September 9, 2018
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 UDPATE:
Greetings:
Travel delayed this UPDATE, but I wanted to note that a terrific career is in his final months in Des Moines.
Busiek
DAVE BUSIEK, who’s been news director for Hearst’s KCCI-TV (CBS) for 29 years, is retiring at the end of the year. He spent another 10 years at the station as a reporter and anchor before being promoted. He started in Des Moines as a reporter and anchor at WHO radio.
The station reported on his decision, including must-see clips of Dave with a mustache during his on air days.
Remarkably, he is only the THIRD news director in the long history of KCCI.
Many of you know that Dave is a past RTDNA chair as well.
Unlike many of us, he’s only worked in one other market, Columbia, MO, where (full disclosure) we attended Journalism School together.
Well wishers can pass along their regards to: dbusiek@hearst.com
We’ll see you this weekend with our full newsletter.
regards,
Rick Gevers
**** ***** ****
Greetings:
We’re coming to you from rainy Indianapolis where the downpour may slow long enough for the annual running of the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race tomorrow.
This week, ONE newly named news director with THREE newly available positions.
That means our list of open ND jobs increases to 32.
We have SIX paid help wanted ads, THREE for news director jobs.
We also have our FIRST paid political ad for a candidate for the RTDNA Board of Directors. That’s just below.
In Names in the News, an unusual cross town shift of an Assistant News Director in Los Angeles, new managers in Tampa and Asheville, and a new set that reflects the unique character of its city. And one longtime Georgia GM is headed for retirement….but put your resumes away…his successor is already in place.
All that and more as you read on.
Paid Political Ad
I’m Allison McGinley, news director of WKMG-TV in Orlando.
Protecting our First Amendment rights is so much more than battling Fake News: it’s about empowering our newsrooms, mentoring inspired students, and protecting our communities.
You see, I believe that protecting our industry and our rights under the First Amendment isn’t enough. We have to think bigger so YOU can be heard.
That is why I am the right candidate for RTDNA’s Region 13 Director and I am asking for your VOTE.
With information coming at us from all directions these days, are we EMPOWERING our newsrooms to stop and discuss important ethical issues?
And as an industry, we will not fail if we take care of those who follow in our footsteps. In my 24 years in this industry, I have had a number of people who have championed me, and I am the product of their lessons and their encouragement. MENTORING is how our voices will continue to be heard loud and clear.
But it’s not just about us — the journalists — being heard loud and clear. It’s about us being heard because we are the voice for the voiceless. The people who do not have the megaphone we possess, the cameras, the airwaves or the knowledge of how to access the truth. We cannot PROTECT our communities if we do not fight to retain our rights.
For more information about how I plan to be of service to YOU, check out my website at www.amcginley.com.
Newly Named News Directors:
Johnson
WWMT-TV, Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids, MI…MATT JOHNSON will be the next ND for this Sinclair owned CBS affiliate. He’s coming from sister-Sinclair CBS affiliate KRCG-TV in the Jefferson City/Columbia, MO market, where he’s been for two years. Matt’s worked for another station in Columbia, as well as in both off-air and on-air jobs in Minneapolis, Jackson, MS, Chattanooga. He replaces STEVE KOLES who spent seven years here before leaving in July to become ND for WBNS-TV in Columbus, OH.
New News Director Openings:
Osgood
WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI…KEVIN OSGOOD is leaving this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate for a bit of a career change. He’ll be the next executive director of the Door County (WI) Maritime Museum. While that may sound unusual, Kevin served in the Navy and earlier worked in museum exhibit display sales. He’s been an ND in Huntsville and Abilene, and has worked in Richmond and Tampa. He was ND here for more than four years.
KRCG-TV, Jefferson City, MO…we told you above that MATT JOHNSON is headed to sister-Sinclair station WWMT-TV in Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids, MI, as ND. Matt was ND at this CBS affiliate for just over two years.
WTWO-TV, Terre Haute, IN…the search is now underway for a successor to DEANA REECE who passed away unexpectedly last month. This is a Nexstar owned NBC affiliate.
And while they are not new openings, please check out the Paid Help Wanted Ads below for ND jobs at WTNH-TV in New Haven/Hartford, CT, WFFT-TV in Ft. Wayne, IN, and WVII-TV in Bangor, ME.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
Morning Executive Producer, WFTV, Orlando, FL:
WFTV in Orlando has an immediate opportunity for a morning Executive Producer who will oversee the station’s strategy and execution of four hours of news on all platforms.
