September 9, 2012
Greetings:
I don’t know HARRY A. JESSELL. I’m pretty sure we’ve never met. But I sure liked his column this week on TVNewsCheck.com.
If you haven’t read it, you should. Just click here.
And once you read it, if you’re in a position to take some action, (and most of you are), follow his suggestions and do something. Perhaps I’ll see you in Ft. Lauderdale.
Now on to our normal business.
There are FOUR new news director openings this week, all in medium and smaller markets. And TWO stations received new NDs since our last report.
Our count of open ND jobs increases to 33.
We have SIX help wanted ads this week, including ONE for one of this week’s new openings.
Just a handful of new news management moves in our Names in the News section. There’s one obituary this week…for the wife of a longtime Texas newsman, news director, and educator.
And a veteran news director in featured in our free Situations Wanted segment, though he’s not looking for a full-time position.
All this…and much more…below.
New News Director Openings:
Sanders
WCTV, Tallahassee, FL…TRISTON SANDERS has left this Gray TV owned CBS affiliate to become the Assistant ND for WWL-TV in New Orleans, LA. She’s been ND there for just over two years and had served as the EP before that. She first joined the station as an anchor/reporter, had worked for WINK-TV in Ft. Myers, and had interned for WCTV while attending Florida State University.
Potter
KVLY/KXJB-TV, Fargo, ND…GRIFF POTTER is leaving this Hoak Media NBC/CBS duopoly. Griff tells me he has a new job in the Midwest, closer to family there. He’s been here for just over two years and has also been an ND in Paducah, KY, and Quad Cities, IL, an assistant ND in Milwaukee, and an EP or producer in Nashville, Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Kansas City, Toledo and Huntsville, AL.
WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL…after five years as ND for this ABC-Fox duopoly, KENT HARRELL is being promoted within Nexstar. He’ll be the next ND for WFRV-TV in Green Bay, WI. More on that below, and learn more about this opportunity in the paid help wanted ad below.
KFBB-TV, Great Falls, MT…this Max Media owned ABC affiliate has a posting on its website for a news director opening. My records show DAN CLOUSE was named ND there in June, 2011.
Newly Named News Directors:
WFTS-TV, Tampa, FL…we first reported this move in an UPDATE earlier this week. BILL McFARLAND has been named ND for this Scripps-owned ABC affiliate. Bill is currently the Assistant ND for WABC-TV in New York. He’s also worked in Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Hartford. He replaces DOUG CULVER who left the station in June to become ND for WJLA-TV in Washington.
Harrell
WFRV-TV, Green Bay, WI…as noted above, KENT HARRELL will be the next ND for this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate. In addition to his five years as ND in Rockford, Kent’s been an ND in Corpus Christi and for Bay News 9 in Tampa. He’s also worked in Dallas and Memphis. At WFRV, he’ll replace CARMELYN DALEY-HINKENS who left the station in July after one year as ND to become the Assistant ND/News Content Manager for WITI-TV in Milwaukee.
Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, WTVO/WQRF-TV, Rockford, IL:
Brief description of duties & responsibilities:
- Manages all aspects of the News Department.
- Plans and manages staffing, training, and performance evaluations.
- Develops news coverage strategy for the station and its website.
- Critiques newscasts with staff on a daily basis.
- Assigns projects to staff and verifies that deadlines are being met.
- Ensures achievement of viewer rating goals.
- Responds to coverage questions.
- Works with other senior station leaders to reach station goals.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Work experience and education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism or a related field with two years in a leadership role.
- Experience establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Experience preparing and maintaining departmental budgets.
- Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Special Skills Required:
- Fluency in English.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Interested candidates should send resume & cover letter to:
or:
WQRF/WTVO
P.O. Box 470
Rockford, IL 61105
Attn.: Jon Skorburg
Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Managing Editor, KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA:
KCRA 3 TV has an immediate opening for a dynamic Managing Editor to lead one of the top newsrooms in this country.
“Where the News Comes First” is not only our brand – it’s our deep commitment to journalistic excellence. As the consistently #1 ratings leader in our market, we set the bar high for excellent storytelling, aggressive investigative reporting and outstanding breaking news coverage.
Our Managing Editor is a key newsroom leader who oversees and drives our daily newsgathering, coverage and content.
Our ideal candidate:
Knows how to coach a team of seasoned reporters on strong multi -platform storytelling
Leads editorial meetings that produce fresh enterprising stories
Skillfully executes a take-no-prisoners approach to breaking news coverage
Works collaboratively with our excellent news management team
Oversees the assignment desk in both day-to-day coverage and long range planning
We are looking for a news manager with at least five years of management experience. He/she must possess superior news judgment and a very strong competitive drive to win. It is essential that our Manager Editor has exceptional people skills, and a passion to coach, mentor and inspire.
It’s a tall order! But the rewards are many. Hearst Television is an outstanding company and at KCRA, you’ll be working at a station located in a great place to live in Northern California.
