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November 23, 2012

Friday, November 30, 2012 UPDATE:

Bracco

A huge shock today from Kansas City, where moments ago BRIAN BRACCO was named VP/General Manager of KSHB-TV, the Scripps owned NBC affiliate there. Many of you know Brian, who’s been with Hearst Broadcasting for more than 25 years, 12 of those as VP/News, based in Kansas City. He previously had been ND for the company’s KMBC-TV, the ABC affiliate there. Brian’s also been an ND in Columbus, OH, and Birmingham, and worked in Wichita.

Brian is one of the nicest people in the industry, in my opinon. He’ll start at KSHB on Monday. Brian told me he’s excited about the challenge, the chance to stay in Kansas City, and the ability to dramatically reduce his travel schedule.

More details on this in our full newsletter which will be completed either late tonight or sometime tomorrow.

**** ***** ****
Greetings:

I hope you and your family had a nice Thanksgiving.

There are TWO new ND openings and ONE newly named ND in this week’s report. We told you about two of those changes…both big surprises…earlier this week.

Those changes bring our list of open ND positions to 25.

As we told you, THREE of those jobs are in Indianapolis. I have not yet been able to confirm a rumor that the three GMs were going to host a joint interview (think speed dating).

More seriously, we have a new ad for a faculty position at the University of Missouri which will involve a lot of time spent at the University’s KOMU-TV. We have an obituary for the well-known host of a syndicated food segment, and news of a former ND landing a new job and a new GM for a CBS owned station (though NOT the CBS affiliate) in Atlanta.

All that follows this week’s changes:

New News Director Openings:

Connors

WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN…KEITH CONNORS will leave this Dispatch owned NBC affiliate by the end of the year. Keith tells me he’s decided to leave for both professional and family reasons. He’s been the news director there for two years, and has previously been an ND in Houston, Charlotte, Norfolk, and Rochester, NY. He’s also worked in Nashville and Toledo, where he worked for me at WTOL-TV.

WVII/WFXV-TV,Bangor, ME…News Director and anchor CINDY MICHAELS announced her resignation from this Rockfleet Broadcasting owned duopoly on the air earlier this week. Her co-anchor also resigned. It’s a strange story that’s gotten a lot of national attention. This article from the Bangor Daily News will fill you in.

Newly Named News Director:

Costello

KXNV-TV, Phoenix, AZ…PAT COSTELLO will begin as ND here in early January. Pat’s currently the station manager for KING-TV in Seattle, a job he’s held since 2007. He spent seven years before that as the ND for that Belo-owned NBC affiliate. Pat’s also been an ND in Chicago and Salt Lake City, and has worked in Baltimore, Indianapolis, and Columbia, MO. He began his career at as photographer. He replaces JOE HENGEMUEHLER who resigned earlier this summer after six years as ND and ten at the station, which is an ABC affiliate owned by Scripps.

Help Wanted Ad:

Faculty Position, University of Missouri/KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO:

The Missouri School of Journalism seeks a journalist with extensive newsroom experience and a talent for teaching at the university level. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of television newsroom experience; some newsroom management experience preferred. This faculty member will manage KOMU.com and keep the station and the students updated on new opportunities in interactive news presentation. The job description includes a minimum of 30 hours per week at KOMU-TV (NBC-affiliate) and supervising the work of student reporters, anchors, newscast producers and videographers. The job description also includes classroom teaching and service to the Journalism School and the University.

Required qualifications: Experience as a journalist in a professional television newsroom, a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college of university, at least five years experience in journalism and significant work in the specialized field of news interactivity.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Hiring is expected to be completed in the spring of 2013, with an immediate start date. Please click here to access the online application system. Applications must include an academic CV or professional resume, links to video of recent television work produced by the candidate, including online, multimedia work, references in the field and a cover letter that must also include an analysis of the television news profession’s transition from solely broadcast to broadcast and digital/internet news platforms.

The University of Missouri is committed to cultural diversity and it is expected that successful candidate will share this commitment. MU is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ADA institution and encourages applications from women and minority candidates.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KING-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 10/28/12)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 9/22/12)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 9/14/12)
KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (relisted 11/17/12)
WCTI-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (relisted 9/14/12)
WNCT-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (listed 11/17/12)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (listed 9/22/12)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (listed 9/22/12)
KTTV/KCOP-TV, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, relisted this week)
KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX (Morning EP, relisted 9/14/12)
KTVT-TV, Dallas, TX (EP of Special Projects/Investigations, relisted this week)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (Nightside EP, listing modified 11/3/12)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (new listing this week)
WTVT-TV, Tampa, FL (AM EP, listed 10/5/12)
WKMG-TV, Orlando, FL (AM EP, listing modified 11/10/12)
KATU-TV, Portland, OR (Senior EP, listed 10/5/12)
KPTV/KPDX-TV, Portland, OR (Nightside EP, relisted 9/30/12)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, relisted 11/17/12)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (AM EP, listed 9/22/12)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 9/14/12)
WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (TV Content Mgr., listed 10/19/12)
KWTV, Oklahoma City, OK (PM EP, listed 9/30/12)
WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA (listing modified 11/17/12)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Evening EP, relisted 11/17/12)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (2 openings, listed 11/3/12)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (PM EP, listing revised 9/14/12)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 9/1/12)
WCYB-TV, Bristol, TN (relisted this week)
KOLO-TV, Reno, NV (Morning EP, relisted 10/19/12)
KIFI/KIDK-TV, Idaho Falls, ID (listed 11/17/12)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 9/14/12)
KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 10/28/12)

Obituary:

Ginsburg

ART GINSBURG died this week. You, and millions of your viewers, knew him as Mr. Food. His syndicated segments on fast and easy cooking aired on dozens of stations all over the country, in markets small and large. Art began doing segments on WRGB-TV in Schenectady, NY in the mid-70’s. Mr. Food segments were eventually seen in 80% of the markets around the country. In my dealings with him, he was always friendly and warm, much like his on camera persona. (He even once used a recipe I sent him that I’d gotten from my Mom.)

