Rick Gevers & Associates

October 17, 2021

Monday, October 18th, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

TWO items today, including a former ND turned GM moving to a top 50 market.

First, Sinclair Broadcast Group has issued this news release on what it describes as a ‘cyber security incident’ impacting its operations. It’s a rapidly evolving story which is being covered by mainstream media, including this recent article from the Associated Press.

Neelly

And congratulations to MIKE NEELLY who’s been promoted to General Manager for Hearst’s WDSU-TV (NBC) in New Orleans. Mike’s a longtime Hearst employee who most recently has been GM for the company’s WAPT-TV in Jackson, MS, where he had earlier worked as a photojournalist and producer. Mike also served as a news director for Hearst station’s in Cincinnati (WLWT-TV/NBC) and Louisville (WLKY-TV/CBS).

At WDSU, he replaces JOEL VILMENAY who left to become GM for CBS’s KCBS/KCAL-TV in Los Angeles.

As always, more details in our full newsletter this weekend. We’ll see you then.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

We’ve had a lot of reaction the past two weeks to TY CARVER’s posts (re-published here) about salaries and retaining employees.

Last week, I offered any corporate types (and MANY read this newsletter) the opportunity to tell us what they plan to do to solve a very real problem.

Reprinted here, in their entirety, are their responses.

Yeah, none.

Crickets.

Silence.

The offer is still good if any corporate execs want to share their thoughts.

On to our normal business. ANOTHER busy week, with SIX open positions filled, but another FIVE opened up. That leaves our count of open ND jobs at 41.

THREE of those filled jobs were in top 20 markets.

And FIVE of the SIX were filled with assistant ND’s getting moved up, while the sixth was a promotion within the same company.

ONE of those openings are among our THREE paid ads.

In Names in the News, a well-known Tegna executive is retiring at the end of the year. Read her note looking back…and forward. We also have a few news managers on the move, TWO new GMs in Boston, and some other GM appointments, as well.

And we have an obituary for a long time (and long ago) Ohio news director.

It’s another busy week…read on and enjoy.

Newly Named News Directors:

Palefsky

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA…our Tuesday UPDATE told you that JOSH PALEFSKY had been promoted to news director for this Nexstar owned MyNetwork affiliate. He’s been the Assistant News Director there for the past three years. Josh joined the station in 2011 as an associate producer. He replaces AARON PERO, who left in July. Aaron was there 20 years and news director for the last 15.

Wiederrich

KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA…if you saw our Wednesday UPDATE, you learned that JAKE WIEDERRICH has been promoted to VP/ND for this FOX o-and-o. He’s been the assistant ND for four months, and has worked in San Francisco, Portland, OR, and for another Seattle station. He replaces ERIK BREON who left in July, citing health reasons, after 16 months. (We called him JEFF in that update. He was good natured in accepting our apology, saying it was usually his last name that was butchered.)

Strain

KCNC-TV, Denver, CO…that same Wednesday UPDATE told you that KRISTINE STRAIN has been promoted to ND here after 17 years as the Assistant ND. But she still has the same boss, GM TIM WIELAND who’d been the ND there before his recent promotion to the corner office. Tim’s note to the staff is here. She’s also worked in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, for two stations in Kansas City, and in Wichita and Topeka, KS.

Kevin M.

KTBC-TV, Austin, TX…this FOX o-and-o wasted little time replacing longtime ND PAM VAUGHT by promoting Assistant News Director KEVIN McPHERSON to the top job after 22 years as the #2. He’s in this THIRD stint there: he began as a photographer, moved to Dallas as a photographer, back to KTBC as Managing Editor, then to Fox News Channel as a producer, before rejoining KTBC in 1999. Pam was ND here for 23 years.

Nolte

KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE…alert readers will see a pattern here as ANOTHER assistant ND is bumped up. Here it’s STEFFANI NOLTE who just joined the Standard Media ABC affiliate two months ago. She had been the Chief Photographer for KMTV in Omaha. Steffani’s also worked in Des Moines, LaCrosse, WI, and Florence, SC, where she worked as a multimedia journalist for a newspaper. At KLKN, she replaces JENNIFER HARDY who left earlier this summer after 13 months.

Gamboa

KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX…MATEO GAMBOA stays with Tegna and within Texas as he becomes the new ND for this CBS affiliate. Mateo spent the last 5 1/2 years at Tegna’s WFAA-TV (ABC) in Dallas as a producer and senior producer. He’s also worked for KXAS-TV (NBC) in Ft. Worth and for KCEN-TV in Temple, TX. My records show the last ND here was ZOLTAN CSANYI-SALCEDO who left in September 2019 after nine months.

And apologies to JERRY GOODMAN, the new ND for WALB-TV in Albany, GA, whose photo had the wrong caption (only in the emailed version of the newsletter) last week in reporting his hire.

New News Director Openings:

Dahl

KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ…in what was a busy week for UPDATES, our Wednesday report told you that JEN DAHL has left this Meredith owned (sale pending to Gray) CBS-independent duopoly. She was ND here for three years in her second stint (earlier as a producer for KTVK). She’s a former regional ND for Sinclair and an ND in Salt Lake City. Jen had been out of TV for three years before returning to Phoenix.

Cope-Walton

WRTV, Indianapolis, IN…one of our TWO Wednesday updates brought the good news that TERRI COPE-WALTON is leaving this Scripps owned ABC affiliate to become GM for Graham Media’s WJXT/WCWJ-TV (independent/CW). Terri spent 23 years at WRTV in a variety of roles before ascending to ND in 2013. She’s also worked in Dayton. In Jacksonville, she replaces BOB ELLIS (himself a former ND) who was promoted to GM for Graham’s WDIV-TV (NBC) in Detroit.

Watson

WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH…MEL WATSON is retiring December 17th as news director for this Gray Television owned ABC affiliate. She’s been the ND there for three years, but spent most of her career in Cleveland at WEWS-TV and WOIO-TV. She and her husband (who is retiring from Sherwin-Williams the same day) will move to Tennessee. The company has had a commuter marriage for the three years Mel’s worked in Toledo.

KBAK/KFBX-TV, Bakersfield, CA…JEFF LENK left this Sinclair Broadcasting owned CBS/FOX duopoly in early September. He’s been the news director for the last five years. Jeff worked here for 14 years, first as a producer and then executive producer before being promoted to ND.

