July 17, 2022
Wednesday, July 20th, 2022 UPDATE:
Greetings:
A veteran newsman has left his job at a New York City based cable news operation.
Natz
JACQUES NATZ, who had been the Senior Vice-President for Altice USA’s News 12, has left the company. He’s been there for a little more than two years. He’s a former news director in Boston, Seattle, and Indianapolis, held news management jobs in a number of large markets, worked for Hearst as director of digital content development for six years, and as a consultant for SmithGeiger for almost eight years.
His full history is on his LinkedIn page.
Jacques told me a few minutes ago he’s happy and ready to write his next chapter.
We’ll be back this weekend with our full newsletter. Until then, stay hydrated!
regards,
Rick Gevers
Tuesday, July 19th, 2022 UPDATE:
Greetings:
The mystery behind GERARDO LOPEZ’s next job has been solved with an announcement today.
Lopez
Gerardo’s headed to Boston, where he’ll be the next vice president and news director for CBS owned WBZ/WSBK-TV (MyNetwork TV). He’ll replace JESSI MILLER BRADLEY who left the station in late May after about 18 months as news director, and 25 years at the station. More details about Gerardo’s appointment in this news release from CBS.
We told you Sunday that Gerardo was leaving Scripps’ WTKR-TV (CBS) in Norfolk after less than a year as news director. By my count (and yours, if you check out his Linkedin page) this is his 14th job in our business since 2000.
Have a great week and we’ll see you this weekend with our full newsletter.
regards,
Rick Gevers
**** ***** ****
Greetings:
Travel…and a busy week…has slightly delayed our weekly report.
TWO newly named news directors this week, both in top 20 markets, with just ONE new opening.
Our list of open jobs remains at 35.
ONE of those openings is advertised in one of FOUR Paid Help Wanted ads, the newest of which is for an EP opening in a top ten market network o-and-o.
There’s new information about the deaths of TWO important figures in our industry, and a NEW obituary for a long-ago St. Louis producer.
THREE new GMs to tell you about, all the result of promotions from their current companies, and Names in the News has THREE items, including a new venture from a former network o-and-o news director.
Read on for more!
Newly Named News Director:
Gerrow
KYW-TV, Philadelphia, PA…you learned here Monday that KATHY GERROW was crossing the street to become ND for CBS-owned KYW-TV. She’s spent the last 26 years at NBC’s WCAU-TV, the last ten as Assistant ND. It’s a return to KYW for Kathy who worked as a producer there for 13 years. She replaces JOHN WILSON who will help with the transition. John worked there for almost 20 years, and has been ND since 2017.
Oliphant
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI…this Scripps owned ABC affiliate has promoted KENNAN OLIPHANT to news director. He’s been the Assistant ND since JEFF KIERNAN left to become GM for sister-Scripps ABC affiliate KTNV-TV in Las Vegas earlier this year. Kennan joined WXYZ two years ago as Assistant ND. More details in this staff email from GM MIKE MURRI. (And apologies to Kennan whose first name I misspelled in our
Friday UPDATE.)
New News Director Openings:
Lopez
WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA…this Scripps owned CBS affiliate is looking for a new news director to replace GERARDO LOPEZ. Gerardo just joined the station less than a year ago, coming from Scripps’ KJRH-TV in Tulsa. I’m told he’s leaving for a new job in the Northeast, but being old-fashioned, I’ll wait until I can confirm that before publishing. By my count, his new job will be his 14TH since 2000.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT:
Sometimes you have to hit pause and take a beat to get it right.
That’s what we did.
Now, we have a *NEW* General Manager in place – and we are ready to hit play!
#NexstarNation has an immediate opening for an experienced NEWS DIRECTOR in Salt Lake City – Market #29. The right candidate will lead a team of committed journalists, collaborate to create market strategy, and impact not only the station, but also the community. We believe in local, local, local.
Salt Lake City is one of the fastest growing DMAs in the United States. The state boasts the youngest population in the country. Living in Salt Lake City means easy access to world class hiking, climbing, bike trails and some of the best ski resorts in the world.
It’s an incredible time to be a News Director. Why not do it with the nation’s largest TV ownership group, in a city full of opportunities, in a company with endless opportunities?
Executive Producer, WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL:
WINK News-Southwest Florida’s news leader has an immediate opening for an Executive Producer. We are looking for a newsroom leader. The right candidate will lead with integrity, have sound judgement, high journalistic and newsgathering standards. Script reading for editorial approval an extremely important attribute. They must foster a collaborative environment that respects each individual and role. Must have strong organizational abilities and is capable of working and managing others in a fast paced newsroom. 5 years of experience in a television newsroom preferred.