Situations Wanted:

No takers this week on our free Situations Wanted listings. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 100 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

Names in the News:

Phillip

There are two new news managers at WPLG-TV in Miami, one a veteran news director.  PEGGY PHILLIP has joined this Post-Newsweek/ABC affiliate as EP of the weekday morning news. It’s a return to Miami for Peggy, who earlier in her career worked at WSVN-TV there. She most recently was ND for KSHB-TV in Kansas City, has been an ND in Baltimore, Syracuse, Memphis, and Tulsa, and has also worked in Chicago, Reno and Boston. Also, STEPHANIE GASTON moves across town to become EP of the weekend morning newscasts at WPLG. She’s been the Senior Producer of the morning newscasts at WSVN-TV.

JACK WALSH has been named General Manager of CBS owned WUPA-TV in Atlanta. It’s the CW affiliate in the market. He’s been the Sales Manager for WGCL-TV, the Meredith owned CBS affiliate there.

Congratulations to Missourinet News Director and (two-time) past RTDNA chair BOB PRIDDY and his wife NANCY who celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this week.

Our Full List of ND Openings:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Friday, November 23, 2012.

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

WPIX-TV 220 E. 42nd Street New York NY 10017
WTXF-TV 330 Market St. Philadelphia PA 19106
KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Avenue Phoenix AX 85013
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave. Cleveland OH 44114
WPXI-TV 4145 Evergreen Road Pittsburgh PA 15214
WISH-TV 1950 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46202
WRTV 1330 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46202
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46204
KSHB-TV 4720 Oak Street Kansas City MO 64112
WDAF-TV 3030 Summit St. Kansas City MO 64108
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas NV 89101
WVEC-TV 613 Woodis Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510
WPTY/WLMT 2701 Union Ave. Ext. Memphis TN 38112
KTHV-TV 720 Izard St. Little Rock 72201
KOTV 302 S. Frankfort St. Tulsa OK 74120
KSNW-TV 833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
WCSH-TV One Congress Square Portland ME 04101
WMTV 615 Forward Dr. Madison WI 53711
KHGI-TV 13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
KBOI-TV 140 N. 16th St. Boise ID 83702
KION/KCOY 1550 Moffett St. Salinas CA 93905
WVII-TV 371 Target Industrial Circle Bangor ME 04401
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Rd. Ghent WV 25843
KSWT-TV 1301 Third Ave Yuma AZ 85364
KFBB-TV P.O. Box 1139 Great Falls, MT 59403

November 17, 2012

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 UPDATE:

Connors

Today’s surprise comes from Indianapolis, where WTHR-TV News Director KEITH CONNORS announced a few minutes ago that he’ll leave the station when his contract expires in a few weeks. He’s going to pursue some other options for both family and professional reasons. Keith’s been the ND here since January, 2011. He’s previously been an ND for stations in Houston, Charlotte, Norfolk, and Rochester, NY. He’s also worked in Nashville and Toledo, where (full disclosure) he worked for me when I was the ND for WTOL-TV.

Keith’s announcement means there are now THREE ND openings in Indianapolis, with vacancies at WISH-TV (PATTI McGETTIGAN left in August) and WRTV (where KEVIN FINCH left last week). This allows WXIN-TV ND LEE ROSENTHAL to convene a meeting of Indianapolis news directors wherever  and wherever he wants, since he’d be the lone attendee.

Monday, November 19, 2012 UPDATE:

Costello

A shocker from Phoenix today, where longtime Seattle broadcaster PAT COSTELLO has been named Director of News for Scripps’ KNXV-TV. Pat’s currently the Station Manager for Belo’s KING-TV. He was promoted to that job in 2007 after seven years as ND for the NBC affiliate. He’s also been an ND in Chicago and Salt Lake City, and an assistant ND in Baltimore. Pat began his career as a photographer and worked in Indianapolis and Columbia, MO.

We’ll have more in our full newsletter later this week.

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

Greetings:

Our recent trend of a declining number of open ND jobs reverses itself this week, as we have THREE new ND openings and NO newly named NDs to report.

That brings our count of open news director jobs to 24.  SIX of those open jobs are concentrated in three relatively large markets: Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Kansas City.

We have one returning ad for an opportunity at the Weather Channel. And we’ve freshened our list of Other News Management Openings.

In Names in the News, a change at the top of the Today Show, a Washington, DC, producer returns to his former market as an EP, a flurry of GM changes (including three at FOX o-and-o’s) and we’re repeating one item for which we provided a faulty link last week.

