September 26, 2021
Greetings:
TWO new news directors were named this week, and it appears that TWO more will be named this week, while FOUR new jobs opened up. Since we’ve removing the two TBA’s from our list, the count of open ND jobs stays at 43.
ONE of those ND openings are among FOUR paid help wanted ads.
ONE of those ND openings was created with a top five market ND jumped to a competitor as GM. That’s in our New News Director Opening section.
That’s the only GM move of the week.
We’ll discuss our trip to Denver for RTDNA, and tell you about the results of the RTDNA elections (one involving a rare tie!) We learned the fate of a corporate news executive, while we were there, too.
Also…details about some hires for the CNN streaming service, some new hires on the local level, and a new book from a longtime broadcaster.
All that and more below!
Newly Named News Directors:
Huffman
KMSP/WFTC-TV, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN…KELLY HUFFMAN ascends to the news director’s chair for this FOX o-and-o. He’s been at the station for 19 years and has been the assistant news director since 2013. He’s also worked for WCCO-TV (CBS owned) in the Twin Cities. At KMSP, he replaces the woman who remains his boss, MIM DAVEY, who was promoted to GM earlier this summer.
Bonilla
WNEP-TV, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA…RACHEL BONILLA will be the next ND for this Tegna owned ABC affiliate. She’s currently the Managing Editor at the Spectrum Networks hub in Raleigh and had earlier worked for Spectrum in Charlotte. She’s worked in Providence, for two stations in Hartford, and the Weather Channel. She replaces CARL ABRAHAM. We told you in March that he was scheduled to retire in April after 10 years as ND and 38 at the station.
Vaught
Two other notes: We told you a few weeks ago that PAM VAUGHT was retiring as ND for KTBC-TV (FOX) in Austin, TX, after 23 years at the station. Here’s the tribute video the station aired upon her retirement.
And we are removing two openings from the list of Open ND Jobs below: KJRH-TV, the Scripps owned NBC affiliate in Tulsa and WOWK-TV, Nexstar’s CBS station in Charleston/Huntington, WV. I’m told both jobs have been filled but no official announcements yet. We’ll share when we can.
New News Director Openings:
Amparo
KUVN-TV, Dallas, TX…RAQUEL AMPARO leaves this Univision station to return to KTVT/KTXA-TV, the CBS owned duopoly in Dallas as General Manager. Details here. The move continues CBS’s run of naming news directors to GM positions at its owned stations. It’s a return to KTVT for Raquel, who spent six years there before moving to KUVN. She’s also worked for CBS stations in Miami.
Genty
KATV, Little Rock, AR…NICK GENTY has left this Sinclair owned station after almost eleven years as ND. He’s a veteran of Little Rock, having spent 21 years at KTHV-TV where he began as a photographer. His departure comes just a few days after a furor erupted after several race related incidents in the newsroom, detailed in this story from Arkansas Business and this report from The Arkansas Times.
Posada
KINT-TV, El Paso, TX…URIEL POSADA is leaving this Univision affiliate (owned by Entravision. He’s headed to ABC’s KTRK-TV in Houston to become an executive producer. It’s his first job in English language television, according to this story from Media Moves. He’s been ND here since 2013 and added regional ND duties three years later.
Rodriguez
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA…longtime Bakersfield newswoman SUZANNE RODRIGUEZ has left this Scripps owned ABC affiliate after four years at the station, the last two as news director. Suzanne spent 18 years at cross-town competitor KGET-TV where she was the Assignment Editor for six years and a producer before that.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
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:
News Director, Delta News, Greenville, MS:
Here’s a unique job!
It’s an opportunity to manage a News department that produces news for four affiliations ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX “The Delta News”. Also produces news for KLAX, ABC Affiliate in Alexandria Louisiana.
The Mississippi Delta is rich in natural resources and cultural history. The area is popular for hunting and fishing. It’s home to several museums that celebrate and tell the history of the “birthplace” of American music. And for those who love food, the Delta has several festivals that promote local delicacies such as catfish and hot tamales. Numerous family-owned restaurants serve a variety of ethnic menus, including Soul Food, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese or Cajun.
The Delta has also been home to many who have contributed to cultural arts. Among them are authors such as Walker Percy, Shelby Foote and Julia Reed; actors Morgan Freeman and Hattie Winston; and music icons such as B.B. King, Sam Cooke and The Staples Singers.
Sound interesting?
Click here to learn more and apply!
Executive Producer, WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL:
Live, work and play in a very unique media market that so many vacationers call a top destination. WWSB-TV is the ABC Television station serving Sarasota & Manatee Counties on the Suncoast of Southwest Florida. Beautiful, postcard worthy views are bountiful, and so are the opportunities to enjoy the Florida lifestyle. Yes, the beaches are minutes away. So are some of the top attractions in Tampa Bay, Orlando and South Florida. You’re a quick ride from some of the most popular theme parks and cruise ports. While visitors come and go, our station and our newsroom are committed to serving the thousands upon thousands of people who call the Suncoast, home. You’ll find a special emphasis on covering news with a hyperlocal focus, while embracing the best practices found in some of the region’s top markets.
