Rick Gevers & Associates

November 22, 2014

November 24, 2014 UPDATE:

A large market News Director change and the passing of a local legend are the two stories in this UPDATE.

For the first time in 18 years, there will be a new name on the door of the News Director’s office at KUSA-TV in Denver.

Moreno

CHRISTY MORENO will replace longtime ND PATTI DENNIS. We told you last March that Patti was assuming additional duties as VP of News and Talent Development for parent company Gannett. She’ll now be able to concentrate full time on that role.

Christy is currently the ND at Gannett’s WBIR-TV in Knoxville, a job she’s held for the past 2 1/2 years. She earlier spent five years as the Assistant ND at KENS-TV in San Antonio. Christy worked for nine years at KRIV-TV in Houston, beginning as a producer and rising to EP.

Dennis

She also worked for another Houston station and in Wichita Falls.

As we mentioned, Patti’s been ND for KUSA, the NBC affiliate in Denver, for 18 years. She first joined the station as an Executive Producer and has also worked in Oklahoma City.

The Denver Business Journal has details here.

Also, longtime WSAZ-TV News Director and Anchor BOS JOHNSON died Sunday at the age of 85. He spent 24 years at WSAZ and became news director in 1960. Bos was a past president of RTDNA, taught journalism at Marshall University, and spent many years in public relations. The local newspaper carried this story, while his former station offers this look back at his career, which included asking the first question at RICHARD NIXON’s last news conference as President. He’s survived by his wife and five children, including a son who anchors at WSAZ.

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

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

We’ll introduce you to ONE brand new News Director, and we’ll tell you about ONE veteran news director who’s leaving his current job at the end of the rating period.

Those changes leave our list of open ND jobs at 25 openings.

We have THREE paid ads this week, and one of those ND openings is among them.

Also this week…the retirement of THREE veteran major market General Managers. Those details are in Names in the News, along with details about two high level changes at network news departments, and two stories about some local news managers on the move.

Read on!

New News Director Opening:

Hume

KSNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV…veteran newsman CRAIG HUME will leave this newly-acquired-by-Sinclair NBC affiliate next Wednesday, the last day of the November ratings period. He shared the news with his staff in this email. Craig’s been ND here since April, 2013, coming from WHP-TV in Harrisburg, PA…leaving there shortly after Sinclair bought that station. He’s also been an ND in Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando, and San Diego, in addition to KTNV in Las Vegas earlier in his career. We told you three weeks ago that the station’s Executive Director of News, BOB STOLDAL was retiring.

That wasn’t the only big news in Las Vegas TV today.  Nexstar announced it was buying the CBS affiliate, KLAS-TV, for $145 million.

Newly Named News Director:

Sullivan

WXXV-TV, Gulfport, MS…JOE SULLIVAN adds news director responsibilities in addition to anchoring for this FOX/NBC duopoly owned by Morris Multimedia. Joe also anchors the 5:30 news. He began his career in sports, working in Yakima, WA, and Richmond before moving into news in Jackson, TN. More on his promotion in this article from the local newspaper. Joe succeeds LON TEGELS who was the first ND when the station resumed broadcasting local news in September, 2013.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH:

WCMH TV, an NBC affiliated Media General station, is looking for a dynamic leader for its digital journalist content team.

We are looking for a leader with strong communication, organizational and delegation skills with a keen ability to vision potential solutions, products and services as it relates to the creation and distribution of digital journalism based content across multiple distribution channels and platforms.

A strong understanding of product branding and promotion is essential to the position. A strong understanding of branding and marketing is essential to helping grow our share of voice in the multimedia marketplace. An appreciation of the technical operation and elements needed for the collection, processing, presentation and distribution of digital content across multiple platforms is necessary.

The ideal candidate will have Bachelor’s Degree plus 5 years or more senior level management experience at a network affiliated local television station as a News Director, Assistant News Director or Executive Producer with a proven record of producing results.

Columbus has a stable economy not dependent on manufacturing, great recreational opportunities and green space and plentiful cultural opportunities. It’s a manageable size (it can be driven across in 20 minutes) with many distinct neighborhoods to please any homebuyer. And we’re home of The Ohio State University Buckeyes.

To apply, submit an application on www.mediageneral.com/careers or mail your resume and cover letter to:

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

Pre-employment background and drug screen required. EOE M/F/V/D

Executive Producer, WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA:

This is a great opportunity for a producer looking to take that step into newsroom management.

The leading multi-platform news operation in Pennsylvania’s beautiful state capital has a rare opening for an Executive Producer. Harrisburg offers a great location, close to the great outdoors of Pennsylvania and just a short drive to Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington D.C.

When you’re not playing, visiting the great museums in Philadelphia or kayaking the breathtaking Susquehanna River, you’ll be working in a great newsroom. Our Executive Producer is also our primary 11pm news producer and a leader on our management team. Applicants should be skilled on all platforms, including broadcast TV, web/mobile and social media.

You must be a strong, decisive leader with excellent news judgment. Our newsroom is aggressive in its pursuit of breaking news and enterprise content and applicants should be able to lead the way in this critical endeavor.

We are seeking someone with at least 2 years of line-producing experience, who is a master in showcasing content. In addition, our executive producer is responsible for proofing scripts for earlier newscasts. The next person in this role must be able to work with the news director and assistant news director to insure that newscasts reflect the station’s overall strategy and mission.

APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND SAMPLE WORK AND RESUME VIA EMAIL TO:

humanresources@abc27.com

or via mail to:

Human Resources
Harrisburg Television, Inc.
abc27 WHTM-TV
P.O. Box 5860
3235 Hoffman Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110

fax: 717-745-3997

Producers, WTTV, Indianapolis, IN:

WTTV, a Tribune Broadcasting station is looking for the next rock star producer to cover our breaking news! We have an opening for someone who lives for news, and is ready to take on a challenging new opportunity. We’re looking for a take charge Producer who will own the newscast beginning to end.

The ideal candidate must be a strong storyteller who brings energy and ideas to the table every day, someone with great people skills who can write and produce in a fast-paced environment on a wide array of topics.

The successful candidate needs to be bold, creative and courageous in assembling elements into a fast-paced newscast, a vision for the newscast and create compelling graphics to tell the story. This position requires writing and pushing content to and from social media and web, editing video, gathering information and working closely with the Executive Producer and the assignment desk to maximize daily resources and appropriately reflect the news of the day. We currently have various positions available with opportunities for day, evening and weekend shifts.

