August 6, 2017
Wednesday, August 9, 2017 UPDATE:
Several General Manager or Senior Management moves of note today.
As you know, we’re always pleased to report news directors moving to GM positions, and that’s the case today.
Mitchell
JONATHAN MITCHELL, who’s been a news director in San Jose/San Francisco, Spokane, and Toledo, returns to Raycom Media as GM of the company’s Memphis station, WMC-TV. (He worked for Raycom in both Toledo and Cincinnati.) Jonathan has been working with ExciteM since leaving his ND job at KNTV last summer. Here’s the staff memo from Raycom’s NICK SIMONETTE.
Simonette
Speaking of Nick, he tells me he’s planning to retire next January after 40 years in our business. He’s currently a Group VP for Raycom, has been a GM at their stations in Charlotte and Baton Rouge, and is a former news director in San Antonio (KENS-TV), Louisville (WHAS-TV), and Baton Rouge WAFB-TV.
Howell
CBS has named JAY HOWELL General Manager of its Sacramento duopoly, KOVR/KMAX-TV. Here’s the official news release. As you’ll learn in that release, Jay most recently as a VP for Media General and he’s been a GM in several markets. Readers of a certain age will remember his father JOHN who was an ND in several markets.
And Meredith has named DALE WOODS GM for WSMV-TV, its NBC affiliate in Nashville. Dale’s been GM of Tribune’s-soon-to-be-Sinclair’s WHO-TV in Des Moines for the past ten years. More from the Des Moines Register.
I’m writing this UPDATE on a Southwest flight en route to New Orleans where I look forward to seeing many of you later this week.
regards,
Rick Gevers
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Monday, August 7, 2017 UPDATE:
Greetings:
We have two items of interest for you today.
Lupenski
First, TIFFANI LUPENSKI has left the news director’s job at KGTV, the Scripps owned ABC affiliate in San Diego. She’s been the ND there for the last 2 1/2 years. Tiffani also was an ND for KATU-TV in Portland, as well as the Assistant ND there. She’s been an EP in Seattle and Denver, and worked as a reporter and anchor in Birmingham and Lake Charles, LA, as well as for CNN and for radio stations in both Atlanta and San Antonio.
Volpicella
Also, we’ve learned that FRANK VOLPICELLA is going back to WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, FL, as Managing Director of Content. He was a producer there from 1979-81. You know, of course, that Frank went on to be a news director in Atlanta, Austin, TX, Lexington, and Huntsville, and also worked in Tampa and Atlanta.
We’ll have more on both these stories in our full newsletter this weekend.
Until then, I’m looking forward to seeing some of you at NABJ in New Orleans later this week.
regards,
Rick Gevers
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A second week with just ONE new news director opening, and, to the best of my knowledge, NO news director openings were filled. Please let me know if you know of something I don’t.
Our list of open ND jobs now stands at 24.
FOUR of those openings are among our FIVE new paid help wanted ads.
We have news of TWO General Managers making news, one retiring and the other, with top ten market experience, landing a new job.
There are FOUR items about news managers in Names in the News, including a longtime Los Angeles newsman coming out of retirement to take a new job in Seattle. And we have an article profiling the long career of a Minnesota newswoman that’s worth a few minutes of your time.
And if you’re going to NABJ later this week in New Orleans, I’ll look forward to seeing you there and at a reception (hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar) from the Univeristy of Missouri School of Journalism. Details below:
New News Director Opening:
Smith
WIFR-TV, Rockford, IL…DAVE SMITH is retiring in October after 14 years as news director here and 43 years in our business. This gracious note from General Manager TIM MYERS tells us that Dave has decided to join his wife in California: they’ve been apart during his tenure in Rockford. He’s worked in Fort Wayne, Buffalo, Knoxville, Evansville, and Cleveland, and Rockford. With that many years, and that many markets, he likely has lots of friends who can wish him well via email to: dave.smith@wifr.com. WIFR is an CBS affiliate owned by Gray Television. You can learn more about this opportunity in the Paid Help Wanted Ad below.
And please note the Paid Help Wanted ads below for THREE openings we’ve previously reported to you, in Philadelphia, Jackson, MS, and Midland/Odessa, TX.
Newly Named News Directors:
For the second consecutive week, I’m not aware of any newly hired news directors this week. If i’ve missed something, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, KYW-TV, Philadelphia, PA:
Lead a culture of winning and excellence in the station’s news department.
Responsible for the on-air execution of each newscast.
Capable of evolving the on-air product technically to reflect the current competitive environment within the marketplace.
Executes short and long term strategic goals for station.
