Rick Gevers & Associates

February 14, 2021

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 UPDATE #2

Greetings:

A second update in the same day usually means big news, and there’s little bigger than an ND moving to the GM chair in the number one market!

Matthews

Congratulations to CHAD MATTHEWS who’s been elevated to President and GM of WABC-TV in New York. Details here. He’s been ND for this ABC owned station for the last three years, after a year as the Assistant News Director. Chad worked at WABC for 12 years earlier in his career, before spending five years as the Assistant ND for NBC’s WTVJ-TV in Miami.

He replaces DEBRA O’CONNELL, who became president of Networks for Disney last fall.

Chad is one of TWO former ND’s to run o-and-o’s in New York City, joining WNBC-TV’s ERIC LERNER who’s been on the job there since 2015.

McDonnell

And he’s one of TWO New York City General Managers named today, as Nexstar tabbed CHRIS McDONNELL to be GM for WPIX-TV (CW). Chris is currently the GM for Nexstar’s KRON-TV in San Francisco. You can learn more about his appointment and background in this news release.

It’s been a busy day: who knows what the rest of the week will bring. But you do know we’ll cover it all in our full newsletter this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

A Chicago news director is out after a flurry of criticism over his social media posts.

  Balta

WTTW-TV News Director (and EP of the program Chicago Tonight) HUGO BALTA has been ‘forced out’. That’s according to ROBERT FEDER, who has the scoop in the latest post to his website.

Hugo’s been the ND here for just about a year. He’s also worked for MSNBC, and ESPN, and is a former ND for WNJU-TV (Telemundo) in New York City. He’s also worked for two different stations in New York and one in Miami.

Hugo’s a two time President of NAHJ.

More on this story and all the week’s developments in our full newsletter this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Our Valentine’s Day report shows TWO newly named NDs, with TWO new openings, one of which was created by a transfer with Sinclair that accounted for one of the two new ND hires.

That leaves 18 stations looking for a new news director. None are featured in our TWO paid help wanted ads, both of which ARE featuring producer openings for candidates with a fair amount of experience

There are TWO obituaries, one of a multi-time news director who passed this week, and we have more information about last week’s death of marketing consultant BRUCE LINDGREN, including a detailed obituary.

And our thanks to Chicago media reporter ROBERT FEDER whose hard work produced the first two stories in our Names in the News section: a report on a Chicago ND placed on administrative leave, and more details on behind the scenes changes at Nexstar’s News Nation.

There are some other items in Names in the News, some involving names you may know like LABBE, WALDON, and SEALLS.

Read on and enjoy!

Newly Named News Directors:

Schmaltz

WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA…TREY SCHMALTZ, an eleven year veteran of the station, has been promoted to ND replacing LEE POLOWCZUK who is retiring. Trey’s been the Assistant ND: WBRZ has hired BEN LEMOINE to replace him. Ben’s a former reporter and anchor at this Manship family owned ABC affiliate. Lee spent five years as ND and has been an ND in New Orleans, W.Palm Beach, and Greenville, SC.

Swope

WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC…CHRIS SWOPE will be the next news director for this Sinclair owned ABC affiliate. He’s currently the ND for the company’s WCHS/WVAH-TV in Charleston, WV, but wanted to move to be closer to family. He’s been the ND here for 5+ of the nine years he worked there. Chris has also worked in Columbia, SC, Greenville and Charleston, SC, as well as Atlanta and Pittsburgh.

New News Director Openings:

WCHS/WVAH-TV, Charleston, WV…as we told you above, CHRIS SWOPE is leaving this Sinclair operated CBS/FOX duopoly after 5+ years as ND to become ND for WCTI-TV in New Bern, NC, to be closer to family.

Parker

KTEN-TV, Ada, OK/Sherman, TX/Addison, TX…after nine months, JOEY PARKER has left as the news director for this Lockwood Broadcasting owned NBC/ABC combination. Joey’s been an ND in Utica, NY, and Casper, WY, and has also worked in Columbia, MO, Gainesville, FL, Hastings, NE, Montgomery, and Dothan, AL.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Newscast Producer, The National Desk, Sinclair Broadcast Group:

There is nothing better than loving, living, and embracing what you do. We’ve dared to change the face of an industry and have become the most diversified innovative broadcasting company in the nation.

The National Desk is looking for a dynamic Newscast Producer to join the Sinclair family. Our goal is to offer audiences on multiple platforms something different. The kind of coverage they care about, the kind that impacts their lives. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of something bigger and create an impact on the industry.

