July 16, 2023
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 UPDATE:
Greetings:
Always pleased to tell you when a news director makes the move to a GM job, and that’s the case today.
KIM VOET, who’s been the news director for Graham Media’s WDIV-TV (NBC) in Detroit since 2011, is off to Miami to become General Manager for CBS owned WFOR-TV. Details in this CBS news release. Kim’s worked at WDIV since 1997, joining as a producer and working her way up the management ladder. She’s also worked for another Detroit station, in St. Louis, in Greensboro-High Point (two stations) and in Columbia, MO.
A St. Louis native and die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, I do hope she negotiated Marlins tickets for when the Cardinals come to town!
More on this story and all the week’s news this weekend in our full report.
regards,
Rick Gevers
**** **** ****
Greetings:
We’ve used this baseball cliché before, so apologies , but THREE up and THREE down this week…meaning THREE new news directors and THREE new openings.
That means our list of stations looking for a new news boss remains at 35. THREE of those stations are advertising those openings, among FOUR paid help wanted ads.
More GM changes at FOX owned stations, Sinclair names a new GM in Central Illinois, and a promotion for a former ND turned Hearst GM.
There’s an obituary for a pioneering TV executive who led several stations.
In Names in the News, an abrupt departure by the head of NAHJ, a change at the top of Univision News, a handful of job changes among news managers, and what I think is an important opinion column from longtime broadcaster HANK PRICE.
All that and more below!
Newly Named News Directors:
Brennan
KITV, Honolulu, HI…BILL BRENNAN has been promoted to news director for this Allen Media owned ABC affiliate. He’s been the managing editor here since JANICE GIN left earlier this year. Janice tells me she’s now retired. Bill’s a long time presence on the islands, both on TV and in various government public affairs positions as detailed on his Linkedin page.
Skrbin
WTAJ-TV, Altoona, PA…MELINDA SKRBIN joins this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate as its next news director. Melinda’s background is diverse with time spent both in broadcast news and broadcast education. Melinda replaces STEVEN SHAW who was promoted within Nexstar to become ND for the company’s duopoly, KSEE-KGPE-TV in Fresno. Steven was here about three years.
KMVT-TV, Twin Falls, ID…we are more than a little late in telling you that JOE MARTIN is both news director and senior anchor for this Gray owned station. And he’s been in those jobs since 2019, so we dropped the ball on that one. (A reminder that we rely heavily on your tips to keep this newsletter current.)
New News Director Openings:
Gall
WRAL-TV, Raleigh,NC…our Wednesday UPDATE told you that RICK GALL is retiring as ND for this Capitol Broadcasting owned NBC affiliate after what will be close to 20 years. That’s because he’s not retiring until May, 2024. Details from GM JOEL DAVIS. Rick first joined the station in 1995 as a reporter beofre moving up management to become ND in 2005. He also worked in Asheville, NC, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and Rockford, IL. Learn more in the Paid Help Wanted ad below!
Roberson
WRGB-TV, Albany, NY…this Sinclair owned CBS affiliate has an opening for ND posted on its career page. That appears to mean the end of PERNA ROBERSON’s time as ND after not quite three years. I’ve reached out to Perna and several Sinclair managers trying to get more details and will update if any respond. She was the Ass’t. ND here for two years before moving up, and has also worked in Atlanta, Birmingham, and Little Rock.
Boone
WHNT-TV, Huntsville, AL…RICK BOONE has left this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate after just over a year as news director. He came to Huntsville from another Nexstar station, KARD/KTVE-TV, in Monroe, LA, where he spent about 18 months as ND. His complete career bio (including time in some large markets) can be found on his Linkedin page.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:
WRAL, home of the award-winning, ratings leading WRAL News team has a rare opportunity for a dynamic, progressive, innovative News Director to lead our newsroom.
We are looking for a news professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for local news. WRAL takes extreme pride in our content and our ratings. Our team is experienced and committed to serving our local audience. We achieve about 2/3 of the news viewership in the market and have the dominant local media digital platforms in the state.
This position is really a CEO of news in one of the best newsrooms in the country, overseeing a staff of more than 150 people and an enterprise team of more than 20 reporters and editors. We have an outstanding reputation throughout the community and have a history of stability in leadership roles. Our current news director has been at the station since 1995 and just announced his plans to retire next spring.
WRAL is located in Raleigh, North Carolina, a city ranked consistently as one of the best places to live in America. WRAL is locally owned and privately held by industry renowned Capitol Broadcasting Company. WRAL and CBC also provide some of the best benefits in the business and a campus and culture of inclusivity and support.
For a full description of the position and job responsibilities and to apply, please click here.
News Director, WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI:
WOOD TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan (DMA #42) has an immediate opening for a News Director.
