October 6, 2008

Greetings:

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we have a fair amount of activity to report this week.

FIVE new NDs were hired, two in top 20 markets, while FOUR ND jobs became open, all in medium and smaller markets.

That keeps the count of open ND jobs at 36.

We have two new paid ads this week, including our first ad for a ‘Content Brand Manager’. The other new ad is for an Assistant ND job in Oklahoma City, and there’s still time to send me your application for the major market ND job we’re advertising again. (Please note I’m NOT involved in that search…just forwarding applications to the right people.)

There are two obituaries this week: one for a longtime Houston newsman, the other for the mother of a former RTNDA chairman. And there’s just one Name in the News.

That and more after this week’s changes:

NEW NEWS DIRECTOR OPENINGS:

WPMI-TV, Mobile, AL…MIKE McCORMICK has been promoted to be ND for sister Newport station WTEV/WAWS in Jacksonville, FL. More on that below. Mike’s been ND here for about 16 months. WPMI is an NBC affiliate.

KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA…PAUL BERGEN is leaving this Nexstar-owned NBC affiliate after seven months as ND.

WTVA-TV, Tupelo, MS…ROBERT DAVIDSON has left this NBC affiliate. The station is owned by Frank Spain, LLC.

KNOE-TV, Monroe, LA…TAYLOR HENRY will be leaving this Hoak Media owned CBS affiliate. Taylor tells me he is talking with several other news organizations and will leave KNOE by the ned of this year. Taylor has been the ND here since December, 2005.

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS NAMED:

WSNS-TV, Chicago, IL…JOSE ‘TONY’ MARTINEZ has been promoted to ND for this Telemundo station in Chicago, according to a report from ROBERT FEDER in the Chicago Sun-Times. Martinez has been the EP here, and replaces ESTEBAN CRESTE who became ND for KVEA-TV in Los Angeles.

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO…JEFF HARRIS returns to Denver and this McGraw-Hill owned ABC affiliate as ND. Jeff has been working as EP of Special Projects for KPIX-TV in San Francisco, but previously had held the same position for KMGH. He’s also worked in Cleveland, and replaces BYRON GRANDY who was promoted to Station Manager here after more than seven years as ND.

WTEV/WAWS, Jacksonville, FL…MIKE McCORMICK is the next ND for this Newport owned CBS/FOX duopoly. As noted above, Mike’s been at sister Newport station WPMI-TV in Mobile, but he’s no stranger to Jacksonville, having spent seven years as ND for WTLV/WJXX there before moving to Cleveland as ND for WKYC-TV for ten months. He replaces GENE ROSS who has left the station after just six months as ND.

KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX…HENRY MEDRANO will be the next ND for the Communications Corporation of America NBC affiliate. Henry now works for KENS-TV in San Antonio and formerly worked for CBS Newspath. He replaces DREW HADWAL who left in August after a year on the job. Drew was the station’s first ND.

WAGT-TV, Augusta, GA…GREG BALDWIN has been promoted to ND for this Schurz Communications owned NBC affiliate. He has been the EP there, and replaces SCOTT BRADY who was promoted to be ND for this company’s sister station in Springfield, MO.

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HELP WANTED ADS

CONTENT BRAND MANAGER, WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH

NBC 4 (WCMH-TV) is an NBC affiliate of the Media General Broadcast Group and market leader with breaking news, Storm Team 4, and news on the Web at www.nbc4i.com is looking for a Content Brand Manager to join the Newsroom Team.

The person filling this position will be responsible for the development and presentation of all content developed by the WCMH News Department and the execution of brand images in all content on a daily basis.

The Content Brand Manager will act as Brand Champion for news and news related content. Manage and develop branding elements within product(s) to ensure all content fits with brand strategy and customer focus as outlined in our market research. Coordinates education of staff on branding, how they are to use, apply and grow it.

This position requires someone with superior news judgment, outstanding marketing acumen, strong organizational skills, and the force of personality to effectively supervise reporters and anchors on a daily basis, with the end-product being a newscast that clearly and effectively illustrates and ‘lives’ our brand.

Experience working with Media General would be useful. Ideal candidate should have a College Degree in Journalism, Communication or any other related field. At least five years of experience in a Top 50 market in a supervisory role. Preferably would have some leadership experience (either the #1 or #2 person within the newsroom). Candidate is required to have experience working in a newsroom and strong marketing experience that comes from working within a marketing/promotional department.

Qualified applicants may either send their resume and cover letter to:

WCMH-TV
Attn: Human Resources
3165 Olentangy River Road
Columbus OH 43202

or email: wcmhhr@wcmh.com.

ASS’T NEWS DIRECTOR, KOCO-TV, Oklahoma City, OK

KOCO-TV, the Hearst-Argyle owned ABC affiliate in Oklahoma City, seeks a strategic power player in local news.

Successful Assistant News Director candidates must have a proven track record of running a winning day to day news operation in a metered market, managing not only the broadcast newsroom, but also news coverage on the station’s digital news based initiatives as well.

Candidates must also have a minimum of three years news experience managing a large to medium staff in a medium to major market, excellent news judgment, the ability to direct coverage of and own latebreaking news, and the ability to work effectively with promotions, while coaching reporters, news anchors and other news managers.

The Assistant News Director must work effectively with the News Director in executing the station’s mission and vision. Please send news philosophy and last night’s 6p and 10p newscast (no phone calls please) to:

Stephanie Croswait
News Director
KOCO 5
1300 East Britton Road
Oklahoma City OK 73131

KOCO-TV is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring, training or promotion of employees by reason of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. We are engaged in a continuing effort to seek out prospective applicants for employment with our company. We earnestly solicit your assistance in obtaining employees and request that you refer prospective applicants to us at the address below.

