July 9, 2023
Wednesday,July 12, 2023 UPDATE:
Greetings:
A longtime Raleigh news director is retiring from his job.
But there’s an unusual twist.
He’s not leaving until next year!
Gall
RICK GALL, who’s been news director for Capitol Broadcasting’s WRAL-TV (NBC) for more than 18 years, will leave the station at the end of May, 2024.
General Manager JOEL DAVIS told the staff today via this memo.
Rick first joined WRAL in 1995 as a reporter, later became an Assignment Editor, then Assignment Manager, Managing Editor, & Assistant News Director, before ascending to the ND job in January, 2005.
Rick replaced, I believe, JOHN HARRIS, who became Creative Services Director. It’s was John’s second turn in the ND office.
The station is beginning the search for this replacement, so you can start working on your resume. But wait to submit it until after you see the station’s ad for the job in this weekend’s newsletter!
regards,
Rick Gevers
**** ***** ****
Greetings:
A rather busy week, considering it was holiday shortened.
There were TWO new news directors named, while there are FOUR new openings.
That leaves 35 stations on our list of open ND jobs, and TWO of those openings are among our THREE paid help wanted ads.
TWO GM changes, both at Tegna stations: ONE involves the retirement of a longtime Tegna GM, while ONE sees a newswoman promoted to a GM job.
And there are several items in Names in the News, including the retirement of a multi-time ND who’s headed to academia.
Read on for those stories and more.
Newly Named News Directors:
Kummer
WAVE-TV, Louisville, KY…MATT KUMMER moves within Gray to be the next ND for this NBC affiliate. He’s leaving Gray’s WVLT-TV (CBS) in Knoxville and posted this, while his new GM in Louisville, JOHN O’BRIEN sent this to his staff. Matt’s been at WVLT about two years, spent ten years as an ND in Green Bay, and has worked in several other markets. At WAVE, he replaces JENELLE SHRINER who left in June after about 18 months as ND.
Fobe
WISC-TV, Madison, WI…KYLE FOBE is the news news director for this Morgan Murphy Media owned NBC affiliate. Details in this staff memo from GM LYLE BANKS. Kyle’s been the ND for WBND-TV in South Bend, the Weigel owned ABC affilaite, for 3 1/2 years and earlier was an ND in Altoona, PA. Kyle replaces SARAH GRAY who left late last year after three years on the job.
New News Director Openings:
WLVT-TV, Knoxville, TN…if you were paying attention above, you already know that MATT KUMMER is leaving this Gray owned CBS affiliate for a Gray owned NBC affiliate in Louisville, WAVE-TV.
Miller
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL…after 13 years in two stints at news director for this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate, ANDY MILLER is jumping off the merry-go-round and starting his own business. He explained his new venture in this note to me. In between his two stints as ND here, Andy also spent six years working as a Director of Local Content Development for Nexstar.
WBND-TV, South Bend, IN…you also learned above (if you were paying attention, and, if not, shame on you) that KYLE FOBE is leaving one family owned station (Weigel, in this case) for another (Morgan Murphy) where he’ll be ND for CBS affiliate WISC-TV in Madison, WI.
Bill C.
KIFI-TV, Idaho Falls, ID…longtime newsman BILL CUMMINGS will retire this fall as ND for this News Press & Gazette owned station. By the time he leaves, Bill will have been here for about three years, one of (if my count is correct) NINE ND stops in his career. See if my math is good by checking out Bill’s Linkedin page and count them for yourself. 🙂
And while it is not a new opening, please check out the Paid Help Wanted ad below for the opening at Nexstar’s WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids. (If you get the job and dig deep enough, you might find memos I wrote during my tenure as ND from 1993-1995). 🙂
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI:
WOOD TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan (DMA #42) has an immediate opening for a News Director.
This job is special. You will lead a team of award-winning journalists and develop your own leadership team. You will work for a station where communities matter. You will be able to build upon a deep legacy of journalism across multiple platforms and three broadcast stations.
