December 26, 2021
Greetings:
I hope your holidays were happy, your travels safe, and your health good during this holiday week.
There are FOUR new news directors to introduce you to in this week’s edition, while we have just ONE new opening, created when an Iowa ND was promoted to a GM job in Minnesota.
By our count 38 stations have news director openings, ONE of which is advertising its opening below, among our SIX paid ads.
ONE obituary which we shared with you in a Thursday UPDATE. Just ONE item in Names in the News, and ONE item in our GM news section.
And ONE reminder from me to send me your news!
Have a great year, and, barring updates in what is normally a slow week, we’ll see you next year.
Newly Named News Directors:
Saxon
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA…KIM SAXON advances within Gray to become ND for its newly acquired WGCL-TV (CBS) in Atlanta. GM ERIK SCHRADER (also new to WGCL) told the staff in this email. Kim’s been ND for Gray’s WBTV (CBS) in Charlotte for 2+ years, part of a 17 year run there. She also served four years in the Air Force as a broadcaster. Kim replaces MATT KING who left in October after 18 months.
Kelleher
WBTV, Charlotte, NC…wasted little time in replacing Kim by promoting Assistant ND MOLLY KELLEHER to the ND job for this sister Gray/CBS station. She’ll actually start on January 8th, as you’ll learn in this news release. She’s a seven year vet of the station, most recently as Assistant ND. Molly’s also worked in Reno, Bangor, ME, Pasco, WA, and KOLD-TV in Tucson, where she was an EP.
Germano
WOIA-TV, San Antonio, TX…the long promised top 35 ND hire came as MICHELLE GERMANO returns home as ND for this Sinclair/NBC affiliate. GM DEAN RADLA shared the news. Michelle’s been serving as an interim ND for several stations since leaving WTVD-TV (ABC owned) in Raleigh-Durham in 2020, after five years as ND. She’s a former ND in Tucson and has worked in Houston and Corpus Christi, TX. She replaces MANDI JOHNSTON MENDOZA who left in September and is now working out of TV news in San Antonio.
Cook
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN…this Hubbard owned ABC station has promoted BRIANNA COOK to news director. Brianna is currently the morning anchor for this ABC affiliate, where she began her career in 2009. She left for a year to report in Omaha and returned almost ten years ago. She replaces CRAIG HUME who was ND here for two years. He’ll leave in early January and I expect his new job will be announced soon after.
New News Director Openings:
Hedrick
KWQA-TV, Davenport, IA…always happy to report a news director moving to a General Manager job. STEPHANIE HEDRICK is off to sister Gray station KTTC-TV in Rochester, MN. Notes from both Stephanie and Gray SVP MIKE KING are here. She’s been ND at this NBC affiliate for 4+ years, was ND at KOLN-TV (also Gray) for four years, also worked in Waco and also taught English in Bangkok, Thailand.
Hedrick
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, KIMT-TV, Rochester, MN:
KIMT-TV is seeking the next leader of our Rochester, Minnesota newsroom.
This is an excellent opportunity to work for Allen Media Broadcasting, a progressive broadcast company with a winning attitude, while enjoying a diverse, Midwestern and rapidly-growing city, home to the renowned Mayo Clinic. We are passionate about local news, very competitive and thrive on new ideas and technologies.
Our News Director will be responsible for managing the newsroom, executing strategies that engage and grow audiences and provides strong news judgment and journalistic integrity. The ability to recruit, train and inspire young journalists is a must.
Candidates must have a broad understanding of newsroom operations, advanced oral and written communication skills and team-building skills. The ability to work in a high-stress environment and three to five years of previous newsroom oversight is required.
Allen Media Broadcasting offers a generous benefit and time-off plan.
To apply, please visit www.kimt.com or send cover letter and resume to: hr@kimt.com
Any offer of employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug test and a background screening. Successful candidate must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (subject to any medical or religious accommodations or other applicable law.)
Digital Content Manager, WIS-TV, Columbia, SC:
WIS is a dynamic newsroom determined to push creative boundaries on all platforms. Our Digital Content Manager is a critical leader in the daily editorial process for both the on-air and digital arenas. We are looking for a leader with strategic vision that can help us win the 24-hour news battle and create new content that expands our reach on wistv.com, our apps, social media and OTT.