To apply online click here!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WBZ-TV, Boston, MA (listed 11/9/14)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 9/29/14)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted 11/1/14)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (Two positions, new listing this week)
WTVJ-TV, Miami, FL (AM EP, listed 9/21/14)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (PM EP, listed 9/29/14)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (Dayside EP, listed 11/1/14)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 11/9/14)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 11/1/14)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, listed 10/19/14)
WTNH-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (Digital EP, listed 10/26/14)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI, (AM EP, PM EP & Spec. Projects, relisted 10/11/14)
WSPA-TV, Greenville/Spartanburg, SC (AM EP, listed 10/11/14)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 11/1/14)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point, NC (Dayside EP, relisted 10/26/14)
WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (Dayside EP, listed 11/9/14)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (listed 11/16/14, see ad above!)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (Nightside EP, relisted 10/11/14)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, listed 10/19/14)
WLBT-TV, Jackson, MS (Nightside EP, listed 10/11/14)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (relisted 10/11/14)
WCTI-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (listed 8/31/14)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 11/16/14)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

Central Florida News 13, Orlando, FL (relisted 11/16/14)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (listed 11/1/14)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 11/16/14)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 10/11/14)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 10/26/14)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA: (relisted 11/1/14)

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are out of work and looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 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…and other things:

JEFF FAGER is relinquishing his title as Chairman of CBS News to focus full-time on his other job, Executive Producer of 60 Minutes. DAVID RHODES will continue in his role as President of CBS News. More from the New York Times.

The Times also reports that JAIME HOROWITZ, who was set to officially join NBC News on December 1, has already been fired. He had most recently worked at ESPN. Click on the link to get the full story.

STEPHANIE LINTON moves cross-country to become Assistant News Director for KGO-TV in San Francisco. She’s currently holding the same job at WSOC-TV in Charlotte. Stephanie has also worked in Miami and West Palm Beach.

One time Wichita (KSNW-TV) News Director JASON KRAVARIK is headed to CNN as a producer. He most recently was the Assistant News Director for KOIN-TV in Portland, OR.

GM NOTES:

As we mentioned in our top section, three veteran General Managers announced they were leaving their stations this week.

Kleiner

After more than 18 years as GM of KABC-TV in Los Angeles, ARNIE KLEINER will retire and leave the station at the end of January. Remarkably, he’s had the same assistant and the same news director (CHERYL FAIR) for his entire tenure. This article from the Los Angeles Times has more background on his successful run at this ABC o-and-o.

Rueppel

One time News Director CAROL RUEPPEL is retiring, too. She’ll leave FOX’s WFTC/KMSP-TV after 13 years as GM for the duopoly. More in this article. Carol earlier spent four years as GM of another FOX o-and-o, WITI-TV in Milwaukee. (Fox has since sold the station.) She began her career in news at WTOV-TV in Steubenville, OH, where she tells me she did a little bit of everything. Carol also produced for two stations in Pittsburgh, worked as a producer and EP in Cleveland, and as a news director in Omaha, Norfolk, and Detroit. She’ll be replaced by SHEILA OLIVER who’s been Director of Sales there for 13 years.

Sam R.

Finally, veteran General Manager SAM ROSENWASSER is leaving Scripps’ WEWS-TV in Cleveland on December 15th. His time at this ABC affiliate has been marred by a serious of health issues, including eleven surgeries in 18 months, which are detailed in this story. He’s been at WEWS since 2010, and previously was a General Manager in Tampa, Sacramento, and Austin, TX.

Our Full List of ND Openings:

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

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Friday, November 21, 2014.

WPIX-TV 220 E. 42nd Street New York NY 10017
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
WFTS-TV 4045 N. Himes Ave. Tampa FL 33607
KOMO-TV 140 Fourth Ave. North Seattle WA 98109
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
KMGH-TV 123 Speer Blvd. Denver CO 80203
KSDK-TV 1000 Market St. St. Louis MO 63101
WJZY/WMYT-TV 3501 Performance Rd. Charlotte NC 28214
KGTV 4600 Air Way San Diego CA 92101
WCMH-TV 3165 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus OH 43202 (see ad above!)
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas NV 89101
WTLV/WJXX-TV, 1070 E. Adams St. Jacksonville FL 32202
WRGB-TV 1400 Ball Town Road Schenectady NY 12309
WEAR-TV 4990 Mobile Highway Pensacola FL 32506
WOWK-TV 555 Fifth Ave. Huntington WV 25701
WSYR-TV 5904 Bridge St. East Syracuse, NY 13057
KVEO-TV 394 N. Expressway Brownsville TX 78521
WLBT-TV 715 South Jefferson St. Jackson MS 39201
WBTW-TV 101 McDonald Court Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
WTAJ-TV 5000 6th Ave. Altoona, PA 16603
KTIV-TV 3135 Floyd Blvd. Sioux City IA 51108
WVVA-TV 3052 Big Laurel Highway, Bluefield WV 24701
WCJB-TV 6220 NW 43rd Street Gainesville FL 32653
KLDO/KXOF-TV 226 Bob Bullock Loop Laredo TX 78040
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station

November 16, 2014

Greetings:

TWO new NDs in big markets (and both are new NDs) and TWO openings are the lead items in our report this week.

That means our list of open ND jobs is now at 25 positions.

TWO of those open ND jobs are featured among the SIX paid ads in this week’s edition.

Lots of other items to share with you, including the obituary of a West Virginia ND, the retirement of a Los Angeles Assistant ND and a Kansas legend, and some management moves to and from Indianapolis.

Read on!

New News Director Openings:

Fabac

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH…earlier this week we reported that MICHAEL FABAC was leaving this Media General owned NBC affiliate to become Director of News and Marketing for News-Press & Gazette Broadcasting. He could choose any of NPG’s markets to live in, and (no surprise) chose his hometown, Colorado Springs, CO. Michael will be based at KRDO-TV, a station for which he interned while still in high school. In addition to Columbus, he’s been an ND in Austin, TX, Little Rock, and Flint/Saginaw, and has worked in St. Louis and Detroit. (Check out a paid ad below for his soon-to-be-old job at WCMH.)

Miller

WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV…ELLEN MILLER left his West Virginia Media owned CBS affiliate after only nine months there. She tells me the decision to leave was hers. She’s a former ND in Sacramento and Charlotte, has worked in Chicago, Cleveland and Nashville, and also worked as Director of the Center for Sustainable Journalism at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, and for a branding and consulting company in Cleveland. Her replacement will be the eleventh ND in 12 years here.