Provides solid leadership and tactical direction on the day-to-day coverage of major stories, breaking news and specials.
Ensures that a balanced and ethical presentation is sustained in accordance with CBS policies and instructions, industry codes, FCC rules and station brand values.
Implements a solid succession plan for all positions within the newsroom, beginning with careful search and recruitment techniques and continuing with effective mentoring, training and development.
Prepares the News Department’s budget and carefully manages all department expenses, while working closely with the Accounting Department.
Works in concert with the other station Department Heads and management team to further evolve station brand, programs and new business development.
Click here to learn more about this job and to apply.
News Director, WJTV, Jackson, MS:
WJTV and WJTV.com in Jackson, Mississippi (Market 95) and WHLT and WHLT.com in Hattiesburg, Mississippi (Market 168) is seeking an experienced News Director who is an innovative and dynamic leader, possessing excellent news judgment, strong digital news initiative, and a passion to be the best. As Mississippi’s capital city, the Jackson market has a growing local economy that leans heavily on medical, agriculture, manufacturing, arts and entertainment.
Jackson and Hattiesburg markets both have a large and engaged SEC fan base with nearby colleges including Ole Miss, MS State, University of Southern MS, Jackson State and many more! There are plenty of opportunities for kids and adults alike making Central MS an ideal place to raise a growing family.
You can find out more about this job and apply by just clicking here.
News Director, KMID/KPEJ-TV, Odessa/Midland, TX:
KMID-TV Local 2/KPEJ Fox 24 and Yourbasin.com in Odessa/Midland, TX is seeking an experienced journalist to lead our news team and serve as the next News Director.
This is a unique opening at the fastest growing news operation in the Odessa/Midland market (DMA #143). KMID/KPEJ operates in an active news climate that exceeds the expectation of its market size. KMID/KPEJ is an ABC/FOX duopoly. The station operates in a state-of-the-art HD studio and newsroom that is a little more than one year old. The market is also full of tradition and history thanks to ‘Friday Night Lights’ fame. High school football is instilled in the culture. KMID/KPEJ broadcasts the most-watched high school football show in the market every Friday during football season.
For more on this opportunity….and to apply, just click here.
News Director, WIFR-TV, Rockford, IL:
23WIFR (CBS) is owned by Gray Television, Inc. Located in beautiful Northern Illinois, just 75 miles from Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee, we are seeking a news leader who has strong coaching skills, a passion to produce, and an innovative approach to delivering content to all WIFR platforms in a very competitive market. The News Director is responsible for supervision of all areas of the News Department. The News Director works closely with the General Manager and must have the ability to implement and execute a strategic plan. Gray Television, Inc. is a top-notch multimedia company who has invested heavily in the latest newsgathering and production technology to better serve its communities.
Position Responsibilities Include but not limited to:
* Recruiting, hiring, coaching, mentoring, supervising and evaluating newsroom
personnel
* Setting standards and goals for newsroom operations and content
* Strong working knowledge of community issues
* Oversee all content gathering and presentation guidelines
* Planning of big event coverage such as elections, debates and local community
events
* Knowledge and proficiency in posting content to websites and social media
* Prepare and manage annual department budget
* Working closely with other departments to ensure success
Pre-Employment drug test required. Must possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record. Motor vehicle record check is required.
EDUCATION: College degree – preferably related to Journalism and/or Communications
EXPERIENCE: Minimum three years Newsroom management experience
Please visit www.gray.tv/applynow for more information or to apply for this position.
AM & PM Executive Producers, WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA:
Are you a news junkie AND a natural leader ready to test yourself in a top ten market? Can you help lead a team of dedicated producers, reporters, and staff members to provide viewers with compelling news that is relevant and impactful. Bring the capital “J” back to journalism through balance and digging deeper? If you answered yes, we may have the perfect job for you. Meredith Corporation has immediate openings for Executive Producers for its Atlanta morning and nightside shifts. This is a great opportunity to be part of not only putting a quality product on the air, but creating a great work environment for employees.
WGCL-TV is a CBS affiliate in the # 10 television market in the United States. The station delivers over 32 hours of weekly news product as well as hit CBS Programs such as: Survivor, The Amazing Race, The Big Bang Theory, Blue Bloods and 60 Minutes. WGCL is owned by the Meredith Corporation. Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; www.meredith.com) has been committed to service journalism for more than 115 years.
Today, Meredith uses multiple distribution platforms – including broadcast television, print, digital, mobile, tablets and video – to provide consumers with content they desire and to deliver the messages of its advertising and marketing partners. Meredith’s Local Media Group includes 17 television stations reaching more than 10 percent of U.S. households. Meredith’s portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, with seven stations in the nation’s Top 25.
