January 14, 2018
Greetings:
The new year continues to produce a lot of news, both in the real world and our small TV world.
THREE newly named NDs in our report, with just ONE new opening. But that one is notable as it is generated by a newsroom who’s been an ND for 25 years at one station.
Those changes bring our court of open ND jobs to 24. THREE of those openings are among our SIX paid help wanted ads.
Lots of updates in our Other News Management Openings section, and lots of items in our Names in the News department. There you’ll see about the retirement of a major market producer who’s produced one show for 30 years and has worked with just THREE anchors. You’ll also learn about a former Missouri ND returning to his former station as an EP, and we’ll tell you about a California ND who found a car stolen from one of his photographers.
All this and much more as you read on.
Newly Named News Directors:
Finestone
KCBS/KCAL-TV, Los Angeles, CA…earlier this week we shared the news that TARA FINESTONE has been promoted to news director for this CBS owned duopoly. She’s been the Assistant ND here for about 18 months, had previously worked for KTLA-TV and KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, as well as for the NBC bureau in LA. Tara’s also worked in Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Spokane. Tara replaces BILL DALLMAN who hired her. He left in December after more than two years as ND.
Carroll
WSTM/WTVH-TV, Syracuse, NY…it’s a short move and a transfer within Sinclair for SEAN CARROLL who’s been named news director for these Sinclair operated NBC/CBS stations. He’s worked at Sinclair’s WHAM-TV in Rochester for almost eleven years, most recently as an executive producer. He’s also worked in Elmira and on the assignment desk in Philadelphia. At WSTM, he replaces RAE FULKERSON who left the station late last year after about 10 years as ND.
Fatherree
KADN-TV, Lafayette, LA…DWAYNE FATHERREE is the new ND for this Bayou City Broadcasting owned NBC/FOX operation. He’s been the Assistant ND and has held a number of jobs in both broadcast and print as you’ll learn via his Linkedin page. Dwayne replaces CHRIS WELTY who’d been the ND there for less than a year. Chris had been an anchor/reporter at the station before the move to ND.
New News Director Opening:
Shannon
KETV, Omaha, NE…congratulations to ROSE ANN SHANNON who is retiring after 25 years as news director for this Hearst owned ABC affiliate. She’s worked at KETV for 32 years and spent 12 years at KMTV in Omaha, worked there in a variety of roles before joining KETV as assignment manager in 1986, rising to Assistant ND in 1991.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH:
We interrupt Rick’s weekly update to bring you this paid help wanted ad: we want your help….and we’ll pay you for it.
Cleveland19 in (appropriately) Cleveland, Ohio is looking for its next News Director. Cleveland19 is the brand name for the content we put on our CBS affiliate WOIO, our MyNetwork station WUAB, cleveland19.com, our OTT stations on Roku, Amazon Fire & AppleTV and our social media outlets, plus whatever gets invented next week that we don’t know about yet.
Read the posting to see who we’re looking for. Right now here’s what’s in it for you:
Raycom is a privately-owned company that is great to work for (you can click here to find out more about them.) It’s a company that understands where the industry is going and encourages and rewards innovation. They are very forward thinking on the digital front and just recently launched a national investigative unit.
And then there’s Cleveland. Don’t think of the throwaway thumbnail sketches you’ve heard to describe Cleveland. It’s not this. It’s this, this, and this. It’s a city making great improvements and with a lot of momentum. A vibrant downtown. A beautiful waterfront. A city with a perennial NBA contender in the Cavs, one of the biggest World Series threats in the Indians, and a team with nowhere to go but up in the Browns.
Hey, we’ve got some room to improve, too. Are you the person who wants to take it on this challenge?
Ok, if you’ve gotten this far you just might be interested. That, or you are actually Rick Gevers. If you’d like to apply, click here. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Executive Producer, WTTG-TV, Washington, DC:
Fox 5 WTTG News, Washington DC the #1 News Station and most hours of local news is seeking a passionate, enthusiastic and creative Executive Producer to oversee the production of our #1 rated 10PM evening newscasts.
The ideal candidate must have a proven track record as an Executive Producer or similar managerial experience, with a dedicated, driven and tireless work ethic. A real passion for owning a show and the ability to work with on air talent on all editorial, performance and personnel issues a must.