Interested candidates should send their resumes and cover letters to :
Lori Waldon
KCRA 3 News Director
lwaldon@hearst.com
Or:
Lori Waldon, News Director
KCRA 3 News
3 Television Circle
Sacramento, CA 95814
Absolutely no phone calls!
Evening Executive Producer, WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL:
WJXT-TV, a Post-Newsweek Station, is looking for a night Executive Producer. We need someone who can manage anchors, producers, reporters, photographers and editors. You must be able to identify good stories, create leads, create urgency, and create memorable moments. You will also help oversee web and social media content. In addition, you will be involved in event planning and schedules. We are looking for a strong writer who understands good storytelling.
Prior EP experience is a plus, but this is also a good move for an excellent line producer with at least five years of experience. You will be on the weekend on-call manager rotation. Expect to work long hours, weekends and holidays as needed.
Jacksonville is a beautiful city offering beaches, an NFL team, golf courses, good schools, and much more! And Florida has no state income tax.
Prefer college degree in journalism or communications.
Send resume and link to: kbonfield@wjxt.com
Or send resume and DVD to:
Kathryn Bonfield
News Director
WJXT-TV
4 Broadcast Place
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Executive Producer, WKMG-TV, Orlando, FL:
WKMG in Orlando is searching for its next great leader! We are currently seeking an innovative Executive Producer to oversee the planning and execution of Local 6 Newscasts.
Applicants must be able to drive content on television, on the web, and on social media outlets. 6 Years of news producing experience is required. Prior management experience is preferable.
Please send resumes to News Director Steve Hyvonen at shyvonen@wkmg.com
Morning Executive Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:
Do you have what it takes to succeed at a #1 news operation with a strong commitment to morning news? WRAL, the dominant television station in the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville market, is seeking a talented Morning News Executive Producer to oversee 4.5 hours of content.
We are looking for a leader who will guide the morning producers, anchors, reporters, photographers, assignment desk, and production crew to produce fresh, compelling and creative newscasts. This person will supervise the writing and showcasing of all morning content including weather and traffic. We are looking for a star with outstanding communication skills and superb news judgment who has a proven track record with breaking news. If you have a passion for morning news, an eye for detail, and the ability to achieve big-picture goals, this is the job for you.
WRAL is locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a community-oriented company that offers some of the best benefits in the business. Requirements include five years of experience in producing newscasts and/or previous news management experience, a four-year college degree and a pre-employment drug screening. All candidates must apply online at www.cbc-raleigh.com.
EOE M/F. All Capitol Broadcasting Company properties are tobacco free.
CLOSING: September 10, 2012
It is the policy of the company to be fair and impartial in all relations with employees and applicants for employment. No person will be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, religion, age, sex, military status, national origin, physical/mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.
Newscast Producer, WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC:
Would you like to work for a news operation with a commitment to excellence and the resources you need to succeed? WRAL, the dominant television station in the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville market, is seeking a strong news producer to oversee fast-paced newscasts.
The Producer will review all the news stories for grammar, accuracy, and fairness. During the newscast, this person is responsible for timing stories, weather, and sports to ensure the newscast ends on time; coordinates breaking news stories; and leads the production crew in the control room to make sure the newscast is executed cleanly on the air. We’re looking for a person with outstanding leadership and communication skills, proven writing ability, a vision for graphics, and a passion for memorable, creative newscasts. If you are a strong decision-maker capable of managing multiple live shots, writing compelling copy and producing top-notch newscasts, this is the job for you.
WRAL is locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a stable, community-oriented company that offers some of the best benefits in the business. Two years of television news producing experience, a four-year college degree, and a pre-employment drug screening are required. All candidates must apply online at www.cbc-raleigh.com.
EOE M/F. All Capitol Broadcasting Company properties are tobacco free.
It is the policy of the company to be fair and impartial in all relations with employees and applicants for employment. No person will be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, religion, age, sex, military status, national origin, physical/mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KING-TV, Seattle, WA (listed 7/13/12)
KATU-TV, Portland, OR (listed 8/5/12)
KVUE-TV, Austin, TX (listed 9/1/12)
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI (listed 8/12/12)
WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge, LA (listed 7/13/12)
WCTI-TV, Greenville/New Bern, NC (relisted 6/1/12)
KRCR-TV, Redding, CA (listed 8/5/12)
EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER:
KDFW-TV, Dallas, TX (Morning EP, relisted 7/7/12)
KMSP-TV, Minneapolis/St. Paul. MN (AM EP, listed 7/28/12)
WKMG-TV, Orlando, FL (relisted 9/1/12, see ad above!)
