October 3, 2021
Greetings:
To paraphrase Mr. T (and whatever happened to him?) “I pity the fool who took the over on the number of open ND jobs this week.”
A remarkable NINE! new news directors were named this week, while FOUR new jobs opened up. Our list of open ND jobs drops to 41 (though that is still high by historical standards.)
TWO of those ND openings are among FIVE paid help wanted ads.
And just two weeks after pointing out a first (two openings at stations with the same last three call letters) this week we have two jobs filled at stations with the similar call letters, WREX-TV and KREX-TV.
THREE obituaries this week, though ONE of the deaths happened in January, and ironically involves someone I used to work for. (Apparently we weren’t close.)
We have two important stories in our Names in the News section. I hope you’ll take a moment to read them both.
We’ll also tell you about two local stations honored when the National EMMYs were announced (though the organization is quick to point out they did not actually win an EMMY).
We have a few news managers on the move, and we’ll tell you how CBS ended its streak of hiring news people to be GM for its o-and-o’s…by hiring (gasp!) someone with a sales background to run its Los Angeles duopoly.
It’s a lengthy report this week. Take a deep breath and read on!
Newly Named News Directors:
Godinez
WGBO-TV, Chicago, IL…LUIS FELIPE GODINEZ has been named VP/News for this Univision owned station, replacing TERI ARVESU. She is apparently going to corporate in an undisclosed role after eight years running the newsroom here. Luis has been ND for Univision’s KUVS-TV in Sacramento since February 2020. He’s also worked in San Francisco and Denver.
Burtscher
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK…BRITTANY BURTSCHER returns to this Scripps owned NBC affiliate as news director. She had been the Assistant ND here until 2019 when she went to KTVK-KPHO-TV in Phoenix as an executive producer. She replaces GERARDO LOPEZ who left in August after 18 months as ND. He was transferred to Scripps’ WTKR-TV in Norfolk. Brittany has worked in Atlanta, Cleveland, and West Palm Beach, FL.
Schaper
WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV…BOB SCHAPER will be the next ND here, replacing the late ROD JACKSON who died in June. Here’s the note from GM SEAN BANKS. Bob comes from KEZI-TV in Eugene, OR, where he’s been the Assistant ND. He first joined KEZI as an anchor, and held on-air roles in several other markets. Bob’s a former Marine Corps pilot and also worked for Boeing.
Schaab
KFSM-TV, Ft. Smith, AR…MORGAN SCHAAB moves from her ND job at WAND-TV in Decatur, IL, for the same position at this Tegna owned CBS affiliate. GM VAN COMER told the staff via this email. Morgan spent 13 years (in two stints) at WAND, the last 3 1/2 as ND. She replaces RICH BAGLEY who left at the end of June after four years in his second stint as ND here.
Rates
KION-TV, Monterey/Salinas, CA…SCOTT RATES moves within California to become the next ND for this News Press and Gazette operation. He is currently the assistant ND/anchor for KHSL/KNVN-TV in Chico, where he has worked for the last two years. He’s a former ND in Eureka, CA and has also worked in Orlando and San Francisco. He replaces STACY SAKAI who left two months ago after about a year as ND.
Greg D.
WREX-TV, Rockford, IL…GREGORY DEFFENBAUGH will be the next ND for this newly acquired by Allen Media NBC affiliate. GM ED REAMS (who recently dropped the interim from his title) shared this story. Greg is currently the Content Manager for WPXI-TV (Cox/NBC) in Pittsburgh, and has also worked in Denver, Oklahoma City, and Des Moines. At WREX, Greg replaces AUDREY MOON who left in July for a job out of TV after 16 months as ND.
Lafferty
WJET-TV, Erie, PA…longtime anchor SEAN LAFFERTY will assume additional duties for this Nexstar owned ABC affiliate (which also operates the local FOX station). Details from the station’s website. He’s been at the nation since 1988 and will continue to anchor the early evening newscasts. He’s also worked at a competitor. Sean replaces LOU BAXTER who retired earlier this summer after 17 years as the ND.
