May 6, 2018

Thursday, May 10, 2018 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Congratulations to a veteran news director who’s been promoted to a corporate role with his current company.

Salamone

Salamone

DAN SALAMONE, who’s been the ND for Nexstar’s WTEN-TV in Albany, NY, since late 2016, is being upped to Director Of Local Content Development for the company. This news release has all the details on Dan’s new role.

Before Albany, he spent about a year as the EP at WFLD-TV in Chicago. Dan worked for more than nine years as ND for WOIO/WUAB-TV in Cleveland, and has been a News Director and Station Manager in Portland, OR, and Albuquerque, as well as a news director in Detroit and Providence. More on his Linkedin page.

Dan will relocate to Nexstar’s corporate headquarters in Irving, TX.

Burgess

Burgess

And we’re a bit late in reporting the promotion of SARAH BURGESS to news director of Cox Media’s WFXT-TV in Boston. She had been the managing editor there, and replaces MIKE OLIVERA who moved to Cox’s WSOC-TV in Charlotte.

Here’s the news release from Cox.

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

regards,

 

Rick Gevers

**** ***** ****
Greetings:

We might have lacked for news director changes last week: not so much in this edition.

FOUR new news directors to tell you about, TWO new openings…one created by a longtime Ohio news director who’s moving to his former company in a corporate role.

Our list of open ND jobs is now at 30.

We have NO paid ads this week so we took the opportunity to explain how our ads can help you fill your vacant news management openings.

In Names in the News, honors for a former Nebraska ND, a veteran newsman retires after 17 years teaching, and we’ll look at why a broadcaster bought 110 newspapers.

There are TWO GM changes to share. A new GM for an Indiana cluster, and the retirement of a longtime newsman turned GM.

All that below after this ad from the Carole Kneeland Project.
Kneeland Logo

Newly Named News Directors: 

Do you know someone who deserves a little Kneeland?

(Hint: it might be you.)

The Kneeland Project is accepting applications now for their September 5-8, 2018 session in Austin, Texas. Applications are due June 1 and are available at kneelandproject.org/apply

Thanks to Kneeland’s generous funders, this opportunity is nearly free for up to 20 selected news managers. The Kneeland Project pays for all tuition costs as well as hotel and several meals. Participants cover only their transportation and a few meals — Kneeland takes care of the rest.

In addition to tackling core Kneeland subjects like ethical leadership, time-saving strategies and results-driven digital ideas, we are covering race, religion and politics in our September session. You can’t miss this opportunity.

In a recent survey of Kneeland Fellows, 100% reported they still regularly use lessons learned at Kneeland, believe that time spent at Kneeland improved their career and said they have recommended Kneeland to a friend or colleague.

The Kneeland Project is an intensive program unlike any other. It’s practical. It’s highly interactive. It produces long-lasting results.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Only 20 journalists will be selected for this program. Apply today!

DdgFull-4-21-18

Newly Named News Directors: 

Little

Little

WLBT/WDBD-TV, Jackson, MS…MARK LITTLE returns to Raycom Media as ND for this NBC/FOX operation. Mark most recently was ND for Raycom’s WIS-TV in Columbia, SC, a job he left in March after almost two years. He spent 14 years as ND for Raycom’s KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau, MO, where he began as the assignment editor. He’s also worked in St. Louis. Mark replaces HATTON WEEKS who was promoted to GM for Raycom’s KAIT-TV in Jonesboro, AR.

Gors

Gors

WAOW-TV, Wausau, WI…MICHELE GORS returns to commercial television as she joins this Quincy Media owned ABC affiliate as its next news director. She’s a former ND in Wichita, Memphis and Cedar Rapids, but spent seven years as GM for Wichita’s PBS station, KPTS-TV, a job she left in 2015. Michele replaces MARK DURHAM who left in January after two years as ND.

