Rick’s Weekly Newsletter | Rick Gevers & Associates

May 13, 2024

Greetings:

Apologies for our late delivery this week.

We always enjoy reporting the promotion of a news director to a GM’s job, particularly when it’s a top 25 market.

And such a move created ONE of our THREE new ND openings this week, while we can tell you about ONE new ND. Our list now stands at 41 openings, with ONE of those jobs featured in a Paid Help wanted ad.

Want to save some money? The discount for RTDNA registration expries this week. Check out the ad below, as well as the new interview opportunities from SciLine.

TWO GM changes this week (one is the ND to GM move teased above). That’s below.

There are TWO obituaries: one for a former group owner and the other for a former Orlando GM.

TWO local stations won Peabody Awards this week: Congrats to them …the full list is below. A hyperlocal news operation serving two markets is shutting down, but you might be able to find some good candidates for openings. And a former large market anchor turned small market news director has written a new book.

All that and more below.

Newly Named News Director:

Aaron

KFSM-TV, Ft. Smith, AR…MICHAEL AARON is the new ND for this Tegna owned CBS station. The news release is here and details his background. He’s been the Assistant ND there, and replaces MORGAN SCHWAB who held the title of Director of Content. She kept that title when she was transferred to KSDK-TV (NBC) in St. Louis earlier this year.

Expert interview: Summer skin health and safety

Thursday, May 23 (11 a.m.-1 p.m. EDT) on Zoom

Dr. Adewole “Ade” Adamson, from the University of Texas at Austin, will be available for interviews on Thursday, May 23, from 11 am-1 pm ET. He can discuss:

The relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer;
Advice for avoiding sun-related skin damage (including sunburns, appearance changes, and cancer);
Whether people with different skin tones should take different precautions;
The use of artificial intelligence in skin cancer diagnosis; and more.

RESERVE YOUR INTERVIEW

Expert interview: Wild pigs

Thursday, May 23 (2-4 p.m. EDT) on Zoom

Dr. John “Jack” Mayer, from the Savannah River National Laboratory, will be available for interviews on Thursday, May 23, from 2-4 p.m. EDT. He can discuss:

Where wild pigs live, and why their range is expanding so quickly;
The implications of their arrival in new places;
The types of damage they cause; and
Strategies and tools for managing wild pigs—and how well they work

RESERVE YOUR INTERVIEW

More from SciLine:

Interview an expert (15-minute slots on Zoom):

May 30 (2-4 p.m. EDT): Methane emissions (Dr. Amy Townsend-Small, U. of Cincinnati)
June 13 (2-4 p.m. EDT): Climate change and American lobsters (Dr. Damian Brady, U. of Maine)
June 27 (2-4 p.m. EDT): Outdoor air quality and wildfire smoke (Dr. Tracey Holloway, U. of Wisconsin-Madison)

SciLine, a philanthropically funded, free service for reporters, also runs a free expert matching service that connects reporters rapidly to scientist-sources on deadline.

New News Director Openings:

KGW-TV, Portland, OR…congratulations to GREG RETSINAS who’s being promoted to President and General Manager of this Tegna owned NBC affiliate. He’s been the news director there for the past five years, and has worked there since 2014 when he first joined as the director of digital media. Much more in this Tegna news release.

Spectrum News, Texas…Austin, TX…LARISSA HALL CARTWRIGHT is leaving after more than four years on the job. Her LinkedIn profile has more on her career. Based in Austin, she oversaw news operations of 24/7 newsrooms in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. The company is looking for her replacement: You can learn more and how to apply in the paid help wanted ad below.

KWKT-TV, Waco, TX…DEAN WETHERBEE is leaving this Nexstar owned FOX affiliate after more than seven years as news director. His last day is May 31st. Dean’s worked in a wide variety of market sizes.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

Senior Director of News, Spectrum News, Texas:

Local news has never been more important or impactful. Are you a seasoned newsroom leader with an eye for strategy and a passion for local journalism? Do you value helping those around you reach their potential? Apply to be a Sr. Director of News at Spectrum News!

As the Sr. Director of News, you have the chance to set the strategy for a 24/7 local news network covering Texas, shaping the future of local news in the process. The Sr. Director of News is the most senior newsroom leader, responsible for all editorial and news programming to help keep local communities across the Lone Star State informed.

Based out of our Austin newsroom, the Sr. Director of News runs operations, talent management, budget planning, production, and more across three newsrooms – Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.

