July 29, 2018
Greetings:
Another week, another conference. If you’re going to NABJ in Detroit this week, I hope we get a chance to say hello in person.
Another slow week on the ND front: TWO new news directors, both veterans, are returning to newsrooms, while a Seattle news director heads off for ‘a new challenge’.
So..our count of open ND jobs stands at 32 open positions,
ONE of those 32 is among our FOUR paid help wanted ads this week.
We have THREE obituaries this week: TWO for long-ago news directors and ONE for the wife of a longtime newsman. Those obituaries are below.
And several items of note in Names in the News: a former Hartford ND returns to the market for a different role at a different station, a former ND is running for City Council in California, and a new name for a long-running DC 24 hour cable news channel.
All that and more below!
Newly Named News Directors:
Hundley
WVIT-TV, Hartford, CT…our Monday UPDATE told you about JANET HUNDLEY’s appointment as VP/News for this NBC o-and-o. GM SUSAN TULLY told the staff in this memo. Janet most recently was the news director for Scripps’ WTMJ-TV (NBC) in Milwaukee, a job she left last December after four years. She’s worked primarily for ABC owned stations: as Assistant ND for WLS-TV in Chicago, as ND and Assistant ND for WTVG-TV in Toledo (when it was owned by ABC), and in several roles at WTVD-TV in Raleigh/Durham. She also worked for another Raleigh station and in Fayetteville, NC. Janet replaces BEN DOBSON who was promoted to ND for WBTS-TV, the NBC owned station in Boston.
Pickey
KOSA-TV, Odessa, TX…SCOTT PICKEY returns to a newsroom as the next ND for this Gray TV owned CBS affiliate. Scott most recently was the ND for WOAY-TV in Oak Hill/Beckley, WV. He’s been an ND in Wilmington, NC, El Paso, TX and Fayetteville, AR. He’s also worked in Raleigh, Richmond and Syracuse. He replaces SAM EATON who left the station in June after one years as ND.
New News Director Opening:
Milstein
KIRO-TV, Seattle, WA…a second Monday UPDATE covered the departure of JAKE MILSTEIN as news director for this Cox Media owned CBS affiliate. In his farewell note to the staff, he said he was off to look for ‘a new challenge’ He’s been at the station ten years, the last four as news director. Jake’s also worked in San Jose/San Francisco, Washington, and Santa Maria, CA.
And while it’s not a new opening, be sure to check out the paid help wanted ad below for the ND opening at Gray’s WOWT-TV in Omaha.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
Assistant News Director, KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA:
At NBCUniversal, we believe in the talent of our people. It’s our passion and commitment to excellence that drives NBCU’s vast portfolio of brands to succeed. From broadcast and cable networks, news and sports platforms, to film, world-renowned theme parks and a diverse suite of digital properties, we take pride in all that we do and all that we represent. It’s what makes us uniquely NBCU.
Here you can create the extraordinary.
NBCUniversal Owned Station, NBC4 Southern California, is looking for an Assistant News Director with strong news judgment and the ability to lead and inspire a highly talented news staff to reach beyond established goals.
Responsibilities:
* Manage daily coverage, events, and breaking news across NBC4 broadcast and digital platforms
* Implement strategies to increase ratings performance in newscasts
* Provide leadership to news professionals, driving a culture of creativity and excellence in a multi-platform environment
* Responsible for news staff development and training in coordination with other news managers
* Participate in the performance appraisal process for assigned editorial staff in conjunction with the management team and VP of News
* Manage script approval process as delegated to individual managers
* Develop and manage ongoing staff recruitment in all news areas
* Involved with aspects of news content for the station’s website and new media outlets
* Ensure the daily goals and missions are executed, tracked, and communicated to the staff
* Evaluate workflow efficiencies ensuring editorial resources and expectations are clearly defined and met
* Implement and have a working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws impacting newsroom operations
* Enforce newsroom’s policies and procedures
Click here to apply:
Executive Producer, KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA:
At NBCUniversal, we believe in the talent of our people. It’s our passion and commitment to excellence that drives NBCU’s vast portfolio of brands to succeed. From broadcast and cable networks, news and sports platforms, to film, world-renowned theme parks and a diverse suite of digital properties, we take pride in all that we do and all that we represent. It’s what makes us uniquely NBCU.
Here you can create the extraordinary.
NBCUniversal Owned Station, NBC4 Southern California, is looking for an Executive Producer who can lead a team of Platform Managers and Content Producers in providing compelling news coverage.