The life-blood of our organization is our people. We have a compelling story, a goal-oriented culture, and we take really good care of people. How good? Here is a glimpse: 100% company-paid life and disability, 401k match, employee stock plan, education reimbursement, and the ability to design your own comprehensive benefit package to suit you and your family’s every need.

Ready to join a winning team? Let’s talk. Apply here.

Newscast Producer, KSTP-TV, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN:

What’s an ad for a newscast producer doing here?

We figure if you are reading Rick’s weekly newsletter, you are interested in keeping up with what is going on in our business.

So KSTP-TV, the Hubbard Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate in Minneapolis-St. Paul, is looking to hire an experienced newscast producer who wants to grow their career by joining what we believe is one of the best newsrooms in the country.

Sure, that sounds like boasting–but consider this: We are the flagship station of a family-owned broadcasting company in the 14th largest market. We treat our team members with respect and support innovation to make local television news more relevant. We believe in practicing solid journalism on every platform, and there isn’t a list of corporate-mandated stories to manage every day.

If you would like to be producing newscasts for a great news operation in a competitive, major market, then apply here.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KARE-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/17/21)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 1/31/21)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 1/24/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City,TN (new listing this week)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 1/24/21)
KIII-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (new listing this week)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WGN-America/News Nation, Chicago, IL (listed 1/3/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP Special Projects, listed 1/10/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP, listed 1/10/21)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (EP Investigations, relisted 1/31/21)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (listed 2/7/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (PM EP, relisted 1/24/21)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 1/3/21)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (Digital Content EP, relisted 12/20/20)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 1/10/21)
WATN-TV Memphis TN (relisted 1/18/21)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (Digital EP, relisted this week)
WFXR-TV, Roanoke, VA (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 1/17/21)
WVLA-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (new listing this week)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 12/20/20)
WNCT-TV, Greenville, NC (new listing this week)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, listed 1/31/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (listed 1/31/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, listed 1/3/21)
KDRV-TV, Medford, OR (relisted this week)

More News Management Openings:

Listed this week:

KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 1/10/21:

Spectrum News: Senior Director of News, New York

Obituaries:

Bowe

JACK BOWE died Thursday at the age of 78. He had been a news director at WSBT-TV in South Bend, KOLO-TV in Reno, KGET-TV in Bakersfield, WJHG-TV in Panama City and KMST-TV (now KION-TV in Monterey, CA). This obituary recaps his entire career and explains why memorial donations are directed to the University of Notre Dame.

Lindgren

We have more information on the death of longtime marketing consultant BRUCE LINDGREN, whose passing at the age of 81 we first reported last week. Here’s an obituary published today, and check out a nice tribute to Bruce penned by veteran marketer ERIK CANDIANI, first published on the Well Dunne! talent blog.

Names in the News:

Balta

Chicago’s media watcher ROBERT FEDER reports that WTTW-TV (PBS) News Director HUGO BALTA has been placed on administrative leave for what sources tell Feder were misdeeds on social media. The complete details in Feder’s story here. Hugo’s a two-term president of NAHJ and has worked at WCBS-TV in New York, ESPN, MSNBC, and as VP/News at WNJU-TV,the Telemundo station in New York.

Pudar

And Feder’s been busy. He followed up last week’s story on the departure of news director SANDY PUDAR from Nexstar’s Chicago based News Nation with this story looking at what he says are some of the reasons Pudar left the job. It’s an interesting read with more than a little behind the scene drama, apparently.

Hill

STEPHANIE HILL returns to a Tulsa newsroom as the new Assistant News Director at Scripps’ KJRH-TV (NBC). She’s been working as the Director of Communications for Oral Roberts University, her alma mater. But she spent 30 years working for KOTV (ABC) in Tulsa in a variety of roles, leaving as Managing Editor in 2016 when she took the position at Oral Roberts.

It’s Black History Month, and we’ve seen several examples of stories highlighting Black managers. Here’s a story from KABB/WOAI-TV in San Antonio profiling Sinclair Regional News Director BLAISE LABBE. Hearst has this interview with KOAT-TV (Albuquerque/ABC) General Manager (and two time news director) LORI WALDON. And, while not a manager, Accu-Weather posted this story on my longtime client ALAN SEALLS as a pioneering Black meteorologist. Alan’s the chief meteorologist at Sinclair’s WPMI-TV (NBC) in Mobile. Apologies to others whose profile I may have missed.