Newly Named News Directors:

Kotsambasis

KPNX-TV, Phoenix, AZ…congratulations to SANDRA KOTSAMBASIS who’s been promoted to ND at this Gannett owned NBC Affiliate. She’s been the Senior Executive Producer there, and replaces longtime KPNX ND MARK CASEY who will now concentrate on his duties as Station Manager. (Mark’s done both jobs for the past eight months.) Sandra has worked at another Phoenix station, for stations in Denver and Tucson, and briefly in PR for GoDaddy and as Communication Director for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Read the news release on her promotion here.

Fishman

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH…another promotion moves longtime WJW newsman ANDY FISHMAN in the ND chair. He’s a 30 year veteran of the Cleveland market, working for 10 years at WEWS-TV before moving to WJW as EP of the 5:00 news in 1994. He later became EP of the 10:00 news, and then assistant ND in 2007. He moved to that job when the previous assistant ND, SONYA THOMPSON, became news director. Sonya left that job a few months ago when she was named Director of News Projects for WJWs parent company, Tribune Media Group.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH:

WCMH TV, an NBC affiliated Media General station, is looking for a dynamic leader for its digital journalist content team.

We are looking for a leader with strong communication, organizational and delegation skills with a keen ability to vision potential solutions, products and services as it relates to the creation and distribution of digital journalism based content across multiple distribution channels and platforms.

A strong understanding of product branding and promotion is essential to the position. A strong understanding of branding and marketing is essential to helping grow our share of voice in the multimedia marketplace. An appreciation of the technical operation and elements needed for the collection, processing, presentation and distribution of digital content across multiple platforms is necessary.

The ideal candidate will have Bachelor’s Degree plus 5 years or more senior level management experience at a network affiliated local television station as a News Director, Assistant News Director or Executive Producer with a proven record of producing results.

Columbus has a stable economy not dependent on manufacturing, great recreational opportunities and green space and plentiful cultural opportunities. It’s a manageable size (it can be driven across in 20 minutes) with many distinct neighborhoods to please any homebuyer. And we’re home of The Ohio State University Buckeyes.

To apply, submit an application on www.mediageneral.com/careers or mail your resume and cover letter to:

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

Pre-employment background and drug screen required. EOE M/F/V/D

Executive Producer, WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA:

This is a great opportunity for a producer looking to take that step into newsroom management.

The leading multi-platform news operation in Pennsylvania’s beautiful state capital has a rare opening for an Executive Producer. Harrisburg offers a great location, close to the great outdoors of Pennsylvania and just a short drive to Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington D.C.

When you’re not playing, visiting the great museums in Philadelphia or kayaking the breathtaking Susquehanna River, you’ll be working in a great newsroom. Our Executive Producer is also our primary 11pm news producer and a leader on our management team. Applicants should be skilled on all platforms, including broadcast TV, web/mobile and social media.

You must be a strong, decisive leader with excellent news judgment. Our newsroom is aggressive in its pursuit of breaking news and enterprise content and applicants should be able to lead the way in this critical endeavor.

We are seeking someone with at least 2 years of line-producing experience, who is a master in showcasing content. In addition, our executive producer is responsible for proofing scripts for earlier newscasts. The next person in this role must be able to work with the news director and assistant news director to insure that newscasts reflect the station’s overall strategy and mission.

APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND SAMPLE WORK AND RESUME VIA EMAIL TO:

humanresources@abc27.com

or via mail to:

Human Resources
Harrisburg Television, Inc.
abc27 WHTM-TV
P.O. Box 5860
3235 Hoffman Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110

fax: 717-745-3997

Producers, WTTV, Indianapolis, IN:

WTTV, a Tribune Broadcasting station is looking for the next rock star producer to cover our breaking news! We have an opening for someone who lives for news, and is ready to take on a challenging new opportunity. We’re looking for a take charge Producer who will own the newscast beginning to end.

The ideal candidate must be a strong storyteller who brings energy and ideas to the table every day, someone with great people skills who can write and produce in a fast-paced environment on a wide array of topics.

The successful candidate needs to be bold, creative and courageous in assembling elements into a fast-paced newscast, a vision for the newscast and create compelling graphics to tell the story. This position requires writing and pushing content to and from social media and web, editing video, gathering information and working closely with the Executive Producer and the assignment desk to maximize daily resources and appropriately reflect the news of the day. We currently have various positions available with opportunities for day, evening and weekend shifts.

To apply online click here!

News Director, WTAJ-TV, Altoona, PA:

WTAJ Your News Leader and WeAreCentralPA.com has an immediate opening for a dynamic News Director with the talent and energy to lead our News Department.

Applicants must have at least three years of news management experience and have a proven track record of running a winning day-to-day news operation in a competitive market. We have a very active news market covering great stories over the years: Penn State/Sandusky, 9/11 Shanksville Flight 93, rescued coal miners, and others. We won a regional Murrow award this year as well as other state broadcaster awards. This is also a big sports market with Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers coverage.

Responsibilities include oversight of the news product, leadership and development of news staff, social media management, budget administration, strategic planning for our multiple platforms, and a desire to always surpass the competition.

We seek someone with strong leadership abilities, interpersonal skills and a passion for news. You will need to be aggressive. You will need to be innovative. You need to be able to think creatively.

If this is what you do at your core, I want to talk to you. Send resume and references to apply@wtajtv.com or apply directly by clicking here.

Check us out at WeAreCentralPA.com and www.facebook.com/wtajtv.

Executive Producer, New England Cable News, Newton MA:

NECN in Newton, MA is looking for an Executive Producer to drive editorial content for our newscasts, lead with urgency during breaking news coverage, and lead production of relevant, timely, topical and creative news storytelling.

NECN is the largest and most honored regional 24-hour news network in the country, serving more than 3.7 million homes in more than 1,000 cities and towns throughout all six New England states. Launched in 1992, NECN provides 24-hour access to breaking news, sports, weather, and traffic and is the home for a robust line-up of New England focused original programming.

Still interested? We are looking for people with a skill and passion for managing and producing a stellar news program who are ready to grow their career in the newsroom. This candidate must possess poise under pressure and be able to meet tight deadlines, change and numerous other tasks. If that’s you please apply directly. Just click here!

11:00 PM Producer, KOMO-TV, Seattle. WA:

KOMO-TV Seattle has an immediate opening for an 11pm Weekday News Producer. We’re looking for a dynamic, creative, take charge producer to join our award winning team and take our flagship newscast to the next level.

