August 8, 2015
Thursday, August 13, 2015 UPDATE:
Germano
As teased in last nights’ UPDATE, another news director’s position was filled today as MICHELLE GERMANO has been named News Director for ABC’s WTVD-TV in Raleigh-Durham.
She’s been the ND for KOLD/KMSB-TV in Tucson since 2003 and has worked at the station for 15. A Texas native, she’s also worked in Houston and Corpus Christi.
Michelle’s GM, NICK ULMER, sent this note to his staff this morning.
At WTVD, she replaces ROB ELMORE who was promoted to sister ABC o-and-o KABC-TV in May. Rob spent 17 years as the ND there.
And…again….not to be too big a tease, but there may be yet another large market ND job filled later this week.
I’m at AAJA in San Francisco, where it’s already been a pleasure to see a few of you.
regards,
Rick Gevers
Wednesday, August 12, 2015 UPDATE:
Geraghty
Another News Director job was filled today, with TIM GERAGHTY returning to a newsroom.
He’ll start Monday as the News Director for Sinclair’s WKRC-TV in Cincinnati, the CBS affiliate.
Tim most recently was Senior Director of News for Central Florida News 13, a position he left in January after three years. He’s also been an ND in Miami, Sacramento and Grand Rapids, MI, and has worked in Kansas City, Kalamazoo, Decatur, IL, and Columbia, MO.
The key word in that last sentence was Decatur, because that’s where he once worked with WKRC GM JON LAWHEAD. Back in 1988, Jon was the local sales manager and Tim produced the 10:00 news.
At WKRC, he replaces KIRK VARNER who left the station in early July after 4+ years.
Not to be too much of a tease, but I believe yet another larger market ND job will be filled this week, perhaps as early as tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Our full report later this week may be delayed by my attendance at AAJA in San Francisco. I look forward to seeing some of you there.
regards,
Rick Gevers
Monday, August 10, 2015 UPDATE:
Greetings:
Today’s UPDATE? A one-time reporter returns to his old station as news director.
Dello Stritto
MIKE DELLO STRITTO will join Scripps’ KTNV-TV in Las Vegas on August 31 as its next news director. Here’s the memo from GM JIM PRATHER to the staff.
It’s a return to this ABC affiliate for Mike, who worked there as a reporter from 2004-2006. He left for CBS o-and-o KOVR-TV in Sacramento, where he reported and made the transition to management, first as Managing Editor, and then Assistant News Director, and later interim News Director.
In January, 2014, he was promoted to Managing Editor at CBS’s KPIX-TV in San Francisco, where he still works.
He’s also worked in West Palm Beach and Chattanooga. His Linkedin page has the full story.
As always, more on this story and all the latest news in our full report later this week.
That report may be delayed by my attendance at AAJA in San Francisco, where I’ll hope to see some of you.
**** ***** ****
Hello from Minneapolis, where it was great to see some of you at this year’s NABJ conference. And I hope to see a few more of you next week in San Francisco at the AAJA conference.
(Speaking of the NABJ Conference, those of us staying at the headquarters hotel got a little extra excitement Thursday night, complete with lots of yellow tape and police cars.)
Not sure if it’s because folks were traveling, but only ONE new ND hire this week, and ONE new opening. That leaves our always unofficial count of open news director jobs at 40. There are paid ads for THREE of those openings, and THREE ads for other positions.
In Names in the News, a veteran ND takes a morning EP job in Chicago, a Mississippi legend marks his 50th anniversary, and a number of other news management moves.
For the second consecutive week, we have an obituary for a former Syracuse News Director.
All that and more below.
New News Director Openings:
Soares
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN…JOHN SOARES is leaving this Bonten Media owned NBC affiliate this fall, to move to California where his wife has been working for the last year. More details in this note from GM JACK DEMPSEY to the staff. John’s been the ND there since March, 2014. Earlier in his career, he was the ND for a station in Johnson City, was an ND in Wichita for four months, has taught at several universities, and has worked in California as a reporter/anchor and in York, PA.
Also, please note the Paid Help Wanted Ad below for the news director opening at KTXS-TV in Abilene, TX. We told you last week that JASON GOODWIN was leaving for an ND job at KRNV-TV in Reno.
