Rick Gevers & Associates

December 26, 2022

Greetings:

I hope your holidays were happy and safe. Guessing it was chilly and snowy for many of you.

For a holiday weekend, we have more activity than I expected.

ONE new news director, ONE new opening, and lots of items in Names in the News.

23 stations are still looking for a news director, according to my always unofficial list of such things. And we have ONE paid help wanted ad for an Assistant ND in Rochester, MN.

There an obituary for an EP of an ABC News program and, for the second week, no news about GMs.

My crystal ball is cloudy as to how much activity we’ll have this week, but I anticipate publishing sometime over the weekend.

Stay safe and warm!

Newly Named News Directors:

Walker

WKBT-TV, LaCrosse, WI…JASON WALKER has been named news director for this Morgan Murphy Media owned CBS affiliate, the third ND in 30 years there. Here’s the note from GM CHRIS PALMER. Jason’s been the Assistant ND for KBTX-TV in Bryan, TX, and has worked in many markets in many roles. He replaces CHRISTI REYNARD who left the station in August after just over one year as ND.

New News Director Openings:

Garza

KGNS-TV, Laredo, TX…this Gray TV owned NBC/ABC operation has a posting on its website for a new news director. My records show that JERRY GARZA has been the news director (and anchor) there since 2016. I’ve emailed Jerry asking about his future plans, but have not yet heard back. If I do, I will pass that information along.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Assistant News Director, KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN:

ABC News Channel 6, KAAL-TV in Rochester, MN is looking for an Assistant News Director to help lead our news room operations.

KAAL is owned by Hubbard Broadcasting-a premier family-owned mid-sized media organization.

In this role, you would be in charge of the evening news broadcasts as well as having a key role in the recruitment and training of news producers and on-air talent.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about objective journalism, believes in treating people with respect and dignity and wants to be an active member of their community. This is a great opportunity for either a lateral move or for someone looking to get into leadership.

Rochester, MN is one of the fastest growing cities in America. Home of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester is one of the most highly-educated, affluent and diverse communities in the country. Repeatedly named as America’s Most Liveable City; Rochester is full of great schools, parks, cultural outlets and is just 90 minutes from Minneapolis-St. Paul and 4 hours from Chicago.

Learn more about this opportunity and apply by clicking here and searching for jobs in Rochester, MN.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KPNX-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 11/6/22)
WGBA-TV, Green Bay, WI (relisted 10/30/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted 10/23/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 11/13/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 11/6/22)
KETK-TV, Tyler, TX (listed 12/11/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 10/30/22)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (listed 12/18/22, see ad above!)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (EP & Digital EP, listing revised 12/4/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM EP, relisted 10/9/22)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 10/30/22)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (listed 12/26/22)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (AM EP, listed 10/9/22)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 11/20/22)
WRTV, Indianpolis, IN (listed 11/20/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 12/11/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 12/4/22)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City (relisted 10/30/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 11/20/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 12/11/22)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 12/4/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 10/30/22)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (AM EP, relisted 10/30/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (relisted 11/13/22)
WIVB/WNLO-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 11/6/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 12/11/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 12/11/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 11/6/22)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (listed 12/11/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 12/11/22)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (Digital EP, listed 12/11/22)
WFFT-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN (listed 12/11/22)
WRBL-TV, Columbus, GA (Digital EP, listed 11/20/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (relisted 10/30/22)
KFDX-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (listed 10/23/22)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 12/18/22)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 12/4/22:

KGET-TV, Bakersfield, CA (Digital Content Manager)

Obituary:

Tejera

DEX TEJERA, the executive producer of ABC’s Sunday morning program This Week, died of a heart attack on Friday, December 23rd. He was just 39 years old and leaves behind a wife and two young daughters. Details in this story from Variety. Dex also worked in local news in New York, as you’ll see in his Linkedin profile.

Names in the News:

A number of quick items for your reading pleasure.

The Standard General-Tegna deal is still unresolved. The latest: Standard’s letter to the FCC pledging no layoffs for two years.

Former CNN producer JOHN GRIFFIN will be sentenced in March after pleading guilty to federal sex charges.

Scripps has created a new division to explore opportunities creating partnerships with sports leagues.

