April 2, 2017
Wednesday, April 5, 2017 UPDATE:
Shelley
RTDNA has named former chair and longtime board member DAN SHELLEY to be its next executive director. He’s replacing MIKE CAVENDER in that role. Here’s the news release.
Dan’s a longtime radio and online executive. His full background is here on his linkedin page.
Some other updates:
In Sunday’s newsletter, we told you about former Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Washington news director DAVE KELLY, who was in poor health. Sadly, Dave died Sunday, just two days before his 90th birthday.
And in Sunday’s full newsletter I had the wrong call letters for a Tucson news director opening. That opening is at KGUN-TV, not at KOLD-TV as I reported. Apologies to all.
We’ll have much more in our full newsletter later this week.
regards,
Rick Gevers
**** ***** ****
Greetings:
It’s opening day for baseball, tomorrow is the last day for college basketball, and both hockey and basketball are nearing playoffs. It’s a great time of year if you’re a sports fan.
And it’s a great time of year (I’m really stretching here, as you can see) for THREE people who took new news director jobs this week. TWO jobs became open, thus leaving our list of open news director jobs at 22.
We welcome back a frequent advertiser, WeatherMetrics, who returns with some ads promoting its booth at NAB. And we have SEVEN paid help wanted ads in a wide range of markets.
In Names in the News, there are some large market management moves, life after the Associated Press for a longtime employee, and a chance for you to raise the spirits of an ailing long-ago news director…and more.
We also have an obituary for a longtime Atlanta newsman, and news about THREE general managers, two of them former news directors.
Read on, and have a great week.
New News Director Openings:
KSTS-TV, San Jose/San Francisco, CA…FREDDY OLDENBURG is leaving this Telemundo o-and-o to become ND of the company’s Dallas station, KXTX-TV. More on that below.
Burke
KGUN-TV, Tucson, AZ…TOM BURKE has left this Scripps owned ABC affiliate after almost four years as news director. Tom’s also been an ND in Sacramento, Fresno, Pittsburgh, Columbus, OH, and Columbus, GA, and has worked in Detroit, Greenville, NC, and Presque Isle, ME.
Newly Named News Directors:
Oldenburg
KXTX-TV, Dallas, TX…FREDDY OLDENBURG moves from Telemundo’s station in San Jose (KSTS-TV) to become news director for this Telemundo o-and-o. Freddy had been at KSTS since 2014, and earlier worked in Los Angeles. In Dallas, he replaces SANDRA THOMAS who left for as yet undefined managerial role at the Telemundo network.
Bardach
KOTV, Tulsa, OK…this Griffin Communications owned CBS affiliate has promoted JEFF BARDACH to Director of Content (old-timers would call that news director). Here’s the announcement from Griffin Director of Content TODD SPESSARD. Jeff has been the acting news director since ED TRAUSCHKE left earlier this year. Jeff had worked at KOTV before moving to sister station KWTV in Oklahoma City almost six years ago. He’s also worked in Kansas City.
Ritter
WNCT-TV, Greenville, NC…BERNIE RITTER will be the next news director for this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate. For the past three years, he’s been the EP for News 12 New Jersey. He’s also worked for Al Jazeera, ESPN, and for local stations in Pittsburgh (two stations) Cleveland, and Memphis. At WNCT, he replaces STEPHANIE SHULTZ who left the station in December after 2 1/2 years to return to Roanoke as the Assistant News Director at WDBJ-TV.
Finally, apologies to newly promoted KSNW-TV (Wichita) News Director RACHEL SOMMERFELD whose name I misspelled in reporting her promotion last week.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
Executive Producer, WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL:
WFLA-TV, News Channel 8 in beautiful Tampa is seeking an Executive Producer to manage day-to-day news coverage. We want someone who places a high value on original reporting and investigative journalism in an aggressive On Your Side brand. We want someone who pays attention to detail and is willing to hold our journalists to high standards. The Executive Producer must possess high ethical standards and strong news judgment.
