March 11, 2018
Greetings:
FIVE newly hired news directors lead this week’s report, including one at a network owned station in the number one market. And we have THREE new ND openings, the biggest of which is in a top 10 market.
We now have 24 stations on our list of open news director jobs. TWO of those openings are among our FOUR paid help wanted ads, and we have ads for a corporate news position with a major group broadcaster…and an EP opening in Denver.
We welcome the return of WeatherMetrics as an advertiser. Be sure to visit their booth at NAB.
Our Names in the News features retirements of TWO longtime news executives, one a former local ND turned network ombudsman. Lots of General Manager comings and goings, too, including the retirement of a former several-market ND turned GM.
Newly Named News Directors:
Morris
WNBC-TV, New York, NY…our emailed UPDATE on Wednesday brought the news of AMY MORRIS’s move to this NBC o-and-o. She’s been the Assistant ND at ABC o-and-o WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, and has earlier been an EP at ABC owned stations in New York and Chicago. Amy also served as an ND in Roanoke between her ABC jobs. She’ll replace SUSAN SULLIVAN who’s moving to a role in the standards and practices unit at NBC News.
Oliveira
WSOC-TV, Charlotte, NC…we shared with you on Friday that MIKE OLIVEIRA is moving within Cox to become ND for this ABC affiliate. Mike…who’s a Boston native…has been the ND at the company’s WFXT-TV since August, 2016. He previously spent ten years at the company’s WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, the last 3 1/2 years as the news director. He earlier worked for another Boston station and in Syracuse. Mike replaces another veteran Cox employee, JULIE SZULCZEWSKI who was ND here for seven years.
Maestas
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM…this Hubbard owned NBC affiliate has hired market veteran TIM MAESTAS as its next news director. He’s currently producing at WREG-TV in Memphis (a move made for his wife’s career), but previously reported and anchored at another Albuquerque station. His ND there, MICHELLE DONALDSON, is now the GM at KOB and hired Tim to fill the vacancy created by her recent promotion to GM. Tim’s also worked in Portland, OR.
WFFF-TV, Burlington, VT…veteran news director BOB ROCKSTROH moves within Nexstar to become ND for this FOX affiliate. Bob’s been the ND at WETM-TV in Elmira, NY since November, 2013 and has previously run newsrooms in Providence, Hartford, and Ft. Wayne. He’s also worked for FIOS1 in New York, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and San Diego. Bob replaces MARK ROSEN who left last month for the ND job at at WTVM-TV in Columbus, GA (Mark’s a Georgia native).
Bates
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID…J BATES (no, that’s not a typo and no, I don’t know if it stands for anything) has been promoted to ND for this Scripps/ABC affiliate. He’s been the digital director there, moving to that role in 2015 from an on-air position. He started in TV as a sports reporter and anchor, as you’ll see here. J replaces GRENDEL LEVY who left in February after four years as ND for the same job at WOWK-TV in Charleston/Huntington WV.
New News Director Openings:
WFXT-TV, Boston, MA…see above…this opening was created by MIKE OLIVEIRA’s move to Cox’s WSOC-TV in Charlotte. Mike was ND here about 18 months.
Tompkins
WFXR-TV, Roanoke, VA…ROB TOMPKINS has left this Nexstar owned FOX affiliate after about 2 1/2 years as news director. He’s held a number of jobs in and out of our business, as his Linkedin page details.
WETM-TV, Elmira, NY…we told you above that BOB ROCKSTROH was transferring to Nexstar’s WFFF-TV in Burlington as ND. He was ND here for more than four years.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
Director, Local Content Development, Nexstar Broadcasting:
Nexstar Broadcasting is seeking an accomplished news manager to help lead local content initiatives across the group and complement a dynamic Corporate Content team.
The position of Director of Local Content Development will work with our growing group of stations to advance our strong multi-platform approach by providing leadership with our broadcast news products, web and mobile content initiatives, and in social media engagement. Position will work closely with the rest of the Operations team to build on our Company’s approach to “Local” while working with our Senior Management on projects, brand development and market evaluations. Content is the key to drive “Local” and the development of group wide content initiatives to grow ratings and revenue is essential across all local markets.
At Nexstar, we have a dynamic group that believes in the quality of our local product. We’re looking for someone who understands local television and how to be successful at it and is not afraid to get it done.
