Rick Gevers & Associates

November 18, 2024

Greetings:

A very busy newsletter which explains our later-than-we-try-to publish situation.

FIVE new ND openings, with TWO jobs filled.

That means there are now 42 stations on our long list, with TWO of those openings featured in paid help wanted ads. And our friends at Sciline are back with several good interview opportunities.

By the way, ONE of those filled jobs was filled a LONG time ago. Apolgies for that but it does remind me to remind you that we rely heavily on your tips.

We are grateful for those tips, but we do NOT pay for them. 🙂

In Names in the News, RTDNA rescinds a National Edward R. Murrow Award, a three time ND is retiring this Friday, and a 100 birthday celebration for a long-ago (duh!) news director.

Lots of other news this week, including new people running THREE stations, TWO in top 20 markets.

Read on!

Newly Named News Directors:

Jacoby

WIS-TV, Columbia, SC…a move within Gray TV returns MARYBETH JACOBY to Columbia, SC, this time as news director for this NBC affiliate. Earlier in her career she was the ND for WLTX-TV, Tegna’s CBS affiliate there, for ten years. Details in this Linkedin post (which includes a picture of her dog!) from GM ROBBY THOMAS. Marybeth replaces BRAD HYATT who left last months after six years as ND.

Roush

KQTV, St. Joseph, MO…we are inexcusably late in telling you that CHRIS ROUSH is the news director for the Heartland Media owned ABC affiliate. And…according to his Linkedin bio…he’s held that job for more than a year. Chris was apparently promoted from his previous role as sports director here, a job he’s held twice.

New News Director Openings:

Varner

KSTP/KSTC-TV, Minneapolis, MN…we told you in our Monday UPDATE that KIRK VARNER’s long career in our business is nearing its end. He told his staff in Monday’s morning meeting…and via this follow up email…that he is retiring at the end of January. Kirk’s been the ND for this Hubbard Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate for almost six years. His LinkedIn page details his varied career.

Wood

KSL-TV, Salt Lake City, UT…LEONA WOOD is leaving this Bonneville International owned NBC affiliate. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints owns Bonneville International.) Leona’s been the Director, News and Lifestyle Content here for more than eight years. She’s held news management positions in Phoenix ands Spokane and also worked in Seattle.

WHNS-TV, Greenville, SC…as you learned above, MARYBETH JACOBY is leaving this Gray TV owned FOX affiliate to return to Columbia, SC, to become ND for Gray’s WIS–TV (NBC). She’s been the ND here since 2021. Learn more about this opportunity…and find out how to apply…in the Paid Help Wanted ad below.

Truett

KWCH-TV, Wichita, KS…another Gray TV owned station, another opening. Here it’s because MIKE TRUETT has left this CBS affiliate after not quite 18 months as news director. Earlier Mike was an ND in Springfield, IL. and also worked in Mobile, AL, Champaign, IL, for two stations in Memphis, and in the Peace Corps.

Kirby

KIDY-TV, San Angelo, TX…JOHN KIRBY has left this Tegna owned FOX/MY Network operation after less than a year as news director. John told me he was tired of the three hour commute from Lubbock. He’s a former ND in Grand Junction, CO. While John had the title of news director, the position is now described as News Content Manager.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

News Director, WHNS-TV, Greenville, SC:

Fox Carolina is located in Greenville, South Carolina, consistently named one of the best small cities in the US. Our DMA (#36) includes Asheville, NC, and offers a competitive news environment. Fox Carolina is emerging as the news leader, producing 13 hours of news each weekday. Our team of award-winning professionals thrives in a fast-paced, yet fun, environment.

Greenville has an amazing downtown scene, revolving around the Reedy River, five-star restaurants and breweries, and miles and miles of walking trails. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Upstate and Western North Carolina offer lakes, mountains, and historical landmarks all within a short drive. Greenville continues to be named a top small city, a top foodie city, and one of the best places for young professionals in the country.

WHNS/Fox Carolina is seeking an innovative, passionate News Director with experience leading teams and growing talent.