All that follows this week’s changes:

New News Director Openings:

Finch

WRTV, Indianapolis, IN…as we detailed in a mid-week UPDATE, KEVIN FINCH has left this Scripps owned ABC affiliate after 18 months as news director. Kevin’s also been the ND for WISH-TV in Indianapolis, and worked as a Special Projects EP and producer for WTHR-TV there. He began his career as a reporter in Champaign, IL. Kevin’s replacement will be the sixth news director in about ten years here. (His departure means two ND openings in Indianapolis…WISH-TV is the other….and three ND openings within Scripps, KNXV-TV in Phoenix and KSHB-TV in Kansas City are the others.)

Jacobus

WPTY/WLMT-TV, Memphis, TN…veteran newsman PETER JACOBUS has resigned as ND for this now-owned-by-Newport-but-about-to-be-sold-to-Nextstar ABC/CW duopoly. Pete tells me he’s going to ‘see what else’ is out there. He joined the station in June, 2009. During his career, Pete’s been as ND in Philadelphia, San Francisco, Detroit and San Diego, and also served as a VP for ABC News. He also worked for many years for Magid.

WCSH-TV, Portland, ME…MAUREEN O’BRIEN has left this Gannett owned NBC affiliate after four years as ND. She’d been the managing editor at the station for the previous five years, and also worked for another Portland station and in Burlington, VT. Her departure comes shortly after the station’s meteorologist went on the air to deny rumors that he’d been involved in a prostitution ring.

Newly Named News Directors:

None that I know of, but I should correct one item from last week. In reporting CHRIS WEIMER’s promotion to ND in Presque Isle, ME, I screwed up the call letters: it’s WAGM-TV, not WAQM as some early readers of this site might have seen. Apologies.

Help Wanted Ad:

Director, Content Development, The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA:

The Weather Channel is looking for an experienced Director, Content Development. This position will oversee daily content development for Live Programming, as well as oversee the execution of that content throughout all shows within Live Programming. The ideal candidate will ensure overall execution of content mission and will work with other managers to create the overall content strategy. Will oversee tactical editorial operations while ensuring the highest levels of journalistic, legal, TV production and standards are maintained. The Director, Content Development will be responsible for supervising Executive Producers and editorial teams.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record for compelling television journalism, enterprise reporting, contemporary presentation and proficiency in multi-platform news delivery is required. Strong work ethic, positive attitude and leadership qualities with the ability to handle multiple tasks and set priorities are a must.

Candidates must have a minimum of ten years electronic news media experience with at least five years in television news as Asst. News Director, Managing Editor or Executive Producer. A B.S. Journalism, or equivalent knowledge, is required.

If you meet the above requirements, please send resume to bgoodfellow@weather.com

No Phone Calls. EOE M/F/D/V

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KING-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 10/28/12)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 9/22/12)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 9/14/12)
KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (relisted this week)
WLNE-TV, Providence, RI (listed 9/14/12)
WCTI-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (relisted 9/14/12)
WNCT-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (new listing this week)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (listed 9/22/12)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (listed 9/22/12)
KTTV/KCOP-TV, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, listed 9/14/12)
KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX (Morning EP, relisted 9/14/12)
KTVT-TV, Dallas, TX (EP of Special Projects/Investigations, listed 9/14/12)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (Nightside EP, listing modified 11/3/12)
WTVT-TV, Tampa, FL (AM EP, listed 10/5/12)
WKMG-TV, Orlando, FL (AM EP, listing modified 11/10/12)
KATU-TV, Portland, OR (Senior EP, listed 10/5/12)
KPTV/KPDX-TV, Portland, OR (Nightside EP, relisted 9/30/12)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, relisted this week)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (AM EP, listed 9/22/12)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 9/14/12)
WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (TV Content Mgr., listed 10/19/12)
KWTV, Oklahoma City, OK (PM EP, listed 9/30/12)
WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA (listing modified this week)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Evening EP, relisted this week)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (2 openings, listed 11/3/12)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (PM EP, listing revised 9/14/12)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 9/1/12)
WCYB-TV, Bristol, TN (relisted 9/14/12)
KOLO-TV, Reno, NV (Morning EP, relisted 10/19/12)
KIFI/KIDK-TV, Idaho Falls, ID (new opening this week)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 9/14/12)
KTVT-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 9/14/12)
KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 10/28/12)

Situations Wanted:

No takers this week on our free Situations Wanted listings. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 100 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

Names in the News:

DON NASH has been named EP of NBC’s Today Show. He’s been there for 23 years and is currently the Senior Broadcast Producer. He’ll report to ALEXANDRA WALLACE who newly been moved to a position overseeing the program.  JIM BELL, who’s been the EP, is moving to be a full time EP of NBC’s Olympic coverage.

BOB BENNETT is leaving WJLA-TV in Washington (where he’s a producer) to become an EP for WAVY-TV in Norfolk. It’s a return to Norfolk for Bob, who produced for WVEC-TV there from 2004-2011.

Several GM notes this week, including changes at three FOX owned stations. MIKE RENDA is moving from WFLD-TV in Chicago to WJBK-TV in Detroit. That will be the fourth FOX o-and-o where Renda’s served as the GM. He’ll be replaced in Chicago by DENNIS WELSH, now the GM for the company’s WOFL-TV in Orlando.

JULIE BRINKS has left as GM of Journal’s KGUN-TV in Tucson. She also oversaw the company’s radio operations there. And JUDY KENNEY retired last month as seven years as GM of Journal’s WFTX-TV in Ft. Myers, FL. She’d previously spent 12 years as a GM in Lansing, MI.