The ideal candidate will have solid news judgment, be a compelling and accurate writer and be able to multitask and manage their time in order to put together an exciting and informative newscast. We want someone who isn’t afraid to try something new – working with the nightside crews, editors and graphics teams to make the show stand out.

You should be proficient in all aspects of social media and able to bring story ideas to the editorial meetings every afternoon. You must have at least 5 years of previous news producing experience at a medium to large market commercial TV station, demonstrated leadership skills, and the ability to execute news strategies and goals in daily newscasts.

To apply online, go to sbgtvcareers.silkroad.com

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WBZ-TV, Boston, MA (listed 11/9/14)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 9/29/14)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted 11/1/14)
WTVJ-TV, Miami, FL (AM EP, listed 9/21/14)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (PM EP, listed 9/29/14)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (Dayside EP, listed 11/1/14)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 11/9/14)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 11/1/14)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, listed 10/19/14)
WTNH-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (Digital EP, listed 10/26/14)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI, (AM EP, PM EP & Spec. Projects, relisted 10/11/14)
WSPA-TV, Greenville/Spartanburg, SC (AM EP, listed 10/11/14)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 11/1/14)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point, NC (Dayside EP, relisted 10/26/14)
WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (Dayside EP, listed 11/9/14)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (Nightside EP, relisted 10/11/14)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, listed 10/19/14)
WLBT-TV, Jackson, MS (Nightside EP, listed 10/11/14)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (relisted 10/11/14)
WCTI-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (listed 8/31/14)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (new listing this week)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

Central Florida News 13, Orlando, FL (relisted this week)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (listed 11/1/14)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (new listing this week)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 10/11/14)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 10/26/14)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA: (relisted 11/1/14)

Obituary:

Shaffer

ELISABETH SHAFFER, who most recently served as ND for WVVA-TV in Bluefield, WV, died this week after a short battle with cancer. She spent most of her career in West Virginia, the majority of that with WCHS-TV in Charleston. She left that station in 2011 to become ND for WOWK-TV in Charleston/Huntington. Elisabeth moved to WVVA just last year. She is survived by a son, JACKSON, who will benefit from a scholarship fund that has been established. Learn more about that fund, and more about Elisabeth, in this obituary.

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are out of work and looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 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…and other things:

TOM SEARSON, who’s spent the last 19 years at KTTV, the FOX o-and-o in Los Angeles, most recently as Assistant News Director, is leaving the station. He was honored on-air by the morning team. Click here to watch.

SEAN McGARVY, who’s been the Assignment Manager for the Fox News Channel in Washington for almost three years, heads to Indianapolis as Managing Editor for WXIN/WTTV, the Tribune owned Fox and soon to be CBS duopoly. Sean spent a few years overseeing the Local News Service cooperative in Washington. He’s also worked for WTTG-TV in Washington and in Des Moines and Columbia, MO.

We’re a little late in reporting JEFF BENSCOTER‘s move to Kansas City, where he is now the Assistant News Director of Content for Hearst’s KMBC/KCWE-TV. He most recently spent six years as the Senior Executive Producer for WTHR-TV in Indianapolis. Jeff also worked as an ND for eight years for KYTV in Springfield, MO, and has also worked in Cincinnati, Lexington, and Columbia, MO.

One time KAKE-TV News Director…and Wichita broadcasting legend…LARRY HATTEBERG is retiring at the end of the month at the age of 70. He’s done about everything for this ABC affiliate, starting as a photographer and working his way up to news director and later anchor. We shared his farewell message with you earlier this week. Here’s a link to a story in the local newspaper, The Wichita Eagle.

GM NOTES:

KEN RITCHIE has been promoted to General Manager for Journal’s KIVI/KNIN-TV in Boise. He first joined KIVI in 1975, left the business for a while, but returned in 2002 as General Sales Manager. Ken’s been the interim GM since April.

Our Full List of ND Openings:

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

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, November 16, 2014.

WPIX-TV 220 E. 42nd Street New York NY 10017
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
WFTS-TV 4045 N. Himes Ave. Tampa FL 33607
KOMO-TV 140 Fourth Ave. North Seattle WA 98109
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
KMGH-TV 123 Speer Blvd. Denver CO 80203
KSDK-TV 1000 Market St. St. Louis MO 63101
WJZY/WMYT-TV 3501 Performance Rd. Charlotte NC 28214
KGTV 4600 Air Way San Diego CA 92101
WCMH-TV 3165 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus OH 43202 (see ad above!)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, 1070 E. Adams St. Jacksonville FL 32202
WRGB-TV 1400 Ball Town Road Schenectady NY 12309
WEAR-TV 4990 Mobile Highway Pensacola FL 32506
WOWK-TV 555 Fifth Ave. Huntington WV 25701
WSYR-TV 5904 Bridge St. East Syracuse, NY 13057
KVEO-TV 394 N. Expressway Brownsville TX 78521
WLBT-TV 715 South Jefferson St. Jackson MS 39201
WBTW-TV 101 McDonald Court Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
WTAJ-TV 5000 6th Ave. Altoona, PA 16603 (see ad above!)
KTIV-TV 3135 Floyd Blvd. Sioux City IA 51108
WVVA-TV 3052 Big Laurel Highway, Bluefield WV 24701
WXXV-TV PO Box 2500 Gulfport MS 39505
WCJB-TV 6220 NW 43rd Street Gainesville FL 32653
KLDO/KXOF-TV 226 Bob Bullock Loop Laredo TX 78040
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station

November 10, 2014

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 UPDATE:

Happy Veteran’s Day.

There are two interesting developments to tell you about, beginning with a four time News Director moving to a corporate role with a new company.

Fabac

MICHAEL FABAC, who’s been the ND for Media General’s WCMH-TV in Columbus, OH, since August, 2012, will be the next Director of News and Marketing for News-Press & Gazette Broadcasting. He’ll be based at NPG’s station in Colorado Springs (KRDO-TV), which is a happy coincidence since Michael grew up there and even interned at the station at the age of 16.

NPG’s COO, MIKE MEARA, announced the hire in this email.

In addition to Columbus, Michael’s been an news director in Austin, TX, Little Rock, and Flint/Saginaw and has worked in St. Louis and for two stations in Detroit.

The search for his replacement at WCMH is likely to be delayed until a new GM is hired. We told you several months ago that the current GM there, former newsie DAN BRADLEY, will retire by the end of the year.