In addition to editorial strategy, the Sr. Director of News is a strong leader of people, continuously elevating performance and raising the bar across the networks. By exchanging consistent, constructive feedback on programming, this role guides an approximately 100-person team in covering everything from breaking news and weather forecasts to deep dives, beat journalism, and special programming.

Your reliability and guidance through all phases of the employee lifecycle will drive a positive and cohesive work environment. Through your out-of-the-box ideas and robust leadership, you will deliver elevated storytelling to your local audiences.

Sound intriguing?

Apply here:

Questions?

Please reach out to Mike Bothwell to discuss: Mike.bothwell@charter.com

Other News Management Openings:

ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:

KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (relisted 4/14/24)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (listed 4/21/24)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (relisted 4/28/24)
WBIR-TV, Knoxville, TN (listed 4/21/24)
WDKY-TV, Lexington, KY (listed 4/14/24)
WLTX-TV, Columbia, SC (relisted 3/24/24)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (relished 4/14/24)
WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN & VA (listed 4/28/24)
KWEX-TV, Midland, TX (listed 4/7/24)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

WPIX-TV, New York, NY (listed 4/21/24)
KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, CA (relisted 4/14/24)
WFMZ-TV, Allentown, PA (Philadelphia market, listed 4/7/24)
KHOU-TV, Houston, TX (listed 3/15/24)
WDCA-TV, Washington, DC (listed 3/15/24)
KPNX-TV, Phoenix, AZ (listed 3/15/24)
WSNN-TV, Sarasota, FL (listed 4/14/24)
WFLA-TV, Tampa, FL (listed 5/5/24)
WTSP-TV, Tampa/St. Petersburg (AM EP, relisted 3/15/24)
KUSA-TV, Denver, CO (relisted 3/15/24)
KCRA-TV, Sacramento, CA (listed 4/7/24)
KATU-TV, Portland, OR (Digital EP, listing modified 4/21/24)
Spectrum News 1, Raleigh NC (listed 5/12/24)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (listed 4/14/24)
WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, IN (AM EP, relisted 3/15/24)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 5/5/24)
KSWB/KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (listed 3/15/24)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (AM EP, relisted 3/15/24)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (relisted 3/15/24)
WTNH-TV, Hartford, CT (relisted 5/5/24)
WLWT-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 4/7/24)
WSPA/WYCW-TV, Spartanburg, SC (Lifestyle EP, listed 5/12/24)
WGAL-TV, Lancaster, PA (listed 4/7/24)
WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA (relisted 4/28/24)
WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA (AM EP, (relisted 3/15/24)
WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, NC (Weekend EP, listing revised 4/7/24)
WLKY-TV, Louisville, KY (PM EP, listed 4/7/24)
KRQE-TV, Albuquerque, NM (Nightside EP, listed 4/21/24)
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 3/15/24)
WINK-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (Senior EP, listed 3/10/24)
WFTX-TV, Ft. Myers, FL (listed 5/5/24)
KVEO/KGBT-TV, Harlingen, TX (relisted 5/5/24)
KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO (Digital EP, relisted 4/28/24)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted 4/14/24)
WKBT-TV, LaCrosse/Eau Claire, WI (listed 4/7/24)
KRIS-TV, Corpus Christi, TX (relisted 4/28/24)

MANAGING EDITOR:

WXIA-TV, Atlanta, GA (listed 3/17/24)
WJYZ-TV, Charlotte, NC (listed 3/17/24)

More News Management Openings:

Listed 5/13/24:

WTWO/WAVW-TV, Terre Haute, IN (News Assignments Manager)

Listed 5/5/24:

WJW-TV, Cleveland, OH (News Assignments Manager)

Listed 4/28/24:

KSDK-TV, St. Louis, MO (Digital Director)

Listed 3/17/24:

WXIA-TV, Atlanta, GA (Director of Special Projects)
WTIC-TV, Hartford, CT (Digital Director)

Relisted 3/17/24:

WATN-TV, Memphis, TN (Director of Digital Content)
WBNS-TV, Columbus, OH (Director of Digital Content)

Listed 3/10/24:

KXXV/KRHD-TV. Waco/Bryan, TX

Obituaries:

Pappas

HARRY PAPPAS, whose company Pappas Telecasting started with one station in Fresno, CA, and grew to own more than 30 stations died in late April. He was 78 years old and his stations played a role in the growth of both the FOX and +CW Networks. Learn more in this story.

KATHLEEN KEEFE, a one time GM for WKMG-TV in Orlando, died May 1. She was 68 years old. She also served as VP of Sales for both Hearst Television and Post-Newsweek stations. This obituary has more about her career. Kathleen is survived by five siblings, including WANF-TV (Atlanta) reporter BRENDAN KEEFE who remembered his sister in this Facebook post.