Gray TV has named JAY BARON GM of its Charlottesville, VA, operations. He’ll a native of Charlottesville and will oversee WCAV/WVAW/WAHU. He’s been the local sales manager for WBNG-TV in Binghamton, NY.

Our Full List of ND Openings:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Saturday, November 17, 2012.

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

WPIX-TV 220 E. 42nd Street New York NY 10017
WTXF-TV 330 Market St. Philadelphia PA 19106
KNXV-TV 515 N. 44th St. Phoenix AZ 85008
KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Avenue Phoenix AX 85013
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave. Cleveland OH 44114
WPXI-TV 4145 Evergreen Road Pittsburgh PA 15214
WISH-TV 1950 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46202
WRTV 1330 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46202
KSHB-TV 4720 Oak Street Kansas City MO 64112
WDAF-TV 3030 Summit St. Kansas City MO 64108
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas NV 89101
WVEC-TV 613 Woodis Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510
WPTV/WLMT 2701 Union Ave. Ext. Memphis TN 38112
KTHV-TV 720 Izard St. Little Rock 72201
KOTV 302 S. Frankfort St. Tulsa OK 74120
KSNW-TV 833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
WCSH-TV One Congress Square Portland ME 04101
WMTV 615 Forward Dr. Madison WI 53711
KHGI-TV 13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
KBOI-TV 140 N. 16th St. Boise ID 83702
KION/KCOY 1550 Moffett St. Salinas CA 93905
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Rd. Ghent WV 25843
KSWT-TV 1301 Third Ave Yuma AZ 85364
KFBB-TV P.O. Box 1139 Great Falls, MT 59403

November 10, 2012

Thursday, November 10, 2012 UPDATE:

News today of an ND change that results in TWO openings in the same top 30 market, and THREE openings within the same company.

Finch

KEVIN FINCH has left WRTV, the Scripps owned ABC affiliate here in Indianapolis. He’s been the ND there since April, 2011. Kevin previously worked for two other Indianapolis stations, as ND for WISH-TV and as a producer and EP/special projects for WTHR-TV. He’s also worked in Champaign, IL.

His replacement will be the sixth news director in about nine years for WRTV.

This means there are openings here in Indianapolis at both WRTV and WISH-TV, and it’s the third ND opening in Scripps, with opportunities at both KNXV-TV in Phoenix and KSHB-TV in Kansas City.

We’ll have more in our full newsletter later this week.

Greetings:

Hard to know what’s going on out there, but our list of open ND positions drops to a near-record low of  21  positions. (My records aren’t great, but I know it’s been in the high teens in the past.)

That’s because we have  THREE  new hires to report this week, with NO new openings. But we’ll tell you about one station which is stepping up the search for a new ND.

We have a new ad for an opportunity at The Weather Channel, as well as repeating an ad for an open ND job in the midwest and two EP openings in Florida.

We have an obit for the mother of a longtime ND, the retirement of a longtime Los Angeles newsman, and a few other items in Names in the News.

That…and more…is below.

Kinda-Sorta New News Director Openings:

KSNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV…while technically not a new opening, VP/News BOB STOLDAL tells me he is stepping up the search and asks that anyone who applied to resubmit their application. He hopes to have the position filled by February.

Newly Named News Directors:

Sabato

WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL…STEVE SABATO returns to a newsroom as ND for this Caulkins Media owned ABC affiliate (listed in the Tampa market.) Steve’s a former ND in Nashville, Hartford, Louisville, and for WWJ-TV in Detroit (though, if memory serves, the news department never actually got a newscast on the air before CBS pulled the plug).  He’s also been a GM in Flint/Saginaw, and has operated his consulting firm for the past few years. Steve replaces GENE ROSS who left the station in September after two years as ND.

Maulden

KOLR/KOZL-TV, Springfield, MO…CHUCK MAULDEN will be the next ND for this duopoly. He most recently spent five years as the ND for Gannett’s KTHV-TV in Little Rock. Chuck previously worked (for ten years) as Director of News Operations for Gannett’s KSDK-TV in St. Louis, and has also worked in Birmingham, Kalamazoo, and Jonesboro, AR. His predecessor at KOLR was POLLY VAN DOREN-ORR who left a few months ago to become ND for WKBW-TV in Buffalo, ND, after 14 years as ND.

Weimer

WAGM-TV, Presque Isle, ME…CHRIS WEIMER is assuming additional duties as news director for this CBS/FOX operation. He currently anchors the evening shows. Chris began at the station in 2009 as a reporter, later worked in sports, and then moved to news anchor. LAURA THOMAS, who’s been the ND there since August, 2011, just returned from maternity leave and will stay on at the station as an anchor.

Help Wanted Ads:

Director, Content Development, The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA:

The Weather Channel is looking for an experienced Director, Content Development. This position will oversee daily content development for Live Programming, as well as oversee the execution of that content throughout all shows within Live Programming. The ideal candidate will ensure overall execution of content mission and will work with other managers to create the overall content strategy. Will oversee tactical editorial operations while ensuring the highest levels of journalistic, legal, TV production and standards are maintained. The Director, Content Development will be responsible for supervising Executive Producers and editorial teams.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record for compelling television journalism, enterprise reporting, contemporary presentation and proficiency in multi-platform news delivery is required. Strong work ethic, positive attitude and leadership qualities with the ability to handle multiple tasks and set priorities are a must.