One other item of note.

Hatteberg

Legendary Wichita newsman LARRY HATTEBERG is leaving KAKE-TV after 51 years there. He is currently an anchor, but began as a photographer, then Chief Photographer, Assistant News Director, Executive News Director, co-anchor and anchor for that ABC affiliate. Larry’s perhaps best known for his series of stories “Hatteberg’s People” which he will continue to do on an occasional basis. He posted a farewell message on the station’s website.

We’ll have more on these stories in our full report later this week.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

FIVE, count ’em, FIVE new news directors to tell you about in our report this week. And FOUR of those are in top 50 markets. And there’s just ONE new opening, so our list of open ND jobs drops to 24.

TWO of those open positions are among FIVE paid Help Wanted ads.

We’ve updated our list of Other News Management Openings, and we have details about two news managers on the move.

Also, we have an obituary for a man some called the Walter Cronkite of Central Florida, and another obituary for a one-time Detroit General Manager.

All this…and more…as you read on.

New News Director Opening:

WTAJ-TV, Altoona, PA…SCOTT LEVY is leaving this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate to become the next ND for WIVB-TV in Buffalo. More on that below. Scott was ND here for just over a year. If you want to replace him, start with checking out the paid help wanted ad below.

Newly Named News Directors:

McGonagle

WTTG-TV, Washington, DC…PAUL McGONAGLE has been named ND for this FOX o-and-o. Paul had been the News Director for another FOX owned station, WFXT-TV in Boston until the company sold/traded that station to Cox. He’d been ND in Boston for three years, and spent the previous seven as the Assistant ND there. He joined WFXT from his job as Assistant ND at WJAR-TV in Providence, and first joined that station as a reporter. Paul’s also worked in Cedar Rapids, IA, and Burlington, VT.  At WTTG, he replaces DANA HAHN who moved to newly-acquired FOX o-and-o KTVU-TV in Oakland/San Francisco.

Rigby

WXIA-TV, Atlanta, GA…we told you earlier this week that JENNIFER RIGBY was returning to an Atlanta newsroom as ND for this Gannett-owned NBC affiliate. (The news release is here, and you can read the memo to station staff here.) She’s been working for the Atlanta-based Weather Channel for the past four years, but was the ND for WSB-TV in Atlanta for four years earlier in her career. (Between the Weather Channel and WSB, she worked as a consultant for SmithGeiger.) Jennifer is a former ND in Pittsburgh and Dayton, and has worked in newsrooms in Phoenix, Fresno, and Salt Lake City. She replaces ELLEN CROOKE who’s been promoted to VP/News for Gannett after six years as ND here.

Kosowski

KCTV, Kansas City, MO…in another move we first reported earlier this week, veteran news director ED KOSOWSKI is headed to Kansas City as news director for this CBS affiliate. Ed most recently was ND for KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver, a job he left earlier this year to pursue new opportunities. He’s been a news director in San Francisco and Boston, has worked in Miami and Washington, as well as for CNBC. At KCTV, he replaces LARRY PERRET, who was promoted to be ND for another Meredith station, WGCL-TV in Atlanta. Larry was ND here for about a year.

Levy

WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY…we mentioned above that SCOTT LEVY has been hired as the next ND for this Lin Media owned CBS affiliate. He’s spent the last year as the ND for WTAJ-TV in Altoona, PA. (The station is looking for his replacement: check out the ad below). He’s also been an ND in Elmira, NY, and has worked for News 12 Bronx/Brooklyn, and in Dallas, Memphis, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa (twice). He replaces JOE SCHLAERTH who’d been ND here for 10 years and worked at the station for 30.

WICU/WSEE-TV, Erie, PA…TIM MELLO has been promoted to news director for this Lilly-owned NBC/CBS duopoly. He’s been the Assistant ND there for the past four years, and replaces BILL CUMMINGS. We told you back in August that Bill was leaving the station when his contract expired in October.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WTAJ-TV, Altoona, PA:

WTAJ Your News Leader and WeAreCentralPA.com has an immediate opening for a dynamic News Director with the talent and energy to lead our News Department.

Applicants must have at least three years of news management experience and have a proven track record of running a winning day-to-day news operation in a competitive market. We have a very active news market covering great stories over the years: Penn State/Sandusky, 9/11 Shanksville Flight 93, rescued coal miners, and others. We won a regional Murrow award this year as well as other state broadcaster awards. This is also a big sports market with Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers coverage.

Responsibilities include oversight of the news product, leadership and development of news staff, social media management, budget administration, strategic planning for our multiple platforms, and a desire to always surpass the competition.

We seek someone with strong leadership abilities, interpersonal skills and a passion for news. You will need to be aggressive. You will need to be innovative. You need to be able to think creatively.

If this is what you do at your core, I want to talk to you. Send resume and references to apply@wtajtv.com or apply directly by clicking here.

Check us out at WeAreCentralPA.com and www.facebook.com/wtajtv.

Executive Producer, New England Cable News, Newton MA:

NECN in Newton, MA is looking for an Executive Producer to drive editorial content for our newscasts, lead with urgency during breaking news coverage, and lead production of relevant, timely, topical and creative news storytelling.

NECN is the largest and most honored regional 24-hour news network in the country, serving more than 3.7 million homes in more than 1,000 cities and towns throughout all six New England states. Launched in 1992, NECN provides 24-hour access to breaking news, sports, weather, and traffic and is the home for a robust line-up of New England focused original programming.

Still interested? We are looking for people with a skill and passion for managing and producing a stellar news program who are ready to grow their career in the newsroom. This candidate must possess poise under pressure and be able to meet tight deadlines, change and numerous other tasks. If that’s you please apply directly. Just click here!

11:00 PM Producer, KOMO-TV, Seattle. WA:

KOMO-TV Seattle has an immediate opening for an 11pm Weekday News Producer. We’re looking for a dynamic, creative, take charge producer to join our award winning team and take our flagship newscast to the next level.

The ideal candidate will have solid news judgment, be a compelling and accurate writer and be able to multitask and manage their time in order to put together an exciting and informative newscast. We want someone who isn’t afraid to try something new – working with the nightside crews, editors and graphics teams to make the show stand out.

You should be proficient in all aspects of social media and able to bring story ideas to the editorial meetings every afternoon. You must have at least 5 years of previous news producing experience at a medium to large market commercial TV station, demonstrated leadership skills, and the ability to execute news strategies and goals in daily newscasts.

