Rick Gevers & Associates

August 29, 2021

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Today’s UPDATE brings news of a news director opening at a top ten market network owned station.

Dobson

BEN DOBSON has left NBC’s Boston operation, WBTS-TV, (branded as NBC Boston) after more than three years as VP/News. Staff learned of the change within the hour.

Ben’s spent almost ten years with NBC, moving between Boston and the company’s o-and-o in Hartford, WVIT-TV, where he first joined NBC as the Managing Editor there in 2011. He moved to Boston, then back to Hartford as news director, before returning to Boston in 2018.

He’s also worked for two other Boston stations, as you can see on his Linkedin page.

We should have more on this story and all the week’s developments in our full newsletter, sometime this Labor Day weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Tuesday, August 31, 2021 UPDATE:

CBS has filled its long open WCBS-TV (New York) news director opening with a former WCBS EP.

Burke

SARAH BURKE returns to the station as news director. She was an EP there before moving to CBS’s WBZ-TV in Boston as an Assistant ND for about 18 months. She’s been the Assistant ND for ABC’s Chicago owned station, WLS-TV, for the past seven years. Sarah’s also worked in Denver and Indianapolis.

More details in the news release.

Longtime Chicago media writer ROBERT FEDER first reported early yesterday that Sarah was leaving WLS and speculated that she was headed to WCBS.

The man who hired her in New York, WCBS GM JOHNNY GREEN Jr., also worked at WBZ, but I believe she left before Johnny got there (it’s possible he replaced her as assistant ND before becoming ND there.)

At WCBS, of course, she replaces DAVID FRIEND who was ousted earlier this year…along with his boss, PETER DUNN…after a Los Angeles Times investigation into accusations of a hostile work environment. Since then, two other o-and-o GM’s have been dismissed.

We’ll have more on this story and all the week’s developments in our full newsletter sometime this Labor Day weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

We have another busy newsletter, with several news director changes and lots of other news.

THREE new news directors appointed, with THREE new openings. Our list of open ND jobs remains at 34.

We have ONE paid help wanted ad for a morning EP job in a top ten market.

And there’s an ad promoting the upcoming RTDNA conference in Denver. Of note: RTDNA will require proof of vaccination to attend and offering a unique choice of lanyards to attendees.

THREE obituaries this week, of a former San Antonio newsman, a one-time Norfolk ND who is better known as an anchor for an unusual NBC program, and for the wife of a former Indianapolis news director.

I was tempted but did NOT include the obituary of one time Minneapolis News Director LOU GRANT. (Wait. Maybe I just did.)

A former ABC News executive is accused of sexual assault in a civil law suit, while ABC named his replacement this week. We have more on the retirement of NBC NewsChannel’s SHARON HOUSTON as well as on the retirement of a longtime Iowa journalist.

And two items from St., Louis, where a newsman (!) has been promoted to chief engineer, and why another newsman made a career change, basing his decision on “We instead of me”. And that’s why he’s now a first time news director.

All that and more below.

New News Director Hires:

Jacoby

WHNS-TV, Greenville, SC…MARYBETH JACOBY returns to South Carolina as ND for this now-owned-by-Meredith-but-soon-to-be-owned-by-Gray FOX affiliate. Details in this news release. She’s spent the last 3 1/2 years as ND for Gray’s WVLT-TV in Knoxville but earlier served as ND for ten years at WLTX-TV in Columbia, SC. Marybeth replaces KELLY BOAN who left in June after eight years as ND and now holds that job at WLNE-TV in Providence, RI.

Mason

WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY…AARON MASON sheds the interim title and become ND for this Scripps owned ABC affiliate. GM MARC JAROMIN shared the news with the staff via this email. Alan’s been the interim ND since ROB HEVERLING left earlier this year, first to become interim ND for Scripps’ WXMI-TV (FOX) in Grand Rapids, MI. He’s now the ND for WDIO-TV in Duluth, MN.

Taylor

WFFF/WVNY-TV, Burlington, VT…ROB TAYLOR gets his first ND job at this Nexstar FOX/ABC duopoly. He’s currently the Assistant ND for Nexstar’s WJTV in Jackson, MS. Rob’s a veteran of the Chicago market, spending 18 years at WFLD-TV and WLS-TV. He’s also worked in Memphis and Greenville, SC. He replaces BOB ROCKSTROH who left earlier this summer to accompany his wife to a new job in Connecticut.

New News Director Openings:

Wieland

KCNC-TV, Denver, CO…we first shared news of TIM WIELAND’s move to the GM chair at this CBS o-and-o in an UDPATE earlier this week. More here. He’s worked there for 27 years (in two stings) with a short time at CNN in between. As we told you in the UPDATE, he’s the THIRD consecutive CBS GM to come from the news ranks and replaces the retiring WALT DeHAVEN.

Vaught

KTBC-TV, Austin, TX…congratulations to PAM VAUGHT who is retiring. She posted this note on Linkedin:

After almost 40 years in TV news I’m retiring. For the last 29 years I’ve been with FOX and 23 of those years at FOX 7 in Austin. I’m so glad to have connected with so many of you over the years. September 20th is my last day and then it’s time for some new adventures.

WVLT-TV, Knoxville, TN…we told you above that MARYBETH JACOBY is leaving to return to South Carolina as ND for WHNS-TV, the Meredith (for now) FOX affiliate. She was ND here for 3 1/2 years.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

Morning Executive Producer, KPRC-TV, Houston, TX:

Here’s your chance to lead the critical morning news daypart in a diverse, bustling, vibrant, affordable city! KPRC is hiring a morning news Executive Producer.

Every morning, millions of Houstonians rise and shine to get their kids to school. They head to work as doctors, nurses and support staff at the largest medical center in the world. They start unloading cargo at the busiest port on the Gulf Coast. And they head to offices, plants and refineries at the largest concentration of oil and gas companies in the world.

