October 27, 2024

Sunday Oct 27, 2024

Greetings:

A busy week!

TWO new news directors.

THREE new openings.

39 stations with ND openings.

THREE paid help wanted ads for EP jobs in markets #1, #7, and #17.

TWO new GMs (both former news directors).

THREE network types in Names in the News.

And FOUR obituaries. (I was going to say that’s too many obituaries but one would be too many.)

Read on!

OCTOBER SciLine events

Zoom – All events are free

EXPERT INTERVIEWS (15-minute, 1-on1 Zoom interviews):

Oct. 29 (10 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT): Halloween spending with Dr. Jadrian Wooten (Virginia Tech)

Oct. 29 (2-4 p.m. EDT): Breast cancer disparities with Dr. Kathie-Ann Joseph (NYU)

Oct. 30 (1-3 p.m. EDT): Redistricting and gerrymandering with Dr. Moon Duchin (Cornell)

Oct. 31 (2-4 p.m. EDT): Environmental contamination after hurricanes with Dr. Weihsueh Chiu (Texas A&M)

CRASH COURSE

Oct. 29 (2-3 p.m. EDT): Stats essentials for math-averse reporters

MEDIA BREIFING

Oct. 31 (2-3 p.m. EDT): Affordable housing

Both leading presidential candidates have focused on housing issues in the run-up to November’s election. SciLine’s next briefing will cover affordable housing in the United States, including: defining and describing affordable versus low-income housing; trends in and factors that influence housing prices; housing supply, construction, and availability issues; and zoning changes and other policies that are being used in some places to address the housing affordability challenge—and whether they are effective. Researchers will make brief presentations and then take questions on the record.

Panelists:

Dr. Edward Glaeser, Harvard University
Dr. Minjee Kim, University of California, Los Angeles
Dr. Anthony W. Orlando, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

MORE 2024 ELECTION RESOURCES:

To strengthen journalists’ election season reporting with research-backed evidence and context, SciLine offers 2024 election resources of recent briefings and tip sheets: https://bit.ly/3Sb159d

SciLine, a philanthropically funded, free service for reporters, also runs a free expert matching service that connects reporters rapidly to scientist-sources on deadline.

Newly Named News Directors:

Lezette

WJAR-TV, Providence, RI…after 13 1/2 yers as the Assistant ND for this Sinclair owned NBC affiliate, DOUG LEZETTE has been promoted to news director. More in this story from the station website. He’s also worked in Springfield, MA, and Albany, NY. Doug replaces SCOTT ISAACS who left in July after seven years as ND to return to Boston as ND for Cox Media’s WFXT-TV (FOX).

Raymond

WBKB-TV, Alpena, MI…BEN RAYMOND takes over this newsroom, in addition to his job as news director for sister Morgan-Murphy owned WBUP/WJMN-TV in Marquette, MI. Ben’s been in that role for the last five years. He’s also worked in Erie, PA and Knoxville, TN. More here.

New News Director Openings:

Angel C.

KIAH-TV, Houston, TX…ANGEL COVARRUBIAS has left this Nexstar owned CW station after 2 1/2 years as news director. MIKE McGUFF covers Houston media on his blog and filed this report which has a lot of background on Angel. Angel worked for Entravision in several markets as well as for English language stations in San Antonio, Austin, and Brownsville, TX.

Ortiz

KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA…our congrats to MARTIN ORTIZ who has been elevated to President and GM for this ABC o-and-o. Martin’s been the ND here since 2020 when he replaced MICHAEL CARR, who was promoted to GM. And Martin replaces him again, as Michael was recently named GM for fellow o-and-o KTRK-TV in Houston. Martin earlier worked at KFSN, went to Oakland and then KGO-TV before returning.

Huff

WANE-TV, Ft. Wayne, IN…JENNA HUFF is leaving this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate for a job with a local hospital. She’s been the news director here for more than four years, and previously served as a news director for WGXA-TV in Macon, GA, and WFXL-TV in Albany. GA. She also worked in Knoxville as a reporter.

Paid Help Wanted Ads:

Spectrum Noticias – Senior Executive Producer – New York, NY:

As the Senior Executive Producer, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the daily production of our Spanish news programming during your assigned shift. You will lead and supervise a team of shift managers, producers, writers, reporters, technical staff, and other production staff to ensure that each news story goes from concept to air. It will be your responsibility to ensure that the editorial and production values of news programming meet Spectrum Networks’ high standards and drive viewership, grow the audience, and strengthen the brand. You’ll make data-informed decisions about what’s resonating to connect our audience with the stories that matter.