To apply online, go to sbgtvcareers.silkroad.com

News Director, WVVA-TV, Bluefield, WV:

WVVA TV, West Virginia Broadcasters Associations’ 2014 Station of the Year and dominant NBC affiliate in Bluefield, WV, is seeking an energized, caring, competitive, take charge newsroom leader.

Situated in southern WV in Nature’s Air Conditioned City enjoy year round outdoor activities including golfing, hiking, white water rafting, ATV trails and skiing within minutes of your door. Great communities in which to live and work.

As WVVA’s News Director you are coaching, guiding and mentoring on a continuous basis. Are you someone that has heart, wants to make a difference and grow beyond traditional broadcast news? An excellent opportunity to join our award winning team, if you have a passion for excellence, and a burning desire to lead the number one television news team in the Bluefield/Beckley WV market we want to hear from you.

A minimum of 6 years television news management experience and a college degree in broadcast journalism preferred. Successful candidate must be able to demonstrate strong working knowledge of community issues and needs, as well as sound journalistic principles. Must have the ability to make fast, accurate journalistic and logistical judgments.

WVVA is part of Quincy Newspapers Inc. a family owned media company operating 12 television stations and 2 radio stations in a variety of market sizes. This means internal opportunities and professional growth.

Please send your resume, reel and references vi email to hr@wvva.com or by mail to:

WVVA TV
Human Resources
3052 Big Laurel Highway
Bluefield WV 24701

Executive Producer, WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL:

WIAT (CBS) in Birmingham, AL (market #43) is searching for an experienced Executive Producer. It’s a brand new look at WIAT 42 News in Birmingham!

This is an excellent opportunity to join a team that is expanding and growing. We are devoted to bring in the best staff to grow our newly outfitted station!

Candidate must define a strategic direction for content coverage, manage newsroom, contribute to the editorial process and make solid decisions in breaking news situations. The Executive Producer should execute strategies that grow audiences across all media devices.

To apply, go to: http://wiat.com/wiat-42-careers/ or email rob.martin@wiat.com

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 9/14/14)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 9/29/14)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted 11/1/14)
WTVJ-TV, Miami, FL (AM EP, listed 9/21/14)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (PM EP, listed 9/29/14)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (Dayside EP, listed 11/1/14)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted this week)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted 11/1/14)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, listed 10/19/14)
WTNH-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (Digital EP, listed 10/26/14)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI, (AM EP, PM EP & Spec. Projects, relisted 10/11/14)
WSPA-TV, Greenville/Spartanburg, SC (AM EP, listed 10/11/14)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 11/1/14, see ad above!)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point, NC (Dayside EP, relisted 10/26/14)
WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (Dayside EP, new listing this week)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (Nightside EP, relisted 10/11/14)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, listed 10/19/14)
WLBT-TV, Jackson, MS (Nightside EP, listed 10/11/14)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (relisted 10/11/14)
WCTI-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (listed 8/31/14)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

Central Florida News 13, Orlando, FL (relisted this week)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (new listing this week)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 10/11/14)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 10/26/14)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA: (relisted 11/1/14)

Obituaries:

BEN AYCRIGG, a longtime Orlando News Director and Anchor, died Tuesday at the age of 88. He suffered from renal failure. Ben worked for more than 35 years at what was then WDBO-TV and is now WKMG-TV. His former station has much more in this story.

MIKE BERMAN, a one time Detroit (WXON-TV) General Manager, died in a car accident October 30th in Somers, MT. He was 73. Mike’s background was in sales. In addition to Detroit, he worked in Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco. More in this obituary.

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are out of work and looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 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…and other things:

SARAH GLOVER has been promoted to Social Media Editor for the NBC o-and-o’s. She’s been working for one of those stations, WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, as Social Media Editor.

WSMV-TV in Nashville has promoted MICHELLE PALMER to Assistant ND. She’s been an EP for this Meredith owned NBC affiliate, joining the station in March after several years as a producer for sister-Meredith station WFSB-TV in Hartford.

Finally, a sad week here at the World Headquarters as we lost one of the Associates after 16 years of faithful service. Don’t believe the picture: Reggie was a very friendly, if very shy, cat.

R.I.P Reggie: 1998-11/6/14

Our Full List of ND Openings:

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

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, November 9, 2014.

WPIX-TV 220 E. 42nd Street New York NY 10017
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
WFTS-TV 4045 N. Himes Ave. Tampa FL 33607
KOMO-TV 140 Fourth Ave. North Seattle WA 98109
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
KMGH-TV 123 Speer Blvd. Denver CO 80203
WJW-TV 5800 S. Marginal Road Cleveland OH 44103
KSDK-TV 1000 Market St. St. Louis MO 63101
WJZY/WMYT-TV 3501 Performance Rd. Charlotte NC 28214
KGTV 4600 Air Way San Diego CA 92101
WTLV/WJXX-TV, 1070 E. Adams St. Jacksonville FL 32202
WRGB-TV 1400 Ball Town Road Schenectady NY 12309
WEAR-TV 4990 Mobile Highway Pensacola FL 32506
WSYR-TV 5904 Bridge St. East Syracuse, NY 13057
KVEO-TV 394 N. Expressway Brownsville TX 78521
WLBT-TV 715 South Jefferson St. Jackson MS 39201
WBTW-TV 101 McDonald Court Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
WTAJ-TV 5000 6th Ave. Altoona, PA 16603
KTIV-TV 3135 Floyd Blvd. Sioux City IA 51108
WVVA-TV 3052 Big Laurel Highway, Bluefield WV 24701 (see ad above!)
WXXV-TV PO Box 2500 Gulfport MS 39505
WCJB-TV 6220 NW 43rd Street Gainesville FL 32653
KLDO/KXOF-TV 226 Bob Bullock Loop Laredo TX 78040
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station

November 2, 2014

Friday, November 7, 2014 UPDATE:

Atlanta’s WXIA-TV has a new news director who knows the market very well.

Rigby

JENNIFER RIGBY will be the next ND for that Gannett NBC affiliate. She’s lived in Atlanta for almost 13 years. As you may know, she spent more than four years as ND for WSB-TV, the ABC affiliate there.  She’s been working at the Weather Channel (in a variety of roles) for more than four years. And Jennifer stayed in Atlanta while working for three years as a consultant for SmithGeiger.

She’s a past ND in Pittsburgh and Dayton, and has also worked in Phoenix, Fresno, and Salt Lake City. Her linkedin page has a detailed description of her work history.

