October 31, 2021
Greetings:
We have the Green Bay hat trick this week, as THREE of the FOUR stations there now have news director openings. The lone ND standing is WLUK-TV‘s JULI BUEHLER whohas been at her post for 26 years.
The new Green Bay opening is the ONLY new ND opening with week, while we can tell you that FIVE jobs have been filled, leaving 40 stations with ND openings on our always unofficial list below.
THREE of those openings are featured among our FOUR Paid Help Wanted Ads.
Speaking of ads, we welcome the return of Heller Weather, whose ad is just below. Veteran meteorologist TIM HELLER will help coach and grow your meteorologists. Click on the ad for details.
Also this week:
NO obituaries. We always like that.
ONE new GM to report.
And MANY items in Names in the News, including, as promised, ANDREW HEYWARD‘s (of the Knight Cronkite Newslab) followup on his widely read post last week on the continuing discussion about hiring, paying, and retaining employees. Also, a new job for a former Texas ND, some news managers on the move, while some other news managers retire or take new jobs.
It’s another busy week!
Newly Named News Directors:
WAYV-TV, Norfolk, VA…SARAH ZAK starts November 15th as ND for this Nexstar owned NBC affiliate. She most recently was ND for Scripps’ WFTX-TV (FOX) in Ft. Myers. She left in September after 3 1/2 years. Sarah’s also worked for Scripps in Tampa and Cincinnati. At WAVY, she replaces MARK KURTZ, who was ND here for nine years here before leaving in June to become GM for WCAV-TV in Charlottesville, VA.
WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN…MATT KUMMER moves within Gray to be ND at this CBS affiliate. He’s spent the last eight years as ND for WBAY-TV (ABC) in Green Bay. Matt started as the Assistant ND there, and has worked at another Green Bay station, two in Detroit, as well as Minneapolis and Indianapolis. He replaces MARY BETH JACOBY who left in August to return become ND for WHNS-TV (FOX) in Greenville.
WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH…LAURA EVANS will be the next ND for this Cox owned CBS affiliate. She most recently was the Assistant ND for Tegna’s KING-TV (NBC) in Seattle. Laura’s also worked for another Seattle station, as well as in Sacramento, Vancouver, Albuquerque, Tucson, and Colorado Springs. She replaces CARYN GOLDEN who left in July after three years as ND and more than 20 at WHIO in two stints.
WNKY-TV, Bowling Green, KY…WHITNEY SCOTT is the new news director for this Marquee Broadcasting owned NBC/CBS affiliate. The station’s post is here. She began her career at another Bowling Green station and later anchored in her hometown of Evansville, IN. At WNKY, she replaces DEBI HIGHLAND who left the station in September (after 3 1/2 years) and now works for the City of Bowling Green.
KPAX-TV, Missoula, MT…a move within Scripps sends KEITH HATTEN to this CBS affiliate as ND. He’s been the Assistant ND for ND-less WRTV (ABC) in Indianapolis, had earlier been the Assistant ND for WLFI-TV in Lafayette, IN, and worked as a photojournalist there and for another Indianapolis station. Keith replaces ERIC GAYLORD who took a job at Scripps-owned Newsy earlier this year.
New News Director Openings:
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI…as we shared above, MATT KUMMER is leaving this Gray owned ABC affiliate to head to Gray’s WVLT-TV (CBS) in Knoxville, TN. Matt was ND for eight years and worked here for ten.
While it is not a new opening, I did want to point out the Paid Help Wanted ad just below for the vacancy at WTVG-TV, Gray’s ABC affiliate in Toledo, OH.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH:
WTVG-TV (ABC) in Toledo, OH (DMA #80) is seeking a News Director.
13abc is the #1 news station in the market and our current News Director is retiring at the end of the year creating a huge opportunity for the right candidate.
Must be a strong competitive leader with excellent communication skills, a successful track record in coaching and developing news staff, and growing audience across all platforms. The ideal candidate must also have a passion for local news and digital media.