Qualified candidates for News Director must have a keen understanding of strategic news content, multi-faceted digital operations, and the value of full social engagement by the entire team. We are looking for a leader who embraces creative storytelling and can utilize consumer analytics to guide
content creation ensuring that our digital presence resonates with our audience’s interests and needs.

The News Director oversees all content operations and is a leader in the strategic vision for station viewership growth. The ideal candidate has excellent news judgment and strong management skills to own the big story each day.

Click here to learn more about this opportunity and to apply!

News Director, NBC Montana:

Would you like to see mountains on your way into work, or the northern lights on the way home? Maybe run late because a herd of Elk blocked your commute?

NBC Montana is seeking an experienced, hands-on news leader with strong multi-platform skills and a bold style to lead one of the strongest local newsrooms in the country.

Our mission is to produce impact stories with a distinctive focus on accountability reporting.

Check it out and apply by clicking here.

Interview an Expert

Zoom – All SciLine events are free

Lots of free opportunities for reporters in the next two weeks at SciLine!

Reserve your interview slot or sign up for training to add some science to your news stories.

Nov. 19 (2-4 p.m. ET): Expert available: Employees returning to office: We have 15-minute Zoom slots available to interview Dr. Wen Fan – a sociology expert in remote and hybrid work and their impacts on employee culture and equity: https://bit.ly/4fv45GU

Nov. 20 (3-5 p.m. ET): Expert available: Nuclear power plants: We have 15-minute Zoom slots available to interview Dr. Matthew Memmott– an energy expert on nuclear energy: https://bit.ly/3OhyXyB

Nov. 21 (2-3 p.m. EDT): Crash course: Science essentials for local reporters: https://bit.ly/3YTxNP3

Nov. 25 (1-3 p.m. EDT): Expert available: Grocery costs: We have 15-minute Zoom slots available to interview Dr. Dawn Thilmany – an agricultural and resource economics expert on how and why grocery prices rise and fall: https://bit.ly/4hTkfMa

SciLine, a philanthropically funded, free service for reporters, also runs a free expert matching service that connects reporters rapidly to scientist-sources on deadline.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (relisted 9/29/24)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 9/29/24)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 11/17/24)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 9/29/24)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (listed 11/3/24)
WBRE/WYOU-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (relisted 11/10/24)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 11/10/24)
WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI (relisted 11/10/24)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 11/10/24)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (listed 11/3/24)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (listed 9/22/24)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 9/29/24)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN & VA (relisted 10/13/24)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

Spectrum Noticias, New York, NY (Senior EP, listed 10/27/24)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM Broadcast EP, relisted 10/6/24)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 11/3/24)
Spectrum News, Tampa, FL (National EP, listed 9/29/24)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 10/13/24)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 10/13/24)
Spectrum News, Orlando, FL (relisted 10/27/24)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (relisted 10/20/24)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 9/29/24)
Spectrum News 1, Raleigh NC (relisted 11/17/24)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 9/29/29)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (Senior Content Producer, listed 11/10/24)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital EP, listing modified 10/6/24)
WYFF-TV, Greenville-Spartanburg-Ashville, (listed 10/20/24)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (relisted 9/29/24)
WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (EP Lifestyle Show, listed 11/10/24)
WGAL-TV, Lancaster, PA (relisted 10/20/24)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem NC, (Weekend EP, relisted 10/20/24)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (listed 10/20/24)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/20/24)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/29/24)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (relisted 11/17/24)
WQAD-TV, Moline, IL (listed 9/29/29)
KPAX-TV, Missoula, MT (relisted 9/2/24)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted 11/17/24:

Spectrum News, Austin, TX (Managing Director)

Listed 11/3/24:

KGW-TV, Portland OR (Digital Director)

Listed 10/27/24:

WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (Digital Content Manager)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Digital Webmaster & Content Dir.)

Listed 10/20/24:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/29/24:

WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (Digital Director)

Listed 9/22/24:

KSWB/KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (Digital Content Manager)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (Digital Director)

Names in the News (and other stuff):

RTDNA has rescinded a National Murrow Award given to National Geographic. Details here.