Job Summary/Description:
Our Executive Producer will help our team commit to lead stories, and see the possible with available resources. S/He will help us develop a “happening now” newscast centered on unique, local content. S/He will also help bring digital and breaking news to life on all platforms,and will inspire our team to be their best. In our newsroom, we commit to quality through partnership and collaboration, long before the team heads into the studio and control room. Daily content planning and team training are expected. By the way… while you’ll be leading our team, you’ll also be expected to jump in to help produce, edit video, and post to digital & social on a case-by-case basis.
You can learn more and apply by clicking here.
Digital Content Director , KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA:
Join a talented and growing team at KTXL/FOX40 in Sacramento.
We are seeking a Digital Content Director to lead our web, mobile and social efforts in this dynamic, diverse market, the political epicenter of California.
The Digital Content Director is responsible for managing and growing FOX40.com along coaching a successful team. She/he will oversee and improve the daily packaging and distribution of all digital daily news and enterprise content across all FOX40 digital platforms. Their goal is to increase page views, page per sessions, and users across all digital audience segments on Fox40.com while prioritizing, but not limiting, in-DMA reach. The Digital Content Director is a strategist that uses data to determine content decisions.
The ideal candidate will have a firm understanding of how to construct story “voice” while avoiding bias and editorialization. They are an AP Style expert that holds published content to the highest quality and journalistic standards.
The Digital Content Director is a coach who knows how to manage and grow different personality types to meet their highest potential, establishing clear expectations and with effective modes of accountability. They are capable and enthusiastic to be a champion for digital best practices across all departments.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, PA (listed 8/8/21)
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)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (relisted 7/25/21)
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)
KNXV-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/12/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21, see ad above!)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (2 openings, listed 8/8/21)
KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO (listed 8/29/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 8/1/21)
KVVU-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 7/25/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (new listing this week)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 9/12/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WOWK-TV, Charlestown, WV (listed 8/22/21)
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, new listing this week)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 7/18/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (relisted 9/12/21)
MANAGING EDITOR:
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (relisted 8/29/21)
More News Management Openings:
Listed 9/19/21:
KTXL-TV, Sacramento, CA: (Digital Content Director (see ad above!)
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)
Names in the News:
It was good to see some familiar faces (and meet some new ones) at the RTDNA conference this week in Denver. And good news (at least for me): next year’s confab will be here in Indianapolis (June 22-24), where I will NOT be buying you dinner. Especially you! 🙂
McGinley
At the conference, WKMG-TV (Graham Media/CBS) News Director ALLISON McGINLEY was installed as the chair of RTDNA, following her election last year. TIM SCHELD, ND of WCBS-AM in New York was voted chair-elect. And there were a number of elections for RTDNA board members, one of which ended in a tie! Details here.
Brown
We caught up at the conference with GARY BROWN, Senior Vice President of Content for Meredith. As you know, Gray Television is buying Meredith in a deal expected to close later this year. I asked Gary about his future after the deal is closed and it appears he will not be moving forward with Gray. He’s been a news director, corporate executive, and agent in his career.
CNN has made a number of management hires for its new CNN+ streaming service, including JENN SUOZZO who (until last month) was EP of NBC’s Nightly News. The entire list of hires (and it’s lengthy) is here and includes at least one former local news director.
Some new local news mangers to tell you about:
Trent
WARREN TRENT joins WJTV, Nexstar’s CBS affiliate in Jackson, MS, as its next assistant news director. He’s been working for KPHO-TV in Phoenix.
And JESSIE SLATER has been promoted to Assistant ND for KBJR-TV in Duluth, MN. She’s been a reporter and anchor during her five years at this Gray TB owned station. She will continue to anchor the 5:00 news.
Willi
Old friend (make that friend of long standing) JIM WILLI is out with another book, this one a sequel to his first book, The Frogman of Cedar Creek. The new offering is called Vanishing in Cedar Creek. Jim writes:
Just wanted to let you know that after my first serial killer novel – The Frogman of Cedar Creek – became a regional best seller a year ago, I have just published the sequel called – Vanishing In Cedar Creek. Both books are available in print and ebook versions on Amazon.
It is really fun to start a new career at age 73. I do a lot of book singings and get to meet many nice folks around the lake area where I live in Gun Barrel City, Texas.
Jim, of course, is a former ND, GM, and consultant.
General Manager News and Notes:
The only GM news this week is RAQUEL AMPARO’s move to GM at KTVT/KTVA-TV in Dallas, which we covered above in our Open News Directors section.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, September 26, 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
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
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
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
KINT-TV 5426 North Mesa Street El Paso,TX 79912 **
KFSM-TV 5101 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762
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
KION-TV 1550 Moffett Street Salinas, CA 93905
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
WREX-TV 10322 Auburn Road Rockford, IL 61103
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
WJET-TV 8455 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
WALB-TV 1709 Stuart Ave. Albany, GA 31707
KPAX-TV 1049 West Central Avenue Missoula MT 59801
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
KALB-TV 605 Washington Street; Alexandria, LA 71301
KREX-TV 345 Hillcrest Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501
Delta News 837 Washington Ave Greenville, MS 38701 (see ad above!)
KIEM/KVIQ-TV 5650 South Broadway Eureka CA 95503
**: Spanish language station