Our team of passionate and dedicated morning news journalists strive to connect with these viewers, through superior coverage of breaking news, severe and inconvenient weather that affects their safety, consumer investigations that impact their finances and by helping viewers navigate traffic disruptions to get them to their destinations safely.

As Executive Producer of this team, you’ll focus on a comprehensive approach to executing our winning strategy. Hiring the right people, giving them direction and guidance, coaching on-air staff to reach their full potential and ensuring the overall quality and winning attitude on one of our most important dayparts.

To learn more and apply, please visit this website:

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham, AL (new listing this week)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 8/22/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (listed 8/22/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (listed 7/4/21)
WJTV, Jackson, MS (new listing this week)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 7/4/21)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/25/21)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)
KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR (listed 8/8/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (new listing this week)
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, new listing this week)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, new listing this week, see ad above!)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, listed 8/8/21)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (new listing this week)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 8/15/21)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/25/21)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 7/4/21)
WOWK-TV, Charlestown, WV (listed 8/22/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 7/4/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 7/4/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 7/18/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (relisted this week)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted 6/27/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content

Listed 8/15/22:

WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 8/1/21:

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Obituaries:

Rogers

Our update earlier this week told you of the death of former KENS-TV (San Antonio, TX) news director BOB ROGERS. Bob died last week at the age of 87. He helped build KENS into a powerhouse during his 27 years at the station. Two obituaries: the first from KENS, and the second from the San Antonio Express News.

Dobyns

One time WAVY-TV (Norfolk) news director LLOYD DOBYNS died last Sunday at 85 after a series of strokes. Dobyns, of course, was MUCH better known for his stint at NBC News, particularly as co-anchor of NBC Overnight with LINDA ELLERBEE. The New York Times has this obituary (which may be behind a paywall.)

Campbell

Finally, MARLENE CAMPBELL, wife of former Indianapolis (WTHR-TV) news director BOB CAMPBELL, died Sunday night from cancer. Doctors removed a lemon sized tumor from her brain last December. Bob and Marlene met at WTHR where she was a sales manager and were married more than 35 years. I hope to have more details about arrangements later.

Bob and I were at Missouri at the same time: he was a graduate student when I was there. A kind note would reach him here.

Names in the News:

Corn

MICHAEL CORN, the former executive producer of both ABC’s Good Morning America and World News Tonight has been accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed this week by a former producer, KIRSTYN CRAWFORD. The new President of ABC News, KIM GODWIN, has called for an independent investigation of how the network handled the charges, which Corn denies. He is now President of Nexstar’s NewsNation.

Swink

In what seems to be a bit of unusual timing, ABC named Corn’s replacement at Good Morning America this week. SIMONE SWINK has been the senior broadcast producer for GMA, and first joined GMA as a writer in 2010. She’s been overseeing the second hour of GMA. More details in this story from deadline.com

Houston

We have a few more details about SHARON HOUSTON’s upcoming retirement as President of NBC’s Charlotte based NewsChannel, where she has worked since 1991. Sharon kindly shared the photo at right as well as this note which was part of what she sent her staff. Sharon began her career at WBTV in Charlotte, spent a few years in Atlanta at this CBS Bureau there, and ends back in Charlotte. Best wishes for a long and happy retirement!

Cardin

Speaking of retirements, congratulations to longtime KCCI-TV (Des Moines, IA) Assistant News Director DANA CARDIN who is retiring after more than 40 years at this Hearst owned CBS affiliate. He began as a reporter and moved into the Assistant ND job 25 years ago. Here are two notes, first the note from KCCI GM BRIAN SATHER and the second from Dana himself.

McCormac

In a rare move, a news manager will be the next chief engineer at KMOV-TV, the now-owned-by-Meredith-but-soon-to-be-owned-by-Gray CBS affiliate in St. Louis. BILL McCORMAC started as a photographer, and has served as chief photographer, executive producer, and, since 2010, news operations manager. Details in this email from GM JD SOSNOFF.

Holliday

And while we’re in St. Louis, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch profiled longtime newsman ART HOLLIDAY today, You know from our earlier reports that Art became ND for Tegna’s KSDK-TV (NBC) earlier this year, reporting to Director of Content CAROL FOWLER. He’s been there more than 40 years, starting in sports, was the first morning co-anchor, and has filled many other roles. Full disclosure: we worked at KSDK together and were at Missouri at the same time.

General Manager News and Notes:

A reminder that we told you above about TIM WIELAND’s appointment at GM for KCNC-TV, the CBS owned station in Denver.

Two other GMs were named this week:

Gentile

FRANCO GENTILE will be the next GM for Sinclair’s KPTM-TV (FOX) in Omaha. He’s currently the sales manager for the company’s Columbus, OH, operations.

And Nexstar named STEPHEN EATON GM of its Billings, MT, properties. He’s been the sales manager for cross-town competitor KTVQ-TV.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 29, 2021:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

WCBS-TV 530 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KMSP/WTTC-TV 11358 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
KCNC-TV 1044 Lincoln, Denver, CO 80203
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
KUTV 299 South Main St. # 150, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
KTBC-TV 119 East 10th Street Austin TX 78701
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
KJRH-TV 3701 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74105
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive; Knoxville, TN 37919
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St Charleston, WV 25301
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
KFSM-TV 5101 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KATC-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Road. Lafayette, LA 70506
KION-TV 1550 Moffett Street Salinas, CA 93905
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road Rockford, IL 61103
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WJET-TV 8455 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501

**: Spanish language station

August 22, 2021

Thursday, August 26, 2021 UPDATE:

CBS has filled another general manager opening at one of its owned stations, and for the THIRD consecutive time, they’ve tabbed a news person.

Wieland

Today it’s TIM WIELAND, who’s been promoted to general manager of KCNC-TV in Denver. He’s been the news director there since 2004.

