March 6, 2016
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 UPDATE:
Greetings:
There’s a news director change in the 12th market this evening.
Kotzambasis
SANDRA KOTZAMBASIS has left Tegna’s KPNX-TV in Phoenix after less than 18 months as ND. She was promoted to that job, replacing longtime ND MARK CASEY, from her earlier role as Senior Executive Producer. Mark, now the Station Manager at this NBC affiliate, will run the news department in the interim.
Sandra sent a note to her fellow Tegna NDs explaining her departure. And she included the note she sent to her staff. You can click here to read both of them,
Sandra also spent more than 19 years (in two stints) at the FOX affiliate in Phoenix, KSAZ-TV. She’s also worked outside of TV during her career. The full details are in her Linkedin page.
We’ll have all the latest news in our full newsletter later this week.
regards,
Rick Gevers
**** **** ****
Greetings:
Just ONE new news director opening (caused by the departure of a longtime Nashville ND) and ONE newly named news director in this week’s report. Our list of open ND jobs stands now at 18.
FOUR of our FIVE paid help wanted ads are for Assistant ND openings. Check those out below.
Also his week, a longtime Dallas news director turned general manager is retiring. That’s below, along with a very full Names in the News section. You’ll learn about a new consultant at SmithGeiger, a handful of news managers on the move, new jobs for two former news executives, and a look at an honest to gosh race car with my logo on it.
Potter
Finally, we don’t usually report on the moves of network correspondents, but I’ll make an exception for my very good friend MARK POTTER who’s leaving NBC News after 41 years in our business. Mark and I went to Missouri together and later worked together at WCKT-TV (now WSVN-TV) in Miami. Miami is where Mark spent the bulk of his career, with stints at WCKT, WPLG-TV, ABC, CNN, and NBC. Mark’s a hard news guy who tells me he’s taking a break, and judging by the comments on his twitter feed, lots of people hope he’s back soon.
New News Director Openings:
Zelkind
WKRN-TV, Nashville, TN…MATTHEW ZELKIND has left this Media General owned (for now, pending the sale to Nexstar) ABC affiliate after 17 years as ND (in two stints). He was ND there from 1995-2004, left for three years to be Station Manager at sister-station WRIC-TV in Richmond, and returned in 2007. He’s also been a news director in Wichita and Las Vegas, and worked in Denver and Los Angeles.
Newly Named News Directors:
Lewis
WMBB-TV, Panama City, FL…TOM LEWIS is the new ND for this Nexstar owned ABC affiliate. He’s a longtime market veteran who served as news director until 2010 and anchor until 2014 for WJHG-TV in Panama City. He replaces HEATHER KRETZER who spent seven years as ND here. She’s headed to the Florida Department of Health as a health educator and hopes to spend more time with her two young children. More here.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
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
Assistant News Director, WCYB-TV, Bristol, VA:
WCYB-TV, Bristol VA-TN, serving the Tri-Cities DMA, seeks a dynamic Assistant News Director to join our #1 news operation.
Qualified candidates will have at least 3 years of television producing, assignment desk and/or assistant news director experience. The successful candidate must be an excellent writer and producer, have exemplary management and supervisory skills and exhibit a passion to cover local television news with a record of doing so with credibility and integrity.
The Assistant News Director will be someone who can craft shows, mentor young producers and be the standard-bearer of our “Getting the Facts Right”. As a steward of the brand, you will copy-edit and proofread reporter scripts in a manner consistent with that goal. You will also take charge in the producing of breaking news, severe weather coverage and select special programs. At every turn you must be competitive, energetic and a true team player.
A degree in Broadcast Journalism or equivalent is preferred. Send a cover letter, resume and a link to examples of your work which demonstrates in detail the qualifications listed above to hr@wcyb.com Subject: Assistant News Director.
No phone calls please.