Job Skills:
This person must be an experienced news manager of at least 5 years. This position requires someone with superior news judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to effectively supervise staff on a daily basis, with the end-product being content that clearly and effectively illustrates our On Your Side brand. You will have a positive attitude to elevate and inspire others to continue on strong and aggressive coverage and brand development.
Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s Level Degree – Journalism Preferred
Minimum Experience:
5 yrs. of experience. The superior candidate will have Executive Producer experience, possibly in a smaller market than Tampa. If not, this candidate will have had at least Executive Producer or other news management experience at a strong station in another market. And you must be able to work long or odd hours depending on news coverage importance.
Qualified applicants can apply online at www.nexstar.tv
EOE M/F/D/V ~ Background check and drug screen required.
Assistant Content Director, WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC:
WTVD, ABC-11, the ABC owned station in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (24) is seeking an Assistant Content Director. We want someone who places a high value on original reporting and investigative journalism. We want someone who pays attention to detail and is willing to hold our journalists to high standards. The Assistant Content Director must possess high ethical standards and strong news judgment and a passion for on air and online platforms.
This position requires someone with superior news judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to effectively supervise staff on a daily basis.. You will have a positive attitude to elevate and inspire others to continue on strong and aggressive coverage and brand development.
The ideal candidate must have top market experience, a proven record of ratings success, strong leadership/mentoring skills and excellent news judgment. At least 5 years of local news management experience is mandatory. You must be able to work long or odd hours depending on news coverage importance. The role also requires expertise in digital content strategies, long term planning, and experience hiring.
To apply, please log onto www.disneycareers.com and search for requisition #434440BR.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
WTVD-TV, an owned station of ABC, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Female-Minority-Veteran-Disability-Sexual Orientation-Gender Identity
Executive Producer, WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH:
WBNS-TV, Central Ohio’s News Leader, seeks a dynamic Executive Producer with a proven track record. The successful candidate will be responsible for the production, execution and overall presentation of our daily newscasts, while providing leadership in the newsroom, managing producers and associate producers, ensuring writing meets station standards, coordinating with other departments for daily multiplatform news production and assisting in development of news department strategy.
10TV strives to succeed and is looking for someone with passion and enthusiasm to join our strong team! We have all of the tools you need to succeed in our new state of the art newsroom! This position requires at least six years’ experience in local television news as a Producer and Executive Producer (with at least two years as EP or similar). The candidate must have excellent news judgment and communication skills, proficient comprehension of digital and social platforms and above average writing and storytelling skills. The ideal candidate should have the ability to manage and influence a large group and to work effectively in often stressful situations required. Experience in investigative journalism and digital platforms are a plus.
Please be sure to include your news philosophy and link to a recent newscast in your cover letter or resume. WBNS 10TV is a first-class, family owned company that takes pride in quality, not quantity.
Please apply at www.dispatchbroadcast.com
WBNS 10TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Executive Producer, WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL:
WBRC Fox6 in Birmingham, AL, has a rare opening for an experienced afternoon/evening Executive Producer.
We need an experienced and independent leader who can execute research-based strategy, aggressively pursue breaking news, coach a team of eager and experienced producers, and deliver measurable ratings growth.
You are a candidate if you have:
two-years’ experience as an Executive Producer
five-years’ experience as a producer
superb news judgement
passion, perseverance and grit
And you must:
be able to work flexible hours
possess the creative, critical eye of a “show doctor” who can deliver visually compelling, distinctive and well-paced shows
know the importance of delivering highly promotable stories with strong viewer benefit
be a coach, not a “fixer”
understand the importance of maintaining high journalistic and ethical standards
work with our other news managers to lead aggressive enterprise news coverage and breaking news on air and on all digital/social platform
Please apply online by clicking here and submit your cover letter and resume.