Hanson

In more pleasant RTDNA news, the organization announced the creation of the GARY L. HANSON International Reporting Fellowship. It honors Gary, a longtime ND in Youngstown, OH, and a one time chair of RTDNA, who finished his career training the next general of journalists at Kent State University. He died in 2017 at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer.

Hair

Tuesday’s UPDATE told you that PRINCELL HAIR is leaving his job as President of Allen Media Group after two years. Here’s a brief email he sent me discussing his future plans. (I warned you. it’s brief!) Many of you know Princell, who’s held a number of very significant jobs on both the local and network level.

Polly

POLLY VAN DOREN-ORR is retiring after 43 years in our business.. She’s currently the evening executive producer for Nexstar’s WDAF-TV (FOX) in Kansas City. But as you’ll learn in this note, she’s a three time former ND and has some definite plans on how to spend her retirement, including her tole as grandma.

Long ago Louisville (WHAS-TV) News Director JAY CROUSE was feted on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

News Director turned GM CARRIE STARNES of WRCB-TV in Chattanooga was profiled in the local newspaper.

General Manager News and Notes:

TERESA MORGAN, a 20 year veteran of the station, has been named VP-GM of Scripps’ WFTS-TV (ABC) in Tampa.

Speaking of Scripps, KEVIN JAMES is the new station manager for KNXV-TV (ABC) in Phoenix. It’s a return to Phoenix for Kevin, who earlier worked for KPHO/KTVK-TV. He’s been the Director of Sales for CBS’s KTVT/KTXA-TV in Dallas.

Cox has promoted OMESH SOMARU to be General Manager for its Jacksonville, FL, operations, WJAX/WFOX-TV. He’s been the Direct of Sales there and replaces BOB LONGO. (Cox owns WFOX and operates WJAX for Hoffman Communications.)

Our List of Open News Director jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, November 17, 2024:

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

KHOU-TV 5718 Westheimer Rd Houston, Texas 77057
KIAH-TV 7700 Westpark Drive Houston, TX 77063
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KSTP-TV 3415 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114
KSL-TV 55 North 300 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84180
WOAI-TV 4335 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX, 78229
WHNS-TV 21 Interstate Court. Greenville, SC 29615 (See ad above!)
WHTM-TV 3235 Hoffman Street. Harrisburg, PA 17110
WOLF-TV 1181 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 (News Manager)
WATN-TV 1725 Shelby Oaks Dr N. Memphis, TN 38134
KFSN-TV 1777 G St, Fresno, CA 93706
KATV 10 Turtle Creek Lane Little Rock, AR 72202
KWCH-TV 2815 E. 37th Street North Wichita, KS 67219
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St, Charleston, WV 25301
WZDX-TV 1309 N. Memorial Parkway Huntsville, AL 35801
WCIV-TV 88 Allbritton Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KTBS-TV 312 E. Kings Highway. Shreveport, LA 71104
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
KIVI-TV 1866 E. Chisholm Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
WNCT-TV 3221 South Evans Street. Greenville, NC 27834
WANE-TV 2915 W. State Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46808
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Macon, GA 31201
KHSL-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KDRV-TV 1090 Knutson Ave. Medford, OR 97504
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road, Rockford, IL 61101
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KOSA-TV 4101 E. 42nd. Suite J-7. Odessa, TX 79761
KMID/KPEJ-TV 1550 West I-20 Odessa, TX 79763
KWES-TV 11320 West County Rd. 127. Odessa, TX 79765
WJET/WFXP-TV 8455 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
WTRF-TV 96 16th St, Ste 2, Wheeling, WV 26003
WDTV 5 Television Dr. Bridgeport, WV 26330
KECI/KCFW/KTVM-TV, 340 W. Main St. Missoula, MT 59802 (see ad above!)
KTVQ-TV 3203 3rd Ave N., Billings, MT 59101
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 S, Broadway St. Eureka CA 95503
KIDY-TV5 S. Chadbourne San Angelo, TX 76902
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station

November 10, 2024

Sunday, November 17, 2024 ALERT.