Will oversee Producers, Writers, Editors Photographers and On Air Reporters and Anchors in disseminating all facets of the News, and Production of our talk and entertainment segments. Must have a strong news sense, with the ability to also run the control room during breaking news situations, and the ability to lead our team on large remote broadcasts. Qualifications: Understanding of ratings, meters, and audience flow, and the knowledge of how to use this information to attract a demographically driven audience. A strong understanding of the importance and use of social media required. Candidates need to be innovative, and bring ideas on how to evolve our broadcasts.
We require at least five years of experience as a TV newscast producer and Executive Producer in a medium to major market and a four-year college degree. Reference Position No. 7410
Qualified candidates should submit their resume and cover letter via the on-line application process at www.fox5dc.com (Note: website is undergoing maintenance and should be working by Monday, 1/15/18)
Executive Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:
Would you like to be a leader in a news operation with a commitment to excellence and the resources you need to succeed? WRAL, the dominant television station in the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville market, is seeking a strong Executive Producer to oversee the presentation and look of WRAL newscasts. We’re looking for a leader who will coach the producing staff, write and approve scripts, review topical and image promotion, enhance weather and sports content, and contribute to special coverage. The ideal candidate will find new ways of presenting digital content in our newscasts while working closely with our graphics, promotion, and news management teams. We are looking for a person with outstanding communication skills, superb news judgment who excels at breaking news and has an eye for details. If you have a vision for graphics and a passion for memorable, creative and topnotch newscasts, this is the job for you. WRAL is locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a community-oriented company that offers some of the best benefits in the business.
Requirements include five years of experience in producing newscasts, two years of news management experience, a four-year college degree and a pre-employment drug screening. All candidates must apply online at www.cbc-raleigh.com.
EOE, M/F. All Capitol Broadcasting Company properties are tobacco free.
Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in E-Verify.
VP, News and Marketing for Meredith’s Local Media Group:
The VP, News and Marketing will work closely with station general managers and our digital and engineering teams to direct the development of the Group’s full potential with its local brands (TV stations) through the partnership with key executives and internal partners to increase audience engagement, and the execution of research and brand marketing to enhance overall news brand across multi-platforms. Will also assist with talent recruitment and development, including on-air, news management and creative services.
Minimum of 3 years of successful experience as a station general manager and at least 7 years of experience in a broadcast or cable operation, creating, developing and leading news content, operations and promotion. News Director experience preferred. Must have a proven track record of revenue and ratings successes; be a self-starter with solid innovation and collaboration skills and have the drive to succeed while fostering organizational change.
Click here to review the full position responsibilities and to apply.
Director of Cross Platform Content, WPSD-TV, Paducah, KY:
Job Responsibilities/Requirements: WPSD Local 6, the family owned, NBC affiliate in Paducah KY, is looking for a dynamic individual to lead its news department. The ideal candidate for this job should have the skills, passion, vision, and drive to take us to the highest levels of performance. Candidates should possess strong writing, producing, management, and leadership skills. Must be creative, innovative, have an extremely hands-on managing style, and be able to create and execute a winning strategy across broadcast, digital, social and OTT platforms. Should be knowledgeable about FCC rules and civil laws pertaining to news broadcasting and employment and labor regulations. Should work well under pressure and have the ability to train and motivate staff members in a positive way to advance their skills and bring out the very best in each of them. Most of all, you must be a fierce competitor who plays to win–every day! Three years of news management experience and a college degree is preferred.
Paducah is a safe, vibrant, artsy community that lies between St. Louis, Memphis, and Nashville. Our journalists go on to work in these and other top markets.
Send your resume and video links to: Bill Evans, General Manager, WPSD Local 6, via an email to: Bevans@WPSDLocal6.com
Computer skills are required.
EOE, M/F/D/V, Drug Screen and Background Check required.
News Director, KHSL/KNVN-TV, Chico, CA:
Action News Now, CBS12, NBC24, Chico-Redding CW, and Telemundo located in beautiful Northern California have an immediate opening for a News Director. If you have a proven track record as a News Director, Assistant News Director or Executive Producer and want the opportunity to work in a great environment and culture then we’d like to hear from you. We’re looking for a dynamic strong leader with a clear vision and ability to communicate that vision to his/her staff.
Heartland Media provides all the tools, resources and support to be a dominant #1 news operation. We produce over 37 hours of news a week, simulcasting broadcasts on our CBS and NBC stations.