No phone calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V
Executive Producer, WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL:
WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida is looking for an Executive Producer to help lead a strong newsroom in a fast-paced competitive environment. Excellent news judgment, storytelling and showcasing skills required. You will help manage anchors, reporters, producers, photographers and editors. Must be able to identify good stories, create leads, create urgency and create memorable moments. You will help oversee web and social media content. We need someone who can execute strategic plans while leading the presentation of content on air, online and in the world of evolving media. NOTE: All essential functions of this position are not necessarily described in this posting.
Qualifications: Prior EP experience is a plus, but this is also a good move for an excellent newscast producer with at least five years of experience. You will be on-call as needed. Expect to work long hours, weekends and holidays as needed.
Requirements: Prefer college degree in journalism or communications.
Contact: Send resume to: Kathryn Bonfield/News Director, WJXT-TV, 4 Broadcast Place, Jacksonville, FL 32207 kbonfield@wjxt.com Fax: (904) 393-9822
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Graham Media Group (GMG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, GMG will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Assistant News Director, KSNT-TV, KTKA-TV, KTMJ-TV, Topeka, KS:
Are you a show doctor? Like to coach new producers and reporters to success? Want to lead a team to the top?
Check out this exciting opportunity to join a thriving company and station in the heart of the country. A perfect job for a producer looking to enter management or a small market manager looking to take the next step.
We produce 35 hours of news a week on the local NBC, ABC and FOX stations, and we’re looking for a hands on manager with an aggressive style to help drive the ship.
The successful candidate will lead, train, supervise and motivate news employees. Must have excellent news judgment and have a thorough understanding of digital and social media. Passion for breaking news, strong organizational skills and solid leadership skills are a must.
Apply online at ksnt.com/jobs and send application materials to Jesse Fray, news director, at jfray@ksnt.com.
Responsibilities:
– Manage content delivery on multiple platforms
– Work closely with news director to lead philosophy and direction
– Review daily newscasts to ensure quality and provide feedback to all staff
Requirements:
– Understanding of journalistic ethics, libel, and privacy laws
– Ability to manage multiple hours of newscasts on multiple stations
– Excellent communication skills
– Strong writing and storytelling skills
– Ability to work in stressful situations
– Journalism degree and a minimum of five years’ experience in local TV news
KSNT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 3/19/17)
WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 1/22/17)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (relisted 2/5/17)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 3/12/17)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (new listing this week)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (relisted 2/5/17)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 2/26/17)
KSNT-TV, Topeka, KS (listed 3/26/17, see ad above!)
KTUU-TV, Anchorage, AK (relisted 2/19/17)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (AM EP, relisted 3/26/17, see ad above!)
KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (PM EP, listed 2/19/17)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (new listing this week)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (AM EP, listing revised this week)
KPTV, Portland, OR (relisted 2/26/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (listing revised 4/5/17, see ad above!)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, listing modified 2/5/17)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, relisted 3/19/17)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 3/26/17, see ad above!)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (PM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (listed 3/26/17, see ad above!)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 1/22/17)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM EP, relisted 2/5/17)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 1/8/17)
WCSC-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 3/12/17)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 2/5/17)
WPTA-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN (listed 3/12/17)
ASSISTANT CONTENT DIRECTOR:
WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC (listed 3/26/17, see ad above!)
Obituary:
Miles
Longtime Atlanta newswoman STEEN MILES died this week of cancer at the age of 70. She worked both in front of and behind the camera during a career that included stops in South Bend and Cincinnati. Steen later turned to politics, serving one term in the Georgia State Senate and running unsuccessfully for other offices. More in this obituary.
Names in the News:
CHAD MATTHEWS returns to New York as Assistant ND for WABC-TV. He’d been the Senior EP there before leaving in 2012 to become Assistant ND at WTVJ-TV in Miami, the NBC o-and-o there.
Speaking of New York, DAVID SHENFELD joins WPIX-TV there as Morning News EP.
At WFAA-TV in Dallas, SHEENA SMITH has been promoted to morning news EP from producer. She’s also worked in Albuquerque and Lansing.