This job is special. You will lead a team of award-winning journalists and develop your own leadership team. You will work for a station where communities matter. You will be able to build upon a deep legacy of journalism across multiple platforms and three broadcast stations.
West Michigan is a dynamic collection of communities that include a vibrant at scene, tourist destinations along beautiful Lake Michigan, agricultural industries and a wealth of innovative companies focusing on information technology, life sciences, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
We want a News Director who is an innovative and dynamic leader, possessing excellent news and ethical judgement, strong understanding of hard news and a passion to continue the station’s historic legacy as the region’s news leader. The station includes an award-winning investigative team, a market-leading local sports operation and a respected weather team.
Responsibilities include managing daily news content across multiple platforms; hiring, training and mentoring producers, reporters, and anchors; overseeing special projects and daily operations in the newsroom.
You also get to be a part of the largest television ownership group in the country- Nexstar Media Group. If you are interested in joining us, click here:
Nightside Executive Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:
Would you like to be a leader in a multiplatform news operation with a commitment to excellence and the resources you need to succeed? WRAL is seeking a strong Executive Producer to oversee content, showcasing and innovation in WRAL’s late newscasts. The Nightside Executive Producer will work closely with our digital, graphics, promotion, and news management teams and must own breaking news on all platforms.
We are looking for a decision maker with strong ethics, outstanding communication skills, superb news judgment and the desire to win. If you have a vision for graphics and a passion for fast-paced, creative newscasts, this is the job for you.
Responsibilities:
· Own breaking news on all platforms.
· Mentor and develop producing and reporting staff.
· Lead editorial decision making for nightside coverage.
· Plan and execute “Big Story” coverage.
· Write and approve scripts.
· Review digital copy and topical promotion.
· Enhance weather and sports content.
Qualifications:
· Five years of experience in producing newscasts preferred.
· Two years of news management experience preferred.
· A four-year college degree.
Learn more about this opportunity by clicking here.
News Director, WXXV-TV, Gulfport, MS:
WXXV, the Morris Multimedia station in Gulfport, MS, seeks a News Director to lead a team of enthusiastic, young journalists and seasoned professionals. The ideal candidate brings a history of leadership and mentorship. Key responsibilities include recruiting, developing and retaining talent, creating overall LOCAL journalistic strategy and policy for daily newscasts, effectively managing staff and resources while fostering a positive, proactive and productive work environment.
WXXV is a great place to work, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast has truly emerged as a sought-out tourist destination with a flourishing arts and music scene, and attractions that highlight the region’s natural splendor. Add to this sun-soaked beaches, world-class golf courses, exquisite art galleries, fresh-off-the-dock seafood, deep-sea fishing and avid nightlife. The barrier islands and waterways offer both relaxation and adventure. Annual attractions include Cruisin’ the Coast, Mardi Gras, and the Senior PGA Tournament. Home to Ingalls Shipbuilding and Stennis Space Center, South Mississippi has a very viable and diverse workforce. New Orleans is 80 miles to the west. Mobile is 67 miles to the east.
Now, back to the station:
We utilize DMV & criminal background checks as a condition of employment.
Please email resume and references to: hr@wxxv25.com
No phone calls
Employment at WXXV shall be based on merit, qualification, and competence. Employment practice shall not be influenced or affected by virtue of an applicant’s or an employee’s race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin, or disability. Females and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KCBS/KCAL-TV, Los Angeles, LA (listed 4/30/23)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 7/9/23)
WATN-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 6/4/23)
KATC-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 7/2/23)
WNCT-TV, Greenville, NC (relisted 7/9/23)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (relisted 5/29/23)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 7/2/23)
KIAH-TV, Houston, TX (AM/Special Projects EP, relisted 7/9/23)
WDCW-TV, Washington DC (listed 6/11/23)
KGO-TV, San Francisco, CA (relisted 4/23/23)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg (AM EP, listed 6/4/23)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, listed 6/4/23)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, ND (AM EP, listed 6/4/23)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (listed 5/21/23)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (Nightside EP, listed 7/9/23, see ad above!)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 5/29/23)
WKRN-TV, Nashville, TN (listed 5/14/23)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP, listed 6/4/23)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 5/14/23)
KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (AM EP, listed 6/4/23)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 7/2/23)
WXIX-TV Cincinnati, OH (EP, listed 5/29/23)
WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 7/2/23)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 7/9/23)
WREG-TV, Memphis, TN (listed 5/21/23)
WLEX-TV, Lexington, KY listed 7/2/23)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (AM EP, listed 6/4/23)
WCBD-TV, Charleston, SC (listed 6/11/23)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (Digital EP, listed 5/29/23)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (listed 7/2/23)
KTVH-TV, Helena, MT (listed 7/2/23)
MANAGING EDITOR:
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (listed 5/13/23)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 6/11/23)
KOKI-TV, Tulsa, OK (listed 7/2/23)
More News Management Openings:
Relisted 7/9/23:
WMBD-TV, Peoria, IL (Assignment Manager)
WWTI-TV, Watertown, NY (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 5/7/23:
U. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Multimedia News Manager)
U. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Technical News Producer)
Obituary:
Crump
Longtime broadcast executive HAROLD CRUMP has died at the age of 91. The only story I could find was this detailed report from one of his former stations, WTVF-TV in Nashville. This undated biography has more of his career highlights. If you see more details about Harold’s passing and arrangements, please send them along.