Ackermann

The curriculum overhaul at the University of Missouri School of Journalism continues, overcoming roadblocks like Covid-19, the 2020 election, and post election riots. So says STEVE ACKERMANN who just wrapped a long run as interim ND for the University’s KOMU-TV (NBC). Many of you know Steve, a former VP/News for Raycom.

General Manager News and Notes:

To my knowledge, no GM movement to report, though I expect one of the largest GM openings will be filled early this week. We’ll fill you in our report next weekend.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, February 14, 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

KTLA-TV 5800 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
WFOR-TV 8900 NW 18th Terrace, Doral FL 33172
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820
KAKW-TV 2233 W. North Loop Austin,TX 78756 **
KMPH/KFRE-TV 5111 E. McKinley Ave.Fresno, CA 93727
WNYT-TV 715 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204
WCHS-TV 1301 Piedmont Rd. Charleston, WV 25301
KTLM-TV 200 S 10th St. Fl 2 McAllen, TX 78501 **
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Road McAllen TX 78501 **
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KADN/KLAF-TV 1500 Eraste Landry, Lafayette, LA 70506
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi TX 78411
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTEN-TV 10 High Point Cir, Denison, TX 75020
KTXS-TV 4420 N. Clack Abilene, TX 79602
KIDY/KXVA-TV 5 S. Chadbourne Street San Angelo, TX 76903 ***

**: Spanish language station
***: News Director and Anchor

February 7, 2021

Greetings:

We have just TWO news directors on the move, but ONE of those moves includes a longtime ND returning to his hometown as a GM for a top 15 market NBC affiliate. And the other move sees a promotion to ND for a veteran newsie.

ONE of this week’s 17 ND openings is among our TWO Paid Help Wanted ads this week: the other is for a newscast producer opening at one of the few family owned stations in a top 15 market.

Speaking of advertisers, we welcome back WMVision. If you don’t recognize the company, that’s the new name for longtime friends of this newsletter Weather Metrics. Click on their ad just below to learn more.

We have a number of interesting items in Names in the News, so be sure to check that out below. And there are THREE obituaries: a former Los Angeles newsman, a longtime marketing consultant, and one for a man who spent his entire career in Terre Haute, IN, including 18 years as GM for the station at which he spent his entire career.

Read on for all that and more.

Newly Named News Directors:

Vetscher

WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI…TIM VETSCHER has been promoted to news director at this Scripps’ owned NBC affiliate. Here’s the note from GM JOE POSS. Tim joined the station in 2019 as editorial director. His background is wide and varied, having started as a sports producer for another Milwaukee station, moved to reporting jobs in a number of markets, before turning to management. His Linkedin page has all the details. Tim succeeds JEFF KIERNAN who was promoted to ND for sister Scripps station WXYZ-TV in Detroit.

New News Director Openings:

Dallman

KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA…congrats to BILL DALLMAN who’s been named GM for KARE-TV (Tegna/NBC) station in his native Minneapolis. It’s a return to Tegna for Bill, who was ND for WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids and an EP for KXTV in Sacramento. It’s also a Twin Cities hat trick for this hockey fanatic: he once was ND for KMSP-TV and earlier produced for KSTP-TV. He’s also been an ND in Denver and Los Angeles, and was VP/News for Fox Sports 1. Bill began his career as an anchor/reporter in Austin, MN. At KARE, he replaces JOHN REMES who retired after 24 years at the helm. More from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Newscast Producer, KSTP-TV, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN:

What’s an ad for a newscast producer doing here?

We figure if you are reading Rick’s weekly newsletter, you are interested in keeping up with what is going on in our business.

So KSTP-TV, the Hubbard Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate in Minneapolis-St. Paul, is looking to hire an experienced newscast producer who wants to grow their career by joining what we believe is one of the best newsrooms in the country.

Sure, that sounds like boasting–but consider this: We are the flagship station of a family-owned broadcasting company in the 14th largest market. We treat our team members with respect and support innovation to make local television news more relevant. We believe in practicing solid journalism on every platform, and there isn’t a list of corporate-mandated stories to manage every day.

If you would like to be producing newscasts for a great news operation in a competitive, major market, then apply here.

News Director, KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA:

Nexstar Inc. seeks an experienced & driven broadcast professional to serve as News Director for KTXL-TV/FOX40 in California’s capital city of Sacramento.

Fox 40 produces the most local news in the market plus executes on multiple special projects and a statewide weekly political show. You will lead and supervise all aspects of news, weather, sports and digital content and be a key part of the leadership team in this competitive Top 20 market.

Sacramento has it all when it comes to a top quality of life in Northern California.

