April 14, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012 UPDATE:
There’s a news director change in a top 20 market to tell you about this afternoon.
Andolsen
RITA ANDOLSEN, who’s been ND for Gannett’s WKYC-TV in Cleveland for the last five years, will take on a new role at this NBC affiliate, with the title of Director of Advocacy & Community Initiatives. She’ll oversee the station’s enhanced efforts in community outreach, creative local programming, andsuccessful special events. More details in this story from the WKYC website.
Rita has worked for WKYC for 12 years, first as Assistant ND before being promoted to ND in 2007. She previously worked for WJW-TV in Cleveland for four years as a producer. The search for her replacement is underway.
As always, all the week’s developments in our regular newsletter. I hope to publish tomorrow but may be delayed by travel.
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(Saturday morning 4/15/12 update.) We updated this edition to include new information on ROBERT DAVIDSON, the ND at WBBJ-TV in Jackson, TN. Our earlier report had him leaving the station but not knowing where he is going. We now know that he’s returning to Mississippi. More below.)
Greetings:
We have news of a start-up news operation in Missouri this week…it’s been a while since we’ve seen one of those. That’s one of TWO new news director openings, while THREE stations have new faces running the news department.
Those changes leave our count of open ND positions to 28.
We have paid help wanted ads for FOUR of those ND openings, in Knoxville, Omaha, Bluefield, and the afore-mentioned Missouri startup. And we have an ad for a Senior Producer at an o-and-o in a top five market.
A social note: If you’re attending NAB in Las Vegas this week, RTDNA is organizing a get-together Tuesday night following its day of programming at the convention. The gathering is scheduled for 9:00 PM in the Parasol Down bar at the Wynn Hotel and Casino. It’s been the site of similar gatherings at recent conventions, and a great opportunity to see other news people. I plan to attend and hope to see you there.
This week, we’ve turned the Names in the News section into Awards in the News, as two more organizations announced award winners. (And I didn’t have any Names in the News, so it’s time for a reminder to send me items.)
All that and more after this week’s changes:
New News Director Openings:
KRBK-TV, Springfield, MO…this Koplar Communications owned FOX affiliate is starting a news operation from scratch. You can learn more about this opportunity by checking out the paid help wanted ad below!
WBBJ-TV, Jackson, TN…ROBERT DAVIDSON has left this Bahakel Communications owned ABC affiliate to return to Mississippi as ND for WCBI-TV in Columbus, MS. More on that below. He’s been ND here since the fall of 2009.
New News Directors:
Blaisdell
WHTM-TV, Harrisburg, PA…some management changes at this Albritton owned ABC affiliate. Longtime WHTM employee KEITH BLAISDELLhas been promoted from Director of Technology to Director of Broadcast Operations. In addition to engineering and technology, he’ll oversee news and production. Keith also has been ND during his years at WHTM.
Jones
Assistant ND DAVID JONES has been promoted to Acting ND. He’s been at the station for almost a year and has worked in Charlotte, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and Erie, PA. DENNIS FISHER, who’s been the ND here since 2007, has left the station, but hopes to stay in the area. He asked me to pass along his email address: dennisfisher24@gmail.com
WCBI-TV, Columbus, MS…as mentioned above, ROBERT DAVIDSON is the new ND here. It’s a return to the market for Robert, who earlier in his career was ND for WTVA-TV in Tupelo, a job he left in 2008. Since 2009, he’s been the ND for WBBJ-TV in Jackson, TN. At WCBI, he replaces RUSS GELLER, who is leaving the station to return to Memphis as an EP for WHBQ-TV.
Raker
WTVY-TV, Dothan, AL…JEFF RAKER returns to Dothan and WTVY as ND for this Gray TV owned CBS affiliate. He was ND here from 1997-1999. Jeff most recently was ND for KMEG-TV in Sioux City, IA, has been an ND in Youngstown, OH, and Jefferson City, MO, and has worked in Charlotte, Las Vegas, Huntsville, Wichita, and Toledo. He replaces KATIE McMANUS-FAYE who left the station in January (after seven years as ND here) to become ND at WICS/WICD in Springfield, IL, her home state.
