February 9, 2020
Thursday, February 13, 2020 UPDATE:
Greetings:
A veteran Cox Media newswoman advances within the company to a news director job in a top 20 market.
Tina C.
TINA COMMODORE, who’s been the ND for Cox’s KOKI-TV (FOX) in Tulsa, heads to Orlando where she’ll take over the newsroom for WFTV (ABC). She joined KOKI as ND in November 2016, and was assumed oversight of the Cox radio stations there in February 2018.
Before Tulsa, Tina worked for seven years at Cox’s flagship WSB-TV in Atlanta as Managing Editor and earlier as Manager of Coverage and Content. She’s also worked in Columbus, OH, and Cincinnati, as well as for CNN.
Parcell
In Orlando, she replaces MATT PARCELL who announced in December that he was retiring after 7 1/2 years as news director.
More on all this week’s news in our full newsletter this weekend.
regards,
gevers
**** ***** ****
Greetings:
Once again we achieved one goal this week. Publishing before best picture!
As I said last week, I’ll take small victories wherever I can get them.
TWO new news directors to tell you about this edition, (although, again, they’ve been NDs before so is it fair to call them new?) And TWO new openings.
Our list of open ND jobs remains at 33. TWO of those open jobs are featured among our THREE Paid Help Wanted Ads.
We have the obituary for the matriarch of an Oklahoma City news family. Two GM moves for Nexstar.
And our Names in the News section that has some unique and interesting items, at least one of which you will only read here.
A former GM and ND pens an exclusive column for us about the challenges he faces and the memories he has of his long time in TV.
There’s a interview with the head of a new cable news channel that’s set to debut Monday.
A Cincinnati station makes a major coverage policy change and then explains it to viewers.
Two new Assistant NDs at Scripps stations and a new EP in Salt Lake City
And a leading consulting firm hires a new consultant from a local station.
Those stories and more below…
Newly Named News Directors:
Breon
KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA…ERIK BREON will be the next ND for this FOX affiliate. It’s a return to Seattle for Erik, who earlier worked for 12 years at KING-TV. Here’s the note he posted on social media, and here’s his complete career background, including his current job as ND for KOLD-TV in Tucson. At KCPQ, he replaces ERICA HILL-RODRIGUEZ who left last summer to move to Los Angeles to be with her wife and landed as ND for KTTV (FOX). While KCPQ is now owned by Nexstar, it’s in the process of being sold to FOX.
Thompson
KARD/KTVE-TV, West Monroe, LA…congratulations to MICHAEL THOMPSON who’s the new ND for this Nexstar operation. Michael has been the Executive Producer for KLTV/KTRE-TV in Tyler, TX. He’s a former ND for KWES-TV in Midland, TX, and earlier worked at KLTV/KTRE. In West Monroe, he replaces ANDY PEDERSON who left for a new job which will be announced soon. And we’ll tell you when it is!
New News Director Openings:
KOLD-TV, Tucson, AZ….if you were paying attention above (!) you learned that ERIK BREON is leaving this Gray TV owned CBS affiliate for Seattle and KCPQ-TV. He was ND here for almost three years. More details above.
Cashwell
WITN-TV, Greenville, NC…this Gray TV owned is advertising for a new news director. MELISSA ABRAHAMSEN CASHWELL has been the ND here since October, 2017, when she replaced the late STEPHANIE SHOOP. Melissa first joined WITN in 2005 as a producer. I reached out to Melissa (who is apparently still at the station) Sunday afternoon and will report back to you if/when I hear from her.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
Assistant News Director, WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI:
WDJT-TV CBS 58 for Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin News is searching for an Assistant News Director.
With over 40 hours of news each week in an aggressive news market that is hosting the 2020 DNC, we are seeking a creative and driven experienced newsroom leader.
Join our growing news team in a dynamic, inclusive, fast-paced newsroom where we bring our viewers the best in quality news, prime, entertainment and sports!
In this role, you will work closely with the News Director to lead the operations and editorial content of the newsroom. Must have excellent news judgment and be able to meet deadlines, communicate effectively, adapt quickly and implement change while under pressure. Mentor producers and reporters, manage scheduling, plan event coverage, update workflows for efficiency, and have a creative approach to breaking and multi-platform news.
Must have prior Executive Producer, Assistant News Director, or News Director experience, a strong producing background, a commitment to serving a diverse audience, a passion for news, and a clear understanding of journalistic ethics and laws are needed to be successful in this role.
Apply today at CBS58 Opportunities!