DeLeon

DeLeon

WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL…ALEX DeLEON has been promoted to news director here. He has been an executive producer for the station in his second stint for this Nexstar/Mission Broadcasting ABC/FOX operation. He has also worked for WSOC-TV (COX/ABC) in Charlotte for a year as a producer. Alex replaces SCOTT PICKEN who left in March after more than five years as ND.

Highland

Highland

WNKY-TV, Bowling Green, KY…DEBI HIGHLAND started May 1 as the new news director for this NBC/CBS duopoly owned by Marquee Broadcasting. She comes from a print background: her complete history is detailed on her Linkedin page. Debi replaces RICK BOONE who was ND here for just four months.

SamFull-4-22-18

New News Director Openings: 

Lewis

Lewis

KATU-TV, Portland, OR…KYANN LEWIS has left this Sinclair Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate after more than three years as news director. She has a wide and varied background in both local news and syndicated broadcasts. Her Linkedin page explains it all.

Trauring

Trauring

WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH…congratulations to BRIAN TRAURING who’s been named VP/News, Marketing and Content Development, for Lilly Broadcasting. It’s a return to Lilly for Brian: the company owned this ABC affiliate before selling it to Gray TV. Here’s the release with all the details. Brian’s been the ND here for 16 years, and has also been an ND in Knoxville, Augusta, GA, and Steubenville, and has worked in Louisville and Indianapolis.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

We have no paid help wanted ads this week.

If you have a news management vacancy, our paid ads are a great way to reach a very targeted audience. We’ve runs ads from ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC o-and-o’s and stations owned by every major group. We have many repeat customers.

Ads run for two weeks and cost $300.00.

All you need to do is email me the copy (250 word limit) and a jpeg copy of the station logo. I’ll mail you an invoice and a W-9.

Please call if you have any questions.

If you’re an industry supplier, please contact me to explain how our display ads can help grow your business, like the ones you see this week from Devlin Design Group and Stephen Arnold Music, both of which have advertised for years to reach their customers.

You can email me at: rick@rickgevers.com or call me at 317-635-7912.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

Spectrum News, Los Angeles, CA (listed 3/18/18)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 4/22/18)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/25/18)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/31/18)
KSBW-TV, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, CA (relisted 3/31/18)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 4/22/18)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted 4/22/18)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 3/25/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, relisted 4/29/18)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (Nightside EP, listed 3/11/18)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, listed 4/22/18)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (AM EP, listing revised 4/29/18)

Names in the News (and other items):

You know Raycom Media as an owner for television stations. Did you know they bought 110 newspapers, most of them small, last year? This story looks at what the company hopes to learn from the acquisition.

Former KETV news director ROSE ANN SHANNON has been honored with induction into the Marian Andersen Nebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame. Rose Ann retired earlier this year after 24 years as ND of KETV, the ABC affiliate owned by Hearst.

Bremen

Bremen

PHIL BREMEN is retiring from his faculty role at Ball State University in Muncie, IN, where he’s taught for 17 years. If the name is familiar, you may have seen him anchoring in Minneapolis (you MUST check out this promo, especially if you watched the Mary Tyler Moore show), Indianapolis, or for a statewide network in New Jersey. Or you may remember him from his years as an NBC correspondent. More here. Friends can wish Phil well via an email to pbremen@bsu.edu

General Manager News and Notes:

Marrs

Marrs

CRAIG MARRS is retiring as the GM for Nexstar’s WFFF-TV in Burlington, VT. He’s been there for almost three years. Craig sent me this note:

After 45 years in this wonderful industry, I am retiring at the end of May. My last day will be Friday, June 1.

I have been privileged to work for and with some of the brightest and the best. Going from film to digital, and all the steps in between has been an incredible journey. I wish I could thank each of you personally for making this one incredible ride.

Trading one temperature extreme for another, I will head back to the SoCal desert to our home in LaQuinta where I will see if I can rediscover how to hit a golf ball and then will head to Houston to be with my wonderful wife, family and grandchildren.