Names in the News (and other stuff):

Congratulations to KXAS-TV (NBC Owned) in Dallas/Ft. Worth and Scripps’ WTVF-TV (CBS) in Nashville. Those stations were the only local stations honored with Peabody Awards this week. The complete list of winners among all categories is here.

Cox Media Group is pulling the plug on Neighborhood TV, its hyperlocal streaming news service serving Atlanta and Charlotte, citing what head of content MARK NEERMAN described as not meeting an “accelerated monetization goal.” Read Mark’s Linkedin post where he explains more and is trying to find jobs for this staff. Not familiar with NeighborhoodTV? The website is still active and has more.

Becker

One time news director (though far better known as a large market anchor) ROSS BECKER is the latest newsperson to author a book. It’s called “What You Saw and What You Didn’t: The Stories Behind 50 Years of Broadcast Journalism & What You Can Learn From Them.” Learn more about it and where you can buy a copy by clicking here.

General Manager News and Notes:

Tegna filled TWO GM spots this week.

We told you above that ND GREG RETSINAS was promoted to the top job at the company’s Portland, OR, NBC affiliate, KGW-TV. Also, DAVID LOVING was named GM for CBS affiliate KHOU-TV in Houston, TX. He’s been the GM for Tegna’s WOI-TV in Des Moines.

Our List of Open News Director jobs:

Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Monday, May 13, 2024:

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 Bronx/Brooklyn, 930 Soundview Ave. Bronx, NY 10473
WFLD-TV 205 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601
WLS-TV 190 N State St. Chicago, IL, 60601
WFXT-TV 25 Fox Dr. Dedham, MA 02026
WXIA-TV One Monroe Place NE Atlanta, GA 30324
WRC-TV 4001 Nebraska Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016
KGW-TV 1501 SW Jefferson Street Portland, OR 97201
KTVI/KPLR-TV 2250 Ball Drive St. Louis, MO 63146
WZTV 631 Mainstream Drive Nashville, TN 37228
KUTV 299 South Main Street, #150 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Spectrum News Texas (based in Austin, TX, see ad above!)
WDAF-TV 3030 Summit Kansas City, MO 64108
WTIC-TV 285 Broad Street Hartford, CT 06115
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street Norfolk VA 23510
WOLF-TV 1181 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 (News Manager)
WHAS-TV 520 W. Chestnut St. Louisville, KY 40202
WNYT-TV 715 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12204
KITV 801 South King Street | Honolulu, HI 96813
WZDX-TV 1309 N. Memorial Parkway Huntsville, AL 35801
KWKT-TV 8803 Woodway Dr., Woodway, TX 76712
WTOC-TV 1511 Chatham Center Dr. Savannah, GA 31405
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KLEW-TV 2626 17th St, Lewiston, ID 83501
KYTX-TV 2211 ESE Loop 323. Tyler, TX 75701
KNDU/KNDO-TV 216 W. Yakima Ave. Yakima, WA 98902
WGXA-TV 599 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Macon, GA 31201
KHSL-TV 3460 Silverbell Rd. Chico, CA 95973
KDRV-TV 1090 Knutson Ave. Medford, OR 97504A
KXMB-TV 1811 N 15th St. Bismarck, ND 58501
KOSA-TV 4101 E. 42nd. Suite J-7. Odessa, TX. 79761
KIFI-TV 1915 N. Yellowstone Hwy. Idaho Falls, ID 83401
WTWO-TV 10849 N US Highway 41, Farmersburg, IN 47850
WDTV 5 Television Dr. Bridgeport, WV 26330
WTVY-TV 285 North Foster St., Dothan, AL 36303
WGEM-TV 513 Hampshire Quincy, IL 62301
WWNY-TV 120 Arcade St. Watertown, NY 13601
KGNS-TV 120 W. Del Mar Blvd. Laredo TX 78041
KMVT-TV 1100 Blue Lakes Blvd. N. Twin Falls, ID 83301
KGWN-TV, 2923 E. Lincolnway. Cheyenne, WY 82001
KYOU-TV 820 West 2nd Street; Ottumwa, IA 52501
KQTV 4000 Faraon St. Joseph, MO 64506

**: Spanish language station

May 6, 2024

Sunday, May 12, 2024:

The week’s edition will be posted sometime Monday morning. Apologies for the delay.

Sunday, May 5, 2024 UPDATE:

Greetings:

Godwin

Rarely do we post an UPDATE moments after sending out the full newsletter, but we just learned that KIM GODWIN is leaving ABC News where she has been President for the last three years.