After 34 years at WMUR-TV (Hearst/ABC) in Manchester, NH, including a stint as news director, JENNIFER CROMPTON is retiring.

WLBT-TV (Gray/NBC) in Jackson, MS, has hired a radio news director from Indianapolis, CHRIS DAVIS, to oversee online reporting, accord to the Indianapolis Business Journal.

General Manager News and Notes:

Once again, I’m not aware of any GM moves this week.Please let me know if you know of something I missed.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Monday, December 26, 2022:

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 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KSAT-TV 1408 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78215
KVUE- TV 3201 Steck Avenue, Austin, TX 78757
WWMT-TV 590 West Maple St. Kalamazoo, MI 49008
KSEE/KGPE-TV 5035 E McKinley Ave. Fresno, CA 93727
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WSLS-TV 821 5th St. NE Roanoke, VA 24016
WISC-TV 7025 Raymond Rd. Madison, WI 53719
WJRT-TV 2302 Lapeer Rd. Flint MI 48503
KIVI-TV 1866 E. Chisholm Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
KHGI-TV 1078 25 Road Axtell, NE 68924
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
WJET-TV 8455 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
WGFL/WNBW/WMYG-TV 1703 NW 80th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WBUP/WKBP-TV 1705 Ash Street Suite 5 Ishpeming, MI 49849
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KGNS-TV 120 W. Del Mar Blvd. Laredo TX 78041
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KNOP-TV 402. S. Dewey. North Platte NE 69101

**: Spanish language station

December 18, 2022

Greetings:

A busy week!

THREE new news directors to tell you about, with TWO new openings.

Those changes mean 23 jobs remain on our list of open ND positions.

We have TWO Paid Help Wanted ads, ONE for an Assistant ND job at a family owned station in the Upper Midwest and ONE for an EP in Ft. Wayne.

We have news of the upcoming retirement of TOM DOLAN, a longtime management recruiter, former consultant, and two time large market news director. That is Names in the News, along with a third book from another former consultant, GM, and ND…and news of another former ND who’s been named CEO or a state wide non-profit news organization.

There are THREE obituaries for former news directors, and, as far as I know, no GM changes.

As you know, next Sunday is Christmas. I plan to publish sometime over the holiday weekend.

Until then, Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Newly Named News Directors:

Burger

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA…LISA BURGER moves within Nexstar and within California as she’ll be the next news director for this FOX affiliate. Here’s the note to staff from General Manager SCOT CHASTAIN. Lisa’s been the ND for KSEE/KGPE-TV in Fresno for more than three years. She worked for another Fresno station earlier in her career and also worked in Denver and San Diego. Lisa replaces veteran newsman ED KOSOWSKI who left in October after 1 1/2 years as ND.

Fickett

KTIV-TV, Sioux City, IA…KIM FICKETT moves from Digital Content Manager to ND at this Gray owned NBC affiliate. It’s a quick ascension for Kim, who joined KTIV in September as Digital Content Manager, coming from editor of the Le Mars Sentinel. She’s being replaced in the digital job by DEAN WELTE. Kim replaces KEITH BLIVEN as ND. He originally moved to Operations Manager in May and this week was promoted to Director of Operations.

Marshall

KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR…CATHY MARSHALL has been promoted to news director for this News-Press & Gazette owned NBC affiliate. She joined the station earlier this year as the morning anchor. Cathy’s worked for CNN, and for stations in Boston, Seattle, New Haven and for KGW-TV in Portland, OR, for eleven years before joining KTVZ. Cathy replaces NIC MOYE who left earlier this year after six years as ND.

New News Director Openings:

KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA…you learned above that LISA BURGER is leaving this Nexstar owned NBC/CBS duopoly to become ND for Nexstar’s KTXL-TV (FOX) in Sacramento.

Cerbo

KIVI-TV, Boise, ID…CHRIS CERBO is leaving this Scripps owned ABC affiliate after less than a year in the top job. He was promoted to news director (from Assistant ND) last March when J BATES moved to the Scripps recruiting team. Chris has previously worked in Charlottesville, VA, and Myrtle Beach.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Assistant News Director, KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN:

ABC News Channel 6, KAAL-TV in Rochester, MN is looking for an Assistant News Director to help lead our news room operations.