Craig’s entire work history over those 45 years is detailed on his Linkedin page.

Star City Broadcasting has named BILLY HUGGINS General Manager of its Lafayette, IN, stations. And there are a lot of them! Details in this news release.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, May 6, 2018:

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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
WBBM-TV 22 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
WBTS-TV 160 Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459
WFXT-TV 25 Fox Drive. Dedham, MA 02026
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. West Sacramento, CA 95605
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KATU-TV 2153 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97232
WFSB-TV 333 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215
WHAS-TV 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Drive, Suite 1. Roanoke, VA 24019
WNEM-TV 107 N. Franklin St. Saginaw, MI 48607
WIS-TV 1111 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92260
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 51106
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
WOAY-TV 7113 Legends Hwy, Oak Hill, WV 25901
KOTA-TV 2001 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
WETM-TV 101 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701

**: Spanish language station


April 29, 2018

Greetings:

We’ve been producing this newsletter for more than 22 years, and, to be best of my memory, this is the FIRST week with no ND openings or hires to share with you. So our list of open ND jobs stands at 32.

But please read on as we have some items of interest.

There’s ONE paid help wanted ad. We have TWO obituaries of notable people in our business, and we have 785 regional Edward R. Murrow Award winners to tell you about. And there are a handful of news managers on the move.

This is a good opportunity, perhaps to remind you that we rely on your tips about changes, both news director and news managers. Send ’em our way via email and we’ll extend your subscription by a week. 🙂

SamFull-4-22-18

Newly Named News Directors: 

None that I know about. Send any YOU know about to me at: rick@rickgevers.com

New News Director Opening: 

This is a recording: None that I know about. Send any YOU know about to me at: rick@rickgevers.com

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

WKOW_Logo_revise_v2

Senior Executive Producer, WKOW-TV, Madison, WI:

Energized by new and innovative ways to present news content? If you want to expand your creative influence beyond a single newscast, our Senior Executive Producer position at WKOW – TV in Madison, Wisconsin is for you. We want a strong newsroom leader with a creative flair for style and presentation. The leading candidate will have a strong producing background, know how to inspire and will find ways to improve our product by creating meaningful and memorable moments in newscasts. Madison, Wisconsin is a very competitive news market and it’s consistently rated one of the best places to live in the Midwest.

Proven creativity with in-studio presentation, newsroom technology (LIVE U., Drone, GoPro, etc.) and graphics presentation will make you a top candidate. A strong eye for video and a desire to create something that helps the viewer “feel” the story is a top skill for our next EP.

If you have a desire to win every day, we want to talk with you. Five years of strong news producing and writing experience as well as sound editorial and ethical judgment is required. Management experience is a plus. Come work with a dynamic and growing newsroom named “Station of the Year” by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.

WKOW is part of Quincy Media, Inc., a family owned company.

If you have the drive to succeed, send your reel, writing samples, a resume and something surprising that will set you apart to: ereams@wkow.com

Ed Reams
News Director
WKOW – TV
5727 Tokay Blvd.
Madison, WI 53719

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

 

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

Spectrum News, Los Angeles, CA (listed 3/18/18)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 4/22/18)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/25/18)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/31/18)
KSBW-TV, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, CA (relisted 3/31/18)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 4/22/18)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted 4/22/18)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 3/25/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, relisted this week)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (Nightside EP, listed 3/11/18)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, listed 4/22/18, see ad above!)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (AM EP, listing revised this week)

Obituaries:

JOAN KONNER, who won dozens of awards as a documentary producer and later became the first woman to lead the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, died Wednesday, April 18th, at the age of 87. Her life and impressive career were profiled in this obituary from the New York Times.

AL SWIFT, a long-ago news director at KVOS-TV in Bellingham, WA (north of Seattle) died April 20th at the age of 82. He went on to become a Congressman and served for 16 years. An interesting obituary is yours by clicking here.