West Michigan is a dynamic collection of communities that include a vibrant at scene, tourist destinations along beautiful Lake Michigan, agricultural industries and a wealth of innovative companies focusing on information technology, life sciences, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
We want a News Director who is an innovative and dynamic leader, possessing excellent news and ethical judgement, strong understanding of hard news and a passion to continue the station’s historic legacy as the region’s news leader. The station includes an award-winning investigative team, a market-leading local sports operation and a respected weather team.
Responsibilities include managing daily news content across multiple platforms; hiring, training and mentoring producers, reporters, and anchors; overseeing special projects and daily operations in the newsroom.
You also get to be a part of the largest television ownership group in the country- Nexstar Media Group. If you are interested in joining us, click here:
Nightside Executive Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:
Would you like to be a leader in a multiplatform news operation with a commitment to excellence and the resources you need to succeed? WRAL is seeking a strong Executive Producer to oversee content, showcasing and innovation in WRAL’s late newscasts. The Nightside Executive Producer will work closely with our digital, graphics, promotion, and news management teams and must own breaking news on all platforms.
We are looking for a decision maker with strong ethics, outstanding communication skills, superb news judgment and the desire to win. If you have a vision for graphics and a passion for fast-paced, creative newscasts, this is the job for you.
Responsibilities:
· Own breaking news on all platforms.
· Mentor and develop producing and reporting staff.
· Lead editorial decision making for nightside coverage.
· Plan and execute “Big Story” coverage.
· Write and approve scripts.
· Review digital copy and topical promotion.
· Enhance weather and sports content.
Qualifications:
· Five years of experience in producing newscasts preferred.
· Two years of news management experience preferred.
· A four-year college degree.
Learn more about this opportunity by clicking here.
News Director, WXXV-TV, Gulfport, MS:
WXXV, the Morris Multimedia station in Gulfport, MS, seeks a News Director to lead a team of enthusiastic, young journalists and seasoned professionals. The ideal candidate brings a history of leadership and mentorship. Key responsibilities include recruiting, developing and retaining talent, creating overall LOCAL journalistic strategy and policy for daily newscasts, effectively managing staff and resources while fostering a positive, proactive and productive work environment.
WXXV is a great place to work, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast has truly emerged as a sought-out tourist destination with a flourishing arts and music scene, and attractions that highlight the region’s natural splendor. Add to this sun-soaked beaches, world-class golf courses, exquisite art galleries, fresh-off-the-dock seafood, deep-sea fishing and avid nightlife. The barrier islands and waterways offer both relaxation and adventure. Annual attractions include Cruisin’ the Coast, Mardi Gras, and the Senior PGA Tournament. Home to Ingalls Shipbuilding and Stennis Space Center, South Mississippi has a very viable and diverse workforce. New Orleans is 80 miles to the west. Mobile is 67 miles to the east.
Now, back to the station:
We utilize DMV & criminal background checks as a condition of employment.
Please email resume and references to: hr@wxxv25.com
No phone calls
Employment at WXXV shall be based on merit, qualification, and competence. Employment practice shall not be influenced or affected by virtue of an applicant’s or an employee’s race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin, or disability. Females and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KCBS/KCAL-TV, Los Angeles, LA (listed 4/30/23)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 7/9/23)
WATN-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 6/4/23)
KATC-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 7/2/23)
WNCT-TV, Greenville, NC (relisted 7/9/23)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (relisted 5/29/23)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 7/2/23)
KIAH-TV, Houston, TX (AM/Special Projects EP, relisted 7/9/23)
WDCW-TV, Washington DC (listed 6/11/23)
KGO-TV, San Francisco, CA (relisted 4/23/23)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg (AM EP, listed 6/4/23)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, listed 6/4/23)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, ND (AM EP, listed 6/4/23)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (listed 5/21/23)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Nightside EP, listed 7/9/23, see ad above!)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 5/29/23)
WKRN-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 5/14/23)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP, listed 6/4/23)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 5/14/23)
KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (AM EP, listed 6/4/23)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 7/2/23)
WXIX-TV Cincinnati, OH (EP, listed 5/29/23)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 7/2/23)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 7/9/23)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 5/21/23)
WLEX-TV, Lexington, KY listed 7/2/23)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (AM EP, listed 6/4/23)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 6/11/23)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (Digital EP, listed 5/29/23)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (listed 7/2/23)
KTVH-TV, Helena, MT (listed 7/2/23)
MANAGING EDITOR:
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (listed 5/13/23)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 6/11/23)
KOKI-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 7/2/23)
More News Management Openings:
Relisted 7/9/23:
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (Assignment Manager)
WWTI-TV, Watertown, NY (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 5/7/23:
U. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Multimedia News Manager)
U. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Technical News Producer)
Names in the News:
Roth
Longtime ND GEOFF ROTH says he’s retiring and headed to academia:
After more than 4 decades, I am retiring from the TV news business. It has been a fun and wild ride that has taken me all over the country and allowed me to cover everything from hurricanes to political revolutions. Most importantly, I have made some amazing friends all across the globe and had the pleasure of working with many incredible journalists. However, I won’t be completely leaving the world of journalism. Starting this fall, I will be joining the faculty in the journalism department at the University of Houston as a Professor of Practice. Texas, here we come, and Go Coogs.