KAAL is owned by Hubbard Broadcasting-a premier family-owned mid-sized media organization.

In this role, you would be in charge of the evening news broadcasts as well as having a key role in the recruitment and training of news producers and on-air talent.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about objective journalism, believes in treating people with respect and dignity and wants to be an active member of their community. This is a great opportunity for either a lateral move or for someone looking to get into leadership.

Rochester, MN is one of the fastest growing cities in America. Home of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester is one of the most highly-educated, affluent and diverse communities in the country. Repeatedly named as America’s Most Liveable City; Rochester is full of great schools, parks, cultural outlets and is just 90 minutes from Minneapolis-St. Paul and 4 hours from Chicago.

Learn more about this opportunity and apply by clicking here and searching for jobs in Rochester, MN.

Executive Producer, WFFT-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN:

WFFT in Fort Wayne, Ind. (DMA 111) is searching for an executive producer to create great content, help manage our staff, and execute some exciting projects we have in the works.

The pay range is between $45,000 and $55,000 a year in a city that is safe and one of the most affordable in the country. The hours are mostly dayside so no early mornings and few late nights.

You’ll join a talented and diverse newsroom where training and culture is a priority. At least two years of experience as a line-producer required.

Send questions to news director Andy Paras at aparas@wfft.com

Apply here:

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KPNX-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 11/6/22)
WGBA-TV, Green Bay, WI (relisted 10/30/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted 10/23/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 11/13/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 11/6/22)
KETK-TV, Tyler, TX (listed 12/11/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 10/30/22)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (listed 12/18/22, see ad above!)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (EP & Digital EP, listing revised 12/4/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM EP, relisted 10/9/22)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 10/30/22)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (AM EP, listed 10/9/22)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 11/20/22)
WRTV, Indianpolis, IN (listed 11/20/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 12/11/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 12/4/22)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City (relisted 10/30/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 11/20/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 12/11/22)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 12/4/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 10/30/22)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (AM EP, relisted 10/30/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (relisted 11/13/22)
WIVB/WNLO-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 11/6/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 12/11/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 12/11/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 11/6/22)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (listed 12/11/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 12/11/22)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (Digital EP, listed 12/11/22)
WFFT-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN (listed 12/11/22, see ad above!)
WRBL-TV, Columbus, GA (Digital EP, listed 11/20/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (relisted 10/30/22)
KFDX-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (listed 10/23/22)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 12/18/22)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 12/4/22:

KGET-TV, Bakersfield, CA (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 11/13/22:

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)

Obituaries:

Haley

I’m sorry to tell you that SKIP HALEY died today at a Louisiana hospice after a long illness. Skip’s a former news director in Atlanta (WSB-TV) and Montgomery, AL (WSFA-TV) and served as interim ND for KNOE-TV in Monroe, LA. He also worked for more than 25 years for WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, LA. In recent years, Skip had worked as a diver. More details about his career on his Linkedin page. I hope to have more in next week’s edition.

Pontz

Another obituary of a former news director: ANDREW PONTZ was 80 when he died last Sunday (December 11). Andrew  had battled Parkinson’s disease for more than 17 years. He had been an ND at a number of stations, including KNOE-TV in Monroe, LA, KTAL-TV in Shreveport, LA, and KBTX-TV in Bryan, TX, which remembered him here.

Floyd

JOHN FROYD began his career in radio and then transitioned to television, working in a number of markets, most of them in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He died earlier this month at the age of 89. John was an ND in Alexandria, MN, worked in Green Bay (where he announced the famous ‘Ice Bowl’ game, and spent eight years as the main anchor at WEAU-TV in Eau Claire, WI, which aired this tribute to him.

Names in the News:

 Dolan

TV management recruiter TOM DOLAN is retiring at the end of the year. Details of his background and decision in this note he sent me. Tom’s been head of Dolan Media Management for 23 years following a career as a consultant (Broadcast Image Group) and news director in Phoenix (KSAZ-TV) and Chicago (WLS-TV). Many of you met Tom at industry conventions where he was a regular attendee and frequent presenter. Friends can wish him well via an email sent here.