Names in the News (and other items):

RTDNA announced the winners of 785 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards this week. You can read if your former station was honored (since I assume you’d know if your CURRENT station had won) by clicking this link.

KSBW-TV in Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz has hired KIM PINCKNEY ELLER as its new Assistant News Director. She most recently was an EP at WBTV in Charlotte, and has also worked in Roanoke as a producer and EP.

MIKE SHARP is the new PM Content Manager (think executive producer) at Scripps’ KIVI-TV in Boise, ID.  He’s spent the last four years working for a local foodbank but earlier had been a reporter for KIVI and another Boise station.

General Manager News and Notes:

We’re a few weeks late in reporting that JAMES HANNING is the new GM for Sinclair’s WNWO-TV in Toledo. More here.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, April 29, 2018:

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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
WBBM-TV 22 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
WBTS-TV 160 Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459
WFXT-TV 25 Fox Drive. Dedham, MA 02026
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. West Sacramento, CA 95605
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
WFSB-TV 333 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215
WHAS-TV 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Drive, Suite 1. Roanoke, VA 24019
WNEM-TV 107 N. Franklin St. Saginaw, MI 48607
WIS-TV 1111 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
WLBT/WDBD-TV 715 South Jefferson Street Jackson, MS 39201
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
WAOW-TV 1908 Grand Ave. Wausau WI 54403
WTVO/WQRF-TV P.O. Box 470 Rockford, IL 61105
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92260
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 51106
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
WOAY-TV 7113 Legends Hwy, Oak Hill, WV 25901
KOTA-TV 2001 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
WETM-TV 101 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
WNKY-TV 325 Emmett Ave # N, Bowling Green, KY 42101
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701

**: Spanish language station


April 22, 2018

Greetings:

Just ONE new news director opening in our report this week, with TWO new news directors…though neither are really new…just at new stations. That brings our list of open ND jobs to 32.

ONE of those ND openings is featured in one of our TWO paid help wanted ads this week. The other ad is a for a news management job in Wisconsin.

In our GM News and Notes section, details about a promotion for a Boston general manager and the retirement of a longtime Pittsburgh GM.

We have an obituary for a longtime Oregon news director and anchor.  And just TWO items in Names in the News: a new EP in Nashville and the retirement of a longtime University of Missouri School of Journalism faculty member (and former KOMU-TV news director)…and details about a fund established in his honor.

Read on!

SamFull-4-22-18

Newly Named News Directors: 

Bell

Bell

KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV…our Monday UPDATE brought you the details about TOM BELL joining the Meredith owned FOX affiliate. He’s spent the last five years as the ND for CBS o-and-o KOVR/KMAX-TV in Sacramento. (More on his term there below, including the GM’s memo to the staff and Tom’s past with Meredith.) Tom’s been an ND in Detroit, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and San Antonio, and also worked in St. Louis. At KVVU, he replaces CRISTI JESSEE who left the station in February after two years as ND.

Jacoby

Jacoby

WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN…that same Monday UPDATE reported that MARYBETH JACOBY is the new ND for this Gray TV owned CBS affiliate. The station posted this story on its website. Marybeth spent nine years as ND for WLTX-TV in Columbia, SC, before leaving last July. She’s also worked in Dallas, Charlotte, Milwaukee, and Jacksonville, FL. She replaces TONY BERNHARDT who left in December after 2 1/2 years.

DdgFull-4-21-18

New News Director Opening: 

KOVR/KMAX-TV, Sacramento, CA…as noted above, TOM BELL is headed to KVVU-TV in Las Vegas. GM JAY HOWELL sent this note to the staff. While you might wonder about a 20 market drop , Tom has a home in Vegas, family there, and used to work for KVVU owner Meredith when he was the ND at KPHO-TV in Phoenix.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

WKOW_Logo_revise_v2

Senior Executive Producer, WKOW-TV, Madison, WI:

Energized by new and innovative ways to present news content? If you want to expand your creative influence beyond a single newscast, our Senior Executive Producer position at WKOW – TV in Madison, Wisconsin is for you. We want a strong newsroom leader with a creative flair for style and presentation. The leading candidate will have a strong producing background, know how to inspire and will find ways to improve our product by creating meaningful and memorable moments in newscasts. Madison, Wisconsin is a very competitive news market and it’s consistently rated one of the best places to live in the Midwest.

