Tipsters tell TVSpy Richards was let go after a visit by Cordillera Communications executives who blamed poor ratings for her dismissal.

TVSpy has also been told Hollis Grizzard will be the interim news director for the station.  Grizzard is currently a senior strategist for Audience Research and Development, LLC in Fort Worth, TX, which bills itself as,”The Premier Local Media Company.”

Multiple attempts by TVSpy to reach general manager Tim Noble for comment have been unsuccessful.

[newsblues.com]

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

WGN

Channel 9 news director Greg Caputo said the station’s helicopter “was close by and was the first news helicopter to arrive on the scene. Based on police radio traffic, several officers in the area were similarly alarmed that there was a plane crash.  We contacted Chicago police, Chicago fire, and the FAA seeking information.  All of those public agencies said they had no knowledge of a plane crash.  But none of them said that it was a scene from a movie.

“Our previous experience with movies and TV shows filming in Chicago is that they inform the community that something is happening,” he added. “Since we had no such advisory, our news team began to describe the scene they could see from our helicopter shot.  Other major stations in Chicago were on network news at that time.”  continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

According to the Enquirer, Van, who came to WKRC with Newport in 2008, told staffers,

“With the sale of Local 12 nearly complete I wanted to let you all know I will be leaving the station when the transaction is closed, which is scheduled to be this weekend. Working with each of you has been a pleasure and a privilege. I have learned so much from you!!!

“Your skills and passion for what you do helps set this station apart. Your accomplishments at Local 12 make this one of the best TV stations in the country. Being a small part of its rich history is something for which I will always take great pride…. Best and THANK YOU ALL for everything.”

WKRC is part of the station sell-off by Newport Television’s owner, Providence Equity Partners, which announced in March its intentions to shed all of Newport’s 56 stations.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Brian Bracco

“Brian Bracco will provide strong leadership at KSHB,” said Brian Lawlor, senior vice president of television for Scripps. “He is vastly qualified to motivate and inspire his staff to become the go-to source for news and investigations in the market. He also will lead the charge for creative sales solutions for current and future customers.”

Before working for Hearst, Bracco had been news director for KMBC in Kansas City.  He also worked previously at local stations in Wichita, KS, Columbus, OH, and Birmingham, AL.

[Broadcasting & Cable]

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

WNBC reporter Jonathan Vigliotti spent the night with a family in Breezy Point, Queens, where a large portion of the residents are still without power, heat or running water a month after Hurricane Sandy (video above).

Vigliotti bunked with a couple and their dog, who have been sleeping in sleeping bags, using lanterns for light and flushing their toilets with bottled water. Many homes in the Breezy Point neighborhood were destroyed when a fire ripped through the town during the Hurricane, but Vigliotti reports the residents still have a positive attitude.

“They realize they have lost so much, but they are fortunate, they say,” he said.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Alexis Vance

Vance had a chance to say thanks to the KSAZ news team before they danced her off “Gangnam Style” in the Friday Dance Break segment.  You can watch the video of her goodbye and subsequent dance party after the jump.

“Last day and last dance,” said Vance surrounded by the morning news team.  “But thank you guys for five wonderful years. Five wonderful years.  It’s been so, so, such a special time.  Such a special time.”

Vance joined KSAZ in 2007 as a reporter for the morning and noon shows.  She previously worked in El Paso, TX and Rapid City, South Dakota. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Chicago CW affiliate WGN spent a few minutes during Friday’s morning newscast in breaking news mode, reporting on a small plane that had crashed on King Drive in Chicago. The only problem: the plane crash was actually being staged for the filming of a television show and was not breaking news at all.

After spending a few minutes ad-libbing the aerial shot of the crash — “can you imagine, you’re driving down King Drive and a plane just comes down in the middle of the road?” Robin Baumgarten said — the two anchors paused briefly as they were informed via IFB that the station had been fooled (video above).

“We are just getting word that this is being shot as part of a TV show,” Larry Potash said. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

John Humphries

Humphries comes from WYFF, Hearst’s NBC affiliate in Greenville, S.C., where he has been director of sales since 2006. He succeeds Paul Quinn, who announced his retirement in September.