The ideal candidate has 2+ years-experience as a Digital Content Manager/Producer, or similar position, in a competitive news environment.
WIS-TV has a powerful reach and a Digital Content Manager with journalistic skill and imagination could have an incredible impact driving this news brand.
ABOUT WIS:
WIS-TV has been the #1 ranked television station in the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina for almost 70 years. More than a “legacy” station, WIS is truly “South Carolina’s TV Station”, and is one of the top ranked NBC affiliates in the country.
Among our many former notable on-air staff is NBC Today Show co-host Craig Melvin.
The historic and iconic WIS building is located two blocks from the South Carolina State House and across the street from the University of South Carolina. Columbia is a great place to live and WIS-TV is a special place to work.
WIS is owned by Gray Television, a leading media company that owns and operates high-quality stations in 113 television markets that collectively reach 36 percent of US television households.
Newscast Producer, WIS-TV, Columbia, SC:
WIS is a dynamic newsroom determined to push creative boundaries on all platforms. News Producers are asked to envision and execute bold newscasts that communicate, with accurate context, the stories that matter to our viewers.
Producers are not only an integral part of the editorial process at WIS, but are also encouraged to help us generate engaging content on our social media, digital, and streaming platforms.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism of a related field is preferred for this position.
ABOUT WIS:
WIS-TV has been the #1 ranked television station in the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina for almost 70 years. More than a “legacy” station, WIS is truly “South Carolina’s TV Station”, and is one of the top ranked NBC affiliates in the country.
Among our many former notable on-air staff is NBC Today Show co-host Craig Melvin. Melvin, a Columbia native, began his career as a reporter and anchor for WIS.
The historic and iconic WIS building is located two blocks from the South Carolina State House and across the street from the University of South Carolina. Columbia, SC is a great place to live and WIS-TV is a special place to work. We have high expectations, but WIS is also a real family that is committed to serving the people who live in the Midlands of South Carolina.
WIS is owned by Gray Television, a leading media company that owns and operates high-quality stations in 113 television markets that collectively reach 36 percent of US television households.
Streaming Executive Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:
WRAL-TV is looking for an ambitious, multi-skilled individual to lead our news streaming efforts across numerous platforms. The EP will serve in a variety of roles … managing, programming, producing, copy editing, video editing, etc. Tapping the vast television and digital resources and people of WRAL will make this an exciting job.
You’ll lead a team of producers/editors creating content all day, every day. The ideal candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, creative, and innovative. Exceptional communication and writing skills are essential. Pitching new ideas will be crucial.
At least five years of news experience is required. Previous experience in producing and video editing is highly preferred. Supervisory experience is a plus. A four-year college degree is required.
People come to WRAL-TV and they stay. Why? We’re family. We have extraordinary expectations of each other and accept nothing short of excellence. Meshing with our standout team is as important as your skills. We’re locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a pioneering, stable, community advocate, do-the-right-thing company that offers some of the best benefits in the business.
WRAL-TV is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, consistently ranked as one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. The Triangle is an area of booming growth, with companies including Apple, Google and Amazon recently announcing major expansions here.
A pre-employment drug screening is required. EOE, M/F. All Capitol Broadcasting Company properties are tobacco free. Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in E-Verify.
Newscast Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:
WRAL is a multiplatform newsroom. Producers will be asked to engage in discussions about news coverage on WRAL, WRAL.com and social media.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism is preferred. A minimum of 3 years working as a producer is preferred. An ideal candidate must be flexible, able to work under tight deadlines and communicate clearly. They must also be willing to work any shift, and be prepared to work holidays.
People come to WRAL-TV and they stay. Why? We’re family. We have extraordinary expectations of each other and accept nothing short of excellence. Meshing with our standout team is as important as your skills.
We’re locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a pioneering, community advocate company that offers some of the best benefits in the business. We are based in Raleigh, NC, consistently named one of the best places to live in America.
A pre-employment drug screening is required. EOE, M/F. All Capitol Broadcasting Company properties are tobacco free. Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in E-Verify.
