Rick Gevers & Associates

May 31, 2010

Greetings:

Welcome to the slightly delayed/congratulations to Dario Franchitti/Memorial Day edition of our free weekly newsletter covering the comings and goings of news directors and news managers.  (And yes, I did sell my extra tickets to the Indy 500, though not to anyone in the TV biz.)

For a holiday week, there’s a fair amount of activity to share with you.  We have 3 new openings to report to you, and, to the best of my knowledge,  NO new news directors were named since our last report.  That brings our list of open ND positions to  26.

We have two new help wanted ads this week:  one for a Morning Executive Producer opening in Salt Lake City, and the other for an EP position in Oklahoma.  And we also have an repeat of an ad for an EP position in sunny Florida.

Just one Name in the News, involving a former Texas ND who’s taking a new job out of television.  And we have an update or two to our list of News Management openings.

All that and more after this week’s changes:

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS OPENINGS:

KMSB-TV, Tucson, AZ…this Belo-owned FOX affiliate is increasing its news output, and is now advertising for a News Director.  Plans are to debut a morning news program later this year.  Managing Editor BOB RICHARDSON has been overseeing the news operation here, and will continue as Assignment Manager.

Atkinson

WGME-TV, Portland, ME…ROBB ATKINSON is leaving this Sinclair-owned CBS affiliate.  He’s been named the Senior Director of Sales and Affiliate Relations for CNN Newsource.  Robb’s been the ND here for almost four years.  He’s also been an ND in Knoxville and Wilmington, NC, and has worked for NBC News, MSNBC, and CNBC.

KECI/KCFW/KTVM, Missoula, MT…congratulations to JIM HARMON on his retirement after almost 30 years working for these NBC stations across three Montana markets.  Jim began as a news and weather anchor and has helped train many young news people over the years.  His last day will be in August.  His replacement will be based at KECI-TV in Missoula.

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS NAMED:

I don’t know of any.  If you do, please email me the details at: rick@rickgevers.com

**** ***** ****

HELP WANTED ADS:

Morning Executive Producer, KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT:

Who needs coffee?  Does morning news give you the jolt you need to get your day started?

KSTU Fox 13 is looking for a creative, dynamic, experienced broadcast journalist to oversee “Good Day Utah”.   Our next Executive Producer must have strong news judgement, excellent writing and communication skills, plus a keen grasp on how to push Fox 13 news and information on a multi-media platform.

Candidates with a college degree, at least three years producing experience and previous newsroom management experience preferred.

Please send your resume to:

Janet Gray
Human Resources
KSTU Fox 13
5020 West Amelia Earhart Drive
Salt Lake City, UT
84116

or via email to: hr@fox13now.com

**** ***** ****

Executive Producer, KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK:

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

SALARY: Commensurate with Experience

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES PERFORMED

This list of duties is not exhaustive, and duties may be added, deleted or changed at any time, without notice.

• Coordinate the content and presentation across multiple platforms
• Enhance and support content with graphics, video and station branding
• Review content for multiple platforms
• Supervise pre-production to ensure quality and ethical standards and coordination between Control Room and design staff
• Supervise the writing of content, including but not limited to teases and web headlines
• Manage schedules, overtime and performance for assigned direct reports, including but not limited to yearly reviews
• Monitor web analytics on a daily basis to enhance user experience, site stickiness and engagement
• Post content to station’s web sites
• Knowledge and demonstration of editorial judgment, journalistic ethics and libel laws
• Create tactics and strategies to increase demo performance in key target areas for multiple platforms
• Have working knowledge of federal, state and local laws impacting operations
• Work with other departments to accomplish the objectives of the station
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:   High School Diploma or equivalent required.  College degree in Journalism or related field preferred.
EXPERIENCE:   Previous professional experience in television producing a main show; experience producing in a larger market preferred.
EQUIPMENT:   Knowledge of newsroom computer system preferred.  Computer-assisted journalism experience is also preferred.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATE:   Valid Drivers License, and provide proof of insurability
SKILLS /ABILITIES:   Excellent communication skills required.  Strong news judgment is necessary.  Must have a keen sense of logistics and the ability to work successfully in challenging situations.  Must have excellent team-building skills.  Must be able to motivate employees.  Ability to work well with other personnel and the public.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:            None