Newly Named News Directors:
Doughty
KWES-TV, Midland, TX…JAMES DOUGHTY (MUNOZ) returns home to Midland as ND for this Drewry Communications owned NBC affiliate. He’s a former ND in San Angelo TX, has worked as a reporter in San Antonio and several smaller Texas markets, and most recently served as a Communications Director for a San Antonio City Councilman. More here. At KWES, he replaces TOM TEFERTILLER who was ND for four months, and spent 20 years at the station as the chief meteorologist.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX:
KTXS-TV, the ABC affiliate in Abilene, Texas, has an opening for an aggressive, experienced, hands-on news director who is committed to providing leadership and the vision for the future.
We produce approximately 20 hours of live news each week, and have a thriving digital presence tied to our on-air product by online mobile and social media.
Successful candidates will be able to manage a staff of 25, handle budget responsibilities, and will love to coach and train newsroom personnel. You will work closely with the team to develop and execute our strategic news plan tied to our viewer research. Candidates will have a track record as a team player, and will promote a collaborative work environment in concert with our company’s “culture of excellence”.
If you are the one to lead our #1 news operation and help our team grow to the next level, then you need to apply.
Qualified candidates should contact Bud Brown, VP & General Manager at bbrown@KTXS.com or apply by clicking here.
No phone calls please. KTXS-TV is owned by Bonten Media Group.
Executive Producer, WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH:
13ABC, Toledo’s #1 news station, has an opening for News Executive Producer.
This is a tremendous opportunity for a producer prepared to accept greater responsibility. If you are ready for a key management position with a great news operation, we would like to hear from you. The executive producer supervises line producers, facilitates creative ideas and works with our team leaders to maintain high journalistic standards.
Our area includes great recreation on Lake Erie, a world class art museum and zoo, terrific parks, and active university communities. Plus this is home to the Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye!
Please send your application materials to: Brian Trauring, News Director, 13abc, 4247 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH 43607 or via email to: wtvg.hr@13abc.com
News Director, WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH:
WXIX, the Raycom-owned FOX affiliate in Cincinnati, OH (DMA 36) is looking for an aggressive, hands-on news/digital coverage leader who knows how to use every tool available to craft exceptional content.
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, skilled communicator who leads in the execution of breaking news and weather coverage and lives the NOW brand on all screens.
Job responsibilities include managing daily news content, constant recruiting and leadership of news staff, budget administration and strategic planning in collaboration with the General Manager and Marketing Manager. Should have at least five years of broadcast television newsroom management experience including time as a News Director and have proven track record of mentoring/coaching a news staff. Would like examples of how the candidate has improved news product at another broadcast television station.
To be considered for this excellent opportunity with Raycom Media, apply online by clicking here and attach your cover letter and resume.
EOE-M/F/D/V
News Director, WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, SC:
WSPA and WYCW, the Media General owned CBS and CW affiliates operating out of Spartanburg, SC (DMA 37) are looking for a winning News Director with experience in hyphenated markets and a strong track record of success in the Digital environment.
The News Director is responsible for 47 hours of local news between the CBS and CW affiliates. Local content is a priority and we are staffed accordingly to deliver on that content promise both on air and on line. We are also uniquely equipped to cover the broad geographic area with a fleet of Live Trucks, Dual Path Satellite Truck, Backpacks, Air 7 and News Bureaus and microwave links strategically positioned across the DMA.
WSPA’s next News Director must be able to execute Media General’s “Three Screen’ strategy and have an entrepreneurial approach to growing that audience. They will understand how to motivate the next generation of news viewers to rely on our products as a daily resource for their information.
Prior news management experience and a strong background in producing and story-telling, mentoring and growing talent and winning in a metered market are necessary requirements.
Spartanburg is right in the middle of the Upstate area less than 30 minutes from Greenville, SC and less than an hour from Asheville, NC. Located just hours from historic areas like Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC, Savannah and Atlanta, GA Spartanburg is the “Hub City” of South Carolina.
To apply for this position with Media General click here.
No phone calls please. EOE/M/F/D/V
Manager of Coverage and Content, KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA:
KIRO 7 is looking for someone with a great passion and understanding for news across all platforms to be its first Manager of Coverage and Content. This person will join a team that dominates breaking news coverage and in-depth story coverage. This person will be responsible for how viewers see KIRO journalism, whether it be digital, social or TV. This individual will make value decision and determine which stories should be placed on which platform. The Manager of Coverage and Content is also responsible for the content of each story and how it is portrayed and will be accountable for mobilizing resources to execute the story. S/he will manage the enrichment of the story to provide the best viewer experience whether it is on digital, social or TV.
