Rick Gevers & Associates

July 24, 2022

Greetings:

Lots of material in this week’s edition, with something for everyone.

We have FIVE new news directors to share, though THREE of them have been in place for a few weeks or even months. ONE of those new NDs is a familiar name who’s been an ND in a number of markets. And there’s ONE new opening.

Those changes drop our list of stations with ND openings to 32.

There are THREE Paid Help Wanted ads, all for EP openings in markets ranging from top ten to top 50.

We have a new advertiser for a start-up business which may be of interest to those of you struggling to hire producers. It’s a unique effort by a former ND. Check out the ad just below.

And Sciline is back…that’s the non profit organization hoping to improve coverage of science issues…they have a new schedule of interviews you can book on a variety of topics.

I’m grateful there are no obituaries this week.

We have THREE items about general managers on the move…two going, and one coming to a new job.

And check out Names in the News. It’s easy to bash consultants, but we have a story about one who has done something praiseworthy. We’ll also tell you about a potential new owner for the Black News Channel, CBS expanding news to its CW and independent stations, a longtime news manager leaving Chicago to return to Texas, and a Denver station that sprung a surprise on its news director during a staff meeting.

Like I said, something for everyone. Have a great week.

SciLine, a nonpartisan, philanthropically funded, free service for reporters, tees up articulate scientists from universities across the country for windows of media availability. Journalists can sign up to book broadcast-quality Zoom interviews for their exclusive use. SciLine also hosts on-the-record expert panels for reporters, with ample time for Q&A.

1-ON-1 INTERVIEW AVAILABILITIES

Aug. 2: Electric vehicles (Dr. Lewis Fulton, University of California, Davis)
Aug. 9: Teen mental health (Dr. Nick Allen, University of Oregon)
Aug. 25: Delta-8 and other cannabinoids (Dr. Ziva Cooper, UCLA)

UPCOMING MEDIA BRIEFINGS

July 28: High heat & health (with experts from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Boston University School of Public Health)
Aug. 4: Wildfire resilience: buildings, water, and land use (with experts from Headwaters Economics, Oregon State University, and University of Colorado Boulder)

Sign up to get notified about upcoming opportunities.

Follow @RealSciLine on Twitter.

Newly Named News Directors:

Lopez

WBZ/WSBK-TV, Boston, MA…Tuesday’s UPDATE told you GERARDO LOPEZ will be the next VP/News Director for this CBS owned duopoly. More in this news release. We told you last week that Gerardo was leaving Scripps’ WTKR-TV (CBS) in Norfolk after less than a year as ND. His resume is too long to run here, but it’s on his Linkedin page. He replaces JESSI MILLER BRADLEY who left the station earlier this year after 18 months as ND and 25 years at the station.

I’m sorry to say we dropped the ball on THREE news director hires over the past few months, all at Cowles stations:

KHQ-TV, Spokane, WA…hired PAUL BERGEN, formerly GM and before that news director at KBMT-TV in Beaumont, TX.

KNDO/KNDU-TV, Yakima-Pasco-Richland-Kennewick, WA… STEPHANIE ASHLEY moves from Fayetteville, AR, where she had been an assistant ND at KNWA-TV. Her Linkedin page has more.

KULR-TV, Billings, MT…DIANA CASANOVA was promoted to ND here. She’d been the EP there for two years. Check out the ‘about’ section on her Linkedin page.

Turpin

WETM-TV, Elmira, NY…this Nexstar owned NBC affiliate has hired JIM TURPIN as its news director. Jim’s a veteran news director with stops in Fresno, Memphis, Norfolk and Wichita. More here. At WETM, he replaces ZACH WHEELER who left the station in unfortunate circumstances last May, Zach had been ND here for just a few months but had worked there for 15 years, the last four as main anchor.

New News Director Openings:

Giffune

WEYI/WSMH-TV, Flint/Saginaw/Bay City, MI…this Sinclair operation is looking for a new news director to replace NEILIE-ANN GIFFUNE who spent almost three years of her ten years at the station as ND. Her background is in sports. Sinclair owns WSMH (FOX) and operates WEYI (NBC) under a shared services agreement with minority owned Howard Stirk Holdings.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Weekend Executive Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:

Would you like to be a leader in a news operation with a commitment to excellence and the resources you need to succeed?

WRAL News, a multiplatform news organization in the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville market, is seeking an executive producer to oversee the content and presentation of WRAL weekend newscasts. We’re looking for a leader who will coach the weekend staff, write and approve scripts and digital content, enhance weather presentations, and contribute to special coverage.

The ideal candidate will find new and engaging ways of presenting content in our newscasts while working closely with our graphics, promotions, and news management teams. We are looking for a person with outstanding communication and organizational skills, superb news judgment, and a creative mind. Our weekend EP needs to excel at breaking news and have an eye for showcasing.

If you have a vision for graphics and a passion for memorable, creative and captivating newscasts, this is the job for you. You must be willing to work weekends and produce newscasts during the week.

WRAL is 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, which is consistently named one of the best places to live in America.

Requirements include five years of experience in producing newscasts, two years of news management experience and a four-year college degree.

You can learn more and apply by clicking here.

Executive Producer, WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL:

Join THE. BEST. newsroom leadership team in country.

(Well, the news director says it is the best. She’s not biased at all.)

This job is all about coaching reporters and producers and elevating already-great newscasts. The newsroom at WBRC Fox6 is a collaborative environment. The team approaches the work with an attitude of service.

You must love severe weather coverage, strategic planning, innovation, and high-energy work environments.

You will work hard and be proud of it. And you will be appreciated! WBRC Fox6 and Birmingham are gems!

Click here to learn more and apply.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 6/19/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 7/17/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 7/10/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 6/5/22)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 7/17/22)
KENS-TV, San Antonio TX (relisted 7/17/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 7/10/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 6/5/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo NY (relisted 7/24/22)
WPRI-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/17/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (listed 6/5/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (relisted 6/5/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (relisted 7/24/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 6/5/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTVT-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (AM EP, listed 7/10/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 5/22/22)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/17/22) (See ad above!)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 6/5/22)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 6/26/22)
WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (MSP EP, listed 7/10/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 7/17/22)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 6/12/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Weekend EP, revised 7/24/22, see ad above!)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (relisted 7/17/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/5/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/3/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP. relisted 7/17/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 5/30/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, revised 7/24/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 7/10/22)
KFOR/KAUT-TV, Oklahoma City (Overnight EP, listed 7/3/22)
WBRC-TV, Birmingham, AL (listed 7/24/22, see ad above!)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point NC (listed 6/19/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 7/10/22)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (2 openings, listed 7/10/22)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (AM EP, relisted 7/24/22)
KMTV. Omaha, NE (listed 7/17/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 6/5/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (two openings, AM & PM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 7/24/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (2 openings, one a Digital EP, revised 7/24/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 6/5/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (relisted 7/24/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 7/17/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (listed 6/26/22)
KFDX/KJTL-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (PM EP, listed 7/17/22)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (listed 6/26/22)
KBZK-TV, Boseman, MT (listed 7/17/22)
WRDE-TV, Milton, DE (listed 5/22/22) **

MANAGING EDITOR:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (relisted 7/17/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (relisted 6/5/22)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 7/24/22:

WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Manager)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (Director of Digital Media)
WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA (Director of Digital Media)

Relisted 7/24/22:

Spectrum News NY1 (Senior Producer & Senior Producer-Politics)
Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Supervising Producer, Documentary Journalism Center)

Listed 7/10/22:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Director)

Listed 7/10/22:

WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (Director of Digital Content)
KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (Digital News Manager)

Listed 7/3/22:

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 6/26/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 6/12/22:

KVEO/KGBT-TV, Rio Grande Valley, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Obituaries:

Grateful that there are no obituaries this week.

Names in the News:

The Black News Channel may not be dead yet. BYRON ALLEN‘s company is close to completing a deal to buy the cable channel. More in this story from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

CBS has launched newscasts at ten of its CW and independent stations this week. For many of the stations, it’s the first time they’ve aired their own newscasts.

Gumbert

A tip of the cap to JERRY GUMBERT, longtime president and CEO of AR&D in Dallas. He saw a story on MSNBC about a Michigan woman who’d lost her home to a scam. Jerry lives in Texas but is a Michigan native, and he stepped up to right the wrong. Check out this story from WDIV-TV anchor DEVIN SCILLIAN (who worked with Jerry at stations in Texas and Oklahoma.) A kind note to Jerry can be sent here.

Lupenski

TIFFANI LUPENSKI is on the move and returning to Texas. She posted this item on social media detailing her move to Graham Media’s KPRC-TV (NBC) in Houston, where she once interned. She’s been the Director of Content for CBS’s WBBM-TV in Chicago for the past three years, is a former ND in St. Louis, San Diego, and Portland, and has worked as an EP in several large markets.

There are some new managers at Raleigh’s WRAL-TV (NBC):

KIM URSICH moves from morning EP to dayside EP. She’s a nine year station employee who’s worked at another Raleigh station and in Charlotte. Her spot as morning EP was filled by senior AM producer LAUREN THOMSON. The station is also looking for a weekend EP. Check out the paid ad above!

Roberts

The University of Mississippi has hired a new director of its student media center (a job which the University advertised in this space). LARZ ROBERTS joins Ole Miss from Arkansas State University, where he’s worked for 25 years on the faculty teaching print, online, radio and TV courses. Learn more about Larz and the Ole Miss program, which includes the yearbook, campus TV station, radio station, and newspaper, here.

Gauntt

HOLLY GAUNTT is among the new members of the NATAS Silver Circle. She’s been the news director for Scripps’ KMGH-TV (ABC) in Denver for the past five years, spent almost two years as ND for KDVR/KWGN-TV in Denver, has been an ND in Seattle and Philadelphia, and worked in several other markets. The station sprung the news on her during a staff meeting, as you’ll see in this video.

General Manager News and Notes:

Natz

Wednesday’s UPDATE shared the news that JACQUES NATZ has left Altice USA’s News 12 Networks, the NYC based local cable news operation, where he was SVP/General Manager for the last two years. Jacques’ a former ND and news manager in many large markets, worked for Hearst as director of digital content development and as a consultant for SmithGeige. His full history is on his Linkedin page.

After almost seven years, SCOTT DEMPSEY has left Gray’s WBTV (CBS) where he was general manager. He served as a regional GM when Raycom owned the station, had earlier been a GM in Savannah and worked in sales in a number of markets.

Congratulations to CORY GYLOCK who’s been named GM for Nexstar’s WLAX/WEUX-TV in La Crosse/Eau Claire, WI. He’s been the GM there since 2020.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 24, 2022:

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

KTTV 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KTVT/KTVA-TV 5233 Bridge St. Fort Worth, TX 76103
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
KGTV 4600 Air Way. San Diego, CA 92102
KSTU-TV 5020 West Amelia Earhart Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street, Norfolk VA, 23510
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WHAM-TV 4225 W. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt Street Rochester, NY 14610
WEYI/WSMH-TV, 3463 W. Pierson Road. Flint, MI 48504
KAGS-TV 2800 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77802
WSAV-TV 1430 East Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31404
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd. Charleston, SC 29414
KTSM-TV 3801-D Constitution El Paso, TX 79922
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
WJBF-TV 1336 Augusta W Pkwy., Augusta, GA 30909
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
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
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station

July 17, 2022

Wednesday, July 20th, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

A veteran newsman has left his job at a New York City based cable news operation.

Natz

JACQUES NATZ, who had been the Senior Vice-President for Altice USA’s News 12, has left the company. He’s been there for a little more than two years. He’s a former news director in Boston, Seattle, and Indianapolis, held news management jobs in a number of large markets, worked for Hearst as director of digital content development for six years, and as a consultant for SmithGeiger for almost eight years.

His full history is on his LinkedIn page.

Jacques told me a few minutes ago he’s happy and ready to write his next chapter.

We’ll be back this weekend with our full newsletter. Until then, stay hydrated!

regards,

Rick Gevers

Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

The mystery behind GERARDO LOPEZ’s next job has been solved with an announcement today.

Lopez

Gerardo’s headed to Boston, where he’ll be the next vice president and news director for CBS owned WBZ/WSBK-TV (MyNetwork TV). He’ll replace JESSI MILLER BRADLEY who left the station in late May after about 18 months as news director, and 25 years at the station. More details about Gerardo’s appointment in this news release from CBS.

We told you Sunday that Gerardo was leaving Scripps’ WTKR-TV (CBS) in Norfolk after less than a year as news director. By my count (and yours, if you check out his Linkedin page) this is his 14th job in our business since 2000.

Have a great week and we’ll see you this weekend with our full newsletter.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

Travel…and a busy week…has slightly delayed our weekly report.

TWO newly named news directors this week, both in top 20 markets, with just ONE new opening.

Our list of open jobs remains at 35.

ONE of those openings is advertised in one of FOUR Paid Help Wanted ads, the newest of which is for an EP opening in a top ten market network o-and-o.

There’s new information about the deaths of TWO important figures in our industry, and a NEW obituary for a long-ago St. Louis producer.

THREE new GMs to tell you about, all the result of promotions from their current companies, and Names in the News has THREE items, including a new venture from a former network o-and-o news director.

Read on for more!

Newly Named News Director:

Gerrow

KYW-TV, Philadelphia, PA…you learned here Monday that KATHY GERROW was crossing the street to become ND for CBS-owned KYW-TV. She’s spent the last 26 years at NBC’s WCAU-TV, the last ten as Assistant ND. It’s a return to KYW for Kathy who worked as a producer there for 13 years. She replaces JOHN WILSON who will help with the transition. John worked there for almost 20 years, and has been ND since 2017.

Oliphant

WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI…this Scripps owned ABC affiliate has promoted KENNAN OLIPHANT to news director. He’s been the Assistant ND since JEFF KIERNAN left to become GM for sister-Scripps ABC affiliate KTNV-TV in Las Vegas earlier this year. Kennan joined WXYZ two years ago as Assistant ND. More details in this staff email from GM MIKE MURRI. (And apologies to Kennan whose first name I misspelled in our
Friday UPDATE.)

New News Director Openings:

Lopez

WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA…this Scripps owned CBS affiliate is looking for a new news director to replace GERARDO LOPEZ. Gerardo just joined the station less than a year ago, coming from Scripps’ KJRH-TV in Tulsa. I’m told he’s leaving for a new job in the Northeast, but being old-fashioned, I’ll wait until I can confirm that before publishing. By my count, his new job will be his 14TH since 2000.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT:

Sometimes you have to hit pause and take a beat to get it right.

That’s what we did.

Now, we have a *NEW* General Manager in place – and we are ready to hit play!

#NexstarNation has an immediate opening for an experienced NEWS DIRECTOR in Salt Lake City – Market #29. The right candidate will lead a team of committed journalists, collaborate to create market strategy, and impact not only the station, but also the community. We believe in local, local, local.

Salt Lake City is one of the fastest growing DMAs in the United States. The state boasts the youngest population in the country. Living in Salt Lake City means easy access to world class hiking, climbing, bike trails and some of the best ski resorts in the world.

It’s an incredible time to be a News Director. Why not do it with the nation’s largest TV ownership group, in a city full of opportunities, in a company with endless opportunities?

Executive Producer, WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL:

WINK News-Southwest Florida’s news leader has an immediate opening for an Executive Producer. We are looking for a newsroom leader. The right candidate will lead with integrity, have sound judgement, high journalistic and newsgathering standards. Script reading for editorial approval an extremely important attribute. They must foster a collaborative environment that respects each individual and role. Must have strong organizational abilities and is capable of working and managing others in a fast paced newsroom. 5 years of experience in a television newsroom preferred.

Southwest Florida is often praised as being one of the healthiest and happiest places in the world with miles of white-sand beaches and a dynamic community. Broadcast Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we are a drug-free and smoke-free environment.

Send resume to: Rich.garcia@winknews.com

Executive Producer of Digital Content, WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL:

WINK-TV News – Fort Myers/Naples has a unique opening for an Executive Producer of Digital Content.

Ready to take your broadcast experience to the digital level?

The Executive Producer of Digital Content will oversee our day-to-day content digital news content. You will oversee and work with a team of digital producers and digital director to drive the content on all of our platforms, this includes the WINK news website, apps, push alerts, and social media.

The right candidate will have some of the following qualities:

• Identifying local news stories and producing them for our various digital platforms
  Lead the digital team in breaking news, emergency situations and severe weather coverage digitally.
  Display strong organizational skills.
  Edit content and copy edit spelling and grammar.
  Maintain and update online publishing tools and refine workflow processes as needed
  Coach digital and news teams to “think digitally” when crafting content on a daily basis.
  Meet with other platform leaders to form a synergistic relationship in content sharing
  Establish goals and drive digital strategy forward.
  Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills:

• Familiarity with the AP print writing style
  Knowledge of web scripting practices is recommended but not required
  Working knowledge of video production and post production techniques and software
  Familiarity with live streaming products and software
  Being familiar with various social platform details
  Attention to detail pertaining to spelling and grammar
  Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic newsroom

Experience:

Management experience in a television newsroom of 3 years or more required

Click here to apply!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 6/19/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 7/17/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 7/10/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 6/5/22)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 7/17/22)
KENS-TV, San Antonio TX (relisted 7/17/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 7/10/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 6/5/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo NY (listed 5/15/22)
WPRI-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/17/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (listed 6/5/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (relisted 6/5/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (relisted 5/22/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 6/5/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTVT-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (AM EP, listed 7/10/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 5/22/22)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/17/22) (See ad above!)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 6/5/22)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 6/26/22)
WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (MSP EP, listed 7/10/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 7/17/22)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
KMOV-TV. St. Louis, MO (Special Projects EP, relisted 5/8/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 6/12/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (listing revised 5/8/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (relisted 7/17/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/5/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/3/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP. relisted 7/17/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 5/30/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (listed 5/1/22)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 7/10/22)
KFOR/KAUT-TV, Oklahoma City (Overnight EP, listed 7/3/22)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point NC (listed 6/19/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 7/10/22)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (2 openings, listed 7/10/22) (TWO ads above!)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (AM EP, listed 5/22/22)
KMTV. Omaha, NE (listed 7/17/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 6/5/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (two openings, AM & PM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 5/1/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 5/22/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 6/5/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (relisted 5/22/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 7/17/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (listed 6/26/22)
KFDX/KJTL-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (PM EP, listed 7/17/22)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (listed 6/26/22)
KBZK-TV, Boseman, MT (listed 7/17/22)
WRDE-TV, Milton, DE (listed 5/22/22) **

MANAGING EDITOR:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 5/15/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (relisted 6/5/22)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted 7/17/22:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Director)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (Digital Content Director)

Listed 7/10/22:

WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (Director of Digital Content)
KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (Digital News Manager)

Listed 7/3/22:

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 6/26/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 6/12/22:

KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (Director of Digital Content)
KVEO/KGBT-TV, Rio Grande Valley, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 5/30/22:

WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (Director of Digital Content)

Listed 5/15/22:

Spectrum News NY1 (Senior Producer & Senior Producer-Politics)

Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Supervising Producer, Documentary Journalism Center)

WLAX/WEUX-TV, LaCrosse, WI (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 5/15/22:

U. of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (Director of Student Media)

Obituaries:

Aslam

We included this in an UPDATE last Tuesday, but for those of you who missed it, WABC-TV (New York-ABC-owned) posted a story on the death of news director, REHAN ASLAM. That story came after we published Sunday and I wanted to make sure you had a chance to see it. Rehan died at the age of 47 of an aggressive form of brain cancer. Our sympathy to his wife and son, as well as his co-workers at WABC.

Collins

We also told you in UPDATES of the death of longtime Missouri broadcaster and educator KENT COLLINS, who lost a fight with pancreatic cancer. He was 74. Kent trained hundreds, if not thousands, of journalists across the country and the world. The son of two newspaper journalists, Kent was a journalist to the end, writing his own obituary, included at the bottom of this facebook post from his son. Kent served two terms as ND for KOMU-TV, which aired this remembrance. And the University owned Columbia Missourian ran this story. New details this edition: Kent co-founded the job site Medialine, wrote a nationally syndicated column, The Senior Forum, for 23 years and in 2019 was honored with Edward Bliss Award for Distinguished Broadcast Journalism Education by AEJMC.

A celebration of life is planned later this year. He’s survived by his wife, BEE, sons JUSTIN and JEREMY, daughter SUMMER, and thousands of friends and former students.

BILL BALCH, who worked as producer for (then) KSD-TV (NBC) in St. Louis in the 70’s and 80’s, died June 30th. He was 92 years old. Bill began his career in radio in Minneapolis, then moved to KSD Radio in St. Louis before switching to the TV side in a shared newsroom. We worked together while I was a producer and EP there and I remember he was quite a gentleman.

Names in the News:

Neerman

Longtime news director MARK NEERMAN has launched a new venture, Indarra Media. Mark sent along this note which explains the new company, his first two partners, including a former network o-and-o GM, and has already teamed up with two companies. Mark’s last newsroom job was as ND for CBSs KPIX-TV in San Francisco. His Linkedin page covers some, though not all, of his career history.

Duff

Outgoing WSFA-TV (Montgomery, AL/Gray/NBC) News Director SCOTT DUFF got quite the sendoff this week. The station organized a luau in honor of Scott’s new job as news director for KGMB/KHNL/KFVE-TV in Honolulu, HI. It’s a transfer between Gray owned stations. Some of the staff even wore Hawaiian shirts in his honor.

Estrada

DAVID ESTRADA is now the executive producer for University of Missouri-owned KOMU-TV (NBC) in Columbia, MO. He’s been the digital content producer there, is an alum of the j-school, has worked as a producer in residence in Jacksonville, FL, and had a lengthy internship at Telenoticias, Teletica Canal 7, in his native Puerto Rico.

General Manager News and Notes:

Three new General Managers to tell you about, all promotions within their current companies.

WDTN-TV (Dayton/Nexstar/NBC) has promoted MELLISA JONES to succeed JOE ABOUZEID who was promoted to GM for WIVB-TV in Buffalo. She’s been the director of sales for WTEN-TV in Albany, NY.

In Omaha, Scripps named LISA VOLONEC GM of KMTV, its CBS affiliate there. She had been a regional business development director for Scripps’ Local Media division.

And Sinclair promoted JONI RIPPEN to GM for KHGI/KFXL-TV (ABC/FOX) in Lincoln/Hastings/Kearney, NE. She’s been the GSM there.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 17, 2022:

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

KTTV 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KTVT/KTVA-TV 5233 Bridge St. Fort Worth, TX 76103
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
KGTV 4600 Air Way. San Diego, CA 92102
KSTU-TV 5020 West Amelia Earhart Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104 (see ad above!)
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street, Norfolk VA, 23510
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
WHAM-TV 4225 W. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt Street Rochester, NY 14610
KAGS-TV 2800 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77802
WSAV-TV 1430 East Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31404
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd. Charleston, SC 29414
KTSM-TV 3801-D Constitution El Paso, TX 79922
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
WJBF-TV 1336 Augusta W Pkwy., Augusta, GA 30909
KNDO/KNDU-TV 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KULR-TV. 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WETM-TV 101 East Water Street Elmira, NY 14901
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
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
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station

July 10, 2022

Friday, July 15, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

A new news director in a top 15 market, and more details about the passing of legendary Missouri broadcaster and educator KENT COLLINS in this update.

Oliphant

KENNAN OLIPHANT has been promoted to news director at Scripps’ WXYZ-TV (ABC) in Detroit. He’s been the interim ND since JEFF KIERNAN left to become GM for the company’s KTNV-TV (ABC) in Las Vegas in June. Kennan joined the station as Assistant ND almost two years ago. WXYZ GM MIKE MURRI shared the news with the staff via this email which details Kennan’s background, as does his Linkedin page.

Collins

And we have more on the passing of longtime Missouri School of Journalism faculty member…and two time KOMU-TV News Director…KENT COLLINS. Kent died Wednesday after a five month fight with pancreatic cancer. He was 74.

KOMU aired this story on its 6:00 PM newscast last night, which includes interviews with Kent, while the University owned Columbia Missourian (a daily, general circulation newspaper), has this nicely detailed story.

As we reported yesterday, Kent did not want a funeral, but the family plans a celebration of life later this year.

One more personal note. Thanks to the dozens of you who sent a kind note about the loss of my good friend, and many of the notes contained an anecdote about Kent, all, of course, positive. And the outpouring of positive comments on social media were amazing. Would that we all could leave such a great legacy.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Thursday, July 14, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Kent Collins 1948-2022

I’ve very sorry to report the death of a longtime journalist and educator who helped mold the careers of thousands of journalists, not only in this country, but around the world.

KENT COLLINS, who spent almost 40 years on the faculty of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, died this morning after a five month battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 74. He was diagnosed in February and began the first of two chemotherapy regimens in March. He was hospitalized for the last week or so.

His oldest son JUSTIN posted this heartfelt remembrance to Facebook about an hour ago.

Kent served as broadcast department chair from 2000 until his retirement in 2018. He twice served as news director for the University’s NBC affiliate, KOMU-TV. He also consulted news organizations in many foreign countries.

But he continued working part-time, coordinating recruiting visits from broadcast companies who came to campus everything spring and hired most of the graduating seniors, which gave him great pleasure.

Kent’s journalism school biography details some of his background. He’s a 1970 graduate of the journalism school, and had also worked at stations in Quincy, IL, Denver, and New Orleans.

And Dean DAVID KURPIUS sent this note to faculty this morning.

I know that many of you did not know Kent, but when you look around your newsroom (or remember past colleagues), you will almost certainly find people who valued his counsel and learned from him.

If you will allow me a personal note, Kent has been one of my closest friends and confidants for more than 40 years. My wife and I had lunch with Kent and Bee in early May, and I returned two weeks ago. His condition had deteriorated during that time. But even so, our discussion at that last lunch centered around his true loves (after family): news, journalism, Missouri, and baseball.

We went to St. Louis Cardinals games every year, and a few of you reading this joined us on those trips.

Kent will be cremated. At his request, there will be no funeral, but the family plans a memorial celebration of life later this year.

Until then, please join me in sending our prayer and thoughts to Bee, sons Justin and Jeremy, his daughter Summer, the rest of his family, friends and colleagues.

With sad regards,

Rick Gevers

Tuesday, July 12, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

  Aslam

Late Monday afternoon, WABC-TV in New York posted a story on its website detailing the passing of its news director, REHAN ASLAM. He died Saturday after a battle with brain cancer.

Here’s the story.

Our sympathy to his family, co-workers, and friends.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Monday, July 11, 2022 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Another news director change at a CBS owned station.

Gerrow

KATHY GERROW was just announced as the next Vice Presdient and News Director for KYW-TV in Philadelphia. It’s a return to KYW for Kathy, who spent 13 years (1983-1996) as a producer there before crossing the street to become an EP for NBC’s WCAU-TV. She was promoted to Assistant ND there about ten years ago.

More in this news release.

Wilson

Kathy replaces JOHN WILSON, who’s been the ND here since late 2017 and has worked at the station for almost 20 years.

John joined the station in 2003 as an EP, was promoted to assistant news director in 2010, and ascended to the top job in November, 2017. He began his career as a reporter, as you’ll learn in his station bio.

We’ll have all the week’s changes in our full newsletter this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

A holiday shortened week leaves just ONE ND change, but the top story of the week is a sad one from New York.

REHAN ASLAM, the news director for WABC-TV in New York, died yesterday after fighting brain cancer. He was diagnosed shortly after taking the WABC job in April, 2021. He’d previously been the ND for ABCs’ KTRK-TV in Houston.

I’ve not been able to find any details on the WABC website (or anywhere else) other than Facebook posts. Here’s an example:

I’ll update my website when I find a more detailed story.

On to our normal business:

Just ONE newly named news director this week, and NO new openings.

Our list of open jobs has 35 openings on it.

ONE of those 35 openings is advertised in one of THREE Paid Help Wanted ads.

Our only general manager item this week is the pending retirement of a longtime Knoxville GM.

In Names in the News, Nexstar hires internally to being a training program for news producers, and there’s a new Assistant ND in Minneapolis.

Those stories and more as you read on.

Newly Named News Director:

Slate

KBZK/KXLF-TV, Butte/Bozeman, MT…JUDY SLATE has been named news director for these Scripps’ owned ABC stations. It’s a return to KBZK for Judy, who spent seven years there as a reporter, producer, and anchor. More details in this story from the station website. She replaces REBECCA GAYLORD who left the stations earlier this year after three years as news director.

New News Director Openings:

To my knowledge, no new openings this week.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT:

Sometimes you have to hit pause and take a beat to get it right.

That’s what we did.

Now, we have a *NEW* General Manager in place – and we are ready to hit play!

#NexstarNation has an immediate opening for an experienced NEWS DIRECTOR in Salt Lake City – Market #29. The right candidate will lead a team of committed journalists, collaborate to create market strategy, and impact not only the station, but also the community. We believe in local, local, local.

Salt Lake City is one of the fastest growing DMAs in the United States. The state boasts the youngest population in the country. Living in Salt Lake City means easy access to world class hiking, climbing, bike trails and some of the best ski resorts in the world.

It’s an incredible time to be a News Director. Why not do it with the nation’s largest TV ownership group, in a city full of opportunities, in a company with endless opportunities?

Executive Producer, WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL:

WINK News-Southwest Florida’s news leader has an immediate opening for an Executive Producer. We are looking for a newsroom leader. The right candidate will lead with integrity, have sound judgement, high journalistic and newsgathering standards. Script reading for editorial approval an extremely important attribute. They must foster a collaborative environment that respects each individual and role. Must have strong organizational abilities and is capable of working and managing others in a fast paced newsroom. 5 years of experience in a television newsroom preferred.

Southwest Florida is often praised as being one of the healthiest and happiest places in the world with miles of white-sand beaches and a dynamic community. Broadcast Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we are a drug-free and smoke-free environment.

Send resume to: Rich.garcia@winknews.com

Executive Producer of Digital Content, WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL:

WINK-TV News – Fort Myers/Naples has a unique opening for an Executive Producer of Digital Content.

Ready to take your broadcast experience to the digital level?

The Executive Producer of Digital Content will oversee our day-to-day content digital news content. You will oversee and work with a team of digital producers and digital director to drive the content on all of our platforms, this includes the WINK news website, apps, push alerts, and social media.

The right candidate will have some of the following qualities:

• Identifying local news stories and producing them for our various digital platforms
  Lead the digital team in breaking news, emergency situations and severe weather coverage digitally.
  Display strong organizational skills.
  Edit content and copy edit spelling and grammar.
  Maintain and update online publishing tools and refine workflow processes as needed
  Coach digital and news teams to “think digitally” when crafting content on a daily basis.
  Meet with other platform leaders to form a synergistic relationship in content sharing
  Establish goals and drive digital strategy forward.
  Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills:

• Familiarity with the AP print writing style
  Knowledge of web scripting practices is recommended but not required
  Working knowledge of video production and post production techniques and software
  Familiarity with live streaming products and software
  Being familiar with various social platform details
  Attention to detail pertaining to spelling and grammar
  Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic newsroom

Experience:

Management experience in a television newsroom of 3 years or more required

Click here to apply!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 6/19/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 7/10/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 6/5/22)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 5/15/22)
KENS-TV, San Antonio TX (listed 5/15/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 7/10/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 6/5/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo NY (listed 5/15/22)
WPRI-TV, Providence, RI (listed 5/22/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 7/3/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (listed 6/5/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (relisted 6/5/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (relisted 5/22/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 6/5/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTVT-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (AM EP, listed 7/10/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 5/22/22)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 6/5/22)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 5/1/22)
WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (MSP EP, listed 7/10/22)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (relisted 5/8/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 5/15/22)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, listed 5/15/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
KMOV-TV. St. Louis, MO (Special Projects EP, listed relisted 5/8/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 6/12/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (listing revised 5/8/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (relisted 5/8/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/5/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/3/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP. listed 5/15/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 5/30/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (listed 5/1/22)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 7/10/22)
KFOR/KAUT-TV, Oklahoma City (Overnight EP, listed 7/3/22)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point NC (listed 6/19/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 7/10/22)
WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (relisted 6/19/22)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (2 openings, listed 7/10/22) (See TWO ads above!)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 5/1/22)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (AM EP, listed 5/22/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 6/5/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (two openings, AM & PM EP, listed 5/15/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 5/1/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 5/22/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 6/5/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (relisted 5/22/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (listed 6/26/22)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (listed 6/26/22)
WRDE-TV, Milton, DE (listed 5/22/22) **

SUPERVISING PRODUCER:

KOMU-TV, Columbia, Mo (relisted 6/5/22)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 5/15/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (relisted 6/5/22)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 7/10/22:

WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (Director of Digital Content)
KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (Digital News Manager)

Listed 7/3/22:

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 6/26/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 6/12/22:

KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (Director of Digital Content)
KVEO/KGBT-TV, Rio Grande Valley, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 5/30/22:

WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (Director of Digital Content)

Listed 5/15/22:

Spectrum News NY1 (Senior Producer & Senior Producer-Politics)

Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Supervising Producer, Documentary Journalism Center)

WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Director)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (Digital Content Director)
WLAX/WEUX-TV, LaCrosse, WI (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 5/15/22:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
U. of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (Director of Student Media)

Obituaries:

We reported on the death of WABC-TV ND REHAN ASLAM above.

Names in the News:

Hicks

Nexstar reached into its ranks to fill a new position, Director of News Training. KELLY HICKS, currently the morning EP for WDAF-TV (FOX) in Kansas City, will implement a training program for newscast producers. She’s worked at WDAF for six years, and has also produced for several other Kansas City stations, and in Sacramento, Indianapolis, Cedar Rapids and Columbia, MO.

Sukhram

Hubbard’s KSTP/KSTC-TV (ABC/independent) in Minneapolis has promoted DAREN SUKHRAM has been promoted to Assistant News Director. He’s currently the managing editor for the stations, and has worked there since 2014. He also spent four years working at Hubbard’s KAAL-TV in Austin, MN. Daren’s worked for another Twin Cities station and in Cedar Rapids, and Mason City, IA.

Quick hits:

Longtime Chicago media reporter ROBERT FEDER is slowing down a bit, giving up his daily column but will still maintain his website. Feder explains his change of pace (after 42 years!) in this column.

General Manager News and Notes:

Davis

Longtime Knoxville General Manager NEAL DAVIS has announced his retirement effective August 5th. He’s currently GM for Lockwood’s WTNZ/WKNX-TV (Fox/Independent) but earlier in his career ran WBXX-TV (CW) in Knoxville. In between he served as general manager for KAKE-TV (ABC) in Wichita. More from TVNewsCheck.com.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 10, 2022:

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

KTTV 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KTVT/KTVA-TV 5233 Bridge St. Fort Worth, TX 76103
WBZ-TV 1170 Soldiers Field Rd. Boston, MA 02134
WXYZ-TV 20777 W. Ten Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48075
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
KGTV 4600 Air Way. San Diego, CA 92102
KSTU-TV 5020 West Amelia Earhart Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104 (see ad above!)
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
WHAM-TV 4225 W. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt Street Rochester, NY 14610
KAGS-TV 2800 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77802
WSAV-TV 1430 East Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31404
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd. Charleston, SC 29414
KTSM-TV 3801-D Constitution El Paso, TX 79922
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
WJBF-TV 1336 Augusta W Pkwy., Augusta, GA 30909
KNDO/KNDU-TV 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KULR-TV. 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WETM-TV 101 East Water Street Elmira, NY 14901
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
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
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station

July 3, 2022

Greetings:

As promised, we have a lot of news in this week’s edition, which I had hoped to get to you earlier…but it takes time!

We have FOUR new news director openings, THREE in top 30 markets. And FOUR newly named news directors, NONE in top 50 markets.

We told you in an UPDATE that one of those large market NDs was headed to a new role at her station. We now WHAT that role will be which is detailed below.

All told, there are now 36 openings on our list.

ONE of those openings is advertised in our only Paid Help Wanted ad.

Speaking of advertisers, we welcome BARRY NASH & COMPANY. Many of you know Barry and members of his team, who can help you with coaching in a variety of situations. Please click on the ad below and set up an appointment to see them at the upcoming NABJ/NAHJ conference in Las Vegas.

We have TWO new GMs this week, one whose appointment created one of those large market ND openings.

New jobs for TWO former news directors, and we’ll give you a link to a Wall Street Journal article about a large station group owner who may be nearing a deal to buy the CW. That…and more…in Names in the News.

Please read on and stay safe this holiday!

Newly Named News Directors:

Settle

WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY… this Tegna owned NBC affiliate has hired JEREMY SETTLE as ND. Details in this post from the website. Jeremy most recently was ND for Altice’s News 12 New Jersey for the last three years of the nine years he worked there. He’s a former ND in Wilkes-Barre-Scranton and for a cable operation in Washington, DC. Jeremy replaces JEFF WOODARD whose return as ND was short-lived: just two months before family reasons caused him to step down.

Duff

KGMB/KHNL/KFVE-TV, Honolulu, HI…this Gray triopoly (NBC-CBS-Telemundo) has hired SCOTT DUFF from sister station WSFA-TV (NBC) in Montgomery, AL. Scott’s been ND there for almost 16 years. He sent me this note reflecting on the past and the future. It includes GM MARK BUNTING’s note. He replaces SCOTT HUMMER who followed his former GM, RICK BLANGIARDI, to City Hall as Director of Communications for now Mayor Blandgiardi. Read on to learn about Duff’s replacement in Montgomery.

Wencl

KAPP/KVEW-TV, Yakima/Kennewick, WA…ERIN WENCL makes a big move from Texas to Washington state to become ND for this Morgan Murphy owned duopoly (both ABC stations) She’s been the ND for KAGS-TV in Bryan-College Station, TX for the past three years and has also worked in Fargo and Laredo. Erin replaces MATT VAN SLYKE who left last November for a PR job after three years as ND.

Wingard

WSFA-TV, Montgomery, AL…those of you preparing your resumes to fill this opening can stand down. Longtime employee DESMOND WINGARD is the new ND. He’s been the Assistant News Director and has worked at the station for 23 years. GM MARK BUNTING sent this note to the staff. As you learned above, he’s replacing SCOTT DUFF who’s off to Hawaii as ND for the Gray triopoly there.

New News Director Openings:

Passman

KTVT, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX…the first of TWO Thursday updates told you that LAURIE PASSMAN was moving to a new role at this CBS o-and-o. NEW THIS EDITION: the staff memo from GM RAQUEL AMPARO explaining what that is. Here’s Laurie’s memo to the staff explaining why she needed a change. She’s been the ND here for four years, has worked there for seven, and also logged time in Phoenix and Albuquerque.

Kiernan

WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI…Thursday’s second update reported that JEFF KIERNAN gets his first GM job at KTNV-TV (ABC) in Las Vegas. It’s a move within Scripps: Jeff’s been ND at WXYZ (ABC) for 18 months and earlier was ND for Scripps’ WTMJ-TV (NBC) in Milwaukee. It was his second time as ND at WTMJ, though you wouldn’t know it by this news release, which omits both his earlier WTMJ tenure and THREE ND jobs at CBS owned stations in Chicago, Boston and Minneapolis. He replaces CHRIS WAY who, along with ND NANCY BAUER, left on the same day a few weeks ago.

Reed

KGTV, San Diego, CA…we told you Friday in our THIRD update of the week that TODD REED’s tenure as news director for this Scripps owned ABC affiliate had come to an end after just four months. Before San Diego, Todd had spent 2 1/2 years as ND for Nexstar’s KTVX-TV in Salt Lake City. You can learn more about his background by going to his Linkedin page.

Dale

WCSC-TV, Charleston, SC…congratulations to JENNIFER DALE who advances within Gray, not to a new ND job, but to a new role as VP/Recruiting for Gray. More in this email from Gray SVP-Local Media SANDY BRELAND. Jennifer has been ND for this Gray/CBS affiliate for the past 4 1/2 years. She’s also been an ND in Johnson City, TN, and has worked in Mobile, Myrtle Beach and Columbus, GA.

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Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 6/19/22)
KSTP-TV, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (listed 5/15/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 6/5/22)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 5/15/22)
KENS-TV, San Antonio TX (listed 5/15/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 6/5/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo NY (listed 5/15/22)
WPRI-TV, Providence, RI (listed 5/22/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 7/3/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (listed 6/5/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (relisted 6/5/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (relisted 5/22/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 6/5/22)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 5/22/22)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 6/5/22)
KPNX-TV, Phoenix, AZ (PM EP, listed 5/15/22)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 5/1/22)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (relisted 5/8/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 5/15/22)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, listed 5/15/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
KMOV-TV. St. Louis, MO (Special Projects EP, listed relisted 5/8/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 6/12/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (listing revised 5/8/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (relisted 5/8/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/5/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/3/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP. listed 5/15/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 5/30/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (listed 5/1/22)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, listed 6/12/22)
KFOR/KAUT-TV, Oklahoma City (Overnight EP, listed 7/3/22)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point NC (listed 6/19/22)
WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (relisted 6/19/22)
KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (listed 5/22/22)
WPRI-TV, Providence, RI (listed 5/22/22)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 5/1/22)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (AM EP, listed 5/22/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 6/5/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (two openings, AM & PM EP, listed 5/15/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 5/1/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 5/22/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 6/5/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (relisted 5/22/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (listed 6/26/22)
KFDX-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (listed 7/3/22)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (listed 6/26/22)
WRDE-TV, Milton, DE (listed 5/22/22) **
SUPERVISING PRODUCER:

KOMU-TV, Columbia, Mo (relisted 6/5/22)

MANAGING EDITOR:

KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 5/15/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (relisted 6/5/22)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 7/3/22:

WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 6/26/22:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 6/12/22:

KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (Director of Digital Content)
KVEO/KGBT-TV, Rio Grande Valley, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 5/30/22:

WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (Director of Digital Content)

Listed 5/15/22:

Spectrum News NY1 (Senior Producer & Senior Producer-Politics)

Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Supervising Producer, Documentary Journalism Center)

WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Director)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (Digital Content Director)
WLAX/WEUX-TV, LaCrosse, WI (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 5/15/22:

KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ: (Assignment Desk Manager)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
U. of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (Director of Student Media)

Obituaries:

Always pleased when there are no obituaries to report.

Names in the News:

Wilson

In Milwaukee, JIM WILSON returns to his roots as he’s become Chief Photographer for Scripps’ WTMJ-TV (NBC). Jim spent 30 years across town at WITI-TV (once again owned by FOX). He started there as a photographer and rose to VP/News Director, a job he held for three years until two months ago. More in this staff memo from WTMJ ND TIM VETSCHER.

Elledge

We told you last edition that SCOTT ELLEDGE was leaving Nexstar’s WJBF-TV in Augusta, GA, for a new job. Scott was ND there for 13 years, survived the end of a JOA/SSA, and continued on as ND for WJBF. Now…a new challenge as he outlined in this detailed note to me which covers his background and his new job as VP/Director of Development for Bahakel.

Carter

KNXV-TV (Scripps/ABC) in Phoenix has promoted KIANEY CARTER to its vacant assignment manager position. She’s been the coordinating producer for the morning newscast for the past 2+ years and previously worked as a producer for almost seven years. Kianey’s also worked as a producer in Raleigh and Fresno.

Quick hits:

KTXL-TV (Nexstar/FOX) in Sacramento has promoted KRYSTAL OBLINGER to executive producer. She’s also worked in Savannah, GA.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Nexstar is close to a deal to acquire the CW network. It’s owns the largest number of CW affiliate, but one does wonder what happens to CW stations in markets where Nexstar owns other stations?

General Manager News and Notes:

You learned above that JEFF KIERNAN will be the next GM at Scripps’ KTNV-TV (ABC) in Las Vegas from his job as ND for the company’s WXYZ-TV (ABC) in Detroit.

Moses

BRAD MOSES returns home as he’s been named General Manager for Gray’s WTVG-TV (ABC) in Toledo. He once worked there as operation manager and director of creative services. (Earlier, we worked together at WTOL-TV in Toledo). Brad went on to be a GM in a number of stations as you’ll learn in this news release.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 3, 2022:

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

KTTV 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KTVT/KTVA-TV 5233 Bridge St. Fort Worth, TX 76103
WBZ-TV 1170 Soldiers Field Rd. Boston, MA 02134
WXYZ-TV 20777 W. Ten Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48075
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
KGTV 4600 Air Way. San Diego, CA 92102
KSTU-TV 5020 West Amelia Earhart Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207 (see ad above!)
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
WHAM-TV 4225 W. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt Street Rochester, NY 14610
KAGS-TV 2800 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77802
WSAV-TV 1430 East Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31404
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd. Charleston, SC 29414
KTSM-TV 3801-D Constitution El Paso, TX 79922
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
WJBF-TV 1336 Augusta W Pkwy., Augusta, GA 30909
KNDO/KNDU-TV 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KULR-TV. 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WETM-TV 101 East Water Street Elmira, NY 14901
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
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
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501

**: Spanish language station