KMOV-TV in St. Louis has hired BRYANT PITCHER as nightside EP. Bryant had been working at KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City as an EP, and has also worked in Dallas, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi.
Nexstar has appointed GREGORY RAIFMAN to a new role as President of Nexstar Digital.
Poynter offers this look at what IRE and other organizations are doing amid fears that government data may become more difficult to find and save.
Perryman
Many of us have had several different careers in broadcasting. That’s also true of longtime AP staffer LEE PERRYMAN. After 35 years at AP, he returned home and is the principal behind the company that owns his first radio station, WYEA. It was just named Alabama’s Radio station of the year! Congrats, Lee. Old friends can wish Lee well via email: lperryman@wyea.net
Finally, a chance to send well wishes to an industry pioneer who’s facing some health challenges. DAVE KELLY was a news director for two stations in Pittsburgh, as well as Detroit and Washington in a career that began at the Washington Post in the late 40s. Along the way he hired LOU PRATO and they remain close friends. Lou passed along this note:
Dave Kelly is a senior facility near his Crystal River, Florida home and his health is not good. My wife, Carole and I visited with him last week. Dave couldn’t do much talking but we did reminisce about the old times we had professionally and personally. Despite his condition he still has his sense of humor. As he said to me, “we burned a lot of bridges.” He still loves Pittsburgh-“it was a great city and still is,” he said– and misses his old companions. He isn’t up to taking phone calls. However, his 90th birthday is April 4th. I am sure he and his kids would appreciate a few birthday cards from his media friends. Here is his address:
Health Center at Brentwood
Room 609
2333 N Brentwood Cir
Lecanto, FL 34461
UPDATE 4/3/17:
Sadly, Dave Kelly died Sunday, April 2nd. More in next week’s newsletter.
General Manager News and Notes:
Cohen
BRUNO COHEN announced he’ll retire from his job as General Manager for KPIX-TV in San Francisco when his replacement is hired. He’s been there five years, has also been a GM in both Chicago and Sacramento, a news director at KPIX and in New York, and has worked for Buena Vista Productions and CNBC, among others.
Vann
LES VANN is moving to WHNS-TV in Greenville, SC, to become GM of that Meredith owned FOX affiliate. Les is leaving WFTX-TV in Ft. Myers, where he’s been GM just six months. He explains the move in this note to his staff. He’s also been a GM in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Syracuse, Asheville, Binghamton, Savannah, Cedar Rapids, and Champaign. Les started his career in news and eventually became ND in Springfield, IL.
JIM DODRILL has been promoted to GM for Nexstar’s WBOY-TV in Clarksburg, WV. He had been the GSM there.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, April 2, 2017.
If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com
KTVU-TV 2 Jack London Square NW Oakland, CA 94607
KSTS-TV 2349 Bering Dr. San Jose, CA 95131 *
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
KDEN-TV 2851 S. Parker Road Suite 1130 Aurora, CO 80014 *
WNCN-TV 1205 Front St. Raleigh, N.C., 27609
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Rd, Nashville, TN 37209
WJAR-TV 23 Kenney Dr, Cranston, RI 02920
KJRH-TV 3701 S Peoria Ave. Tulsa, OK 74105
WNYT-TV 715 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12204
KGUN-TV 7280 E Rosewood St, Tucson, AZ 85710
WICS-TV 2680 East Cook St. Springfield, IL 62703
WCBD-TV 210 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
WNDU-TV 54516 IN-933, South Bend, IN 46637
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Drive New Bern, NC 28560
KWQC-TV 805 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52803
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Road, Ghent, WV 25841
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323. Tyler, TX 75701
KVAL/KMTR-TV 4575 Blanton Rd, Eugene, OR 97405
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave. Duluth MN 55802
KCBD-TV 5600 Ave. A, Lubbock, TX 79404
WGFL-TV 1703 NW 80th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian MS 39301
* Spanish language station