More in this news release.

Tim’s a 27 year veteran of KCNC, having first worked there from 1992-1999, beginning as a writer and progressing to executive producer. He left for a short stint at CNN, and returned in 2001 as the assistant ND.

Tim replaces WALT DeHAVEN who is retiring.

As I mentioned above, Tim’s the third consecutive newsperson to fill a CBS owned station GM job.

First was JOHNNY GREEN, Jr. at WCBS-TV in New York, followed last week by JENNIFER LYONS, who was named to the top job at WBBM-TV in Chicago.

Still open: KCBS-TV in Los Angeles and KTVT-TV in Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Let the wagering begin!

Rogers

We”ll have a lot of interesting stories in this week’s newsletter which would take to long to include here, but I do want to tell you about the passing of legendary KENS-TV (San Antonio) news director BOB ROGERS who died earlier this week at the age of 87. The station remembered him here while the local newspaper did a nice job of looking back at his 27 year career at the station.

Finally, a correction from last week’s full newsletter. WISC-TV in Madison, WI, won the National Edward R. Murrow for Overall Excellence for small market TV. I accidentally listed another Madison station.

We’ll see you this weekend with a busy newsletter.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Lots of movement and lots of news in this week’s report.

FOUR new news directors appointed, with just ONE new opening. Our list of open ND jobs drops to 34.

Sadly (and least for me and my bank account) NONE of those new jobs are featured in a paid help wanted ad.

But we do have an ad from RTDNA reminding all that the registration deadline for next month’s annual convention. “The Year of the Team” is coming up soon. Check out the ad just below for details. I hope to see many of you there.

Speaking of conferences, NAB’s will require proof of covid-19 vaccinations for attendees at its October gathering in Las Vegas.

We first alerted you to a rash of top 50 market GM appointments earlier this week, THREE of which involved people with news director experience. We’ll revisit those hires below.

In Names in the News, we’ll tell you of the pending retirement of a longtime NBC NewsChannel executive. We also have details of how being a Star Wars fan played a role in a life-saving organ donation for a longtime Pennsylvania news director. We’ll recap the National Edward R. Murrow Award winners, tell you who RTDNA will honor with the Paul White Award, and share news of a retirement of a longtime major market anchor who also spent a year as a news director in California.

And we’ll tell you about a unusual purchase by Nexstar.

New News Director Hires:

Palestina

WVUE-TV, New Orleans, LA…KRISTEN PALENTINA has been promoted to news director for this Gray owned FOX affiliate. She’s been the assistant news director here for 12 years and earlier in her career worked for WWL-TV (CBS) in New Orleans for two years. She’s replacing MIKEL SCHAEFER who’s being promoted to general manager (more on that in our GM section below).

Breazeale

KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX…JIM BOB BREAZEALE has been named Director of Content for this Scripps owned NBC affiliate. Details from GM RAMON PINEDA. Jim Bob is currently the Assistant ND for KGBT/KVEO-TV in Harlingen and Brownsville. He’s also worked in Austin. At KRIS, he replaces MARK SILBERSTEIN who left in May after nine months as news director.

McLain

WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA…an inter-Gray TV transfer sends WILLIAM McLAIN to this ABC affiliate for his first ND job. GM HOLLY STEUART told the staff in this memo. William is currently the Assistant ND for Gray’s WAFF-TV in Huntsville, AL, where he began as a producer, advanced to digital content manager, and eventually AND. He’s also worked in Montgomery and replaces MARK ROSEN who moved closer to family and be ND for WFXG-TV in Augusta, GA.

LeSavage

KBJR-TV, Duluth, MN…another Gray station filled its open ND job by promoting interim ND BRIGGS LeSAVAGE. She’s a Duluth native who first joined this dual NBC/CBS operation as a producer, co-anchor and reporter five years ago. She’s replacing veteran newsman KEVIN JACOBSEN who left to operate a business with his wife.

New News Director Opening:

Gaylord

KPAX-TV, Billings, MT…ERIC GAYLORD is leaving this Scripps owned CBS affiliate after two years as ND to take a job at Scripps’ Newsy. He’s also been a ND in Great Falls, MT. Eric began as a photographer, working in Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver, and as a chief photographer in San Diego before moving into management.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

No paid ads this week.  If you want to advertise your management openings, it’s just $300 for two weeks, $550 for four to reach the most targeted audience. Email me: rick@rickgevers.com for details.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (new opening this week)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (new opening this week)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (listed 7/4/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 7/4/21)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/25/21)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)
KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR (listed 8/8/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, listed 8/8/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/27/21)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 8/15/21)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/25/21)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro-High Point, NC (AM EP, relisted 8/1/21)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 7/4/21)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted 8/8/21)
WOWK-TV, Charlestown, WV (new listing this week)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 7/4/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 7/4/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, relisted 6/13/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 7/18/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 6/27/21)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 8/15/22:

WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 8/1/21:

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 6/27/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content

Listed 6/20/21:

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Digital Content Director)

Names in the News:

SHARON HOUSTON is retiring as President of NBC’s NewsChannel, where she has worked since 1991. Before moving to Charlotte and NewsChannel, she worked at the CBS Bureau in Atlanta. CORRIE HARDING gets a new title of (take a deep breath) VP of News Partnerships and Executive In Charge of NBC News Channel. Congrats to Sharon, who I have missed working with since my days as an NBC affiliate ND and when she was the deputy bureau chief for CBS in Atlanta and I was the AND at the CBS affiliate in Jacksonville.

Platzer

A mutual passion for Star Wars played a role in helping WJAC-TV (Johnstown, PA) news director JIM PLATZER receive a life-saving liver transplant. Details from the WJAC website. You may remember last year the station sponsored a blood drive on Jim’s behalf after he collapsed in the newsroom. Jim began his career at WJAC, and returned as ND in 2011 after ND stints in Greensboro, NC, Decatur, IL, and Clarksburg, WV. He’s also worked in Orlando, Tampa, Mobile and Altoona, PA.