Proven creativity with in-studio presentation, newsroom technology (LIVE U., Drone, GoPro, etc.) and graphics presentation will make you a top candidate. A strong eye for video and a desire to create something that helps the viewer “feel” the story is a top skill for our next EP.

If you have a desire to win every day, we want to talk with you. Five years of strong news producing and writing experience as well as sound editorial and ethical judgment is required. Management experience is a plus. Come work with a dynamic and growing newsroom named “Station of the Year” by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.

WKOW is part of Quincy Media, Inc., a family owned company.

If you have the drive to succeed, send your reel, writing samples, a resume and something surprising that will set you apart to: ereams@wkow.com

Ed Reams
News Director
WKOW – TV
5727 Tokay Blvd.
Madison, WI 53719

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Wbns Logo

Director of News and Digital Content, WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH:

WBNS-TV, Central Ohio’s News Leader, has a rare and unique opportunity as it seeks a dynamic visionary to be its’ next Director of News and Digital Content. 10TV is one of the last family-owned power houses in the industry. We are nationally recognized as an industry leader with a focus on journalistic excellence. We are never satisfied at being #1 as we continue to seek ways to grow our dominance.

The Director of News and Digital Content will oversee a large news operation that is focused on enterprise and investigative reporting, creative storytelling, and compelling content. Must have the track record and skillset to produce compelling and distinctive content on all multi-media platforms. Must have a strong digital acumen and knowledge of how and where the audience consumes content and how to best optimize the opportunities to capture their attention and loyalty. Will collaborate with the General Manager and Director of Digital Strategy on digital strategy and innovation.

Must demonstrate a passion for the product with strong oversight and consistent communication and feedback with the team. Quality drives our success and we’re eager to have a leader join us and lead this exceptional news team. Minimum 7 years experience in news management and proven track record in audience growth on all screens. Please include your news philosophy when applying.

Apply online at www.10tv.com

WBNS 10TV is an equal opportunity employer.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

Spectrum News, Los Angeles, CA (listed 3/18/18)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted this week)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/25/18)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/31/18)
KSBW-TV, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, CA (relisted 3/31/18)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted this week)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted this week)

WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 3/25/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, listed 2/25/18)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (Nightside EP, listed 3/11/18)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, new listing this week, see ad above!)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (2 openings, AM & PM, listed 3/11/18)

Obituary:

Doyle

Doyle

The man some call the Father of Television News in Eugene, OR, JOHN DOYLE, died April 14th. He was 93 years old. He worked at KVAL-TV in Eugene for almost 40 years, where he served as both news director and anchor. The local newspaper reported this detailed story, and here’s the obituary from the station.

Names in the News (and other items):

ERIN ZIEGLER has been promoted to Executive Producer at Scripps’ WTVF-TV in Nashville. She’s worked for that CBS affiliate for the past seven years, most recently as the 10:00 producer.

Collins

Collins

Finally, former KOMU-TV news director STACEY WOELFEL helped organize a gathering for retiring Missouri Journalism Professor KENT COLLINS. Kent retires at the end of June after 35 years at Missouri. He has impacted the careers of hundreds, perhaps even thousands of journalists….if not you, likely someone you work with. Thanks to SHANNON BURKE-KRANZBERG for recording Kent’s remarks….and here’s Stacey’s report on the celebration of Kent’s career:

Former students and colleagues from as far away as Alaska, California and Maryland gathered Saturday night (4/21) to celebrate the retirement of Kent Collins at the campus hangout Heidelberg restaurant in Columbia. Collins was visibly moved by the turnout and by recorded and written messages from many more who could not be there. Organizers announced more than $27,000 had been raised in Kent’s honor to successfully establish a new endowment called the “Kent Collins Student Enhancement Fund.” The endowment will generate income to provide funds to pay for student reporting projects.