Interested candidates will apply via our career center at www.scripps.com, broadcast division. Requisition # 2008

**** ***** ****

Executive Producer, WTLV/WJXX, Jacksonville, FL:

First Coast News, Gannett’s NBC/ABC duopoly in Jacksonville, Florida is looking for an Executive Producer who can help take our product to extraordinary levels and beyond.

Strong news judgment, great communication skills and an understanding of the value of multi-platform delivery are critical to this position’s success.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workplace.

Requirements:   The perfect candidate has produced award-winning newscasts and must be able to lead a team of talented journalists. Two (2) years management experience and five (5) years producing experience are required for this job.

If you are interested in this key newsroom position, rush a resume to:

Mike Garber
News Director
First Coast News
1070 East Adams St.
Jacksonville FL 32202

or email to: mgarber@firstcoastnews.com

**** ***** ****

OTHER NEWS MGMT. OPENINGS:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 4/30/10)
WPTV, W. Palm Beach, FL (new listing this week)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 3/27/10)
WDSU-TV, New Orelans, LA (listed 4/23/10)
KECI/KCFW/KTVM, Missoula, MT (new listing this week)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (listed 4/9/10)
News 12 New Jersey (AM EP, listed 3/12/10)
KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/14/10)
KTVT-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (Special Projects EP, listing revised 4/18/10)
KXTV,    Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/7/10)
KPTV, Portland, OR (two openings, one is EP/Special Proj., listing revised 1/29/10)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Morning EP, new listing, see ad above!)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, listed 4/23/10)
WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, SC (listed 3/27/10)
WOAI-TV, San Antonio, TX (relisted 5/7/10)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (AM EP, listed 3/27/10)
WTLV/WJXX, Jacksonville, FL (listed 5/21/10, see ad above!)
WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 3/5/10)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (new listing, see ad above!)
KGBT-TV, Harlingen, TX (listed 3/19/10)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 4/30/10)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (listed 3/5/10)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (listed 4/2/10)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 4/23/10)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/14/10)

MANAGER OF CONTENT PRESENTATION:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted this week)

NEWS OPERATION MANAGER:

KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (relisted 5/14/10)

**** ***** ****

**** ***** ****

NAME IN THE NEWS:

Newsblues reports that MARK PIPITONE has been named VP of Internal Communications for Bank of America, based in Charlotte.  That’s where Mark has been the Assistant ND for WCNC-TV for the last 2+ years.  He’s a former ND in San Antonio and has also worked in New Orleans.

**** ***** ****

Here’s our list of all the stations currently looking for an ND, as of Memorial Day, May 31, 2010.

If you know of any changes, additions, corrections, or deletions, please let me know via email:  rick@rickgevers.com

News 12 Bronx/Brooklyn 930 Soundview Ave. Bronx NY 10473
KVEA-TV, 3000 W. Alameda Ave.             Los Angeles, CA 91523 ***
KNBC-TV 3000 W. Alameda Ave          Los Angeles, CA 91523
New England Cable News 160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
KIAH-TV, 7700 Westpark Dr.                     Houston, TX 77063
WXYZ-TV   20777 W. 10 Mile Road           Southfield MI 48037
WWSB-TV 1477 10th St.,                           Sarasota, FL 34236
KCPQ-TV    1813 Westlake Ave.  N.         Seattle, WA 98109
KUVS-TV   1710 Arden Way                       Sacramento CA 95815 ***
KDKA-TV  One Gateway Center,               Pittsburgh, PA 15222
WZTV-TV   631 Mainstream Drive             Nashville TN 37228
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Dr.                Columbus OH 43215
WAVY-TV 300 Wavy St.                              Portsmouth VA 23705
WFMY-TV 1615 Phillips Avenue                Greensboro NC 27405
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.                   Albany, NY 12204
KMSB-TV 1855 N. 6th Ave.                    Tuscon, AZ 85705
WNWO-TV   300 S. Byrne Rd.                    Toledo OH 43615
WGME-TV 1335 Washington Ave.    Portland, ME 04103
WJHL-TV 338 E. Main St.                           Johnson City TN 37601
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King        Macon GA 31201
WMGT-TV   PO Box 4328                            Macon GA 31208
KIVI-TV 1866 E. Chisolm Dr.                    Boise ID 83687
KECI/KTVM/KCFW 340 W. Main St.    Missoula MT 59802
KJCT-TV 8 Foresight Dr.                             Grand Junction, CO 81505
KLDO-TV 226 Bob Bullock Loop                Laredo, TX 78040
KGNS-TV   120 W. Delmar Blvd.                Laredo TX 78045

