December 18, 2009
Greetings:
Welcome to a very long pre-holiday issue of your weekly newsletter covering news director and news management changes. I hope the holiday season and 2010 are great for you and yours. I do intend to produce a newsletter next week, though it may be delayed by holiday travel.
It’s a fairly busy week for mid-December. There are THREE new news directors to introduce you to, and, to my knowledge, NO new openings. Two of those new NDs began at their stations at photographers and worked their way up to ND.
By my count there are now 25 stations with news director openings.
If you need proof that people are beginning to hire again, take note of the FIVE help wanted ads in this week’s issue. THREE of those ads are new and are for, I think, pretty attractive opportunities, including two large market management positions and a new ad for an assignment editor opening at the Weather Channel. Those ads join our two ads re-running from last week…including a management opening in Houston and at the Weather Channel. Those ads are just below.
And we have TWO new ads for content for your news broadcast, including one long-running service offering you a FREE trial period. Our other ‘content’ ad is a newcomer to these pages, offering you entertainment content that might be of interest to your morning newscast or other programs.
We have a few items in Names in the News, as well, including news of a new job for a veteran broadcaster.
All that and much more following this week’s openings:
NEW NEWS DIRECTORS NAMED:
Richards
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY…longtime station employee STEVE RICHARDS ascends to the news director spot for this Hubbard Broadcasting owned NBC affiliate. Steve first joined the station as a vacation relief photographer in 1986. He’s currently the Assistant News Director, a job he’s held since 2005, and was Managing Editor before that. A note of congratulations would reach Steve at: srichards@whec.com. He replaces MIKE GOLDRICK who left the station earlier this month to become ND at WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh after three years as ND.
KSPR-TV, Springfield, MO…BRIDGET LOVELLE has been named ND for this ABC affiliate. She is currently the Assistant ND for WPTY/WLMT-TV in Memphis. She’s also worked in Norfolk, Va, and Wichita, KS. She replaces BRAD BELOTE who was named Director of Digital Content for KYTV in Springfield. KSPR is operated by Schurz Broadcasting which owns KYTV. Brad was ND there for three years.
Baker
WQAD-TV, Moline, IL…who says you can’t go home again? ALAN BAKER, who grew up 20 miles from this station, has been promoted to ND for this LocalTV owned ABC affiliate. Alan’s another former photographer who’s moved his way up the management ranks, working in Ft. Myers, FL, Columbus, OH, Nashville, and San Jose/San Francisco. He returned home in 2002, beginning at WQAD as a photographer before moving to the assignment desk, then Assistant ND. He becomes the sixth ND in seven years here and replaces BILL CAREY, who left the station last month to return to New York as ND for WPIX-TV after just over a year as ND at WQAD. Your kind note would reach Alan at: alan.baker@wqad.com
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NEW NEWS DIRECTOR OPENINGS:
None, to my knowledge, which is a nice thing right before the holidays.
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HELP WANTED ADS:
MORNING EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, KING-TV, SEATTLE, WA
Ranked number one in the Puget Sound market, KING5 is a dynamic leader in both technological advancement and award winning news programming.
KING5 is looking for a highly creative Executive Producer to oversee the content and direction of its Monday – Friday morning newscasts on KING-TV and KONG-TV. Successful candidate must have strong journalistic credentials and be passionate about covering news. If you are competitive and can lead a strong news team, KING5 News wants to talk to you.
Responsible for managing a quality staff of reporters, producers, writers, photographers, and assignment desk. Must have experience coordinating live event coverage, breaking news, studio and HD production, graphics and on-line news coverage. Must bring keen newscast formatting skills for the morning viewer.
We’re looking for a strategic thinker who can execute the vision on a daily basis. A college degree with minimum five years previous news management experience preferred. Must be a strong leader, a strategic thinker, and a great communicator with good organizational abilities. Must possess solid news judgment, good problem solving skills, able to multi-task and make quick decisions, and able to work calmly under deadline pressures.
KING TV is a subsidiary of Belo Corp. Belo is one of the top media companies in the country and provides a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and 401(k).
If qualified, please send a copy of your resume, and a cover letter, via email to: hr@king5.com or mail to:
KING 5 Television
Attn: Human Resources
#K09R13,
333 Dexter Ave. N.
Seattle WA 98109
EOE
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ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR, WLWT-TV, CINCINNATI, OH
WLWT News 5, the Hearst Television station in Cincinnati, is looking for a creative, passionate journalist to help execute a 24/7 vision of success. The ideal candidate will possess:
• strong show presentation skills
• strong promotional instincts
• multi-media thinking with a vision for building across platforms
• a proven track-record of winning the big story
• attention to detail, consistency and the ability to follow-through
• demonstrated ability to work constructively with staff to take storytelling and performance to the next level
• Ability to work closely with other departments inside the station to achieve news department goals
I am looking for a partner to bring this growing media organization into a leadership position. Knowledge of the Cincinnati Tri-State market a plus. Minimum 5 years news management experience preferred.
