Rick Gevers & Associates

November 20, 2016

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 UPDATE:

Greetings:

The long vacant news director opening at Scripps’ WCPO-TV in Cincinnati is filled with what some might consider a surprise hire.

Mahaney

CHIP MAHANEY, an eight year Scripps veteran who’s been the company’s first national Director of News Recruitment, will be this ABC affiliate’s next news director. Here’s the news release.  Chip has a strong background in digital news operations, fitting for this station with its heavy emphasis on digital. This CJR story explains that.

He’s a former ND in Richmond, spent eleven years as a Managing Editor in Dallas, and worked in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Austin, TX and spent four years working for BASYS. He replaces ALEX BONGIORNO who left the station in February after 2 1/2 years.

Some other quick headlines:

Dyer

General Manager RICHARD DYER returns to Washington to run WUSA-TV. Richard is a DC native. He’s been the GM of Hearst’s WLWT-TV in Cincinnati but earlier had been the Station Manager for WUSA. More here. He replaces MARK BURDETT who held the job for almost five years.

And we have more on the retirement for former ND turned GM BRAD REMINGTON, who’s leaving Scripps’ KMGH-TV in Denver. Here’s the memo from Scripps’ DEBBIE TURNER as well as Brad’s note to his staff.

Happy Thanksgiving!

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings;

There’s a flurry of activity this week, with THREE new news directors and just ONE new opening. Our always unofficial count of open ND jobs now stands at 21.

ONE of those open ND jobs is among our TWO Paid Help Wanted ads in this week’s edition.

We have details about a longtime Michigan news director who’s hospitalized in grave condition after he suffered a stroke in his newsroom this week.

That’s the lead item in Names in the News below. You’ll also find details of an inurnment ceremony for a former Los Angeles and Washington news director. We’ll also tell you about an astounding number of new Assistant News Directors: SIX in all, in a variety of large and medium markets.

That…and more…below, after an ad for a new holiday music package..with process benefitting a charity.

I hope you and your families have a great Thanksgiving holiday.

New News Director Opening:

Dodd-Taylor

KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX…JENNIFER DODD-TAYLOR will leave this Tegna owned CBS affiliate at the end of February. I’m told she’s moving for family reasons. By the time she leaves she will have been there about 18 months. She previously worked in San Antonio. Jennifer’s a former ND in Victoria, TX, and has worked on-air in Dallas, for another San Antonio station, Green Bay, and Beaumont.

Newly Named News Directors:

Starnes

WRCB-TV, Chattanooga, TN…CALLIE STARNES has been promoted to news director for this NBC affiliate. Here’s the official news release. She’s currently the Assistant ND. Callie first joined the station in 2008 as a reporter, and eventually became a weekday anchor. She left the station in 2014 after giving birth, and returned a year later. Callie replaces DERRAL STALVEY who will leave after a short transition period. He was ND there almost ten years.

Hirsch

WFFT-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN…STEW HIRSCH returns to a newsroom as the next ND for this FOX affiliate owned by Nexstar. He’s a one-time news director in Huntsville who’s worked at all three Columbus, OH, stations TWICE. He’s also worked in Cincinnati and Raleigh. Stew replaces BARBARA BROOKS who just had her second child and will leave the business to raise her family. Barbara worked here for seven years, just over a year as ND.

Thompson

KWES-TV, Midland-Odessa, TX…congratulations to MICHAEL THOMPSON who’s been promoted within Raycom to become news director for this NBC affiliate. He’s been the EP for Raycom’s KLTV in Tyler, TX. Here’s the note from his new GM in Midland and his former news director in Tyler. At KWES, Michael replaces JAMES DOUGHTY who left the station earlier this month after just over a year as news director.

Paid Help Wanted Ads: 

Executive Producer, KGO-TV, San Francisco, CA:

KGO-TV/ABC7 News, the ABC Owned Television station in San Francisco has an immediate opening for an Executive Producer to join the ABC7 News team. We are seeking an experienced Manager with superior news judgment and dynamic news producing experience. The Executive Producer manages daily newscasts and content in conjunction with other news managers. The ideal candidate must have a keen understanding of multi-platform strategy and have a track record of breaking news success stories. This person will excel by executing big-picture goals while focusing on the details with daily content coverage. We are looking for a proven leader with excellent communication and collaboration skills.

College degree and five years previous management experience in top 20 markets preferred.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Supervise Newscast Producers and Writers
Provide consistent feedback to Producers and Writers by setting goals and tracking progress
Inspire Producers in the development of compelling newscast production and story-telling.
Contribute strategic content ideas in editorial meetings
Collaborate with Assignment Editors and Digital Producers on multi-platform breaking news coverage
Work with the Audience Development team on newscast promotion across all platforms.
Copy edit scripts
Manage Producer, Writer and Assignment Editor Schedules

TO APPLY: Please log onto www.disneycareers.com and search for Requisition ID# 413524BR (Executive Producer); create a candidate profile, and upload your resume and cover letter.

ABC7 is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

News Director, WTVA-TV, Tupelo, MS:

WTVA-TV Channel 9, the Heartland Media owned NBC affiliate in Columbus-Tupelo, MS (133) is looking for an individual who can lead their #1 station in north Mississippi to new heights of success. Are you….

*Looking for a company that is expanding and investing in news?
*Interested in world class research and training in your craft?
*Excited about using top of the line technology?
*An Executive Producer or Assistant News Director who is ready to lead their own shop?
*An experienced News Director looking for a great market and a great company?
*Up for relocating to a better lifestyle and great cost of living?
How would you like to invest your TIME in….
*The #1 station in North Mississippi (and growing)
*A company that provides great benefits and training
*A company that invests in its people
*A strong team of journalists who are ready for strong leadershipIs that you?

If so, we need to talk!

The full description of the job responsibilities and requires for those interested may be found at www.wtva.com

To learn more about the city you will soon call home click here.

To apply please send resume via email to jjones@wtva.com or mail to:

Jerry Jones
WTVA-TV
P.O. Box 320
Tupelo, MS 38802

No Phone Calls Please

WTVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, WTVA will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/30/16)
KXAS-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (relisted 11/6/16)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 10/30/16)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (relisted 10/23/16)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 10/2/16)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (relisted 10/23/16)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 10/23/16)
KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX (relisted 10/30/16)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KXAS-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (relisted 11/16/16)
KGO-TV, San Francisco, CA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (Spec. Projects Sr. EP, relisted 11/16/16)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (Special Projects/Investigative, relisted 10/30/16)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Senior EP, relisted 11/6/16)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (Dayside EP, relisted 10/30/16)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted this week)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (AM EP, listed 10/23/16)
KPTV, Portland, OR (relisted this week)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (two openings, listed 10/23/16)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (two openings, relisted this week)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (PM EP, relisted 9/18/16)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, relisted 10/30/16)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, relisted 10/30/16)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (PM EP, relisted 11/13/16)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 9/25/16)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted this week)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (AM EP, listed 10/30/16)
WOI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 10/23/16)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (PM EP, relisted 10/30/16)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (relisted 9/25/16)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listing revised 9/11/16)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 11/6/16)

Names in the News:

Ragan

Please join me in wishing longtime Lansing News Director KEVIN RAGAN well. Kevin suffered a stroke in the WILX-TV newsroom earlier this week and is hospitalized in critical condition. I believe he is 62 years old. The station posted this brief story on its website. Kevin’s been the ND for this Gray Television owned NBC affiliate for 19 years, has been an ND in Wichita and Greenville, SC, and worked in Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

We have details on an inurnment service for former Los Angeles and Washington news director BOB LONG, who died last August of cancer at the age of 71. The service will be Wednesday, November 30, at Arlington National Cemetery. More here.

KTLA-TV in Los Angeles has promoted KERRY BRACE to Assistant ND. She’s been an EP there and has worked in Los Angeles for 25 years.

MATT WAGGONER has been promoted to Assistant ND for Seattle’s KCPQ-TV. Matt’s been the Senior Executive Producer for that Tribune owned FOX affiliate. He’s previously worked in Portland, OR, and Phoenix.

BOB SABO is moving up at Hubbard’s KSTP-TV in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Bob has been named Assistant News Director. He’s been the Assignment Manager for this ABC affiliate.

AMBER STATLER-MATTHEWS joins Fox’s WJYZ-TV in Charlotte as Assistant ND. She’s been working for a production company and earlier worked in news management positions for three different Miami stations.

Dieterle

DANA DIETERLE is about to hop onto I-70 and head east to Kansas City where he’ll be the new Assistant News Director for Hearst’s KMBC-TV, the ABC affiliate there. He’s spent the last 5+ years as the Assistant ND for Tribune’s KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver. Dana’s a former ND in Albany, NY, and has also worded in Boston, Cleveland, Miami, Hartford, and Providence.

SARA VAN AERNUM heads to Memphis where she’ll be the Assistant ND for WREG-TV. She’s been working at KHOU-TV in Houston. Sara’s also worked for several news organizations in Washington.

General Manager News:

Remington

Former news director turned General Manager BRAD REMINGTON is leaving Scripps’ KMGH-TV in Denver, where’s he’s been the GM since March, 2015. The Denver Post has more. He’d been out of TV when he took the job at that ABC affiliate, running a franchised business. Brad’s a former ND in Denver (KDVR-TV), Phoenix, St. Louis, and Albuquerque.

Elsner

Nineteen year station veteran ALICIA ELSNER will be the next General Manager for Tegna’s KSDK-TV, the NBC affiliate in St. Louis. The official news release is here. She’s been the General Sales Manager there most recently, and has been the interim GM since MARV DANIELSKI left the station earlier this summer.

PATTY KOLB, who’s been the General Manager for Tribune’s WXMI-TV in Grand Rapids, MI, will leave that FOX affiliate at the end of the year. Patty’s been the GM for 13 years, and earlier served three years as a GM for WFFT-TV in Ft. Wayne.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, November 20, 2016:

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTVT-TV 5233 Bridge Street, Fort Worth TX 76103
KOIN-TV 222 SW Columbia St. Portland OR 97201
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202
WIVB-TV, 2077 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14207
WTEN-TV 41 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY 12204
WRGB-TV 1400 Balltown Road. Schenectady, NY 12309
WKRG-TV 555 Broadcast Dr. Mobile AL 36606
WAND-TV 904 South Side Drive Decatur, IL 62521
WCBD-TV 210 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Drive New Bern, NC 28560
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323. Tyler, TX 75701
KADN/KLAF-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd Lafayette, LA 70506
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima, WA 98901
KAPP/KVEW 114 N. 4th Street Yakima, WA 98901
WTVA-TV PO Box 320 Tupelo MS 38802 (see ad above!)
KX Network 1811 N 15th Street Bismarck, ND 58501
KARD/KTVE-TV 200 Pavilion Road W. Monroe, LA 71292
KESQ-TV 31276 Dunham Way Thousand Palms, CA 92276
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian, Ms. 39301
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. N Twin Falls, ID 83301

November 13, 2016

Greetings:

A fair amount of news director movement in this week’s report, considering we’re in the middle of a rating period.

We have TWO newly named news directors to introduce you to, and there are TWO new news director openings.

That keeps our list of open news director jobs at 23.

ONE of those open ND jobs is featured among our TWO Paid Help Wanted ads.

We have an obituary for a two-time North Carolina General Manager, a former newsman is slated to run one of America’s biggest broadcasting companies, there are new GMs in Seattle and Omaha, and we’ll also tell you about several news managers on the move.

That’s all below!

New News Director Openings:

Luhn

WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC…BRYAN LUHN has left this Media General owned (for now, it’s about to be acquired by Nexstar) NBC affiliate after about 2 1/2 years as news director. Bryan told me it was strange not to be with ‘his troops’ on election night but is enjoying time with his family. He earlier had been an Assistant ND in Asheville, NC, and has also worked at the Weather Channel, and in Seattle, Atlanta, Denver, Louisville, Ft. Myers, and Sherman, TX.

Barden

KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA…DOUG BARDEN is leaving this FOX/NBC duopoly to return to California for a new business venture. Here’s the note Doug sent to his staff. He was the first ND here, starting last January. He had been the ND for KSBY-TV in San Luis Obisbo, is a former ND in Reno and Bakersfield, and has also worked in Salt Lake City. The stations are currently being sold by Nexstar to Bayou City Broadcasting.

Newly Named News Directors:

Araiza

WCSH/WLBZ-TV, Portland/Bangor, ME…KAREN ARAIZA has been named news director for the Tegna owned NBC duopoly. Details here. She’ll start there in two weeks. Karen has been the managing editor of integrated media for WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, where she’s worked for 24 years in a variety of roles. She’s also worked in Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Austin, TX. Karen replaces MIKE REDDING who was promoted to Tegna’s KVUE-TV in Austin, TX, earlier this summer after three years   as ND here.

Brink

KYOU-TV, Ottumwa, IA…PAT BRINK returns to television news after 29 years away as the news director for this FOX affiliate owned by American Spirit Media but operated by Raycom. Pat’s been working in a variety of jobs in public relations since leaving his last TV job as Assignment Manager at KMSP-TV in Minneapolis. He’s also worked in Rochester and Austin, MN.

Paid Help Wanted Ads: 

News Director, WTVA-TV, Tupelo, MS:

WTVA-TV Channel 9, the Heartland Media owned NBC affiliate in Columbus-Tupelo, MS (133) is looking for an individual who can lead their #1 station in north Mississippi to new heights of success. Are you….

*Looking for a company that is expanding and investing in news?
*Interested in world class research and training in your craft?
*Excited about using top of the line technology?
*An Executive Producer or Assistant News Director who is ready to lead their own shop?
*An experienced News Director looking for a great market and a great company?
*Up for relocating to a better lifestyle and great cost of living?
How would you like to invest your TIME in….
*The #1 station in North Mississippi (and growing)
*A company that provides great benefits and training
*A company that invests in its people
*A strong team of journalists who are ready for strong leadershipIs that you?

If so, we need to talk!

The full description of the job responsibilities and requires for those interested may be found at www.wtva.com

To learn more about the city you will soon call home click here.

To apply please send resume via email to jjones@wtva.com or mail to:

Jerry Jones
WTVA-TV
P.O. Box 320
Tupelo, MS 38802

No Phone Calls Please

WTVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, WTVA will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Managing Editor, WAND-TV, Decatur, IL:

WAND-TV News in Decatur, IL is seeking a Managing Editor who understands how to showcase news across all platforms to provide the best experience whether it is on TV, digital or social. The person will oversee communication and logistics, working directly reporters, photographers, producers, managers, and others to cover the news of the day. The Managing Editor should have excellent news judgment and leads a team of multi-platform talent. He or she works closely with the News Director and Assistant News Director to manage workflow, content distribution and coverage planning.

ROLE AND REQUIREMENTS:

Lead role in identifying daily news coverage and content for all WAND News platforms. Previous experience in some form of multi-platform content distribution is necessary.
Will supervise breaking news response and daily coverage.
Ability to bring strong sense of urgency, immediacy and real time strategies to digital content and project initiatives.
Proven record with breaking news, owning the big story and growing new opportunities in our multi-media environment.
Work with reporters and anchors on enterprising stories.
Ability to coach reporters on finding unique elements to differentiate their content depending on platform.
The ideal candidate thrives on taking a lead role in editorial meetings and is a multi-tasker with demonstrated leadership and skills in managing resources.
Candidate must be an excellent communicator, motivator and delegator and able to foster teamwork and collaboration. Strong organization and writing skills and ability to prioritize daily is a must.

Please rush your resume to Morgan Trump, Assistant News Director: Morgan.Trump@wandtv.com.

WAND-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/30/16)
KXAS-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (relisted 11/6/16)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 10/30/16)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (relisted 10/23/16)
KMBC-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 10/16/16)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 10/2/16)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (relisted 10/23/16)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted this week)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 10/23/16)
KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX (relisted 10/30/16)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KXAS-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (relisted 11/16/16)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (Spec. Projects Sr. EP, relisted 11/16/16)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (Special Projects/Investigative, relisted 10/30/16)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Senior EP, relisted 11/6/16)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (Dayside EP, relisted 10/30/16)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 9/18/16)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (AM EP, listed 10/23/16)
KPTV, Portland, OR (relisted 9/11/16)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (two openings, listed 10/23/16)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (two openings, listing modified 9/18/16)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (PM EP, relisted 9/18/16)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, relisted 10/30/16)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, relisted 10/30/16)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (PM EP, relisted this week)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 9/25/16)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 9/4/16)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (AM EP, listed 10/30/16)
WOI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 10/23/16)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (PM EP, relisted 10/30/16)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (relisted 9/25/16)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listing revised 9/11/16)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (listed 11/6/16, see ad above!)

Obituary:

Adams

KAREN ADAMS, a former General Manager for FOX owned stations in Charlotte and Greensboro, NC, died earlier this month from what are described as medical complications. She was 62 years old. She spent most of career at WGHP-TV in Greensboro, beginning as a camera operator and rising to general manager. She later moved to Fox’s WJZY-TV in Charlotte as GM before becoming VP of corporate initiatives for the Fox stations group. More details on her life and career in this obituary.

Names in the News:

Goldberger

BOB GOLDBERGER returns to KNTV in San Jose/San Francisco as the Assistant News Director for that NBC o-and-o. He’s spent the last 13 years at KGO-TV in San Francisco as an EP, but earlier had been the ND at KTNV before it became an o-and-o. The move also reunites him with KNTV ND STEPHANIE ADROUNY. They worked together at both KNTV and KGO. Here’s the note she sent to the staff. Bob’s also worked in Ft. Myers, Baton Rouge, and Columbia, MO.

STEVE ROGERS, who left the ND job at WTVA-TV in Tupelo last month after less than a year as ND there, is starting a new career as a sports talk show host.

Ramsey

DOUG RAMSEY had a wide and long career in our industry, as a news director in San Francisco, San Antonio, and New Orleans, an anchor in New York, Portland, OR, and New Orleans, and as the Senior Vice President for FACS for almost 17 years. Now he’s returned to the city where he grew up, Yakima, WA, and concentrating on jazz. More here.

General Manager News:

Symson

Congratulations to old friend ADAM SYMSON who’s been named Chief Operating Officer for Scripps, and heir apparent to CEO RICH BOEHNE who will retire in 2017. Adam began his career in local news and is now the Chief Digital Officer for Scripps. More details in this news release.

KIRO-TV in Seattle is about to get a new General Manager. GREG BILTE has spent the last 3+ years as GM for Cox’s KOKI-TV in Tulsa.

Scripps has named CHRIS WAY as its new General Manager for KMTV in Omaha. He has a strong digital background and is currently Director of Business Development for LAKANA.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, November 13, 2016:

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTVT-TV 5233 Bridge Street, Fort Worth TX 76103
KOIN-TV 222 SW Columbia St. Portland OR 97201
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202
WIVB-TV, 2077 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14207
WTEN-TV 41 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY 12204
WRGB-TV 1400 Balltown Road. Schenectady, NY 12309
WKRG-TV 555 Broadcast Dr. Mobile AL 36606
WAND-TV 904 South Side Drive Decatur, IL 62521
WRCB-TV 900 Whitehall Road Chattanooga, TN 37405
WCBD-TV 210 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Drive New Bern, NC 28560
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Road Fort Wayne, IN 46807
KADN/KLAF-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd Lafayette, LA 70506
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima, WA 98901
KAPP/KVEW 114 N. 4th Street Yakima, WA 98901
WTVA-TV PO Box 320 Tupelo MS 38802 (see ad above!)
KX Network 1811 N 15th Street Bismarck, ND 58501
KARD/KTVE-TV 200 Pavilion Road W. Monroe, LA 71292
KWES-TV P.O. Box 60150 Midland, TX 79711
KESQ-TV 31276 Dunham Way Thousand Palms, CA 92276
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian, Ms. 39301
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. N Twin Falls, ID 83301

November 6, 2016

Greetings:

Good luck to you and your co-workers on Tuesday’s election coverage.

THREE newly named news directors headline this week’s report, while we have TWO new news director openings.

That takes our list of open news director jobs to 23.

In Names in the News, details about the retirement of a two-time news director, a newly named Senior EP in Atlanta, and we’ll get an update on the latest turn in the career for a former Texas news director.

Read on!

New News Director Openings:

Richards

WRGB-TV, Albany/Schenectady, NY…STEVE RICHARDS will leave this Sinclair Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate after the November rating period. Steve’s been the ND here for just under two years. He told me he was grateful for the opportunity and wished the station well. He spent 27 years at WHEC-TV in Rochester, NY, starting as a vacation relief photographer, rose to Managing Editor and Assistant ND before serving as ND from 2009 to 2013.

Doughty

KWES-TV, Midland, TX…JAMES DOUGHTY has left this Raycom Media owned NBC affiliate after about 15 months as ND. He’s also worked in Amarillo, Corpus Christi, Lufkin, San Angelo and in San Antonio.

Updating a story from last week…we told you that WTOK-TV (Meridian, MS) news director JOHN JOHNSON was leaving that station but we didn’t know why. We’ve since learned he’s retiring after 32 years there. Best wishes!

Newly Named News Directors:

Commodore

KOKI-TV, Tulsa, OK…TINA COMMODORE moves up within Cox Media Group and becomes news director for this FOX affiliate. She’s been the Managing Editor at Cox’s WSB-TV in Atlanta and earlier had been the Manager of Coverage and Content there. She’s also worked in Columbus, OH, and Cincinnati, as well as for CNN. At KOKI, Tina replaces SUZANNE NADELL who was also promoted, in her case to WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh.

Humber

Platte

KGMB/KHNL-TV, Honolulu, HI…SCOTT HUMBER is being promoted to news director of this Raycom Media owned duopoly. The long and detailed note from GM RICK BLANGIARDI is here. Scott’s worked here for 14 years in a variety of roles and earlier worked in sports related media in the Boston area. Scott will replace MARK PLATTE who’s leaving to return to the mainland where his children are in school after six years as ND here. Mark had worked for newspapers before switching to TV. His unusual background is here.

Stein

WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL…MATT STEIN has been named news director for this ABC affiliate. He’s been the Assistant ND at WREG-TV in Memphis for the past 4 years. He’s also worked in Salinas/Monterey, CA, Seattle, Denver, Charlotte, and Syracuse. He’s also a past winner of Walter Cronkite Award for Political Journalism. Matt replaces JENNIFER HARDY who was promoted to news director for WWSB-TV in Sarasota, FL.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Managing Editor, WAND-TV, Decatur, IL:

WAND-TV News in Decatur, IL is seeking a Managing Editor who understands how to showcase news across all platforms to provide the best experience whether it is on TV, digital or social. The person will oversee communication and logistics, working directly reporters, photographers, producers, managers, and others to cover the news of the day. The Managing Editor should have excellent news judgment and leads a team of multi-platform talent. He or she works closely with the News Director and Assistant News Director to manage workflow, content distribution and coverage planning.

ROLE AND REQUIREMENTS:

Lead role in identifying daily news coverage and content for all WAND News platforms. Previous experience in some form of multi-platform content distribution is necessary.
Will supervise breaking news response and daily coverage.
Ability to bring strong sense of urgency, immediacy and real time strategies to digital content and project initiatives.
Proven record with breaking news, owning the big story and growing new opportunities in our multi-media environment.
Work with reporters and anchors on enterprising stories.
Ability to coach reporters on finding unique elements to differentiate their content depending on platform.
The ideal candidate thrives on taking a lead role in editorial meetings and is a multi-tasker with demonstrated leadership and skills in managing resources.
Candidate must be an excellent communicator, motivator and delegator and able to foster teamwork and collaboration. Strong organization and writing skills and ability to prioritize daily is a must.

Please rush your resume to Morgan Trump, Assistant News Director: Morgan.Trump@wandtv.com.

WAND-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Senior Executive Producer, KRIV-TV, Houston, TX:

Fox 26 KRIV, the Fox O&O in Houston, TX, is seeking a highly competitive and innovative applicant for the position of Senior Executive Producer to oversee day-to- day news operations in the gathering, execution and production of content across multiple-platforms. The primary responsibility of this position is to create timely and compelling content with the highest standards of journalistic accuracy and excellent production values. In addition:

Be a creative and innovative thinker, content developer and “show doctor”
Possess strong breaking news skills and control room experience
Work with news director to recruit talent and train staff
Be able to communicate goals, motivate the team and commit to measureable results
Collaborate with executive producer of special projects on unique and promotable content for newscasts, long-form specials and digital platforms.
Have the ability to produce extensive live coverage whether in the studio or on a live remote
Serve as liaison for news department with marketing team
Attend editorial meetings, maintain schedules and perform other duties as assigned

Candidate should have a minimum of 7 years’ experience in a medium to large market news operation producing local or network news. Minimum of 3 years management experience. Knowledge of control room automation, desktop editing, I-news, and Microsoft pc-based systems is preferred. Bachelor’s Degree required. Valid driver’s license required.

Click on this link to apply:

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. EOE/M/F/Veteran/Disabled

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/30/16)
KXAS-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (relisted this week)
KNTV, San Francisco/San Jose, CA (relisted this week)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 10/30/16)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (relisted 10/23/16)
KMBC-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 10/16/16)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 10/2/16)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (relisted 10/23/16)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 9/4/16)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 10/23/16)
KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX (relisted 10/30/16)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KXAS-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (relisted this week)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (Spec. Projects Sr. EP, relisted this week)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (Special Projects/Investigative, relisted 10/30/16)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Senior EP, relisted 10/30/16, see ad above!)
KWGN-TV Denver, CO (listed 9/25/16)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (Dayside EP, relisted 10/30/16)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 9/18/16)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (AP EP, listed 10/23/16)
KPTV, Portland, OR (relisted 9/11/16)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (two openings, listed 10/23/16)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (two openings, listing modified 9/18/16)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (PM EP, relisted 9/18/16)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, relisted 10/30/16)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, relisted 10/30/16)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (PM EP, relisted 9/4/16)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 9/25/16)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 9/4/16)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (AM EP, listed 10/30/16)
WOI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 10/23/16)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (PM EP, relisted 10/30/16)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (relisted 9/25/16)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listing revised 9/11/16)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (new listing this week, see ad above!)

Names in the News:

MacDonald

Longtime Anchorage newsman STEVE MAC DONALD will retire in December. He’s been at KTUU-TV there since 1996 in a variety of roles, including two stints as ND. Steve’s also a former news director at KTVA-TV there.

DARCY BONFILS joins WGCL-TV in Atlanta as Senior Executive Producer. She’s been working at The Weather Channel and earlier worked for two stations in New York City.

Readers of, uh, a certain age will likely remember BILL GOODMAN, once a news director for KPRC-TV in Houston. He’s been named executive director of the Kentucky Humanities Council following a long career at Kentucky Educational Television. More here.

General Manager News:

JAMES BARONET is the new GM for Sinclair’s KSAS-TV in Wichita, KS.  He had been a GM in Baton Rouge.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, November 6, 2016:

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTVT-TV 5233 Bridge Street, Fort Worth TX 76103
KOIN-TV 222 SW Columbia St. Portland OR 97201
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202
WIVB-TV, 2077 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14207
WTEN-TV 41 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY 12204
WRGB-TV 1400 Balltown Road. Schenectady, NY 12309
WKRG-TV 555 Broadcast Dr. Mobile AL 36606
WCSH/WLBZ-TV One Congress Square Portland, ME 04101
WAND-TV 904 South Side Drive Decatur, IL 62521
WRCB-TV 900 Whitehall Road Chattanooga, TN 37405
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Drive New Bern, NC 28560
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Road Fort Wayne, IN 46807
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima, WA 98901
KAPP/KVEW 114 N. 4th Street Yakima, WA 98901
WTVA-TV PO Box 320 Tupelo MS 38802
KX Network 1811 N 15th Street Bismarck, ND 58501
KARD/KTVE-TV 200 Pavilion Road W. Monroe, LA 71292
KWES-TV P.O. Box 60150 Midland, TX 79711
KESQ-TV 31276 Dunham Way Thousand Palms, CA 92276
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian, Ms. 39301
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. N Twin Falls, ID 83301
KYOU-TV 820 W Second St. Ottumwa IA 52501

October 30, 2016

Greetings:

Happy Halloween to you and yours. If you get more peanut M&Ms than you want, send ’em my way!

While it may be Halloween, nothing spooky in this week’s newsletter, with TWO new ND openings and just ONE newly named ND. That brings our list of open ND jobs to 22. (We have removed the open ND listing for WMAQ-TV in Chicago but have added an Assistant ND opening there.)

TWO of those 22 open ND jobs are featured in our FOUR paid help wanted ads.

We have details about the closing of a 21 year old cable news network serving several states in the Pacific Northwest. We have quite a few news managers on the move, and, sadly, obituaries for two general managers, one current and one former.

All this and more as you read on.

New News Director Openings:

Stalvey

WRCB-TV, Chattanooga, TN…DERRALL STALVEY announced this week that he’s leaving his job here sometime in 2017. He’s been the ND here since August, 2007, and earlier worked as an Assistant ND in Knoxville. Derrall says he and his family plans to stay in Chattanooga. Here’s part of the note he sent his staff. WRCB is an NBC affiliate owned by Sarkes Tarzian.

WTOK-TV, Meridian, MS…this Gray Television owned ABC affiliate is advertising for a news director. My records show JOHN JOHNSON has been the ND there since 1985, and anchored at the station until 2011.

UPDATED 10/31/16:  John Johnson is retiring after 32 years at the station.  Congratulations and best wishes to him!

Newly Named News Directors:

Pickey

WOAY-TV, Beckley-Oak Hill WV…SCOTT PICKEY will start tomorrow as the news director for locally owned Thomas Broadcasting’s ABC affiliate. Scott most recently was the ND for WWAY-TV in Wilmington, NC. Scott’s a former ND at another Wilmington station and in Fayetteville, AR. He’s also worked in El Paso, Huntsville, Raleigh, Richmond, and Syracuse. He replaces DAVID MILLER who left the station just six months after adding the ND job to his anchor duties.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Senior Executive Producer, KRIV-TV, Houston, TX:

Fox 26 KRIV, the Fox O&O in Houston, TX, is seeking a highly competitive and innovative applicant for the position of Senior Executive Producer to oversee day-to- day news operations in the gathering, execution and production of content across multiple-platforms. The primary responsibility of this position is to create timely and compelling content with the highest standards of journalistic accuracy and excellent production values. In addition:

Be a creative and innovative thinker, content developer and “show doctor”
Possess strong breaking news skills and control room experience
Work with news director to recruit talent and train staff
Be able to communicate goals, motivate the team and commit to measureable results
Collaborate with executive producer of special projects on unique and promotable content for newscasts, long-form specials and digital platforms.
Have the ability to produce extensive live coverage whether in the studio or on a live remote
Serve as liaison for news department with marketing team
Attend editorial meetings, maintain schedules and perform other duties as assigned

Candidate should have a minimum of 7 years’ experience in a medium to large market news operation producing local or network news. Minimum of 3 years management experience. Knowledge of control room automation, desktop editing, I-news, and Microsoft pc-based systems is preferred. Bachelor’s Degree required. Valid driver’s license required.

Click on this link to apply:

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. EOE/M/F/Veteran/Disabled

News Director, WTVA-TV, Tupelo, MS:

WTVA in Tupelo-Columbus, Mississippi, has an immediate opening for a news director. The ideal candidate is a high energy person with a positive and competitive personality who possesses leadership skills to quickly gain the respect of a very strong team of journalists.

This person will be expected to take an award-winning newsroom to new heights of success.

WTVA is the NBC/ABC television station for Northeast Mississippi. It is located in Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis and the regional hub for shopping and services. The city is near two SEC-affiliated universities and is a short drive to Memphis and Birmingham.

Send résumé and cover letter to:

Jerry Jones
WTVA-TV
P.O. Box 320
Tupelo, MS 38802
jjones@wtva.com

Also, let us know in your cover letter how you learned of the opening.

WTVA is an equal opportunity employer.

News Director, KMIR-TV, Palm Springs, CA:

KMIR-KPSE in beautiful Palm Springs is looking for a News Director.

If you’re reading Rick Gevers’ Newsletter, you know what a News Director does: we want to know what you can do?

Can you lead a team, develop an innovative plan, break a few rules and lead a great television station into the future?

How would you incorporate all things digital and social into the equation every day?

How would you run a newsroom? Lots of questions and we know there is not one right answer.

You just have to be willing to take chances, try new things, and know you’ll work for a company willing to innovate. No corporate News Director, just a local team out to win, in what has to be the best small market in America – Palm Springs.

Yes, it gets hot in the summer (but it’s a dry heat)

And when the snow starts falling in a few weeks, it will be 80 degrees here.

Resume and thoughts on above to PalmSpringsND@KMIR.com.

EOE

Executive Producer, WOI-TV, Des Moines, IA:

Come make a difference in a newsroom that takes risks, invests in real journalism and allows you to grow. The perfect person for our Executive Producer position is someone with big ideas, an innovative spirit and has a love for creating great television with great sound and video.

If your dream is to become a News Director soon, this is a great starting place. Local 5 news in Des Moines, Iowa is looking for an energetic thinker who can take great content and make it shine. This position is for an upcoming, savvy producer or leader in a smaller market ready to apply what you’ve learned.

Des Moines has all the amenities of a big city (minus the professional sports teams.) We are consistently rated as a Top 5 best city in America for young professionals and overall well-being by the likes of Forbes, Bankrate.com, Gallup and Dell. Our music, dining and arts scene is thriving. Our news market is just as good.

Our newsroom is filled with storytellers, journalists and strong producers. Email me if you want to join us on the adventure.

April Samp
News Director
asamp@weareiowa.com

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (new listing this week)
KXAS-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (relisted 9/4/16)
KNTV, San Francisco/San Jose, CA (listed 9/4/16)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (new listing this week)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (relisted 10/23/16)
KMBC-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 10/16/16)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 10/2/16)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (relisted 10/23/16)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 9/4/16)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 10/23/16)
KTXS-TV, Abilene, TX (relisted this week)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KXAS-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (relisted 9/4/16)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (2 jobs, Sr. EP & Spec. Projects Sr. EP, listed 9/25/16)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (Special Projects/Investigative, relisted this week)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Senior EP, relisted this week, see ad above!)
KWGN-TV Denver, CO (listed 9/25/16)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (Dayside EP, relisted this week)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 9/18/16)
KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO (AP EP, listed 10/23/16)
KPTV, Portland, OR (relisted 9/11/16)
WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (two openings, listed 10/23/16)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (two openings, listing modified 9/18/16)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (PM EP, relisted 9/18/16)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (AM EP, relisted this week)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, relisted this week)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (PM EP, relisted 9/4/16)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (relisted 9/25/16)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 9/4/16)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (AM EP, new listing this week)
WOI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 10/23/16, see ad above!)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (PM EP, relisted this week)
WCTI-TV, New Bern, NC (relisted 9/25/16)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listing revised 9/11/16)

Obituaries:

Brown

UPDATED 11/1/16:  The location for the services for “BUD” BROWN has been changed to:

Buffalo Gap Chapel
133 William Street
Buffalo Gap, TX 79508

and will still be held this Saturday, November 5th, at 3:0O PM.

(Flowers should be sent to KTXS at 4420 Clack Street, Abilene, TX 79601)

Funeral services for KTXS-TV (Abilene, TX) General Manager ALBERT BELMONT “BUD” BROWN will be held next Saturday, November 5th, at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home at 542 Hickory Street in Abilene, TX. Bud died unexpectedly last Tuesday at the age of 64. He’d been the GM for this Bonten Media owned ABC affiliate since 2012, and previously was a GM in New Orleans, Spokane, and Tulsa. Bud was the GM for WWL-TV in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. The station reports on his death here, while the funeral home obituary (which I assume will be updated later this week) is here. Our sympathy to his wife LINNIE and their five year old son.

Farris

ELIZABETH “BETSY” FARRIS, a former general manager for KRCG-TV in the Jefferson City/Columbia, MO, market, died Saturday, October 21. She was 57 and lost a battle with cancer. She began at KCRG in sales and was GM for that CBS affiliate for about ten years before leaving to work for an entertainment business in Columbia. Betsy also worked in St. Louis and Sacramento. This obituary appeared in a Columbia newspaper.

Names in the News:

After 21 years, Tegna is closing its 24 hour cable news network in the Pacific Northwest, Northwest Cable News. The move affects the jobs of about 20-25 people. This article quotes GM JIM ROSE as saying he hopes to find jobs for about half those people in the company.

RTDNA celebrated its 70th birthday this week.

In Colorado Springs, CO, KXRM-TV News Director JOE COLE is stepping off the anchor desk for this Media General owned Fox affiliate to concentrate full time on the ND duties. The station honored him on his final newscast.

Ioos

JAMIE IOOS moves across Phoenix to become the Content Manager for KTVK/KPHO-TV there. She’s been the Assistant ND for KNXV-TV in Phoenix since September, 2014, had been an EP there, is a former news director in Las Vegas and Albuquerque, and once worked as a consultant for Crawford Johnson & Northcott. She’s also worked in Boston, Providence, and Cedar Rapids.

After almost 18 years at WDBJ-TV in Roanoke in a variety of roles, KIMBERLY ELLER is headed to WBTV in Charlotte as an Executive Producer. She starts at that Raycom Media owned CBS affiliate on November 2nd.

TIA BROZ heads east on I-74 to Cincinnati to become an Executive Producer for Scripps’ WCPO-TV. She’s been a producer for WISH-TV in Indianapolis and has also worked in South Bend and Ft. Wayne.

JENNIFER NICKELS returns home to Ohio as the Assistant News Director for WBNS-TV in Columbus. She’d been an EP for WAVE-TV in Louisville, and has also worked in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbia, MO.

General Manager News:

ERIC DUNCAN returns to Texas as General Manager for KXXV-TV in Waco. I’m told he has deep Texas roots.  Eric spent about the last 18 months as GM for sister-Raycom station WSFA-TV in Montgomery. He’s earlier worked in Lubbock and Austin, TX.

Schrader

The Cleveland Plain Dealer profiles new WOIO/WUAB-TV (CBS/CW in Cleveland) General Manager ERIK SCHRADER, who arrived in town just in time for the World Series. Erik’s a former ND in a number of markets, whose first GM job was just three years ago in Wichita…he later served as a GM in Birmingham.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, October 30, 2016:

If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

KTVT-TV 5233 Bridge Street, Fort Worth TX 76103
KOIN-TV 222 SW Columbia St. Portland OR 97201
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202
WIVB-TV, 2077 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14207
KOKI-TV 2625 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74129
WTEN-TV 41 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY 12204
WKRG-TV 555 Broadcast Dr. Mobile AL 36606
WCSH/WLBZ-TV One Congress Square Portland, ME 04101
WAND-TV 904 South Side Drive Decatur, IL 62521
WRCB-TV 900 Whitehall Road Chattanooga, TN 37405
WCTI-TV 225 Glenburnie Drive New Bern, NC 28560
WFFT-TV 3707 Hillegas Road Fort Wayne, IN 46807
KIMA/KEPR-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima, WA 98901
KAPP/KVEW 114 N. 4th Street Yakima, WA 98901
WTVA-TV PO Box 320 Tupelo MS 38802 (see ad above!)
KX Network 1811 N 15th Street Bismarck, ND 58501
KARD/KTVE-TV 200 Pavilion Road W. Monroe, LA 71292
KESQ-TV 31276 Dunham Way Thousand Palms, CA 92276
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (see ad above!)
WTOK-TV 815 23rd Ave. Meridian, Ms. 39301
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. N Twin Falls, ID 83301
KYOU-TV 820 W Second St. Ottumwa IA 52501