You can honor Kent and contribute to that fund by clicking on the link above.

General Manager News and Notes:

Magnes

Magnes

PAUL MAGNES, General Manager of WHDH-TV (independent) in Boston has been named executive VP and general manager of parent company Sunbeam Television. Sunbeam also owns FOX affiliate WSVN-TV in Miami. Magnes replaces longtime Sunbeam exec BOB LEIDER who will remain with the company as a consultant. Paul will be replaced as GM of WHDH by JIM ROGERS who has been the sales manager there.

Pike

Pike

CHRIS PIKE, who’s been GM of CBS’s KDKA/WPCW-TV in Pittsburgh for the past 14 years, announced his retirement this week. More from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Chris has been a GM in Washington, DC, Harrisburg, and Norfolk, VA. He’ll stay on the job until his successor is named. He’s the second CBS o-and-o GM to retire this spring, following MARTY WILKE at WBBM-TV in Chicago.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, April 22, 2018:

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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
WBBM-TV 22 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
WBTS-TV 160 Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459
WFXT-TV 25 Fox Drive. Dedham, MA 02026
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
KOVR/KMAX-TV 2713 KOVR Dr. West Sacramento, CA 95605
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
WFSB-TV 333 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215 (see ad above)
WHAS-TV 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Drive, Suite 1. Roanoke, VA 24019
WNEM-TV 107 N. Franklin St. Saginaw, MI 48607
WIS-TV 1111 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
WLBT/WDBD-TV 715 South Jefferson Street Jackson, MS 39201
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
WAOW-TV 1908 Grand Ave. Wausau WI 54403
WTVO/WQRF-TV P.O. Box 470 Rockford, IL 61105
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92260
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 51106
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
WOAY-TV 7113 Legends Hwy, Oak Hill, WV 25901
KOTA-TV 2001 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
WETM-TV 101 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
WNKY-TV 325 Emmett Ave # N, Bowling Green, KY 42101
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701

**: Spanish language station


April 15, 2018

Monday, April 16, 2018 UPDATE:

Dear Rick:

A busy Monday, with TWO new news directors to tell you about.

A veteran news director fills the open ND job at Meredith’s KVVU-TV in Las Vegas.

Bell

Bell

TOM BELL will be the new ND for that FOX affiliate. He’s spent the last five years as ND for the CBS o-and-o in Sacramento, KOVR-KMAX-TV. Here’s the email from GM JAY HOWELL to the staff.

While on the surface this may seem like an unusual move, Tom owns a home in Las Vegas, has family there, and used to work for Meredith. He was ND of the company’s Phoenix station, KPHO-TV, from 2003-2008. Tom’s also been an ND in Detroit, Salt Lake City, and San Antonio, and has also worked in St. Louis.

At KVVU, he replaces CRISTI JESSEE who left the station in February after about two years as news director.

Jacoby

Jacoby

And in Knoxville, another veteran ND, MARY BETH JACOBY, takes over at Gray’s CBS affiliate, WVLT-TV. She’s a former ND in Columbia, SC, a job she left after nine years. She’s also worked in Dallas, Charlotte, Milwaukee and Jacksonville.

She replaces TONY BERNHARDT who left the station in December after 2 1/2 years. We told you in yesterday’s report that he is now the Assistant ND for KUSI-TV in San Diego.

More later.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Indiana Pacers 98, Cleveland Cavaliers 80.

80!

Sorry…I was distracted.

THREE new ND openings in our report this week, TWO in top 20 markets. And just ONE ND job filled this week (also in a top 20 market) so our list of open ND jobs increases to 33.