Snead

KCBD-TV, Lubbock, TX….the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Really? How many avalanches ARE there in Lubbock?) is reporting that ND BENJI SNEAD and GM DAN JACKSON were dismissed by Gray Television for violating Gray’s Covid vaccination policies. They were apparently among six employees shown the door. More here from the Avalanche Journal (just wanted to say that again!)

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WSIL-TV, Carterville, IL:

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WSIL is a recently acquired Allen Media Broadcasting property.

Assistant News Director, WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH:

Come live in the land of scarlet and gray, the best damn band in the land, great midwestern manners and no shortage of scandals involving former football coaches, the zoo or politicians and energy corporations. There’s always news and always something to do in Columbus!

The Assistant News Director leads the day-to-day production of editorial content across 10TV’s multiple platforms with a specific eye toward coaching the reporters and multiskilled journalists on staff. Through careful coaching, this role elevates their storytelling, writing, crafting, and execution daily – to lift all the 10TV platforms higher. Daily responsibilities include overseeing the editorial process, the on-air execution of newscasts and directing newsroom operations. The Assistant News Director will also train, develop and coach the entire newsroom team while also source and recruit journalists to join the 10TV team.

Requirements:

– 10 years news industry experience, 7 years management experience
– Strong organizational and communication skills
– Proven track record of achieving results and hitting goals
– Ability to plan and execute breaking news and weather coverage
– Four-year degree in journalism or communications
– Field reporting experience is strongly preferred

You can apply for this position here.

Executive Producer, KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT:

Are you a show doctor?

Can you take any story, and tell it in a way that will make viewers want to watch?

Can you teach producers how to take a decent newscast and make it great?

Can you work with reporters to make sure each of their stories are focused, while striving to go after enterprise and exclusive content?

Do you have a passion for digital content, to make sure we are covering every big story on our mobile app, website, and social media?

KUTV, the CBS affiliate in Salt Lake City, is looking for a Daytime Executive Producer to join our winning news team! The ideal candidate will have solid news judgment, be a compelling and accurate writer and be able to multitask and manage their time in order to put together an exciting and informative newscast.

The candidate must also /have strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to execute news strategies and goals in daily newscasts. Flexibility and on-the-spot problems solving abilities are a must.

Job Responsibilities:

Determining the content and flow of newscasts
Writing stories with relentless attention to detail
Use of graphics creatively and effectively
Producing content for multiple platforms, including TV, internet, mobile, etc.
Working with management and reporters to generate stories
Meeting daily deadlines in a high energy working environment
Other responsibilities as assigned

Send resumes to Mike Friedrich, News Director at mfriedrich@sbgtv.com or Apply here:

When applying online, please include a recent web link of your work.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/3/21)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/3/21)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 10/3/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/5/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 8/22/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (listed 8/22/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, listed 8/29/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, listed 8/29/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 10/10/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, listed 10/3/21)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised this week)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/10/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 10/10/21)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 10/3/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/10/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (new listing this week)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (new listing this week)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 10/3/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR (listed 10/10/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (relisted 8/29/21)

More News Management Openings:

New Listing this week:

E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Director of Community Connection and Inclusive Journalism)

Relisted 10/10/21:

WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 10/3/21:

KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/19/21:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 9/12/21:

New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)

Listed 9/5/21:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital Manager)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Obituary:

Dunster

GEORGE DUNSTER, who spent 25 years as the news director for WLIO-TV in Lima, OH, died last Monday. He was 89 years old. After leaving the station in 1999, he remained VERY involved in a large number of organizations in Lima. Among his six children was son SEAN DUNSTER who was a news director for several stations. Much more in this obituary.

Names in the News:

Dennis

Veteran Tegna executive (almost 44 years!) PATTI DENNIS is retiring at the end of the year. She’s currently Director of Recruiting but may be best known for her long tenure as ND for Tegna’s KUSA-TV (NBC) in Denver. Patti sent me this note looking back at her past and what her plans are for the future.

Sandoval

LOURDES SANDOVAL has been named VP of News Operations, Public Affairs and Engagement for Entravision. She replaces LUISA COLLINS who moved to Univision in New York. More from Media Moves.

St. Peter

KEITH ST. PETER joins KNXV-TV in Phoenix (Scripps/ABC) as Senior Executive Producer. He most recently was the ND for Nexstar’s WBRE/WYOU-TV in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he job he left in July after two years. He’s also worked in Dayton, OH, and Jacksonville, FL.

ANDREW BIRKLE has been promoted to Digital Manager at WLNS-TV in Lansing, MI. He had been a digital reporter for this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate.

General Manager News and Notes:

TWO new general managers in Boston to share with you:

Brown

In one of our TWO updates Wednesday, we told you that TODD BROWN would be the next GM for Cox Media Group’s WFXT-TV (FOX) in Boston. He’s been the interim GM there and previously worked for Meredith, first in Las Vegas at KVVU-TV, where he spent 16 years, the last six years as GM, and later as an SVP and Chief Revenue Officer.

Draper

And there’s a new general manager for CBS’s WBZ-TV in Boston. JUSTIN DRAPER returns as GM for this o-and-o. He’d been the controller there from 2006-2010 before the network sent him west to become GM for KOVR/KMAX-TV in Sacramento. He’s also worked for CBS owned stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis.

TWO GM related items in our ‘New News Director Openings’ section above.

You learned above that TERRI COPE-WALTON is leaving her job as news director at WRTV (Scripps/ABC) in Indianapolis to become GM for WJXT-WCWJ-TV, Graham Media’s duopoly (independent/CW) in Jacksonville, FL.

And we also reported that DAN JACKSON was out (with five others) at Gray’s KCBD-TV in Lubbock, TX, for violating Gray’s Covid policy.

Finally, BROOK ARNOLD has been named general manager for Morgan-Murphy’s KOAM-TV (CBS) in Pittsburg, KS/Joplin, MO. She replaces longtime KOAM GM DANNY THOMAS who is leaving after 26 years as GM and 34 at the station. More in this news release.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 17, 2021:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

News 12 Westchester, 6 Executive Plaza Yonkers, NY 10701
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan Street, # 1900 Dallas, TX 75201 **
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KPHO/KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008
WRTV 1330 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WFTX-TV 621 S.W. Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral, FL 33991
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive; Knoxville, TN 37919
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main St. Dayton, OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918 (see ad above!)
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KBAK-TV 1901 Westwind Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93301
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KCBD-TV 5600 Avenue A Lubbock, TX 79404
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503

**: Spanish language station

October 10, 2021

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 UPDATE #2:

Greetings:

UPDATES do breed UPDATES!