Southwest Florida is often praised as being one of the healthiest and happiest places in the world with miles of white-sand beaches and a dynamic community. Broadcast Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we are a drug-free and smoke-free environment.
Send resume to: Rich.garcia@winknews.com
Executive Producer of Digital Content, WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL:
WINK-TV News – Fort Myers/Naples has a unique opening for an Executive Producer of Digital Content.
Ready to take your broadcast experience to the digital level?
The Executive Producer of Digital Content will oversee our day-to-day content digital news content. You will oversee and work with a team of digital producers and digital director to drive the content on all of our platforms, this includes the WINK news website, apps, push alerts, and social media.
The right candidate will have some of the following qualities:
- Identifying local news stories and producing them for our various digital platforms
Lead the digital team in breaking news, emergency situations and severe weather coverage digitally.
Display strong organizational skills.
Edit content and copy edit spelling and grammar.
Maintain and update online publishing tools and refine workflow processes as needed
Coach digital and news teams to “think digitally” when crafting content on a daily basis.
Meet with other platform leaders to form a synergistic relationship in content sharing
Establish goals and drive digital strategy forward.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills:
- Familiarity with the AP print writing style
Knowledge of web scripting practices is recommended but not required
Working knowledge of video production and post production techniques and software
Familiarity with live streaming products and software
Being familiar with various social platform details
Attention to detail pertaining to spelling and grammar
Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic newsroom
Experience:
Management experience in a television newsroom of 3 years or more required
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 6/19/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 7/17/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 7/10/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (relisted 6/5/22)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 7/17/22)
KENS-TV, San Antonio TX (relisted 7/17/22)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (listed 7/10/22)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 6/5/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo NY (listed 5/15/22)
WPRI-TV, Providence, RI (relisted 7/17/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (listed 6/5/22)
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL (relisted 6/5/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (relisted 5/22/22)
WKBT-TV, La Crosse, WI (relisted 6/5/22)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KTVT-TV, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX (AM EP, listed 7/10/22)
WUSA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 7/10/22)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (listed 5/22/22)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (listed 7/17/22) (See ad above!)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (relisted 6/5/22)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 6/26/22)
WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (MSP EP, listed 7/10/22)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (relisted 7/17/22)
KXTV, Sacramento, CA (AM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
KMOV-TV. St. Louis, MO (Special Projects EP, relisted 5/8/22)
WMAR-TV, Baltimore, MD (listed 6/12/22)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (listing revised 5/8/22)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (relisted 7/17/22)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/5/22)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (listed 7/3/22)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Special Projects EP. relisted 7/17/22)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 5/30/22)
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 6/12/22)
WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (listed 5/1/22)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (PM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WAVY/WVBT-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 7/10/22)
KFOR/KAUT-TV, Oklahoma City (Overnight EP, listed 7/3/22)
WIAT-TV, Birmingham AL (relisted 6/26/22)
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WGHP-TV, Greensboro/High Point NC (listed 6/19/22)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 7/10/22)
WINK-TV, Fort Myers, FL (2 openings, listed 7/10/22) (TWO ads above!)
WBAY-TV, Green Bay, WI (AM EP, listed 6/12/22)
WHO-TV, Des Moines, IA (AM EP, listed 5/22/22)
KMTV. Omaha, NE (listed 7/17/22)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 6/5/22)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (two openings, AM & PM EP, relisted 7/17/22)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 5/1/22)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (relisted 5/22/22)
KRGV-TV, Weslaco, TX (AM EP, relisted 6/5/22)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (relisted 5/22/22)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 7/17/22)
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL (listed 6/26/22)
KFDX/KJTL-TV, Wichita Falls, TX (PM EP, listed 7/17/22)
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY (listed 6/26/22)
KBZK-TV, Boseman, MT (listed 7/17/22)
WRDE-TV, Milton, DE (listed 5/22/22) **
MANAGING EDITOR:
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (listed 6/12/22)
KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 5/15/22)
KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO (relisted 6/5/22)
More News Management Openings:
Relisted 7/17/22:
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (Digital Content Director)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (Digital Content Director)
Listed 7/10/22:
WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC (Director of Digital Content)
KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (Digital News Manager)
Listed 7/3/22:
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (Digital Content Manager)
Relisted 6/26/22:
WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH: (Digital Content Director)
Listed 6/12/22:
KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (Director of Digital Content)
KVEO/KGBT-TV, Rio Grande Valley, TX (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 5/30/22:
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (Director of Digital Content)
Listed 5/15/22:
Spectrum News NY1 (Senior Producer & Senior Producer-Politics)
Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO: (Supervising Producer, Documentary Journalism Center)
WLAX/WEUX-TV, LaCrosse, WI (Digital Content Manager)
Relisted 5/15/22:
U. of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (Director of Student Media)
Obituaries:
Aslam
We included this in an UPDATE last Tuesday, but for those of you who missed it, WABC-TV (New York-ABC-owned) posted a story on the death of news director, REHAN ASLAM. That story came after we published Sunday and I wanted to make sure you had a chance to see it. Rehan died at the age of 47 of an aggressive form of brain cancer. Our sympathy to his wife and son, as well as his co-workers at WABC.