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field
– 3 to 5 years’ experience in television news management
– Outstanding knowledge of television news operations and other media platforms
WTVG is located in Northwestern Ohio. Our viewers and customers are extremely friendly and down-to-earth. We are a region of proud automotive workers home to Chrysler and GM plants. We are extremely passionate about our collegiate sports teams, including The Ohio State University Buckeyes, the University of Michigan Wolverines, the University of Toledo Rockets and the Bowling Green University Falcons. We enjoy our lakes, bays, and rivers. We are home to nationally award winning Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, and Metroparks!
If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people, just click here to learn more and apply.
Executive Producer, WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI:
WNEM, a Meredith Corporation TV station, is recruiting for an Executive Producer.
If you have a passion for producing high-energy, memorable shows and are super creative, this management job may be just for you. WNEM-TV is in search of an Executive Producer who will lead a team of producers, reporters, and photographers to deliver promotable, compelling, and well- written shows,.
The Executive Producer will work closely with the News Director and Assistant News Director to develop and implement strategies to improve product, while managing resources.
• Exercise strong news judgment and supervise news show rundowns
• Collaborate with producers on story selection, graphic elements, and pace and flow of news shows
• Brainstorm with staff on story ideas, showcasing and presentation
• Encourage innovation
• Work with News Director and Assistant News Director on promotable editorial calendar and any special events
• Must have strong copy editing skills
• Work closely with digital team, producers and reporters on creative content development following up on viewers story ideas via Facebook, Twitter and other online sources, as well as official sources
• Motivate staff and encourage “buy in” for station’s news brand, news strategies and action plans
• Must be able to fill-in as line producer when needed
• Other duties as assigned
You can learn more about this opportunity…and apply…by going to this web page.
News Director, WDCW-TV, Washington, DC.
THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!
#NexstarNation has an immediate opening for a NEWS DIRECTOR at our newly formed duopoly in Washington, DC -Market #9.
The News Director will work with station leadership to launch new and expanded newscasts and local programming on WDCW (CW), WDVM (Independent) and our digital properties in the market.
The ideal candidate will have news leadership experience in a Top 20 Market, know how to handle multiple large scale projects at the same time, and be a master recruiter. We need a dynamic leader who can build a team, a culture, and a brand. If you have already launched news at a broadcast affiliate, this might be your next big move.
You already know DC is a great news market… What are you waiting for?
Click here to apply (or share with a colleague) who might make a new kind of history in the nation’s capital with the country’s largest TV ownership group.
News Director, KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN:
KTTC Television has a rare opening for a News Director who will lead and manage KTTC news coverage across our linear television and digital platforms.
The candidate must have proven newsroom leadership experience with a track record of success. You will take charge of the fast-paced, proven, and award-winning KTTC Newsroom and ensure it moves to the next level no matter where today’s news consumers decide to watch or view us.
The candidate must also demonstrate an understanding and enthusiasm for evolving digital, social and mobile media. In a market that is fiercely competitive, you will ensure the station’s content delivers audience growth by being distinct, research driven, and community focused.
The primary job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Outstanding knowledge of television news operations and other media platforms
• Expertise in enhancing the presentation and delivery of news content through coaching and mentoring staff
• Strong editorial judgment and leader in the newsroom
• Understand the importance of recruiting and creating a culture of success in the newsroom
• Proven administrative skills with budgeting, planning and staff scheduling
• Ability to work closely with other station department heads and fellow managers within the company
• Ability to meet deadlines while handling multiple tasks
As a condition of employment, Gray Television will require that all employees be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by the first workday to the extent permitted by applicable law, unless you qualify for a medical or religious accommodation.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, listed 10/24/21)
WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/3/21)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 10/24/21)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 10/24/21)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/3/21)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 10/24/21)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 10/3/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/5/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (relisted this week)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, relisted this week)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, relisted this week)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 10/10/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, listed 10/3/21)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised 10/17/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/10/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 10/10/21)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/17/21)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 10/3/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/10/21)
WKRG-TV, Mobile, AL (AM EP, new listing this week)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 10/24/21)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (listed 10/17/21)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (AM EP, listed 10/24/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (listed 10/24/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/17/21)
WSYM-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 10/24/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 10/3/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR (listed 10/10/21)
More News Management Openings:
Relisted this week:
Spectrum Networks NY1 (Senior Mgr., News and Content)
Listed 10/24/21:
E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Director of Community Connection and Inclusive Journalism)
Relisted 10/10/21:
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 10/3/21:
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 9/19/21:
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)
Listed 9/12/21:
New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)
Listed 9/5/21:
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital Manager)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (Digital Content Manager)
Names in the News:
We are fulfilling our promise from last week in sharing part two of ANDREW HEYWARD’s post from the Knight-Cronkite NewsLab on the salary-recruiting-retension discussion that TY CARVER kicked off with his item a few weeks ago. Andrew says last week’s column was the most read in NewsLab history.