*** (Spanish language)

May 22, 2010

Greetings:

We  have  TWO new ND openings to tell you about this week, with NO new vacancies that I’m aware of.  That brings our count of open ND jobs to 23.

There’s also a new ad for an EP opening in sunny Florida.  And we have a smattering of Names in the News, including new jobs for three former news directors.

One other note.  I have 2-3 extra tickets for next Sunday’s (May 30th) Indianapolis 500.  They’re good seats in the Tower Terrace, along the main straightaway, and are $90 each.  If you’re interested, drop me a note (rick@rickgevers.com).

Here’s this week’s changes:

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS OPENINGS:

Lange

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA…as we told you earlier this week, STEVE LANGE has left this NBC o-and-o after just four months as VP/Content.  The Los Angeles Times offered an interesting report on his departure.  Steve’s returning to his independent production company.  He’s a former ND at WBBM-TV in Chicago, worked for WCBS-TV in New York, and also served as an EP for the news magazine Extra.

Messer

KIVI-TV, Boise, ID…ROBBY MESSER is leaving this Journal Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate to take a job in Albuquerque.  Robby had been the ND there since January, 2009, when he was promoted from Assistant ND at Journal’s WGBA-TV in Green Bay, WI.

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS NAMED:

None that I know of.

**** ***** ****

HELP WANTED AD:

Executive Producer, WTLV/WJXX, Jacksonville, FL:

First Coast News, Gannett’s NBC/ABC duopoly in Jacksonville, Florida is looking for an Executive Producer who can help take our product to extraordinary levels and beyond.

Strong news judgment, great communication skills and an understanding of the value of multi-platform delivery are critical to this position’s success.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workplace.

Requirements:   The perfect candidate has produced award-winning newscasts and must be able to lead a team of talented journalists. Two (2) years management experience and five (5) years producing experience are required for this job.

If you are interested in this key newsroom position, rush a resume to:

Mike Garber
News Director
First Coast News
1070 East Adams St.
Jacksonville FL 32202

or email to: mgarber@firstcoastnews.com

**** ***** ****

OTHER NEWS MGMT. OPENINGS:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 4/30/10)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 3/27/10)
WDSU-TV, New Orelans, LA (listed 4/23/10)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (listed 4/9/10)
News 12 New Jersey (AM EP, listed 3/12/10)
KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/14/10)
KTVT-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (Special Projects EP, listing revised 4/18/10)
KXTV,    Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/7/10)
KPTV, Portland, OR (two openings, one is EP/Special Proj., listing revised 1/29/10)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, listed 4/23/10)
WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, SC (listed 3/27/10)
WOAI-TV, San Antonio, TX (relisted 5/7/10)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (AM EP, listed 3/27/10)
WTLV/WJXX, Jacksonville, FL (new listing, see ad above!)
WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 3/5/10)
KGBT-TV, Harlingen, TX (listed 3/19/10)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 4/30/10)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (listed 3/5/10)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (listed 4/2/10)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 4/23/10)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/14/10)

MANAGER OF CONTENT PRESENTATION:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 3/05/10)

NEWS OPERATION MANAGER:

KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (relisted 5/14/10)

**** ***** ****

NAMES IN THE NEWS:

WLWT-TV in Cincinnati has a new Assistant News Director.  It’s RICK McLAUGHLIN, currently an EP at WHDH-TV in Boston.  He’s also worked in St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati.

