September 13, 2020
Greetings:
I hope you’ll allow me a personal note before we turn to our normal business.
Earlier this afternoon, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) announced the establishment of the Rick Gevers-Karen Burns Diversity Fund for College Journalists.
This endowed fund will provide on campus IRE training at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions and on other campuses for the benefit of student journalists of color.
More details from the IRE website.
Karen and I added this to our wills in 2016, but recent events convinced us the need was too important to wait for what (I hope) will be a long time. It’s our belief this will benefit young journalists for generations.
While we established the fund, anyone is welcome to contribute. If you think this is important, please visit the IRE website for a secure donation option.
Thanks for the interruption…and now on to this week’s news.
We have THREE newly opened news director jobs this week. As, as far as I know, there were NO news directors hired in a short week. However, we did remove one station from our list of open ND jobs. We explain below.
So, our count of open ND jobs stands at 28. TWO of those open ND jobs are among our FOUR Paid Help Wanted ads this week.
TWO obituaries this week, both of former news directors.
There are TWO new GMs, one is a promotion to GM from News Director within Hearst.
And in Names in the News, new leaders for RTDNA and we’ll tell you about several news managers on the move.
Newly Named News Directors:
As far as I know, no news directors were hired in this holiday-shortened week.
But please note we have removed KTVA-TV in Anchorage, AK, from our list of open ND jobs. The station was recently acquired by Gray Television, which owns KTUU-TV. TRACI SABO, the ND at KTUU, will oversee KTVA as well. JOHN TRACY, who worked for both stations over his long career in Anchorage, penned this interesting analysis of the developments for The Anchorage Daily News.
New News Director Openings:
Hart
WISN-TV, Milwaukee, WI…nothing but good news here as BEN HART has been promoted to GM for sister Hearst station WJCL-TV in Savannah, GA. Here’s the news release from the station. He’s spent most of his career with Hearst, joining WAPT-TV in Jackson, MS, as a producer in 2002. Ben advanced to producer jobs at Hearst stations in New Orleans and Sacramento, returning to Jackson as assistant ND before moving to ND there. In 2017, he moved to Milwaukee as ND.
Eure
KXXV-TV, Waco, TX…JOSH EURE has left this Scripps owned station after one year as news director. He’s had a number of jobs at both local stations and networks during his career, including EP jobs in a number of major markets. Complete details on those jobs can be found by clicking his Linkedin page. KXXV is an ABC affiliate.
Keller
KION-TV, Salinas/Monterey, CA…RON KELLER has left this News Press & Gazette operation after just over two years as news director. He’d earlier been the AND at NPG’s station in Santa Barbara, and has worked at a variety of stations in a wide range of roles. You can learn more about this opening in the paid help wanted ad just below.
Updating an item from last week, regarding the ND opening at WEEK-TV in Peoria. LON LUCAS is staying on as ND for a while but will eventually leave, as he wants to be closer to his family. Check out the stations’s ad below for that opening.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, KION-TV, Monterey/Salinas, CA:
KION News Channel 5, located in beautiful Monterey County, California, is seeking an extraordinary journalist to lead a growing news team. In addition, to CBS we produce news daily on CW and Telemundo.
Our News Director will be a visionary coach who understands how to produce compelling and distinctive content on all multi-media platforms. Must have proven skillset to maximize content and customer engagement on digital and social media platforms. Must demonstrate a passion for the product with strong oversight and consistent communication and feedback.
The successful candidate will be called upon to provide strategic direction for daily news coverage as well as working closely with the General Manager on long-range planning, special news coverage and station projects.
Applicants should be prepared to discuss:
Previous experience
Creative approaches to building and innovating news brand
Digital and social strategies
Effective use of social media in a broadcast environment
Previous experience managing financial, technical and people resources
KION was acquired by News-Press & Gazette Company in December 2013, and has recently made significant capital investments to build a strong local news organization.
Candidate must pass a drug test and background check. A valid driver’s license is required.
Please apply online by submitting brief cover letter that includes resume, and source of referral. Just click here.
Faculty Position, Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA:
Considering a mid-career change? Why not move from newsroom to classroom in one of the best small university journalism programs in the country? We have sharp students and the tools to teach them. We just need you.
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications at Washington and Lee University seeks a versatile colleague for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant or associate professor with teaching and scholarly or creative interests in digital storytelling and/or journalism.
Our department is committed to preparing our students for global communications by creating an educational environment that values diverse people and their ideas.
Learn more about our department here .
Our new colleague will be expected to teach undergraduate courses for both journalism and strategic communication majors to prepare them to communicate with a variety of audiences.
Likely courses will include Introduction to News Writing and Introduction to Digital Journalism, as well as specialty courses in the candidate’s areas of expertise. Experience with audio, video, or data analysis and visualization is preferred.
Candidates should have substantial professional experience in journalism and/or public relations, including expertise with audio and video. A Ph.D. in mass communications or a related field and teaching at the college level are desirable. Candidates with a master’s degree in journalism and mass communications and significant professional experience are also welcome to apply.
