March 13, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016 UPDATE #2:
Greetings:
Well, that didn’t take long.
Earlier today we told you about JONATHAN SHELLEY’s departure from Hearst’s WDSU-TV after nine years as news director.
That was announced yesterday.
Franklin
This morning the station announced that Assistant News Director AKILI FRANKLIN will move into the top job. Akili’s been at this NBC station for just three months, coming from another Hearst station, WVTM-TV in Birmingham where she served a year as an EP. She’s worked at several other Hearst stations, as you will learn here.
This is a homecoming for Akili…she’s a New Orleans native who began her career at WWL-TV.
You may now return to watching basketball.
regards,
Rick Gevers
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Thursday, March 17, 2016 UPDATE:
When I said…at the end of Monday’s UPDATE…that it was shaping up to be a busy week…I was just guessing.
But we have news of another veteran news director leaving his post.
JONATHAN SHELLEY, who’s been the ND for Hearst’s WDSU-TV in New Orleans since 2007, is leaving that NBC affiliate. In this memo to the staff, he said that he and his wife had decided begin a new chapter in their lives. And here’s the note that GM JOEL VILMENAY sent to the station.
Before joining WDSU, Jonathan spent six years as the Assistant ND for another Hearst station, KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City. He’s also worked in Las Vegas, Milwaukee, and Ft. Myers.
We’ll see you at the end of the week with our full report. Until then, good luck with your NCAA brackets.
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Monday, March 14, 2016 UPDATE:
We have TWO news director vacancies to tell you about.
LaPlante
GARY LaPLANTE has exited WBZ-TV in Boston, the CBS o-and-o there. He joined the station in August, 2014, coming from WFXT-TV in Boston, where he was the Assistant ND. Gary’s a former ND in Albany, NY, and has also worked in Hartford and for another Boston station. More in this article.
Assistant News Director JOHNNY GREEN will serve as the interim ND.
Ford
And in Rochester, NY, CHRIS FORD has announced his departure from Hubbard’s WHEC-TV, the NBC affiliate there. He’s been the ND for this Hubbard owned station since January, 2014. He spent almost two years as the Assistant ND for WTSP-TV in Tampa, and has worked at a host of other stations. Here’s the note he sent to his staff this morning.
It’s shaping up to be a busy week. We’ll keep you posted with any future developments.
regards,
Rick Gevers
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Greetings:
Just ONE new news director opening and NO new news directors this week. Our list of open ND jobs edges up to 19.
A reminder that I always like to hear from you about any news director changes to keep our list current and complete. My email is: rick@rickgevers.com.
For the second consecutive week, FOUR of our FIVE paid help wanted ads are for Assistant ND openings. Check those out below.
In Names in the News, a reunion in Boston as a former Tampa ND rejoins his former boss from New York. There is one new large market EP, two new EPs at some middle market stations, and we’ll tell you about a Oklahoma City News Director and her fight against breast cancer. And there’s an obituary for a long ago Magid employee that some may remember.
And we welcome a new advertiser this week, Baron, who joins us to tell you about its new product. The company describes it as a new complete weather solution for all markets – large and small. More in this news release, in their ad below, and at their booth at NAB where they’ll be demonstrating Baron Lynx.
New News Director Opening:
KPNX-TV, Phoenix, AZ…we told you earlier this week of SANDRA KOTZAMBASIS‘s departure from this Tegna owned NBC affiliate. She was ND here for fewer than 18 months, and spent just over three years as an EP here. Sandra also spent about 19 years at Phoenix’s FOX affiliate, KSAZ-TV in a variety of jobs and also worked in public relations. Her predecessor as news director, Station Manager MARK CASEY, will serve as ND in the interim. Sandra’s note to her staff…and a note to her fellow Tegna news directors, are here.