The Los Angeles Times has more here and this link will take you to the New York Times story.

I am sure you will see much more on this in the days ahead.

regards,

Rick Gevers

**** **** ****

Greetings:

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

In this week’s report, TWO new openings and NO new NDs, so our list of openings grows to 39. There’s ONE paid help wanted ad for an assistant ND job.

Check out the ad just below for June’s RTDNA conference…you can get a registration discount if you book in next few days. And Sciline is back with some new interview opportunities.

TWO GM changes this week and a new station manager at a California station.

There’s ONE obituary for a former CEO who was well known for hugging employees. In a good way.

Our Names in the News section has details on some new titles for News Nation execs and an honor for a Sinclair exec and former ND.

Read on and enjoy your week.Newly Named News Directors:

As far as I know, no new news directors were hired this week. If you know something I missed, please let me know via email: rick@rickgevers.com

SciLine briefing: Climate change and agriculture

Pests, pathogens, and pollinators

Monday, April 29 (3-4 p.m. EDT) – Zoom

SciLine’s next briefing will cover how climate change is affecting U.S. agricultural production through mechanisms beyond heat and drought. Topics will include the links between climate change and growing pest populations, damaging crop pathogens, and pollinator declines. Three scientists will make brief presentations and then take questions on the record. SciLine Director Rick Weiss will moderate the briefing.

Panelists:

Dr. Jan Leach, Colorado State University
Dr. Hannah Burrack, Michigan State University
Dr. Margarita López-Uribe, Penn State University

REGISTER TODAY

More from SciLine:

Interview an expert (15-minute slots on Zoom):

Apr. 29 (1-3 p.m. EDT): PFAS in water supplies (Dr. Jessica Ray, U. of Washington) – Waitlist available
May 15 (1-3 p.m. EDT): Rooftop solar incentives (Dr. Severin Borenstein, UC Berkeley)
May 23 (2-4 p.m. EDT): Wild pigs (Dr. John “Jack” Mayer, Savannah River National Laboratory)
May 30 (2-4 p.m. EDT): Methane emissions (Dr. Amy Townsend-Small, U. of Cincinnati
June 13 (2-4 p.m. EDT): Climate change and American lobsters (Dr. Damian Brady, U. of Maine)

Upcoming training:

May 6 (2-3 p.m. EDT): Crash course: science essentials for local reporters

Upcoming briefing:

May 7 (2-3 p.m. EDT): Reporting on opinion polls and surveys

SciLine, a philanthropically funded, free service for reporters, also runs a free expert matching service that connects reporters rapidly to scientist-sources on deadline.

New News Director Openings:

Herman

WTKR-TV, Norfolk, VA…ALLISON HERMAN has left this Scripps owned CBS affiliate after about 18 months as news director. She served as the assistant ND there for about a year before being promoted to the top job. She’s worked in a number of other markets: her Linkedin page has more. Allison’s replacement here will be the fourth news director in three years.

KITV, Honolulu, HI…this Allen Media Group owned ABC affiliate is looking for a new news director to replace BILL BRENNAN who was promoted to the job last July. He had been the managing editor there.

Paid Help Wanted Ad:

Assistant News Director, WCYB-TV, Tri-Cities, TN & VA:

The mountains are calling…and so is an awesome opportunity!

News 5 WCYB (NBC) located in the beautiful Appalachian Highlands region of Southwest Virginia/Northeast Tennessee is seeking a “rock star” Assistant News Director to join our news management team.

Your singing voice is less important to us than your ability to help mentor, coach, and inspire. If creating unique, point-of-difference content on all platforms and rising above the “sea of sameness” is your passion, we want to hear from you.

If you’re a music lover, don’t fret! You can spend your free time checking out the incredible exhibits and performances at the nearby Birthplace of Country Music Museum, travel Virginia’s famous “Crooked Road’ and visit the Carter Family Fold to learn about and appreciate the rich musical history that’s helped put our region on the map.

For those who live “life in the fast lane,” you’ll want to experience the world’s fastest half-mile at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The amazing scenery here will provide the perfect setting to enjoy “leaf season” with breathtaking colors in full bloom, hiking, fishing, and cruising along area lakes. If you like to roll the dice on new opportunities, we bet you will also enjoy checking out the Hard Rock Casino Bristol.

It all adds up to a work hard, play hard environment that’s ideal for an Executive Producer, Senior Producer or Managing Editor, looking to take that next career step at a place you can proudly call home.

Learn more and apply by clicking here: