November 7, 2021
Friday, November 12, 2021 UPDATE:
Greetings:
A top 25 market finds its next news director across the street.
Caruso
WRTV (Scripps/ABC) in Indianapolis has hired MAUREEN JENNINGS CARUSO as its next news director.
She’s a Central Indiana native who is currently the Assistant News Director for WTTV/WXIN-TV (Nexstar/CBS/FOX) here in Indianapolis. She first joined WXIN in 2013 as an EP and was promoted to Assistant ND for both stations in 2016.
Here’s the note from GM LANA DURBAN-SCOTT to the staff.
She’s also worked for WGN-TV and CLTV in Chicago and in South Bend.
At WRTV, she replaces TERRI COPE-WALTON who left to become GM for Graham Media’s independent station in Jacksonville, FL, WJXT-TV. Terri was ND for WRTV for eight years.
We’ll have more details in our full (and busy) newsletter this weekend.
**** ***** ****
Greetings:
In our never-ending efforts to overuse sports clinches, this week we have a Daily Double.
TWO stations in the Rochester/Austin, MN, market have ND openings this week, with the departure of a longtime ND who’s been an ND in TWO top three markets.
That new opening is one of FIVE new ones this week, with THREE new NDs making out list.
You know what that means…an uptick in the number of open ND jobs. This week: 42 stations on our list.
ONE of those openings is featured among our THREE Paid Help Wanted Ads.
NO obituaries for the second consecutive week. I like that.
Also for the second week in a row, just ONE new GM to report.
And just THREE items in Names in the News: A veteran broadcaster (both a multi market GM and consultant) offers his thoughts on the discussions on the challenges facing the business. And he points our there’s just one person in each company who can change the problem.
Also: a large number of stations are finalists for duPont-Columbia awards, and a digital manager gets a promotion in Columbus, OH.
Newly Named News Directors:
KUVN-TV, Dallas, TX…a nice career move for CALIXTO GONZALEZ as he transfers from Assistant ND for Univision’s KWEX-TV in San Antonio to VP/News for another Univision station. He’s worked for KWEX for the last five years and replaces RAQUEL AMPARO who also made a nice career move: to VP/GM for CBS owned KTVK/KTXA-TV in Dallas.
Parrick
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO…MARK PARRICK is joining this Mission Broadcasting owned but operated by Nexstar CBS affiliate. He’s been the Assistant ND for WDSU-TV (Hearst-NBC) in New Orleans for the last five years, and has also worked in Kansas City, Tampa, Peoria, and the Quad Cities. At KOLR, he replaces LISSA HAMBLEN who left in October after three years as ND and 35 at the station (in two tenures).
Reyes
KINT-TV, El Paso, TX…BRENDA REYES continues an unusual career path as she is the new news director for this Entravision owned Univision affiliate. She first joined the station in 2009 as a weather anchor. When her newscast was cancelled, she moved into a producer position and has been the Assistant ND for the last three years. She replaces URIEL POSADA who went to KTRK-TV (ABC) in Houston as an EP.
New News Director Openings:
Sullivan
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX…AMY SULLIVAN is leaving this Nexstar owned NBC/CBS affiliate. I have been told she has a new ND job but have not confirmed, and we try to avoid rumors in this space. Amy’s been the ND here since January, 2020, and has earlier been an ND for another station in that market, as well as in Amarillo, She’s also worked in Wichita, Tulsa, and Alexandria, LA.
Gibson
KWWL-TV, Waterloo, IA…longtime news manager ALLISON GIBSON’s last day at this recently acquired by Allen Media owned NBC affiliate was Friday. She tells me she’s headed west to be closer to her family after the death of her mother last year. Allison has been the news director for KWWL for four years, spent 18 years as Assistant ND for News 12 New Jersey, and has also worked in Roanoke, South Bend, and Peoria.
Miller
KRCG-TV, Jefferson City/Columbia, MO…MARIA MILLER is leaving this Sinclair Broadcasting owned CBS affiliate after three years as news director. The move to KRCG was a promotion within Sinclair: she had been the Assistant News Director for the company’s WJAC-TV in Johnstown, PA. Maria worked there for seven years, beginning as a reporter and anchor.
Streeter
KXMB-TV, Bismarck, ND…TIA STREETER is leaving this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate after at least ten years (by my count) at the station. And hers is another case of a slightly different career path. Tia was the sports director for three years, then a news anchor, was promoted to executive producer, and has been news director for almost five years.
