August 26, 2019
Thursday, August 29, 2019 UPDATE:
Greetings:
Sorry to tell you that a veteran news director…who retired in 2015…has lost his battle with cancer.
Bark
CHUCK BARK, who spent more than ten years as ND for WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge and 14 years running the newsroom at Mobile’s WALA-TV has died. WBRZ posted this tribute on its website. I believe he was 67 years old.
He worked his entire career in only three markets…in addition to Baton Rouge and Mobile, he also worked in Memphis.
Chuck was a good guy and left behind many journalists he had trained over the years.
He’s survived by his wife Brenda.
I’ll hope to have information on services and memorial contributions in our full newsletter this weekend.
regards,
Rick Gevers
**** ***** ****
Greetings:
It’s been a VERY busy week, with SIX new news directors and THREE new openings.
Of note: all SIX of the new news directors are women and FOUR are at Tegna stations.
These changes leaves 27 stations looking for a new news director.
TWO of those 27 openings are among our THREE Paid Help Wanted ads this week. And we welcome Weather Metrics back as they continue to be a regular supporter of this effort.
We have TWO obituaries this week, one of a former anchor, news director, and GM, and one for a man whose career ranged from the National Enquirer to CNN to sports betting publications.
And there are a handful of items in our Names in the News section. All that and more as you read on.
Newly Named News Directors:
Megan J.
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO…MEGAN JURGEMEYER has been promoted to news director at this Tegna owned NBC station. She’s been the managing editor for the last four years and has worked at KUSA since 2013. Megan also worked at another Denver station and in Grand Junction. In this unedited video interview on the station’s website, she explains how she had another career before TV news. Megan will report to Director of Content ERIC VALADEZ and replaces LINDA KOTSAFTIS who left in May.
Fowler
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO…three time Chicago news director CAROL FOWLER (eleven years combined at WBBM-TV, WFLD-TV, and WGN-TV) returns to St. Louis as Director of Content (some might call that news director) for this Tegna owned NBC affiliate. More on her hire in this item from the KSDK website. Carol went to Missouri and has family in St, Louis. Learn more about her in this eight year old bio from her alma mater. She replaces TIFFANI LUPENSKI who left earlier this year after less than a year and half as ND. Tiffani is now the Direct of Content at WBBM-TV in Chicago.
McDaniel
KFMB-TV, San Diego, CA…another Tegna station, another veteran news director as DANA McDANIEL returns to California as Director of Content (aka News Director) for this CBS affiliate. Dana’s spent the last two years as ND for Tribune’s-probably-soon-to-be-Nexstar-at-least-for-a-while WDAF-TV, the FOX affiliate in Kansas City. But before moving to KC, Dana was ND for FOX o-and-o KTVU-TV in Oakland/San Francisco. That’s the last of her three ND jobs for FOX, WTTG-TV in Washington and WJBK-TV in Detroit. She has also worked in Chicago. Dana replaces DEAN ELWOOD who left in March after eight years as ND and 23 at the station.
Eck
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH…not another Tegna station, but another veteran ND returns as DENISE ECK is the new news director for this Nexstar owned CBS station. Here’s the memo from GM KEN FREEDMAN. It’s a return to Ohio for Denise, who was an ND in Dayton and an Assistant ND in Cincinnati. Most recently, she’d been the ND for WSMV-TV in Nashville, a job she left earlier this year. She’s also been an ND in Topeka, and worked as an anchor, reporter, and investigative reporter in a number of markets. Denise replaces DAVE CILIBERTI who was promoted last month to become ND for sister Nexstar NBC affiliate WFLA-TV in Tampa.
Weppler
WTOL-TV, Toledo, OH…this is a Tegna station though a first time ND. LAUREN WEPPLER has been promoted from her old role as Assistant ND. She’s been at this CBS affiliate since April 2006, coming from Myrtle Beach where she had transitioned into management from job as morning anchor. Lauren had earlier worked in two small West Virgina markets More on Lauren in this profile from HER alma mater. She replaces ANTHONY KNOPPS who left in June, just a few months after Tegna took over, after four years as ND
KAVU-TV, Victoria, TX…ROXANN FISHER returns to a newsroom as ND for this Morgan Murphy owned ABC affiliate. She has lots of experience in Texas newsrooms, as you’ll learn on her linkedin page. She replaces AMIE HUDSPETH who moved to CNN’s Headline News in Atlanta as Script Supervisor for Weekend Morning Express.
New News Director Openings:
Knutsen
KTTV, Los Angeles, CA…KRIS KNUTSEN has left this FOX o-and-o after about three years as news director. She had been the Assistant ND for Tribune’s KTLA-TV for five years before moving to KTTV. She’d earlier spent about 30 years working at KNBC-TV and the Local News Service.
Her replacement will be the FOURTH ND here since 2011 when longtime ND JOSE RIOS was promoted to corporate. Her departure occurred shortly after the arrival of new GM BILL LAMB, who came from Louisville, which brings to mind this sage thought that a loyal reader shared recently:
30 days hath September, April, and any sitting ND who gets a new GM.
