with all levels of experience and the advancement you are seeking. Visit www.quincymediacareers.com for links to all stations and opportunities.

WBNG-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

News Director, Delta News, Greenville, MS:

The Delta News in Greenville, MS is looking for a Full-time News Director.

CALA Broadcasting is looking for the right person to join our management team!

Looking for a progressive and hands-on News Director who is not afraid of change and is willing to roll up his/her sleeves to get the job done. Our right candidate will be an experienced news manager who likes to be actively involved in all facets of the news operation. News Director Experience preferred however experienced executive producers or assistant news directors looking to move into the News Director role are also welcome to apply.

A minimum of three years’ experience in broadcast management is required.

If you’re the right candidate, send your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to jturnbough@deltanews.tv or mail your information to:

Jean Turnbough
Delta News
837 Washington Ave.
Greenville, MS 38701

All inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

News Director, WISC-TV, Madison, WI:

News 3 Now/WISC-TV has a rare opening for a News Director to lead our team at the family-owned flagship of Morgan Murphy Media in one of America’s best cities. One of the best places to raise a family. One of the best college sports towns. One of the best places to live, period.

Meet Madison.

There have been four news directors at this station in the past 42 years so this opportunity doesn’t come along very often. We are looking for someone to break the mold and connect with local audiences in a new way. We 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 understand how to build emerging platforms.

We’ve been committed to quality journalism since 1890. We’ve been honored to win five national Edward R. Murrow Awards from the RTDNA in the past four years, including the top prize for overall excellence in 2016. We are searching for someone that has an expectation of excellence.

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.

You’ll be asked to inspire.

Click here to learn more and apply.

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WDVM-TV, Hagerstown, MD (new listing this week)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 9/8/19)
WJAC-TV, Johnstown, PA (relisted 9/8/19)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/20/19)
KRCG-TV, Jefferson City, MO (listed 9/15/19)
KXMA-TV, Bismarck, ND (listed 10/20/19)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 10/20/19)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP, relisted 10/20/19)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MMO (listed 10/20/19)
WISH-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 10/20/19)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 10/20/19)
KFMB-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, listed 9/29/19)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/20/19)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT (Dayside EP, listing modified 9/15/19)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (Digital EP, new listing this week)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Senior EP, relisted 9/8/19)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 9/29/19)
WISN-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, relisted 9/8/19)
WPBF-TV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, listed 10/13/19)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (Digital EP, relisted 9/8/19)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 10/13/19)
WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (PM EP, relisted 8/18/19)
WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA (AM EP, relisted 9/8/19)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 10/6/19)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (AM EP, listed 9/8/19)
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX (new listing this week)
WJTV, Jackson, MS (Digital EP, new listing this week)
KNWA-TV, Fayetteville, AR (listed 10/27/19)
WTAJ-TV, Altoona, PA (Digital Executive Producer, relisted 9/1/19)
WFXG-TV, Augusta, GA (relisted 10/20/19)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/13/19)
WVNS-TV, Beckley, WV (listed 9/15/19)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KNSD-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/13/19)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 10/13/19:

WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (Content Manager)

Listed 9/15/19:

WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (Editorial Director)

Relisted 8/25/19:

Rocky Mountain PBS, Denver, CO (Investigative Producer)

Names in the News (and other items):

WGCL-TV, the Meredith owned CBS affiliate in Atlanta, has promoted 11:00 PM producer JASON LEWIS to executive producer.

Tortora

JIM TORTORA returns to a newsroom as the Assistant News Director at WHEC-TV, the Hubbard owned NBC affiliate in Rochester, NY. Jim most recently was news director at WROC-TV in Rochester, NY, a job he left earlier this week. He’s also a former ND at WSYR-TV in Syracuse and ND/Station Manager for WGGB-TV in Springfield, MA.

Wilson

And former Phoenix news director DAN WILSON has a new job. He’s working for the Phoenix Police Department, and sent me this interesting note about his new job, including a link to a video the department released on a high profile incident. Dan’s last ND job was at KPHO/KTVK-TV in Phoenix, a position he left last June after 3 1/2 years. He’s a former ND in West Palm Beach, worked for another Phoenix station for ten years, as well as in Las Vegas.