  Willi

Another old friend, JIM WILLI, has been busy since retiring from AR&D in 2018. He’s now published his THIRD book, The Firebug of Cedar Creek. Jim sent this note:

Wanted to let you know I published my third novel in three years this week.

As usual I use real facts (this time the history of volunteer fire departments around Cedar Creek Lake) coupled with fictional mayhem (a serial arsonist).

If any of your readers are interested have them drop me an email at JWilli@ar-d.com and I’ll send them a signed copy and an invoice.

Thanks brother- Merry Christmas!!

Walker

I hope you are aware of the growth of non-profit news organizations around the country. One of them is the South Dakota News Watch, which describes itself at the state’s first nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization. It has hired CARSON WALKER as its first CEO. He’s a former news director for KDLT-TV in Sioux Falls and also worked for the AP. More in this story, where you will also learn that longtime TV executive MARCI BURDICK will serve as the board chair for the organization.

General Manager News and Notes:

I’m not aware of any GM moves this week.Please let me know if you know of something I missed.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, December 18, 2022:

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 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KSAT-TV 1408 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78215
KVUE- TV 3201 Steck Avenue, Austin, TX 78757
WWMT-TV 590 West Maple St. Kalamazoo, MI 49008
KSEE/KGPE-TV 5035 E McKinley Ave. Fresno, CA 93727
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WSLS-TV 821 5th St. NE Roanoke, VA 24016
WISC-TV 7025 Raymond Rd. Madison, WI 53719
WJRT-TV 2302 Lapeer Rd. Flint MI 48503
KIVI-TV 1866 E. Chisholm Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
KHGI-TV 1078 25 Road Axtell, NE 68924
WKBT-TV 141 South 6th Street La Crosse, WI 54601
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
WJET-TV 8455 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
WGFL/WNBW/WMYG-TV 1703 NW 80th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WBUP/WKBP-TV 1705 Ash Street Suite 5 Ishpeming, MI 49849
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KNOP-TV 402. S. Dewey. North Platte NE 69101

**: Spanish language station

December 11, 2022

Greetings:

It’s a rare occurrence as there are NO news director changes in this week’s report, but we do have some newsworthy items.

That means 24 jobs remain on our list of open ND positions.

We have TWO Paid Help Wanted ads, one for an EP in Ft. Wayne, IN, and the other for an EP job in San Diego.

There are obituaries for a longtime ND who’s been off the job for six years following a stroke, the founder of Survey USA, and more information about an obituary we first shared last week.

Just ONE Name in the News, a new Managing Editor in Atlanta.

And a new GM at a FOX o-an-o, and some promotions in executive ranks at Gray Television.

A reminder that your contributions are important for us as we comply this newsletter. Send me items to: rick@rickgevers.com.

Newly Named News Directors:

No new news directors to my knowledge. If I’ve missed anything, please let me know.

New News Director Openings:

To my knowledge, there are no news director openings this week.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, WFFT- TV, Ft. Wayne, IN:

WFFT in Fort Wayne, Ind. (DMA 111) is searching for an executive producer to create great content, help manage our staff, and execute some exciting projects we have in the works.

The pay range is between $45,000 and $55,000 a year in a city that is safe and one of the most affordable in the country. The hours are mostly dayside so no early mornings and few late nights.

You’ll join a talented and diverse newsroom where training and culture is a priority. At least two years of experience as a line-producer required.

Send questions to news director Andy Paras at aparas@wfft.com

Apply here:

Morning Executive Producer, KSWB- TV, San Diego, CA:

FOX 5 San Diego is looking for an Executive Producer to lead our 5.5 hour -long top -rated morning newscast!

You would join a diverse newsroom and management team, with a culture of mentoring and growth.
You’ll oversee the use of an innovative set and outdoor back lot for all aspects – from news content, guest segments, story showcasing, remote shows, balancing team dynamics.

Winter is coming. Who wouldn’t want to work in San Diego?