Newly Named News Directors:
None to the best of my knowledge. If you know of any, please let me know via email: rick@rickgevers.com
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
Assistant News Director, WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL:
Job Description:
WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida is looking for an aggressive team leader with a proven track record for achieving outstanding results. Must be able to lead a strong newsroom in a
fast-paced competitive environment. Excellent news judgment, storytelling and showcasing skills required. The ideal candidate will be able to direct, motivate and develop a successful team. You will help supervise anchors, reporters and producers. You will also work closely with Creative Services to make sure there is promotable content in the newscasts. We are looking for 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:
This is an ideal position for an Executive Producer who is looking to make that next move. We are looking for someone with a producing background who also has at least five years of experience in a supervisory role. Must be able to perform well under pressure, meet deadlines and communicate thoroughly with all levels of management and staff. We want someone with a passion for breaking news, weather, innovative storytelling and digital coverage. Must be able to work a flexible schedule which could include days, nights, weekends and holidays as needed. Degree in communications or related field desired.
Location:
WJXT-TV
4 Broadcast Place
Jacksonville, FL 32207
No phone calls. Email resumes and links to: kbonfield@wjxt.com
Assistant News Director, KING-TV, Seattle, WA:
Are you equal parts confidence and humility, inspiration and analysis, bold and empowering, journalist and businessperson, smart and – well – smart, then this job should interest you.
KING 5 is one of the most watched, followed and awarded news operations in America, including the 2015 National Murrow Award for overall excellence and the 2015 NAB Service to America award. In addition to producing 17 hours of news across KING, KONG and regional cable news network NWCN each day, KING has a robust digital operation and social push that requires leaders with passion and vision for emerging media. KING has its eye on the future and is developing new ways to engage, educate and entertain our audiences. If you are not afraid to think boldly and be part of the team that takes a great organization to even greater heights in a “digital first” era, then we want to talk to you! One more thing: you must want and prepare to be a News Director in the TEGNA family in two to three years.
Click here to learn more about the job and its responsibilities.
To be considered a candidate for an opening at KING, you must complete the online application on the employment tab found here and attach your resume and cover letter.
Paper resumes or any electronic information received that does not come through the online application process will not be considered part of the applicant pool.
Assistant News Director, KGW-TV, Portland,OR:
KGW 8, the ratings leader in the Portland market and one of the greatest cities in the country, is seeking an experienced Assistant News Director to join the dynamic team. You are joining a station that has been named Station of the Year for 11 of the last 12 years by the Oregon Association of Broadcasters. In addition, KGW has a robust digital operation and social push that earned the award for Best Television website.
We are looking for a strong journalist who can lead the day-to-day operation in the production, organization, and distribution of news and local content across multiple platforms. Will work closely with the Digital Director on content for the website, social media, mobile, and apps. Must be a top-notch writer and able to enhance the newsroom culture of innovation and transformation.
To be considered a candidate for an opening at KGW you must complete the online application on the job page found here and attach your resume and cover letter.
Assistant News Director, WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN:
Local 8 News in Knoxville is looking to hire an Assistant News Director. Will consider experienced Executive Producers who are ready to move into the #2 role. Do you have what it takes to make our newscasts stand out in a highly competitive market? Must have strong news judgment, extensive marketing knowledge and excellent people skills. A successful record of ratings growth, budget maintenance and new media development is a must. You must have proven leadership, hiring and teaching abilities.
Three to five years of News Management is required. Also should be a great writer/storyteller who also understands the role social media plays in reaching viewers and creating content. Knowledge of ENPS desired.
Job descriptions are subject to change at the discretion of management.
To apply for this position send your resume to HR@wvlt-tv.com or mail to:
WVLT-TV
Attention: Human Resources
6450 Papermill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37919
Gray Television Group, Inc. is a drug-free company requiring pre-employment drug and background testing. WVLT/Gray Television participates in E-Verify. EOE
Executive Producer, WOWK, Charleston/Huntington, WV:
We’re looking for an E-P in Charleston, WV at WOWK-TV in the beautiful Kanawha Valley. 13 News is the fastest growing news organization in the state. We want people to help us tell stories, not just recite news. If you’re that person who can help us polish up our product, please reach out to us immediately.
Position Summary:
The Executive Producer manages and leads the production of daily newscast items for broadcast/publication across all platforms.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
*Manages the production of newscasts for broadcast across all platforms.
*Writes and orders news stories.
*Approves scripts.
*Balances news and feature content to create compelling broadcasts.
*Edits video.
