No story too small

I'm can't be sure whether that Steve Landry, vice president of sales and marketing for Chrysler LLC, thought his speech to 100 students at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia would spread 'round the world. It did. Chrysler donated $100,000 for two scholarships, and the prodigal son Landry delivered the check and some words about Chrysler and its efforts to right the ship. The reporter wrote a solid piece - not a business story per se - and mentioned a few key points in his comments about the third-largest U.S. automaker. Chrysler was going to lose money in 2007, spending $65 billion and taking in $64 billion. And the automaker was going to trim eight models, going from 28 to 20. Through the magic of Google News Alerts - I can only assume - the Detroit Free Press picked up on this 12-inch missive and wrote a front-page story. You see, both admissions were pretty significant, as-yet-unannounced pieces of news. I picked it up too for Bloomberg, so did the Associated Press - which missed it completely when it was first written by the Halifax Daily News.

Virginia Broadcasting Jobs

WSET-TV in Lynchburg, Va., has the following openings:

Production Assistant PT (p.m. hours)
Primarily responsible for in-studio production assistance, including the operation of Camera, Audio, Chyron, or etc. as assigned by shift supervisor. Also responsible for field technician assistance for Creative Services as needed. Must be knowledgeable in the operation of personal computers. Basic understanding of audio-video components, some knowledge of electronics is preferred, but not necessary. Availability to cover all shifts as needed.

News Editor/Video-Journalist FT
The Video-Journalist position, with emphasis on Editing, is primarily responsible for gathering news by recording satellite and other remote transmissions, editing videotape of news, sports, and special features. The individual should be familiar with effective camera shooting techniques so they can shoot news stories, when needed. This person must display high journalistic standards and understand that the video credibility of the news operation is his/her responsibility with regard to stories that he or she may edit. The individual must be a good communicator, work well with others, and take direction from management regarding job performance and shooting/editing style and technique.

Essential Job Qualifications: Advanced Education in the field of Broadcast Journalism which has given the applicant the ability to perform the required functions of the job or equivalent broadcasting work experience, which has prepared the applicant to perform the required functions of the job. Demonstration of skills by performance in audition or aircheck, supported by references and pre-employment interviews. Available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and for extended periods of overtime, if needed. Able to control high stress periods and heavy workload. Valid Virginia Driver’s license within 30 days of employment. Knowledge of journalistic standards as they relate to on-air presentation of news stories. Accurate and comprehensive writing skills. Ability to act and react appropriately on camera. Ability to maintain professional personal appearance. Ability to lift and transport standard camera equipment. Available to travel overnight to off-site locations, including foreign destinations, for extended periods of time, if needed. Access to an automobile, if needed, for transportation.

Please apply in writing to Director of Human Resources, WSET-TV, P. O. Box 11588, Lynchburg, VA 24506-1588, or apply in person at WSET-TV, 2320 Langhorne Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. No phone calls please! EEO/M/F. (Applicants for positions in the News Department should submit a non-returnable VHS resume tape with letter, resume, and references.)

(notice received 11/21/07)

Ohio Copy Editor/Paginator Opening

The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, OH
Opening for a copy editor/paginator on the design desk. Experience with QuarkXPress required. The work schedule typically is 3-11 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. This is an aggressive morning daily and a great place to start on the page designer or editor/management ladder. Pay $20,000-$24,000 depending on experience and ability. Recent graduates welcome to apply.

Send cover letter, résumé and clips to Rob Weaver, editor, The Advertiser-Tribune, 320 Nelson St., Tiffin, OH 44883 or e-mail same to rweaver@advertiser-tribune.com.

(notice received 11/23/07)

Morning Anchor Position

Morning Anchor
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM
#1 rated morning news show, in Top 50 Market is looking for a dynamic, high-energy anchor to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a solid reporting background with excellent writing skills. Applicant must be able to handle breaking news with ease; and exercise good editorial judgment.

Creativity and passion are a must! Resume, including references & non-returnable VHS tape along with a cover letter stating where you found out about this job to: Sue Stephens, News Director, KOAT-TV, 3801 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Apply by December 21, 2007. Hiring decision anticipated on or about December 24, 2007.

(notice received 11/20/07)

Marketing Position in Columbus, Ohio

Marketing Coordinator
Dynamix Engineering Ltd., Columbus, OH

Responsibilities: Develop outline and strategy for proposals in conjunction with group leaders and marketing/public relations manager. Produce and/or oversee production of all materials required for proposals and presentations in conjunction with graphics specialist and/or studio marketing liaison. Create project organizational charts for proposals and presentations. Maintain and revise government format SF254/255 for proposals. Initiate, write and maintain project descriptions for use in proposals, award submissions, etc. Write content and oversee production of award submissions and general marketing materials. Initiate, write and maintain bios on firm personnel. Write and issue press releases on new employees, employee promotions, new projects and other activities/events deemed “promotable” by firm in conjunction with public relations manager. Coordinate media submissions for industry rankings. Write/edit text for firm promotional pieces. Maintain and update media list, distribute press releases, route placed articles. Develop concepts and assist in redesign of firm’s web site. Write copy as required to improve/update web site. Maintain web site as needed. Participate in studio project/proposal kick-off meetings. Attend weekly marketing department meetings. Attend monthly firm-wide marketing meetings. Participate in studio marketing meetings. Participate in SMPS. AIA and other professional organizations as appropriate. Assist studio leaders/studio marketing liaisons in research on prospective clients, teaming partners, market areas, etc. Assist in development of annual marketing plan and budget. Coordinate equipment and/or exhibit arrangements for trade shows and conference, oversee setup. Maintain subscription list; renew as required. Maintain archive of firm-related articles and activities. Provide input for internal communications—newsletters, employee directory, etc. Coordinate display of award certificates and new photography in lobby. Other related duties.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Marketing. 1-2 years experience, internship experience will be considered.