Due to travel, this week’s newsletter will be posted before Noon (Eastern time) on Monday.

There are a lot of times in it, so be sure to check back.

Apologies for the delay.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 UPDATE:

A veteran broadcaster is leaving his current role at the end of the month.

Hair

PRINCELL HAIR has been the President of Allen Media Group for the last two years. Today’s news of his departure was released during a call with some (or perhaps all) of the company’s 20+ local stations.

I’ve reached out to Princell for details but have not yet heard back.

His background is extensive and includes networks and local stations (he’s a three time local news director as well.)

And that career history is well detailed on his Linkedin Page.

I expect to have more details on this…and, of course, all the week’s news…in our full newsletter this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Monday, November 11, 2024 UPDATE:

Greetings:

It is perhaps noteworthy that on this Veteran’s Day, a veteran news director is announcing his retirement.

Varner

KIRK VARNER told his staff in today’s morning meeting that he would retire at the end of January after almost six years as news director of KSTP-TV, the Hubbard Broadcasting owned ABC affiliate in Minneapolis.

Here’s the note he sent to the staff afterwards explaining the timing of his decision AND his future plans.

Kirk’s history in news management is both long and varied, overseeing local stations, cable operations, and even ESPN’s SportsCenter. That history is detailed in both his LinkedIn profile AND his KSTP biography.

No successor was named.

And while we on the subject of Minneapolis, my apologies for an error in reporting the next career step of former WCCO-TV General Manager SUSAN ADAMS LOYD. In some versions off the newsletter. I reversed her middle and last name. Apologies to her, and to you.

We’ll see you this weekend with our full newsletter.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Almost no activity this week as far as news director changes…but we do have lots of other items.

While there were NO new ND’s named and NO new openings, we do have a paid ad for a job which has been open for a few weeks. That’s below.

No changes mean our list of open ND jobs remains at 39.

But there’s lots of interesting stories in Names in the News, including…but NOT limited to:

Who The Wall Street Journal says was the real loser on election night.
Big changes for some Gray stations in Minnesota.
A longtime ND and corporate executive has retired.
And if there’s anyone left who cares about good grammar, a story which will appeal to you.

We have a detailed obituary for a one-time Pittsburgh ND whose passing we reported a few weeks ago.

And a former two-time GM in large markets is off on a new adventure.

All that and more below.

Newly Named News Directors:

As best I can tell, there were no new news directors named this week.

New News Director Opening:

KECI/KCFW/KTVM-TV, Montana…it is not a new opening (we told you a few weeks ago that CHRIS AVERY was leaving to return to Salt Lake city as the Assistant ND for sister-Sinclair station KUTV) but Sinclair is now running a paid help wanted ad for the job which should attract candidates who love the outdoors. See that ad just below.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

News Director, NBC Montana:

Would you like to see mountains on your way into work, or the northern lights on the way home? Maybe run late because a herd of Elk blocked your commute?

NBC Montana is seeking an experienced, hands-on news leader with strong multi-platform skills and a bold style to lead one of the strongest local newsrooms in the country.

Our mission is to produce impact stories with a distinctive focus on accountability reporting.

Check it out and apply by clicking here.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (relisted 9/29/24)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 9/29/24)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 9/8/24)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 9/29/24)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (listed 11/3/24)
WBRE/WYOU-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (relisted 11/10/24)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 11/10/24)
WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI (relisted 11/10/24)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 11/10/24)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (listed 11/3/24)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (listed 9/22/24)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 9/29/24)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN & VA (relisted 10/13/24)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