Learn more and apply here!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KPNX-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 11/6/22)
WGBA-TV, Green Bay, WI (relisted 10/30/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted 10/23/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 11/13/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 11/6/22)
KETK-TV, Tyler, TX (listed 12/11/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 10/30/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (EP & Digital EP, listing revised 12/4/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM EP, relisted 10/9/22)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 10/30/22)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (AM EP, listed 10/9/22)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 11/20/22)
WRTV, Indianpolis, IN (listed 11/20/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 12/11/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 12/4/22. see ad above!)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City (relisted 10/30/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted 11/20/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 12/11/22)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 12/4/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (relisted 10/30/22)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (AM EP, relisted 10/30/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (relisted 11/13/22)
WIVB/WNLO-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 11/6/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 12/11/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 12/11/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 11/6/22)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (listed 12/11/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 12/11/22)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (Digital EP, listed 12/11/22)
WANE-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN (Digital EP, listed 12/4/22)
WFFT-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN (listed 12/11/22, see ad above!)
WRBL-TV, Columbus, GA (Digital EP, listed 11/20/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (relisted 10/30/22)
KFDX-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (listed 10/23/22)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 12/4/22:

KGET-TV, Bakersfield, CA (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 11/13/22:

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)

Obituaries:

Ragan

KEVIN RAGAN, a longtime news director who stepped away from the ND job at WILX-TV in Lansing after a stroke in 2016, died December 4th at the age of 68. He spent about 18 years as ND there. Kevin suffered another brain hemorrhage in November which lead to his passing. WILX remembered him with this tribute. Kevin also served as a news director in Wichita and Greenville, SC, and worked in Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

Leve

Many of you may have used a company called Survey USA to conduct polling and surveys over the years. Sorry to tell you that JAY LEVE, who founded the company after beginning his career at the Miami Herald, died last Monday. He was 65. The company’s current president, KEN ALPER, passed along this item from the Survey USA website, while a more traditional obituary can be found here.

Birge

Thanks to a loyal reader who passed along a link to an obituary for JERRY BIRGE. We told you last week that Jerry, a one-time ND for WTVW-TV in Evansville, has died. He was 83. Here’s the obituary which has a lot more information on his life and career. Jerry later hosted a show on Owensboro cable television.

Names in the News:

At WXIA-TV in Atlanta (Tegna/NBC), reporter/MMJ JOE HENKE has been promoted to Managing Editor.

General Manager News and Notes:

Lewis

I’m seeing a pattern here. MICHAEL LEWIS has been named Senior VP/GM for FOX o-and-o KSAZ/KUTP-TV (MNT) in Phoenix. He’s been the general manager for FOX’s KTBC-TV in Austin since 2011, when he replaced MARK RODMAN. Now he moves west to replace…you guessed it…Rodman in Phoenix. Mark is retiring after 24 years with FOX stations.

Gaston

Gray Television made some management moves this week. COLLIN GASTON, who’s been a Regional VP for Gray in addition to his duties as GM for the company’s WBRC-TV (FOX) in Birmingham, has been elevated to Senior VP. Collin’s a former GM for WSFA-TV in Montgomery, AL, and has also worked for stations in Tallahassee and Jacksonville, FL.

Mathews

JASON MATHEWS will replace Collin as GM at WBRC. He’s been the general sales manager there for the last three years and has worked at the station for 15 years. He’s had other roles with both WBRC, Gray, and its predecessor owner, Raycom, as you will learn in this news release which covers the promotions for both Jason and Collin Gaston.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, December 11, 2022:

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 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KTXL-TV, 4655 Fruitridge Rd, Sacramento, CA 95820
KSAT-TV 1408 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78215
KVUE- TV 3201 Steck Avenue, Austin, TX 78757
WWMT-TV 590 West Maple St. Kalamazoo, MI 49008
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WSLS-TV 821 5th St. NE Roanoke, VA 24016
WISC-TV 7025 Raymond Rd. Madison, WI 53719
WJRT-TV 2302 Lapeer Rd. Flint MI 48503
KHGI-TV 1078 25 Road Axtell, NE 68924
WKBT-TV 141 South 6th Street La Crosse, WI 54601
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
WJET-TV 8455 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
WGFL/WNBW/WMYG-TV 1703 NW 80th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WBUP/WKBP-TV 1705 Ash Street Suite 5 Ishpeming, MI 49849
KTIV-TV 2929 Signal Hill Drive. Sioux City, IA 51108
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KTVZ-TV 62990 O.B. Riley Rd. Bend OR 97703
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KNOP-TV 402. S. Dewey. North Platte NE 69101

**: Spanish language station

December 5, 2022

Greetings:

We have TWO newly named news directors this week, one in the top four market. And there’s just ONE new opening.