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAL Digital, WRAZ-TV, WRAZ Digital, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, CBC New Media Group and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality, and the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC.
Director of Innovation News Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL:
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, relisted this week)
WDCW/WDVM-TV, Washington, DC (new listing this week)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (new listing this week)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 11/21/21)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (relisted this week)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (relisted 12/12/21)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 12/12/21)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (relisted this week)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted 11/7/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (relisted 10/31/21)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (relisted 11/21/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 12/12/21)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Streaming EP, listed 12/19/21, see ad above!)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 12/12/21)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 12/5/21)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/17/21)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, relisted 12/5/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (relisted 11/28/21)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (listed 11/7/21)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (Digital EP, listed 12/19/21)
WDKY-TV, Lexington, KY (AM EP, listed 12/19/21)
KSNW-TV, Wichita, KS (listed 11/14/21)
WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV (listed 11/7/21)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (listed 10/31/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 11/28/21)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (AM EP, relisted this week)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 11/21/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 11/21/21)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 12/12/21)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/17/21)
WSYM-TV, Lansing, MI (Digital EP, listing modified this week)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, relisted 12/12/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (relisted 12/12/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (relisted 12/12/21)
WTWO-TV, Terre Haute, IN (Digital EP, listed 11/14/21)
More News Management Openings:
New listing this week:
WIS-TV, Columbia, SC: Digital Content Manager (see ad above!)
Relisted this week:
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX: (Assignment Desk Manager)
Listed 12/19/21:
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL: Director of Innovation News Center (see ad above!)
Listed 12/12/21:
E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH: National Director of News Platform Strategies and Special Projects
Relisted 12/12/21:
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 12/5/21:
News Nation, Chicago, IL: (News Director – Digital)
WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)
Relisted 12/5/21:
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)
Relisted 11/28/21:
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)
Listed 11/21/21:
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY: (Assistant Professor)
Relisted 11/21/21:
New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)
Relisted 10/31/21
Spectrum Networks NY1 (Senior Mgr., News and Content)
Names in the News:
Not much this week…just a new news manager at Scripps.
MATT SIMON joins WFTX-TV (FOX) in Ft. Myers as its new Assistant News Director. He’s worked in a number of places as you’ll learn here.
Send me your news! rick@rickgevers.com
General Manager News and Notes:
Only one item this week, and we mentioned it above when we told you that STEPHANIE HEDRICK will be the next GM for Gray’s KTTC-TV in Rochester, MN. We mentioned above because she’s leaving Gray’s KWQC-TV in Davenport, IA, where she’s been the ND for 4+ years.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, December 26, 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
News 12 Long Island, 1 Media Crossways Woodbury, NY 11797
KTAZ-TV 4625 S 33rd Pl Phoenix AZ 85040 **
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
WSYX-TV 1261 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
WPBF-TV 3970 RCA Blvd, Suite 7007 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
WAVE-TV 725 S Floyd St. Louisville, KY 40203
WDRB-TV 624 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. Louisville, Ky. 40203
WMC-TV 1960 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38104
WGRZ-TV 259 Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY 14202
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WBAY-TV 115 S Jefferson St 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
KVEO/KGBT-TV 9201 W. Expressway 83. Harlingen, TX 78552 **
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918
KXXV-TV 1909 S. New Rd. Waco, TX 76711
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
KWWL-TV 511 E 5th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703
KWQC-TV 805 Brady St. Davenport, IA 52803
KOLO-TV 4850 Ampere Dr., Reno, NV 89502
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KAPP/KVEW-TV 601 N. Edison Kennewick, WA 99336
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
WTVA-TV P.O. Box 320, Tupelo, MS 38802
KRCG-TV 10188 Old Highway 54 North. New Bloomfield, MO 65063
KCBD-TV 5600 Avenue A Lubbock, TX 79404
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KXMB-TV 1811 N 15th Street Bismarck, ND 58501
KIMT-TV 135 E William St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 (see ad above!)
KTTC-TV 6301 Bandel Road NW Rochester, MN 55901
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WETM-TV 101 East Water Street Elmira, NY 14901
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503
**: Spanish language station