This is a chance to work in one of America’s best news markets at a station with all the tools to do the job. This position will have oversight of a team of producers, reporters, photographers, and digital staff. The successful candidate will also ensure that there is collaborative and effective news coverage and marketing across all platforms.
Previous success as an Executive Producer, and experience improving performance from metrics is a must. The successful candidate must be creative, able to work with a research-based framework. At least 3 years’ experience as an Executive Producer required.
To apply click here or email News Director MATT PARCELL: matt.parcell@wftv.com
News Director, WTNH/WCTX-TV, New Haven/Hartford, CT:
WTNH News 8 and WCTX MyTV 9 are seeking an experienced and creative leader in the position of News Director.
The position of News Director will be accountable for budgets, strategic planning, brand building, and talent contracts. The ideal News Director will have experience working with unions, have a broad portfolio of experience in news operations, be instantaneous with decision-making; able to fluidly move between strategic and tactical activities; able to influence and engage multiple internal and external audiences; and be accomplished in building and developing a highly skilled, empowered, passionate news room staff.
Incumbents in this role will have strong business and financial acumen, demonstrating the ability to build and manage a budget. The News Director must possess and drive the highest code of ethical conduct, taking ownership for protecting the station and the license, and must be empathetic, an exceptional leader, and motivator.
For more information…and to apply…just click here.
News Director, WFFT-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN:
If you are an experienced broadcast journalist with newsroom management and leadership experience, then we are interested in speaking with you.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone to join and lead a highly competive and accomplished newscast that has earned four Emmy nominations and twice awarded Best Newscast.
The successful candidate must have an ability to coach reporters to be enterprising with their story generation, as well as compelling and relevant with their content. This is a unique opportunity to take an award-winning product to the next level. Solid news judgment, great communication skills and exceptional leadership are a requirement.
The Fort Wayne market is an extraordinary place to live and work, offering affordable living and an active lifestyle. Fort Wayne has been honored with several awards for quality of life and is a multiple winner of the All-American City Award.
Please send resumes and support materials:
via email to: Britchhart@wfft.com
or via mail or overnight delivery to:
Bill Ritchhart
VP/General Manager
WFFT-TV
3707 Hillegas Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46807
WFFT is an equal opportunity employer
News Director, WVII/WFVX-TV, Bangor, ME:
Small market network affiliates seek a hands on, high energy leader who says “follow me”, charging everyday looking for news.
WVII (ABC) and WFVX (Fox) in Bangor, Maine need someone to lead the news team. It is not a deal breaker but would be a plus if you can anchor a newscast.
I want you to dazzle me with your ideas, knowledge and attitude. You will not be micromanaged. You are going to be given a great deal of freedom and will have a lot of FUN. Do you have joy in your heart? Are you a Happy Warrior?
There are somethings in Bangor, Maine you may miss. I am afraid we are short on Crime, Pollution, Traffic and Urban Blight. If you can live with that and want to live and work in a place where people are still friendly, we look forward to hearing from you!
Please send resume and salary history to: careers@wvii.com
Assistant News Director, KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA:
This is a rare opportunity for a passionate, exceptional leader to join KOVR, the CBS O&O in Sacramento.
Help set the agenda, oversee special projects, and lead the day-to-day operations of a content-driven, multiplatform newsroom. Innovate, create, and coach to bring content and execution to the next level.
Live minutes away in a great neighborhood. Play a short drive away from Lake Tahoe and Reno to the east, San Francisco to the west, and wine country in three directions.
Apply here:
AM Executive Producer, WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL:
Winter’s coming….sooner than you think it is.
Tired of cold and snow?
Why don’t you come work in sunny Florida?
WJXT-TV in Jacksonville is looking for a Morning Executive Producer to help lead a strong newsroom in a fast-paced competitive environment. Excellent news judgment, storytelling and showcasing skills required. You will help manage anchors, reporters, producers, photographers and editors. Must be able to identify good stories, create leads, create urgency and create memorable moments. You will help oversee web and social media content. We need 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:
Prior EP experience is a plus, but this is also a good move for an excellent newscast producer with at least five years of experience. You will be on-call as needed. Expect to work long hours, weekends and holidays as needed.
Requirements:
Prefer college degree in journalism or communications.
