October 24, 2021
Greetings:
Yet ANOTHER busy week of news director changes.
THREE jobs were filled (including one in the number ONE market) while FIVE jobs opened up (including a start-up in a top ten market) and TWO openings created by news directors moving to GM jobs.
Our count of open ND jobs increases to 43.
THREE of those 43 openings are featured in some of our FIVE paid ads.
We’re still waiting for a corporate executive to step up and tell us what their company plans to do with the challenges of hiring, recruiting AND retention of employees. We’ve discussed that issue in each of the last two issues.
No one has, but we do have an article from former CBS News President ANDREW HEYWARD tackling the issue. It’s worth your time, as is a Washington Post article on the impact when a local on-air TV news person loses a job for failing of comply with a company’s vaccine mandate.
There’s ONE obituary for the wife of a longtime NBC and Telemundo executive, and a few news managers on the move.
And a remarkable SEVEN new general managers this week, including TWO former news directors.
And remember…while you read this…that I wrote most of it while watching the Colts-49ers football game. That’s my excuse for any mistakes!
We’ll correct them next week. 🙂
Newly Named News Directors:
Kowalski
News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley, New York…STAN KOWALSKI adds oversight of this Altice operation. He’s been running the Bronx/Brooklyn newsroom for this hyper local cable channel. Here’s the note from SVP/GM JACQUES NATZ. Stan’s Linkedin page lists MOST of his jobs, but not his first one, working for me as a $5.00/hour tape editor at WTOL-TV in Toledo.
Jones
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL…AUTUMN JONES returns to a newsroom as ND for this Scripps owned FOX affiliate. The staff note is from GM EVAN PAPPAS. She’s been working as a Media Relations Manager for the Orlando Police Department. She spent 14 years at WFTV in Orlando as a EP and Senior Producer, and has also worked in Kalamazoo and Columbia, MO. She replaces SARAH ZAK who left in September after 3 years as ND.
Firnbach
WWTV/WWUP-TV, Cadillac, MI…DAN FIRNBACH was promoted in July to ND for this Heritage Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate. Dan had been the Assistant ND. He has worked here for seven years, beginning as a producer. Dan’s also worked in Davenport, IA and replaces SEAN MAHON who was ND for five years (in his second stint at the station) before leaving in May.
New News Director Openings:
Kraham
WDCW/WDVM-TV, Washington, DC…this newly created Nexstar duopoly is expanding news, as you will learn in the Paid Help Wanted Ad below. WDCW is a CW affiliate, WDVM an independent in Hagerstown, MD. MARK KRAHAM, who’s been the ND for WDVM since 1996, will oversee several of the many bureaus the operation will have.
Robertson
WOI-TV, Des Moines/Ames, IA…this Tegna owned ABC affiliate is looking for a new news director to replace RYAN ROBERTSON. Ryan was only news director there for 18 months, and was previously a news director for KGWN-TV, Gray Television’s CBS affiliate in Cheyenne, WY. He’s also worked in Lincoln, NE, and began in radio in Omaha.
Laughrin
WGBA-TV, Green Bay, WI…JOHN LAUGRHIN is leaving (or perhaps has already left) this Scripps owned NBC affiliate in his hometown after 2 1/2 years as ND. He’s been an ND in Binghamton, NY, and Wausau, WI, and also has the Green Bay hat trick, having worked as a producer for WFRV-TV and as an EP and sports producer for WLUK-TV.
Starnes
WRCB-TV, Chattanooga, TN…we told you last August that CALLIE STARNES would be promoted to GM after a few months as both ND and Station Manager for this Sarkes Tarzian NBC affiliate, and the search is now on for her replacement. She joined the station in 2008 as a reporter, was later promoted to Assistant News Director, and then was named ND in 2016.
Gors
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN…we always enjoy when an ND moves to a GM job, and that’s case here as MICHELE GORS moves within Gray to become GM for KEYC-TV in Mankato, MN. She’s been ND here since 2019. Michele’s been an ND in Wichita, Memphis and Cedar Rapids, and spent seven years as GM for Wichita’s PBS station, KPTS-TV. Learn more about this opening in the Paid Help Wanted ad below!
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, WDCW-TV, Washington, DC.
THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!
#NexstarNation has an immediate opening for a NEWS DIRECTOR at our newly formed duopoly in Washington, DC -Market #9.
The News Director will work with station leadership to launch new and expanded newscasts and local programming on WDCW (CW), WDVM (Independent) and our digital properties in the market.
The ideal candidate will have news leadership experience in a Top 20 Market, know how to handle multiple large scale projects at the same time, and be a master recruiter. We need a dynamic leader who can build a team, a culture, and a brand. If you have already launched news at a broadcast affiliate, this might be your next big move.
You already know DC is a great news market… What are you waiting for?
Click here to apply (or share with a colleague) who might make a new kind of history in the nation’s capital with the country’s largest TV ownership group.