ONE of those ND openings is featured in our only Paid Help Wanted ad this week.

But we have many interesting items in Names in the News, including TWO local stations nominated for Peabody Awards, honors for TWO longtime journalists, new jobs for a handful of news managers, and we’ll tell you about an Ohio station that’s hired a ‘comics journalist’. And it’s no joke.

And there’s ONE new GM for a Tegna station.

All that…and more…below.

DDG_APRIL_2018_600x300

Newly Named News Director: 

Frank

Frank

WTSP-TV, Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL…you learned in our UPDATE on Thursday that KELLY FRANK had been named News Director for this Tegna owned CBS affiliate. Click here for both the news release and the email to staff. Kelly will finish her almost three years at WBNS-TV at the end of May. She’s also worked in Atlanta, Washington, Phoenix, Milwaukee, and for Columbus station. Kelly replaces BOB CLINKINGBEARD who quit last October after two years here.

SamFull-4-1-18

New News Director Openings: 

Plotnik

Plotnik

WBTS-TV, Boston, MA…KENNY PLOTNIK‘s last day as News Director for this relatively new NBC owned station was Friday. He helped launched this operation when it started a little over a year ago. He’d been the ND for NBC’s New England Cable News before that. Kenny spent most of his career at WABC-TV in New York, including ten years as ND, ending in 2012. He’s also worked in Philadelphia and Buffalo.

Donnellan

Donnellan

WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH…our Wednesday UPDATE brought you the news that BRENNAN DONNELLAN is leaving this Tegna owned NBC affiliate after the May ratings period. Here’s the email from GM MICKI BYRNES to the staff. Brennan told me he couldn’t go into too many details about his future plans but that he was excited. He’s been ND since December, 2012, was Managing Editor before that, is a former ND in Cincinnati and Syracuse, and worked in Boston, Atlanta, Columbus, OH (two stations) and Norfolk.

Pickey

Pickey

WOAY-TV, Beckley-Oak Hill WV…SCOTT PICKEY is out as the news director for locally owned Thomas Broadcasting’s ABC affiliate after about 18 months. Scott and his GM, DENNIS ADKINS, were both released about the same time. Scott’s a former ND for two stations in Wilmington, NC, and in Fayetteville, AR. He’s also worked in El Paso, Huntsville, Raleigh, Richmond, and Syracuse.

And while not a new opening, please note the paid help wanted ad just below for the news director opening at WBNS-TV, the CBS affiliate in Columbus, OH.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

Wbns Logo

Director of News and Digital Content, WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH:

WBNS-TV, Central Ohio’s News Leader, has a rare and unique opportunity as it seeks a dynamic visionary to be its’ next Director of News and Digital Content. 10TV is one of the last family-owned power houses in the industry. We are nationally recognized as an industry leader with a focus on journalistic excellence. We are never satisfied at being #1 as we continue to seek ways to grow our dominance.

The Director of News and Digital Content will oversee a large news operation that is focused on enterprise and investigative reporting, creative storytelling, and compelling content. Must have the track record and skillset to produce compelling and distinctive content on all multi-media platforms. Must have a strong digital acumen and knowledge of how and where the audience consumes content and how to best optimize the opportunities to capture their attention and loyalty. Will collaborate with the General Manager and Director of Digital Strategy on digital strategy and innovation.

Must demonstrate a passion for the product with strong oversight and consistent communication and feedback with the team. Quality drives our success and we’re eager to have a leader join us and lead this exceptional news team. Minimum 7 years experience in news management and proven track record in audience growth on all screens. Please include your news philosophy when applying.