Nolte

STEPHANIE NOLTE moves within Nebraska to become the next Assistant News Director for Standard Media’s KLKN-TV (ABC) in Lincoln. She’s been the chief photographer for KMTV in Omaha (Scripps/CBS) for the past four years. She has also worked in Des Moines, LaCrosse, WI, and Florence, SC, where she worked as a multimedia journalist for a newspaper.

In case you missed our emailed UPDATE earlier this week, RTDNA announced the winners of the National Edward R. Murrow Awards. Congratulations to Chicago’s WBBM-TV (CBS owned) and WKOW-TV WISC-TV in Madison, WI (ABC/Morgan Murphy Media) for taking the Overall Excellence Awards. The complete list is here.

In that UPDATE, I congratulated my friend and former WTOL-TV (Toledo, OH) employee STEVE HARTMAN of CBS News for another win for Excellence in Writing but failed to note that my friend and Missouri classmate JOHN FERRUGIA and his team at Rocky Mountain PBS took top honors in large market TV for documentary. Congrats to both and to all the winners.

Zirinsky

Another RTDNA note: The organization announced that longtime CBS newswoman and past CBS News President SUSAN ZIRINKSY will be honored with the Paul White Award at the upcoming conference in Denver. Paul White was the first news director for CBS news. The award honors people for their lifetime contributions to broadcast news.

Becker

One time Palm Springs (KMIR-TV) News Director ROSS BECKER (who is MUCH better known for his many large market anchor jobs) has announced he’s stepping off the anchor desk after 49 years. But he’s not calling it a retirement, saying he’s working on a project. Ross most recently worked for KAAL-TV in Rochester, MN. Details on his background and future plans in this story.

Finally, Nexstar has purchased the online political site The Hill for $130 million dollars. More here.

General Manager News and Notes:

Our Friday UPDATE brought news of FOUR top 50 market GMs, three with news backgrounds.

Lyons

In Chicago, former longtime WGN-TV ND (and short time News Nation executive) JENNIFER LYONS was named general manager for CBS owned WBBM-TV. Veteran Chicago media writer ROBERT FEDER has more. She replaces DEREK DALTON who was released a few weeks ago, along with KCBS-TV (Los Angeles) GM JAY HOWELL. Earlier in her career, Jennifer worked in Des Moines and Davenport, IA.

Ellis

BOB ELLIS returns to Detroit’s WDIV-TV (Graham Media/NBC) as GM. Earlier in his career, Bob was the ND there for 18 months at the end of a 15 year run. He’s spent the last 12 years running Graham Media’s successful independent station, WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, FL. Bob’s replacing longtime Detroit media executive MARLA DRUTZ, who retired.

Corrente

Gray Television promoted TWO employees to new general manager jobs. RONNA CORRENTE moves to WAVE-TV (NBC) in Louisville as GM, replacing KEN SELVAGGI who left the station earlier this month. She’s been the GM for Gray’s WVUE-TV (FOX) in New Orleans. Ronna is a Kentucky native who began her career in sales at WDKY-TV (FOX) in Lexington.

Schaefer

Gray immediately replaced her at WVUE by promoting news director MIKEL SCHAEFER. He’s been the news director here since 2008 and earlier worked for cross-town CBS affiliate WWL-TV. And he was immediately replaced as ND by the Assistant ND there, KRISTEN PALESTINA, as you learned above.

The promotions of Ronna, Mikel, and Kristen are covered in this Gray news release.

Nexstar has named MICHAEL SILECCHIA GM of its Rockford, IL, station, WQRF-TV (FOX). He’ll also be in charge of Mission Broadcasting’s WTVO-TV (ABC). Michael comes from the sales side of our business, having worked most recently in Oklahoma City and Fresno.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 22, 2021:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

WCBS-TV 530 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KMSP/WTTC-TV 11358 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
KUTV 299 South Main St. # 150, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
WHNS-TV 21 Interstate Court Greenville, SC 29615
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza. Buffalo, NY 14202
KJRH-TV 3701 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74105
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St Charleston, WV 25301
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WFFF/WVNV-TV 298 Mountain View Dr, Colchester, VT 05446
KFSM-TV 5101 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KATC-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Road. Lafayette, LA 70506
KION-TV 1550 Moffett Street Salinas, CA 93905
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road Rockford, IL 61103
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WJET-TV 8455 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501

**: Spanish language station

August 15, 2021

Friday, August 20, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

FOUR top 50 market GM jobs were filled Thursday, and THREE of the four were filled by either current or former news directors. And we have a MOST unusual story from Nashville.

Lyons

We’ll start in Chicago (market #3) where longtime former WGN-TV (and short time News Nation executive) JENNIFER LYONS was named GM for the CBS o-and-o there, WBBM-TV. The news came just a few days after the station won the National Edward R. Murrow Award for overall excellence. More from longtime Chicago media reporter ROBERT FEDER.

Jennifer replaces DEREK DALTON who left the station last month along with JAY HOWELL, the GM at KCBS-TV in Los Angeles.

CBS has now filled two of its GM openings with former news directors, the other being JOHNNY GREEN Jr. who took over at flagship WCBS-TV in New York. Still to be filled: o-and-o’s in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Denver. Expect at least one newsperson to get one of those jobs.

Ellis

On to Detroit, where BOB ELLIS will be the next GM for Graham Media’s WDIV-TV (NBC). It’s a return to WDIV and Detroit for Bob, who spent 15 years there, including 18 months as ND. Bob left in 2009 when he was promoted to GM of sister station WJXT-TV in Jacksonville. FL. Details here. He replaces MARLA DRUTZ who announced her retirement earlier this year.

And Gray Television didn’t want to be left out of all the fun, promoting TWO new GMs and ONE news director (to fill the void left by one of the GM promotions).