The application deadline is October 1, 2020. The appointment begins July 1, 2021.
Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
News Director, WEEK-TV, Peoria, IL:
WEEK, Quincy Media’s successful station in Peoria, Illinois is seeking a veteran, dynamic leader for its news operation. Owning both the NBC and ABC affiliates in the market, WEEK serves Central Illinois with two separate award-winning news operations.
We need someone able to provide outstanding leadership to train, coach and inspire our journalists to create and deliver great stories in a multi-platform environment. Our next news director must know the importance of delivering on the brand promise and forging a strong connection with our viewers and users to grow ratings.
Responsibilities:
Foster a performance culture with an emphasis on winning, excellence and innovation.
Communicate the vision and strategy to newsroom and provide the daily direction on major stories, weather events and breaking news.
Ensure ethical, balanced presentation through compliance with Quincy Media policy, FCC policy, federal and state laws, industry standards and our brand promise.
Strong recruiter and team builder
Prepare and execute annual newsroom financial plan.
Qualifications:
Broad understanding of newsroom operations and equipment.
Advanced oral and written communication skills.
Proven leadership which empowers others. Ability to resolve conflict quickly and directly.
3-5 years’ experience in newsroom management.
Strategic thinking – can identify market opportunities and capitalize on them.
Demonstrated team builder
WEEK is proud to be a Quincy Media station. Learn why our family owned broadcast group has a reputation as one of the best companies to work for in our industry by visiting: www.careersatquincy.com. Send your resume to:
Mark DeSantis
VP/General Manager
WEEK-TV
2907 Springfield Rd.
East Peoria, Illinois 61611
Executive Producer, WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA:
Meredith Corporation has an immediate opening for an Executive Producer.
This is a great opportunity to be part of not only putting a quality product on the air, but creating a great work environment for employees. The Executive Producer directs and supervises all aspects of station’s news programs, including development and execution of show content and program format. This position works closely with Producers, Reporters and Assignment Editors in developing and maintaining high quality newscasts. The Executive Producer oversees story selection, pre-production and Producer rundowns. The incumbent proofs and edits scripts on a daily basis. In addition, the Executive Producer helps reporters craft their stories and oversees brand management and content for the show. Prior experience as EP required.
WGCL-TV is a CBS affiliate in the # 10 television market in the United States. The station delivers over 32 hours of weekly news product. WGCL-TV & WPCH TV are owned and operated by the Meredith Local Media Group.
Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; www.meredith.com) has been committed to service journalism for more than 115 years. Today, Meredith uses multiple distribution platforms – including broadcast television, print, digital, mobile, tablets and video – to provide consumers with content they desire and to deliver the messages of its advertising and marketing partners. Meredith’s Local Media Group includes 17 television stations reaching more than 10 percent of U.S. households. Meredith’s portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, with seven stations in the nation’s Top 25.
Please visit our website for complete details and to apply online.
Meredith Corporation is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 8/30/20)
WJZY-TV, Charlotte, NC (new listing this week)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 7/19/20)
WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY (listed 9/6/20)
WKEF/WRGT-TV, Dayton, OH (listed 8/16/20)
WGBA-TV, Green Bay, WI (relisted 8/23/20)
WOWK-TV, Charleston, WV (listed 8/9/20)
WIS-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 8/2/20)
KFSM-TV, Ft. Smith, AR (listed 9/6/20)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
WDVM-TV, Hagerstown MD (2 jobs, EP & Digital EP, listing revised 8/30/20)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 9/6/20, see ad above!)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 8/9/20)
KCPQ-TV, Seattle, WA (AM EP, new listing this week)
KING/KONG-TV, Seattle, WA (relisted 7/19/20)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (PM EP, relisted this week)
KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Digital EP, listed 8/9/20)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM EP, listed 8/30/20)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (EP of Innovation, listed 8/30/20)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (relisted 8/23/20)
WATN-TV Memphis TN (listed 9/6/20)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (Digital EP, relisted 8/9/20)
KSNW-TV, Wichita, KS (listed 8/23/20)
WIS-TV, Columbia, SC (listed 8/2/20)
WBTW-TV, Florence/Myrtle Beach, SC (Digital EP, listed 8/16/20)
KNWA-TV, Fayetteville, AR (PM EP, relisted 8/16/20)
WMAZ-TV, Macon, GA (listed 9/6/20)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (relisted 8/23/20)
KDRV-TV, Medford, OR (listed 8/2/20)
MANAGING EDITOR:
WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA (listed 8/16/20)
More News Management Openings:
New Listing this Week:
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (Content Manager)
Relisted this week:
KOKI-TV, Tulsa, OK (AM Content Manager)
Listed 8/23/20:
WOWK-TV, Charleston, WV (Digital Content Manager, see ad above!)