Stein
KULR-TV, Billings, MT…MATT STEIN is already on the job as the next news director for this Cowles owned NBC affiliate. Matt most recently was the ND for WAAY-TV in Huntsville, AL, a job he left a year ago. He’s also worked in Memphis, Salinas/Monterey, CA, Seattle, Denver, Charlotte, and Syracuse. Matt replaces PHILLIP OHNEMUS who left after six years as ND here to become the Assistant ND for WBMA-TV in Birmingham, AL.
Chappell
KREX-TV, Grand Junction, CO…TERRI CHAPPELL gets her first news director’s job at this Nexstar station. Here’s the note from GM SANDRA ZOLDOWSKI to the staff. Terri’s Linkedin page has her background which includes long anchor stints in Dallas and Austin, TX. She replaces JOHN KIRBY whose departure we told you about in August. John was ND here for 2+ years.
New News Director Openings:
Chiou
News 12 Westchester, Westchester, NY…PAULINE CHIOU has left this Altice USA owned cable network after nine months as news director and 2 1/2 years there. Her background includes time at CNBC and CBS Newspath as well as a local news anchor. You can learn more about this opportunity in the paid help wanted ad below.
KUVS-TV, Sacramento, CA…you learned above that LUIS FELIPE GODINEZ is moving from this Univision station to another, as he becomes ND for Chicago’s WGBO-TV.
Lee
WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI…DAVID LEE is leaving this Nexstar/CBS station for a new job. David tells me he will be able to tell me (and then, us!) about the new job soon, perhaps as early as this week. He’s been ND here since late 2019, had been ND for WTXL-TV in Tallahassee and began his career on air. You can learn more about this opportunity in the paid help wanted ad below.
WAND-TV, Decatur, IL…we told you above that MORGAN SCHAAB was leaving this Block Communications owned NBC affiliate to become ND at KFSM-TV in Ft. Smith, AR. She was ND here for the last 3 1/2 years.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, News 12 Westchester, Westchester, NY:
Imagine running a multi-platform content operation and newsroom in Americas #1 market without stressing the commute to Manhattan.
News 12 is the leader in hyperlocal news, weather, traffic, politics, and investigative news delivering 24/7 award-winning coverage in the NY/NJ/CT areas.
News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley is one of seven newsrooms in the NY/NJ/CT region servicing a cable audience of more than 4.5 million and we’re looking for our next news director. It’s a large New York viewing area encompassing Westchester and Rockland County and the Hudson Valley.
This is a multi-location news operation with top-flight veteran journalists and a hungry staff waiting to break that next big news story and focus on important local issues. This News Director will interact with the VP of News and SVP/GM along with executive management in the development and implementation of network content, policies, priorities and short-and long-term strategic planning for the news station. In partnership with our network executives, the News Director will market the product, enhance/innovate ad sales opportunities, and direct the digital, social media and OTT strategies for the channel.
Seeking 10+years in journalism, including 8+ in television news and television management. Knowledge of libel laws and executing ethical journalism is a must.
Proficiency in current and emerging newsgathering and production technologies is critical.
Experience with programming and production budgets is expected.
Oh- and bring your fun side, too!
Please send resume and contact information to Caprice Henry via email to: caprice.henry10@alticeusa.com
We’re part of the Altice USA family, America’s fourth largest cable network and partners with Cheddar, the business focused cable channel.
News Director, WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI:
WFRV-TV, the CBS affiliate in the Green Bay/Appleton, WI market (DMA #69) is seeking a forward thinking, energetic, and competitive journalist for the position of News Director.
The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who has a proven track record for mentoring, coaching and developing talent, solid journalism skills, and a passion for delivering relevant daily news content across multiple platforms. The News Director must be proficient in daily news operations, budgeting, communicating with personnel, contract management, and collaborating with other department heads.