We are looking for someone who has passion for the industry, is a proven leader, can lead a growing television station and has the desire to win the right way. You must also have a strong sense of collaboration.

To learn more and apply, just click here!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KARE-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/17/21)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 1/31/21)
WPTV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 1/3/21)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 1/24/21)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 1/24/21)
WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (relisted 1/10/21)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 1/24/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WGN-America/News Nation, Chicago, IL (listed 1/3/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP Special Projects, listed 1/10/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP, listed 1/10/21)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (EP Investigations, relisted 1/31/21)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (new listing this week)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (PM EP, relisted 1/24/21)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 1/3/21)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (Digital Content EP, relisted 12/20/20)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 1/10/21)
WATN-TV Memphis TN (relisted 1/18/21)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (Digital EP, relisted 12/13/20)
WFXR-TV, Roanoke, VA (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 1/17/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 12/20/20)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, listed 1/31/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (listed 1/31/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, listed 1/3/21)
KDRV-TV, Medford, OR (relisted 12/13/20)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 1/10/21:

Spectrum News: Senior Director of News, New York

Obituaries:

Noyes

We told you earlier this week of the death of PETE NOYES, a legendary Los Angeles newsman who worked at almost every Los Angeles TV station. He served as a news director for stations in Sacramento and San Diego and is said to be the model for the LOU GRANT character on the Mary Tyler Moore. New in this newsletter: an obituary from The Los Angeles Times.

Lindgren

BRUCE LINDGREN, who advised countless television stations on marketing strategies, has died according to several sources. His Linkedin page has details on his career and some of the companies with which he worked. I haven’t been able to find more details and an obituary, but hope to include that information in the next newsletter or earlier if possible via an UPDATE.

Bailey

DAVID BAILEY, whose long broadcasting career included 18 years as general manager for WTHI-TV in Terre Haute, IN, died January 20th at the age of 76. He started at WTHI while still in college in 1966 and worked there until he retired in 2005. More on David’s life and career in this obituary.

Names in the News:

Pudar

Chicago’s ROBERT FEDER, who’s covered the local TV news scene there for years, reports that News Director SANDY PUDAR has left Nexstar’s News Nation just five months after the three hour program launched in September and in the middle of program changes around the newscast. JENNIFER LYONS remains as VP/News for WGN-America.

The Los Angeles Times continues its reporting into allegations of misconduct against the two top leaders of the CBS owned stations division. The latest story looks at WCBS-TV and includes statements from the President of the Division, PETER DUNN and the head of the news efforts for the group, DAVID FRIEND, issued through their lawyers.

Ball

Longtime Los Angeles News Director JASON BALL ankled (that’s LA lingo, right?) KTLA-TV Friday after more than 12 years helming (another LA term, I believe) the news department here. The station’s morning show paid tribute to him in its typical style. KTLA is a CW affiliate now owned by Nexstar. Jason’s future plans are unknown but we’ll let you know when we can.

Brune

Speaking of former KTLA-TV executives, RAYMOND BRUNE is joining WISH-TV in Indianapolis as Senior Executive Producer of News and Programming. Details about his role at this locally owned CW affiliate are included in this news release from the station’s website, which credits him with creating the KTLA Morning News.

Lopez

YOLANDO LOPEZ, a former news director for Univision’s WGBO-TV in Chicago, has been named Acting Director of Voice of America. She first joined VOA in 2015 as Latin America Division Director. Details in this story from Media Moves. She also served as the executive producer for KMEX-TV, the Univision station in Los Angeles.

Aldama

CESAR ALDAMA, a former news director (WFOR-TV/CBS) in Miami who most recently was news operations manager for WCAU-TV (NBC-Philadelphia) has joined the Black News Channel as Senior Director of News Content. He posted this on social media. Cesar’s worked at a number of large market stations as you’ll learn on his Linkedin page.

Ngyuen

TRAM ANH NGYUEN is moving across town in St. Louis and joining KSDK-TV, the Tegna owned NBC affiliate, as Morning Content Manager for Today in St. Louis, the station’s morning newscast. Director of Content CAROL FOWLER told the staff via this email. It’s a return to KSDK for Tram Anh, who once worked there as a production assistant. She’s been a supervising producer for KTVI-TV, the FOX station in St. Louis and has also worked in Decatur, IL.