Please click here for complete details and to apply online.
Meredith Corporation is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (listed 6/18/17)
WICS-TV, Springfield, IL (relisted this week)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 7/2/17)
KPLC-TV, Lake Charles, LA (relisted 7/23/17)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KGO-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 7/9/17)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Senior AM Producer, relisted 6/25/17)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM & PM EPs, new listing this week, see ad above!)
WOIO-TV, Cleveland, OH (AM EP, listed 7/2/17)
WTVD-TV, Raleigh/Durham, NC: (Raleigh newsroom mgr., listed 7/23/17)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (relisted 7/23/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM & PM jobs, listing revised this week)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, relisted 7/23/17)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 5/21/17)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 7/2/17)
KWCH-TV, Wichita, KS (AM EP, relisted 7/2/17)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 5/29/17)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (listed 6/4/17)
WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (relisted 7/9/17)
WCSC-TV, Charleston, SC (relisted 5/14/17)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, relisted 7/9/17)
WLBT-TV, Jackson, MS (listed 6/11/17)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (Morning EP, listed 7/30/17)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (listed 7/23/17)
Names in the News:
Lots of news about managers on the move this week.
Villaescusa
Media Moves reports that RUBEN VILLAESCUSA will start tomorrow as the Dayside Executive Producer for Tegna’s KING-TV in Seattle. He retired in 2014 from KTTV in Los Angeles after 23 years there, wrapping up his time there as Assistant News Director.
JOHN PRICE joins WCSC-TV in Charleston, SC, as the station’s Evening Executive Producer. He’s been the 11:00 producer at WJHL-TV in Johnson City, TN.
WBAY-TV filled its open Executive Producer position by promoting ADAM BEHNKE. He’s been the 5:00 producer for this ABC affiliate.
Staying in Wisconsin, DAN PLUTCHAK has joined WKOW-TV in Madison as the Social Media Manager for that ABC affiliate. He was an editor as CSI Media in Janesville.
Reyelts
We told you in June that BARBARA REYELTS was retiring after 38 years at KBJR-TV in Duluth, where she served as ND for the last nine years. Much of her time there was spent as a reporter who regularly broke stories and impacted her community. The Duluth News Tribune profiles her and her amazing career.
General Manager News & Notes:
Newman
Longtime Baltimore General Manager (and former news director) JAY NEWMAN is retiring after more than 19 years as the GM for CBS’s WJZ-TV. He’s a former ND for CBS owned stations in Philadelphia and Chicago, and also served as ND for KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh before CBS bought it. Much more on his background…and his future…in this story from the station. And the local newspaper weighs in as well.
Green
WFTX-TV in Ft. Myers, FL, has a new General Manager. DARRYLL GREEN joins this Scripps owned FOX affiliate a week from Monday. He’s a former GM for Gannett (now Tegna ) stations in Washington and Buffalo. And he’s had a variety of other jobs, as you’ll learn in this news release from Scripps.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 6, 2017:
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
News 12 Bronx/Brooklyn 1 Media Crossways, Woodbury, NY 11791
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook, NY 10573
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton Street Philadelphia, PA 19130 (see ad above!)
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WLTV 9405 NW 41st Street Miami, FL 33178-2301 ***
KDVR/KWGN-TV 100 East Speer Blvd. Denver, CO 80203
WGAL-TV 1300 Columbia Avenue. Lancaster, PA 17603
WGRZ-TV 259 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14202
WRIC-TV 301 Arboretum Pl, Richmond, VA 23236
WBIR-TV 1513 Bill Williams Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917
WZDX-TV 1309 N. Memorial Pkwy Huntsville, AL 35801
KOAA-TV 2200 7th Ave. Pueblo, CO 81003
WJTV 1820 Tv Rd, Jackson, MS 39204 (see ad above!)
KFSM-TV 318 N 13th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901
WHBF-TV 231 18th Street Rock Island, IL 61201
KLFY-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Rd, Lafayette, LA 70506
WSAW-TV, 1114 Grand Ave, Wausau, WI 54403
KNOE-TV 1400 Oliver Rd, Monroe, LA 71201
WIFR-TV 2523 N Meridian Rd, Rockford, IL 61101 (see ad above)
KMID-TV 1550 West I-20 Odessa, TX 79763 (see ad above!)
KTVA-TV 1001 Northway Drive St. 202. Anchorage, AK
WCJB-TV 6220 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32653
KTMF-TV 2200 Stephens Avenue, Missoula, MT 59801
KRTV P.O. Box 2989, Great Falls, Montana, 59403
***: Spanish language station