General Manager News and Notes:

Sinclair Broadcasting has named MICHAEL MILLER as general manager of its Washington DC station, WJLA-TV, the ABC affiliate there. He replaces DAN MELLON who becomes Vice President of Sales Transformation for the company. To figure out what that means, you may need to read this news release.

Hughes

DAVID HUGHES is the new GM for WVIR-TV in Charlottesville, VA. We told you a few weeks ago that he was leaving his job as ND for sister-Gray TV station WDBJ-TV in Roanoke. And Gray also named MARK GENTNER  RON HENSLEE (corrected 11/17/19) GM for WITN-TV in Greenville-New Bern, NC. Both are replacing veteran GMs who are retiring. Details on both moves here.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, November 3, 2019:

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

KTTV 1999 South Bundy Drive Los Angeles CA 90025
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KSHB-TV 4720 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112
WDAF-TV 3030 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
WVEC-TV 613 Woodis Ave Norfolk, VA 23510
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
WDBJ-TV 2807 Hershberger Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24017
WISC-TV 7025 Raymond Road Madison, WI 53719 (see ad above!)
KGAN-TV 600 Old Marion Rd NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
WMBF-TV 918 Frontage Rd E, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
WWAY-TV 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KRCR-TV 755 Auditorium Dr. Redding, CA 96001
WJFW-TV 3217 County Rd G Rhinelander, WI 54501
KDRV-TV 1090 Knutson Ave, Medford, OR 97504
WBNG-TV 560 Columbia Dr. Johnson City, NY 13790 (see ad above!)
WVVA-TV 3052 Big Laurel Highway Bluefield WV 24701
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr, Carterville, IL 62918
Delta News, 837 Washington Av. Greenville, MS 38701 (see ad above!)
KAEF-TV 540 E St Eureka, California 95501

**: Spanish language station

October 27, 2019

Greetings:

Just ONE new news director opening this week, that at a station that rarely has a vacancy, and. as fas as I know, NO newly hired NDs.

My figures show 25 stations are looking for a new news director. That list, as always, is at the end of this report.

That ONE new opening is featured in a paid help wanted ad below.

ONE obituary this week, but it’s about a man with a most interesting life who helped found Univision.

THREE stories in Names in the News…a veteran newsman returns to TV after a short sojourn to ‘the other side’, an Indiana anchor adds some management duties, and an honor for an Oklahoma news director.

And we’ll tell you about TWO new GMs at CBS owned stations…and one of the stations is NOT a CBS affiliate.

Read on.

Newly Named News Directors: 

I’m not aware of any new news directors this week. If you are, please share with me via an email to rick@rickgevers.com.

New News Director Opening: 

Benedict

WISC-TV, Madison, WI…COLIN BENEDICT is stepping aside as news director of this CBS affiliate to concentrate on his other job…that of VP/News for parent company Morgan Murphy Media. That leaves a pretty attractive opening…there have been only FOUR news directors here in the past 42 years. Colin, obviously, is the fourth, and has been the ND since August, 2008. He had been managing editor, and first joined the station in 1998 as an anchor/reporter. Learn more about this unique opportunity in the Paid Help Wanted Ad below.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

News Director, WISC-TV, Madison, WI:

News 3 Now/WISC-TV has a rare opening for a News Director to lead our team at the family-owned flagship of Morgan Murphy Media in one of America’s best cities. One of the best places to raise a family. One of the best college sports towns. One of the best places to live, period.

Meet Madison.

There have been four news directors at this station in the past 42 years so this opportunity doesn’t come along very often. We are looking for someone to break the mold and connect with local audiences in a new way. We 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 understand how to build emerging platforms.

We’ve been committed to quality journalism since 1890. We’ve been honored to win five national Edward R. Murrow Awards from the RTDNA in the past four years, including the top prize for overall excellence in 2016. We are searching for someone that has an expectation of excellence.

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.

You’ll be asked to inspire.

Click here to learn more and apply.