General Manager News and Notes:

Dallman

In case you missed it, check our New ND Openings section above for news that BILL DALLMAN will be the next GM for KARE-TV (Tegna-NBC) in Minneapolis. He’s a Minneapolis native who’s worked at two other stations there. Bill’s currently the ND for Sinclair’s KOMO-TV (ABC) in Seattle.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, February 7, 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

KTLA-TV 5800 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
WFOR-TV 8900 NW 18th Terrace, Doral FL 33172
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820 (see ad above!)
KAKW-TV 2233 W. North Loop Austin,TX 78756 **
KMPH/KFRE-TV 5111 E. McKinley Ave.Fresno, CA 93727
WNYT-TV 715 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204
KTLM-TV 200 S 10th St. Fl 2 McAllen, TX 78501 **
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Road McAllen TX 78501 **
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Dr, New Bern, NC 28560
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KADN/KLAF-TV 1500 Eraste Landry, Lafayette, LA 70506
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi TX 78411
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTXS-TV 4420 N. Clack Abilene, TX 79602
KIDY/KXVA-TV 5 S. Chadbourne Street San Angelo, TX 76903 ***

**: Spanish language station
***: News Director and Anchor

January 31, 2021

Friday, February 5, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Big news today from Minneapolis (and Seattle) as a former Minneapolis news director returns to the Twin Cities as a general manager.

Dallman

BILL DALLMAN. currently the ND for Sinclair’s KOMO-TV (ABC) in Seattle, will be the next GM for Tegna’s KARE-TV (NBC). It’s a return both to Minneapolis and Tegna for Bill, who earlier had been the ND for FOX o-and-o KMSP-TV and once had worked for Tegna (then Gannett) stations in Grand Rapids, MI (ND at WZZM-TV) and Sacramento (EP at KXTV).

Here’s the release.
Bill’s been ND at KOMO for almost three years. He’s also run news departments in Los Angeles and Denver and was the VP/News for FOX Sports 1. The move is the Minneapolis ‘hat trick’ for Bill (appropriate given his love of hockey) as he earlier worked at KSTP-TV as a producer.

He replaces JOHN REMES who retired at the end of 2020 after 24 years as GM.

One other note. WTMJ-TV (Scripps/NBC) in Milwaukee has promoted TIM VETSCHER to news director, replacing JEFF KIERNAN who was promoted to ND for Scripps’ WXYZ-TV in Detroit. Tim’s been the editorial director at ‘TMJ4 since 2019.

Much more on Bill’s new job and Tim’s promotion in our ‘super’ (will the NFL sue me for that?) newsletter this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

A longtime, old-school California newsman, said to be the model for the Lou Grant character on the Mary Tyler Moore show, has died.

PETE NOYES, who worked at most (if not all) of the Los Angeles TV stations, died Monday night at his home at the age of 90. If my information is correct, he also served as a news director for KOVR-TV in Sacramento and KFMB-TV in San Diego.

Pete Noyes

There were many well deserved tributes to him.

Here’s one from one of the stations where he worked, KNBC-TV. And here’s another from The Los Angeles Daily News.

A simple google search would lead you to many more.

Pete also wrote two books, Who Killed the Big News? and The Real L.A. Confidential.

He is survived by his wife and his son Jack, an assignment editor at KNBC.

More on Pete’s life and his career in our full newsletter this weekend, hopefully completed before kickoff!

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

The recent rash of news director changes has slowed this week, with just ONE new opening to share and NO newly hired NDs.

TWO of this week’s 17 ND openings are among our THREE Paid Help Wanted ads.

Only ONE item in Names in the News: an update on the probe into misconduct by CBS stations division execs PETER DUNN and DAVID FRIEND. That’s below.

And we have news of the retirement of a longtime Illinois General Manager.

Read on for all that and more.

Newly Named News Directors:

For the second consecutive week, there were no new news directors announced this week. If I’ve missed something, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

New News Director Openings:

Burch

KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX…JAMIE BURCH is leaving this Sinclair owned ABC affiliate as he is moving within Texas to become the Assistant News Director at KXXV-TV in Waco. That’s the Scripps owned ABC station there. Jamie was ND here for almost six years. He’s a former ND in Panama City, FL, and has also worked in Dallas, Atlanta, and Mobile.

Diaz

Two updates on the news director opening at KTXL-TV (FOX/Nexstar) in Sacramento.

We told you last week that MONIKA DIAZ had left the station. That’s not true…yet. Monika kindly advises that she will be there until late February.

You can learn more about this opportunity in a new Paid Help Wanted Ad below.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA:

Nexstar Inc. seeks an experienced & driven broadcast professional to serve as News Director for KTXL-TV/FOX40 in California’s capital city of Sacramento.