News Director, WREX-TV, Rockford, IL:
13 WREX is looking for a dynamic, innovative newsroom leader who is committed to leading a group of talented journalists into the future of our industry.
The news operation at 13 WREX is unique. It’s content-focused and thrives off of journalists willing to think outside the box. We don’t just document what happened – we are storytellers.
We also investigate. WREX launched 13 Investigates in 2018 and is committed to telling important, impactful stories that make a difference in our local communities. The next news director must have a passion for seeking the truth and help identify important stories to cover in our community.
In just the past year, 13 WREX has been named Station of the Year by the Illinois Broadcasters Association, Outstanding News Operation by the Illinois Associated Press and the regional winner of the Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence. It’s an honor the station has won in four consecutive years. We’re looking for a candidate who strives for excellence in everything they do.
Other duties include hiring, coaching, supervising and evaluating news personnel, as well as preparation and administration of newsroom budgets and capital requests. The news director is expected to work closely with other department managers to achieve the company’s overall performance goals.
A minimum of 4 years of television news management experience and a college degree in broadcast journalism is preferred.
Please send or email your resume to:
Josh Morgan
Station Manager
13 WREX
P.O. Box 530
Rockford, IL 61105
jmorgan@wrex.com
News Director, WBNG-TV, Binghamton, NY:
WBNG-TV in Binghamton, NY seeks a News Director to help guide our news department to new heights of journalistic and ratings success. This is an exciting opportunity to join a great team in one of New York’s most beautiful places to live.
The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining market leading standards for newsroom operations and content. Other duties include hiring, coaching, supervising and evaluating news personnel, as well as preparation and administration of newsroom budgets and capital requests. The News Director is expected to work closely with other department managers to achieve the company’s overall performance goals.
A minimum of 4 years television news management experience and a college degree in broadcast journalism preferred. Must be able to demonstrate strong working knowledge of community issues and sound journalistic principles. Must have the ability to make fast, accurate journalistic and logistical judgments.
If you have a passion for excellence, and a burning desire to lead the best local broadcast news operation in Binghamton, NY, we want to hear from you.
Please send your resume and cover letter to:
Bob Krummenacker
General Manager
WBNG-TV
560 Columbia Dr.
Johnson City, NY 13790
Or via email to: rkrummenacker@wbng.com
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WFTS-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (listed 1/19/20)
KCPQ/KZJO-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 2/2/2020)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 1/26/20)
KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 1/26/20)
WSFL-TV, Miami, FL (listed 2/2/2020)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted this week)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (new listing this week, see ad above!)
Spectrum News, Milwaukee, WI (listed 1/19/20)
WJAC-TV, Johnstown, PA (relisted 1/12/20)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 12/8/19)
KRCG-TV, Jefferson City, MO (relisted 1/26/20)
KTIV-TV, Sioux City, IA (relisted 1/19/20)
KNPN/KNPG/KCJO-TV, St. Joseph, MO (listed 12/15/19)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Nexstar’s News Nation, Chicago, IL (2 openings, listed 2/2/20)
Nexstar’s News Nation, Chicago, IL (Digital EP, listed 2/2/20)
WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, PA (listed 12/8/19)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (relisted 1/26/20)
KDVR-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP and Digital EP, listing revised this week)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 2/2/20)
Rocky Mountain PBS, Denver, CO (listed 11/24/19)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (PM EP, listing modified 1/19/20)
KFMB-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, relisted 12/1/19)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (new listing this week)
KSND-TV, San Diego, CA (PM EP, listed 12/22/19)
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT (Dayside EP, relisted 12/1/19)
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listing revised 12/22/19)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (2 openings, EP and EP/Innovation, revised 12/22/19)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 1/19/20)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 12/15/19)
WKBW-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 1/12/20)
WDTN-TV, Dayton, OH (relisted 12/15/19)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (PM EP, listing revised 12/15/19)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (listed 2/2/20)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (relisted 1/5/20)
KNWA-TV, Fayetteville, AR (relisted 1/5/20)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (relisted 12/22/19)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (new listing this week)
WVNS-TV, Beckley, WV (relisted 1/26/20)
MANAGING EDITOR:
Nexstar’s News Nation, Chicago, IL (2 openings, listed 2/2/20)
KOIN-TV, Portland, OR (relisted this week)
More News Management Openings:
Listed 1/19/20:
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Senior Multiplatform Producer)
WBOC-TV/Draper Media, Salisbury, MD (Director of Digital Content)
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (Professor)
Listed 1/5/20:
WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA (Assignment Desk Manager)
Listed 12/22/19:
E. W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH (Director of News Content Strategy)
WOWK-TV, Charleston, WV (Digital Content Manager)
Obituary:
ANN OGLE, who was married to one-time Oklahoma City News Director and Anchor JACK OGLE and mother to several offspring who’ve anchored in OKC, died Thursday, February 6th at the age of 85. She was remembered in this obituary on the KFOR-TV website.