For consideration send resume and cover letter to:
Stacy Owen
News Director, WLWT
1700 Young Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Or via email to: sowen@hearst.com
Applicants must include source of referral.
No phone calls, please!
WLWT-TV/Hearst Television, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring, training or promotion of employees by reason of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. We are engaged in a continuing effort to seek out prospective applicants for employment with our company.
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ASSIGNMENT EDITOR, THE WEATHER CHANNEL, ATLANTA, GA
The Assignment Editor is responsible for planning, preparing, setting-up and executing The Weather Channel’s content and coverage across all platforms including network, the website and mobile. This includes coverage of both scheduled newsworthy weather-related events as well as spot weather news and breaking stories. This role will act as a liaison between The Weather Channel and all NBC news divisions.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
-generate great weather-related story ideas
-gather and research story ideas
-assign and manage logistics of field crews and talent
-post content to our website
-develop sources
-monitor feeds and wires
-manage user-generated content
-handle phones
-gather accurate information from multiple agencies
-communicate available material to editorial staff
QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE
Adept at gathering and researching story ideas, developing sources, gathering accurate information from multiple agencies, generating great weather-related story ideas, and assigning field crews and talent.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED
-Several years experience (with a minimum of 2 years as an Assignment Editor) at a medium/large market television station, or network.
-Excellent story development, logistics and follow-up skills.
-Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
-Ability to multi-task under pressure, meet deadlines, process information, and make decisions quickly.
DESIRED
-Experience with Avid INews computer system preferred.
-Experience posting copy and video to the internet preferred.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism.
Please apply online at: www.weather.com/careers
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MULTI MEDIA CONTENT DIRECTOR, THE WEATHER CHANNEL, ATLANTA
The Multi Media Content Director will oversee multi-platform content and coverage plans for future events as well as coverage plans for day of content and/or spot news and severe weather. Will work closely with programming, internet, mobile and research departments to devise strategies to grow television viewership, internet traffic, and mobile users.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
– oversee multi-platform content and coverage plans for future events as well as coverage plans for day of content and/or spot news and severe weather
– devise strategies to grow television viewership and internet traffic with programming, internet, mobile and research departments
– generate great weather-related story ideas
– manage Director of News and Weather Content and Managing Editor
– maintain and foster the relationship between The Weather Channel and all NBC divisions
QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE
Has experience in organizing workload and workflow in a medium/large market television station or network
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED
– 5-7 years as a senior manager in a news organization at a medium/large market television station, or network.
– multi-platforms experience including television and internet
– Excellent leadership, communications, and interpersonal skills.
DESIRED
– Experience with Avid INews computer system preferred.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism.
Please apply online at www.weather.com/careers
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ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR, KHOU-TV, HOUSTON, TX
KHOU, A Belo owned CBS affiliate in Houston, has an immediate opening for an Assistant News Director. We’re searching for a dynamic newsroom leader to oversee day to day operation of our enterprise driven news organization in market #10. Candidates should have previous news director or assistant news director experience in a medium to large market. The assistant news director must be able to devise and execute a winning strategy built around strong reporting and storytelling. We’re looking for someone who can teach and coach outstanding journalism in a newsroom that has won more awards for journalistic excellence than any other station in Texas. College degree is preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Supervises specific KHOU News employees at the direction of the Executive News Director.
· Assists the Executive News Director in recruiting, interviewing, and evaluating potential new employees.
· Assists the News Director in identifying promising on-air talent for anchor and reporting jobs.
· Assists the Executive News Director and the Business Manager in tracking News Department expenses and in the preparation of the News Department budget.
· Works closely with KHOU’s consultants on research projects relating to the News Department.
· Coordinates, with news managers at other Belo television stations, joint news coverage projects.
· Works on other special projects and special assignments as directed by the Executive News Director.
· Oversee special projects reporting and projects as directed by Executive News Director.
· Oversee news department integration across all digital platforms.
· Work closely with other departments inside the station to achieve news department goals.
· Represent the News Department to outside groups.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS
· Minimum 10 years experience in television news, including at least five years experience in a major market
· A college degree preferred
· Ability to interact productively and positively with fellow employees
· Excellent verbal, written and organizational skills
· Must possess strong leadership skills
· Must have analytical budgetary abilities
· Must be able to meet deadlines and prioritize.