Fox 40 produces the most local news in the market plus executes on multiple special projects and a statewide weekly political show. You will lead and supervise all aspects of news, weather, sports and digital content and be a key part of the leadership team in this competitive Top 20 market.

Sacramento has it all when it comes to a top quality of life in Northern California.

We are looking for someone who has passion for the industry, is a proven leader, can lead a growing television station and has the desire to win the right way. You must also have a strong sense of collaboration.

To learn more and apply, just click here!

News Director, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA:

And the Oscar goes to…

3-2-1 – the shot goes up…

The press conference is LIVE.

Dream of living in the middle of EVERYTHING? Red carpets, the big game, the even bigger breaking news?

You never know what’s going to happen…

But there are a couple of things you can count on:

The sun is always shining and KTLA is always ALL OVER IT in Los Angeles.

Nexstar Inc. has an immediate opening for a Superstar News Director at our #1 station in LA- KTLA.

KTLA is a historic news powerhouse producing more than 86 hours of live and local news each week. Lead and supervise all aspects of news, weather, sports, and local OTT content… And be a key part of the leadership team of the #1 station in the #2 market in the country.

Los Angeles is the quintessential media town – where television is part of the entertainment culture. You will find unmatched access to sports, music, entertainment, and art. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or surfing, Los Angeles has it all.

We are looking for someone who has passion for the industry, the desire to create new product, and the mindset to grow winning teams.

If you are ready, apply here:

Assistant News Director, WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA:

WSLS-TV, the Graham Media Group owned – NBC station in Roanoke, VA seeks a strategic thinking and assertive Assistant News Director. The ideal candidate must be a proven newsroom leader who knows how to win breaking news and weather coverage on all platforms, a self-starter. They will oversee production of all newscasts and work closely with anchors, reporters and producers on day-to-day and special project coverage.

TOP REASONS TO JOIN WSLS:

Growth, experience, and training. At WSLS, we will work with you to help you reach your full potential through ongoing career development programs. We are also committed to ongoing training throughout your career and to hiring from within – across the GMG family of companies.
Our culture and benefits package. Our employees are our most important resource. We encourage entrepreneurship and initiative and recognize and reward achievement. Graham Media offers a generous benefits package that includes 401K and healthcare on day one!

You will live and work in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, plus you`re only a short drive to major metropolitan areas as well as beaches.

Are you ready to join the team? We encourage you to submit your resume for consideration.

Send cover letter, resume, and references to: Margaret Ashburn, WSLS 10 News Director: mashburn@wsls.com

Learn more here!

No phone calls please

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KARE-TV, Minneapolis, MN (listed 1/17/21)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted this week)
WPTV, W. Palm Beach, FL (listed 1/3/21)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 1/24/21)
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 1/24/21, see ad above!)
WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (relisted 1/10/21)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 1/24/21)
WFFT-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN (listing revised 11/15/20)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WGN-America/News Nation, Chicago, IL (listed 1/3/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP Special Projects, listed 1/10/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (EP, listed 1/10/21)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (EP Investigations, relisted this week)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (AM Content Mgr., listing revised 1/17/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (PM EP, relisted 1/24/21)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 1/3/21)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (Digital Content EP, relisted 12/20/20)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (relisted 1/10/21)
WATN-TV Memphis TN (relisted 1/18/21)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (Digital EP, relisted 12/13/20)
WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA (AM EP, relisted 12/6/20)
WFXR-TV, Roanoke, VA (Digital EP, relisted 1/10/21)
KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 1/17/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 12/20/20)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, new listing this week)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (new listing this week)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, listed 1/3/21)
KDRV-TV, Medford, OR (relisted 12/13/20)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 1/10/21:

Spectrum News: Senior Director of News, New York

Names in the News:

Gray

The Los Angeles Times reports that CBS has hired KEISHA-ANN GRAY from the firm of Proskauer Rose to investigate claims of misconduct made against stations division president PETER DUNN and DAVID FRIEND, who oversees the news departments at the CBS owned stations. Gray is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York. Here’s her bio.