KPTV/KPDX-TV, Portland, OR (Nightside EP, listed 7/28/12)
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, NC (AM EP, listed 9/1/12, see ad above!)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Morning EP, relisted 8/12/12)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (Special Projects EP, relisted 8/12/12)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 7/7/12)
WPTV, W. Palm Beach, FL (Nightside EP, listed 8/18/12)
WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA (AM & PM EPs, listed 8/12/12)
KRQE-TV, Albuquerque, NM (listed 7/20/12)
WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, FL (Evening EP, relisted this week, see ad above!)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (relisted 8/24/12)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (relisted 7/7/12)
WHAM-TV, Rochester, NY (Dayside EP, relisted 8/18/12)
WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY (listed 9/1/12)
KFVS-TV, Cape Girardeau, MO (listed 6/29/12)
WCYB-TV, Bristol, TN (relisted 6/24/12)
KOLO-TV, Reno, NV (Morning EP, listed 8/18/12)
MANAGING EDITOR:
KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA (listed 9/1/12, see new ad above!)
Obituaries:
I’m sorry to report the death of LISA BRADFIELD, wife of longtime KWTX-TV (Waco, TX) News Director RICK BRADFIELD. She was 56 and died of complications from pancreatic cancer. In addition to Rick, she is survived by their son, her father and stepmother. Rick spent 17 years as ND for KWTX and is now Managing Editor of web operations for the station and teaches part-time at Baylor. A kind note of sympathy would reach him at: rick.bradfield@kwtx.com
Situations Wanted:
Our Situations Wanted listings are free. If you’d like to state your case to a well targeted audience, email me an item (max. 100 words). You may include a link to a website, an email address, and a photo. You must include your name. I’ll run it for one week. I don’t represent or endorse those listed, but merely trying to help.
Meet Irv Kass:
Kass
Experienced news director is available for interim leadership assignments. With more than two decades in the newsroom, I offer mature leadership for organizations in transition. Follow this link, irvseyeview.blogspot.com, to find out why it might make sense for your organization.
Thank you. Irv Kass, irvmka@gmail.com.
Names in the News:
Two management moves at KENS-TV in San Antonio. BRYAN ECKERT returns to KENS as the Assistant ND. He’s currently the Managing Editor at KWTV in Oklahoma City. (Full disclosure: Bryan worked for me when I was the ND at WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, MI.) And LE’ONDRE HARRIS is joining the station as an Executive Producer. She currently works at the Weather Channel.
Former News Director GREG SCHIEFERSTEIN started this week as the new EP for WTVG-TV in Toledo. Greg most recently has been the Managing Editor for WIFR-TV in Rockford, IL. His work history includes time as News Director for WAGT-TV in Augusta, GA, KPAX-TV in Missoula, MT, KPVI-TV in Idaho Falls, and KTVH-TV in Helena, MT. He’s also worked in Montgomery, Al, Seattle, and Fort Smith, AR.
Our Full List of News Director Openings:
Here is my list of stations with open ND jobs, as of Sunday, September 9, 2012.
If you know of any additions/deletions/updates, please email me at: rick@rickgevers.com
KVEA-TV 3000 W. Alameda Ave. Burbank CA 91523
WTXF-TV 330 Market St. Philadelphia PA 19106
WRC-TV 4001 Nebraska Ave. NW Washington DC 20016
KNXV-TV 515 N. 44th St. Phoenix AZ 85008
WKYC-TV 1333 Lakeside Ave. Cleveland OH 44114
WISH-TV 1950 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46202
KSHB-TV 4720 Oak Street Kansas City MO 64112
WISN-TV 759 N. 19th St. Milwaukee WI 53233
WSPA-TV 250 International Drive Spartansburg SC 29303
WPBF-TV 3970 RCA Blvd., #7007 Palm Beach Gardens FL 33410
KSNV-TV 1500 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas NV 89101
WPMT-TV 2005 S. Queen Street York PA 17403
WTLV/WJXX 1070 E. Adams St. Jacksonville FL 32202
KOTV 302 S. Frankfort St. Tulsa OK 74120
KSNW-TV 833 N. Main Wichita, KS 67203
KOLR/KOZL 2650 E. Division Springfield MO 65803
KRBK-TV (apply to corporate) Springfield, MO
WJHL-TV 338 E. Main St. Johnson City TN 37601
WNCT-TV 3221 S. Evans St. Greenville NC 27834
KHGI-TV 13 S. Highway 44 Kearney NE 66848
WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee FL 32309
KBOI-TV 140 N. 16th St. Boise ID 83702
KVLY/KXJB 1350 21st Ave. S. Fargo ND 58107
WTVO/WQRF 1917 N. Meridian Rd. Rockford IL 61101 (see ad above!)
KNOE-TV 1400 Oliver Rd. Monroe, LA 71211
KQDS-TV 2001 London Rd. Duluth MN 55812
WICU/WSEE 3514 State St. Erie PA 16508
WVNS-TV 141 Old Cline Rd. Ghent WV 25843
WETM-TV 101 E. Water St. Elmira NY 14901
KKCO-TV 2325 Interstate Ave. Grand Junction CO 81505
KGNS-TV 120 W. Delmar Blvd. Laredo TX 78045
KFBB-TV 3012 Highwoods Blvd. Great Falls MT 59403
KGWN-TV 2923 E. Lincolnway Cheyenne WY 82001