They will work closely with our Executive Producer of Digital, our Managing Editor, and our broadcast EPs to manage great coverage through an awesome team of KIRO 7 journalists making sure that all coverage is in-line with the KIRO 7 brand. S/He should lead the clear and rapid communication of all stories, large and small. The person will manage directly a team of Assignment Editors providing daily direction and support, and provide indirect oversight to a team of Digital Content Producers partnering with the Executive Producer of Digital to manage workflow, content distribution and coverage planning. The person will oversee communication and organization logistics working directly with assignment editors, reporters, photographers, producers, managers, and others to cover the news of the day.
Click here to apply:
Assistant News Director, KION-TV, Salinas, CA:
KION-TV, the CBS affiliate in Monterey, CA is seeking an aggressive, highly motivated Assistant News Director to supervise day-to-day operations of the news department. The ideal candidate should be able to lead by example, have a talent for enterprising stories and a passion for breaking news. The Assistant News Director will contribute story ideas daily and have excellent copy editing skills.
This position supervises and directs producers and reporters, copy edits scripts, participates in both daily and long range planning to match resources to planned coverage, in addition to coordinating breaking news coverage including program interrupts, bulletin crawls and website coverage. Position also completes other duties and tasks in support of the News Department mission and business operations.
A minimum of 5 years broadcast journalism experience required. A degree in journalism, mass communications or equivalent experience is required. You will need to have excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong attention to detail. The ability to stay calm under pressure and handle stress is a must. Must be a good team leader, proficient in multi-tasking and have a flexible schedule. Must have good computer skills and have experience in management and supervisory positions.
Successful candidate must pass a drug test and background check.
Please send resumes to:
KION News Channel 5
Attn: Deb Monroe
1550 Moffett Street
Salinas, CA 93905
Email: Debra.Monroe@kionrightnow.com
Please note referral source (tell ’em you saw it here!).
News Channel 5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Director of Production and Creative Operations, Rocky Mt. PBS, Denver, CO:
One of the nation’s most cutting-edge public media companies is expanding its team. Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting, based in Denver, serves the Rocky Mountain region as a PBS and NPR affiliate.
We are seeking an experienced television production manager to oversee the internal production of video content.
Successful candidates will have demonstrated academic success with a bachelor’s degree (or exceptional relevant job experience), at least five years’ experience in television production, and at least three years’ experience in management related to production. Spanish language is a plus.
The director will:
· Hire, train and supervise production personnel.
· Oversee annual production budget and recommend the acquisition and/or replacement of production equipment, software, services and systems.
· Lead continuous process improvement and quality control of production and creative operations.
· Support production of content, including series and documentaries, news packages, promotional messages, pledge breaks, underwriting spots, community events, and other productions.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:
Submit the following items via email to hr@rmpbs.org and please put “Director of Production/Creative Ops” in the subject line.
1. A cover letter detailing how the applicant’s qualifications fit the company’s needs and stating how you found out about this opening.
2. A résumé detailing education, training, salary history, and employment experience.
3. Names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three professional references with a thorough knowledge of the applicant’s professional experience and achievements
4. Salary requirements.
Position will be posted at www.rmpbs.org/jobs until filled.
No phone calls please.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 6/14/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 7/5/15)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 6/14/15)
WLBT-TV, Jackson, MS (new listing this week)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (relisted this week)
WKBN-TV, Youngstown, OH (listed 7/19/15)
KION-TV, Salinas/Monterey, CA (listed 8/2/15)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (relisted this week)
EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:
WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (2 jobs, Inv/Spec. Proj. & newscast EP, relisted 7/11/15)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/21/15)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 7/19/15)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (PM EP, relisted 6/14/15)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Dayside EP, relisted 6/14/15)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 7/11/15)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (relisted 6/28/15)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/11/15)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (AM EP, listed 6/28/15)
KWCH-TV, Wichita, KS (new listing this week)
WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, relisted 8/2/15)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (AM EP, listed 7/5/15)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (new listing this week)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 6/14/15)
WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA (listed 7/5/15)
ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 6/14/15)
WPBF-TV, W. Palm Beach, FL (relisted 7/11/15)
NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 6/28/15)
Obituary:
BILL CAREY, a onetime news director for Syracuse’s WTVH-TV, died Friday night at the age of 61 from lung cancer. Bill was 61. He worked at several Syracuse stations before landing at the Time Warner Cable operation there, which offers this nice obituary. His passing follows that of another longtime Syracuse newsman, ANDY BRIGHAM, whose obituary we brought you last week.