*Writes stories for the website and other eMedia platforms.
*Interacts with viewers and users on social media sites.
*Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements & Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work related experience. Fluency in English.Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Minimum two years’ experience in news operations. (More or less depending on market size.)Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment. Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Flexibility to work all shifts.
To apply, please go to nexstar.tv. Please direct questions to kwhite@wowktv.com
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KING-TV, Seattle, WA (3/6/16, see ad above!)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 3/6/16, see ad above!)
KMBC-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 1/17/16)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 1/24/16)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 2/7/16)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 3/6/16)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (listed 2/7/16)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (listed 2/21/16)
WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 3/6/16, see ad above!)
WCSC-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 2/14/16)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (relisted 2/28/16)
KTIV-TV, Sioux City, IA (relisted this week)
EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (Digital EP, listed revised 1/10/16)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 1/10/16)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (Investigative EP, relisted 1/24/16)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (PM EP, listed 2/21/16)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (PM EP, relisted this week)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (AM EP, Dayside EP, listed 2/28/16)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (Morning EP, relisted 1/24/16)
WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV (listed 2/28/16)
KGUN-TV, Tucson, AZ (Morning EP, listed 2/7/16)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (PM EP, relisted 2/21/16)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (Dayside EP, listed 1/24/16)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 1/17/16)
WTOC-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 3/4/11)
KRNV-TV, Reno, NV (AM EP, listed 1/24/16)
WLTZ-TV, Columbus, GA (listed 2/21/16)
WAOW-TV, Wausau, WI (relisted 12/13/15)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (listed 3/4/11)
MANAGING EDITOR:
WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH (relisted 2/21/16)
Obituary:
NANCY SEBASTION LOYD, a longtime employee of Frank N. Magid Associates, died February 28th at the age of 62. She lost a long fight with breast cancer. After leaving Magid, she spent 13 years working for the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, WY. More details in this obituary.
Names in the News:
BILL McFARLAND has joined NBCBoston as Managing Editor. The move reunites him with ND KENNY PLOTNIK: they worked together at WABC-TV in New York when Kenny was news director and Bill was the assistant news director. Bill later served as ND for WFTS-TV in Tampa, a position he left in October, 2014, after just more than two years. And MARY PLANSKY will be the Planning Editor. She’s been working at co-owned New England Cable News for 16 years. More here.
Speaking of Boston, TONY SMITH moves from WHDH-TV to WFXT-TV. He was the morning EP at WHDH. He’ll be the morning EP at WFXT.
A promotion at WPMT-TV in Harrisburg, PA. JULIE STANK becomes the morning EP. She had been a producer there.
ANDREA BESSEL crosses the street in Fresno to become an EP for ABC’s KFSN-TV. She’d been the morning EP for the Nexstar duopoly, but had worked for KFSN earlier in her career.
Please join me in extending best wishes to KOCO-TV (Oklahoma City) News Director REBECCA GAYLORD who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Here’s the story from the station’s website.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, March 13, 2016.
If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com
WFLD-TV 205 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
WWSB-TV 1477 10th St, Sarasota, FL 34236 (Tampa market)
KPNX-TV 200 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
WJZY/WMYT-TV 3501 Performance Road Charlotte, NC 28214
XETV 8253 Ronson Rd. San Diego 92111
KSL-TV 55 North 300 West Salt Lake City, UT 84110
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202
WKRN-TV 441 Murfreesboro Rd. Nashville TN 37210
WPEC-TV 1100 Fairfield Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33407
WPTV 1100 Banyan Blvd. W. Palm Beach, FL 33401
KTUL-TV 3333 S 29th W Ave, Tulsa, OK 74107
WAFF-TV 1414 N Memorial Parkway Huntsville, Al 35801
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima,WA 98901
KSBY-TV 1772 Calle Joaquin San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
KBAK-TV1901 Westward Drive Bakersfield, CA 93301
KMID/KPEJ-TV 3200 LaForce Boulevard Midland, TX 79711
KAUZ/KSWO-TV 3601 Seymour Highway Wichita Falls, TX 76309
KTIV-TV 3135 Floyd Blvd. Sioux City, IA 51108
* Spanish language station