General Manager News and Notes:

DeSantis

Longtime (and I do mean longtime) WEEK-TV General Manager MARK DeSANTIS is retiring. More here. He’s run this Quincy Media owned NBC affiliate in Peoria, IL, for 23 years. Mark worked for Tegna stations in Washington and Minneapolis and also served as VP/Marketing for the Clemensen Sheehan Rovitto & Co. consulting firm. Quincy’s Regional VP JIM McKERNAN will assume the GM role here

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, January 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

KTLA-TV 5800 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (see ad above!)
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
WFOR-TV 8900 NW 18th Terrace, Doral FL 33172
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820 (see ad above!)
WTMJ-TV 720 E Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212
KAKW-TV 2233 W. North Loop Austin,TX 78756 **
KMPH/KFRE-TV 5111 E. McKinley Ave.Fresno, CA 93727
WNYT-TV 715 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204
KTLM-TV 200 S 10th St. Fl 2 McAllen, TX 78501 **
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Road McAllen TX 78501 **
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Dr, New Bern, NC 28560
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KADN/KLAF-TV 1500 Eraste Landry, Lafayette, LA 70506
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi TX 78411
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTXS-TV 4420 N. Clack Abilene, TX 79602
KIDY/KXVA-TV 5 S. Chadbourne Street San Angelo, TX 76903 ***

**: Spanish language station
***: News Director and Anchor

January 24, 2021

Tuesday, January 26. 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Quick reaction from CBS to the reports from Sunday’s Los Angeles Times about issues in the CBS station group that we first told you about in Sunday’s newsletter.

 Friend

  Dunn

Both the President of the station’s division, PETER DUNN, and DAVID FRIEND, who’s the Senior VP/News for the local stations, have been placed on administrative leave. Here’s the memo from the President and CEO of the CBS Entertainment Group, GEORGE CHEEKS. And here’s the latest from the LA Times, which first broke the story. (A reminder that a subscription may be required.)

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers who are both headed to the Super Bowl. Read on to see how ONE of our TWO obituaries has a unique tie to the Chiefs.

In this week’s report, we have TWO new openings, both in California and both at Nexstar stations. And there are NO new NDs to tell you about.

That means we have 16 stations in our listing of stations looking for a new ND.

ONE of those 16 openings is among our THREE Paid Help Wanted ads. And that job is in the number TWO market.

In Names in the News, several interesting articles, including a two-part series from The Los Angeles Times that investigates serious charges against the CBS owned stations group. And there’s some news managers on the move, as if so often the case. 🙂

We have TWO obituaries this week and NO news about general managers.

There’s much more below, including this ad from STRINGR who will be supporting this newsletter for this next year. We thank them for their support and encourage you to click on their ad to learn more about them.

Newly Named News Directors:

To my knowledge, there were no new news directors announced this week. If I’ve missed something, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

New News Director Openings:

Ball

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA…our UPDATE earlier this week brought the news that JASON BALL is leaving this Nexstar owned CW affiliate after more than 12 years. His station bio has more on his background. Learn more about this opportunity in the paid help wanted ad below.

To keep Jason’s 12 year run as an Los Angeles ND in perspective:

During that time:

KCBS-TV has had FIVE news directors.
KTTV (FOX) has had FIVE news directors.
KNBC-TV has had FIVE news directors.
KABC-TV has had THREE news directors.

Diaz

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA…MONIKA DIAZ has left is leaving this Nexstar owned FOX affiliate in late February after a little more than three years as news director and more than six years at the station. She joined KTXL in 2014 as managing editor, was later promoted to Assistant ND before ascending to the corner office. Monika’s a former reporter in Dallas, San Jose, and for another Sacramento station.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA:

And the Oscar goes to…

3-2-1 – the shot goes up…

The press conference is LIVE.

Dream of living in the middle of EVERYTHING? Red carpets, the big game, the even bigger breaking news?

You never know what’s going to happen…

But there are a couple of things you can count on:

The sun is always shining and KTLA is always ALL OVER IT in Los Angeles.

Nexstar Inc. has an immediate opening for a Superstar News Director at our #1 station in LA- KTLA.

KTLA is a historic news powerhouse producing more than 86 hours of live and local news each week. Lead and supervise all aspects of news, weather, sports, and local OTT content… And be a key part of the leadership team of the #1 station in the #2 market in the country.

Los Angeles is the quintessential media town – where television is part of the entertainment culture. You will find unmatched access to sports, music, entertainment, and art. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or surfing, Los Angeles has it all.

We are looking for someone who has passion for the industry, the desire to create new product, and the mindset to grow winning teams.

If you are ready, apply here:

Assistant News Director, WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA:

WSLS-TV, the Graham Media Group owned – NBC station in Roanoke, VA seeks a strategic thinking and assertive Assistant News Director. The ideal candidate must be a proven newsroom leader who knows how to win breaking news and weather coverage on all platforms, a self-starter. They will oversee production of all newscasts and work closely with anchors, reporters and producers on day-to-day and special project coverage.