Relisted 8-16-20:
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (Digital Director)
Listed 8/9/16:
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Manager of Broadcast Content)
Listed 7/26/20:
WATE-TV, Knoxville, TN (Digital Media Manager)
WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI (Digital Content Director)
Obituaries:
Whiteaker
Longtime broadcaster and former news director BRUCE WHITEAKER died unexpectedly in his sleep last Saturday, September 5th. He was 71 and suffered from charcot foot, a complication of diabetes. Here’s the obituary and here’s a link to a GoFundMe page which hopes to raise enough money to endow a scholarship at Bruce’s church. Bruce was an ND in Austin, TX, Memphis, and Saginaw, MI, if memory serves, and also worked for the Texas Association of Broadcasters.
Schreiner
RAYMOND SCHREINER, whose obituary says he is most remembered for his year as news director of then WXEX-TV (now WRIC-TV) in Richmond, VA in 1964-65, died September 3rd at the age of 98. His obituary fills in the years since his lone news director stint in the 60’s.
Names in the News (and other items):
Stahlman
There’s a new chair and a new chair elect for RTDNA. ANDREA STAHLMAN, ND for Hearst’s WLKY-TV in Louisville, takes over as chair. And ALLISON McGINLEY, ND for Graham Media’s WKMG-TV in Orlando, will eventually succeed Andrea, as she’s been elected chair-elect. LOREN TOBIA was re-elected treasurer. In addition, new board members were chosen as you’ll read here.
Ostrowsky
STEPHEN OSTROSKY is headed south to become managing editor for Hearst’s WESH-TV (NBC) in Orlando. He’s been the Assistant ND for WHAS-TV, Tegna’s ABC affiliate in Louisville for the past two years. Stephen had earlier been the EP and a producer for WVEC-TV in Norfolk, and began his career at KTHV-TV in Little Rock as an associate producer. He was later promoted to 10:00 producer there.
Two management hires at Nexstar stations:
At WFLA-TV (NBC) in Tampa, BRIAN CALLAHAN will be the new executive producer. He most recently helped launch Spectrum News in Southern California, a job he left in July, 2019. Brian worked at WRC-TV in Washington for 12 years as a producer and EP, and produced newscasts in Charlotte and Syracuse.
MICHAEL “MACE” MACIEJEWSKI joins WNCN-TV (NBC) in Raleigh as assistant news director. Until February, he’d spent the last five years as the AND for WFTV (ABC) in Orlando. He’s been an EP in Charlotte, and a producer in Philadelphia, Boston, and Buffalo.
General Manager News and Notes:
Keeler
TOM KEELER leaves Morgan-Murphy’s WISC-TV (CBS) in Madison, WI, and heads west to become the next GM for Nexstar’s Portland, OR, duopoly, KOIN/KRCW-TV (CBS/CW). It’s a return to Portland for him, as he served as Local Sales Manager for KRCW-TV (then KWPB-TV) from 1999-2003. Tom’s been GM for WISC for the last five years and earlier was the GM for KGBT-TV in Harlingen, TX. He replaces PAT NEVIN who returned to Seattle as GM for KIRO-TV (Cox Media Group/CBS).
And careful readers noted above the appointment of BEN HART as GM for Hearst’s WJCL-TV in Savannah, GA. Add Ben to the list of news directors becoming GMs! He replaces TIM MORRISSEY, another former ND turned GM, whose retirement we reported last week.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, September 13, 2020:
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
WFMZ-TV 300 E Rock Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
WCAU-TV 1800 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
KHOU-TV 5718 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77057
WBZ-TV 1170 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA 02134
WUVG-TV 3350 Peachtree Road #1250, Atlanta, GA 30326 **
KIRO-TV 2807 Third Ave. Seattle, WA 98121
WTVJ-TV 15000 SW 27th Street Miramar, FL 33027
WTMO-TV 1650 Sand Lake Rd. # 340 Orlando, FL 32809 **
WBFF-TV 2000 W 41st St, Baltimore, MD 21211
WTVD-TV 411 Liberty St Durham, NC 27701
WISN-TV 759 N. 19th St. Milwaukee, WI 53233
WDSU-TV 846 Howard Ave New Orleans, LA 70113
WATN/WLMT-TV 1725 N Shelby Oaks Dr. #101, Memphis, TN 38133
WNYT-TV 715 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204
WFXR-TV 5305 Valleypark Dr. #1, Roanoke, VA 24019
KXXV-TV 1909 S New Rd. Waco, TX 76711
KTSM-TV 3801-D Constitution El Paso, Texas 79922
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32309
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
KVAL/KMTR-TV 4575 Blanton Rd., Eugene, OR 97405
WEEK-TV 2907 Springfield Rd, East Peoria, IL 61611 (see ad above!)
KION-TV 1550 Moffett St. Salinas, CA 93905 (see ad above!)
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd. Columbus, GA 31907
KOMU-TV 5550 Old 63 S, Columbia, MO 65201
WETM-TV 101 East Water St. Elmira, NY 14901
WLFI-TV 2605 Yeager Rd. West Lafayette, IN 47906
KIDY/KXVA-TV 5 S. Chadbourne Street San Angelo, TX 76903
KGWN-TV 2923 E. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001
**: Spanish language station