“John brings a diverse background in news, multiplatform sales, and management to his new role at the helm of the leading TV station in the Lancaster-Harrisburg market,” Hearst Television president and CEO David J. Barrett said in a statement. “He has the experience and vision to help build upon the outstanding legacy of Paul Quinn and the WGAL team.” continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“Thank you New Mexico for all the memories!” Mahan wrote on Facebook. “Today is bittersweet and I will always treasure my time here.”

Mahan, who joined the station in 2008, co-anchors the morning newscast. She has previously worked at WLNE in Providence, KJCT in Grand Junction and KTVE in Monroe.

No word yet on where she is headed. [h/t NewsBlues]

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Colli, a Connecticut native, joined the Hartford Fox affiliate as a general assignment reporter in 2010.

“I had a great experience at Fox CT and I’ll be forever grateful to [News Director] Coleen Marren and [General Manager] Rich Graziano for giving me this opportunity and the same to all the great people who work there and have become friends,” Colli told The Laurel.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

The opportunity to be in the same room as top media executives and learn from their strategies doesn’t come around often. Our events will explore the full spectrum of technical and business opportunities both within and beyond the realm of social media, television, and marketing.

Prices increase onsite, so purchase your pass before Monday, December 3.

You’ll discuss which social media platform holds the most opportunity in 2013 and the practices that marketers and brands are adopting to generate engagement, increase awareness, and reach their key demographics. You’ll also be able to pitch questions to our speakers using the hashtag #AllFacebookConf.

View the full speaker roster here.

Remember to register before Monday! You’ll also save big (almost $600) when you register for additional access to Inside Social Apps and Media App Summit, both on December 3, with a Super Combo Pass. Learn more here.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

I’m thinking about banning all #LindsayLohan stories @wusa9

— Fred D’Ambrosi (@9NewsDirector) November 29, 2012

The station retweeted D’Ambrosi’s tweet, asking for feedback, and after a positive response D’Ambrosi decided to go through with it.

OK.Due to popular demand, we just killed the :20 #LindsayLohan story in @wusa9 @5.The people have spoken!

— Fred D’Ambrosi (@9NewsDirector) November 29, 2012

D’Ambrosi said the ban is just for today, saying you “never know what (Lohan) will do next!”

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

This week, WRNN is hiring a line producer, as well as a director. Meanwhile, KRON needs an executive producer, and News 12 The Bronx is on the hunt for a manager of studio operations. Get the scoop on these openings and more below, and find additional just-posted gigs on Mediabistro.

• Line Producer WRNN (Port Chester, NY)
• Director WRNN (Rye Brook, NY)
• Executive Producer KRON (San Francisco, CA)
• Manager, Studio Operations News 12 The Bronx (Bronx, NY)
• C-25-12 All Platform Journalist Georgia Public Broadcasting (Atlanta, GA)

Find more great TV jobs on the TVSpy job board. Looking to hire? Tap into our network of talented TVSpy pros and post a risk-free job listing. For real-time openings and employment news, follow @MBJobPost.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

New York stations were prepping their morning newscasts Thursday morning when Lindsay Lohan was arrested in Chelsea for allegedly assaulting a woman at a nightclub shortly after 4amET.

WCBS and WABC both reported the news at 5:33 a.m. WCBS reported the actress was “being questioned in an altercation.” WBAC reported Lohan has been arrested and said a WABC crew was on the way to the police station.

WNBC and WNYW both reported the news at 5:41 a.m., with WNBC citing TMZ. WPIX, reporting the news at 5:42 a.m., already had Mike Gilliam live from the 10th precinct in Chelsea, the first reporter on the scene. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Hank Allen

“Hank has been an integral part of our weather team. Hank doesn’t scare viewers with doomsday weather forecasts,” news director Rick Erbach said in a statement. “He’s a straight shooter and he does what it takes to calmly walk viewers through severe weather events.”

Allen, who joined the station in 2007, will continue in his role as the meteorologist for the morning and 11 a.m. newscasts. He replaces Bruce Katz, who left WGNO for rival WVUE last month.

WGNO also announced the hire of meteorologist Jeff Robbins. Robbins moves to New Orleans from Harrisburg, Pa., where he worked at Fox affiliate WPMT. He begins December 2 as the meteorologist for “News with a Twist,” WGNO’s 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts, and the 10 p.m. newscast. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.