Corrente

RONNA CORRENTE returns to her native Kentucky as the next GM for Gray’s Louisville station, WAVE-TV (NBC). She’s been the GM for WVUE-TV (FOX) in New Orleans but began her career in sales at WDKY-TV in Lexington, KY. She replaces KEN SELVAGGI.

Schaefer

Gray wasted no time filling her job in New Orleans, promoting longtime news director MIKEL SCHAEFER. He’s been the ND at WVUE since 2008 and previously worked at WWL-TV (CBS) in NOLA.

Palestina

But you can put your resume away…he’s being replaced as news director by the assistant ND at WVUE, KRISTEN PALESTINA. She’s a 12 year veteran of the station, and spent two years before that at WWL.

All the Gray changes are detailed in this news release.

Finally, our nominee for bizarro story of the week comes from Nashville, where a former massage therapist…facing charges of sex crimes against women…now faces additional charges of identity theft and criminal impersonation.

Of a news director.

Specifically, former WSMV-TV (Meredith/NBC) ND MITCH JACOB.

Read the station’s story here.

We’ll have lots more in this week’s full newsletter later this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Perhaps a reflection of the summer doldrums, but a relative slow week of news management changes. Just TWO new NDs to share, with ONE new opening. Our list of open ND jobs stands at 36.

TWO of those 36 jobs are featured in our FOUR paid help wanted ads. There are also ads for TWO EP openings in Charlotte and for an Assistant ND job at a powerhouse small market station.

Also pleased when there are no obituaries, as is the case this week.

We now have the second and third Presidents of the CBS o-and-o group. And we’ll tell you about a former ND who’s becoming a GM, and you’ll also learn about a new GM in Norfolk.

In Kentucky, a former anchor/reporter at one station returns to another as its new Assistant ND, and a new Phoenix ND talks to the newspaper about his plans.

Read on for details!

Newly Named News Directors:

Gegg

WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY…CHRIS GEGG moves within Tegna as he’ll be the next news director for this ABC affiliate. He’s been the ND for Tegna’s WVEC-TV (also ABC) for the last 18 months, but this move gets him closer to family in Missouri. Chris is a former ND in Albany, NY, Milwaukee and Madison, WI and has worked in Detroit, Tampa, Nashville, Toledo, and Midland, TX. At WHAS, he replaces JULIE WOLFE who was transferred to Tegna’s KING-TV in Seattle.

BonFleur

WDTV, Bridgeport, WV…congratulations to BRENT BONFLEUR who moves within Gray for his first ND job at this CBS affiliate. Details here from the station’s website. Brent is currently the Assistant ND at KLKN-TV in Lincoln, NE, where he began as the weekend producer and worked his way up. He replaces MICHAEL BALDWIN who moved to Gray’s WTVG-TV in Toledo as Assistant ND.

New News Director Opening:

Calderon

KUAN-TV, San Diego, CA…PEDRO CALDERON has resigned as news director for this Telemundo owned news operation which shares facilities with parent company NBC’s owned station, KNSD-TV. Pedro came to San Diego to launch the station in 2017. More details about his past…and future…in this story from Media Moves. He’s a former ND in Denver and Sacramento.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WBRE-TV, Wilkes-Barre, PA:

This is the market where it all started…

Join the largest TV ownership group in the country in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Market #58) as NEWS DIRECTOR.

A lot has changed since the early days of Nexstar Media Group 25 years ago. We now own 199 stations in 116 markets… But our commitment to the original market – now with WBRE/NBC and WYOU/CBS – and the original mission – serving our communities with LOCAL NEWS – is stronger than ever.

The perfect candidate for this perfect opportunity is collaborative, creative and competitive. We are looking for someone dynamic and innovative, with a proven track record of success on broadcast and digital platforms. We are ready to move you so you can move us.

This could be where it all starts for you, too. Imagine where Nexstar could take you.

Apply here!

News Director, WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH:

Cox Media Group in Dayton, OH is seeking a strategic, team-oriented, and passionate journalist to lead the powerhouse WHIO TV team as our News Director.

WHIO TV is the Dayton region’s number one station for news and the number one CBS affiliate in the nation in household shares. The News Center 7 newsroom is a respected organization driven by aggressive, investigative storytelling, cutting edge producing, and the region’s best severe weather team.

This is a rare opportunity for a leader who possesses a passion for local news along with the highest standards for producing unbiased and impactful reporting for our audience. The WHIO philosophy is built on a foundation of breaking news and investigative journalism that is dedicated to pursing the facts and holds that the truth is the ultimate, unwavering guide.

Our ideal candidate will be a hands-on servant leader, with a vision and mission to serve the needs of our viewers while fueling the passion and professional development of our news team.

The CMG culture is based on the idea that we compete with our products, but we win with our people.

If you are ready to help our team to their best work for the Dayton region, click on the link below and apply today.

Click here to apply.

We want innovative, agile and savvy risk-takers with entrepreneurial minds and diverse points of view on our team. If this description fits, we’d love to have you join CMG.

Executive Producers, Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC:

Are you ready to make a change in your career and join a news organization that values true storytelling and quality content? Ready to showcase your management skills in a fantastic, fast-growing market?

Spectrum News currently has two Executive Producer openings in our Charlotte Newsroom and we’re hiring immediately.

Click the link for specifics—but we want Journalists who believe in what we are all about. We are looking for someone with 5+ years of management experience who excels at leading and coaching a multi-generational workforce.

We’re innovative. We’re growing. We’re different. If you haven’t yet considered Spectrum Networks for your next job—now is the time! Questions? Email Mike.bothwell@charter.com

Click here to apply.

Assistant News Director, KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR:

KAIT, Gray Television’s dominant #1 station in Jonesboro, Arkansas is looking for its next Assistant News Director.