At WXIA, she replaces ELLEN CROOKE who’s been promoted to VP/News for Gannett.

Lots of action this week. We’ll recap all of it in our full newsletter over the weekend.

Thursday, November 6, 2014 UPDATE:

Kosowski

ED KOSOWSKI, who left KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver in early September to pursue new ‘personal and professional goals’, landed today as News Director for KCTV, Meredith’s CBS affiliate in Kansas City.

Ed spent three years in Denver. He’s a former ND in San Francisco and Boston, has worked in Miami and Washington, as well as for CNBC. His Linkedin page has the full story.

At KCTV, he replaces LARRY PERRET, who was promoted by Meredith to be ND of the company’s CBS affiliate in Atlanta, WGCL-TV, in September. Larry was ND at KCTV for about a year.

We’ll have more on this move and all the week’s activity in our full report.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Good luck to you if you’re involved in Election Day coverage this Tuesday!

This week’s news of news director movement involves TWO new ND openings and ONE new ND in a top ten market. That brings our count of open ND jobs to 28.

One of those 28 jobs was reportedly filled this week, at least according to a few websites. The Station Manager says that’s not the case…details below.

TWO of those jobs are among the FOUR paid ads we have for you below.

In Names in the News, a legendary Las Vegas newsman is retiring…again. We’ll tell you about TWO new news managers in Philadelphia, and a variety of other items…including an unusual case where a news manager will continue to work at one station…even as he has announced he’s crossing the street later this month.

And we have a taker on our free Situations Wanted feature.

All that and more below!

New News Director Opening:

Stribling

WLBT-TV, Jackson, MS…WILSON STRIBLING is returning to his old job as morning anchor and is stepping down as News Director for this Raycom-owned NBC affiliate. Wilson spent about 18 months as ND after eleven years as the morning anchor. Wilson is a Jackson native. He first joined WLBT as a reporter (in 1998) and eventually moved up to Assistant News Director. He has also worked in Denison, TX, and Youngstown, OH. The Jackson Clarion-Ledger has the story behind the move here.

WVVA-TV, Bluefield, WV…this Quincy owned NBC affiliate is looking for a new news director. You can learn more about the opportunity by checking out the paid ad below. ELIZABETH SHAFFER was the most recent ND here.

Finally, you may have seen online reports that KGTV in San Diego has filled its open ND position. Station Manager JOEL DAVIS tells me those reports are wrong, and asked me to encourage you to apply for the position if you’re interested and qualified. (There’s an ad for the job in the previous two editions of this newsletter.)

Newly Named News Director:

Lord

WUSA-TV, Washington, DC…as we reported earlier this week, BILL LORD started Monday as Station Manager/Executive News Director for this Gannett owned CBS affiliate. Bill left cross-town rival WJLA-TV in September, where he’d been General Manager for more than three of his 12 years at that ABC affiliate. He earlier had been ND there, a job he’d held in Los Angeles, Seattle (twice), and Nashville. Bill’s a former NBC correspondent, having worked in the Middle East. The Washington Post has more in this article. He replaces FRED D’AMBROSI who left the station the Friday before Bill started. Fred spent five years as ND there.

Correction: In reporting KYLE BRINKMAN‘s move to KLFY-TV in Lafayette, LA, I referred to his former station, WEAR-TV in Pensacola, as being ‘newly acquired by Sinclair.” That’s not true. Sinclair has owned the station for about 20 years. Apologies.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WVVA-TV, Bluefield, WV:

WVVA TV, West Virginia Broadcasters Associations’ 2014 Station of the Year and dominant NBC affiliate in Bluefield, WV, is seeking an energized, caring, competitive, take charge newsroom leader.

Situated in southern WV in Nature’s Air Conditioned City enjoy year round outdoor activities including golfing, hiking, white water rafting, ATV trails and skiing within minutes of your door. Great communities in which to live and work.

As WVVA’s News Director you are coaching, guiding and mentoring on a continuous basis. Are you someone that has heart, wants to make a difference and grow beyond traditional broadcast news? An excellent opportunity to join our award winning team, if you have a passion for excellence, and a burning desire to lead the number one television news team in the Bluefield/Beckley WV market we want to hear from you.

A minimum of 6 years television news management experience and a college degree in broadcast journalism preferred. Successful candidate must be able to demonstrate strong working knowledge of community issues and needs, as well as sound journalistic principles. Must have the ability to make fast, accurate journalistic and logistical judgments.

WVVA is part of Quincy Newspapers Inc. a family owned media company operating 12 television stations and 2 radio stations in a variety of market sizes. This means internal opportunities and professional growth.

Please send your resume, reel and references vi email to hr@wvva.com or by mail to:

WVVA TV
Human Resources
3052 Big Laurel Highway
Bluefield WV 24701

Executive Producer, WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL:

WIAT (CBS) in Birmingham, AL (market #43) is searching for an experienced Executive Producer. It’s a brand new look at WIAT 42 News in Birmingham!

This is an excellent opportunity to join a team that is expanding and growing. We are devoted to bring in the best staff to grow our newly outfitted station!

Candidate must define a strategic direction for content coverage, manage newsroom, contribute to the editorial process and make solid decisions in breaking news situations. The Executive Producer should execute strategies that grow audiences across all media devices.

To apply, go to: http://wiat.com/wiat-42-careers/ or email rob.martin@wiat.com

News Director, WCJB-TV, Gainesville, FL:

WCJB-TV in beautiful Gainesville, Florida is looking for a News Director to lead our highly successful news operation. While we may be a small market, our goal has always been to look and act bigger than we are.

Why Gainesville? Gainesville is a large, well-educated university town that also happens to be situated in a perfect location. We are nationally known for our collegiate sports as well as our medical research. You can be in Orlando, the family capital of the country or in the country’s oldest city, St. Augustine, within 2 hours. You can also be swimming in the Gulf or Atlantic within 90 minutes.