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO…we reported above that DANA McDANIEL was returning to California to become ND for KFMB-TV, Tegna”s CBS affiliate in San Diego.
Snuffer
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL…MIKE SNUFFER has left this Quincy Media owned ABC affiliate during the month in which he celebrated his 16th anniversary as ND here. He left about eight months after an ownership change. Mike’s a former ND for KLBK/KAMC-TV in Lubbock and KCEN-TV in Temple, TX. He tells me he’s looking for a new challenge. Here’s his linkedin page.
Wuzzardo
And I wanted to update an item from two weeks ago. We told you that KEVIN WUZZARDO had left WWAY-TV in Wilmington but did not know where he was going. We’ve now learned he’s headed to WHBQ-TV in Memphis as Managing Editor, and he left behind this farewell note to his former city.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, WBNG-TV, Binghamton, NY:
WBNG-TV in Binghamton, NY seeks a News Director to help guide our news department to new heights of journalistic and ratings success. This is an exciting opportunity to join a great team in one of New York’s most beautiful places to live.
The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining market leading standards for newsroom operations and content. Other duties include hiring, coaching, supervising and evaluating news personnel, as well as preparation and administration of newsroom budgets and capital requests. The News Director is expected to work closely with other department managers to achieve the company’s overall performance goals.
A minimum of 4 years television news management experience and a college degree in broadcast journalism preferred. Must be able to demonstrate strong working knowledge of community issues and sound journalistic principles. Must have the ability to make fast, accurate journalistic and logistical judgments.
If you have a passion for excellence, and a burning desire to lead the best local broadcast news operation in Binghamton, NY, we want to hear from you.
Please send your resume and cover letter to:
Bob Krummenacker
General Manager
WBNG-TV
560 Columbia Dr.
Johnson City, NY 13790
rkrummenacker@wbng.com
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
WBNG is part of Quincy Media, a family owned company with television stations in 9 states.
Throughout Quincy, positions are available for candidates with all levels of experience and the advancement you are seeking. Visit www.quincymediacareers.com for links to all stations and opportunities.
WBNG-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
News Director, WVVA-TV, Bluefield, WV:
Here’s your chance to lead an award-winning newsroom!
NBC affiliate WVVA TV in Bluefield, WV, has a newsroom loaded with talent! We are committed to strong journalism and community service. 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.
As News Director you are coaching, guiding and mentoring on a continuous basis. An excellent opportunity to join our team, we are looking for a dynamic newsroom leader to take our team to the next level.
WVVA is a continuous local news source with an immediate deadline mentality. The News Director directly oversees all involved in our news gathering and distribution processes.
You will work closely with the Social Media Manager and Content Manager to ensure that our customers are being served on all platforms.
A minimum of 5 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. Must have the ability to make fast, accurate journalistic and logistical judgments.
WVVA Television is a Quincy Media station. Learn why our family-owned company has a reputation as one of the best to work for in the industry today at www.quincymediacareers.com.
Please send your resume and cover letter with references to:
WVVA-TV
Human Resources
3052 Big Laurel Highway
Bluefield, WV 24701
or email to: asluss@wvva.com
WVVA is an equal opportunity employer.
Morning Executive Producer, KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO:
Are you interested in working in Denver, Colorado — one of the best cities in America – with the Rocky Mountains in your backyard, and all the hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and excitement you can handle?
Are you a show doctor who oversees a morning newscast filled with urgent, impactful news?
Do you LOVE to win the day, every day, on all platforms?
Are you looking for a rare opportunity to take your creativity to the next level and work in a fast-paced and fun newsroom with some of the most creative storytellers in the nation?
KDVR/KWGN, the Fox and CW affiliate in Denver, Colorado, is looking for a creative and aggressive Executive Content Producer to lead us on the morning shift — delivering news on multiple platforms including five and a half hours of morning news on FOX31.
The Executive Producer must be a proven newsroom leader who embodies an audience-first approach to delivering news. This individual will excel under tight deadlines and bring bold, creative ideas to our newsroom.
This is your chance to take risks, get creative, and take the helm of a strong morning show with a great team behind you in a place where everybody wants to live.