TOP REASONS TO JOIN WSLS:

Growth, experience, and training. At WSLS, we will work with you to help you reach your full potential through ongoing career development programs. We are also committed to ongoing training throughout your career and to hiring from within – across the GMG family of companies.
Our culture and benefits package. Our employees are our most important resource. We encourage entrepreneurship and initiative and recognize and reward achievement. Graham Media offers a generous benefits package that includes 401K and healthcare on day one!

You will live and work in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, plus you`re only a short drive to major metropolitan areas as well as beaches.

Are you ready to join the team? We encourage you to submit your resume for consideration.

Send cover letter, resume, and references to: Margaret Ashburn, WSLS 10 News Director: mashburn@wsls.com

Learn more here!

No phone calls please

Broadcast Instructor, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS:

Oversee a student newscast in a vibrant southern college town. Teach writing/reporting courses, enjoy SEC sports, and be a part of an award-winning team. MSU features a brand-new digital media center with a new television studio and control room.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching courses related to the production of news in both broadcast and digital forms. Chief among these will be the broadcast capstone course, which mimics an active newsroom for one full day per week culminating in a live newscast.

A Master’s degree with coursework related to communication is preferred but a bachelor’s degree will be considered if there is substantial professional experience in the broadcast industry.

If interested, apply asap by clicking here. Review of applications will begin in early February.

Mississippi State University, with enrollment growth each of the last six years, features a nationally and internationally diverse student body. Restaurants, shopping along with the fun festivals, sporting action, and friendly residents make Starkville: Mississippi’s College Town!

The Department of Communication: www.comm.msstate.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

Listed 1/10/21:

Spectrum News: Senior Director of News, New York

Obituaries:

Suhonen

We’re sorry to report the sudden death of longtime newsman ALAN SUHONEN, who died January 14th at the age of 67. He’s a former general manager of Network News Service (NNS), the news cooperative formed by CBS, ABC, and Fox, and also worked CBS Newspath, Belo, and in Peoria. More on his life and career in this obituary.

Mack

A man who served as the Kansas City Chief’s’ public address announcer for the teams’ first 15 years…and also as a news director and anchor for KCMO-TV (now KCTV there)…has died. HAROLD MACK (legal name: HAROLD GROVE) passed January 14th at the age of 96. More in this obituary which includes links to some early KCTV broadcasts.

Names in the News:

We have some articles that you might find interesting.

The Los Angeles Times published a two part series looking into the management of the CBS owned stations division. Both part one and part two are likely to raise your eyebrows, as they feature serious allegations from former CBS o-and-o general managers and news directors. Note: The Times offers only a few free articles so a subscription may be required.

Variety magazine reports the pandemic may have increased the appetite for local news consumption among younger viewers.

Ackermann

And veteran newsman STEVEN ACKERMANN has four questions your newsroom should be asking on a national story, from his perspective as the news director of KOMU-TV, the nation’s only teaching laboratory inside a commercial network-affiliated TV station.

BRITTANY FURROW will assume a new role as Managing Editor for WSLS-TV in Roanoke on February 15th. She is currently the special projects-planning producer for this Graham Media owned NBC affiliate after starting at the station as a producer six years ago.

KBMT-TV in Beaumont has promoted LAUREN HENSLEY to Assistant News Director. She’s been an anchor/reporter for this Tegna owned NBC affiliate since October, 2018, and previously worked in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

At KFSM-TV in Ft. Smith, AR, ANDREW ALTENBERN is the new Assistant News Director. He’s worked in Denver, Kansas City, and Waterloo, IA.

General Manager News and Notes:

I’m not aware of any new GM’s this week.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, January 24, 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

KTLA-TV 5800 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (see ad above!
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
WFOR-TV 8900 NW 18th Terrace, Doral FL 33172
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA 95820
WTMJ-TV 720 E Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212
KAKW-TV 2233 W. North Loop Austin,TX 78756 **
KMPH/KFRE-TV 5111 E. McKinley Ave.Fresno, CA 93727
WNYT-TV 715 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204
KTLM-TV 200 S 10th St. Fl 2 McAllen, TX 78501 **
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Road McAllen TX 78501 **
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Dr, New Bern, NC 28560
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KADN/KLAF-TV 1500 Eraste Landry, Lafayette, LA 70506
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi TX 78411
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KIDY/KXVA-TV 5 S. Chadbourne Street San Angelo, TX 76903 ***

**: Spanish language station
***: News Director and Anchor