Still interested? We are looking for an enthusiastic leader with excellent news judgment and people skills to lead our young journalists. The perfect candidate will also know the importance of utilizing Social Media to better serve our customers. We prefer candidates with prior news management experience. If this sounds like you, then please email your resume, cover letter, and references to TV20jobs@divcom.com

Digital Executive Producer, WTNH-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT:

WTNH – the ABC affiliate in the Hartford/New Haven, CT market – has an immediate opening for a Digital Executive Producer. The role of the DEP is to own the editorial presentation of WTNH News 8’s Digital properties and is responsible for managing digital content producers, broadcast producers, reporters and photographers.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure our content reflects our “Voice of the People” brand
• Work in tandem with News Director and other news managers
• Work in tandem with the Digital Media Manager to ensure the editorial is properly supported from a technical standpoint
• Execute breaking news – including SMS, social media, email alerts
• Develop and maintain new sections of the web site as news coverage dictates
• Plan for the long-term growth of the sites, set priorities and plan coverage for major events
• Manage social media – station staff posts and moderation of user comments

Do your job in a fantastic part of the country, miles from the Long Island Sound and located in easy driving/train riding distance from New York, Boston, Cape Cod, Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore.

For more details and to apply please visit http://wtnh.com/category/jobs/ and search using the keyword ‘Digital Executive Producer’.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WSMV-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 9/14/14)
KSLA-TV, Shreveport, LA (listed 9/29/14)

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (relisted this week)
WTVJ-TV, Miami, FL (AM EP, listed 9/21/14)
WFTV, Orlando, FL (PM EP, listed 9/29/14)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (Dayside EP, new listing this week)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, listed 8/23/14)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, relisted this week)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA (PM EP, listed 10/19/14)
WTNH-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (Digital EP, listed 10/26/14, see ad above!)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI, (AM EP, PM EP & Spec. Projects, relisted 10/11/14)
WSPA-TV, Greenville/Spartanburg, SC (AM EP, listed 10/11/14)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point, NC (Dayside EP, relisted 10/26/14)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 8/31/14)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (Nightside EP, relisted 10/11/14)
KMTV, Omaha, NE (listed 9/7/14)
WMTW-TV, Portland, ME (AM EP, listed 10/19/14)
WLBT-TV, Jackson, MS (Nightside EP, listed 10/11/14)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN (relisted 10/11/14)
WCTI-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (listed 8/31/14)

ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:

Central Florida News 13, Orlando, FL (listed 9/7/14)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WFXT-TV, Boston, MA (new listing this week)
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 10/11/14)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 10/26/14)

NEWS OPERATIONS MANAGER:

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA: (relisted this week)

Situations Wanted:

We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are out of work and looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 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.

Crabtree

This week, meet STEVE CRABTREE:

A recent interview with a wonderful broadcast group and ensuing offer that I sadly couldn’t accept has my mouth watering to get back into a TV newsroom. 1.000 batting average. 30 year record of success .. 26 of that in newsroom and station management. History of maximum ROI in human and technological resources without the first internal or external legal issue. Stainless record waiting to get the job done. Complete resume, references etc. at my linkedin.com site:

Steve Crabtree
steve.crabtree01@gmail.com
606-875-7042 Cell

Names in the News…and other things:

Stoldal

Longtime news manager BOB STOLDAL has announced his retirement…again. Bob’s stepping down as Executive Vice President of News Operations for KSNV-TV, the NBC affiliate in Las Vegas. He’s worked there for five years, returning to the business one year after his first retirement, from KLAS-TV in Las Vegas. He also spent a few years as ND for KLAS’s sister station in Nashville, WTVF-TV. He’s a noted student of Vegas history. KSNV aired this story after his retirement announcement.

One time New York News Director HUGO BALTA has been named Senior Director of Multicultural Content for ESPN’s Digital & Print Media. He’s been a Coordinating Producer for ESPN’s SportsCenter. Hugo’s a past VP/News for Telemundo in New York, and also worked as Managing Editor for WCBS-TV. He’s a past President of NAHJ.

There are two new news managers at NBC owned properties in Philadelphia. DAMARIS BONILLA is the new EP for WWSI-TV, the Telemundo station there. Damaris has been worked in Puerto Rico. The station launched 6:00 and 11:00 newscasts at the start of the year, and adds a 5:30 PM newscast next Monday. And NICOLE BLOCK has been named Assignment Manager for WCAU-TV. She’s worked in Orlando, San Diego, Jacksonville, Dallas, and Memphis.

MATT SINN heads north to WISN-TV as Assistant News Director. He’s been an EP for WTSP-TV in Tampa, where’s he’s worked for nine years.

HEIDI SCHMIDT has been promoted to Executive Producer at WDAF-TV, the FOX affiliate there. She’s been the 5:00 producer there.

AARON MASON moves across town to become Assistant ND for WKBW-TV in Buffalo. He is currently the Executive Producer at WIVB-TV there. Oddly, he’ll remain in that role for another three weeks. More here.

Our Full List of ND Openings:

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

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Saturday, November 1, 2014.

WPIX-TV 220 E. 42nd Street New York NY 10017
KWHY-TV 4975 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles,CA 90019 *
WTTG-TV 5151 Wisconsin Avenue Washington DC 20016
WXIA-TV One Monroe Place Atlanta GA 30324
WFTS-TV 4045 N. Himes Ave. Tampa FL 33607
KOMO-TV 140 Fourth Ave. North Seattle WA 98109
KCEC-TV 777 Grant St. #110 Denver CO 80203 *
KMGH-TV 123 Speer Blvd. Denver CO 80203
WJW-TV 5800 S. Marginal Road Cleveland OH 44103
KSDK-TV 1000 Market St. St. Louis MO 63101
WJZY/WMYT-TV 3501 Performance Rd. Charlotte NC 28214
KGTV 4600 Air Way San Diego CA 92101
KCTV 4500 Shawnee Mission Pkwy. Fairway KS 66205
WTLV/WJXX-TV, 1070 E. Adams St. Jacksonville FL 32202
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo NY 14207
WRGB-TV 1400 Ball Town Road Schenectady NY 12309
WEAR-TV 4990 Mobile Highway Pensacola FL 32506
WSYR-TV 5904 Bridge St. East Syracuse, NY 13057
KVEO-TV 394 N. Expressway Brownsville TX 78521
WLBT-TV 715 South Jefferson St. Jackson MS 39201
WBTW-TV 101 McDonald Court Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
KTIV-TV 3135 Floyd Blvd. Sioux City IA 51108
WICU/WSEE 3514 State St. Erie PA 16508
WVVA-TV 3052 Big Laurel Highway, Bluefield WV 24701 (see ad above!)
WXXV-TV PO Box 2500 Gulfport MS 39505
WCJB-TV 6220 NW 43rd Street Gainesville FL 32653 (see ad above!)
KLDO/KXOF-TV 226 Bob Bullock Loop Laredo TX 78040
WBUP/WBKP-TV 1705 Ash Street Ishpeming MI 49849

* Spanish language station