Three former news directors have new jobs.

Finlayson

ANDREW FINLAYSON has joined SmithGeiger as a consultant.  Andrew was an ND in Chicago, Oakland/San Francisco, and Nashville, and also served as Director of Online Content for the Fox station group.  He just finished a year long Knight Fellowship at Stanford, studying digital media.  You can congratulate Andrew on his new gig at: andrew@finlayson.net

Olson

BRIAN OLSON has started a new company, Conversation Starters, LLC, in Denver, which Brian says will specialize in developing communication strategies for non-profit organizations.  Brian held ND jobs in Cheyenne, WY, Midland, TX, and Beaumont, TX, and also worked in Las Vegas and for CONUS.  (Full disclosure:  Brian and I served on the RTNDA board together.)  Other old friends can re-connect with Brian here: bjorn50@comcast.net

And MICHAEL O’NEIL is returning to the business as a producer for WPTY-TV in Memphis.  Michael was an ND in Bangor, ME, and Montgomery, and worked in Sioux Falls, Tucson, Milwaukee, and Grand Rapids, MI (where we worked together when I was the ND there.)  Michael’s worked in finance in the Chicago area for the last few years.  He tells me he’s excited to return to the business he loves.  You can tell him hello via email at: nstagllcmike@yahoo.com

**** ***** ****

Here’s our list of all the stations currently looking for an ND, as of Friday, May 21, 2010.

If you know of any changes, additions, corrections, or deletions, please let me know via email:  rick@rickgevers.com

News 12 Bronx/Brooklyn 930 Soundview Ave. Bronx NY 10473
KVEA-TV, 3000 W. Alameda Ave.             Los Angeles, CA 91523 ***
KNBC-TV 3000 W. Alameda Ave          Los Angeles, CA 91523
New England Cable News 160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
KIAH-TV, 7700 Westpark Dr.                     Houston, TX 77063
WXYZ-TV   20777 W. 10 Mile Road           Southfield MI 48037
WWSB-TV 1477 10th St.,                            Sarasota, FL 34236
KCPQ-TV    1813 Westlake Ave.  N.         Seattle, WA 98109
KUVS-TV   1710 Arden Way                         Sacramento CA 95815 ***
KDKA-TV  One Gateway Center,               Pittsburgh, PA 15222
WZTV-TV   631 Mainstream Drive             Nashville TN 37228
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Dr.                Columbus OH 43215
WAVY-TV 300 Wavy St.                              Portsmouth VA 23705
WFMY-TV 1615 Phillips Avenue                Greensboro NC 27405
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.                   Albany, NY 12204
WNWO-TV   300 S. Byrne Rd.                    Toledo OH 43615
WJHL-TV 338 E. Main St.                           Johnson City TN 37601
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King        Macon GA 31201
WMGT-TV   PO Box 4328                            Macon GA 31208
KIVI-TV 1866 E. Chisolm Dr.            Boise ID 83687
KJCT-TV 8 Foresight Dr.                             Grand Junction, CO 81505
KLDO-TV 226 Bob Bullock Loop                Laredo, TX 78040
KGNS-TV   120 W. Delmar Blvd.                Laredo TX 78045

*** (Spanish language)

May 14, 2010

May 18, 2010 UPDATE:

Lange

A surprise development today from the #2 market, where KNBC-TV’s VP/Content, STEVE LANGE, is leaving the station less than four months after he arrived at that NBC o-and-o.

Lange is returning to his independent production company, Steve Lange Productions.  He’s a former ND for WBBM-TV in Chicago, was the Executive Editor at WCBS-TV in New York, and also worked as an EP for the newsmagazine program Extra.

