July 20, 2013
Greetings:
We have THREE new news director openings and TWO newly named NDs in this weeks report, but we have a lot more information that just those moves. One of those new openings comes from some changes in the corporate news management structure at Raycom, which you can read about under New ND Openings.
We now have 26 stations in our full list of open ND jobs.
SIX of those open ND jobs are are featured in Paid Help Wanted Ads below. We also have ads for TWO Assistant News Director jobs, TWO Executive Producer positions, and even an ad for a producer opening in Richmond. Those eleven ads cover a wide range of positions and market sizes, lots of choose from if you’re looking for a job or know someone who is.
And we have almost a dozen items in Names in the News. Some of the names will be familiar to many of you. And we have a story about a Maine news director who protested…and got some changes to…a radio station poll about ‘hot’ newswomen.
All that following this week’s changes:
New News Director Openings:
KCTV, Kansas City, MO…we told you earlier this week that BLAISE LABBE was returning to Texas to be the new ND for Sinclair’s WOAI/KABB-TV in San Antonio. He’s been the ND for this Meredith owned CBS affiliate for 3 1/2 years. More below.
WWBT-TV, Richmond, VA…in one of a series of Raycom news management changes, longtime news director NANCY KENT has been promoted to Regional News Director, becoming the first Raycom regional ND whose name doesn’t end in man(n). VP/ News SUSANA SCHULER will now focus on strategic planning and work with fewer stations. Regional News Directors LARRY SILBERMANN, VICKI ZIMMERMAN, and STEVE ACKERMANN will adjust their station portfolios, and Ackermann will be headquartered in Montgomery.
Rundgren
KMID-TV, Midland, TX…KARL RUNDGREN, who first joined this Nexstar owned ABC affiliate as an anchor in 2008 and was later promoted to news director, tells me he’s leaving television to pursue a career in financial planning. Karl’s also worked in San Angelo, Abilene and Toledo. (This position is ND only. The station will hire a new anchor.) You can learn more about this opportunity in the paid ad below.
WUTR/WFXY/WPNY-TV, Utica, NY…while not a new opening, the station is advertising this anchor and news director position again. Details below.
Newly Named News Directors:
Labbe
WOAI/KABB-TV, San Antonio, TX…BLAISE LABBE returns to San Antonio as ND for this newly formed Sinclair duopoly. Blaise spent the last 3/12 years as ND for KCTV in Kansas City, but earlier had been the operations manager and later the Assistant ND for KENS-TV in San Antonio. In between he was the ND for KWTV in Oklahoma City. He’s also worked in Houston, Wichita Falls, TX, and Amarillo. During his career, he’s been a studio cameraman, news photographer, reporter, and even did weather. He replaces TOM BELL who left the station in May to become ND for KOVR-TV in Sacramento. (Some moron, reporting this move in a mid-week UPDATE, accidentally relocated KOVR to San Antonio. It took all-night, but I did move it back to California.)
Thanks to those of you who pointed out that error. Interestingly NO ONE pointed out that in that same report I said that Blaise started his career as a ‘studio camera’.
KGET-TV, Bakersfield, CA…Assistant News Director MIKE TRIHEY will become news director of this Nexstar owned NBC affiliate in September, following the retirement of veteran ND JOHN PILIOS. John’s been ND here since 2001: he started as the assignment manager in 1999. He earlier had been ND for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria/Santa Barbara, working his way up after starting as a reporter and assignment editor. Old friends can wish John well in his still-a-few-weeks-away retirement via email: johnpilios@kget.com
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, KMID-TV, Midland, TX:
KMID-TV in Midland, TX is looking for a energetic and motivated News Director who will lead the station to the next level. The newsroom is on the verge of some large improvements and changes and needs someone who can help it through that process and beyond.
The right leader will be able to make decisions regarding hiring, evaluation, and promotion of employees, plan and manage staffing, training, and performance evaluations for the news staff, critique newscasts on a daily basis to improve coverage, mentor reporters, work well with other department heads to reach long-term goals and assume other duties as assigned.
You must have at least a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and work related experience, as well as a minimum five years’ experience in news programming production and have at least two years’ experience in a leadership role.