This person will work side by side with our news director to run the day-to-day newsroom across all platforms. The best candidate will demonstrate how they build a team as well as the ability to train reporters and producers.

Jonesboro is the regional hub, seeing yearly double-digit growth. Jonesboro is also home to Arkansas State University and a short drive to mountains, lakes, and rivers.

Gray Television supports local community interests by providing quality television broadcasting and exceptional service in each market we serve. Gray owns and/or operates television stations and leading digital properties over 100 television markets including the first or second highest rated television station in 86 markets.

We are an unmatched broadcast pioneer that keeps getting bigger and better.

If you are looking for that first leadership role or an experienced leader, apply today.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 6/13/21)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/4/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (listed 7/4/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (listed 6/18/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 7/4/21)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/25/21)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)
KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR (listed 8/8/21, see ad above!)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, listed 8/8/21, see ad above!)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/27/21)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted this week)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/25/21)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro-High Point, NC (AM EP, relisted 8/1/21)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 7/4/21)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted 8/8/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 7/4/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 7/4/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, relisted 6/13/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 7/18/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 6/27/21)

More News Management Openings:

New listing this week:

WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 8/1/21:

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 7/11/21:

KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (Senior Manager of Investigative)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (Real Time Desk Manager)

Relisted 6/27/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content

Listed 6/20/21:

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Digital Content Director)

Names in the News:

Combs

MIRANDA COMBS returns to television as she’ll be the first assistant news director for start-up WDKY-TV (FOX) in Lexington, KY. She’s spent the last year+ working for the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office, but before that she spent more than 13 years (in two stints) for cross-town CBS affiliate WKYT-TV. The details are in this story.

Jacob

Newly-returned-to-Phoenix news director MITCH JACOB talked with The Arizona Republic for his plans at his new station, KNXV-TV (Scripps/ABC). Earlier in his career, Mitch was the ND for KPHO-TV in Phoenix. He’s also been a news director in Washington, DC, Columbus, OH, Wichita, Toledo and Harlingen, TX.

General Manager News and Notes:

More changes at the CBS owned station division. JENNIFER MITCHELL and TOM CANEDO become the second and third Presidents of the o-and-o’s. They join ADRIENNE ROARK in that role. This story from Deadline.com explains their backgrounds and responsibilities.

LaVelle

We like to celebrate the ascension of news people to the GM’s job, so it’s our pleasure to share that RHONDA LaVELLE is the latest to make that move. She’ll be the next GM for Hubbard KAAL-TV (ABC) in Rochester, MN. She most recently was ND for WXYZ-TV in Detroit, leaving in January after five years. She also spent two years as ND for KPRC-TV in Houston. And Rhonda held a number of jobs during 15 years at WDIV-TV in Detroit and she also produced in Saginaw.

Chase

ADAM CHASE is the new GM for Scripps’ WTKR-TV (CBS) in Norfolk, VA. He’s currently the GM for sister-Scripps station KXXV-TV in Waco, TX, and earlier had run KERO-TV, the Scripps station in Bakersfield, CA.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 15, 2021:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

WCBS-TV 530 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KMSP/WTTC-TV 11358 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
KUTV 299 South Main St. # 150, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
WHNS-TV 21 Interstate Court Greenville, SC 29615
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701 (see ad above!)
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza. Buffalo, NY 14202
KJRH-TV 3701 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74105
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409 (see ad above!)
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St Charleston, WV 25301
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WFFF/WVNV-TV 298 Mountain View Dr, Colchester, VT 05446
KFSM-TV 5101 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KATC-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Road. Lafayette, LA 70506
KION-TV 1550 Moffett Street Salinas, CA 93905
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
WTVM-TV 1909 Wynnton Rd Columbus, GA 31906
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road Rockford, IL 61103
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave., Duluth MN 55802
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WJET-TV 8455 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501

**: Spanish language station

August 8, 2021

Greetings:

Happy 47th anniversary to those of you who remember that President RICHARD NIXON resigned on this date in 1974. I happened to be visiting Washington that day and had taken the public tour of the White House, learning when my friends and I left that the President was going to quit.

A flurry of news director hires this week, with SIX new NDs to tell you about. Notably, FIVE of the SIX were promoted within their current company. And I know of NO new openings, so our list of open ND jobs drops to 37.

THREE of those 37 jobs are among our FIVE paid help wanted ads. There are also ads for TWO EP openings in Charlotte and for an Assistant ND job at a powerhouse small market station.

Sorry to report the passing of a longtime Hearst GM who ran his station for more than 27 years.

In Names in the News, a tough health battle facing a New York City news director while another NYC station gets a network veteran as its new managing editor. There’s a new head of Newsy, and a new job for a veteran newsman who’s spent the last few years working as a fill-in ND for lots of stations.

In Louisville, ONE new GM while a veteran GM leaves another station, and Gray promotes a GM in West Virginia.

Lots of news this week…read on!

Newly Named News Directors:

Long

WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL…BAYLOR LONG has been named news director for this Hearst owned NBC affiliate. Details in this story, where you’ll learn that Baylor has been the Assistant ND at Hearst’s WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. WVTM will be his FIFTH job at a Hearst station. In Birmingham, he replaces SUE STEPHENS who is retiring after six years at WVTM and 40 years in our business.

Harris

KTUL-TV, Tulsa, OK…an promotion within Sinclair, as Le’ONDRE HARRIS moves to Oklahoma to become news director’s at this ABC affiliate. She’s the Assistant ND for WBFF-TV (FOX) in Baltimore and has worked in Atlanta, Seattle, Houston, and San Antonio and for the Weather Channel. She replaces PHILLIP BRUCE who also moved within Sinclair and is now the ND for KOMO-TV (ABC) in Seattle.

