June 23, 2008

Greetings:

There’s a fair amount to tell you about in this week’s edition, including new ND openings in two top 15 markets. One of those involve an Arizona ND who’s moving home to be a General Manager.

In all, there are FOUR new openings to tell you about, while THREE of the open positions has been filled.

My figures now show 25 stations with an opening for a news director.

Also this week, there are new paid ads for EP openings in Phoenix and Nashville, as well as repeats of ads for an ND position in Florida and an Assistant ND job in Maine. In Names in the News, details of promotions for two former NDs, a promotion in San Francisco, and a new investigative EP in Kansas City.

All that, and more, after this week’s changes.

NEW NEWS DIRECTOR OPENINGS:

KHCW-TV, Houston, TX…JOE NOLAN, the only news director in the nine year history of this Tribune-owned CW affiliate, has resigned as of the end of June. Joe celebrated his 62nd birthday this week and told the Houston Chronicle it’s time to do something else.

KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ…Congratulations to SANDY BRELAND who has been named GM of Raycom’s WAFB-TV in her home state of Louisiana. Sandy’s been ND for this Belo-owned independent for the last two years, and spent eleven years as ND for Belo’s powerhouse CBS affiliate in New Orleans, WWL-TV.

WTKR-TV, Norfolk, Va…SHANE MORELAND has left the Local TV owned CBS affiliate after ten months as ND. He had previously been the ND for nine years at WSLS-TV in Roanoke. Longtime WTKR Assistant ND MELISSA KLINZING has also left the station. Shane’s replacement will be the fifth ND in four years here.

KYTV, Springfield, MO…JEFF BENSCOTER has resigned as ND for this Schurz Broadcasting owned powerhouse NBC affiliate to become the Assistant ND for WTHR-TV, the NBC affiliate here in Indianapolis. Jeff’s been the ND at KYTV since 2000.

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS NAMED:

WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA…veteran newsman STEVE SCHWAID starts early next month as the new ND for this Meredith owned CBS affiliate. Steve is currently Senior VP of Strategic Growth and Development for the NBC o-and-o’s. He was previously Sr. VP of News and Programming there, and headed the transition team when NBC took over KNTV in San Jose, CA. He’s also been a news director in Philadelphia, Tampa, Hartford, and Portland, ME. At WGCL-TV, Steve replaces RICK ERBACH who left the station last month. Steve will be the sixth ND here in six years.

WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC…MARYBETH JACOBY moves north but stays within Gannett to become the next ND for this CBS affiliate. She has been the Executive Producer at Gannett’s Jacksonville duopoly, WTLV/WJXX. She replaces MIKE GARBER, who left here last month to become the ND at WTLV/WJXX. Perhaps they can trade houses!

KRNV-TV, Reno, NV…KIRK FROSDICK has been promoted to ND here. He had been the Assignment Manager and is a longtime Reno newsman. He replaces ERIC HUSEBY who was ND here or two months earlier this year. KRNV is an NBC affiliate, owned by Sunbelt Communications.

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HELP WANTED ADS

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ

KPHO-TV5, the Meredith-owned CBS affiliate in Phoenix, AZ has an opening for an Executive News Producer.

Are you an experienced news manager who knows how to deliver a great newscast through people-driven leadership?

KPHO seeks an Executive Producer responsible for supervising all aspects of our news programs, including development and execution of newscast content and program format. Successful candidate will work closely with Producers, Reporters and Assignment Editors in developing and maintaining high quality newscasts by overseeing story selection, coverage, pre-production and rundowns. Also responsible for proofing and editing scripts on a daily basis.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree preferred in Journalism or Broadcasting. Training in management and newsroom computers required. High School diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

3-5 years experience in mid-to-large markets preferred.

Specific Knowledge:

Minimum three years experience as a Producer and demonstrated track record developing and producing news programs. Proven communication skills and management leadership skills are necessary. Must have the ability to work well under deadline pressure, have excellent organizational skills and the ability to management projects.