Our coverage of local community events, local programming, and of the Green Bay Packers, is a priority, with a vision for unique storytelling and content.
This is a great opportunity to join Nexstar Media Group, Inc. the largest local television broadcast station group in the US, with 199 stations across 116 television markets.
Assistant News Director, WLS-TV, Chicago, IL:
Here’s your chance to help lead a top newsroom in one of the best news towns in the country: Chicago!
ABC 7 Chicago is looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and innovative leader to join our team as assistant news director. You’ll supervise the daily operation of this award-winning newsroom and guide coverage across all platforms. You’ll collaborate with top-notch reporters, executive producers, producers, assignment editors, photographers and editors. You’ll oversee our investigative unit and special projects. We’re committed to creating high-impact content that serves the Chicagoland community.
ABC 7 Chicago is one of eight ABC/Disney-owned local stations in the country.
Assistant News Director, WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI:
WDJT-TV, Weigel Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate in Milwaukee Wisconsin is looking for an Assistant News Director .
We are a family-owned company committed to storytelling in our local communities. We don’t have corporate must-run stories or mandates. We have an entrepreneurial spirit and are dedicated to digging deep into what our local viewers want to know about.
We offer a comprehensive benefit package including health and welfare benefits, no cost life insurance and in person counseling, generous 401k match, paid time off and relocation assistance!
Visit CBS58 Openings to learn more and apply!
Executive Producer, KPHO-TV, Phoenix, AZ:
CBS 5 & 3 TV are owned and operated by the Meredith Local Media Group. EP leads a team to deliver news in the digital age; produces newscasts as well as online content. This position oversees production of other news programming as assigned. The Executive Producer helps create, develop and implement strategies to improve product and ratings. In addition, the incumbent:
- Makes decisions relating to coverage, content and implementation of show direction.
Focuses staff on direction and content of stories or live segments in newscast.
Works with multi-media reporters/photographers to determine direction of stories and expectations.
Works closely with assignment desk on coverage, story selection, live coverage, assignment of reporters and crews.
Collaborates with producers on rundowns, story selection, formats, graphics, content and pace and flow of newscast.
Initiates long term planning for news coverage and sweeps periods.
Work performed is for all media platforms and initiatives, including for example: on-air, web, digital and social media. EOE
Apply at the link here:
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (new listing this week)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/5/21)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 8/22/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (listed 8/22/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (relisted 9/12/21)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted 9/19/21)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA, (Weekend AM EP, listed 8/29/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, listed 8/29/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 7/25/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21, see ad above!)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, new listing this week)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, listed 8/8/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (new listing this week)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (new listing this week)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, new listing this week)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (new listing this week)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (new listing this week)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 9/12/21)
MANAGING EDITOR:
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (relisted 8/29/21)
More News Management Openings:
Listed this week:
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 9/19/21:
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director)
Listed 9/12/21:
New York 1, New York, NY (Sr. Producer, Mornings on 1)
Listed 9/5/21:
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (Digital Manager)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 8/15/21:
WLNS-TV, Lansing, MI (Digital Content Manager)
Relisted 8/1/21:
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)
Obituaries:
Auelrich
SCOTT AULERICH, a 30 year veteran of Los Angeles’ KTLA-TV (Nexstar/CW) died this week after suffering what the station called ‘a medical emergency’. He was 52 years old and produced the 6:00 PM news. Scott is survived by his wife BRIDGET (who also works at KTLA) and their three children. This story has more details and information on a Go Fund Me page that has been established for the family.
And we are tardy in reporting the deaths of two broadcasters, ironic since I worked for one of them.
Rudd
S. WHEELER RUDD, who spent most of his career with Cosmos Broadcasting, died January 1. He was 88. Wheeler was GM for WTOL-TV (CBS) from 1987-93 while I was ND there, but spent more time as the General Sales Manager for sister station WAVE-TV (NBC) in Louisville. More details in this obituary from the Louisville Courier-Journal in January,
Fionte
Finally, former Binghamton news director and anchor BERNARD FIONTE died last month at the age of 80. During his time he was often compared to another broadcasting legend, WALTER CRONKITE. Fionte served as news director for THREE television stations in Binghamton and also worked as a radio news director. A memorial service will be held in the spring.