Stroud

KTAL-TV, Shreveport, LA…MARCUS STROUD will be the next ND for this Nexstar owned NBC affiliate. It’s another inter-company move as Marcus leaves Nexstar’s WIAT-TV in Birmingham, where he was Assistant ND. Marcus, who began as a photographer, earlier was Chief Photographer at WAKA-TV in Montgomery. He replaces JOHN WALTON who moved to Nexstar’s WVLA/WGMB-TV, in Baton Rouge

Sweeney

KBMT-TV, Beaumont, TX…GINNY SWEENEY, a Beaumont native, is on the job as the ND for this Tegna owned ABC/NBC operation. She’s been working for KAKE-TV in Wichita as Special Projects Producer. More in this email to the staff. Ginny’s also worked in Houston. Sadly, she last made these pages in April when we reported the sudden death of her husband, JOHN, the creative services director at KAKE.

Phillips

WBKO-TV, Bowling Green, KY…KALUP PHILLIPS moves within Gray Television as he joins this ABC affiliate for his first news director’s job. He’s spent the last eight years at Gray’s KAIT-TV (ABC) in Jonesboro, the last four years as the Assistant News Director. (KAIT is looking for this replacement…check out the station’s paid help wanted ad below). AT WBKO, he replaces longtime ND HENRY CHU who retired in April after 14 years as ND here.

KLST-TV, San Angelo, TX…yet ANOTHER inter-company moves results in CODY BROWN being promoted to ND for this CBS station. He has been the assistant news director and replaces DAVID WAGNER who left the station earlier this summer.

New News Director Openings:

To the best of my knowledge, there are NO new openings this week. If I’ve missed something, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WBRE-TV, Wilkes-Barre, PA:

This is the market where it all started…

Join the largest TV ownership group in the country in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Market #58) as NEWS DIRECTOR.

A lot has changed since the early days of Nexstar Media Group 25 years ago. We now own 199 stations in 116 markets… But our commitment to the original market – now with WBRE/NBC and WYOU/CBS – and the original mission – serving our communities with LOCAL NEWS – is stronger than ever.

The perfect candidate for this perfect opportunity is collaborative, creative and competitive. We are looking for someone dynamic and innovative, with a proven track record of success on broadcast and digital platforms. We are ready to move you so you can move us.

This could be where it all starts for you, too. Imagine where Nexstar could take you.

Apply here!

News Director, WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH:

Cox Media Group in Dayton, OH is seeking a strategic, team-oriented, and passionate journalist to lead the powerhouse WHIO TV team as our News Director.

WHIO TV is the Dayton region’s number one station for news and the number one CBS affiliate in the nation in household shares. The News Center 7 newsroom is a respected organization driven by aggressive, investigative storytelling, cutting edge producing, and the region’s best severe weather team.

This is a rare opportunity for a leader who possesses a passion for local news along with the highest standards for producing unbiased and impactful reporting for our audience. The WHIO philosophy is built on a foundation of breaking news and investigative journalism that is dedicated to pursing the facts and holds that the truth is the ultimate, unwavering guide.

Our ideal candidate will be a hands-on servant leader, with a vision and mission to serve the needs of our viewers while fueling the passion and professional development of our news team.

The CMG culture is based on the idea that we compete with our products, but we win with our people.

If you are ready to help our team to their best work for the Dayton region, click on the link below and apply today.

Click here to apply.

We want innovative, agile and savvy risk-takers with entrepreneurial minds and diverse points of view on our team. If this description fits, we’d love to have you join CMG.

Executive Producers, Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC:

Are you ready to make a change in your career and join a news organization that values true storytelling and quality content? Ready to showcase your management skills in a fantastic, fast-growing market?

Spectrum News currently has two Executive Producer openings in our Charlotte Newsroom and we’re hiring immediately.

Click the link for specifics—but we want Journalists who believe in what we are all about. We are looking for someone with 5+ years of management experience who excels at leading and coaching a multi-generational workforce.

We’re innovative. We’re growing. We’re different. If you haven’t yet considered Spectrum Networks for your next job—now is the time! Questions? Email Mike.bothwell@charter.com

Click here to apply.

Assistant News Director, KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR:

KAIT, Gray Television’s dominant #1 station in Jonesboro, Arkansas is looking for its next Assistant News Director.

This person will work side by side with our news director to run the day-to-day newsroom across all platforms. The best candidate will demonstrate how they build a team as well as the ability to train reporters and producers.

Jonesboro is the regional hub, seeing yearly double-digit growth. Jonesboro is also home to Arkansas State University and a short drive to mountains, lakes, and rivers.

Gray Television supports local community interests by providing quality television broadcasting and exceptional service in each market we serve. Gray owns and/or operates television stations and leading digital properties over 100 television markets including the first or second highest rated television station in 86 markets.

We are an unmatched broadcast pioneer that keeps getting bigger and better.

If you are looking for that first leadership role or an experienced leader, apply today.

News Director, KION-TV, Monterey/Salinas, CA:

KION News Channel 5, located in beautiful Monterey County, California, is seeking an extraordinary journalist to lead a growing news team. In addition to CBS we produce news daily on CW and Telemundo.

Our News Director will be a visionary coach who understands how to produce compelling and distinctive content on all multi-media platforms. Must have proven skillset to maximize content and customer engagement on digital and social media platforms. Must demonstrate a passion for the product with strong oversight and consistent communication and feedback.

The successful candidate will be called upon to provide strategic direction for daily news coverage as well as working closely with the General Manager on long-range planning, special news coverage and station projects.

Applicants should be prepared to discuss:

Previous experience
Creative approaches to building and innovating news brand
Digital and social strategies
Effective use of social media in a broadcast environment
Previous experience managing financial, technical and people resources

KION was acquired by News-Press & Gazette Company in December 2013, and has recently made significant capital investments to build a strong local news organization.

Candidate must pass a drug test and background check. A valid driver’s license is required. Please apply online by submitting brief cover letter that includes resume, and source of referral by clicking here.