We’ll have more on this and all this week’s changes in our next edition later this week.

**** ***** ****

Greetings:

We bring you news of another ND headed to a GM’s job, always nice to see in my opinion.

That promotion created one of the  THREE new ND openings (one in a top 15 market) we have in this week’s edition, while  ONE previously open ND position was filled.  That brings our list of openings to  21.

We’re re-running an ad for a news director’s job in sunny Florida, and we’ve updated the status of some major market management searches.  Otherwise, a fairly slow week, with no Names in the News.  Send your items to me at: rick@rickgevers.com

Here’s this week’s changes:

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS OPENINGS:

Kraycik

KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA…STEVE KRAYCIK has resigned after four years as ND for this Tribune-owned FOX affiliate.  His resignation came after a controversy over how the station handled a story involving the Seattle police department.  Steve had been the ND there since June, 2006, and previously had served as ND for Tribune’s Fox affiliate in Sacramento, KTXL-TV.

Cardenas

WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH…we were first to tell you earlier this week that JOHN CARDENAS is being promoted to GM of sister-Dispatch Broadcasting owned WTHR-TV, the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis.  John’s been the ND for WBNS (a CBS affiliate) for eleven years, previously was an ND in Phoenix, and has also worked in San Diego, Norfolk, and Portland, OR.  At WTHR, he replaces another former ND, JIM TELLUS, who died last March after a massive heart attack.

Ridley

WGXA-TV, Macon, GA…is advertising for a new news director.  My records show ALEXIA RIDLEY had been the ND there for the past five years.  WGXA-TV is a FOX affiliate, and is owned by Frontier Broadcast Holdings LLC.  Her now deleted profile on the station’s website says she worked her way up from master control to production to news, where she worked as an editor, reporter, and anchor.

NEW NEWS DIRECTOR NAMED:

Van

KTVE/KARD-TV, Monroe, LA…BONNIE VAN is the new ND for the Nexstar-owned NBC/FOX duopoly.  She’s a former anchor for KNOE-TV in Monroe and KATC-TV in Lafayette, LA.  She replaces MELISSA KLINZING who left the station in April after ten months as ND.  Bonnie is the ninth ND in nine years here.

**** ***** ****

HELP WANTED AD:

NEWS DIRECTOR, WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL:

ABC 7 WWSB-TV Sarasota, FL is searching for an experienced and motivated News Director to lead our news department in service to the residents of Florida’s Suncoast.

The ideal candidate will be able to clearly communicate and execute a news brand plan that emphasizes the importance of journalism, quality content, and compelling storytelling with high production values.  Must possess knowledge of news technical operations and have a vision for the digital future.  A leader with strong coaching and staff development skills, candidates should have the ability to implement systems and maintain a positive newsroom culture where employees are encouraged to excel.

Broadcast Journalism degree and at least 5 years of a proven track record in television news management experience required.  The position reports to the Vice President and General Manager.

E-mail resume, cover letter and salary requirement to jwhitson@wwsb.tv or send them to:

Jeff Whitson
WWSB-TV
1477 10th Street
Sarasota FL 34236

Include a link to video examples of your work, or include a DVD.

ABC 7 is an equal opportunity employer.

**** ***** ****

OTHER NEWS MGMT. OPENINGS:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 4/30/10)
WLWT-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 3/12/10)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 3/27/10)
WDSU-TV, New Orelans, LA (listed 4/23/10)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (listed 4/9/10)
News 12 New Jersey (AM EP, listed 3/12/10)
KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, relisted this week)
KTVT-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (Special Projects EP, listing revised 4/18/10)
KXTV,    Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 5/7/10)
KPTV, Portland, OR (two openings, one is EP/Special Proj., listing revised 1/29/10)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, listed 4/23/10)
WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, SC (listed 3/27/10)
WOAI-TV, San Antonio, TX (relisted 5/7/10)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (AM EP, listed 3/27/10)
WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 3/5/10)
KGBT-TV, Harlingen, TX (listed 3/19/10)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 4/30/10)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (listed 3/5/10)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (listed 4/2/10)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 4/23/10)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, relisted this week)

MANAGER OF CONTENT PRESENTATION:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 3/05/10)

NEWS OPERATION MANAGER:

KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (relisted this week)

**** ***** ****

**** ***** ****

Here’s our list of all the stations currently looking for an ND, as of Friday, May 14, 2010.