This position offers the opportunity to mold a new news effort in an expanding and dynamic market in West Texas. With a thriving economy, a booming population, and a growing thirst for local news, weather, and sports — this is a great time to get into a great market.
Send your material via email to: lherbster@kmid.tv
or via mail to:
KMID-TV
Attn: Larry Herbster
3200 LaForce Blvd
Midland TX 79711
News Director, WUTR?WFXV/WPNY-TV, Utica, NY:
WUTR, WPNY and WFXV in Utica, NY seeks a News Director/Anchor who is aggressive, forward thinking and a creative journalist. We produce news product on three different channels and have the market’s only high definition news operation.
The successful candidate must have an understanding of what “local” news is and how to engage our viewers with relevant content. He/she will anchor, producer, hire, mentor and lead a team of skilled professionals. Solid news judgment, great communication skills and exceptional storytelling techniques are a must. 5-10 years of experience as a primary news anchor preferred. Knowledge of eMedia, social media and mobile website journalism is required.
Please send a web link, resume, cover letter and news philosophy to: smerren@wutr.tv
or via mail to:
Stephen Merren
Vice President and General Manager
WUTR/WFXV/WPNY
5956 Smith Hill Road
Utica NY 13502
Assistant News Director, KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM:
KOAT, Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate in Albuquerque, New Mexico is looking for an Assistant News Director to lead its #1 newsroom.
It’s a great opportunity for you to be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of editorial content. You must have aggressive breaking news skills, a positive attitude and a pro-active approach to problem solving.
You will be a mentor to the newsroom staff responsible for improving writing and performance issues. Other duties include recruitment, hiring, training, working with the digital team and overseeing special projects.
You will have resources including a helicopter, two satellite trucks and three ENG trucks. KOAT is a Hearst station so there are opportunities for growth in the company.
And earlier this year, USA Today called Albuquerque one of the West’s most unique cities, a relaxed but interesting town that deserves a lot more attention.
Successful applicant must have at least five years’ experience in TV news with some management experience.
Send resume and link to newscast to News Director Sue Stephens at sstephens@hearst.com
KOAT-TV, a division of Hearst Television, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Morning Executive Producer, KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM:
KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is looking for an executive producer for the morning newscast.
This is an excellent opportunity for a strong producer to get your management stripes. You’ll be in charge of a #1 morning newscast with an established anchor team.
You will have resources including a helicopter, two satellite trucks and three ENG trucks. KOAT is a Hearst station so there are opportunities for growth in the company.
And earlier this year, USA Today called Albuquerque one of the West’s most unique cities, a relaxed but interesting town that deserves a lot more attention.
You can e-mail your resume and a link to your work to: Sue Stephens, News Director, KOAT-TV at sstephens@hearst.com
You can also send a resume and a non-returnable newscast air-check DVD, along with a cover letter stating where you found out about this job to:
Sue Stephens
News Director
KOAT-TV
3801 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque NM 87107
KOAT-TV, a division of Hearst Television, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Assistant News Director, WKBN-TV, Youngstown, OH:
WKBN-TV, the CBS affiliated LIN Television Station is looking for an experienced Asst. News Director to skillfully manage our news efforts in this strong CBS/ FOX Duopoly with a SSA for the ABC affiliate in Youngstown, Ohio.
The right person to lead our award winning news organization will have an accomplished record of achievement including previous News management experience. You must be able to think strategically and manage content across a duopoly and SSA stations as well as websites and mobile platforms.
This unique opportunity will IMMEDIATELY entail interim News Director Responsibilities, leading a news operation that is enjoying ratings growth and positive momentum.
This is a great opportunity for the right person; if that’s you, then send a cover letter describing your news philosophy and vision. Also include a resume, DVD or online link and references via email to:
Dave Coy, President/General Manager at: dcoy@wkbn.com
Or via mail to:
Debbie Deemer/HR
WKBN-TV
3930 Sunset Blvd.
Youngstown OH 44512
No phone calls please.