If you are looking for a job that doesn’t involve travel, this is not the job for you. Ideal candidate should have at minimum 5 years of News Management experience.
To apply, just click here.
News Director, KMVT-TV, Twin Falls, ID:
KMVT is the dominant news source for Twin Falls, Central Idaho and the Wood River Valley. Twin Falls offers great scenic views and diverse recreation opportunities. Year-round in Idaho brings the opportunity for outdoor sports, and our station is close to World Class skiing, fishing, biking, hiking and kayaking.
KMVT, the premiere CBS, FOX and CW Affiliates in Twin Falls, Idaho seeks a news leader who loves news, loves to teach, loves to produce and loves to innovate. Must have a strong working knowledge of community issues and needs, understand sound journalistic principles, oversee all content gathering and presentation in a visual and viewer-oriented storytelling style.
The News Director is responsible for planning big event coverage such as elections, parades, and rodeos, as well as daily duties for the MMJ team, those duties include:
* The management of editorial flow, assigning MMJs, photojournalists, for daily coverage.
* Supervise and schedule personnel.
* Review content on all platforms for journalistic balance.
* Participate with station staff in the development of local issue and event coverage plans.
* Work closely with the staff to distribute content on all platforms.
* Knowledge and proficiency in posting content to websites and social media.
* Knowledge and proficiency in the use of social media to enhance newsgathering and customer engagement.
Applicants should have at least 2 years of newsroom management experience, and a 4-year college degree is preferred.
Click here to apply.
News Director, WEEK/WHOI-TV, Peoria, IL:
WEEK / HOI ABC in Peoria-Bloomington, Illinois, a Quincy Media owned operation, has an exciting opening for an experienced News Director. For over 30 years WEEK has been the dominant local news source in Central Illinois and has recently re-launched our ABC channel as well, Over the last two years, we have built all new HD facilities for both the NBC and ABC sides with separate studios, state-of-the-art news sets, graphics and control rooms to provide uniquely branded award-winning news across two major affiliate platforms. All of that, in a brand new fully remodelled newsroom and facility.
We need an experienced enthusiastic leader of real journalists dedicated to high-quality, market-leading news and weather on air and every platform. We have the people, the tools and the venue. All that’s missing is the right person to lead that charge! If you have a passion for excellence and a burning desire to lead not one, but two of the best local broadcast news operation in the midwest we want to talk to you.
Come join the Quincy Media team in a city centrally located along the Illinois River, just a short drive from Chicago, St Louis and Indianapolis.
Quincy Media is a family owned company now operating 18 stations producing news covering 11 states.
Applicants should apply on line: just click here.
Executive Producer, KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO:
Are you a show doctor who oversees a newscast filled with urgent, impactful news?
Do you LOVE to win the day, every day, on all platforms?
Are you looking for an opportunity to take your creativity to the next level in a city as exciting and beautiful as Denver, Colorado?
KDVR/KWGN, the Fox and CW affiliate in Denver, Colorado, is looking for a creative and aggressive Executive Content Producer to lead us on the evening shift – delivering news on multiple platforms including our evening newscasts.
The Executive Producer must be a proven newsroom leader who embodies an audience-first approach to delivering news. This individual will excel under tight deadlines and bring bold, creative ideas to our newsroom.
We have a talented team of storytellers in this newsroom, plenty of resources, and most people will tell you – it’s a pretty great place to work.
Plus, you get to live in Denver – with the Rockies in your backyard. Spend your off-time skiing, snowboarding, backpacking, hiking, eating at top-notch restaurants, and enjoying life in a vibrant, and growing downtown!
Five years of producing experience, and 2+ years of management experience required.