NPG of Monterey-Salinas, CA LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Posting closes when position is filled.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (new listing this week)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 6/13/21)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/4/21)
WDKY-TV, Lexington, KY (listed 6/27/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (listed 7/4/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (listed 6/18/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 7/4/21)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/25/21)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)
KAIT-TV, Jonesboro, AR (new listing this week, see ad above!)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, new this week, see ad above!)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/27/21)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 6/13/21)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/25/21)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro-High Point, NC (AM EP, relisted 8/1/21)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 7/4/21)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (relisted this week)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 7/4/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 7/4/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, relisted 6/13/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 7/18/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 7/11/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 6/27/21)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted 8/1/21:

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 7/11/21:

KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (Senior Manager of Investigative)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (Real Time Desk Manager)

Relisted 6/27/21:

Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content

Listed 6/20/21:

KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Digital Content Director)

Obituaries:

Paul F.

PAUL FREDERICKSEN, who ran Des Moines’ KCCI-TV (Hearst/CBS) for more than 27 years, died Friday at the age of 76. Paul had worked in the insurance business before moving to TV, joining KCCI (then KRNT-TV) as business manager. His obituary is here, and his former station remembered him with this story.

Schruth

PETER SCHRUTH, a longtime affiliate relations VP at CBS, died in mid-July at the age of 69. He spent most of his career at CBS or one of its owned stations. A funeral service is planned for later this year.

Names in the News:

Aslam

REHAN ASLAM, the relatively new news director for WABC-TV in New York, is recovering from a surgery to remove a brain tumor. Earlier this week, he posted a Facebook Live discussing his case, but it’s no longer public. However, WABC anchor BILL RITTER did post this on Facebook which offers some more details. Best wishes, Rehan, who joined WABC just a few months ago from sister ABC o-and-o KTRK-TV in Houston.

Passant

Longtime CBS News employee COURT PASSANT joins Nexstar’s WPIX-TV in New York as Managing Editor. Court shared this note with me that he posted to Linkedin. His tenure at CBS included a stint as VP, Affiliate Marketing for CBS. Recently he consulted for FOX and Salesforce. Court’s also worked in Louisville, South Bend, and Columbia, MO.

Ludgood

ERIC LUDGOOD joins Scripps’ Newsy as Head of News. He’s currently the Assistant news director for FOX’s WAGA-TV in Atlanta. He’s a former news director in Atlanta (WGCL-TV/CBS) and Raleigh (WNCN-TV/then NBC, where he worked for five months). Eric also worked for 12 years at CNN in a variety of roles.

Ackermann

STEVE ACKERMANN can unpack his bags, at least for a while. After his time as VP/News for Raycom ended, he’s been working as a fill-in ND for many stations. Now, he’s accepted a one year appointment as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of North Texas in Denton. More from his post on Linkedin. He’s a former ND in Cincinnati, helped launch Texas Cable News, and spent many years working for CBS News. Click here if you want to send him a kind note.

Readers of a certain age will remember “The Lighting Round” from the game show Password. Consider this section our version of that.

A number of news managers on the move:

ANN ISSAC joins KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver as Morning EP. Here’s the note to staff from ND BRIAN GREGORY.

DEYJA CHARLES jumps to Scripps’ KGTV (ABC) in San Diego as EP. She’s been working as an EP for the Scripps’ station in Waco, KXXV-TV.

At another Scripps station, KSHB-TV (NBC) in Kansas City, RYAN TAKEO is the new Senior Manager of Investigations. He’s been the Managing Editor for KOMU-TV in Columbia, MO, and has worked as a reporter in San Francisco, Seattle and Grand Rapids, MI.

RON JACOBSOHN joins Nexstar’s WKRG-TV (CBS) in Mobile. Ron has been freelancing in Los Angeles, but previously worked for RNN-TV in New York.

MURRY LEE gets bumped up to Digital EP for WJHL-TV in Johnson City, TN. He had been a digital content producer at that Nexstar/CBS station.

Finally at WKOW-TV in Madison, WI, CAROLINE BACH was promoted to Content Manager.

General Manager News and Notes:

Two GM changes in Louisville:

Columbia

At Tegna’s WHAS-TV, LISA COLUMBIA has been promoted to GM. She’s worked at this ABC affiliate since 2012, first as local sales manager and then as GSM. Lisa’s also worked in Lexington and replaces CHRISTY MORENO who was promoted to GM for Tegna’s KING-TV in Seattle.

Across town, WAVE-TV GM KEN SELVAGGI has left that Gray owned NBC affiliate after more than ten years as ND. He’s also been a GM in Montgomery and is a former news director.

Another Gray station has a new GM. CHARITY HOLMAN has been upped to GM here. More here. She’ll continue her role as general sales manager. She’s worked at this NBC affiliate for about 15 years.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, August 8, 2021:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

WCBS-TV 530 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KMSP/WTTC-TV 11358 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
KUTV 299 South Main St. # 150, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
WHNS-TV 21 Interstate Court Greenville, SC 29615
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701 (see ad above!)
WHAS-TV 520 West Chestnut Street Louisville, KY 40202
WKBW-TV 7 Broadcast Plaza. Buffalo, NY 14202
KJRH-TV 3701 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74105
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409 (see ad above!)
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St Charleston, WV 25301
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WFFF/WVNV-TV 298 Mountain View Dr, Colchester, VT 05446
KFSM-TV 5101 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KATC-TV 1808 Eraste Landry Road. Lafayette, LA 70506
KION-TV 1550 Moffett Street Salinas, CA 93905 (see ad above!)
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
WTVM-TV 1909 Wynnton Rd Columbus, GA 31906
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road Rockford, IL 61103
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave., Duluth MN 55802
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WJET-TV 8455 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
WDTV 5 Television Drive. Bridgeport, WV 26330
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501

**: Spanish language station