Click here to apply and send your resume/reel to brian.gregory@kdvr.com
News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WISH-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 9/1/19)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted this week)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted this week)
WBND-TV, South Bend, IN (relisted 7/14/19)
WJAC-TV, Johnstown, PA (relisted this week)
KRNV-TV, Reno, NV (relisted 8/11/19)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Special Projects EP, listed 7/7/19)
KPIX-TV, San Francisco, CA (AM EP, listed 8/11/19)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (Dayside EP, listed 8/18/19)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (AM EP, relisted 8/18/19)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP, relisted 8/18/19, see ad above!)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (PM EP, listed 8/11/19)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 8/18/19)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT (Dayside EP, relisted 8/18/19)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Senior EP, relisted 7/14/19)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (new listing this week)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 8/4/19)
WISN-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, relisted 7/21/19)
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA (Digital EP, listed 6/23/19)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (Dayside EP, listed 8/17/19)
WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL (PM EP, relisted 8/17/19)
WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA (AM EP, relisted 7/7/19)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (AM EP, relisted 7/7/19)
WBRE-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (relisted 7/14/19)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (AM EP, listed 7/21/19)
KMTV, Omaha, NE (AM EP, listed 7/28/19)
KWWL-TV, Waterloo, IA (relisted this week)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (8/17/19)
WFFT-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN (listed 6/23/19)
WFXG-TV, Augusta, GA (relisted 8/17/19)
WTAJ-TV, Altoona, PA (Digital Executive Producer, relisted 6/23/19)
KSBY-TV, San Luis Obispo, CA (PM EP, relisted 8/17/19)
Other News Management Openings:
Relisted this week:
Rocky Mountain PBS, Denver, CO (Investigative Producer)
Listed 8/4/19:
WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, SC (Digital Content EP)
Listed 7/28/19:
WBRE-TV, Wilkes/Barre/Scranton, PA (Digital Content EP)
Relisted 7/28/19:
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Enterprise Executive Producer)
WTNH-TV, Hartford/New Haven, CT (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 7/21/19:
E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH, (Senior Director of Content)
E.W. Scripps, Denver, CO (Senior Director of National Content)
Listed 7/7/19:
KMTV, Omaha, NE (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 6/30/19
KGET-TV, Bakersfield, CA (Digital Content Manager)
Relisted 6/23/19:
WKRG-TV, Mobile, AL (Digital Content Manager)
KFDX-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (Digital Content Manager)
Obituaries:
Barnett
WAYNE BARNETT, who worked as an anchor, news director and general manager, died this week. He was an anchor in Baton Rouge, ND and anchor at WALA-TV in Mobile and later served as general manager for WDSU-TV in New Orleans and as an ND and GM for WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee. I couldn’t find a detailed obituary (if you’ve seen one please send it along) but can share this tribute from one of his former stations.
Mann
BOB MANN also died this week. He was 68 and had been out of our business for more than 30 years, but had a interesting career. He worked for the Chicago Tribune, the National Enquirer, for stations in Dayton and Cleveland, and also for CNN. He moved to Vegas, owned a business that printed materials for sports books in casinos, and also wrote for sports betting publications. One of those publications honored him with this story.
Full disclosure: Bob and I have been friends since his Cleveland days at WKYC-TV. We attended each others’ weddings and I saw him several times a year. He was never shy about what he saw as the shortcomings of the current state of journalism. Bob is survived by his wife of some 20 years, SONDRA. A celebration of life will be held later this year.
Names in the News (and other items):
Haldeman
CHARLIE HALDEMAN, a former news director at KXXV-TV in Waco, KPLC-TV in Lake Charles, and KIII-TV in Sherman, TX, is headed to Houston to become Senior Manager of Digital Content for KTRK-TV, the ABC owned station there. Charlie starts his new job tomorrow. He also worked as an anchor/reporter in Bryan, TX, and began his career in radio.
Cruz
LUIS CRUZ is back at the San Diego Union-Tribune as Director of Community and Public Relations. He’s a former ND in Yuma, an anchor in Las Vegas, and a reporter in San Diego. Media Moves has more.
A tip of the hat to Little Rock’s KATV which donated its archives to the University of Arkansas in 2009, the Foundation that donated $1.5 million to have it digitized, and to two former KATV news directors who are involved in the project. Details here.
The Amarillo News profiles an annual gathering of television news people in Amarillo. They’ve been getting together for eight…or maybe nine years.
General Manager News and Notes:
Not aware of any changes this week.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 25, 2019:
It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com
KTTV 1999 South Bundy Drive Los Angeles CA 90025
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
WOFL-TV 35 Skyline Dr, Lake Mary, FL 32746
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KSHB-TV 4720 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112
WDAF-TV 3030 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (see ad above!)
WBNS-TV 770 Twin Rivers Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
KOCO-TV 1300 East Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73131
WBIR-TV 1513 Bill Williams Ave. Knoxville, TN 37917
KGAN-TV 600 Old Marion Rd NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
KXXV-TV 1909 S New Rd, Waco, TX 76711
WMBF-TV 918 Frontage Rd E, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
WWAY-TV 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451
KRIS-TG 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KRCR-TV 755 Auditorium Dr. Redding, CA 96001
WJFW-TV 3217 County Rd G Rhinelander, WI 54501
KDRV-TV 1090 Knutson Ave, Medford, OR 97504
WBNG-TV 560 Columbia Dr. Johnson City, NY 13790
WOAY-TV P.O. BOX 3001 Oak Hill, WV 25901
WVVA-TV 3052 Big Laurel Highway Bluefield WV 24701
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr, Carterville, IL 62918 (see ad above!)
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
KAEF-TV 540 E St Eureka, California 95501
**: Spanish language station
**: Spanish language station