WHAT OUR SENIOR EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ENJOY MOST:

• Collaborating with a diverse range of individuals, including reporters, producers, writers, and technical staff

• Leading and directing a team to produce high-quality news programming

As a part of Spectrum News, you’re creative, highly technical, and ready to bring the character-driven stories of those in your community to life in our newsroom. You value accuracy and want to leverage your curiosity and storytelling abilities to share inspiring news across multiple platforms. Each day is a fast-paced and constantly evolving work environment with new stories to tell and perspectives to uncover. We are focused on fostering a healthy, inclusive, and people-first team culture to effectively address challenges together. If you’re a nimble, passionate team player, you’ll find a home on our team.

To apply please visit the website below!

Spectrum Noticias – Senior Executive Producer – New York, NY

Executive Producer, Spectrum News, Orlando, FL:

As Executive Producer, you’ll own the vision for the newscast. You’ll lead your team through story creation to produce compelling, timely, and accurate newscasts. You’ll be responsible for building a positive team culture, while generating story ideas that reflect your local community. You’ll make data-informed decisions to connect your audience with the stories that matter.

WHAT OUR EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS ENJOY MOST:

Uniting a team of storytellers
Overseeing projects start to finish, including breaking news coverage and issue-driven special programming.
Hands-on management and training opportunities involving graphics, cameras, and cross-newsroom workflow.

To apply please visit the website below!

Spectrum News – Executive Producer – Orlando, FL

Morning Broadcast Executive Producer, KPRC-TV, Houston, TX:

KPRC 2, a leader in innovative news broadcasting, is seeking a Morning Broadcast Executive Producer. This dynamic role is ideal for a leader passionate about enhancing newscasts and nurturing talent.

As the Executive Producer, you will guide the broadcast team to deliver engaging content across platforms, ensuring alignment with our brand pillars. Collaborating with News Managers, you will set the editorial direction, foster a strong newsroom culture, and leverage new technology to keep our content innovative.

You will oversee the onboarding and training of new producers, aiding them with script writing and newscast crafting. By using showcasing skills, you will help create compelling newscasts and ensure cohesive content delivery across all platforms. Your news judgment will be critical in reacting to breaking news and adjusting coverage priorities seamlessly. You will advocate for content that resonates with our diverse audience and addresses community issues, ensuring active community engagement from our content and talent.

The ideal candidate has experience as a producer in a large-market TV news operation, creative writing skills for news promos and teases, and strong copy-editing abilities. Familiarity with Augmented Reality and proficiency in Edius and other editing programs are essential. Exceptional leadership, creative and editorial judgment, and strong communication skills are required.

Preferred qualifications include experience as an Executive Producer and a degree in Journalism or Communications.

To apply: Please send your resume to: Manager of Content and Coverage, MCCKPRC@kprc.com

Visit Click2houston.com to view learn more.

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (relisted 9/29/24)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 9/29/24)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (relisted 9/8/24)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (relisted 9/29/24)
WBRE/WYOU-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (listed 7/28/24)
WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI (relisted 9/15/24)
WROC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 9/8/24)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (listed 9/22/24)
KIVI-TV, Boise, ID (listed 9/29/24)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN & VA (relisted 10/13/24)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

Spectrum Noticias, New York, NY (Senior EP, listed 10/27/24, see ad above!)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (AM Broadcast EP, relisted 10/6/24, see ad above!)
Spectrum News, Tampa, FL (National EP, listed 9/29/24)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (relisted 10/13/24)
WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI (listed 10/13/24)
Spectrum News, Orlando, FL (relisted 10/27/24, see ad above!)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (relisted 10/20/24)
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 9/29/24)
Spectrum News 1, Raleigh NC (relisted 9/15/24)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (relisted 10/13/24)
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 9/29/29)
KTVX/KUCW-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (relisted 10/13/24)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital EP, listing modified 10/6/24)
WYFF-TV, Greenville-Spartanburg-Ashville, (listed 10/20/24)
WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (relisted 9/29/24)
WGAL-TV, Lancaster, PA (relisted 10/20/24)
WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 10/20/24)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem NC, (Weekend EP, relisted 10/20/24)
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM (listed 10/20/24)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/20/24)
WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/29/24)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (AM EP, listed 10/13/24)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (AM EP, relisted 9/29/24)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 9/15/24)
WQAD-TV, Moline, IL (listed 9/29/29)
KPAX-TV, Missoula, MT (relisted 9/2/24)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (relisted 10/13/24)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 10/27/24:

WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (Digital Content Manager)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Digital Webmaster & Content Dir.)