Geoff’s extensive career history is here.
Crutcher
WLEX-TV, the Scripps owned NBC affiliate in Lexington, KY, has named DeLAINA CRUTCHER as its next Assistant News Director. News Director JENNIFER SMITH sent this memo to the staff. DeLaina is in her second tour of duty with WLEX, has worked for another Lexington station, and in Columbus, OH.
Apologies to ALLISON GIBSON, as we screwed up the site of her longtime tenure at News 12 in our mention last week of her new job. She was, in fact, at News 12 New Jersey for 18 years, not News 12 Long Island.
General Manager News and Notes:
O’Dell
Longtime General Manager RICH O’DELL is retiring after more than 24 years running Tegna’s WLTX-TV (CBS) in Columbia, SC. Rich posted this note on social media. In addition to his long run at WLTX, he had a similar long tenure at WKYC-TV in Cleveland, where he spent 21+ years as Manager of Programming and Production. Rich also worked in Columbus, OH, and Paducah, KY.
Guyton
VALERIE GUYTON, who’s been the Assistant News Director for NBC’s KXAS-TV in Dallas-Ft. Worth, has been named President and General Manager for KWES-TV, KIDY-TV and KXVA-TV, all Tegna stations in West Texas. Details about Valerie’s new stations in this news release and more on Valerie’s varied background on her Linkedin page.
Our List of Open News Director jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 9, 2023:
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
WXIA-TV One Monroe Place NE Atlanta, GA 30324
WZDC-TV 4001 Nebraska Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 **
WCCO-TV 90 S. 11th Street Minneapolis, MN 55403
WLTV 9405 NW 41st St, Doral, FL 33178 **
KXTV 400 Broadway Sacramento, CA 95818
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas, NV 89101
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (See ad above!)
WWMT-TV 590 West Maple St. Kalamazoo, MI 49008
WLNE-TV 10 Orms St. Providence, RI 02904
KFTV 3239 W Ashlan Av. Fresno, CA 93722 **
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
WATE-TV 1306 North Broadway Knoxville, TN 37917
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive. Knoxville, TN 37919
KITV 801 So. King St. Honolulu, HI 96813
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
WICA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WICS-TV 2680 E. Cook St. Springfield, IL 62703
WBND-TV 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635
WQAD-TV 3003 Park 16th Street Moline, IL 61265
WTAJ-TV 5000 Sixth Avenue Altoona, PA 16602
KIMA-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima, WA 98901
KMIZ-TV 501 Business Loop 70 E., Columbia MO 65201
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KIFI-TV 1915 N. Yellowstone Hwy. Idaho Falls, ID 83401
WXXV-TV 14351 Hwy 49 N. Gulfport, MS 39503 (see ad above!)
WBUP/WKBP-TV 1705 Ash Street Suite 5 Ishpeming, MI 49849
WDTV 5 Television Dr. Bridgeport, WV 26330
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
KIEM-TV 5650 S Broadway St Eureka, CA 95503
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KNOP-TV 402. S. Dewey. North Platte NE 69101
**: Spanish language station