If you know of any changes, additions, corrections, or deletions, please let me know via email:  rick@rickgevers.com

News 12 Bronx/Brooklyn 930 Soundview Ave. Bronx NY 10473
KVEA-TV, 3000 W. Alameda Ave.             Los Angeles, CA 91523 ***
New England Cable News 160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
KIAH-TV, 7700 Westpark Dr.                     Houston, TX 77063
WXYZ-TV   20777 W. 10 Mile Road           Southfield MI 48037
WWSB-TV, 1477 10th St.,                           Sarasota, FL 34236 (see ad above!)
KCPQ-TV,    1813 Westlake Ave.  N.        Seattle, WA 98109
KUVS-TV   1710 Arden Way                         Sacramento CA 95815 ***
KDKA-TV,  One Gateway Center,               Pittsburgh, PA 15222
WZTV-TV   631 Mainstream Drive             Nashville TN 37228
WBNS-TV, 770 Twin Rivers Dr.            Columbus OH 43215
WAVY-TV, 300 Wavy St.                              Portsmouth VA 23705
WFMY-TV 1615 Phillips Avenue                Greensboro NC 27405
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.                   Albany, NY 12204
WNWO-TV   300 S. Byrne Rd.                    Toledo OH 43615
WJHL-TV 338 E. Main St.                           Johnson City TN 37601
WGXA-TV, 599 Martin Luther King        Macon GA 31201
WMGT-TV   PO Box 4328                            Macon GA 31208
KJCT-TV 8 Foresight Dr.                             Grand Junction, CO 81505
KLDO-TV 226 Bob Bullock Loop                Laredo, TX 78040
KGNS-TV   120 W. Delmar Blvd.                Laredo TX 78045

*** (Spanish language)

May 8, 2010

May 12, 2010 UPDATE:

Cardenas

Congratulations to JOHN CARDENAS, news director of WBNS-TV in Columbus, OH, who’s been promoted to General Manager of sister-Dispatch Broadcasting-owned WTHR-TV, the NBC affiliate here in Indianapolis.  John’s been the ND at WBNS for eleven years, and previously had been an ND for KPHO-TV in Phoenix.  He’s also worked in Portland, OR, San Diego and Norfolk.

At WTHR, he replaces JIM TELLUS, who died suddenly in March.  Jim, of course, was also a former ND.

More on this…and all the week’s changes…in our next update later this week.

**** ***** ****

Greetings:

After a few slow weeks, we have a fair amount of activity to report this week.  That activity includes the unusual moves of two news managers leaving newspapers for TV news management jobs.

There are  TWO new news directors to introduce to you, while we have  THREE new openings, including one in a top ten market.  That brings our total of open news director jobs to 19.

Hey!

Are you tired of what seems to be a never ending winter?

I am.

Want to be a news director in sunny Florida?

I don’t.

But if you do, be sure to check out our paid ad for an ND job on Florida’s Suncoast.  That’s below, along with another ad for an Assistant ND job in the Emerald City (Seattle, WA, if you weren’t sure).

Also this week, an obituary for a long-time anchor and reporter who once served as an ND in Indiana.  And we have news of a new Assistant ND in Kansas City.

All that…and more…following this week’s changes:

NEW NEWS DIRECTORS NAMED:

Kaull

WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV…APRIL KAULL assumes additional duties as News Director for this West Virginia Media Holdings owned CBS affiliate.  She’s also VP of News Operations for the company, and is the EP and anchor for the company’s statewide newscast.  She replaces LEEZA GLAZIER who left the station in March to become morning EP for WTEV/WAWS-TV in Jacksonville, FL.