Spectrum Noticias, New York, NY (Senior EP, listed 10/27/24)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM Broadcast EP, relisted 10/6/24)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 11/3/24)
Spectrum News, Tampa, FL (National EP, listed 9/29/24)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 10/13/24)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 10/13/24)
Spectrum News, Orlando, FL (relisted 10/27/24)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (relisted 10/20/24)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 9/29/24)
Spectrum News 1, Raleigh NC (relisted 9/15/24)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 9/29/29)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (Senior Content Producer, listed 11/10/24)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital EP, listing modified 10/6/24)
WYFF-TV, Greenville-Spartanburg-Ashville, (listed 10/20/24)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (relisted 9/29/24)
WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (EP Lifestyle Show, listed 11/10/24)
WGAL-TV, Lancaster, PA (relisted 10/20/24)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem NC, (Weekend EP, relisted 10/20/24)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (listed 10/20/24)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/20/24)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/29/24)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 9/15/24)
WQAD-TV, Moline, IL (listed 9/29/29)
KPAX-TV, Missoula, MT (relisted 9/2/24)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 11/3/24:

KGW-TV, Portland OR (Digital Director)

Listed 10/27/24:

WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (Digital Content Manager)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Digital Webmaster & Content Dir.)

Listed 10/20/24:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/29/24:

WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (Digital Director)

Listed 9/22/24:

KSWB/KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (Digital Content Manager)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (Digital Director)

Listed 9/15/24:

Spectrum News, Austin, TX (Managing Director)

Obituary:

Anne L.

We now have much more information about the death of longtime Pittsburgh newswoman ANNE LINABERGER. We told you a few weeks ago that the former KDKA-TV News Director had died, and we now have many more details about her life and career. Anne died October 25 of liver failure at the age of 62.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

You may think you know who won and lost the election(s) on Tuesday, but The Wall Street Journal suggests the main stream media may be the big loser.

Big changes at Gray TV owned stations in Minnesota where KEYC-TV in Mankato is ‘partnering’ (their words, not mine) with co-owned KTTC-TV in Rochester. Bottom line: morning and noon newscasts on KEYC will originate in Rochester. And be sure to read this article to learn what will happen to Bandwagon, described as the nation’s longest running local polka music show.

Trauring

Old friend BRIAN TRAURING has retired. He’s spent the last six years in VP roles for Lilly Broadcasting, and before that spent 16 years as ND for WTVG-TV in Toledo, which was owned by Lilly for much of that time. He’s also been an ND in Knoxville, Augusta, GA, and Steubenville, OH. Many of you know Brian from his long service on the RTDNA Board. He sent me this note about his future plans.

Brian will be replaced as corporate ND for Lilly by SCOTT MacDOWELL, currently the ND at Lilly’s WICU/WSEE-TV in Erie, PA.

One other Lilly note: In other Lilly news, JOHN CHRISTIANSON has been elevated to CEO from his current role as COO. More details here.

Stock

STEPHEN STOCK is joining Gray’s WVUE-TV (FOX) in New Orleans as Chief Investigative Reporter. He’s worked in San Francisco, Miami, and Orlando and most recently as the National Investigative Correspondent for CBS News and Stations before cutbacks at CBS eliminated his role. He replaces LEE ZURIK who moved to corporate as Senior VP/News Strategy and Innovation.

Finally, longtime Cincinnati media writer JOHN KIESEWETTER has a gripe which will resonate with the dwindling number of people who care about grammar and good writing.

General Manager News and Notes:

SUSAN ADAMS LOYD, a one-time GM in Minneapolis and Jacksonville, is leaving her current job at CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Minneapolis and North Dakota. She detailed her plans in this post on Linkedin.

Our List of Open News Director jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, November 10, 2024:

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

KHOU-TV 5718 Westheimer Rd Houston, Texas 77057
KIAH-TV 7700 Westpark Drive Houston, TX 77063
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave. N.Seattle, WA 98109
WOAI-TV 4335 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX, 78229
WHTM-TV 3235 Hoffman Street. Harrisburg, PA 17110
WOLF-TV 1181 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 (News Manager)
WATN-TV 1725 Shelby Oaks Dr N. Memphis, TN 38134
KFSN-TV 1777 G St, Fresno, CA 93706
KATV 10 Turtle Creek Lane Little Rock, AR 72202
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
WIS-TV 111 Bull St. Columbia, SC 29201
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St, Charleston, WV 25301
WZDX-TV 1309 N. Memorial Parkway Huntsville, AL 35801
WCIV-TV 88 Allbritton Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KTBS-TV 312 E. Kings Highway. Shreveport, LA 71104
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
KIVI-TV 1866 E. Chisholm Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
WNCT-TV 3221 South Evans Street. Greenville, NC 27834
WANE-TV 2915 W. State Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46808
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Macon, GA 31201
KHSL-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KDRV-TV 1090 Knutson Ave. Medford, OR 97504
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road, Rockford, IL 61101
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KOSA-TV 4101 E. 42nd. Suite J-7. Odessa, TX 79761
KMID/KPEJ-TV 1550 West I-20 Odessa, TX 79763
KWES-TV 11320 West County Rd. 127. Odessa, TX 79765
WJET/WFXP-TV 8455 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
WTRF-TV 96 16th St, Ste 2, Wheeling, WV 26003
WDTV 5 Television Dr. Bridgeport, WV 26330
KECI/KCFW/KTVM-TV, 340 W. Main St. Missoula, MT 59802 (see ad above!)
KTVQ-TV 3203 3rd Ave N., Billings, MT 59101
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 S, Broadway St. Eureka CA 95503
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KQTV 4000 Faraon St. Joseph, MO 64506

**: Spanish language station

November 3, 2024

Greetings:

We are early this week.

I assure you it has NOTHING to do with tonight’s Sunday Night Football game.

Thanks to Nexstar, we have some action on the ND front.

TWO new NDs, and TWO new openings, all at Nexstar stations. Those changes mean our list of open ND jobs remains at 39.

There are TWO Paid Help Wanted as for EP jobs in New York and Orlando.

By Friday, when you may (hopefully) have run out of election stories, Sciline offers an alternative. That’s in the ad just below.

Always happy when there are NO obituaries.

And always happy when a former news director is named President and GM of a top 10 market station. That’s below, along with another case of a GM being assigned overnight of a SECOND station.

And THREE items for you in Names in the News, including a story that speculates Amazon’s move into live news coverage on election night might be the ‘next big thing’ for streaming.

And for those of you working election night, try not to each too much pizza.

Interview an Expert

Zoom – All SciLine events are free

Friday, November 8 (noon-2 p.m. ET)

Conflicts between humans and wildlife are increasing as consequences of urbanization and habitat loss. Research is examining human-wildlife interactions like cars hitting animals and birds colliding with buildings, and pointing to some ways for humans and animals to coexist in cities more peacefully.

Book a 15-minute, 1-on-1 Zoom interview with Dr. Colleen Cassady St. Clair(U. Of Alberta).

She can discuss:

• What monitoring has shown about the kinds of wildlife in cities;
• Common drivers of human-wildlife conflict and different types of human-wildlife conflict in cities;
• Evidence that animals like bears, elk, and coyotes can be taught greater wariness to avoid conflict; and
• Steps people and cities can take to foster more peaceful coexistence with animals.

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SciLine, a philanthropically funded, free service for reporters, also runs a free expert matching service that connects reporters rapidly to scientist-sources on deadline.

Newly Named News Directors:

Beard

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA…an inter-Nexstar move sends LEISHA BEARD across country to become the next ND for this FOX affiliate. She’s been the ND for Nexstar’s WHTM-TV (ABC) in Harrisburg, PA and earlier spent a dozen years (of her 17 at the station) as ND for KSNF/KODE-TV in Joplin, MO. At KTXL, Leisha replaces LISA BURGER who left in September after not quite two years as ND.

Allen

WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH…another Nexstar station, another new ND. Here it’s KIM ALLEN who’s been promoted from Assistant ND. Kim was the EP for eight years before that and previously was an ND for three years at WTVY-TV in Dothan, AL…where he had been the sports director. Kim replaces OLIVIA DANGLER who left in September to become ND for Nexstar’s KTVI/KPLR-TV in St. Louis.

New News Director Openings:

WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA…we told you above that LEISHA BEARD is moving within Nexstar to become ND for FOX affiliate KTXL-TV (FOX) in Sacramento. Leisha was ND here fore about 2 1/2 years.