Hume
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN…another veteran newsman, CRAIG HUME is leaving this Hubbard owned ABC affiliate after two years as news director. General Manager RHONDA LaVELLE shared this note with her staff. Craig tells me he’ll share his ‘next adventure’ in the next few weeks. His Linkedin page details his experience, ranging from ND jobs in large markets (like Los Angeles and Chicago) to smaller ones like Las Vegas (twice) and Harrisburg, PA
Also, please check out the Paid Help Wanted ad just below for the vacancy at WTVG-TV, Gray’s ABC affiliate in Toledo, OH.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
Executive Producer, KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA:
Come work for The Walt Disney Company!
KFSN-TV/ABC30, the ABC Owned Station in Central California, is searching for its next Executive Producer. We want a proven leader who can help lead our award-winning news team. You’ll chase the big story, mentor young producers and reporters and collaborate with veteran storytellers who know and love this market.
This is a great opportunity for a large market producer looking to jump into management, or a small/medium market EP looking for their next opportunity. We work closely with the ABC Owned Stations in LA, San Francisco and other top markets across the country.
Fresno is affordable, and is a short drive away from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Yosemite, and California’s beautiful Central Coast.
News Director, WTVG-TV, Toledo, OH:
WTVG-TV (ABC) in Toledo, OH (DMA #80) is seeking a News Director.
13abc is the #1 news station in the market and our current News Director is retiring at the end of the year creating a huge opportunity for the right candidate.
Must be a strong competitive leader with excellent communication skills, a successful track record in coaching and developing news staff, and growing audience across all platforms. The ideal candidate must also have a passion for local news and digital media.
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field
– 3 to 5 years’ experience in television news management
– Outstanding knowledge of television news operations and other media platforms
WTVG is located in Northwestern Ohio. Our viewers and customers are extremely friendly and down-to-earth. We are a region of proud automotive workers home to Chrysler and GM plants. We are extremely passionate about our collegiate sports teams, including The Ohio State University Buckeyes, the University of Michigan Wolverines, the University of Toledo Rockets and the Bowling Green University Falcons. We enjoy our lakes, bays, and rivers. We are home to nationally award winning Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, and Metroparks!
If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people, just click here to learn more and apply.
Executive Producer, WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI:
WNEM, a Meredith Corporation TV station, is recruiting for an Executive Producer.
If you have a passion for producing high-energy, memorable shows and are super creative, this management job may be just for you. WNEM-TV is in search of an Executive Producer who will lead a team of producers, reporters, and photographers to deliver promotable, compelling, and well- written shows,.
The Executive Producer will work closely with the News Director and Assistant News Director to develop and implement strategies to improve product, while managing resources.
• Exercise strong news judgment and supervise news show rundowns
• Collaborate with producers on story selection, graphic elements, and pace and flow of news shows
• Brainstorm with staff on story ideas, showcasing and presentation
• Encourage innovation
• Work with News Director and Assistant News Director on promotable editorial calendar and any special events
• Must have strong copy editing skills
• Work closely with digital team, producers and reporters on creative content development following up on viewers story ideas via Facebook, Twitter and other online sources, as well as official sources
• Motivate staff and encourage “buy in” for station’s news brand, news strategies and action plans
• Must be able to fill-in as line producer when needed
• Other duties as assigned
You can learn more about this opportunity…and apply…by going to this web page.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, CA (Digital AND, listed 10/24/21)
WLS-TV, Chicago, IL (listed 10/3/21)
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA (listed 10/24/21)
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake, UT (new listing this week)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 10/24/21)
WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI (listed 10/3/21)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 10/24/21)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 10/3/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (relisted this week)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (relisted 10/31/21)
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, relisted 10/31/21)
KPRC-TV, Houston, TX (Morning EP, relisted 10/31/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, relisted 10/10/21)
KPHO/KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 9/26/21)
WWSB-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 9/12/21)
WSFL-TV, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (EP, Lifestyle Show, listed 10/3/21)
WESH-TV, Orlando, FL (listed 9/12/21)
Spectrum News, Charlotte, NC (listing revised 10/17/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (relisted 10/10/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KSWB-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 10/10/21)
KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT (listed 10/17/21)
KCTV, Kansas City, MO (AM EP, listed 10/3/21)
WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listed 9/26/21)
WDSU-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 9/12/21)
WGNO/WNOL-TV, New Orleans, LA (listed 10/10/21)
KFSN-TV, Fresno, CA (new listing this week, see ad above!)