News Director, WLNE-TV, Providence, RI:
WLNE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Providence, RI is looking for a dynamic individual to lead our News Department. The successful candidate will have the ability to motivate and guide our seasoned staff while teaching and mentoring our newer team members. You must be competitive and have an innate understanding and ability to produce compelling newscast that are viewer centric. Social Media knowledge and experience plays an important role in this position.
This is a great opportunity for the right person; if that’s you, then send a cover letter describing your news philosophy and vision. Also include a resume, DVD or online link and references via email to: amenard@abc6.com
or via mail to:
WLNE-TV
Attn: Business Manager
10 Orms Street
Providence RI 02704
We’ll fill this position as soon as we find the right person! Close date is 7/23/13.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
News Director, WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA:
WRIC-TV, an ABC Affiliate, the fastest growing news operation in Richmond, Virginia is seeking a proven, dynamic, and forward thinking News Director who can build from a strong team environment. Applicant is expected to have a successful track record of increasing news ratings consistently.
This news director will be leading an Emmy and AP Award winning staff in a highly competitive market. Candidates should have strong local breaking news and weather coverage experience.
Our news director will be responsible for developing the news department’s strategic plan by advancing relevant content for Broadcast TV, Web, Social Media and all future platforms with impact.
Strong leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills are a priority.
This candidate must be very knowledgeable of Nielsen’s measurement systems, create content targeted for the key demographics and put together strong rating period strategic plans.
Previous news management experience is required. A college degree is preferred.
Send resume via email to: personnel@wric.com
or via mail to:
WRIC TV8
Personnel Department
301 Arboretum Place
Richmond VA 23236-3464
or fax your resume to (804) 330-8881.
NO phone calls please. EOE
News Content Director, WIS-TV, Columbia, SC:
WIS-TV, Raycom-owned news leader in Columbia, SC, seeks a News Content Director to lead an award-winning team. Perfect candidate will be a passionate, creative and collaborative coach who empowers team members to define and deliver compelling content on all platforms…on-air, online and on mobile. “WIS Investigates” is our brand, so a successful track record with investigative journalism is a definite plus.
Send your vision for making WIS viewers the most well-served in the market via email to: dtodd@wistv.com
or via mail to:
Donita Todd
VP/GM
WIS-TV
1111 Bull Street
Columbia SC 29201
All employment practices of WIS Television shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Personnel decisions and actions shall not be influenced by an applicant’s or employee’s race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin/ancestry or disability.
No phone calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V
News Director, WFFF/WVNY-TV, Burlington, VT:
WFFF/WVNY (Fox44/ABC22) in Burlington, VT is looking for an energetic News Director that will take the station to the next level. The newsroom is getting ready to re-brand its product, and needs someone who is capable of living a brand on all platforms.
The right leader will be able to make decisions regarding hiring, evaluation, promotion and termination of employees, plan and manage staffing, training, and performance evaluations for the news staff, critique newscasts on a daily basis to improve coverage, mentor reporters, work well with other department heads to reach long-term goals, and other duties as assigned.
You must have a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalist or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work related experience, as well as a minimum five years’ experience in news programming production, with at least two years’ experience in a leadership role.
The Burlington, VT/Plattsburgh, NY market is a beautiful region and a great place to live. If you love skiing, hiking, and fall foliage, and think you have what it takes to lead a young newsroom, e-mail your resume to: rhess@fox44now.com
or via mail to:
WFFF/WVNY
Attn: Roger Hess
298 Mountain View Drive
Colchester, VT 05446
Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer If you have any questions, contact Terri Bush, Director Human Resources: tlbush@nexstar.tv
Nightside Executive Producer, WBAL-TV, Baltimore, MD:
WBAL-TV 11 News, the Hearst NBC affiliate in Baltimore is looking for a Nightside Executive Producer to help lead its Live.Local.Latebreaking newsroom. The right candidate will have a strong content background, be aggressive in covering breaking news, and an understanding of station branding.
The EP will have oversight of all editorial and personnel decisions on assigned shift, as well as broader managerial duties for entire staff related to daily newscasts and special projects. Those broader duties include but are not limited to recruitment, hiring, and training, working with digital team and producing extended coverage and daily newscast as needed.
