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July 23, 2023

Sunday Jul 23, 2023

Greetings:

The move of a longtime top 15 market GM to become GM of a top 20 network owned station created the only ND opening this week.

TWO jobs have been filled, leaving 34 stations on our list of open ND jobs. THREE of those stations are among our FOUR paid help wanted ads.

For the first time in our long history, TWO advertisers are promoting their participation at the upcoming TAB convention downtown Austin.

Including the afore mentioned ND to GM job, there are TWO other new GMs to share.

There will NOT be a joint UNITY conference next year, combing NAHJ and NABJ. The reason should not surprise you. That’s among the stories in Names in the News. We’ll also tell you about a news director adding anchor duties to her job, a morning anchor turned news manager exits for a job at Intel, and learn which consultant pledged a big estate gift to his alma mater.

Details on all those stories and more just below.

SciLine, a philanthropically funded, free service for reporters, arranges 1-on-1, broadcast-quality interview opportunities with articulate scientists.

Reporters can book 15 mins with them via Zoom or request a SciLine interview clip for your use. SciLine also runs a free expert matching service that connects reporters rapidly to scientist-sources on deadline.

Experts available for Zoom interviews:

Professional training opportunity:

New expert videos – available for download/use in stories:

Newly Named News Directors:

Hypes

KMIZ-TV, Columbia, MO…this NP&G owned ABC affiliate hired CHAD HYPES as its next news director. He’d been the ND for Sinclair’s KTVL-TV in Medford, OR, before the station dropped local news. KMIZ GM CURTIS VARNS told the staff. Chad was at KTVL eight years before Sinclair pulled the plug. He replaces SCOTT FLANNIGAN who left in February after 18 months to be ND for Graham Media’s WSLS-TV in Roanoke, VA.

Steve G.

KQDS-TV, Duluth, MN…thanks to a loyal reader who tipped that STEVE GOODSPEED came out of retirement in JUNE 2022 to be ND for this Red River Broadcast owned FOX affiliate. (Missed that one…apologies.) Steve spent 27 years as ND for WDIO-TV in Duluth before being shown the door in July 2019. He replaced DAN CLOUSE who left in May, 2022 to become ND for KIMT-TV in Mason City, IA.

New News Director Openings:

Voet

WDIV-TV, Detroit, MI…our Tuesday UPDATE brought news that KIM VOET was leaving this Graham Media owned NBC affiliate to become President/GM for WFOR-TV, the CBS o-and-o in Miami. Kim’s a 26 year veteran of WDIV, joining as a producer and working her way up the food chain before becoming news director in 2011. She’s also worked at another Detroit station, in St. Louis, Greensboro-High Point (two stations) and in Columbia, MO.

And while it’s not a new opening, please check out the ad just below for the open ND job at Weigel’s WBND-TV in South Bend, IN.


Paid Help Wanted Ads:

News Director, WBND-TV, South Bend, IN:

ABC57 News seeks a News Director to lead our newsroom as we innovate and grow. We are committed to storytelling, investigating and viewer advocacy. This award winning newsroom requires a hands-on leader who can grow ratings and grow our content on all platforms. Our managers work as a team in a collaborative environment. We seek a dynamic team leader who is comfortable in a fast-paced environment, who brings excellent judgment, high ethical standards and practices, and who has demonstrated success in driving coverage of breaking news and severe weather. If you want to add to your collection of Emmy and Murrow awards, this is the newsroom to lead.

Duties/Responsibilities:
Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements:

Candidate needs 7-10 years of professional journalism experience with at least 5 years in a progressive management capacity.
Must be a driven individual able to plan strategically, manage and nurture people, handle hiring, contracts and budgets.
Candidate should be passionate about social media and skilled in using it to complement our broadcast and digital offerings.

Our Perks & Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Package
Long Term Disability Insurance
HSA Plan
401k with Company Match
Vacation/PTO/Sick/Paid Holidays
Paid Qualified-FMLA Leave

Learn more by clicking here.

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.

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:

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:

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 7/2/23)
KIAH-TV, Houston, TX (AM/Special Projects EP, relisted 7/9/23)
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:

KGW-TV, Portland, OR (listed 7/23/23)
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)

Listed 5/7/23:

U. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Multimedia News Manager)
U. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Technical News Producer)

Names in the News:

Here’s a surprise (sarcasm alert). MONEY (and the distribution of it) is the main reason where there will not be a UNITY conference of NABJ and NAHJ next year. More details here.

Local stations (more than 600 are members) have formed the Coalition for Local News. What is it? You can click here to find out.

Combs

MIRANDA COMBS, who’s been the ND for Morris Multimedia’s WTVQ-TV in Lexington, KY, has returned to the anchor desk but will continue as ND. She’ll co-anchor the 5:00, 5:30, and 6:00 PM news. Miranda spent 20 years at WKYT-TV in Lexington before leaving for a short time for a PR job. She returned to TV as the assistant ND for Nexstar’s WDKY-TV (FOX) before taking the ND job at WTVQ in the spring of 2022.

Mehlhaf

NINA MEHLHAF, who’s been the Managing Editor for Tegna’s KGW-TV (NBC) in Portland, OR, since 2022, is leaving for a job with Intel in Portland. She told her colleagues all about it. Before taking the Managing Editor job, Nina anchored the KGW morning news. A Portland native, she’s also worked in Sacramento and Bend. OR. More details about Nina’s background in her still-on-the website KGW bio.

Drew

A tip of the fedora to longtime consultant and former news manager DOUG DREW. A proud Ohio University alum, Doug has pledged a substantial estate gift to his alma mater to create a fund that will provide support for professional development experiences for students to prepare them for careers. Before he was a consultant, Doug worked in a number of markets, including Phoenix and Minneapolis. Thank him for paying it forward via email.

And apologies to CHERYL STROY whose named we misspelled in reporting her move to Assistant ND for WAPT-TV, Hearst’s station in Jackson, MS.

General Manager News and Notes:

THREE GM changes this week.

We told you above that KIM VOET will be the next GM for WFOR-TV in Miami, the CBS o-and-0 there.

And the other two changes were at Nexstar stations:

At WCMH-TV (NBC) in Columbus, LARRY COTTRILL replaces the retiring KEN FREEDMAN. He’s currently the GM for Nexstar’s WRIC-TV (ABC) in Richmond, VA.

And at WTRF-TV (CBS) in Wheeling, VA, MITZI COLEMAN will be the next GM here. She’s been the station manager for Sinclair’s KTVL-TV in Medford, OR, and replaces ROGER LYONS who is retiring.

Our List of Open News Director jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 23, 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 **
WDIV-TV 550 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
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
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 (see ad above!)
WQAD-TV 3003 Park 16th Street Moline, IL 61265
KIMA-TV 2801 Terrace Heights Dr. Yakima, WA 98901
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

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