Help Wanted Ads:
News and Information Center Dir., WBIR-TV, Knoxville:
WBIR-TV, the Gannett-owned NBC affiliate in Knoxville is searching for a motivated, versatile leader for our news and information center. The successful candidate will embrace WBIR’s standard of story- telling excellence and community service while boldly advancing this brand across multiple platforms. A visionary in the age of digital media, the candidate must have solid journalistic judgment and a news philosophy that emphasizes accuracy, unique local content and superior quality of text and images.
The ability to lead the integration of our community’s conversations through various paths of social media is also a must. WBIR’s people are our most important asset and the News and Information Center Director must be a true leader with a keen eye for recognizing, guiding and enhancing talent in an atmosphere that inspires professional growth, enterprise and creativity. Departmental long range planning and budget presentation skills are necessary. A degree in Broadcast Journalism is preferred, with a proven track record of news management experience.
This position reports to the President and General Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Strategically and successfully lead, manage and evolve WBIR’s News and Information Center.
- Clearly and consistently communicate an aggressive, focused vision for the WBIR brand and products across all present and future platforms.
- Build and grow an energetic, skill-rich, focused and innovative team.
- Engage conversation with the community; viewers and users.
- Develop relationships with third parties to plan and implement successful content sharing partnerships.
Learn more about the qualifications required here:
Please apply to:
Virgil Smith
Vice President
Talent Acquisition and Diversity
Gannett Corporate Human Resources
Email to: jobadvances@gannett.com
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News Director/EP, KRBK-TV, Springfield, MO:
When was the last time you heard of a station starting a news operation?
How often do you get to be on the ground floor of a new FOX start-up?
We’re doing it in the 75th market! KRBK-TV – Springfield, MO – is looking for a leader. Someone who is creative, dynamic and hands-on. A news director that doesn’t spend time in their office; but pitches in, teaches, and motivates. You’ll work with station management to create the look, feel, and direction of the news image; hire staff; and make an impact in the market. You must have prior experience and a willingness to do “whatever it takes”.
If you’ve ever said, “That’s the way it’s always been done”, then you need not apply. Social media knowledge is imperative. We’ll need proof of your creativity and experience. WOW us!
Resumes & links via email to deanne@koplar.com
or via mail to:
DeAnne Diedrich
Director of Human Resources
Koplar Communications/FOX KRBK
50 Maryland Ave.
St. Louis MO 63108
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workplace.
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10:00 PM Senior Producer, KXAS-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX:
KXAS, the NBC Owned Television Station in Dallas-Ft. Worth is looking for a Senior Producer to oversee its Murrow Award winning late newscast.
The ideal candidate is skilled at showcasing the day’s top story, building team coverage, emphasizing and embracing breaking news. The Senior Producer works closely with the Executive Producer, anchors and reporters to create a polished, solid nightly newscast. Must have a track record of excellence in producing and booth skills. Candidates who are Executive Producers in medium markets or Producers in large markets are desired.
Please apply online at nbcunicareers.com, job listing # 5269.
For more information on the position, email Shannon Hammel
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News Director, KMTV, Omaha, NE:
KMTV, Journal’s CBS affiliate in Omaha, seeks innovative, positive leader to manage its up-and-coming News operation.
Bolstered by Journal-Omaha’s 5 top-rated radio stations and rapidly expanding digital initiatives, the successful candidate will have a unique set of distribution platforms to help re-energize KMTV’s news product. In addition to a proven ability to improve performance, the candidate must have a thorough knowledge of the broadcast business, high journalistic standards, and excellent communication, motivational, and organizational skills.
As a key member of Journal-Omaha’s senior management team, the News Director will work closely with TV and Radio’s Marketing, Sales, and Production colleagues to engage Viewers, foster strong ties to the community, and to develop and implement multi-platform initiatives to enhance KMTV’s News product.
This is not a position for a first-time News Director or the faint of heart — but if you are eager to join a terrific company and test your leadership talents in one of our nation’s most livable cities, this is the right opportunity for you.
Please send cover letter, salary requirements, and resume to:
Christopher Sehring
Vice President and Market Manager
10714 Mockingbird Drive
Omaha NE 68127
or via email csehring@jrn.com
Journal Broadcast Group is an equal opportunity employer.