KGMB/KHNL-TV, Honolulu, HI…MARK PLATTE‘s first job in television will be as ND of this Raycom-owned duopoly.  But he’s no stranger to news or Honolulu.  Mark is currently the Senior VP and Editor of The Honolulu Advertiser. He’s also worked for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Miami Herald, The Orange County Register, and The Los Angeles Times. He’s been with the Honolulu paper for ten years.  Mark replaces CHRIS ARCHER who’s joining the SmithGeiger consulting firm based in Los Angeles, where his wife has just taken a job in news promotion for KABC-TV.

NEW NEWS DIRECTOR OPENINGS:

New England Cable News, Boston, MA…TOM MELVILLE has resigned as ND of this Comcast owned cable news operation.  He’s been at NECN for 17 years and has been the ND for more than a year.

WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL…this ABC affiliate (assigned to the Tampa market) is looking for a News Director to replace JASON WILDENSTEIN, who’s taking on new responsibilities as Interactive Operations Director for the Broadcast Division of station owner Calkins Media.  Jason’s been ND here for about a year.  More details on this opportunity in the paid ad below.

KLDO-TV, Laredo, TX…FREDDIE SERRANO has left this Entravision-owned Univision affiliate.  He’s been ND there for about two years.

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HELP WANTED ADS:

NEWS DIRECTOR, WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL:

ABC 7 WWSB-TV Sarasota, FL is searching for an experienced and motivated News Director to lead our news department in service to the residents of Florida’s Suncoast.

The ideal candidate will be able to clearly communicate and execute a news brand plan that emphasizes the importance of journalism, quality content, and compelling storytelling with high production values.  Must possess knowledge of news technical operations and have a vision for the digital future.  A leader with strong coaching and staff development skills, candidates should have the ability to implement systems and maintain a positive newsroom culture where employees are encouraged to excel.

Broadcast Journalism degree and at least 5 years of a proven track record in television news management experience required.  The position reports to the Vice President and General Manager.

E-mail resume, cover letter and salary requirement to jwhitson@wwsb.tv or send them to:

Jeff Whitson
WWSB-TV
1477 10th Street
Sarasota FL 34236

Include a link to video examples of your work, or include a DVD.

ABC 7 is an equal opportunity employer.

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ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR, KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Must help manage a staff of highly qualified broadcast and web Journalists in a very successful newsroom.

Candidate must have extensive experience in broadcast newsrooms including at least five years as a newsroom manager. Must have very strong editorial judgment and copy editing skills. Candidate will be directly responsible for ensuring that daily content is effectively produced and promoted across all platforms. This includes KOMO-TV, KOMOnewsradio, KOMOnews.com, KOMOnews neighborhood sites, Facebook and Twitter.  We are looking for a creative thinker who has fully embraced multi-platform journalism and can help brainstorm innovative ways to interface all mediums.  Daily job duties will include overseeing the assignment desk to make sure we are working efficiently and aggressively with daily and breaking news. We are looking for an idea person who can contribute to the editorial meetings. Must be a team player with strong people skills.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Coordinate content across all platforms
• Enhance KOMO News coverage and brand on social media platforms
• Supervise  Assignment Desk
• Brainstorm Sweeps stories and maintain sweeps calendar
• Help with script approval
• Help plan and coordinate large projects like elections

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.A. in Broadcast Journalism or related field preferred.
• MINIMUM 5 years experience as broadcast manager.
• Well-rounded knowledge of social media platforms.
• Excellent news writing, editing and production skills.
• Must be inquisitive, innovative, energetic, flexible and open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Working knowledge of computers.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to multi-task and supervise newsroom personnel

TO APPLY:

(Please reference job #1093 and send resume with cover letter, video link or DVD.  DVD will not be returned)

KOMO-TV
Attn: Human Resources
140 Fourth Ave N.
Seattle WA 98109

Email: jobs@fsci.com, Fax: 206.404.4155.