There’s also opportunity for the EP to be a part of local productions such as the Preakness Stakes, the Baltimore Marathon, and specials for the World Champion Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles. There will be long days, rewarding days and fun days for the candidate who wants to dive into the product and the city. It’s also an opportunity to join one of the most honored newsrooms on the East Coast and one of the most honored companies in media.
To apply for this job you must have at least five years’ experience; some management experience preferred.
Please send resume to Michelle Butt, News Director at mbutt@hearst.com
WBAL-TV is an EEO employer.
News Producer, WRIC-TV, Richmond, VA:
WRIC-TV8 is looking for a producer who is a strategic thinker and can execute a plan, someone who thrives during breaking news situations. The successful candidate must have solid editorial judgment, strong writing skills as well as good people skills.
One to two years TV newscast production preferred.
Send resume via email to: personnel@wric.com
or via mail to:
WRIC TV8 Personnel Department,
301 Arboretum Place
Richmond VA 23236-3464,
or fax your resume to (804) 330-8881
NO phone calls please. EOE
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (listed 6/30/13)
WISH-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 7/5/13)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KMTV, Omaha, NE (listed 6/16/13)
WBND/WCWW-TV, South Bend, IN (relisted 7/5/13)
WBTW-TV, Florence/Myrtle Beach, SC (listed 6/16/13)
EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:
News 12 New Jersey, Edison, NY (Morning EP, listed 7/5/13)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (relisted 6/30/13)
The Weather Channel, Atlanta, GA (Morning EP, relisted 6/2/13)
WSB-TV, Atlanta, GA (Senior EP, listed 7/5/13)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (AM & PM openings, listed 6/30/13)
KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted this week)
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Dayside EP, relisted this week)
KOVR-TV, Sacramento, CA (listed 6/7/13)
WBAL-TV, Baltimore, MD (Nightside EP, listed 7/20/13, see ad above!)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 6/23/13)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (AM EP, listed 7/5/13)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (AM EP, relisted this week, see ad above!)
WHBQ-TV, Memphis, TN (relisted 6/7/13)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (PM EP, relisted 6/16/13)
WCSH-TV, Portland, ME (Dayside EP, listed 6/30/13)
Situations Wanted:
We offer a free situations wanted ad to news managers who are out of work and looking for a new opportunity. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 150 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.
Names in the News…and other stuff:
Canova
Former Minneapolis and Providence News Director TED CANOVA has been named Managing Director/News Director for WGBH, the public broadcaster in Boston. Ted will oversee news content and coverage across all platforms (WGBH-TV airs a daily 30 minute public affairs program). He first joined WGBH in 2011 after a stint at Minnesota Public Radio. Ted’s a former ND at both KMSP/WFTC-TV and WCCO-TV in Minneapolis and WJAR-TV in Providence. It’s a return to Boston for Ted: he’s an Emerson College alum.
Lewis
KYANN LEWIS starts Monday as the Senior Executive Producer for KNTV, the NBC o-and-o in San Jose/San Francisco. She’s been the Executive Producer for the syndicated morning program, The Daily Buzz. Kyann is a former ND in Houston (KIAH-TV) and Greenville, SC (WHNS-TV), and also worked for two stations in Portland, OR.
OLIVIA DANGLER has been named morning executive producer for WFAA-TV in Dallas. She’s currently an EP for WXIN-TV in Indianapolis, and has earlier worked in Phoenix, Columbus, OH, and New Bern, NC.
Speight
Two new EPs at WRC-TV in Washington, DC. SCOTT TRABANDT moves to dayside EP. He’s been working on the 11:00 PM newscast. And KERWIN SPEIGHT returns to WRC (where he started as a production assistant) to replace Scott as the Nighside EP. Kerwin’s produced in Charlotte, Houston and Baltimore, and has been an EP in Sacramento, Pittsburgh, and WRAL-TV in Raleigh, where he currently works.
Congratulations to SABRINA WOLMAN, who’s been promoted to Morning EP for KGTV, the Scripps’ owned ABC affiliate in San Diego. She helped launch weekend morning news at KGTV following a long stint as a producer in Philadelphia.