Responsibilities:
* Manage editorial content for assigned news platforms produced by NBC4, but may be responsible for additional platforms including but not limited to broadcast, digital and web
* Coordinate with production, engineering, and IT teams to ensure seamless show productions as well as with the editorial team to ensure complete local news coverage
* Collaborate with newsroom leadership, other NBC Owned stations, and NBC News for daily coverage and special events planning
* Communicate with news management and assignment desk to shape newscasts and determine the composition and flow of all assigned platforms
* Schedule platform managers and content producers for proper coverage
* Participate in the performance appraisal process for assigned editorial staff
* Work with news leadership to ensure training and coaching is provided for Platform Managers and Content Producers
* Participate in recruitment efforts and facilitate orientation of new employees
* Track market competitive trends
* Develop and implement show content and format changes
* Track coverage costs and ensure fiscal responsibility in the news department
Click here to apply:
News Director, WOWT-TV, Omaha, NE:
Gray Television owned WOWT (NBC) in Omaha, NE is seeking a dynamic News Director to lead our legacy station to the #1 spot in the market.
WOWT is a modern facility equipped with state of the art technology, and with our leading broadcast news we provide award winning local news coverage, dedicated community service, and effective marketing solutions for area businesses.
Omaha is one of the most progressive cities in the Midwest with a strong market support by several national industries. The Omaha area boasts an array of top attractions that can’t be matched, from the World Famous Henry Doorly Zoo, to the NCAA Men’s College World Series. Omaha is popular for our downtown which is home to a revitalized riverfront and the Historic Old Market.
We are looking for a News Director who will be responsible for overseeing our content and day to day operations. The ideal candidate will possess newsroom leadership experience, a proven track record of success, meter market experience, and a vision for taking an award winning news product to an exceptional level. Must be a strong competitive leader with excellent communication skills, a successful track record in coaching and developing news staff, and growing audience across all platforms. The candidate must also demonstrate an understanding and enthusiasm for evolving digital, social and mobile media.
If you have the experience, talent and skills necessary to effectively lead, mentor, and motivate an outstanding group of journalists and news professionals please apply.
Please apply online by clicking here.
Senior Executive Producer, WKOW-TV, Madison, WI:
Energized by new and innovative ways to present news content? If you want to expand your creative influence beyond a single newscast, our Senior Executive Producer position at WKOW-TV in Madison, Wisconsin is for you. We want a strong newsroom leader with a creative flair for style and presentation. The leading candidate will have a strong producing background, know how to inspire and will find ways to improve our product by creating meaningful and memorable moments in newscasts. Madison, Wisconsin is a very competitive news market and it’s consistently rated one of the best places to live in the Midwest.
Proven creativity with in-studio presentation, newsroom technology (LIVE U., Drone, GoPro, etc.) and graphics presentation will make you a top candidate. A strong eye for video and a desire to create something that helps the viewer “feel” the story is a top skill for our next EP.
If you have a desire to win every day, we want to talk with you. Three years of strong news producing and writing experience as well as sound editorial and ethical judgment is required. Management experience is a plus. Come work with a dynamic and growing newsroom just named “Station of the Year” by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
WKOW is part of Quincy Media, Inc., a family owned company.
If you have the drive to succeed, send your reel, writing samples, a resume and something surprising that will set you apart to:
or by mail to:
Ed Reams
News Director
WKOW – TV
5727 Tokay Blvd.
Madison, WI 53719
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WABC-TV, New York, NY (listed 6/8/18)
KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WSNS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 6/17/18)
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 7/15/18)
WPTV, West Palm Beach, FL (listed 7/1/18)
WLOS-TV, Asheville, NC (listed 6/17/18)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 7/1/18)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 6/24/18)
WIS-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 6/24/28)
KYTX-TV, Tyler, TX (listed 7/1/18)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (AM EP, relisted 6/8/18)
KPNX-TV, Phoenix, AZ (AM EP, listed 7/1/18)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, relisted 7/8/18)
WFTS-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (Dayside EP, listed 5/28/18)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg (Senior EP, listed 7/1/18)
KARE-TV, Minneapolis MN (listed 7/22/18)
KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (2 jobs, Special Projects & PM EP, listing revised 7/15/18)
WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 7/1/18)
WOIO-TV, Cleveland, OH (listed 5/28/18)
WBTV, Charlotte, NC (new listing this week)
WRTV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 7/1/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, relisted 7/1/18)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listing modified 7/15/18)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/1/18)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM & PM EPs, listed 6/17/18)
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM (listed 7/15/18)
WMC-TV, Memphis, TN (AM EP, relisted 7/15/18)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (Senior EP, listed 7/8/18)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (THREE EP openings, listed 7/8/18)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 7/1/18)
KREM-TV, Spokane, WA (listed 7/22/18)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (Senior EP, relisted 7/22/18, see ad above!)
WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, SC (listed 7/1/18)
WCTV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 6/3/18)
MANAGING EDITOR:
WMAQ-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 6/17/18)
Obituaries:
JIM HAM, a longtime news anchor and news director for KCEN-TV in Temple, TX, died yesterday, He was 91 and was described in this obituary as an ‘icon’ in that market.
GENE STARN, who became a news director for WKBN-TV in Youngstown, OH, at the age of 26, died July 14th at the age of 94. He was under hospice care when he died. He left television when he was 32 and held a number of different and interesting positions, including founding the Heritage Central Florida Jewish Newspaper. More details here.
And I’m sorry to report the passing of JUDY BAER, wife of 42 years of longtime news director DAVE BAER. He’s a former ND in Indianapolis, Buffalo, and Providence. Details of Judy’s passing in this obituary (site now working as of 7/30/18 at 9:50 AM) (as we write the host website is not working but hopefully will be soon.) Dave sent me this note:
Rick…
I wanted to let my friends and colleagues know of some sad news…certainly the worst news of my life.
My wife, Judy, passed away suddenly on July 27, 2018. We had been married for 42 years…together for 49. We met in high school.
I loved her more than life itself…the kindest, most loving, selfless, and compassionate wife, mother, friend, and person I have ever known.
Friends can send a kind note to Dave at: davidbaer@aol.com
Names in the News (and other items):
Finnell
Several time news director B.J. FINNELL returns to Hartford as the Director of Brand and Creative Development for Tribune’s WTIC-TV. He’s a former ND at WVIT-TV in Hartford as well as two stations in Providence. For the past seven plus years, he’s been working in marketing and public relations, both for other companies and for his own consulting firm.
Boone
RICK BOONE, who spent four months as ND for a station in Bowling Green, KY earlier this year, returned to California and is now running for a seat on the Palo Alto City Council as PAT BOONE (he used Rick while working in TV). Details here. He got to know the city while covering stories there while working for KNTV in San Jose/San Francisco. He’s also reported in New York, Washington, and Sacramento.
JENNIFER STELLER crosses the street (not literally, for you sticklers out there) as she becomes the EP for WRGB-TV in Albany. She was most recently 6:00 PM. producer at WTEN-TV in Albany, where she worked for four years.
Sinclair has rebranded the long-time Washington (DC) 24 hour news channel. Formerly known as NewsChannel 8, it’s now WJLA 24/7 News. More here.
And apologies for an error last week: in reporting OSCAR GARCIA‘s move to KRIV-TV in Houston, we told you he was the new Assistant News Director. That was wrong. Oscar will be the new Nightside Executive Producer for that FOX o-and-o.
General Manager News and Notes:
Not aware of any changes this week. A reminder that we always welcome your tips via email.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 29, 2018:
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
Verizon Fios 1 News 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573
KTVT-TV 5233 Bridge Street, Fort Worth TX
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
KPIX-TV 5855 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KIRO-TV 2807 Third Ave., Seattle WA 98121
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
WEWS-TV 3001 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
KATU-TV 2153 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97232
WTNH-TV 8 Elm St. New Haven CT 06510
KTNV-TV 3355 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
WWMT-TV 590 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street Norfolk, VA 23510
WHAS-TV 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
WTEN-TV 341 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY 12204
KOTV 303 N. Boston Ave. Tulsa, OK 74103
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main St, Dayton, OH 45409
WOWT-TV 3501 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131 (see ad above!)
WACH-TV 1400 Pickens Street, Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607
KKTV 520 E. Colorado Colorado Springs, CO 80903
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
KION-TV 1550 Moffett St. Salinas, CA 93905
WRBL-TV 1350 13th Ave. Columbus, GA 31901
KIII-TV 5002 South Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78411
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KOSA-TV 4101 East 42nd Street Suite J-7, Odessa, TX 79762
WALB-TV 1709 Stuart Avenue, Albany, GA 31707
KPVI-TV 902 E Sherman St, Pocatello, ID 83201
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
WABG-TV 849 Washington Ave. Greenville MS 38701
**: Spanish language station