News Director, WVNS-TV, Bluefield/Beckley, WV:
WVNS-TV, the CBS and FOX affiliate in the Bluefield-Beckley West Virginia market is looking for a News Director. This is a great opportunity for that producer or executive producer looking to take that next step into management.
Our stations have a three year track record of ratings growth and we are looking for that person with the desire to keep that trend going. Our station is very unique as we are part of a state wide network of 8 network affiliates that reaches all of West Virginia. You will have access to numerous resources not available to your competition.
The candidate should have a minimum of 4 years experience as a producer/executive producer.
Send your resume in confidence to:
Chris Leister
General Manager
WVNS-TV
141 Old Cline Road
Ghent WV 25843
or via email to: cleister@wvnstv.com
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Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (listed 2/10/12)
WITI-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 2/17/12)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 3/3/12)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 2/10/12)
KARK-TV, Little Rock, AR (listed 3/24/12)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 1/27/12)
KTIV-TV, Sioux City, IA (listed 2/10/12)
EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:
KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX (Morning EP, listed 1/20/12)
KTVT-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth. TX (dayside EP, listed 2/10/12)
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (relisted 12/16/11)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listing revised 1/20/12)
WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (AM EP, listed 3/24/12)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (PM EP, listed 4/7/12)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (Dayside EP, relisted 2/10/12)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 3/24/12)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (Dayside EP, listed 1/27/12)
WLWT-TV, Cincinnati, OH (AM EP, listed 4/7/12)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (PM EP, listing modified 3/17/12)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, listed revised 3/10/12)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (Dayside EP, relisted 3/10/12)
WHIO-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 1/27/12)
KMTV, Omaha, NE (listed 2/10/12)
WCYB-TV, Bristol, TN (listed 2/17/12)
KHBS/KHOG-TV, Ft. Smith, AR (Digital Media Mgr., listed 2/17/12)
MANAGING EDITOR:
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (relisted 3/24/12)
Awards in the News:
It’s the time of year…awards time. Last week we reported on the Peabody Awards and the IRE Awards. This week, there are more.
RTDNA announced the Regional Edward R. Murrow Award winners this week. The complete list is here.
And SPJ issued its list of SDX winners. You can find the television winners here.
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Our Full List of News Director Openings:
Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Saturday, April 14, 2012.
If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com
KNBC-TV 3000 W. Alameda Ave. Burbank CA 91523
KXTV 400 Broadway Sacramento CA 95818
XETV 8253 Ronson Rd. San Diego CA 92111
WPTV 1100 Banyan Blvd. W. Palm Beach FL 33401
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas NV 89101
KOKH-TV 1228 E. Wilshires Oklahoma City OK 72111
KFSN-TV 1777 G Street Fresno CA 93706
WBIR-TV 1513 Hutchison AVe. Knoxville TN 37917 (see ad above!)
WTVQ-TV 6940 Man O’War Blvd. Lexington KY 40509
KSNW-TV 833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
KMTV 10714 Mockingbird Dr. Omaha NE 68127 (see ad above!)
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens St. Columbia SC 29201
KGAN-TV 600-2 Old Marion Rd NE Cedar Rapids IA 52402
KWQC-TV 805 Brady Street Davenport, IA 52803
WTAJ-TV 5000 Sixth Ave. Altoona PA 16602
WBTW-TV 101 McDonald Court Myrtle Beach SC 29588
KHGI-TV 13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
WTXL-TV 1620 Commerce Blvd. Midway, FL 32343
KVII-TV One Broadcast Center Amarillo TX 79101
KNOE-TV 1400 Oliver Rd. Monroe, LA 71211
KAAL-TV 1701 10th Place, NE Austin MN 55912
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Rd. Ghent WV 25843 (see ad above!)
WBBJ-TV 346 Muse St. Jackson TN 38301
KKCO-TV 2325 Interstate Ave. Grand Junction CO 81505
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KGWN-TV 2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001
KSAX-TV PO Box 189 Alexandria MN 56308
WYIN-TV 8625 Indiana Place Merrilville IN 46410
** Spanish language station