Collins
We also told you in UPDATES of the death of longtime Missouri broadcaster and educator KENT COLLINS, who lost a fight with pancreatic cancer. He was 74. Kent trained hundreds, if not thousands, of journalists across the country and the world. The son of two newspaper journalists, Kent was a journalist to the end, writing his own obituary, included at the bottom of this facebook post from his son. Kent served two terms as ND for KOMU-TV, which aired this remembrance. And the University owned Columbia Missourian ran this story. New details this edition: Kent co-founded the job site Medialine, wrote a nationally syndicated column, The Senior Forum, for 23 years and in 2019 was honored with Edward Bliss Award for Distinguished Broadcast Journalism Education by AEJMC.
A celebration of life is planned later this year. He’s survived by his wife, BEE, sons JUSTIN and JEREMY, daughter SUMMER, and thousands of friends and former students.
BILL BALCH, who worked as producer for (then) KSD-TV (NBC) in St. Louis in the 70’s and 80’s, died June 30th. He was 92 years old. Bill began his career in radio in Minneapolis, then moved to KSD Radio in St. Louis before switching to the TV side in a shared newsroom. We worked together while I was a producer and EP there and I remember he was quite a gentleman.
Names in the News:
Neerman
Longtime news director MARK NEERMAN has launched a new venture, Indarra Media. Mark sent along this note which explains the new company, his first two partners, including a former network o-and-o GM, and has already teamed up with two companies. Mark’s last newsroom job was as ND for CBSs KPIX-TV in San Francisco. His Linkedin page covers some, though not all, of his career history.
Duff
Outgoing WSFA-TV (Montgomery, AL/Gray/NBC) News Director SCOTT DUFF got quite the sendoff this week. The station organized a luau in honor of Scott’s new job as news director for KGMB/KHNL/KFVE-TV in Honolulu, HI. It’s a transfer between Gray owned stations. Some of the staff even wore Hawaiian shirts in his honor.
Estrada
DAVID ESTRADA is now the executive producer for University of Missouri-owned KOMU-TV (NBC) in Columbia, MO. He’s been the digital content producer there, is an alum of the j-school, has worked as a producer in residence in Jacksonville, FL, and had a lengthy internship at Telenoticias, Teletica Canal 7, in his native Puerto Rico.
General Manager News and Notes:
Three new General Managers to tell you about, all promotions within their current companies.
WDTN-TV (Dayton/Nexstar/NBC) has promoted MELLISA JONES to succeed JOE ABOUZEID who was promoted to GM for WIVB-TV in Buffalo. She’s been the director of sales for WTEN-TV in Albany, NY.
In Omaha, Scripps named LISA VOLONEC GM of KMTV, its CBS affiliate there. She had been a regional business development director for Scripps’ Local Media division.
And Sinclair promoted JONI RIPPEN to GM for KHGI/KFXL-TV (ABC/FOX) in Lincoln/Hastings/Kearney, NE. She’s been the GSM there.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 17, 2022:
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
KTTV 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
KTVT/KTVA-TV 5233 Bridge St. Fort Worth, TX 76103
WTHR-TV 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
KGTV 4600 Air Way. San Diego, CA 92102
KSTU-TV 5020 West Amelia Earhart Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116
KTVX-TV 2175 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104 (see ad above!)
WITI-TV 9001 N Green Bay Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53209
KTNV-TV 3355 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102
WTLV/WJXX-TV 1070 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street, Norfolk VA, 23510
WIVB-TV 2077 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
WHAM-TV 4225 W. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623
WROC-TV 201 Humboldt Street Rochester, NY 14610
KAGS-TV 2800 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77802
WSAV-TV 1430 East Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31404
WCSC-TV 2126 Charlie Hall Blvd. Charleston, SC 29414
KTSM-TV 3801-D Constitution El Paso, TX 79922
KRNV/KRXI-TV 1790 Vassar St. Reno, NV 89502
WJBF-TV 1336 Augusta W Pkwy., Augusta, GA 30909
KNDO/KNDU-TV 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KADN-TV 1500 Eraste Landry Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KTVE/KARD-TV 200 Pavilion Rd. West Monroe, LA 71292
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KULR-TV. 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
WETM-TV 101 East Water Street Elmira, NY 14901
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd North, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KAEF-TV 540 E Street Eureka, CA 95501
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
**: Spanish language station