Candidates must have a minimum of ten years electronic news media experience with at least five years in television news as Asst. News Director, Managing Editor or Executive Producer. A B.S. Journalism, or equivalent knowledge, is required.

If you meet the above requirements, please send resume to bgoodfellow@weather.com

No Phone Calls. EOE M/F/D/V

VP News & Interactive Content, WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO:

WDAF TV FOX 4 is looking for an experienced management professional to lead our seasoned News Department. If you are a mature, collaborative and thoughtful news expert looking to work at one of the strongest FOX stations in the country, in one of the most affordable and vibrant cities in the Midwest, this may be the job for you.

Qualified candidates will have extensive management and motivational abilities. Integrity, good judgment and people skills are a must. This person must be a superb motivator and communicator in addition to being a creative news strategist.

Essential duties include: newsroom leadership, talent recruitment and retention, budget administration, personnel development, ratings strategy, develop-ment of social media/web and mobile platforms and local programs. The VP of news will oversee and critique daily news product and talent performance. This position is also responsible for setting and maintaining professional guidelines and standards of the news team. Superior understanding of libel laws and professional journalist’s rights and responsibilities required. Ability to interact appropriately with the public in person and through correspondence regarding news matters is required.

Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of news management experience. Excellent communication skills and strong time management skills. A commitment to community involvement, teamwork and an open honest management style is essential for success in this role.

If you meet the above requirements, please send a resume to

Kim Stripling
Administrative Assistant
WDAF-TV
3030 Summit
Kansas City MO 64108

or via email to kim.stripling@wdaftv4.com

No Phone Calls. EOE M/F/D/V

AM Executive Producer, WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL:

First Coast News, (WTLV/WJXX), the Gannett owned NBC/ABC duopoly in Jacksonville, Florida, has an immediate opening for an AM Executive Producer. This position will oversee the multi-platform content delivery newscasts, executing growth opportunities, and managing the staff. This position will be minimally supervised because the individual must be an independent-thinker, who has priority say in coverage direction and can generate and execute ideas. The incumbent must be able to communicate fluently in English in order to effectively communicate with staff and others. The candidate must have at least five (5) years professional broadcasting experience as a producer, management experience helpful; Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or related field, will need excellent computer skills and proficient in ENPS.

The candidate must have excellent problem solving and time management skills, news content gathering and organizational skills; good editorial judgment, knowledge of journalistic ethics and libel laws. Attention to detail, time limed processes and an accountability mindset are critical. Must be able to collect and analyze information, schedule staff, deliver performance reviews, create and develop training guides and approved planning guides. Communication skills in order to take a lead role in editorial meetings, meet with staff and others involved in the production of news. Must be able to post content and video online, must be able to work effectively under pressure & meet deadlines. Must have experience with creative social media execution on digital and on air platforms. Must be able to plan big events and breaking news with clear social media goals in mind.

Please send your resume and cover letter to klwilliams@firstcoastnews.com or via mail to:

Kathy Williams
News Director
First Coast News
1070 East Adams Street
Jacksonville FL 32202

Nightside Executive Producer, WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL:

First Coast News is seeking a visionary news leader who understands rich, unique, local news content on multiple platforms, embraces social media and can lead for the future in an experienced newsroom. The successful candidate “gets” the First For You brand and will share in moving it forward to the next level of community service and success. Must have experience with creative social media execution on digital and on air platforms. Must be able to plan big events and breaking news with clear social media goals in mind.

Requirements:

The successful candidate must have at least 5 years mid to major market producing experience, be an expert at helping drive great content in newscasts and on digital properties around the clock, including but not limited to:
Breaking news coverage, newscast production/review, anchor and report guidance/script review, and photojournalist evaluation.
Must be a team player dedicated to continuous improvement, staff engagement and driven to perform at a superior level.
Excellent news judgment, writing, newscast production and organizational skills required.
Video editing a plus.
Please send your resume and cover letter to klwilliams@firstcoastnews.com or via mail to:

Kathy Williams
News Director
First Coast News
1070 East Adams Street
Jacksonville FL 32202

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KING-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 10/28/12)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 9/22/12)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 9/14/12)
KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (listed 9/1/12)
WLNE-TV, Providence, RI (listed 9/14/12)
WCTI-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (relisted 9/14/12)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (listed 9/22/12)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (listed 9/22/12)
KTTV/KCOP-TV, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, listed 9/14/12)
KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX (Morning EP, relisted 9/14/12)
KTVT-TV, Dallas, TX (EP of Special Projects/Investigations, listed 9/14/12)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (Nightside EP, listing modified 11/3/12)
WTVT-TV, Tampa, FL (AM EP, listed 10/5/12)
WKMG-TV, Orlando, FL (AM EP, listing modified this week)
KATU-TV, Portland, OR (Senior EP, listed 10/5/12)
KPTV/KPDX-TV, Portland, OR (Nightside EP, relisted 9/30/12)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 9/1/12)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (AM EP, listed 9/22/12)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 9/14/12)
WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (TV Content Mgr., listed 10/19/12)
KWTV, Oklahoma City, OK (PM EP, listed 9/30/12)
WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA (AM & PM EPs, relisted 10/19/12)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Evening EP, relisted 9/9/12)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (2 openings, listed 11/3/12, see ads above)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (PM EP, listing revised 9/14/12)
WCYB-TV, Bristol, TN (relisted 9/14/12)
KOLO-TV, Reno, NV (Morning EP, relisted 10/19/12)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 9/14/12)
KTVT-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 9/14/12)
KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 10/28/12)