Apply online at cbs5jobs@kpho.com or mail your resume to:

Human Resources
KPHO-TV
4016 N Black Canyon Hwy
Phoenix, AZ 85017

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, WZTV, Nashville, TN

Rare opening in Music City!

FOX 17 News seeks an experienced Executive News Producer. Qualified candidates will have extensive producing and previous EP experience.

As the number-two person in the newsroom, you`ll supervise the nightly newscasts, proofing scripts, writing copy, managing staff and working with producers and the desk.

You must be an excellent writer and producer, a leader and motivator. You need to be creative, able to multi-task and meet deadlines. We`re looking for a strong journalist who can proof scripts and help craft compelling, informative and interesting newscasts.

You will also have administrative duties requiring excellent communication and people skills. You must be a team player, a problem solver and have a passion for TV news.

If interested, send a resume and DVD or VHS tape of your best work. Also send a note detailing your direct involvment in the product.. and a cover letter explaining your news philosophy and why you`re a good candidate.

You should also apply online at fox17.com

News Director
WZTV FOX 17
631 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37228

NEWS DIRECTOR, WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL

WINK-TV in Fort Myers, Florida is seeking applicants for News Director. We need a talented manager with strong organizational and people skills to lead our 80-person news department that produces 46 hours of live news each week.

We want a leader that can teach, coach and motivate the staff as well as uphold our strong belief in good journalism. Applicants should have a strong understanding of new platforms, web and mobile, audience research, Nielsen ratings and technology.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong track record as a manager with at least ten years TV News experience and five years as a news manager.

Previous experience as a News Director is preferred.

We want to see a summary of your news philosophy including your thoughts on how you produce a better news product than competitors.

Send resume and summary to:

Wayne Simons
VP/General Manager
WINK-TV
2824 Palm Beach Blvd.
Fort Myers FL 33916

Or apply via email to:
wayne.simons@fmbcmail.com

WINK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free, smoke-free workplace. Successful applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR, WMTW-TV, Portland ME

WMTW-TV, the Hearst/Argyle television station in Portland, Maine, is searching for an experienced News Manager to fill an opening in our News Department.

WMTW-TV is looking for an aggressive, creative, experienced newsroom leader. The ideal candidate will have excellent news judgment, strong producing and special projects skills, the ability to own breaking news and weather, an eye for creative live coverage and experience running a successful day to day news operation in a medium market. You will be expected to coach and mentor newsroom staff. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. Would prefer EP background or previous management experience, but will consider large market producers ready to move into newsroom management.

If you see yourself living and working in the Portland / Auburn market and becoming part of one of the fastest growing broadcast companies in America, please send your news philosophy, resume, references, and recent newscasts, with a letter detailing your impact on the newscast to:

News Director
Attn. Asst. N.D. Opening
WMTW-TV
99 Danville Corner Rd.
Auburn, ME 04210

No phone calls or emails please.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

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OTHER NEWS MANAGEMENT OPENINGS:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 5/16/08)
WTXF-TV, Philadelphia, PA (new listing this week)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 6/6/08)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 6/13/08)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (listed 6/6/08) See ad above!
KVIA-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 6/6/08)
KHBS/KHOG, Fort Smith, AR (listed 5/9/08)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (2 Openings, AM and PM, listed 4/18/08)
KTVU-TV, Oakland/San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 6/13/08)
KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ (new listing this week) See ad above!
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 4/18/08)
KSTP-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listing revised 5/2/08)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (Nightside EP, listed 4/4/08)
KDVR-TV, Denver, CO (Weekend EP, relisted 4/25/08)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (Morning EP, listed 4/18/08)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (new listing this week)
WSOC-TV, Charlotte, NC (Nightside EP, relisted 4/18/08)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 5/9/08)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 4/25/08)
WZTV, Nashville, TN (new listing this week) See ad above!
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (Morning EP, relisted 4/18/08)
WSYX/WTTE, Columbus, OH (relisted 5/16/08)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Dayside EP, listed 4/18/08)
WOAI-TV, San Antonio, TX (new listing this week)
WPTV, W. Palm Beach, FL (Dayside EP, listed 5/30/08)
WHP-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 4/25/08)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (2 jobs, Dayside & AM EP, relisted 4/18/08)
KTUL-TV, Tulsa, OK (Nightside EP, relisted 4/18/08)
WGGB-TV, Springfield, MA (new listing this week)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WCCO-TV, Minneapolis, MN (relisted 5/16/08)