· Must be able to make good, sound, non judgmental decisions with on-air programming
· Proven management track record desirable
· May travel as needed for breaking news stories, passport required
· Should possess qualities of empathy, patience and sensitivity
· Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include early mornings, weekends, and holidays.
For consideration, please submit resume to jobs@khou.com or mail to:
KHOU-TV
Attention: HR/AD
1945 Allen Parkway
Houston, TX 77019
Fax 713-284-8818
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OTHER NEWS MGMT. OPENINGS:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 12/12/09, see ad above!)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 11/14/09)
WLWT-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 11/14/09, see ad above!
WAFB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 11/21/09)
EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:
KTVU-TV, Oakland/San Francisco, CA (Dayside EP, listed 12/4/09)
KTVT-TV, Ft. Worth/Dallas, TX (AM EP, listed 11/29/09)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (Special Projects, listed 9/18/09)
KING-TV, Seattle, WA (AM EP, relisted this week, see ad above!)
WTFS-TV, Tampa, FL (AM EP, listed 11/21/09)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 9/4/09)
WOFL-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 8/28/09)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, relisted 9/25/09)
KMBC-TV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 8/28/09)
WPEC-TV, West Palm Beach, FL (relisted 12/12/09)
WPBF-TV, West Palm Beach, FL (Digital EP, new listing this week)
WZZM-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 8/7/09)
KOCO-TV, Oklahoma City, OK (AM EP, listed 11/14/09)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (listed 10/2/09)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL listed 8/28/09)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (relisted 9/18/09)
WPTA/WISE, Ft. Wayne, IN (relisted this week)
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT:
KPTV/KPDX-TV, Portland, OR (listed 11/21/09)
MULTI MEDIA CONTENT DIRECTOR:
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (listed 12/12/09, see ad above!)
ASSIGNMENT MANAGER:
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
PAID CONTENT ADS:
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We’ll also be doing national media designed to create momentum that will help drive viewers to your local newscasts.
Money Talks is market-exclusive, and we’re already in 80 markets. The free stories will go to the first station in each available market that contacts us and expresses an interest.
Saving more, spending less and destroying debt are today’s hottest stories, and we’ve been producing them for 19 years without interruption. Please check out our work at moneytalksnews.com, then contact Stacy Johnson: 954-608-3851 or stacy@moneytalksnews.com.
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NAMES IN THE NEWS:
O'Reilly
PAIGE HARRISON is on the move again. She’s been named Assistant ND for Hearst’s WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. That’s a promotion for her from her current job as Ass’t. ND for Hearst’s KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City, a job she began this past January. She previously had been the Dayside EP for another Hearst station, WESH-TV in Orlando, and has also worked at CityTV in her native Toronto.
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Here’s a complete list of all stations that I believe have an ND opening, as of Friday, December 18, 2009.
And if you know of updates, corrections, or additions to this list, please let me know via email: rick@rickgevers.com
KNBC-TV 3000 W. Alameda Ave. Burbank CA 91523
NewsChannel 8 1100 Wilson Blvd. Arlington VA 22209
WXYZ-TV 20777 W. 10 Mile Road Southfield MI 48037
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento CA 95815 ***
WZTV-TV 631 Mainstream Drive Nashville TN 37228
KCTV, 4500 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205
KTVX-TV 2175 W. 1700 South Salt Lake City UT 84104
WPTV, 1100 Banyan Blvd., W. Palm Beach, FL 33401
KOB-TV 4 Broadcast Plaza SW Albuquerque NM 87104
KSEE-TV 5035 E. McKinley Ave. Fresno CA 93727
WTEN-TV 341 Northern Blvd. Albany, NY 12204
WFTX-TV 621 SW Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral FL 33991
WNWO-TV 300 S. Byrne Rd. Toledo OH 43615
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
WHAM-TV 4225 W. Henrietta Rochester NY 14623
WFFF-TV 298 Mountain View Dr. Colchester VT 05446
KRNV-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno NV 89502
WPBN/WTOM-TV 8518 M 72 West Traverse City MI 49684
KHBS/KHOG-TV 2809 Ajax Avenue, # 200 Rogers AR 72758
WMGT-TV PO Box 4328 Macon GA 31208
WWAY-TV 615 N. Front St. Wilmington NC 28401
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260
WVVA-TV Rte. 460 Bypass Bluefield WV 24701
KIDK-TV 1255 E.17th St. Idaho Falls, ID 83404
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
*** (Spanish language)