Situations Wanted:

No talers this week on our free Situations Wanted listings. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 100 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

Obituary:

BETTY JEAN SMITH, mother of WCYB-TV (Bristol, VA) News Director KEN SMITH, died November 1st at the age of 78. Ken tells me doctors found lung cancer during tests before heart surgery in July.  Ken’s been ND at WCYB since May, 2011.  He started the news department at WZTV in Nashville, and spent nine years there. Ken’s also worked for three other Nashville stations, and in Cincinnati, Greensboro, NC, Shreveport, and Knoxville.  He was also ND for the Health Network in Orlando. Ken’s email address is ksmith@wcyb.com

Names in the News:

Longtime KTTV (Los Angeles) Managing Editor LARRY CRONER has announced his retirement effective next month. He first joined the station in 1990 as a producer, and was upped to Managing Editor in 1993.

Former consultant and news director BILL TAYLOR won re-election to a state house seat in South Carolina. He was unopposed.

The University of Missouri’s REYNOLDS JOURNALISM INSTITUTE announced a $30 million dollar grant this week from the Reynolds Foundation. The Institute is devoted to innovation, collaboration and research in media industries.  The Foundation was formed after the 1993 death of DON REYNOLDS who founded the Donrey Media Group.

Collins

One project at RJI is being headed by Missouri’s Radio-Television Journalism Faculty Chairman KENT COLLINS. Kent’s working with KETC-TV, the PBS station in St. Louis, to produce a new style of public affairs journalism with a heavy dose of social media. Learn more about the project in this story from the RJI website.

Our Full List of ND Openings:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Saturday, November 10, 2012.

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

WPIX-TV 220 E. 42nd Street New York NY 10017
WTXF-TV 330 Market St. Philadelphia PA 19106
KNXV-TV 515 N. 44th St. Phoenix AZ 85008
KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Avenue Phoenix AX 85013
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave. Cleveland OH 44114
WPXI-TV 4145 Evergreen Road Pittsburgh PA 15214
WISH-TV 1950 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46202
KSHB-TV 4720 Oak Street Kansas City MO 64112
WDAF-TV 3030 Summit St. Kansas City MO 64108 (see ad above!)
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas NV 89101
WVEC-TV 613 Woodis Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510
KTHV-TV 720 Izard St. Little Rock 72201
KOTV 302 S. Frankfort St. Tulsa OK 74120
KSNW-TV 833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
WMTV 615 Forward Dr. Madison WI 53711
KHGI-TV 13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
KBOI-TV 140 N. 16th St. Boise ID 83702
KION/KCOY 1550 Moffett St. Salinas CA 93905
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Rd. Ghent WV 25843
KSWT-TV 1301 Third Ave Yuma AZ 85364
KFBB-TV P.O. Box 1139 Great Falls, MT 59403

November 3, 2012

Greetings:

Our list of open news director positions continues to drop, as it reaches 23 this week.

That’s due to TWO new news directors being named this week.

But the search continues for a number of jobs….we have TWO new paid ads for news director openings in relatively large markets, and two repeat ads for opportunities in smaller markets. And we have TWO new ads for EPs from a station in sunny Florida.

Names in the News features a variety of items, including an opportunity for you (yes, you!) to give back a bit to our industry, and it won’t take to much of your time. We also have one of our free Situations Wanted postings and an obituary for a long-ago Atlanta General Manager.

Read on, and don’t forget to vote this week!

New News Director Openings:

There are no NEW ND openings this week, but I do want to call your attention to new ads for previously announced openings in Phoenix and Kansas City. Those ads are below.

Newly Named News Directors:

Mason

KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM…JOHN MASONreturns as News Director for this Hubbard owned NBC affiliate. He was an anchor and Managing Editor here from 1997 to 2004. John’s currently the Managing Editor for Hubbard’s KSTP-TV in Minneapolis and has worked in Chicago and Omaha. At KOB, he will be the seventh ND in ten years.  LAURIE PASSMAN, the current ND, is returning to Phoenix to be the Assistant ND for KTVK-TV. She was the Assistant ND and Morning EP at KTVK before taking the KOB job 18 months ago.

Rezendes

WPRI-TV, Providence, RI…KAREN REZENDES has been promoted to ND for this LIN Media owned CBS affiliate. Karen’s been the Assistant ND and Manager of Special Projects for the past few years. She’s spent most of her career at WPRI, beginning as a producer and assignment editor. Karen spent four years as a producer for WTKR-TV in Norfolk before returning to WPRI in 1996. She’s replacing JOE ABOUZEID who is being promoted to GM of sister station WDTN-TV in Dayton. He was ND here for seven years.

 

Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ:

KNXV-TV, the ABC affiliate in Phoenix, is seeking a dynamic and competitive leader to serve as news director.

The successful candidate will have five years experience in a medium to large market as a News Director with a proven track record of increased ratings and three-screen strategies. If you love breaking news, game-changing investigations and winning big everyday – this position is for you.

We are part of the cutting-edge Scripps organization and always looking for bold, innovative ideas to better serve our community.

To help lead us, apply for this position by clicking here

 

VP News & Interactive Content, WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO:

WDAF TV FOX 4 is looking for an experienced management professional to lead our seasoned News Department. If you are a mature, collaborative and thoughtful news expert looking to work at one of the strongest FOX stations in the country, in one of the most affordable and vibrant cities in the Midwest, this may be the job for you.