Batt
After 15 years at WRTV in Indianapolis, SUSAN BATT has moved three blocks south on Meridian Street to WTHR-TV, where she’ll be the Investigative/Special Projects Producer. Susan was the EP/Special Projects at WRTV, and held a wide variety of positions there over the years. She’s also worked for ABC News bureau in Washington, and at KOMU-TV in Columbia, MO.
MATT BROWN has joined Scripps’ KSHB-TV in Kansas City as Assistant News Director. He most recently was the ND for KOKI-TV in Tulsa, a job he left in March after two years. He’s also worked in Austin, TX, Wichita, and Corpus Christi.
Batien
CHRISTY BATIEN has been promoted to Content Manager for Quincy’s KTIV-TV in Sioux City, IA. She’s a longtime station employee, having started there in 1998. She’s been an assignment editor, producer, the morning anchor (for ten years), and most recently has been the Internet Director for this NBC affiliate.
Congrats to old friend PAUL DAVIS, who becomes the second person ever to be TWICE named the Illinoisan of the Year by the Illinois News Broadcasters Association (the first was former governor JIM THOMPSON.) Paul was the longtime ND at both WGN-TV in Chicago and WCIA-TV in Champaign. He was also an ND for the Tribune station in Boston, and worked for FACS for a few years. He’s now living in Illinois and I’m sure he’d love to hear from old friends via email at: pmdpmd2@aol.com
After a protest from Portland and Bangor ND MIKE REDDING, a Bangor radio station modified an online poll which originally asked listeners to choose the ‘hottest’ newswoman. The station now offers a choice to pick a ‘favorite’ newswoman.
Chriesman
One time news director WILLIE CHRIESMAN checked in to tell us that he’s started an online news site targeting a professional audience of people of color with news and information of interest to them. It’s called U Metro, and you can check it out here. Willie was a news director in Birmingham, an Assistant News Director in Boston, an EP in Denver, and also working in Chicago, Detroit, and Atlanta.
Correction from last week: In our report on BRAD LUCK‘s move to WVIT-TV in Hartford, we told you that he worked for KUSI-TV in San Diego. He actually worked for KSWB-TV.
Our Full List of ND Openings:
Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Saturday, July 20, 2013.
If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com
KWHY-TV 1201 West 5th St., # T-900 Los Angeles CA 90017 *
KMSP/WFTC 11358 Viking Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Rd. Sacramento CA 95820
XETV 8253 Ronson Rd. San Diego CA 92111
KCTV 4500 Shawnee Mission Pkwy. Fairway, KS 66205
WXMI-TV 3117 Plaza Dr. NE Grand Rapids MI 49525
WHP-TV 3300 North 6th Street Harrisburg PA 17110
KOB-TV 4 Broadcast Plaza SW Albuquerque NM 87104
WLNE-TV 10 Orms St. Providence RI 02904 (see ad above!)
WRIC-TV 301 Arboretum Place Richmond VA 23236 (see ad above!)
WWBT 5710 Midlothian Turnpike Richmond VA 23225
KTUL-TV 3200 S. 29th West Ave. Tulsa OK 74107
KSNW-TV 833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
WEYI-TV 2225 W. Willard Road Clio MI 48420
WSET-TV 2320 Langhorne Rd. Lynchburg VA 24501
KGUN-TV 7280 E. Rosewood St. Tucson, AZ 85710
WIS-TV 1111 Bull St. Columbia SC 29211 (see ad above!)
WFFF/WVNY-TV 298 Mountain View Dr. Colchester VT 05446 (see ad above!)
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701
KRCG-TV Highway 54 North Holts Summit MO 65043
KMID-TV 3200 LaForce Blvd. Midland TX 79711 (see ad above!)
WTWO-TV PO Box 9268 Terre Haute IN 47808
WVVA-TV 3052 Big Laurel Highway Bluefield, WV 24701
WUTR/WFXV/WPNY 5956 Smith Hill Rd. Utica NY 13502 (see ad above!)
WLIO-TV 1424 Rice Ave. Lima OH 45805
KVEO-TV 394 N. Expressway Brownsville TX 78521
* Spanish language station