FOUR items of note in this second report today, including new news directors at TWO network owned stations in top 20 markets. Meanwhile, another news director becomes a GM, and there’s a new GM at a top ten o-and-o.

Wiederrich

Congratulations to JAKE WIEDERRICH who’s been promoted to VP/News Director for KCPQ-TV, the FOX o-and-o in Seattle. Here’s the news release. Jeff’s been the Assistant ND there for the last three years four months. He’s also worked in San Francisco, Portland, OR, and for another Seattle station. He replaces ERIK BREON who left in July, citing health reasons, after 16 months.

Strain

KCNC-TV, Denver, CO…KRISTINE STRAIN, who’s worked at this CBS o-and-o for 21 years, will now be the news director here. She’s been the Assistant ND for the last 17 years and will continue to report to TIM WIELAND who was promoted to GM earlier this year after 17 years as ND. Here’s Tim’s note to the staff. Kristine has worked in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, for two stations in Kansas City, and in Wichita and Topeka, KS.

Terri C.

TERRI COPE-WALTON has been named VP/GM for Graham Media’s WJXT/WCWJ-TV (independent/CW)in Jacksonville, FL. Terri’s been the ND for Scripps’ WRTV (ABC) in Indianapolis since 2013. She first joined WRTV in 1998 as a producer, ran the community affairs department and served as Assistant ND. In Jacksonville, she replaces BOB ELLIS who was promoted to GM for Graham’s WDIV-TV (NBC) in Detroit.

Brown

Finally, TODD BROWN will be the next general manager for Cox Media Group’s WFXT-TV (FOX) in Boston. He had been the SVP and Chief Revenue office for (the about to be sold to Gray) Meredith Corporation until leaving in 2020, and spent 16 years at the company’s Las Vegas station, KVVU-TV (FOX), the last six as general manager. He’s also worked in Fresno as a general sales manager.

A busy day today, which means a full newsletter this weekend.

We’ll see you then.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

In auto racing, there’s a saying “Yellow flags breed yellow flags.”

Perhaps UPDATES breed UPDATES.

Dahl

Our second UPDATE in two days (after four weeks without) brings news that JEN DAHL has left Meredith’s (but soon to be Gray’s) Phoenix duopoly, KPHO/KTVK-TV (CBS/independent) after just over two years as news director. It was Jen’s second stint here, as she’d been a producer at KTVK. She’s a former regional ND for Sinclair and a news director in Salt Lake City. She had been out of TV for three years before returning to Phoenix.

The timing seems odd, with the anticipated closing of the Gray acquisition of Meredith expected by the end of the year.

More on this story and the rest of the week’s developments in our full newsletter this weekend.

regards,

Rick Gevers

Tuesday, October 12, 2021 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Our first update in almost a month brings word of a new news director in a top 10 market.

Palefsky

JOSH PALEFSKY has been promoted to the top job at Nexstar’s KRON-TV (MyNetwork affiliated) in San Francisco.

He’s been the Assistant ND there for the last three years. Josh first joined the station in 2011 as an associate producer and worked his way up the ranks. You can see all of his different jobs by checking out his Linkedin page.

Josh replaces his former boss, AARON PERO, who left KRON in July after 15 years as ND and 20 at the station.

Finally, apologies to new WALB-TV (Albany, GA) News Director JERRY GOODMAN for using the wrong name in the caption under his picture in the emailed version of last week’s newsletter.

We’ll have all this week’s news in our full newsletter this Sunday.

regards,

Rick Gevers

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

Greetings:

This week’s report is perhaps as slow as last week’s was busy. though we do have a busy Names in the News section.

Just ONE new news director was named, with TWO new jobs opening. Our always unofficial list of open ND jobs increases slightly to 42.

TWO of those ND openings are among FOUR paid help wanted ads.

We have ONE obituary for a long time Oregon anchor and one time news director. And there’s ONE new general manager to tell you about.

And in Names in the News, reaction to last week’s TY CARVER column on hiring and retiring people in news. A longtime NBC recruiter is leaving the network, and a longtime media company is selling its magazines and digital properties not long after selling its broadcast stations. And we have some news managers on the move.

All that and more below.

Newly Named News Directors:

Goodman

WALB-TV, Albany, GA…JERRY GOODMAN gets his first news director’s job at this Gray owned NBC/ABC operation. He’s spent the last 21 months as the Assistant ND for Gray’s KSLA-TV (CBS) in Shreveport. Jerry’s resume is lengthy and includes time in Georgia at WSB-TV in Atlanta as an EP. He replaces NICOLE CYPRIAN who left to become ND for KATC-TV in Lafayette, LA after almost four years as ND.

New News Director Openings:

Hamblen

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO…after almost 35 years, the last three as news director LISSA HAMBLEN is leaving this Mission Broadcasting owned but operated by Nexstar CBS affiliate. She first joined KOLR in 1987 as a creative services producer, left for a while, but returned as a news producer, rising to executive producer, then assistant ND in 2000.

Weinrich

WSIL-TV, Carterville, IL…JEFF WEINRICH is leaving this Allen Media ABC affiliate after two years as ND, though 14 at the station. Jeff emailed: (I’m) taking a communications-marketing job with a local health care group. Sad to leave this place that has been my home for so long, but it was time for a change of pace. I’m excited about what’s next. He was the Ass’t. ND before his promotion. He’s also worked in Columbia, MO.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, News 12 Westchester, Westchester, NY:

Imagine running a multi-platform content operation and newsroom in Americas #1 market without stressing the commute to Manhattan.

News 12 is the leader in hyperlocal news, weather, traffic, politics, and investigative news delivering 24/7 award-winning coverage in the NY/NJ/CT areas.

News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley is one of seven newsrooms in the NY/NJ/CT region servicing a cable audience of more than 4.5 million and we’re looking for our next news director. It’s a large New York viewing area encompassing Westchester and Rockland County and the Hudson Valley.

This is a multi-location news operation with top-flight veteran journalists and a hungry staff waiting to break that next big news story and focus on important local issues. This News Director will interact with the VP of News and SVP/GM along with executive management in the development and implementation of network content, policies, priorities and short-and long-term strategic planning for the news station. In partnership with our network executives, the News Director will market the product, enhance/innovate ad sales opportunities, and direct the digital, social media and OTT strategies for the channel.

Seeking 10+years in journalism, including 8+ in television news and television management. Knowledge of libel laws and executing ethical journalism is a must.

Proficiency in current and emerging newsgathering and production technologies is critical.

Experience with programming and production budgets is expected.

Oh- and bring your fun side, too!

Please send resume and contact information to Caprice Henry via email to: caprice.henry10@alticeusa.com

We’re part of the Altice USA family, America’s fourth largest cable network and partners with Cheddar, the business focused cable channel.

News Director, WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI:

WFRV-TV, the CBS affiliate in the Green Bay/Appleton, WI market (DMA #69) is seeking a forward thinking, energetic, and competitive journalist for the position of News Director.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who has a proven track record for mentoring, coaching and developing talent, solid journalism skills, and a passion for delivering relevant daily news content across multiple platforms. The News Director must be proficient in daily news operations, budgeting, communicating with personnel, contract management, and collaborating with other department heads.

Our coverage of local community events, local programming, and of the Green Bay Packers, is a priority, with a vision for unique storytelling and content.

This is a great opportunity to join Nexstar Media Group, Inc. the largest local television broadcast station group in the US, with 199 stations across 116 television markets.

Apply here!

Assistant News Director, WLS-TV, Chicago, IL:

Here’s your chance to help lead a top newsroom in one of the best news towns in the country: Chicago!

ABC 7 Chicago is looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and innovative leader to join our team as assistant news director. You’ll supervise the daily operation of this award-winning newsroom and guide coverage across all platforms. You’ll collaborate with top-notch reporters, executive producers, producers, assignment editors, photographers and editors. You’ll oversee our investigative unit and special projects. We’re committed to creating high-impact content that serves the Chicagoland community.

ABC 7 Chicago is one of eight ABC/Disney-owned local stations in the country.

Learn more and apply here.

Assistant News Director, WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI:

WDJT-TV, Weigel Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate in Milwaukee Wisconsin is looking for an Assistant News Director .

We are a family-owned company committed to storytelling in our local communities. We don’t have corporate must-run stories or mandates. We have an entrepreneurial spirit and are dedicated to digging deep into what our local viewers want to know about.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including health and welfare benefits, no cost life insurance and in person counseling, generous 401k match, paid time off and relocation assistance!

Visit CBS58 Openings to learn more and apply!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/3/21, see ad above!)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/3/21, see ad above!)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 10/3/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/5/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 8/22/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (listed 8/22/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, listed 8/29/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, listed 8/29/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted this week)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, listed 10/3/21)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, listed 8/8/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted this week)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted this week)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 10/3/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (new listing this week)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 10/3/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 9/12/21)
KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR (new listing this week)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (relisted 8/29/21)

More News Management Openings:

Relisted this week:

WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 10/3/21:

KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/19/21:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 9/12/21:

New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)

Listed 9/5/21:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital Manager)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 8/15/21:

WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (Digital Content Manager)

Obituary:

Walker

DAVID WALKER, a longtime anchor in two Oregon markets, and news director in one, died Monday after a long illness. He was 67. David spent ten years as ND at KCBY-TV in Coos Bay, OR, before moving to sister station KVAL-TV in 1999 as an anchor and reporter. He was active in the community as you’ll learn in the station’s remembrance.

Names in the News:

Meredith, which is selling its broadcast properties, has reached a deal to sell its magazines and digital properties to Dotdash. This New York Times article (a subscription may be required) has more details.

Carver

As anticipated, a number of you reached out to comment on TY CARVER’s recent post about the challengers facing anyone trying to hire in television. We shared that with your last week Obviously he got a lot more response, which he has compiled into a lengthy post.

It was great to see the huge reaction to the original article, but here’s my question.

Who, if anyone, is going to actually do anything about the problem?

If you’re a corporate executive, I’d be happy to republish any thoughts you’d like to share with readers.

Email me at: rick@rickgevers.com

Elena N.

Longtime NBC talent recruiter ELENA NACHMANOFF  is leaving the network at the end of the year after 31 years there. More details in this story from Deadline.com

A few quick items:

JARRETT SHUSTRIN moves within Nexstar to become the morning EP for WPIX-TV in New York. Jarrett spent 23 years at KTVI/KPLR-TV in St. Louis in a WIDE variety of jobs. He also spent two years as a sports producer for KMOV-TV in St. Louis.

Russo

ALISON RUSSO returns to Nexstar’s WIVB-TV (Nexstar/CBS) in Buffalo as morning executive producer. She spent almost six years there before leaving in 2012. Alison most recently worked as a digital assignment editor for Scripps’ KSHB-TV (NBC) in Kansas City.

JEFF BARND is returning to Arlington Public Media as ND for ACMI News. He left Delta News in Mississippi late last month after one year as ND.

TOM LEYSNA joins WEEK-TV (NBC) and HOI-ABC in Peoria as Assistant News Director for both stations. He most recently was the Assistant ND for WOWK-TV in Charleston/Huntington, WV, and has also worked in Omaha.

Lee

As promised, we can now tell you about DAVID LEE’s new job. We shared last week that he was leaving WFRV-TV (Nexstar/CBS) after not quite two years as ND. David followed through this week: “I am heading to Seattle to be the Executive Editor of Cascade Public Media“. Thanks to David for following through, and congrats.

General Manager News and Notes:

German

KMTV in Omaha is getting a new general manager. It’s DAVE GERMAN, who’d been the general manager for KPEJ-TV (Mission Broadcasting owned/operated by Nexstar/FOX) in Odessa, TX. He’s a former GM for a duopoly in Anchorage, AL, and also worked for many years in his hometown of Savannah, GA. KMTV is owned by Scripps and is a CBS affiliate.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 10, 2021:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

News 12 Westchester, 6 Executive Plaza Yonkers, NY 10701 (see ad above!)
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan Street, # 1900 Dallas, TX 75201 **
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KCNC-TV 1044 Lincoln, Denver, CO 80203
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
KTBC-TV 119 East 10th Street Austin TX 78701
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WFTX-TV 621 S.W. Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral, FL 33991
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive; Knoxville, TN 37919
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301 (see ad above!)
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KLKN-TV, 3240 South Tenth Street, Lincoln NE 68502
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503

**: Spanish language station

October 3, 2021

Greetings:

To paraphrase Mr. T (and whatever happened to him?) “I pity the fool who took the over on the number of open ND jobs this week.”

A remarkable NINE! new news directors were named this week, while FOUR new jobs opened up. Our list of open ND jobs drops to 41 (though that is still high by historical standards.)

TWO of those ND openings are among FIVE paid help wanted ads.

And just two weeks after pointing out a first (two openings at stations with the same last three call letters) this week we have two jobs filled at stations with the similar call letters, WREX-TV and KREX-TV.

THREE obituaries this week, though ONE of the deaths happened in January, and ironically involves someone I used to work for. (Apparently we weren’t close.)

We have two important stories in our Names in the News section. I hope you’ll take a moment to read them both.

We’ll also tell you about two local stations honored when the National EMMYs were announced (though the organization is quick to point out they did not actually win an EMMY).

We have a few news managers on the move, and we’ll tell you how CBS ended its streak of hiring news people to be GM for its o-and-o’s…by hiring (gasp!) someone with a sales background to run its Los Angeles duopoly.

It’s a lengthy report this week. Take a deep breath and read on!

Newly Named News Directors:

Godinez

WGBO-TV, Chicago, IL…LUIS FELIPE GODINEZ has been named VP/News for this Univision owned station, replacing TERI ARVESU. She is apparently going to corporate in an undisclosed role after eight years running the newsroom here. Luis has been ND for Univision’s KUVS-TV in Sacramento since February 2020. He’s also worked in San Francisco and Denver.

Burtscher

KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK…BRITTANY BURTSCHER returns to this Scripps owned NBC affiliate as news director. She had been the Assistant ND here until 2019 when she went to KTVK-KPHO-TV in Phoenix as an executive producer. She replaces GERARDO LOPEZ who left in August after 18 months as ND. He was transferred to Scripps’ WTKR-TV in Norfolk. Brittany has worked in Atlanta, Cleveland, and West Palm Beach, FL.

Schaper

WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV…BOB SCHAPER will be the next ND here, replacing the late ROD JACKSON who died in June. Here’s the note from GM SEAN BANKS. Bob comes from KEZI-TV in Eugene, OR, where he’s been the Assistant ND. He first joined KEZI as an anchor, and held on-air roles in several other markets. Bob’s a former Marine Corps pilot and also worked for Boeing.

Schaab

KFSM-TV, Ft. Smith, AR…MORGAN SCHAAB moves from her ND job at WAND-TV in Decatur, IL, for the same position at this Tegna owned CBS affiliate. GM VAN COMER told the staff via this email. Morgan spent 13 years (in two stints) at WAND, the last 3 1/2 as ND. She replaces RICH BAGLEY who left at the end of June after four years in his second stint as ND here.

Rates

KION-TV, Monterey/Salinas, CA…SCOTT RATES moves within California to become the next ND for this News Press and Gazette operation. He is currently the assistant ND/anchor for KHSL/KNVN-TV in Chico, where he has worked for the last two years. He’s a former ND in Eureka, CA and has also worked in Orlando and San Francisco. He replaces STACY SAKAI who left two months ago after about a year as ND.

Greg D.

WREX-TV, Rockford, IL…GREGORY DEFFENBAUGH will be the next ND for this newly acquired by Allen Media NBC affiliate. GM ED REAMS (who recently dropped the interim from his title) shared this story. Greg is currently the Content Manager for WPXI-TV (Cox/NBC) in Pittsburgh, and has also worked in Denver, Oklahoma City, and Des Moines. At WREX, Greg replaces AUDREY MOON who left in July for a job out of TV after 16 months as ND.

Lafferty

WJET-TV, Erie, PA…longtime anchor SEAN LAFFERTY will assume additional duties for this Nexstar owned ABC affiliate (which also operates the local FOX station). Details from the station’s website. He’s been at the nation since 1988 and will continue to anchor the early evening newscasts. He’s also worked at a competitor. Sean replaces LOU BAXTER who retired earlier this summer after 17 years as the ND.

Stein

KULR-TV, Billings, MT…MATT STEIN is already on the job as the next news director for this Cowles owned NBC affiliate. Matt most recently was the ND for WAAY-TV in Huntsville, AL, a job he left a year ago. He’s also worked in Memphis, Salinas/Monterey, CA, Seattle, Denver, Charlotte, and Syracuse. Matt replaces PHILLIP OHNEMUS who left after six years as ND here to become the Assistant ND for WBMA-TV in Birmingham, AL.

Chappell

KREX-TV, Grand Junction, CO…TERRI CHAPPELL gets her first news director’s job at this Nexstar station. Here’s the note from GM SANDRA ZOLDOWSKI to the staff. Terri’s Linkedin page has her background which includes long anchor stints in Dallas and Austin, TX. She replaces JOHN KIRBY whose departure we told you about in August. John was ND here for 2+ years.

New News Director Openings:

Chiou

News 12 Westchester, Westchester, NY…PAULINE CHIOU has left this Altice USA owned cable network after nine months as news director and 2 1/2 years there. Her background includes time at CNBC and CBS Newspath as well as a local news anchor. You can learn more about this opportunity in the paid help wanted ad below.

KUVS-TV, Sacramento, CA…you learned above that LUIS FELIPE GODINEZ is moving from this Univision station to another, as he becomes ND for Chicago’s WGBO-TV.

Lee

WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI…DAVID LEE is leaving this Nexstar/CBS station for a new job. David tells me he will be able to tell me (and then, us!) about the new job soon, perhaps as early as this week. He’s been ND here since late 2019, had been ND for WTXL-TV in Tallahassee and began his career on air. You can learn more about this opportunity in the paid help wanted ad below.

WAND-TV, Decatur, IL…we told you above that MORGAN SCHAAB was leaving this Block Communications owned NBC affiliate to become ND at KFSM-TV in Ft. Smith, AR. She was ND here for the last 3 1/2 years.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, News 12 Westchester, Westchester, NY:

Imagine running a multi-platform content operation and newsroom in Americas #1 market without stressing the commute to Manhattan.

News 12 is the leader in hyperlocal news, weather, traffic, politics, and investigative news delivering 24/7 award-winning coverage in the NY/NJ/CT areas.

News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley is one of seven newsrooms in the NY/NJ/CT region servicing a cable audience of more than 4.5 million and we’re looking for our next news director. It’s a large New York viewing area encompassing Westchester and Rockland County and the Hudson Valley.

This is a multi-location news operation with top-flight veteran journalists and a hungry staff waiting to break that next big news story and focus on important local issues. This News Director will interact with the VP of News and SVP/GM along with executive management in the development and implementation of network content, policies, priorities and short-and long-term strategic planning for the news station. In partnership with our network executives, the News Director will market the product, enhance/innovate ad sales opportunities, and direct the digital, social media and OTT strategies for the channel.

Seeking 10+years in journalism, including 8+ in television news and television management. Knowledge of libel laws and executing ethical journalism is a must.

Proficiency in current and emerging newsgathering and production technologies is critical.

Experience with programming and production budgets is expected.

Oh- and bring your fun side, too!

Please send resume and contact information to Caprice Henry via email to: caprice.henry10@alticeusa.com

We’re part of the Altice USA family, America’s fourth largest cable network and partners with Cheddar, the business focused cable channel.

News Director, WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI:

WFRV-TV, the CBS affiliate in the Green Bay/Appleton, WI market (DMA #69) is seeking a forward thinking, energetic, and competitive journalist for the position of News Director.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who has a proven track record for mentoring, coaching and developing talent, solid journalism skills, and a passion for delivering relevant daily news content across multiple platforms. The News Director must be proficient in daily news operations, budgeting, communicating with personnel, contract management, and collaborating with other department heads.

Our coverage of local community events, local programming, and of the Green Bay Packers, is a priority, with a vision for unique storytelling and content.

This is a great opportunity to join Nexstar Media Group, Inc. the largest local television broadcast station group in the US, with 199 stations across 116 television markets.

Apply here!

Assistant News Director, WLS-TV, Chicago, IL:

Here’s your chance to help lead a top newsroom in one of the best news towns in the country: Chicago!

ABC 7 Chicago is looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and innovative leader to join our team as assistant news director. You’ll supervise the daily operation of this award-winning newsroom and guide coverage across all platforms. You’ll collaborate with top-notch reporters, executive producers, producers, assignment editors, photographers and editors. You’ll oversee our investigative unit and special projects. We’re committed to creating high-impact content that serves the Chicagoland community.

ABC 7 Chicago is one of eight ABC/Disney-owned local stations in the country.

Learn more and apply here.

Assistant News Director, WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI:

WDJT-TV, Weigel Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate in Milwaukee Wisconsin is looking for an Assistant News Director .

We are a family-owned company committed to storytelling in our local communities. We don’t have corporate must-run stories or mandates. We have an entrepreneurial spirit and are dedicated to digging deep into what our local viewers want to know about.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including health and welfare benefits, no cost life insurance and in person counseling, generous 401k match, paid time off and relocation assistance!

Visit CBS58 Openings to learn more and apply!

Executive Producer, KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ:

CBS 5 & 3 TV are owned and operated by the Meredith Local Media Group. EP leads a team to deliver news in the digital age; produces newscasts as well as online content. This position oversees production of other news programming as assigned. The Executive Producer helps create, develop and implement strategies to improve product and ratings. In addition, the incumbent:

• Makes decisions relating to coverage, content and implementation of show direction.
  Focuses staff on direction and content of stories or live segments in newscast.
  Works with multi-media reporters/photographers to determine direction of stories and expectations.
  Works closely with assignment desk on coverage, story selection, live coverage, assignment of reporters and crews.
  Collaborates with producers on rundowns, story selection, formats, graphics, content and pace and flow of newscast.
  Initiates long term planning for news coverage and sweeps periods.

Work performed is for all media platforms and initiatives, including for example: on-air, web, digital and social media. EOE

Apply at the link here:

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (new listing this week)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/5/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 8/22/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (listed 8/22/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, listed 8/29/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, listed 8/29/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21, see ad above!)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, new listing this week)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, listed 8/8/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (new listing this week)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (new listing this week)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, new listing this week)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (new listing this week)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (new listing this week)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 9/12/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (relisted 8/29/21)

More News Management Openings:

Listed this week:

KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/19/21:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)

Listed 9/12/21:

New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)

Listed 9/5/21:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital Manager)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 8/15/21:

WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 8/1/21:

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Obituaries:

Auelrich

SCOTT AULERICH, a 30 year veteran of Los Angeles’ KTLA-TV (Nexstar/CW) died this week after suffering what the station called ‘a medical emergency’. He was 52 years old and produced the 6:00 PM news. Scott is survived by his wife BRIDGET (who also works at KTLA) and their three children. This story has more details and information on a Go Fund Me page that has been established for the family.

And we are tardy in reporting the deaths of two broadcasters, ironic since I worked for one of them.

Rudd

S. WHEELER RUDD, who spent most of his career with Cosmos Broadcasting, died January 1. He was 88. Wheeler was GM for WTOL-TV (CBS) from 1987-93 while I was ND there, but spent more time as the General Sales Manager for sister station WAVE-TV (NBC) in Louisville. More details in this obituary from the Louisville Courier-Journal in January,

Fionte

Finally, former Binghamton news director and anchor BERNARD FIONTE died last month at the age of 80. During his time he was often compared to another broadcasting legend, WALTER CRONKITE. Fionte served as news director for THREE television stations in Binghamton and also worked as a radio news director. A memorial service will be held in the spring.

Names in the News:

Two items have been making the rounds this week. Apologies if you’ve already seen them but I wanted to make sure you had.

Tompkins

Sinclair’s KATU-TV (ABC) in Portland, OR, cancelled its morning and midday newscasts one day this week to allow Poynter’s AL TOMPKINS and his wife SIDNEY (a licensed mental health counselor) to do a training session on how to deal with stress and trauma in the newsroom. Al kindly sent me this explanation of exactly what that means.

Al and his wife have done similar sessions in many other newsrooms and, in the note above, explains how you can contact him if you’re interested in bringing that training to your staff.

Carver

And headhunter TY CARVER’s recent post and the challengers facing anyone trying to hire in television brought lots of emails to me, even though we are just now including his thoughts in this newsletter.

His comments are direct and paint a dire picture of the future for our business…unless stations and owners take action now. He used the phrase ‘extinction alert’.

Please take a few minutes to read his post.

Ty started his eponymous firm after leaving Raycom Media after its acquisition by Gray a few years ago.

Congratulations to both WXIA-TV in Atlanta (Tegna/NBC) and KMGH-TV in Denver (Scripps/ABC) who were honored for ‘outstanding regional news reports’ when the National Emmy’s were announced this week. The complete list is here. Of note (at least to me) my friend and former employee (at WTOL-TV in Toledo) STEVE HARTMAN won another writing award.

A few quick items:

Samp

Former news director APRIL SAMP has dropped her lawsuit against Tegna and WOI-TV in Des Moines claiming gender discrimination. According to this story from The Des Moines Register, there’s no information about any possible settlement.

The Lexington, KY, TV news market is about to undergo a major change, and the Lexington Herald Leader has a lengthy look at what it all means.

And Politico reports that STEVE CHAGGARIS has started as Washington bureau chief for Sinclair Broadcast Group. He previously worked for Al Jazeera and CBS News.

Bayse

WGCL-TV in Atlanta went across town to hire its next executive producer of investigations. LINDSEY BAYSE was the digital investigative producer for Tegna’s WXIA-TV. She’s also worked in Grand Rapids and Lansing, MI.

Finally apologies to the new RTDNA chair-elect, WCBS-AM (New York) news director TIM SCHELD, whose last name I misspelled in our note last edition about his election.

General Manager News and Notes:

Villemay

CBS filled its GM job at KCBS/KCAL-TV in Los Angeles by hiring JOEL VILLEMAY, the longtime GM for Hearst’s WDSU-TV (NBC) in New Orleans. The hire ended the network’s streak of filling GM jobs with news people as Joel’s background is in sales. He’s also been a GM for Hearst’s KETV in Omaha. More in this Los Angeles Times story which also offer perspective on the many changes at CBS o-and-o’s this year.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 3, 2021:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

News 12 Westchester, 6 Executive Plaza Yonkers, NY 10701 (see ad above!)
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan Street, # 1900 Dallas, TX 75201 **
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KCNC-TV 1044 Lincoln, Denver, CO 80203
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
KTBC-TV 119 East 10th Street Austin TX 78701
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WFTX-TV 621 S.W. Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral, FL 33991
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive; Knoxville, TN 37919
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301 (see ad above!)
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KLKN-TV, 3240 South Tenth Street, Lincoln NE 68502
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WALB-TV 1709 Stuart Ave. Albany, GA 31707
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503

**: Spanish language station

September 26, 2021

Greetings:

TWO new news directors were named this week, and it appears that TWO more will be named this week, while FOUR new jobs opened up. Since we’ve removing the two TBA’s from our list, the count of open ND jobs stays at 43.

ONE of those ND openings are among FOUR paid help wanted ads.

ONE of those ND openings was created with a top five market ND jumped to a competitor as GM. That’s in our New News Director Opening section.

That’s the only GM move of the week.

We’ll discuss our trip to Denver for RTDNA, and tell you about the results of the RTDNA elections (one involving a rare tie!) We learned the fate of a corporate news executive, while we were there, too.

Also…details about some hires for the CNN streaming service, some new hires on the local level, and a new book from a longtime broadcaster.

All that and more below!

Newly Named News Directors:

Huffman

KMSP/WFTC-TV, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN…KELLY HUFFMAN ascends to the news director’s chair for this FOX o-and-o. He’s been at the station for 19 years and has been the assistant news director since 2013. He’s also worked for WCCO-TV (CBS owned) in the Twin Cities. At KMSP, he replaces the woman who remains his boss, MIM DAVEY, who was promoted to GM earlier this summer.

Bonilla

WNEP-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA…RACHEL BONILLA will be the next ND for this Tegna owned ABC affiliate. She’s currently the Managing Editor at the Spectrum Networks hub in Raleigh and had earlier worked for Spectrum in Charlotte. She’s worked in Providence, for two stations in Hartford, and the Weather Channel. She replaces CARL ABRAHAM. We told you in March that he was scheduled to retire in April after 10 years as ND and 38 at the station.

Vaught

Two other notes: We told you a few weeks ago that PAM VAUGHT was retiring as ND for KTBC-TV (FOX) in Austin, TX, after 23 years at the station. Here’s the tribute video the station aired upon her retirement.

And we are removing two openings from the list of Open ND Jobs below: KJRH-TV, the Scripps owned NBC affiliate in Tulsa and WOWK-TV, Nexstar’s CBS station in Charleston/Huntington, WV. I’m told both jobs have been filled but no official announcements yet. We’ll share when we can.

New News Director Openings:

Amparo

KUVN-TV, Dallas, TX…RAQUEL AMPARO leaves this Univision station to return to KTVT/KTXA-TV, the CBS owned duopoly in Dallas as General Manager. Details here. The move continues CBS’s run of naming news directors to GM positions at its owned stations. It’s a return to KTVT for Raquel, who spent six years there before moving to KUVN. She’s also worked for CBS stations in Miami.

Genty

KATV, Little Rock, AR…NICK GENTY has left this Sinclair owned station after almost eleven years as ND. He’s a veteran of Little Rock, having spent 21 years at KTHV-TV where he began as a photographer. His departure comes just a few days after a furor erupted after several race related incidents in the newsroom, detailed in this story from Arkansas Business and this report from The Arkansas Times.

Posada

KINT-TV, El Paso, TX…URIEL POSADA is leaving this Univision affiliate (owned by Entravision. He’s headed to ABC’s KTRK-TV in Houston to become an executive producer. It’s his first job in English language television, according to this story from Media Moves. He’s been ND here since 2013 and added regional ND duties three years later.

Rodriguez

KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA…longtime Bakersfield newswoman SUZANNE RODRIGUEZ has left this Scripps owned ABC affiliate after four years at the station, the last two as news director. Suzanne spent 18 years at cross-town competitor KGET-TV where she was the Assignment Editor for six years and a producer before that.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Executive Producer, KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ:

CBS 5 & 3 TV are owned and operated by the Meredith Local Media Group. EP leads a team to deliver news in the digital age; produces newscasts as well as online content. This position oversees production of other news programming as assigned. The Executive Producer helps create, develop and implement strategies to improve product and ratings. In addition, the incumbent:

• Makes decisions relating to coverage, content and implementation of show direction.
  Focuses staff on direction and content of stories or live segments in newscast.
  Works with multi-media reporters/photographers to determine direction of stories and expectations.
  Works closely with assignment desk on coverage, story selection, live coverage, assignment of reporters and crews.
  Collaborates with producers on rundowns, story selection, formats, graphics, content and pace and flow of newscast.
  Initiates long term planning for news coverage and sweeps periods.

Work performed is for all media platforms and initiatives, including for example: on-air, web, digital and social media. EOE

Apply at the link here:

News Director, Delta News, Greenville, MS:

Here’s a unique job!

It’s an opportunity to manage a News department that produces news for four affiliations ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX “The Delta News”. Also produces news for KLAX, ABC Affiliate in Alexandria Louisiana.

The Mississippi Delta is rich in natural resources and cultural history. The area is popular for hunting and fishing. It’s home to several museums that celebrate and tell the history of the “birthplace” of American music. And for those who love food, the Delta has several festivals that promote local delicacies such as catfish and hot tamales. Numerous family-owned restaurants serve a variety of ethnic menus, including Soul Food, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese or Cajun.

The Delta has also been home to many who have contributed to cultural arts. Among them are authors such as Walker Percy, Shelby Foote and Julia Reed; actors Morgan Freeman and Hattie Winston; and music icons such as B.B. King, Sam Cooke and The Staples Singers.

Sound interesting?

Click here to learn more and apply!

Executive Producer, WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL:

Live, work and play in a very unique media market that so many vacationers call a top destination. WWSB-TV is the ABC Television station serving Sarasota & Manatee Counties on the Suncoast of Southwest Florida. Beautiful, postcard worthy views are bountiful, and so are the opportunities to enjoy the Florida lifestyle. Yes, the beaches are minutes away. So are some of the top attractions in Tampa Bay, Orlando and South Florida. You’re a quick ride from some of the most popular theme parks and cruise ports. While visitors come and go, our station and our newsroom are committed to serving the thousands upon thousands of people who call the Suncoast, home. You’ll find a special emphasis on covering news with a hyperlocal focus, while embracing the best practices found in some of the region’s top markets.

Job Summary/Description:

Our Executive Producer will help our team commit to lead stories, and see the possible with available resources. S/He will help us develop a “happening now” newscast centered on unique, local content. S/He will also help bring digital and breaking news to life on all platforms,and will inspire our team to be their best. In our newsroom, we commit to quality through partnership and collaboration, long before the team heads into the studio and control room. Daily content planning and team training are expected. By the way… while you’ll be leading our team, you’ll also be expected to jump in to help produce, edit video, and post to digital & social on a case-by-case basis.

You can learn more and apply by clicking here.

Digital Content Director , KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA:

Join a talented and growing team at KTXL/FOX40 in Sacramento.

We are seeking a Digital Content Director to lead our web, mobile and social efforts in this dynamic, diverse market, the political epicenter of California.

The Digital Content Director is responsible for managing and growing FOX40.com along coaching a successful team. She/he will oversee and improve the daily packaging and distribution of all digital daily news and enterprise content across all FOX40 digital platforms. Their goal is to increase page views, page per sessions, and users across all digital audience segments on Fox40.com while prioritizing, but not limiting, in-DMA reach. The Digital Content Director is a strategist that uses data to determine content decisions.

The ideal candidate will have a firm understanding of how to construct story “voice” while avoiding bias and editorialization. They are an AP Style expert that holds published content to the highest quality and journalistic standards.

The Digital Content Director is a coach who knows how to manage and grow different personality types to meet their highest potential, establishing clear expectations and with effective modes of accountability. They are capable and enthusiastic to be a champion for digital best practices across all departments.

Apply here!

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/5/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 8/22/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (listed 8/22/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/25/21)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, listed 8/29/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, listed 8/29/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/12/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21, see ad above!)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, listed 8/8/21)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 8/29/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/25/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (new listing this week)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 9/12/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WOWK-TV, Charlestown, WV (listed 8/22/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, new listing this week)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 7/18/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 9/12/21)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (relisted 8/29/21)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 9/19/21:

KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director (see ad above!)

Listed 9/12/21:

New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)

Listed 9/5/21:

WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital Manager)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 8/15/21:

WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (Digital Content Manager)

Relisted 8/1/21:

KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)

Names in the News:

It was good to see some familiar faces (and meet some new ones) at the RTDNA conference this week in Denver. And good news (at least for me): next year’s confab will be here in Indianapolis (June 22-24), where I will NOT be buying you dinner. Especially you! 🙂

McGinley

At the conference, WKMG-TV (Graham Media/CBS) News Director ALLISON McGINLEY was installed as the chair of RTDNA, following her election last year. TIM SCHELD, ND of WCBS-AM in New York was voted chair-elect. And there were a number of elections for RTDNA board members, one of which ended in a tie! Details here.

Brown

We caught up at the conference with GARY BROWN, Senior Vice President of Content for Meredith. As you know, Gray Television is buying Meredith in a deal expected to close later this year. I asked Gary about his future after the deal is closed and it appears he will not be moving forward with Gray. He’s been a news director, corporate executive, and agent in his career.

CNN has made a number of management hires for its new CNN+ streaming service, including JENN SUOZZO who (until last month) was EP of NBC’s Nightly News. The entire list of hires (and it’s lengthy) is here and includes at least one former local news director.

Some new local news mangers to tell you about:

Trent

WARREN TRENT joins WJTV, Nexstar’s CBS affiliate in Jackson, MS, as its next assistant news director. He’s been working for KPHO-TV in Phoenix.

And JESSIE SLATER has been promoted to Assistant ND for KBJR-TV in Duluth, MN. She’s been a reporter and anchor during her five years at this Gray TB owned station. She will continue to anchor the 5:00 news.

Willi

Old friend (make that friend of long standing) JIM WILLI is out with another book, this one a sequel to his first book, The Frogman of Cedar Creek. The new offering is called Vanishing in Cedar Creek. Jim writes:

Just wanted to let you know that after my first serial killer novel – The Frogman of Cedar Creek – became a regional best seller a year ago, I have just published the sequel called – Vanishing In Cedar Creek. Both books are available in print and ebook versions on Amazon.

It is really fun to start a new career at age 73. I do a lot of book singings and get to meet many nice folks around the lake area where I live in Gun Barrel City, Texas.

Jim, of course, is a former ND, GM, and consultant.

General Manager News and Notes:

The only GM news this week is RAQUEL AMPARO’s move to GM at KTVT/KTVA-TV in Dallas, which we covered above in our Open News Directors section.

Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, September 26, 2021:

It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com

KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan Street, # 1900 Dallas, TX 75201 **
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KCNC-TV 1044 Lincoln, Denver, CO 80203
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
KTBC-TV 119 East 10th Street Austin TX 78701
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WFTX-TV 621 S.W. Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral, FL 33991
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive; Knoxville, TN 37919
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KFSM-TV 5101 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762
KLKN-TV, 3240 South Tenth Street, Lincoln NE 68502
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
KION-TV 1550 Moffett Street Salinas, CA 93905
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road Rockford, IL 61103
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WJET-TV 8455 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
WALB-TV 1709 Stuart Ave. Albany, GA 31707
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701 (see ad above!)
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503

**: Spanish language station