Qualified candidates will have extensive management and motivational abilities. Integrity, good judgment and people skills are a must. This person must be a superb motivator and communicator in addition to being a creative news strategist.

Essential duties include: newsroom leadership, talent recruitment and retention, budget administration, personnel development, ratings strategy, develop-ment of social media/web and mobile platforms and local programs. The VP of news will oversee and critique daily news product and talent performance. This position is also responsible for setting and maintaining professional guidelines and standards of the news team. Superior understanding of libel laws and professional journalist’s rights and responsibilities required. Ability to interact appropriately with the public in person and through correspondence regarding news matters is required.

Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of news management experience. Excellent communication skills and strong time management skills. A commitment to community involvement, teamwork and an open honest management style is essential for success in this role.

If you meet the above requirements, please send a resume to

Kim Stripling
Administrative Assistant
WDAF-TV
3030 Summit
Kansas City MO 64108

or via email to kim.stripling@wdaftv4.com

No Phone Calls. EOE M/F/D/V

AM Executive Producer, WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL:

First Coast News, (WTLV/WJXX), the Gannett owned NBC/ABC duopoly in Jacksonville, Florida, has an immediate opening for an AM Executive Producer. This position will oversee the multi-platform content delivery newscasts, executing growth opportunities, and managing the staff. This position will be minimally supervised because the individual must be an independent-thinker, who has priority say in coverage direction and can generate and execute ideas. The incumbent must be able to communicate fluently in English in order to effectively communicate with staff and others. The candidate must have at least five (5) years professional broadcasting experience as a producer, management experience helpful; Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or related field, will need excellent computer skills and proficient in ENPS.

The candidate must have excellent problem solving and time management skills, news content gathering and organizational skills; good editorial judgment, knowledge of journalistic ethics and libel laws. Attention to detail, time limed processes and an accountability mindset are critical. Must be able to collect and analyze information, schedule staff, deliver performance reviews, create and develop training guides and approved planning guides. Communication skills in order to take a lead role in editorial meetings, meet with staff and others involved in the production of news. Must be able to post content and video online, must be able to work effectively under pressure & meet deadlines. Must have experience with creative social media execution on digital and on air platforms. Must be able to plan big events and breaking news with clear social media goals in mind.

Please send your resume and cover letter to klwilliams@firstcoastnews.com or via mail to:

Kathy Williams
News Director
First Coast News
1070 East Adams Street
Jacksonville FL 32202

Nightside Executive Producer, WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL:

First Coast News is seeking a visionary news leader who understands rich, unique, local news content on multiple platforms, embraces social media and can lead for the future in an experienced newsroom. The successful candidate “gets” the First For You brand and will share in moving it forward to the next level of community service and success. Must have experience with creative social media execution on digital and on air platforms. Must be able to plan big events and breaking news with clear social media goals in mind.

Requirements:

The successful candidate must have at least 5 years mid to major market producing experience, be an expert at helping drive great content in newscasts and on digital properties around the clock, including but not limited to:
Breaking news coverage, newscast production/review, anchor and report guidance/script review, and photojournalist evaluation.
Must be a team player dedicated to continuous improvement, staff engagement and driven to perform at a superior level.
Excellent news judgment, writing, newscast production and organizational skills required.
Video editing a plus.
Please send your resume and cover letter to klwilliams@firstcoastnews.com or via mail to:

Kathy Williams
News Director
First Coast News
1070 East Adams Street
Jacksonville FL 32202

Corporate News Director, Cowles California Media Company, Monterey/Salinas, CA:

The opportunity is great… the job is tough. This is a truly unique position overseeing news operations in multiple markets and languages. The job is based in the Monterey/Salinas, CA market, but will also oversee the Santa Barbara, CA market. We have six TV stations on California’s beautiful Central Coast, including CBS, FOX, and TELEMUNDO, plus a dozen different website, mobile, and tablet products.

You will be our company’s Chief Journalist. You will be the designer and keeper of the Brand. You will be the one setting the tone and implementing the strategy. This is not a sit-at-your-desk-and-tell-people-what-to-do corporate consulting job. It’s a roll-up-your-sleeves-jump-in-and-get-it-done-whatever-it-takes job. You will be the day-to-day News Director and make editorial, production, and resource decisions daily while driving the long-term plan.

You’ll need to own Breaking News, Investigative Reporting, and Original Reporting. You’ll need to embrace and manage technology, digital platforms, and social media. And you’ll need to maximize your resources to produce great television. I’m looking for the next generation of News Director to evolve our next generation newsrooms. Our last Corporate News Director also managed the Promotions Department, too so if you can do that as well, great.

If this sounds like you, reach out immediately by email to pauldughi@kionrightnow.com. Send me your resume, your website, your Facebook and Twitter name, and tell me why you fit this description. We’re hiring now.

 

News Director, KBOI-TV, Boise, ID:

KBOI-TV, the CBS affiliate in Boise, Idaho seeks a newsroom leader to serve as News Director. The ideal candidate is a strong motivator, communicates well, and also has a record of achieving results.

Duties include; developing and implementing daily and long-term news coverage strategies and standards; hiring and training news staff; supervising special event coverage and production of special projects; supervising implementation of new technology; executing social media strategies.