NO CALLS PLEASE

**KOMO Television is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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OTHER NEWS MGMT. OPENINGS:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 4/30/10, see ad above!)
WLWT-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 3/12/10)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 3/27/10)
WDSU-TV, New Orelans, LA (listed 4/23/10)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (listed 4/9/10)
News 12 New Jersey (AM EP, listed 3/12/10)
KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, listed 3/27/10)
KTVT-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (Special Projects EP, listing revised 4/18/10)
KXTV,    Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted this week)
KPTV, Portland, OR (two openings, one is EP/Special Proj., listing revised 1/29/10)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, listed 4/23/10)
WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, SC (listed 3/27/10)
WOAI-TV, San Antonio, TX (relisted this week)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (AM EP, listed 3/27/10)
WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 3/5/10)
KGBT-TV, Harlingen, TX (listed 3/19/10)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 4/30/10)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (listed 3/5/10)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (listed 4/2/10)
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 4/23/10)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, listed 3/27/10)

MANAGER OF CONTENT PRESENTATION:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 3/05/10)

NEWS OPERATION MANAGER:

KCBS/KCAL, Los Angeles, CA (listed 3/27/10)

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OBITUARY:

One time Evansville, IN, News Director…and longtime anchor/reporter…JON ESTHER died last Saturday, May 1, at the age of 72.  Jon anchored or reported in Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Des Moines, Louisville and Cincinnati, where he replaced the legendary AL SCHOTTELKOTTE on the 11:00 PM news.  More on his career and his family in this obituary.

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NAMES in the NEWS:

Akagi

KSHB-TV, the Scripps-owned NBC affiliate in Kansas City, has named BRETT AKAGI as its new Assistant News Director.  It’s a return to Kansas City for Brett, who’d worked at WDAF-TV in Kansas City earlier in his career.  He’s currently the Senior Video Producer for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, a job he’s held since leaving KARE-TV in Minneapolis two years ago, where he was Director of Photography.  Brett’s also worked in Topeka and Great Bend, KS.

Two corrections from last week’s Names in the News.  BILL DOBILAS is Supervising Producer of the Morning News for WAGA-TV in Atlanta.  And BRIAN NEAL works at KPIX-TV in San Francisco, not KRON-TV. Apologies.

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Here’s our list of all the stations currently looking for an ND, as of Friday, May 7, 2010.

If you know of any changes, additions, corrections, or deletions, please let me know via email:  rick@rickgevers.com

News 12 Bronx/Brooklyn 930 Soundview Ave. Bronx NY 10473
KVEA-TV, 3000 W. Alameda Ave.             Los Angeles, CA 91523 ***
New England Cable News 160 Wells Ave. Newton MA 02459
KIAH-TV, 7700 Westpark Dr.             Houston, TX 77063
WXYZ-TV   20777 W. 10 Mile Road           Southfield MI 48037
WWSB-TV, 1477 10th St.,                        Sarasota, FL 34236 (see ad above!)
KUVS-TV   1710 Arden Way                         Sacramento CA 95815 ***
KDKA-TV,  One Gateway Center,               Pittsburgh, PA 15222
WZTV-TV   631 Mainstream Drive             Nashville TN 37228
WAVY-TV, 300 Wavy St.                              Portsmouth VA 23705
WFMY-TV 1615 Phillips Avenue                Greensboro NC 27405
WTEN-TV   341 Northern Blvd.                   Albany, NY 12204
WNWO-TV   300 S. Byrne Rd.                    Toledo OH 43615
WJHL-TV 338 E. Main St.                           Johnson City TN 37601
WMGT-TV   PO Box 4328                           Macon GA 31208
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd.           West Monroe LA 71292
KJCT-TV 8 Foresight Dr. Grand Junction, CO 81505
KLDO-TV 226 Bob Bullock Loop Laredo TX 78040 ***
KGNS-TV   120 W. Delmar Blvd.                Laredo TX 78045

*** (Spanish language)