News Director, KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN:
KTTC Television has a rare opening for a News Director who will lead and manage KTTC news coverage across our linear television and digital platforms.
The candidate must have proven newsroom leadership experience with a track record of success. You will take charge of the fast-paced, proven, and award-winning KTTC Newsroom and ensure it moves to the next level no matter where today’s news consumers decide to watch or view us.
The candidate must also demonstrate an understanding and enthusiasm for evolving digital, social and mobile media. In a market that is fiercely competitive, you will ensure the station’s content delivers audience growth by being distinct, research driven, and community focused.
The primary job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Outstanding knowledge of television news operations and other media platforms
• Expertise in enhancing the presentation and delivery of news content through coaching and mentoring staff
• Strong editorial judgment and leader in the newsroom
• Understand the importance of recruiting and creating a culture of success in the newsroom
• Proven administrative skills with budgeting, planning and staff scheduling
• Ability to work closely with other station department heads and fellow managers within the company
• Ability to meet deadlines while handling multiple tasks
As a condition of employment, Gray Television will require that all employees be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by the first workday to the extent permitted by applicable law, unless you qualify for a medical or religious accommodation.
News Director, WSIL-TV, Carterville, IL:
NEWS 3 WSIL is looking for a dynamic, innovative newsroom leader who is committed to leading a group of talented journalists into the future of our industry.
The news operation at NEWS 3 WSIL is unique. It’s content-focused and thrives off of journalists willing to think outside the box.
Covering an expansive DMA covering more than 20,000 square miles – “There are sprawling television markets, and then there’s Paducah-Cape Girardeau-Harrisburg. The market covers not only chunks of Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois, but some stations’ signals reach into Tennessee and Arkansas as well. Despite its vast geography, the market gives a consistent small-town midwestern feel with no big cities but frequent small towns.” (TVB Profile)
Our mission is centered around Serving Our Community. The next News Director must have a passion for seeking the truth and help identify important stories to cover in our communities.
You’ll lead a team housed in a new newsroom, a state-of-the-art new studio, and news automation infrastructure. We’re looking for a candidate who strives for excellence in everything they do but isn’t afraid to run with scissors.
Click here to learn more and apply.
WSIL is a recently acquired Allen Media Broadcasting property.
Assistant News Director, WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH:
Come live in the land of scarlet and gray, the best damn band in the land, great midwestern manners and no shortage of scandals involving former football coaches, the zoo or politicians and energy corporations. There’s always news and always something to do in Columbus!
The Assistant News Director leads the day-to-day production of editorial content across 10TV’s multiple platforms with a specific eye toward coaching the reporters and multiskilled journalists on staff. Through careful coaching, this role elevates their storytelling, writing, crafting, and execution daily – to lift all the 10TV platforms higher. Daily responsibilities include overseeing the editorial process, the on-air execution of newscasts and directing newsroom operations. The Assistant News Director will also train, develop and coach the entire newsroom team while also source and recruit journalists to join the 10TV team.
Requirements:
– 10 years news industry experience, 7 years management experience
– Strong organizational and communication skills
– Proven track record of achieving results and hitting goals
– Ability to plan and execute breaking news and weather coverage
– Four-year degree in journalism or communications
– Field reporting experience is strongly preferred
You can apply for this position here.
Executive Producer, KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT:
Are you a show doctor?
Can you take any story, and tell it in a way that will make viewers want to watch?
Can you teach producers how to take a decent newscast and make it great?
Can you work with reporters to make sure each of their stories are focused, while striving to go after enterprise and exclusive content?
Do you have a passion for digital content, to make sure we are covering every big story on our mobile app, website, and social media?
KUTV, the CBS affiliate in Salt Lake City, is looking for a Daytime Executive Producer to join our winning news team! The ideal candidate will have solid news judgment, be a compelling and accurate writer and be able to multitask and manage their time in order to put together an exciting and informative newscast.
The candidate must also /have strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to execute news strategies and goals in daily newscasts. Flexibility and on-the-spot problems solving abilities are a must.
Job Responsibilities:
Determining the content and flow of newscasts
Writing stories with relentless attention to detail
Use of graphics creatively and effectively
Producing content for multiple platforms, including TV, internet, mobile, etc.