Listed 10/20/24:

WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL (Manager of Real Time Depth)
WVLA/WGMB-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (Digital Content Manager)

Listed 9/29/24:

WTSP-TV, Tampa, FL (Digital Director)

Relisted 9/29/24:

WTLV/WJXX-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Digital Director)

Listed 9/22/24:

KSWB/KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (Digital Content Manager)
WTVF-TV, Nashville, TN (Digital Director)

Listed 9/15/24:

Spectrum News, Austin, TX (Managing Director)

Obituaries:

Anne L.

ANNE LINABERGER died on Friday. The longtime Pittsburgh newswoman had been ND for CBS’s KDKA-TV before leaving in 2018. The Mid Atlantic EMMY chapter posted this on Facebook yesterday. Anne is survived by her husband and son. I could not find any information about her age, cause of death, or memorial information but will add it when I can. Anne also worked at WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh and in Clarksburg, WV.

Bradford

Long ago CBS News Executive TOM BRADFORD died October 12th at the age of 81 of heart problems. A one time deputy foreign desk editor for CBS News, he also was involved in other news programs such as Up to the Minute and America Tonight. You can learn more about those in this obituary…but you will first read about his post-CBS role in making his retirement home of Charleston, SC a more bike friendly city.

Shipley

KATHY SHIPLEY, wife of longtime KSDK-TV (St. Louis) ND MIKE SHIPLEY, died October 2nd. She was 71 and lost her battle with cancer. Kathy spent her life helping others via jobs in health care, including working with HIV/AIDS patients at a veteran’s hospital. Full disclosure: Mike and I worked together at the campus radio station at Missouri and I later hired him as night assignment editor at what was then KSD-TV. He rose through the ranks and spent 15 years as ND there. You can send Mike a kind note by clicking here.

Malone

Finally, MICHAEL MALONE, who covered our industry for many years for several publications, including Broadcasting and Cable, died October 19th. He was 55 and died at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York after a long illness. More in this obituary.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

Network changes make up our content this week:

CHRIS DINAN is the new executive producer for ABC’s World News Tonight.

Veteran talent executive ALISON PEPPER is leaving CBS News.

MATT SIMON has been named Vice President of Scripps News.

General Manager News and Notes:

Barrett

Add Tegna to the list of companies having ONE GM oversee TWO stations. JOAN BARRETT is adding oversight of WFMY-TV (CBS) in Greensboro to her job, in addition to running WCNC-TV (NBC) in Charlotte. She’s also been a GM in Denver and Wichita, a news director in Phoenix, and has been very involved in the Carole Kneeland Project. And while I could not find a press release on this announcement, I did find this nifty graphic.

And you learned above…as long as you were reading carefully 🙂 that MARTIN ORTIZ has been promoted to President and GM of KFSN-TV (ABC owned). He’s been ND there for four years.

Our List of Open News Director jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 27, 2024:

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

KHOU-TV 5718 Westheimer Rd Houston, Texas 77057
KIAH-TV 7700 Westpark Drive Houston, TX 77063
KOMO-TV 140 4th Ave. N.Seattle, WA 98109
KTXL-TV 4655 Fruitridge Rd, Sacramento, CA 95820
WOAI-TV 4335 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX, 78229
WOLF-TV 1181 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 (News Manager)
WATN-TV 1725 Shelby Oaks Dr N. Memphis, TN 38134
KFSN-TV 1777 G St, Fresno, CA 93706
KATV 10 Turtle Creek Lane Little Rock, AR 72202
WDTN-TV 4595 S Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45439
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
WIS-TV 111 Bull St. Columbia, SC 29201
WOWK-TV 350 Quarrier St, Charleston, WV 25301
WZDX-TV 1309 N. Memorial Parkway Huntsville, AL 35801
WCIV-TV 88 Allbritton Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KTBS-TV 312 E. Kings Highway. Shreveport, LA 71104
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Drive Carterville, IL 62918
KIVI-TV 1866 E. Chisholm Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
WANE-TV 2915 W. State Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46808
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Macon, GA 31201
KHSL-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KDRV-TV 1090 Knutson Ave. Medford, OR 97504
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road, Rockford, IL 61101
KQDS-TV 2001 London Road Duluth, MN 55812
KOSA-TV 4101 E. 42nd. Suite J-7. Odessa, TX 79761
KMID/KPEJ-TV 1550 West I-20 Odessa, TX 79763
KWES-TV 11320 West County Rd. 127. Odessa, TX 79765
WJET/WFXP-TV 8455 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
WTRF-TV 96 16th St, Ste 2, Wheeling, WV 26003
WDTV 5 Television Dr. Bridgeport, WV 26330
KECI/KCFW/KTVM-TV, 340 W. Main St. Missoula, MT 59802
KTVQ-TV 3203 3rd Ave N., Billings, MT 59101
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 S, Broadway St. Eureka CA 95503
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KQTV 4000 Faraon St. Joseph, MO 64506

**: Spanish language station

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