WCYB-TV, 101 Lee Street, Bristol VA 24201 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KING-TV, Seattle, WA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (new listing this week, 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 (new listing this week)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (listed 2/7/16)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (listed 2/21/16)
WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WCSC-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 2/14/16)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (relisted 2/28/16, see ad above!)
KTIV-TV, Sioux City, IA (relisted 1/10/16)
EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:
WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (AM EP, relisted 2/7/16)
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 1/10/16)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (AM EP, Dayside EP, listed 2/28/16)
KWTV, Oklahoma City, OK (PM EP, listed 12/27/15)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (listed 1/31/16)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (Morning EP, relisted 1/24/16)
WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV (listed 2/28/16, see ad above!)
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 (new listing this week)
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 (new listing this week)
MANAGING EDITOR:
WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH (relisted 2/21/16)
Names in the News…and other things:
Miller
Consulting firm SmithGeiger filled an open position with a hire that CEO DAVE SMITH told me was a ‘very modern choice’. The company tabbed GINA MILLER, who, among other things in her career, has been a sportscaster in Los Angeles and Dallas. Her Linkedin bio tells the whole story, while the memo from SmithGeiger is here.
Gin
Old friend JANICE GIN has been promoted to Assistant News Director for KRON-TV in San Francisco. She’s been an EP here since 2013, and spent many years at KTVU-TV in Oakland/San Francisco as an Associate News Director. She’s also worked in Phoenix, Atlanta and Sacramento and is very active in RTDNA.
ERIC STECKLING has been promoted to Assistant News Director at WDJT-TV in Milwaukee. He’s been an EP there, and previously worked in Boston, Asheville, NC, and Champaign, IL.
SCOTT RATES is the new Assistant News Director for KRCR-TV in Redding, CA. He’s been a reporter for KRON-TV in San Francisco and has also worked for two stations in Orlando.
One time KELO-TV (Sioux Falls, SD) News Director (and past RTDNA chair) MARK MILLAGE is joining a Twin Cities based public relations company. He’ll head a regional office for the firm founded by a one-time KELO reporter, KRISTI PIEHL.
NANCY CASSUTT has a new job at Minnesota Public Radio. She’s a longtime WCCO-TV news executive and also worked as a reporter in Duluth, MN.
Finally, longtime readers know of my passion for IndyCar racing. Now that interest has spread to sports car racing! Thanks to MIKE JAMES, the founder and editor of the must-read Newsblues.com, my logo adorns his race car, dubbed Baby Blue:
Here’s more about the car and the series in which Mike drives:
The #8 NewsBlues Porsche Boxster competes in the national Porsche Club of America “Spec Boxster” race series, in which identically prepared cars battle in a year-long points championship at racetracks across the country. Cars in the “Spec Boxster” series have identical engines, transmissions, brakes, suspension, and weight. It features some of the closest and most exciting sports car racing in America.
“Baby Blue” was built by the world-renowned South Florida race shop TuneRS in Coral Springs. The car is driven by Mike James, 68, the editor of NewsBlues.com and a longtime racer.
“Baby Blue” will compete in eight PCA national club races in 2016. In February, the car finished 11th in class and 31st overall at the 48 Hours at Sebring. It will next race at Road Atlanta April 1-3.
“Baby Blue” can also be seen this year at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX (May 6-8), Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (May 13-15), Watkins Glen International (June 3-5), Virginia International Raceway (June 24-26), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (August 19-21), and the Daytona International Speedway (Oct. 21-23).
General Manager News:
Another old friend, MARIA BARRS is retiring from her job as GM of Tegna’s KXTV in Sacramento. Maria, of course, was a longtime ND at KDFW-TV in Dallas, and has also worked in St. Louis, Redding, CA, and Salinas-Monterey, CA. Maria told me she’s ready to do something completely different, “mostly involving time with family, sleeping enough, traveling, writing and volunteering.” RISA OMEGA, a 26 year employee of KXTV who’s most recently been sales manager, has been promoted to GM.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our complete list of open news director jobs, as of Sunday, March 6, 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)
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