Baxley

WNCT-TV, Greenville, NC…DAVID BAXLEY is leaving this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate after just nine months as news director due to a family situation which is forcing him to return home. David was the Assistant ND for Nexstar’s WIAT-TV (ABC) in Birmingham and had earlier been the ND for WDHN-TV in Dothan, AL. But there’s more! He has large market experience and once worked as a chief meteorologist in Oklahoma as his LinkedIn page will detail.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Spectrum Noticias – Senior Executive Producer – New York, NY:

As the Senior Executive Producer, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the daily production of our Spanish news programming during your assigned shift. You will lead and supervise a team of shift managers, producers, writers, reporters, technical staff, and other production staff to ensure that each news story goes from concept to air. It will be your responsibility to ensure that the editorial and production values of news programming meet Spectrum Networks’ high standards and drive viewership, grow the audience, and strengthen the brand. You’ll make data-informed decisions about what’s resonating to connect our audience with the stories that matter.

WHAT OUR SENIOR EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ENJOY MOST:

•            Collaborating with a diverse range of individuals, including reporters, producers, writers, and technical staff

•            Leading and directing a team to produce high-quality news programming

As a part of Spectrum News, you’re creative, highly technical, and ready to bring the character-driven stories of those in your community to life in our newsroom. You value accuracy and want to leverage your curiosity and storytelling abilities to share inspiring news across multiple platforms. Each day is a fast-paced and constantly evolving work environment with new stories to tell and perspectives to uncover. We are focused on fostering a healthy, inclusive, and people-first team culture to effectively address challenges together. If you’re a nimble, passionate team player, you’ll find a home on our team.

To apply please visit the website below!

Spectrum Noticias – Senior Executive Producer – New York, NY

Executive Producer, Spectrum News, Orlando, FL:

As Executive Producer, you’ll own the vision for the newscast. You’ll lead your team through story creation to produce compelling, timely, and accurate newscasts. You’ll be responsible for building a positive team culture, while generating story ideas that reflect your local community. You’ll make data-informed decisions to connect your audience with the stories that matter.

WHAT OUR EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS ENJOY MOST:

• Uniting a team of storytellers
• Overseeing projects start to finish, including breaking news coverage and issue-driven special programming.
• Hands-on management and training opportunities involving graphics, cameras, and cross-newsroom workflow.

As a part of Spectrum News, you’re creative, highly technical, and ready to bring the character-driven stories of those in your community to life in our newsroom. You value accuracy and want to leverage your curiosity and storytelling abilities to share inspiring news across multiple platforms. Each day is a fast-paced and constantly evolving work environment with new stories to tell and perspectives to uncover. We are focused on fostering a healthy, inclusive, and people-first team culture to effectively address challenges together. If you’re a nimble, passionate team player, you’ll find a home on our team.

To apply please visit the website below!

Spectrum News – Executive Producer – Orlando, FL

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (relisted 9/29/24)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 9/29/24)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 9/8/24)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 9/29/24)
WJAR-TV, Providence, RI (listed 11/3/24)
WBRE/WYOU-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (listed 7/28/24)
WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI (relisted 9/15/24)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 9/8/24)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (listed 11/3/24)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (listed 9/22/24)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 9/29/24)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN & VA (relisted 10/13/24)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

Spectrum Noticias, New York, NY (Senior EP, listed 10/27/24, see ad above!)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM Broadcast EP, relisted 10/6/24)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 11/3/24)
Spectrum News, Tampa, FL (National EP, listed 9/29/24)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 10/13/24)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 10/13/24)
Spectrum News, Orlando, FL (relisted 10/27/24, see ad above!)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (relisted 10/20/24)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 9/29/24)
Spectrum News 1, Raleigh NC (relisted 9/15/24)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 9/29/29)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital EP, listing modified 10/6/24)
WYFF-TV, Greenville-Spartanburg-Ashville, (listed 10/20/24)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (relisted 9/29/24)
WGAL-TV, Lancaster, PA (relisted 10/20/24)
WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 10/20/24)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem NC, (Weekend EP, relisted 10/20/24)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (listed 10/20/24)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/20/24)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/29/24)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (AM EP, relisted 9/29/24)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 9/15/24)
WQAD-TV, Moline, IL (listed 9/29/29)
KPAX-TV, Missoula, MT (relisted 9/2/24)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 10/13/24)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 11/3/24:

KGW-TV, Portland OR (Digital Director)

Listed 10/27/24:

WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (Digital Content Manager)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Digital Webmaster & Content Dir.)