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NAMES IN THE NEWS

Congratulations to two former newsies who advance within Cowles. PATRICIA McRAE has been named President of KHQ-TV in Spokane. She’s been the Station Manager there since 2006, but previously served as News Director. And PAUL DUGHI has been promoted to President of Cowles’ KION-TV in Salinas, CA. Paul’s a former news director for WBNS-TV in Columbus, OH, as well as an ND at KHQ-TV.

Congratulations to TRINH NGUYEN who’s been promoted to Executive Producer at KRON-TV in San Francisco. Trinh has been a producer there.

CHRIS HENAO is the new EP for Investigations for KCTV in Kansas City. He had been an investigative producer for KHOU-TV in Houston.

MANDI JOHNSTON has been upped to Assistant News Director for WOAI-TV in San Antonio. She had been in charge of the station’s Trouble Shooters unit, and previous served as an EP for WTLV-TV in Knoxville.

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Please let me know about corrections, updates, deletions, and additions via email or telephone at the addresses and numbers below.

Here is the complete list of stations looking for a news director as of Friday, June 20, 2008. There are no guarantees that these jobs remain open. (These jobs are listed in order of market size.)

KTLA-TV   5800 Sunset Blvd.               Los Angeles, CA 90028
KVEA-TV   3000 W, Alameda Ave.            Burbank CA 91523
KHCW-TV   7700 Westpark Dr.               Houston TX 77063
KPHO-TV   4016 N. Black Canyon Hwy.       Phoenix AZ 85017
KTVK-TV   5555 N. 7th Avenue              Phoenix AZ 85013
WEWS-TV   3001 Euclid Ave.                Cleveland OH 44115
KGTV      4600 Air Way                    San Diego CA 92102
WTKR-TV   720 Boush St.                   Norfolk VA 23510
KOB-TV    4 Broadcast Plaza SW            Albuquerque NM 87104
KMPH-TV   5111 E. McKinley Ave.           Fresno CA 93727
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.              Albany NY 12204
KOKI-TV   2625 S. Memorial                Tulsa OK 74129
WINK-TV   2824 Palm Beach Blvd.           Fort Myers FL 33916 See ad above!
WOWK-TV   555 Fifth Ave.                  Huntington WV 25701
WCSH/WLBZ-TV One Congress Square          Portland ME 04101
KYTV      999 W. Sunshine                 Springfield MO 65807
WSTM-TV   1030 James St.                  Syracuse NY 13203
WAAY-TV   1000 Monte Sano Boulevard       Huntsville AL 35801
KFSM-TV   318 N. 13th St.                 Ft. Smith AR 72901
WEEK-TV   2907 Springfield Rd.            E. Peoria, IL 61611
KBMT-TV   525 Interstate 10 S.            Beaumont TX 77701
KBTV      6155 Eastex Freeway #300        Beaumont TX 77706
KOBI-TV   125 South Fir St.               Medford OR 97501
KTUU-TV   701 E. Tudor Rd. #220           Anchorage AK 99503
KIDK-TV   1255 E.17th St.                 Idaho Falls ID 83404

Rick Gevers
Rick Gevers & Associates
PO Box 577
Zionsville IN 46077
317-769-7900
317-769-7910 (fax)
rick@rickgevers.com
www.rickgevers.com

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