Names in the News (and other items):
Vann
I don’t need to tell you ours is a very small business. We have a very personal and heartfelt note this week from someone many of you probably know, former news director and general manager LES VANN. His note was prompted by last week’s obituary for MARTY LONG, wife of former GM JOHN LONG. Les may have some challenges ahead, but he still knows how to write. I hope you’ll take a moment to read this note written by Les intended for you.
The Black News Channel is scheduled to launch this week. The Baltimore Sun talked with BNC VP/News GARY WORDLAW (a former Baltimore ND) about this new venture.
WCPO-TV (ABC/Scripps) in Cincinnati made a major change in its policies on when to use police mug shots. And few, if any, noticed. The station’s Senior Director of Local News Content (old timers would call him the news director) MIKE CANAN discussed the reasons behind the policy change and the reaction to it.
Two appointments at Scripps’ stations to Assistant ND. At KMGH-TV in Denver KGTV in San Diego, SARAH COWAN has been promoted from her role as EP for that ABC station. And at KSHB-TV (NBC/Kansas City), TRAVIS SATTIEWHITE has been named AND. He’s been working as an EP at WMC-TV in Memphis and earlier worked at CNN, in Miami and for several stations in Houston.
JULIE MARTORANO joins Scripps’s KSTU-TV in Salt Lake City as the Morning Executive Producer for that FOX affiliate. She moves east from KABC-TV in Los Angeles where she was a producer. Julie’s also worked in Las Vegas and Bakersfield.
Toy
Consulting firm SmithGeiger has added a new consultant, MICHELLE TOY. Michelle’s been working at KTVU-TV (FOX) in Oakland/San Francisco where she is the Managing Editor of Digital and Content. She’s also worked for another San Francisco station and in Palm Springs, CA. More details in this email from SmithGeiger Senior VP CHRIS ARCHER.
General Manager News and Notes:
Nexstar made two GM moves this week:
ANDREW WYATT adds oversight of Washington’s WDCW-TV to his current role as GM of Hagerstown, MD’s WDVM-TV.
And SHARON RACHAL leaves KHQA-TV in Quincy, IL (where she was GM since 2015) to become GM at Nexstar’s WCIA/WCIX-TV in Champaign/Springfield, IL.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, February 9, 2020:
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
WNJU-TV, 2200 Fletcher Avenue Fort Lee, NJ 07024
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
WGCL-TV 425 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
WFTV 490 E. South St., Orlando, FL 32801
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
WTTV/WXIN-TV 6910 Network Place Indianapolis, IN 46278
WBFF-TV 2000 W 41st St, Baltimore, MD 21211
KVUE-TV 3201 Steck Avenue, Austin, TX 78757
WPMT-TV 2005 South Queen Street York, PA 17403
WRGB-TV 1400 Balltown Road, Schenectady, NY 12309
KOLD-TV 7831 N Business Park Dr, Tucson, AZ 85743
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
KREM-TV 4103 S Regal St, Spokane, WA 99223
WBTW-TV 101 McDonald Court Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
WITN-TV 275 E Arlington Blvd #275, Greenville, NC 27858
WTAJ-TV 5000 6th Ave # 1, Altoona, PA 16602
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
KRCR-TV 755 Auditorium Dr. Redding, CA 96001
WSAW-TV 1114 Grand Ave, Wausau, WI 54403
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Rd, Rockford, IL 61101 (see ad above!)
KSWO/KAUZ-TV 1401 SE 60th St, Lawton, OK 73501
WBNG-TV 560 Columbia Dr. Johnson City, NY 13790 (see ad above!)
WCAV-TV 999 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902
WTVY-TV 285 N Foster St # 7, Dothan, AL 36303
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
WDHN-TV P.O. Box 6237, Dothan, AL 36302
KHQA-TV 301 S 36th St, Quincy, IL 62301
Delta News 837 Washington Av. Greenville, MS 38701
KIDY/KXVA-TV 5 S. Chadbourne Street San Angelo, TX 76903
KAEF-TV 540 E St Eureka, California 95501
**: Spanish language station