Listed 10/20/24:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/29/24:

WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (Digital Director)

Relisted 9/29/24:

WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Digital Director)

Listed 9/22/24:

KSWB/KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (Digital Content Manager)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (Digital Director)

Listed 9/15/24:

Spectrum News, Austin, TX (Managing Director)

Names in the News (and other stuff):

Deadline.com speculates that BRIAN WILLIAMS‘ election night streaming special might be the next ‘big thing’ for streaming. This story explains the reasoning AND lists some of the people who will join him.

CBS News has named 30 year company veteran CHRIS WILSON EP of the CBS Weekend News.

Finally, The Baltimore Sun, owned by Sinclair’s DAVID SMITH, has eliminated the paper’s entire features department, which means no culture coverage for the residents of ‘Charm City”.

General Manager News and Notes:

Mungo

Congratulations to former news director CAROLYN MUNGO who’s been named President and General Manager for Tegna’s WFAA-TV (ABC) in Dallas. She’s been the Vice President and Station Manager here for the past five years and earlier spent seven years as executive news director for WFAA. She’s also worked in Austin, Minneapolis, Phoenix and Houston as a reporter.

Another week, another announcement of a GM who will oversee TWO stations. This time it’s CHRIS TOPF who will add Tegna’s WTIC-TV (FOX) in Hartford, CT, to his portfolio. He’s been the GM for Tegna’s WPMT-TV (FOX) in York, PA.

Our List of Open News Director jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, November 3, 2024:

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

KHOU-TV 5718 Westheimer Rd Houston, Texas 77057
KIAH-TV 7700 Westpark Drive Houston, TX 77063
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave. N.Seattle, WA 98109
WOAI-TV 4335 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX, 78229
WHTM-TV 3235 Hoffman Street. Harrisburg, PA 17110
WOLF-TV 1181 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 (News Manager)
WATN-TV 1725 Shelby Oaks Dr N. Memphis, TN 38134
KFSN-TV 1777 G St, Fresno, CA 93706
KATV 10 Turtle Creek Lane Little Rock, AR 72202
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
WIS-TV 111 Bull St. Columbia, SC 29201
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St, Charleston, WV 25301
WZDX-TV 1309 N. Memorial Parkway Huntsville, AL 35801
WCIV-TV 88 Allbritton Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KTBS-TV 312 E. Kings Highway. Shreveport, LA 71104
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
KIVI-TV 1866 E. Chisholm Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
WNCT-TV 3221 South Evans Street. Greenville, NC 27834
WANE-TV 2915 W. State Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46808
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Macon, GA 31201
KHSL-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KDRV-TV 1090 Knutson Ave. Medford, OR 97504
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road, Rockford, IL 61101
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KOSA-TV 4101 E. 42nd. Suite J-7. Odessa, TX 79761
KMID/KPEJ-TV 1550 West I-20 Odessa, TX 79763
KWES-TV 11320 West County Rd. 127. Odessa, TX 79765
WJET/WFXP-TV 8455 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
WTRF-TV 96 16th St, Ste 2, Wheeling, WV 26003
WDTV 5 Television Dr. Bridgeport, WV 26330
KECI/KCFW/KTVM-TV, 340 W. Main St. Missoula, MT 59802
KTVQ-TV 3203 3rd Ave N., Billings, MT 59101
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 S, Broadway St. Eureka CA 95503
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KQTV 4000 Faraon St. Joseph, MO 64506

**: Spanish language station