Contact: Send resume and newscast links to: kbonfield@wjxt.com
News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WSNS-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 8/19/18)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 8/12/18)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 7/15/18)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (listed 9/3/18, see ad above!)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 8/26/18)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 9/3/18)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (new listing this week)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (relisted 9/3/18)
KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX (relisted this week)
KION-TV, Salinas/Monterey, CA (listed 8/19/18)
WALB-TV, Albany, GA (listed 8/5/18)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 7/29/18)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (Dayside EP, new listing this week)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM EP, relisted 8/26/18)
KPNX-TV, Phoenix, AZ (AM EP, relisted this week)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted 7/8/18)
KARE-TV, Minneapolis MN (listed 7/22/18)
WOIO-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 8/5/18)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (AM EP, new listing this week, see ad above!)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/19/18)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listing modified 7/15/18)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (PM EP, new listing 8/26/18)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (TWO openings, AM & PM, listed 8/26/18)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (released this week)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM & PM EPs, relisted 8/19/18)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (listed 7/15/18)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (TWO EP openings, listing revised this week)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (AM EP, listed 9/3/18, see ad above!)
WIS-TV, Columbia, SC (relisted 8/19/18)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (listed 7/22/18)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, relisted 7/22/18)
WCTV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 8/12/18)
MANAGING EDITOR:
WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (relisted 8/19/18)
OTHER NEWS MANAGEMENT OPENINGS:
Listed this week:
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Manager of Editorial Content)
Listed 8/26/18:
WBTV, Charlotte, NC (Digital Content Manager)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 8/19/18:
E.W. Scripps, Denver, CO (Director of National News Content)
WTTG-TV, Washington, DC (Senior Digital Producer)
WTTG-TV, Washington, DC (Planning Editor)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (Digital Content Manager)
Names in the News (and other items):
Renee W.
RENEE WASHINGTON moves across Los Angeles to become the new Assistant News Director for KNBC-TV. She had been the Assistant ND for KABC-TV there. KNBC News Director TODD MOKHTARI says she’s bucking a common trend when taking a new job in LA.
BRETT AUSTIN starts Monday (9/10) as the new Senior Executive Producer for WTSP-TV, the Tegna owned ABC affiliate in Tampa. He’s most recently worked for ESPN where he helped launch the SEC network. Brett’s also worked in Columbia, MO, Biloxi, Fayetteville/Fort Smith, Tulsa, San Antonio, and Dallas.
Two veteran news people, KEVIN BEATTIE and MATT MARSHALL were promoted this week at Sinclair’s ABC affiliate, WLOS-TV in Asheville, NC. News Director BRIAN NEMITZ explains the new roles for each.
The latest hi-tech set from our friends at Devlin Design Group is now on the air at Sinclair’s WBFF-TV in Baltimore. Learn more about the specific-to-Baltimore elements here.
General Manager News and Notes:
After 21 years running WALB-TV in Albany, GA, (and 26 at this ABC/NBC affiliate) JIM WILCOX is retiring at the end of the year. He’ll be replaced in January by BRUCE AUSTIN, who’s currently the General Sales Manager there.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, September 9, 2018:
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
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
WGN-TV, 2501 West Bradley Place, Chicago, IL 60618
KXAS-TV 4805 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76155
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KNXV-TV 515 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
KIRO-TV 2807 Third Ave., Seattle WA 98121
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KDKA-TV 420 Fort Duquesne Blvd., #100 Pittsburgh, PA 15222
WTNH-TV 8 Elm St. New Haven CT 06510 (see ad above!)
KCTV 4500 Shawnee Mission Pkwy. Fairway, KS 66205
KBLR-TV 5000 West OakeySuite B2 Las Vegas, NV 89102 **
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas, NV 89101
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street Norfolk, VA 23510
KOTV 303 N. Boston Ave. Tulsa, OK 74103
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main St, Dayton, OH 45409
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street. Green Bay, WI 54301
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
WOWT-TV 3501 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens Street, Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201
KKTV 520 E. Colorado Colorado Springs, CO 80903
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas RD Ft. Wayne IN 46807 (see ad above!)
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus, GA 31901
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78411
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KRCG-TV, 10188 Old Highway 54 North. New Bloomfield, MO 65063
WTWO-TV PO Box 9268 Terre Haute, IN 47808
WVII-TV 371 Target Industrial Circle Bangor, ME 04401 (see ad above!)
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701
**: Spanish language station