Resumes will be accepted until a qualified candidate is identified.

Please note source of referral on all resumes/cover letters/applications.

REFERENCE NUMBER: 09192008-26

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MAJOR MARKET NEWS DIRECTOR OPENING

Major market is seeking a News Director to lead a growing department in a growth market.

The candidate must have a track record of ratings success and be dedicated to investigative reporting, severe weather coverage and breaking news.

This group owned station offers top benefits and is committed to the finest in Broadcast Journalism.

Resumes and letters to: NDad@rickgevers.com

or you can mail resumes and letters to:

News Director Opening
Rick Gevers & Associates
PO Box 577
Zionsville IN 46077

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OTHER NEWS MANAGEMENT OPENINGS:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 8/8/08)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 9/26/08)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (relisted 9/26/08)
KOCO-TV, Oklahoma City, OK (new listing this week, see ad above)
KHBS/KHOG, Fort Smith, AR (relisted 8/15/08)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 8/29/08)
KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA (AM EP, relisted 9/19/08)
KING-TV, Seattle, WA (Nightside EP, listed 9/14/08)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 9/26/08)
WFOR-TV, Miami, FL (Nightside EP, listed 9/26/08)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (AM EP, listed 9/19/08)
WSOC-TV, Charlotte, NC (Nightside EP, relisted 9/19/08)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 8/8/08)
WZTV, Nashville, TN (relisted 9/26/08)
WHP-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 9/26/08)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (Dayside EP, relisted 9/26/08)
KOLD-TV, Tucson, AZ (AM EP, listed 8/22/08)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (relisted this week)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, SPECIAL PROJECTS:

KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/25/08)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, INVESTIGATIONS/SPECIAL PROJ.

KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 8/8/08)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 7/25/08)

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OBITUARY:

Funeral services were held this morning (Friday, 10/3) for longtime Houston newsman RAY MILLER. We told you earlier in the week that he died at the age of 89 after a long illness. Ray retired as ND of KPRC-TV in 1979, though he continued to work at the station. Be sure to check out the opening sentence (and more, of course) in this obituary from the Houston Chronicle.

Our sympathy to former RTNDA chairman and longtime Baton Rouge newsman JOHN SPAIN on the recent loss of his mother. FRAN SPAIN died Thursday, 9/25/08, at the age of 94. The family has requested memorial donations to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, where John is the Executive Vice President. Your condolence note would reach him at: jspain@braf.org

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NAME in the NEWS:

KRCR-TV in Redding, CA has a new Assistant ND. CARA DOYLE joins the station from KCTV in Kansas City where she was the morning producer.

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Here’s a complete list of all stations that I believe have a current ND opening, as of Friday, October 3, 2008. If you know of any updates, corrections, or additions to this list, please let me know via email at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTLA-TV   5800 Sunset Blvd.               Los Angeles, CA 90028
CLTV News 2000 York, Suite 114            Oak Brook IL 60523
KTVK-TV   5555 N. 7th Avenue              Phoenix AZ 85013
WWSB-TV   1477 10th St.                   Sarasota FL 34236
WOFL-TV   35 Skyline Dr.                  Lake Mary FL 32746
WRTV      1330 N. Meridian St.            Indianapolis IN 46202
KGTV      4600 Air Way                    San Diego CA 92102
KUTH-TV   525 South 300 West #1           Salt Lake City UT 84101 *
KUTV      299 S. Main St. #150            Salt Lake City UT 84111
WVUE-TV   1025 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy.   New Orleans LA 70125
WGRZ-TV   259 Delaware Avenue             Buffalo NY 14202
KMPH-TV   5111 E. McKinley Ave.           Fresno CA 93727
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.              Albany NY 12204
WPMI-TV   661 Azalea Road                 Mobile AL 36609
WFTX-TV   621 SW Pine Island Rd.          Cape Coral FL 33991
KMTV      10714 Mockingbird Dr.           Omaha NE 68127
WSTM-TV   1030 James St.                  Syracuse NY 13203
KTAL-TV   3150 N. Market                  Shreveport LA 71107
WAAY-TV   1000 Monte Sano Boulevard       Huntsville AL 35801
WPTZ-TV   5 Television Drive              Plattsburgh NY 12901
WHBF-TV   231 18th St.                    Rock Island IL 61201
WQAD-TV   3003 Park 16th St.              Moline IL 61265
KDBC-TV   2201 E. Wyoming Ave.            El Paso TX 79903
WCTI-TV   225 Glenburnie Dr.              New Bern NC 28561
WTXL-TV   1620 Commerce Blvd.             Midway FL 32343
KDLT-TV   3600 S. Westport Ave.           Sioux Falls SD 57106
KOLO-TV   4850 Ampere Dr.                 Reno NV 89502
KBAK/KBFX 1901 Westwind Dr.               Bakersfield CA 93301
WTVA-TV   PO Box 350                      Tupelo MS 38802
KNOE-TV   1400 Oliver Rd.                 Monroe LA 71211
KBMT-TV   525 Interstate 10 S.            Beaumont TX 77701
KMIR-TV   72920 Parkview Dr.              Palm Desert CA 92260
KTUU-TV   701 E. Tudor Rd. #220           Anchorage AK 99503
WTHI-TV   918 Ohio St.                    Terre Haute IN 47808
KIMT-TV   112 N. Pennsylvania Ave.        Mason City IA 50401
KIDK-TV   1255 E.17th St.                 Idaho Falls ID 83404

* indicates Spanish language station

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

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