Names in the News:
Two items have been making the rounds this week. Apologies if you’ve already seen them but I wanted to make sure you had.
Tompkins
Sinclair’s KATU-TV (ABC) in Portland, OR, cancelled its morning and midday newscasts one day this week to allow Poynter’s AL TOMPKINS and his wife SIDNEY (a licensed mental health counselor) to do a training session on how to deal with stress and trauma in the newsroom. Al kindly sent me this explanation of exactly what that means.
Al and his wife have done similar sessions in many other newsrooms and, in the note above, explains how you can contact him if you’re interested in bringing that training to your staff.
Carver
And headhunter TY CARVER’s recent post and the challengers facing anyone trying to hire in television brought lots of emails to me, even though we are just now including his thoughts in this newsletter.
His comments are direct and paint a dire picture of the future for our business…unless stations and owners take action now. He used the phrase ‘extinction alert’.
Please take a few minutes to read his post.
Ty started his eponymous firm after leaving Raycom Media after its acquisition by Gray a few years ago.
Congratulations to both WXIA-TV in Atlanta (Tegna/NBC) and KMGH-TV in Denver (Scripps/ABC) who were honored for ‘outstanding regional news reports’ when the National Emmy’s were announced this week. The complete list is here. Of note (at least to me) my friend and former employee (at WTOL-TV in Toledo) STEVE HARTMAN won another writing award.
A few quick items:
Samp
Former news director APRIL SAMP has dropped her lawsuit against Tegna and WOI-TV in Des Moines claiming gender discrimination. According to this story from The Des Moines Register, there’s no information about any possible settlement.
The Lexington, KY, TV news market is about to undergo a major change, and the Lexington Herald Leader has a lengthy look at what it all means.
And Politico reports that STEVE CHAGGARIS has started as Washington bureau chief for Sinclair Broadcast Group. He previously worked for Al Jazeera and CBS News.
Bayse
WGCL-TV in Atlanta went across town to hire its next executive producer of investigations. LINDSEY BAYSE was the digital investigative producer for Tegna’s WXIA-TV. She’s also worked in Grand Rapids and Lansing, MI.
Finally apologies to the new RTDNA chair-elect, WCBS-AM (New York) news director TIM SCHELD, whose last name I misspelled in our note last edition about his election.
General Manager News and Notes:
Villemay
CBS filled its GM job at KCBS/KCAL-TV in Los Angeles by hiring JOEL VILLEMAY, the longtime GM for Hearst’s WDSU-TV (NBC) in New Orleans. The hire ended the network’s streak of filling GM jobs with news people as Joel’s background is in sales. He’s also been a GM for Hearst’s KETV in Omaha. More in this Los Angeles Times story which also offer perspective on the many changes at CBS o-and-o’s this year.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, October 3, 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 Westchester, 6 Executive Plaza Yonkers, NY 10701 (see ad above!)
KUVN-TV 2323 Bryan Street, # 1900 Dallas, TX 75201 **
KRON-TV 900 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KCPQ-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
KCNC-TV 1044 Lincoln, Denver, CO 80203
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
KUAN-TV 9680 Granite Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123
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
KTBC-TV 119 East 10th Street Austin TX 78701
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WFTX-TV 621 S.W. Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral, FL 33991
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
WVLT-TV 6450 Papermill Drive; Knoxville, TN 37919
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WHIO-TV 1611 S Main Street , Dayton , OH 45409
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301 (see ad above!)
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KLKN-TV, 3240 South Tenth Street, Lincoln NE 68502
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac, MI 49601
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
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WALB-TV 1709 Stuart Ave. Albany, GA 31707
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
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