November 21, 2021
Greetings:
Lots of activity this week, much of it we covered in UPDATES during the week.
That activity includes FOUR new news directors and FOUR new openings, THREE of which are in top 20 markets.
Those changes leave 41 stations with ND openings.
We have THREE paid ads this week, TWO for management jobs in stations top 25 markets. while the third ad is for a faculty position at Syracuse University.
Our only obituary is of a long time and long ago Michigan news director.
We’ll recap the massive GM changes by Gray, installing new GMs at 12 stations including SIX at Meredith stations the company is about acquire.
In Names in the News, a profile of the Black News Channel, a promotion at a company that’s a long time supporter of this newsletter, and we share a list of moves and shows for people who love journalism.
It’s a short week…we’ll see how much news is generated.
I hope your Thanksgiving is safe.
Newly Named News Directors:
Wolff
WBTS-TV, Boston, MA…KIRSTEN WOLFF will join this NBC o-and-o, branded as NBC Boston, in February as ND. In just one click, read the staff memo and news release. Kirsten’s been the ND for Hearst’s WESH-TV (NBC) in Orlando for eight years and is a 33 company employee who worked with ANZIO WILLIAMS, NBC’s SVP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, when he was at Hearst. Anzio’s now the interim ND in Boston, where BEN DOBSON worked until September.
Garcia
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI…JESSIE GARCIA is moving across town to be the next ND for this Weigel owned CBS affiliate. Deailts from the WDJT website. She’s been the Editoiral Director for Scripps’ WTMJ-TV (NBC) in Milwaukee where she began as a sports reporter anchor 27 years ago. Jessie replaces KENT HARRELL who will asssit in the transition before leaving early next year after 4 1/2 years.
Scott
WGBA-TV, Green Bay, WI…staying in Wisconsin, another WTMJ-TV manager leaves for a new ND job. RYAN SCOTT transfers north to become ND for Scripps sister station WGBA-TV (NBC). He started at WTMJ as a director 20 years ago, became production manager, and then content operations manager 3 1/2 years ago. He replaces JOHN LAUGHRIN.
Roberts
WRCB-TV, Chattanooga, TN…for the second week in a row we’re telling you about a new ND in Chattanooga. MEGAN ROBERTS gets her first ND job at this Sarkes-Tarzian owned NBC affiliate. She’s currently the Assistant ND in her second stint: Megan’s also worked in Birmingham and Nashville. She replaces CALLIE STARNES who was promoted to GM.
New News Director Openings:
Whiteman
News 12 Long Island, Long Island, NY…after 35 years at this Altice USA cable channel, JIM WHITEMAN is retiring at the end of the year. He was part of the original launch team. Altice SVP/GM JACQUES NATZ paid Jim tribute in this note to the staff. Assistant ND AMY WALDMAN (a former ND for NY’s WPIX-TV) will be the interim news director.
King
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA…this is a not recording, but this CBS affiliate (about to be owned by Gray) is looking for another ND, its NINTH in 13 years. MATT KING is leaving after 18 months in the job. He’s a former ND in Charlotte who’s also worked in Washington, Atlanta, and Tampa. Incoming GM ERIK SCHRADER will likely make hiring an ND a priority.
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL…we shared above that KIRSTEN WOLFF is joining NBC’s WBTS-TV in Boston in February as its next ND. She’s been here 15 years, the ND for the last eight.
Copley
KIMT-TV, Mason City, IA…this Allen Media owned CBS affiliate has a posting on its website for a new ND. JAIME COPLEY, a 22 year employee, has been the ND here for the last ten years. Here’s her station bio. We’ve try to contact both Jaime and GM STEVE MARTINSON but have not heard back. If/when we do we’ll share the information.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
Assistant News Director, WXIN-WTTV, Indianapolis, IN:
WXIN-TV/WTTV-TV, the Nexstar-owned stations and #1 newsroom in Indianapolis is searching for its next Assistant News Director.
Are you ready to help lead a newsroom of more than 150 hard-working journalists as we produce nearly 100 hours of weekly local programming for two affiliates? If the answer is yes, apply now!
FOX59 and CBS4 lead the market in news, sports, investigations and community involvement and you could be a part of that continued success.
Indianapolis is a great city in which to live and work. It is the state capital and host to some of the biggest sporting events in the world, including the Indianapolis 500.
If you are a strong leader who excels during the big story, this is the job for you. Here is the link to apply:
Executive Producer, Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC:
Are you ready to make a change in your career and join a news organization that values true storytelling and quality content? Ready to showcase your leadership skills in a fantastic, fast-growing market?
Spectrum News currently has an Executive Producer opening in our Charlotte Newsroom and we’re hiring immediately.
Click the link for specifics—but we want Journalists who believe in what we are all about. We are looking for someone with 5+ years of management experience who excels at leading and coaching a multi-generational workforce.
We’re innovative. We’re growing. We’re different.
If you haven’t yet considered Spectrum Networks for your next job—now is the time!