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 9/8/19)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 9/8/19)
WJAC-TV, Johnstown, PA (relisted 9/8/19)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/20/19)
KRCG-TV, Jefferson City, MO (listed 9/15/19)
KXMA-TV, Bismarck, ND (listed 10/20/19)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 10/20/19)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (Dayside EP, listed 8/18/19)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP, relisted 10/20/19)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MMO (listed 10/20/19)
WISH-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 10/20/19)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 10/20/19)
KFMB-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, listed 9/29/19)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/20/19)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT (Dayside EP, listing modified 9/15/19)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Senior EP, relisted 9/8/19)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 9/29/19)
WISN-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, relisted 9/8/19)
WPBF-TV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, listed 10/13/19)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (Digital EP, relisted 9/8/19)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 10/13/19)
WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (PM EP, relisted 8/18/19)
WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA (AM EP, relisted 9/8/19)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 10/6/19)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (AM EP, listed 9/8/19)
KNWA-TV, Fayetteville, AR (new listing this week)
WTAJ-TV, Altoona, PA (Digital Executive Producer, relisted 9/1/19)
WFXG-TV, Augusta, GA (relisted 10/20/19)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/13/19)
WVNS-TV, Beckley, WV (listed 9/15/19)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KNSD-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/13/19)

Other News Management Openings:

Listed 10/13/19:

WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (Content Manager)

Listed 9/15/19:

WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (Editorial Director)

Relisted 8/25/19:

Rocky Mountain PBS, Denver, CO (Investigative Producer)

Obituary:

Nicolas

EMILIO NICOLÁS, who is credited with helping to found the Univision Network, died earlier this month at the age of 88. But what 88 years those were! His college degrees were in chemistry and biology with a minor in math…he once did research work with live polio viruses. But he later moved into television. The rest of the story comes via this Los Angeles Times obituary.

Names in the News (and other items):

Luhn

BRIAN LUHN‘s foray into the world of corporate communications was short-lived. He’s joined Houston’s KPRC-TV as EP of Special Projects, where he will lead the investigative team and promotable stories production. Brian was the Assistant ND at KRIV-TV in Houston until January, when he jumped to the ‘other side’. He’s a former ND in Charleston, SC, and has worked in Asheville, NC, Seattle, Atlanta, Denver, Louisville, Ft. Myers, and Sherman, TX.

Powell

Congratulations to TOM POWELL, evening anchor at WPTA-TV (the NBC side of that duopoly) in Ft. Wayne, IN. He’s adding responsibilities as Assistant ND and will continue to anchor at 5:00, 6:00, and 11:00. ND JONATHAN SHELLEY explained it to the staff in this memo. Tom’s worked at the station since 2016, and has also worked in Sioux Falls, Memphis, and South Bend.

Bruce

A tip of the hat to KTUL-TV (Tulsa) News Director PHILLIP BRUCE, one of four people to be inducted into the Lemke Alumni Society’s Hall of Honor at the University of Arkansas. Learn more about Phil…and the other three honorees… here. In addition to KTUL, Phil’s a former ND at KHOU-TV in Houston, Managing Director for NPR on the West Coast who began his career as a reporter and anchor before moving into management.

General Manager News and Notes:

New General Managers for TWO CBS owned stations this week:

CHRIS COTUGNO, a 17 year veteran of KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, has been promoted to the top job. He’s also worked for another station in the market.

And in Tampa, MICHELLE CALACHINO moves up from her current role as controller for WTOG-TV to become general manager. She’s been with this CW affiliate since 2014.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 27, 2019:

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

KTTV 1999 South Bundy Drive Los Angeles CA 90025
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KSHB-TV 4720 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112
WDAF-TV 3030 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
WDBJ-TV 2807 Hershberger Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24017
WISC-TV 7025 Raymond Road Madison, WI 53719 (see ad above!)
KGAN-TV 600 Old Marion Rd NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
WMBF-TV 918 Frontage Rd E, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
WWAY-TV 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KRCR-TV 755 Auditorium Dr. Redding, CA 96001
WJFW-TV 3217 County Rd G Rhinelander, WI 54501
KDRV-TV 1090 Knutson Ave, Medford, OR 97504
WBNG-TV 560 Columbia Dr. Johnson City, NY 13790
WVVA-TV 3052 Big Laurel Highway Bluefield WV 24701
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr, Carterville, IL 62918
KAEF-TV 540 E St Eureka, California 95501

**: Spanish language station