That means 24 jobs on our list of open ND positions. 

We have ONE Paid Help Wanted for an EP job in sunny San Diego.

Also below…a longtime Chicago executive retires, ONE obituary for a long ago Indiana news director, TWO new GM’s to tell you about, and some big changes in the Ft. Wayne market.

Read on and have a great week!

WPHL-TV, Philadelphia, PA…BILL SHULL has been named news director for this Nexstar owned MyTV affiliate. Until July, Bill had been ND for WRDE-TV(NBC) in Salisbury, MD. But he’s a veteran of the Philadelphia market, having worked at both WCAU-TVand WTXF-TV. Bill replaces MATT TOAL who is taking a job out of TV after 18 months as ND. WPHL produces its own morning news and airs a 10:00 newscast produced by WPVI-TV.

Shull

WEHT/WTVW-TV, Evansville, IN…another market vet, WARREN KORFF, has been named ND here. Warren’s a former ND for WEVV-TV in Evansville, and replaces BOB FREEMAN who is retiring after eleven years. Including his time as ND for another station, Bob’s the longest serving ND in Evansville history. The station aired this brief tribute to him. Nexstar owns WEHT (ABC) and runs CW affiliate WTVW for Mission Broadcasting.

Korff

KVUE-TV, Austin, TX…CHRISTINA GINN is leaving this Tegna owned ABC affiliate to return to a network executive producing job. Christina did not respond to our email asking for more details. She’s been the ND here since early 2020 and previously worked at MSNBC and CNN. Christina has also worked in local news in Orlando, Nashville (two stations), and Little Rock.

Gina

And an update on an item from last week. We told you and AARON ADELSON was leaving Sinclair operated WGFL/WNBW/WMYG-TV in Gainesville, FL, but we didn’t know where he was headed. Aaron kindly responded to our inquiry and shared that he will be the investigative producer for Tegna’s KUSA-TV (NBC) in Denver. He’s been the ND here since January, 2021 and previously was a reporter in Minneapolis, Lexington, and Sioux City, IA.

Adelson

Morning Executive Producer, KSWB- TV, San Diego, CA: FOX 5 San Diego is looking for an Executive Producer to lead our 5.5 hour -long top -rated morning newscast! You would join a diverse newsroom and management team, with a culture of mentoring and growth. You’ll oversee the use of an innovative set and outdoor back lot for all aspects – from news content, guest segments, story showcasing, remote shows, balancing team dynamics. Winter is coming. Who wouldn’t want to work in San Diego?  Learn more and apply here!

JERRY BIRGE, a one-time ND for WTVW-TV in Evansville, has died. I wasn’t able to find an online obituary, but former Owensboro, KY, newsman JIM PARR posted this tribute on social media. After WTVW, Jerry hosted a show on Owensboro cable television and was profiled in this 2008 article.

Birge

Our Friday UPDATE reported the news that FRANK WHITAKER, Station Manager and Vice President of News for NBC’s WMAQ-TV in Chicago, is retiring, That bring an end to a 46 year career in Chicago television, the last 24 at WMAQ. He spent 16 years at WBBM-TV (CBS) in a variety of roles, and then moved to WLS-TV (ABC) where he was the Assistant ND. Here’s the note that Frank shared with his staff.

Whitaker

Gray Television has named CURTIS MILES as the next in a LONG line of GMs for KCTV (CBS) in Kansas City. He’s currently the GM for WAOW-TV (Allen Media/ABC) in Wausau, WI. Curtis also worked for ABC owned stations in Chicago and Raleigh, as well as for Magid. In fairness to Gray, most of the GM (and ND) churn there came under previous owner Meredith.

Miles

KYLE KREBS is the new General Manager for WHBQ-TV (FOX) in Memphis. That station, once a FOX o-and-o, is now owned by Imagicomm Communications, which sent out this news release. Kyle’s been out of television for a few years but has worked for several stations in Dallas and quite a few others around the country, according to his LinkedIn page.

Krebs