Names in the News:
Price
We have a link to another HANK PRICE column which first appeared in TVNewsCheck.com. He points out (as others did when stories about the ‘great resignation’ and troubles in retaining staff first surfaced a year or so ago) that many of the issues creating these problems can NOT be solved by news directors. Read his column here.
Univision News President LEOPOLDO GOMEZ has left the company as of Friday to ‘pursue other interests’. Details from Media Moves.
And Media Moves also reports that DAVID PENA quit as executive director for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, just two weeks before last week’s annual conference in Miami.
Nexstar has promoted two long time news content executives. Read about new titles for JERRY WALSH and AUSTIN KELLERMAN by clicking here.
CHERYL STORY joins Hearst’s WAPT-TV in Jackson, MS, as assistant news director. She moves from Hearst’s Birmingham station, WVTM-TV, where she was an EP.
Kurtz
Long ago news director (Ft. Wayne and Lexington) KEN KURTZ is bouncing back from a series of health issues. He fell and suffered a broken hip last April. During surgery to repair the hip, doctors discovered some other things which might have otherwise gone undiscovered. He has more surgery in his future but says he’s otherwise feeling well. Ken is 93 but still following our industry. (He sent a separate email asking direct questions about specific topics covered at last month’s IRE convention.) Your kind email can cheer him up: click here for his email address.
General Manager News and Notes:
Oliver
The general manager changes at FOX owned stations continued this week. SHEILA OLIVER moves from KCPQ-TV in Seattle to Chicago as GM for WFLD-TV there. Details here.
And GLENN BERK joins FOX’s WITI-TV in Milwaukee, replacing CHUCK STEINMETZ who is retiring after 22 years as GM and 27 at the station.
Sinclair’s WICS/WICD-TV in Central Illinois has a new general manager: ROBERT P. RICHARDSON.
Grimes
One time news director KYLE GRIMES continues his climb up the corporate ladder at Hearst. He continues as GM for WCVB-TV (ABC) in Boston and assumes additional duties as Vice President, New England, overseeing other Hearst properties in the region. Details about his new job and his past (starting as a producer before serving as news director for two Hearst stations) by checking out this story from the WCVB website.
Our List of Open News Director jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 16, 2023:
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
WXIA-TV One Monroe Place NE Atlanta, GA 30324
WZDC-TV 4001 Nebraska Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 **
WCCO-TV 90 S. 11th Street Minneapolis, MN 55403
WLTV 9405 NW 41st St, Doral, FL 33178 **
KXTV 400 Broadway Sacramento, CA 95818
WRAL-TV 2619 Western Boulevard Raleigh NC 27606 (See ad above!)
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas, NV 89101
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (See ad above!)
WWMT-TV 590 West Maple St. Kalamazoo, MI 49008
WLNE-TV 10 Orms St. Providence, RI 02904
KFTV 3239 W Ashlan Av. Fresno, CA 93722 **
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
WRGB-TV 1400 Balltown Rd. Schenectady, NY 12309
WATE-TV 1306 North Broadway Knoxville, TN 37917
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive. Knoxville, TN 37919
WHNT-TV 200 Holmes Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
WICA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WICS-TV 2680 E. Cook St. Springfield, IL 62703
WBND-TV 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635
WQAD-TV 3003 Park 16th Street Moline, IL 61265
KIMA-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima, WA 98901
KMIZ-TV 501 Business Loop 70 E., Columbia MO 65201
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KIFI-TV 1915 N. Yellowstone Hwy. Idaho Falls, ID 83401
WXXV-TV 14351 Hwy 49 N. Gulfport, MS 39503 (see ad above!)
WBUP/WKBP-TV 1705 Ash Street Suite 5 Ishpeming, MI 49849
WDTV 5 Television Dr. Bridgeport, WV 26330
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KGNS-TV 120 W. Del Mar Blvd. Laredo TX 78041
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KIEM-TV 5650 S Broadway St Eureka, CA 95503
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KNOP-TV 402. S. Dewey. North Platte NE 69101
**: Spanish language station