The News Director works closely with station management and the production and promotions departments to develop a shared vision for KBOI News. Knowledge of television production technology, and legal and ethical issues related to journalism is essential.

To apply, click here:

Fisher Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KING-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 10/28/12)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 9/22/12)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 9/14/12)
KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (listed 9/1/12)
WLNE-TV, Providence, RI (listed 9/14/12)
WCTI-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (relisted 9/14/12)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (listed 9/22/12)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (listed 9/22/12)
KTTV/KCOP-TV, Los Angeles, CA (PM EP, listed 9/14/12)
KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX (Morning EP, relisted 9/14/12)
KTVT-TV, Dallas, TX (EP of Special Projects/Investigations, listed 9/14/12)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (Nightside EP, listing modified this week)
WTVT-TV, Tampa, FL (AM EP, listed 10/5/12)
WKMG-TV, Orlando, FL (relisted 9/1/12)
KATU-TV, Portland, OR (Senior EP, listed 10/5/12)
KPTV/KPDX-TV, Portland, OR (Nightside EP, relisted 9/30/12)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 9/1/12)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (AM EP, listed 9/22/12)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 9/14/12)
WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (TV Content Mgr., listed 10/19/12)
KWTV, Oklahoma City, OK (PM EP, listed 9/30/12)
WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA (AM & PM EPs, relisted 10/19/12)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Evening EP, relisted 9/9/12)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (2 openings, new listings this week, see ads above)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (PM EP, listing revised 9/14/12)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 9/1/12)
WCYB-TV, Bristol, TN (relisted 9/14/12)
KOLO-TV, Reno, NV (Morning EP, relisted 10/19/12)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (listed 9/14/12)
KTVT-TV, Dallas, TX (listed 9/14/12)
KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 10/28/12)

Situations Wanted:

Our Situations Wanted listings are free. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 100 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.

This week, meet MATT STEVENS:

I have 30 years experience as a TV news reporter/anchor/manager, I’m looking for one place to land for at least the next decade either as a reporter or manager. Ads for reporters almost always seek an “outstanding storyteller.” Some would say I’ve been among the best for many years. Ads for news directors always speak of outstanding leadership and the ability to teach and mentor. I don’t think you could find anyone better. I have outstanding news judgment and the ability to solve problems that arise both inside and outside a newsroom on a daily basis.

I have many excellent references that may be obtained upon request. Thanks for your consideration.

Matt Stevens newsmatt57@yahoo.com

Obituary:

PAUL RAYMON, a longtime general manager for WAGA-TV in Atlanta, died October 26th. He was 85 and died after a short illness.

Names in the News:

The normal stable Kansas City market has an unusual number of top management openings after this week’s announcement that BOBBY TOTSCH is out as GM of KCTV. That means two stations (KSHB-TV and KCTV) are without GMs, and two stations, WDAF-TV and KSHB-TV, are without news directors. (WDAF is advertising above for a new VP/News.)

TIM WILLIAMS has joined CBS o-and-o KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh as the Digital Content Manager. He most recently was the Nightside EP for KPTV in Portland, OR. It’s a return to CBS for Tim, who spent 2+ years as a Senior Producer for KCBS/KCAL-TV in Los Angeles. He’s also worked in San Diego and Spokane.

MERV BLOCK has written a new book, WEIGHING ANCHORS. He examines today’s network anchors, their scripts and their journalism. You can learn more about the book and how you can buy one by clicking here.

I’m happy to report that DON BRADLEY‘s quadruple bypass surgery went well and he’s recovering in a Texas hospital. We told you last week that Don, a longtime ND in Ft. Wayne who’s worked in a few other markets, was headed under the knife. A get-well wish would find Don at: connieburi@aol.com

Finally, here’s an opportunity to give back to our industry. The Broadcast Education Association needs a few professionals (either current or retired) to judge entries in the Student News Feature category. Judging will be in December and January. If you’re interested, send an email to Sara McGee of Loyola University-Maryland: Scmagee@loyola.edu

Our Full List of News Director Openings:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Saturday, November 3, 2012.

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

WPIX-TV 220 E. 42nd Street New York NY 10017
WTXF-TV 330 Market St. Philadelphia PA 19106
KNXV-TV 515 N. 44th St. Phoenix AZ 85008 (see ad above!)
KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Avenue Phoenix AX 85013
WWSB-TV 1477 10th St. Sarasota, FL 34236
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave. Cleveland OH 44114
WPXI-TV 4145 Evergreen Road Pittsburgh PA 15214
WISH-TV 1950 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46202
KSHB-TV 4720 Oak Street Kansas City MO 64112
WDAF-TV 3030 Summit St. Kansas City MO 64108 (see ad above!)
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas NV 89101
WVEC-TV 613 Woodis Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510
KTHV-TV 720 Izard St. Little Rock 72201
KOTV 302 S. Frankfort St. Tulsa OK 74120
KSNW-TV 833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
KOLR/KOZL 2650 E. Division Springfield MO 65803
WMTV 615 Forward Dr. Madison WI 53711
KHGI-TV 13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
KBOI-TV 140 N. 16th St. Boise ID 83702 (see ad above!)
KION/KCOY 1550 Moffett St. Salinas CA 93905 (see ad above!)
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Rd. Ghent WV 25843
KSWT-TV 1301 Third Ave Yuma AZ 85364
KFBB-TV P.O. Box 1139 Great Falls, MT 59403