Working with management and reporters to generate stories
Meeting daily deadlines in a high energy working environment
Other responsibilities as assigned
Send resumes to Mike Friedrich, News Director at mfriedrich@sbgtv.com or Apply here:
When applying online, please include a recent web link of your work.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, new listing this week)
WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/3/21)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (new listing this week)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 10/17/21, see ad above!)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/3/21)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (new listing this week)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 10/3/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/5/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (listed 8/22/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, listed 8/29/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, listed 8/29/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 10/10/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, listed 10/3/21)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised 10/17/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/10/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 10/10/21)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/17/21, see ad above!)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 10/3/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/10/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (new listing this week)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (listed 10/17/21)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (AM EP, new listing this week)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (new listing this week)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/17/21)
WSYM-TV, Lansing, MI (new listing this week)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 10/3/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR (listed 10/10/21)
More News Management Openings:
New Listing this week:
Listed 10/17/21:
E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Director of Community Connection and Inclusive Journalism)
Relisted 10/10/21:
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 10/3/21:
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 9/19/21:
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)
Listed 9/12/21:
New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)
Listed 9/5/21:
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital Manager)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (Digital Content Manager)
Relisted 8/29/21:
Spectrum Networks NY1 (Senior Mgr., News and Content)
Obituary:
Browne
MARIA BROWNE died October 2nd. She was married to longtime newsman DON BROWNE for more than 40 years. When she was ten years, Maria and her extended family fled Cuba, settling in Florida. She was the first Hispanic Miss Florida and had a career in banking. Maria’s survived by Don, and their two sons. Don’s a former NBC and Telemundo exec.
Names in the News:
Two items of note, the first of which we’ve touched on in our last two issues.
Former CBS News President ANDREW HEYWARD, writing for the Knight-Cronkite News Lab at ASU, takes on the recruiting challenges facing local stations. Here’s the first of two parts…we’ll bring you part two next week.
And The Washington Post looks at the impact when an on-air TV person loses a job by failing to comply with a vaccine mandate from station owners. The article (which may be behind a paywall), references a GoFundMe attempt to raise money for a suit against one such owner, Gray Television.
That fund is falling short of its $100,000 goal.
As of this writing it has raised $385.00.
Weiner
MARC WEINER, who’s been a news director in several markets, has a new job at CBS News. He writes: FYI, I have joined CBS News’ recently expanded “Race & Culture Unit” within CBS News as a Producer. Having worked with and for the “Office of Professional Development” as Director on West 57th Street almost two and half years recruiting, and assisting with CBS News development & strategy, I now return to my roots producing the very best compelling and relevant stories with a terrific new team.
JENNIE HINZ returns to Hubbard’s KAAL-TVÂ in Austin, MN as an EP. She left the station earlier this year for a job outside of TV but is now returning.
General Manager News and Notes:
SEVEN new general managers this week..that’s more than I can remember in a single week.
Neelly
MIKE NEELLY moves up within Hearst to become GM for WDSU-TV (NBC) in New Orleans. He’s been the GM for Hearst’s WAPT-TV (ABC) in Jackson, MS, where he’d been a producer earlier. Mike’s also been an ND for Hearst stations in Cincinnati (WLWT-TV/NBC) and Louisville (WLKY-TV/CBS). He replaces JOEL VILMENAY who left to become GM for KCBS/KCAL-TV in Los Angeles.
Hefner
Nexstar filled TWO general manager openings, the largest of which finds MARK HEFNER headed to Dallas to run KDAF-TV, Nexstar’s CW affiliate there. Mark’s been the GM for WSAV-TV (NBC) in Savannah, GA. The other move is a promotion at WTWO-TV (NBC) in Terre Haute, IN. TIM SAUNDERSÂ is a 17 year veteran of the station, serving in sales management since 2015.
Not to be outdone, Gray Television named THREE new GMs:
At KOLO-TV in Reno, NV, JOHN FIORELLI has been promoted to GM. The news release doesn’t mention it, but because WE ARE WORKING FOR YOU! and are ON YOUR SIDE! we dug deep and can tell you KOLO is an ABC affiliate. John’s been in the market for 20 years and at KOLO for 15.
We told you earlier that MICHELE GORS is being promoted to GM for KEYC-TV (CBS) in Mankato, MN. She’s been the ND for Gray’s KTTC-TV in Rochester, MN, which is advertising the search for her replacement above.
And HERB BRUCE will add GM duties to his role as Sales Manager at KALB-TV (NBC) in Alexandria, LA. He’s been at the station for almost 19 years and replaces MICHELE GODARD who is retiring after 14 years as GM.
Chapparo
Finally, Scripps named ANDRES CHAPARRO as Vice President and General Manager for KXXV/KRHD-TV, ABC affiliates serving Waco, Temple, and Bryan, TX. He starts tomorrow. Andres most recently was the GM for KDEN-TV, the Telemundo station in Denver. More details in the company’s news release.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 24, 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
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan Street, # 1900 Dallas, TX 75201 **
WDCW-TV 2121 Wisconsin Ave. NW #350 Washington, DC 20007 (See ad above!)
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KPHO/KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008 **
WRTV 1330 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
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
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive; Knoxville, TN 37919
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main St. Dayton, OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WGBA-TV 1391 North Rd Green Bay, WI 54313
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918 (see ad above!)
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
WRCB-TV 900 Whitehall Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37405
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KBAK-TV 1901 Westwind Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93301
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KCBD-TV 5600 Avenue A Lubbock, TX 79404
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KTTC-TV 6301 Bandel Road NW Rochester, MN 55901 (see ad above!)
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503
**: Spanish language station