Our station is based in Chico, CA covering the Chico-Redding DMA (Market 132). Chico is located in Butte County, approximately 90 miles north of Sacramento, 150 miles west of Lake Tahoe, and 160 miles from San Francisco. The nor-Cal gem of Chico is home to California State University Chico, the 13th largest municipal park in the nation (Bidwell Park), Sierra Nevada Brewery and countless opportunities for outdoor and cultural entertainment. The energy of this quaint, vibrant college town plays a major role in our organization and the community thrives on local businesses, nearby treasures of Mount Shasta and Lassen National Park, and the gorgeous agricultural valley surrounding the area.
For a complete job description and application instructions, visit our website.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (new listing this week)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted this week)
KWWL-TV, Waterloo, IA (listed 11/26/17)
KVRR-TV, Fargo, ND (relisted 12/31/17)
KSBW-TV, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, CA (new listing this week)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
WTTG-TV, Washington, DC (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 11/26/17)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (2 openings, AM & PM, listing revised 12/16/17)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Dayside EP, relisted 12/3/17)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Dayside EP, listing revised 11/26/17)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (PM EP, listing modified 12/10/17)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (Nightside EP, relisted 12/31/17)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Nightside EP, listed 11/19/17)
WRGB-TV, Albany/Schenectady, NY (listed 11/12/17)
KWCH-TV, Wichita, KS (AM EP, relisted 11/26/17)
KMTV, Omaha, NE (AM EP, new listing this week)
WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH (listed 12/23/17)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted this week)
WISC-TV, Madison, WI (AM EP, relisted 11/12/17)
MANAGING EDITOR:
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (relisted 12/3/17)
Names in the News (and other items):
Veasey
After more than 35 years at WLS-TV in Chicago, most of them as the 6:00 producer, BOB VEASEY is retiring next month. Here’s part of the note that ND JENNIFER GRAVES sent to the newsroom. Remarkably, during that 30 years he’s been producing the 6:00 news, there have only been three anchors! I don’t know Bob, but best wishes for a great retirement, even if he is a Cubs fan.
SCOTT BRADY returns to WJLA-TV (Sinclair/ABC) in Washington as an executive producer. He was a producer there in the 90’s. Most recently he was the news director for KYTV in Springfield, MO before losing his job with Gray TV consolidated the operations of KYTV and KSPR-TV there.
JILLIAN O’BRIEN moves cross country from Hearst’s KSBW-TV in Monterey, where she was the Assistant ND. She’s headed to Washington to be the EP of Matter of Fact with SOLEDAD O’BRIEN, to whom she is NOT related.
KSBY-TV in San Luis Obispo may be in a small market, but used ‘big thinking’ to come up with this great new set from our friends and longtime supporters, Devlin Design Group.
And check out this video to see how KGET-TV (Bakersfield) News Director MICHAEL TRIHEY found a car stolen from one of his photographers and confronted the perp!
General Manager News and Notes:
Banks
LYLE BANKS has been named GM of Meredith’s Atlanta duopoly, WGCL/WPCH-TV. WGCL is the CBS affiliate there, while WPCH is an a independent station, which used to be WTBS-TV. (Don’t realize the significance of that? Click here.)
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, January 14, 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
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave N Seattle, WA 98109
WFLA-TV 200 S. Parker St. Tampa FL 33606
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
WOIO/WUAB-TV 1717 E. 12th Street Cleveland, OH 44114 (see ad above!)
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
Spectrum News 2505 Atlantic Ave. #102, Raleigh, NC 27604
WTMJ-TV 720 E Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212
WJAX/WFOX 11700 Central Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32224
KOB-TV 4 Broadcast Plaza SW Albuquerque, NM 87104
WMC-TV 1960 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive Knoxville, TN 37919
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier Street Charleston, WV 25301
KETV 1001 S. 10th Street Omaha, NE 68108
WPSD-TV 100 Television Lane. Paducah, KY 42003 (see ad above!)
WJHL-TV 338 E. Main Street Johnson City, TN 37601
WTVM/WXTX-TV 1909 Wynnton Rd. Columbus, GA 31906
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973 (see ad above!)
KECI-TV 340 W. Main St., Missoula, MT 59802
WDHN-TV PO Box 6237, Dothan, AL 36302
KFBB-TV P.O. Box 1139. Great Falls MT 59403
KRTV P.O. Box 2989, Great Falls, MT, 59403
**: Spanish language station