Questions? Email Mike.bothwell@charter.com
Assistant Professor, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY:
You’ve made your mark in journalism. Well done! Now you have the chance to train the next generation of journalists!
Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications seeks a tenure-track professor to teach students in one of the preeminent Broadcast & Digital Journalism programs in the country.
This full-time position will support the Newhouse School’s goal of producing highly-skilled and ethical journalists who can work across multiple platforms in different roles for both traditional and innovative news organizations. Teaching students how to report on diverse communities is also a priority of the Newhouse School.
Candidates who can also demonstrate experience managing other journalists working across multiple platforms are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will demonstrate an enthusiasm and aptitude for teaching, whether through prior teaching experience or similar professional roles mentoring/supervising young journalists. They will also demonstrate their potential to bring national visibility to the school through academic scholarship and/or creative activity.
For the full description and online application instructions, click here.
Review of applications will start at the priority deadline of December 3, 2021. The position is open until filled. Applications from women and minority candidates are especially encouraged. Syracuse University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, listed 10/24/21)
WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/3/21)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 10/24/21)
WXIN/WTTV, Indianapolis, IN (new listing this week, see ad above!)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake, UT (11/7/21)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 10/24/21)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/3/21)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 10/24/21)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 10/3/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted 11/7/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (relisted 10/31/21)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, relisted 10/31/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, relisted 10/31/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 10/10/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, listed 10/3/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (relisted this week, see ad above!)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/10/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 10/10/21)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/17/21)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 10/3/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/10/21)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (listed 11/7/21)
KSNW-TV, Wichita, KS (listed 11/14/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted this week)
WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV (listed 11/7/21)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (listed 10/31/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 10/24/21)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (AM EP, listed 10/24/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted this week)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (listed 10/24/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted this week)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/17/21)
WSYM-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 10/24/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 10/3/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/3/21)
WTWO-TV, Terre Haute, IN (Digital EP, listed 11/14/21)
KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR (listed 10/10/21)
More News Management Openings:
New listing this week:
Syracuse University (Assistant Professor, see ad above!)
Relisted this week:
New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)
Relisted 10/31/21
Spectrum Networks NY1 (Senior Mgr., News and Content)
Listed 10/24/21:
E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Director of Community Connection and Inclusive Journalism)
Relisted 10/10/21:
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 10/3/21:
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 9/19/21:
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)
Obituary:
Lee
ROBERT LEE, who was the news director for WWTV-WWUP-TV in Cadillac, MI, from 1967-1981, died last Sunday at his home. He was 81. He started in radio and, after leaving TV, managed the food bank in Cadillac. Robert later moved to Rapid River, MI, and helped his two sons operate a resort. Here’s the full obituary.
Names in the News:
The Los Angeles Times media writer takes a look at the Black News Channel.
Alanis
Stephen Arnold Music, a supporter of this newsletter, has promoted longtime employee NOELLE ALANIS. Noelle’s new title is VP of Sales and Licensing…she had been the Director of Sales and Licensing. Noelle began her career in sales at WXIN-TV here in Indianapolis. More details here. And thanks to Stephen Arnold Music for their support.
Here’s an interesting story from Forbes Magazine on the best TV shows and movies…of 2021…if you love journalism. The list contains both documentaries and entertainment programs. Check out the suggestions here.
General Manager News and Notes:
Gray Television named TWELVE new general managers this week, SIX of them at stations Gray is acquiring from Meredith. All of those six are coming from other Gray stations, creating vacancies, a few of which were filled in the second wave of appointments. THREE of the 12 new GMs are former news directors. THREE are women.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, November 21, 2021:
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
News 12 Long Island, 1 Media Crossways Woodbury, NY 11797
WDCW-TV 2121 Wisconsin Ave. NW #350 Washington, DC 20007
WGCL-TV 425 14th St NW. Atlanta, GA 30318
KPHO/KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013
KTAZ-TV 4625 S 33rd Pl Phoenix Arizona 85040 **
WESH-TV 1021 N. Wymore Road, Winter Park, Fla., 32789.
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008 **
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
WOAI/KABB-TV 4335 NW Loop 410. San Antonio, TX 78229
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
KLAS-TV 3228 Channel 8 Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WBAY-TV 115 S Jefferson St Green Bay, WI 54301
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607
KVEO/KGBT-TV 9201 W. Expressway 83. Harlingen, TX 78552
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
KWWL-TV 511 E 5th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KBAK-TV 1901 Westwind Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93301
KERO-TV 321 21st St. Bakersfield, CA 93301
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KCBD-TV 5600 Avenue A Lubbock, TX 79404
KRCG-TV 10188 Old Highway 54 North. New Bloomfield, MO 65063
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KXMB-TV 1811 N 15th Street Bismarck, ND 58501
KIMT-TV 135 E William St. Albert Lea, MN 56007
KAAL-TV 1320 Salem Road SW Rochester, MN 55902
KTTC-TV 6301 Bandel Road NW Rochester, MN 55901
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503
**: Spanish language station