Apply online at www.10tv.com

WBNS 10TV is an equal opportunity employer.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

Spectrum News, Los Angeles, CA (listed 3/18/18)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted this week)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 3/25/18)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 3/31/18)
KSBW-TV, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, CA (relisted 3/31/18)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted this week)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, listing revised 2/18/18)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 3/25/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, listed 2/25/18)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City (AM EP, listed 3/18/18)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (Nightside EP, listed 3/11/18)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (Nightside EP, listed 3/11/18)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (2 openings, AM & PM, listed 3/11/18)

Names in the News (and other items):

Congratulations to KXAS-TV in Dallas/Ft. Worth and WVUE-TV in New Orleans, the only two commercial stations to be honored with Peabody Awards. Here’s the entire list of winners.

Reynolds

Reynolds

SHAWN REYNOLDS has joined AccuWeather as Director of Network Programming. Shawn says that means he’ll be editorial lead for the AccuWeather Network. He most recently was an EP for WGCL-TV in Atlanta, news director for WTVM/WXTX-TV in Columbus, GA, and has worked in Indianapolis, for the Weather Channel, and for another Atlanta station.

Bernhardt

Bernhardt

TONY BERNHARDT joins KUSI-TV (an independent station in San Diego) as its next Assistant News Director. He most recently spent three years as the news director for WVLT-TV in Knoxville, and has worked in Washington, Orlando, Hartford/New Haven, for NBC News, and in Colorado Springs.

CAROL MORGAN, a former EP at Bay News 9, has joined WTXL-TV in Tallahassee, FL, as an EP. She’s also worked in Orlando, Milwaukee, Huntsville, and Greenville, SC.

Miller

Miller

Let’s take a moment to pay tribute (as did his station) to JACK MILLER, who’s retiring after a remarkable 17 years producing the morning news at WWNY-TV in Watertown, NY.

Poynter’s AL TOMPKINS profiles a ‘comics journalist’ hired by Cincinnati’s WCPO-TV…and it’s no joke, he’s a serious newsman.

Honors for two former longtime news managers, (one now a general manager):

Vann

Vann

One time news director turned multi-market general manager LES VANN will be honored tomorrow (Monday, April 16th) as the Outstanding Journalism Alum of Illinois State University’s School of Communication.

York

York

And longtime Kentucky newsman STEVE YORK, who spent 13 years as the Assistant News Director for Louisville’s WAVE-TV, has been inducted into the University of Kentucky Journalism School Hall of Fame. Steve also worked in Lexington.

 

Post

Post

We told you last September that longtime KXLY-TV (Spokane) News Director JERRY POST was leaving news to operate a ‘Mathnasium’ franchise in Spokane. The Spokane Journal of Business followed up to see how it’s going.

Finally, TED CANOVA, a former news manager in Boston (PBS station WGBH-TV), Minneapolis (WCCO-TV) and Providence (WJAR-TV) offers his thoughts on how to make TV news relevant again.

General Manager News and Notes:

MARTY SCHACK, who’s been the interim GM of Tegna’s Little Rock station, KHTV, has been promoted to GM there. Where he’s been, and why is there an opening? Answers here.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, April 15 2018:

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

WABC-TV 7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
WBBM-TV 22 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
WBTS-TV 160 Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459
WFXT-TV 25 Fox Drive. Dedham, MA 02026
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
WFSB-TV 333 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Drive Columbus OH 43215 (see ad above)
KVVU-TV 25 TV 5 Dr. Henderson, NV 89014
WHAS-TV 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive Knoxville, TN 37919
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Drive, Suite 1. Roanoke, VA 24019
WNEM-TV 107 N. Franklin St. Saginaw, MI 48607
WIS-TV 1111 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201
WLBT/WDBD-TV 715 South Jefferson Street Jackson, MS 39201
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
WAOW-TV 1908 Grand Ave. Wausau WI 54403
WTVO/WQRF-TV P.O. Box 470 Rockford, IL 61105
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92260
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 51106
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
WOAY-TV 7113 Legends Hwy, Oak Hill, WV 25901
KOTA-TV 2001 Skyline Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
WETM-TV 101 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
WNKY-TV 325 Emmett Ave # N, Bowling Green, KY 42101
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701

**: Spanish language station