Apply by clicking here:
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 2/25/18)
KTNV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 1/14/18)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 1/14/18)
KWWL-TV, Waterloo, IA (relisted 1/28/18)
KVRR-TV, Fargo, ND (relisted 12/31/17)
KSBW-TV, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, CA (listed 1/14/18)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
WTTG-TV, Washington, DC (listed 1/14/18)
KRIV-TV, Houston, TX (Evening EP, relisted 2/4/18)
KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA (PM EP, listing revised 2/18/18)
KDVR/KWGN-TV, Denver, CO (relisted 3/4/18, see ad above!)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (listed 1/21/18)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (AM EP, listed 2/25/18)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (Nightside EP, new listing this week)
KTNV-TV, Las Vegas, NV (AM EP, listed 2/18/18)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Nightside EP, relisted 1/21/18)
WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI (Nightside EP, new listing this week)
WAAY-TV, Huntsville, AL (relisted 1/14/18)
WISC-TV, Madison, WI (AM EP, relisted 1/21/18)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (2 openings, AM & PM, new listing this week)
MANAGING EDITOR:
KWCH-TV, Wichita, KS (listed 1/21/18)
Names in the News (and other items):
Altman
Our friend CANDY ALTMAN is retiring in June after 35 years with Hearst. She’s been VP/News since 2001. In that role, she’s helped coordinate Hearst’s political coverage. She was ND of the company’s Boston ABC affiliate, WCVB-TV for seven years, before moving to the corporate job. Candy was also an EP at WCVB. She’s also worked in Providence, Miami and Columbia, MO. Your kind note would reach her at: caltman@hearst.com.
McCormick
Congratulations to DAVID McCORMICK who’s retiring from NBC News after more than a 40 year career with the Peacock. He’s been Executive Producer, Broadcast Standards & Ombudsman since 1993, held a variety of positions before that, and earlier had been the news director for WKYC-TV in Cleveland when it was owned by the network.
Raleigh’s WRAL-TV has moved LORI GRANT to its main executive producer job. She’s been the nightside EP most recently, first joined the station as a producer in 2007, and has also worked in Baltimore and Mobile.
At KMTV in Omaha, BRIDGET YOUNG has been promoted to Morning Executive Producer for this Scripps’ owned NBC affiliate. She had been a producer there.
General Manager News and Notes:
Hammel
STEVE HAMMEL is retiring as General Manager of WRAL-TV, the NBC affiliate in Raleigh later this year. Steve’s been the GM since November, 2008. He’s also been a GM in Phoenix, and a news director in Washington, St. Louis, and Rochester, NY. Steve’s also worked in Dallas, Harrisburg, PA, and Syracuse. The station’s news release is here, and the local business journal looks at the challenges WRAL has faced during Steve’s tenure.
Also retiring is WCYB-TV (Bristol, TN) GM JACK DEMPSEY. He’s been GM there for six years, and spent 23 years as a GM in Johnson City, TN.
On the plus side of the scorecard, Raycom Media has named CHRIS CONROY as GM of KFVS/WQWQ-TV in Cape Girardeau, MO. It’s about 150 mile move for Chris, who’s currently GM of Raycom’s KAIT-TV in Jonesboro, AR.
PETER NOLL will be the next GM for WNBJ-TV, the NBC affiliate in Jackson, TN.
And Sinclair has promoted TOM LONG to GM of its Boise operation, KBOI/KYUU-TV.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, March 11, 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
WFXT-TV 25 Fox Drive. Dedham, MA 02026
WUSA-TV 4100 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC 20016
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
WFLA-TV 200 S. Parker St. Tampa FL 33606
WTSP-TV 11450 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
KARE-TV 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way, Sacramento CA 95815 **
WTMJ-TV 720 E Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212
KVVU-TV 25 TV 5 Dr, Henderson, NV 89014
WJAX/WFOX 11700 Central Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32224
WFTX-TV 621 S.W. Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral, FL 33991
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive Knoxville, TN 37919
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Drive, Suite 1. Roanoke, VA 24019
WNEM-TV 107 N. Franklin St. Saginaw, MI 48607
KTVB-TV 5407 West Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, 83706
WEEK/WHOI-TV 2907 Springfield Rd. East Peoria, IL 61611 (see ad above!)
KHSL/KNVN-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
WAOW-TV 1908 Grand Ave. Wausau WI 54403
KMIR-TV 72920 Parkview Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92260
KCAU-TV 5993 Gordon Drive Sioux City, IA 51106 (see ad above!)
KECI-TV 340 W. Main St., Missoula, MT 59802
WETM-TV 101 E Water St, Elmira, NY 14901
WNKY-TV 325 Emmett Ave # N, Bowling Green, KY 42101
KXLF/KZBK-TV 1003 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
**: Spanish language station