WKRG-TV, Mobile, AL (AM EP, listed 10/31/21)
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, IA (listed 9/12/21)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (listed 9/12/21)
WOWK-TV, Charleston/Huntington, WV (new listing this week)
WNEM-TV, Saginaw, MI (listed 10/31/21, see ad above!)
WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 10/24/21)
WCIA-TV, Champaign, IL (AM EP, listed 10/24/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted 9/12/21)
WJCL-TV, Savannah, GA (listed 9/12/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (listed 10/24/21)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 9/12/21)
WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, FL (listed 10/17/21)
WSYM-TV, Lansing, MI (listed 10/24/21)
WHBF-TV, Rock Island, IL (Digital EP, listed 9/26/21)
KADN/KLAF-TV, Lafayette, LA (listed 10/3/21)
KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA (listed 10/3/21)
KTVZ-TV, Bend, OR (listed 10/10/21)
More News Management Openings:
Relisted 10/31/21
Spectrum Networks NY1 (Senior Mgr., News and Content)
Listed 10/24/21:
E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati, OH (Senior Director of Community Connection and Inclusive Journalism)
Relisted 10/10/21:
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 10/3/21:
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)
Names in the News:
Price
Longtime broadcaster HANK PRICE offers his thoughts on the continuing discussion on salaries, recruiting and retention this week in a piece he wrote for his regular column in TV NewsCheck. And he accurately points out that…by and large…only one person in a company can solve this issue. But will they? His column is here.
DuPont
The duPont-Columbia Awards announced its finalists this week. The local stations honored are WBBM-TV (CBS owned-Chicago), KNTV (NBC owned, San Francisco/San Jose), KNXV-TV (ABC-Scripps/Phoenix), KARE-TV (NBC-Tegna-Minneapolis), KUSA-TV (NBC-Tegna-Denver), KXTV (ABC-Tegna-Sacramento), and WVUE-TV (Fox/Gray/New Orleans). Check out the complete list of finalists here.
Hofmann
BRIAN HOFMANN has been promoted to Digital Director for Nexstar’s WCMH-TV (NBC) in Columbus, OH, He’s been a Digital EP there for a little more than a year, and previously worked for 23 years at newspapers in Columbus, Detroit, and Huntington, WV.
General Manager News and Notes:
Once again, just ONE GM move this week.
Longtime Texas broadcaster GREG McALISTER joins Gray’s KCBD-KLCW-TV (NBC/CW) in Lubbock as GM. He’s also worked in Corpus Christi and Victoria, TX. Details in this Gray news release.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, November 7, 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
WDCW-TV 2121 Wisconsin Ave. NW #350 Washington, DC 20007
WBTS-TV 189 B St., Needham, MA 02494
KPHO/KTVK-TV 5555 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013
KUVS-TV 1710 Arden Way Sacramento California 95815-5008 **
WRTV 1330 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
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
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701
KATV 401 Main St. Little Rock, AR 72201
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WBAY-TV 115 S Jefferson St Green Bay, WI 54301
WGBA-TV 1391 North Rd Green Bay, WI 54313
WFRV-TV 1181 E Mason Street Green Bay, WI 54301
WOI-TV 3903 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266
KHQ-TV 1201 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
KOLR-TV 2650 E. Division Springfield, MO 65803
WTVG-TV 4247 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43607 (see ad above!)
KVEO-TV 9201 W. Expressway 83. Harlingen, TX 78552 **
WSIL-TV 1416 Country Aire Dr. Carterville, IL 62918
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WAND-TV 904 South Side Dr. Decatur, IL 62521
KWWL-TV 511 E 5th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703
WRCB-TV 900 Whitehall Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37405
KNDO/KNDU 216 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902
KBAK-TV 1901 Westwind Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93301
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
KCBD-TV 5600 Avenue A Lubbock, TX 79404
KRCG-TV 10188 Old Highway 54 North. New Bloomfield, MO 65063
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KXMB-TV 1811 N 15th Street Bismarck, ND 58501
KAAL-TV 1320 Salem Road SW Rochester, MN 55902
KTTC-TV 6301 Bandel Road NW Rochester, MN 55901
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