Situations Wanted:
We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.
Names in the News…and other things:
Salamone
DAN SALAMONE, who’s been an ND in (most recently) Cleveland, as well as Detroit, Portland, OR, and Albuquerque, is headed to Chicago as the morning EP for FOX o-and-o WFLD-TV. Dan told me he was proud to be overseeing the 5 1/2 hour morning program, and posted this note on his Facebook page.
SEAN FLANAGAN joins KMGH-TV in Denver as its new Assistant ND. He’s been the AND for WTLV/WJXX-TV in Jacksonville, FL, since March, 2014. He spent two years as an ND in Eugene, OR, and has worked in Philadelphia, Phoenix, Denver, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and Colorado Springs in a variety of roles.
KGTV in San Diego has hired FRANCES FEDORISKA to be the Dayside EP. She’s been a producer for KOMO-TV in Seattle for the past five years, and has also worked in Denver and Colorado Springs.
Toledo’s WTVG-TV, the ABC affiliate there, has promoted JOSH LOVE to Assistant News Director. He’s been the EP at this Gray Communications owned station, and the search is now on for his replacement as you can see in the paid help wanted ad above.
KWTX-TV in Waco, TX, has hired TARA MERGENER as Nightside EP and 10:00 anchor. She’s spent the last ten years working as a freelance correspondent for CBS Newspath and others in Washington, DC.
You saw their ads here for a few weeks earlier this summer, and now RTDNA and the National Endowment for Financial Education have announced their award winners.
Case
You should take a few moments to click on this link to watch WAPT-TV in Jackson, MS, pay tribute to Mississippi news legend BERT CASE on the occasion of his 50th anniversary on TV in Jackson. Lots of clips of some very classic interviews. He was the first ND and first anchor at WAPT and has been ND for three different Jackson stations.
General Manager News:
BOB COOK has been named GM for FOX’s KTTV/KCOP-TV in Los Angeles. He replaces KEVIN HALE who is retiring. More here.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Saturday, August 8, 2015.
If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com
KCBS-TV 4200 Radford Ave. Los Angeles CA 91604
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
KYW-TV 1555 Hamilton St. Philadelphia PA 19130
KXAS-TV 4805 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76155
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Boulevard St. Petersburg FL 33702
Northwest Cable News, 333 Dexter Avenue N. Seattle, WA 98109
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
WKMG-TV 4466 N. John Young Parkway Orlando, FL 32804
WTVD-TV 411 Liberty St. Durham NC 27701
WKRC-TV 1906 Highland Ave. Cincinnati OH 45219
WXIX-TV 635 W. Seventh St. Cincinnati OH 45203 (see ad above!)
WSPA-TV 250 International Drive Spartanburg SC 29303 (see ad above!)
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89102
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas 89109
KOAT-TV 3801 Carlisle Boulevard NE Albuquerque NM 87107
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza Buffalo NY 14202
KVEO-TV 394 North Expressway Brownsville TX 78521
WBRZ-TV 1650 Highland Rd. Baton Rouge LA 70802
WCYB-TV 101 Lee St. Bristol WV 24201
WHBF-TV 231 18th St. Rock Island IL 61201
WFIE-TV 1115 Mount Auburn Rd. Evansville IN 47720
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee FL 32309
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Rd. Ft. Wayne IN 46807
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Blvd. Macon GA 31201
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima,WA 98901
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus GA 31901
WTVM-TV 1909 Wynnton Road Columbus GA 31906
KTVL-TV 1440 Rossanley Dr. Medford OR 97501
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Road Ghent WV 25843
KTXS-TV 4420 North Clack St. Abilene, TX 79603 (see ad above!)
KTMF/KWYB-TV 2200 Stephens Ave. Missoula, MT 59801
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59108
WDHN-TV 5274 E. State Highway 52 East Dothan AL 36376
WBBJ-TV 346 Muse Street, Jackson, TN 38301
WHSV-TV 50 North Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22802
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KMVT/KSVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. North Twin Falls, ID 83301
KTVH-TV 100 W. Lyndale Ave. Suite A Helena MT 59601
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849
* Spanish language station