(That discussion continues, by the way, with NO response from any corporate execs to whom I offered space to outline what they and their companies are doing about the problem. The offer is still good.)
Andrew Heyward does offer SIX ideas for companies to consider, as you can read here.
Matos
WLS-TV (ABC owned) in Chicago has promoted VIRGINIA MATOS to be dayside executive producer. The station’s news release is here. Virginia started as the station as an intern in 2000, went to Rockford, IL, as a producer, and came back to WLS as a newswritter and fill-in producer, and was later promoted to produce the 4:30 newscast.
Quick takes:
Arvesu
Updating a story of a few weeks ago, we told you that TERI ARVESU was leaving Univision’s Chicago station for a new corporate job. Turns out that job is (deep breath) SVP of social impact and sustainability for Univision worldwide, based in Miami where she had worked before.
WTAE-TV (Hearst/ABC) in Pittsburgh has hired MIKE SOLAKIAN as its new Assistant ND. He’s a ten year veteran of sister Hearst station WBAL-TV in Baltimore. Mike also produced at Hearst’s Louisville station and worked in Columbia, MO.
MIGUEL DIAZ-LUCIER returns to WAFF-TV (Gray/NBC) in Huntsville, AL, as Assistant ND. He’s a former Assignment Editor there who moved to Orlando to News 13, then to KCRA-TV in Sacramento as Assignment Manager.
Mendoza
MANDI MENDOZA has joined USAA in San Antonio as Director of Media Production. Wikipedia can explain what USAA is better than I can! But I can do a better job in telling you that that Mandi is the former ND for WOAI-KABB-TV (Sinclair-NBC-FOX) in San Antonio. She left that job in mid-September to ‘spend more time with family’.
Cummings
DAN CUMMINGS, a one-time news director and long-time anchor for WSYR-TV (formerly WIXT-TV) in Syracuse, NY, is retiring after a remarkable 37 years at the station. As you’ll learn in this story from the station’s website, he has had a remarkable variety of jobs at the station.
Horgen
And CHRIS HORGEN has retired from KAUZ-TV in Wichita Falls, TX, where he was anchor and assistant ND, to take a job with city of Wichita Falls as Public Information Officer. Chris worked there for 29 years. KAUZ is operated by Gray Television but owned by American Spirt Media.
General Manager News and Notes:
Just ONE GM move this week.
SHARON MERRELL rejoins Sinclair as GM for KBOI/KYUU-TV in Boise, ID. She earlier ran KHQA-TV in Quincy, IL for Sinclair, and most recently was GM for Nexstar’s WCIA-TV in Champaign, IL.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 31, 2021:
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
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan Street, # 1900 Dallas, TX 75201 **
WDCW-TV 2121 Wisconsin Ave. NW #350 Washington, DC 20007 (See ad above!)
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KPHO/KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008 **
WRTV 1330 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123 **
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WBAY-TV 115 S Jefferson St Green Bay, WI 54301
WGBA-TV 1391 North Rd Green Bay, WI 54313
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607 (see ad above!)
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
WRCB-TV 900 Whitehall Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37405
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KBAK-TV 1901 Westwind Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93301
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KCBD-TV 5600 Avenue A Lubbock, TX 79404
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KTTC-TV 6301 Bandel Road NW Rochester, MN 55901 (see ad above!)
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503
**: Spanish language station