To Apply: Send resume to Todd Mace, Principal, Dynamix Engineering Ltd., 1108 City Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, Columbus, OH 43206; tmace@dynamix-ltd.com or scunningham@dynamix-ltd.com (Stacy Cunningham, Marketing Manager)

(notice received 11/17/07)

Video Editor Opening

News Videotape Editor
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, NM
Duties include, but are not limited to: editing videotape for newscasts, including "VO's", SOT's, teases & reporter packages on a tape-to-tape DVCAM format. Work with other editors, reporters & producers to maintain a high standard of editing quality. This position also includes coordinating incoming SNG or ENG feeds. Editors also organize & load tapes for playback during the newscast. The ideal candidate can edit sequences, communicate clearly & work well in a fast-paced newsroom. Minimum 1 year television
news videotape editing is preferred. Ability to work evenings & weekends is a must.

Send resume, non-returnable VHS or DV Videotape demonstrating editing abilities, along with a cover letter stating where you found out about this job to: Jared Woolly, Chief Photographer, KOAT-TV, 3801 Carlisle NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 Apply by December 6, 2007. At this time, we anticipate that a hiring decision will be made on or about December 10 2007.

(notice received 11/6/07)

Dallas Broadcast Positions

WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas, has the following openings:

Writer/Producer, Creative Services Department
Seeking a writer/producer who will be responsible for daily news topicals, sweep spots, specials, proof of performance spots, TSR's, and other assigned duties.

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in broadcast journalism or related field
• Three to five years experience in promotion or related field
• Must have strong writing and producing skills.
• A strong graphic sense and editing a plus.
  

Tape Coordinator, News Department
We are seeking a tape coordinator/editor who will be responsible for overseeing the flow of daily news feeds for 5pm, 6pm and 10pm news casts, and make feeds ready for broadcast. They will also be responsible for editing daily news scripts and modifying video and audio as needed before broadcasts.

We are seeking a candidate with the following:

• Minimum of 2 years editing experience
• Working knowledge of nonlinear editing equipment
• Understanding of broadcast equipment (e.g. router system, BETA VTR's)
• High school diploma

Tape Editor, News Department
We are seeking a tape editor who will be responsible for editing all news and sports stories or teases as needed. They will also be responsible for transmitting stories for satellite or microwave feeds as needed for newscasts, and editing on location as needed.

Requirements:

• 2-3 years editor experience
• High School Diploma

Traffic Producer, News Department
We are seeking a Traffic Producer. This individual will oversee information and execution of daily traffic reports on WFAA-TV and WFAA.com. This individual will also work with available sources for the most complete information. Coordinate with on air staff to produce. Will be point person for information for traffic reports. Will work closely with outside organizations for current information. Works closely with newscast producers and executive producers on execution of daily traffic reports.

Executive Producer, News Department
We are seeking an Executive Producer who will be responsible for the overall content and journalistic integrity of the newscast. This individual will oversee a staff of journalists who are responsible for producing the newscasts. This individual will also work closely with the News Director on developing and implementing strategy for each newscast.

We are seeking a candidate with the following:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field.
• Must have five or more years experience in a major television market.
• Must be able to work with people.
• Must know news and what is important to the community.
• Must be able to act decisively under pressure.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in emergency situations.

Producer (Gordon Keith Show), News Department
WFAA-TV is seeking a Show Producer for its entertainment program, "The Gordon Keith Show". We are looking for a multi-talented individual who will be responsible for developing the content as well as assisting in coordinating production efforts of our weekly program. Utilizing creative, as well as editorial judgment, this person will create a rundown of stories/topics/interviews that reflect the hosts/Executive Producer's vision for the week's show. This person must be well organized, detailed oriented and have a great sense of humor. The position requires you to be a "Jack Of All Trades" who can also write, shoot and edit using non-linear edit systems such as Avid Media Composer. Candidates must have a proven track record as a producer and demonstrate the ability to take an hour program from conception to completion including writing, shooting and editing. This position also includes tasks traditionally assigned to a Line Producer, so strong control room skills are a plus.

We are seeking a candidate with the following:

• Bachelor's degree in broadcasting/journalism preferred but not required.
• One to two years of non-linear editing.
• One or two years producing 1/2 hour formats in small to medium market.
• Experience in field production a plus.

We are seeking an Executive Producer who will be responsible for the overall content and journalistic integrity of the newscast. This individual will oversee a staff of journalists who are responsible for producing the newscast. This individual will also work closely with the News Director on developing and implementing strategy for each newscast.

Account Executive, Sales Department
We are seeking an account executive, who will be responsible for the aggressive pursuit of revenue increases from existing accounts, and the active prospecting and development of new business for WFAA-TV and WFAA.com. This position requires a minimum of two years broadcast experience.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing or business preferred.
• Must have knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Domain, and Scarborough.
• Minimum of 2 years broadcast sales experience.

Account Executive-KFWD Sales, Sales Department
We are seeking a senior level Account Executive who will responsible for driving sales from the Dallas/Ft. Worth market. In addition, account executives must also prepare and execute sales and marketing presentations for current and potential advertisers, in order to aggressively pursue revenue increases from existing accounts and actively seek prospects and develop new business.

We are seeking a candidate with the following:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing or business preferred.
• Must have knowledge of Microsoft programs, TV Scan, Scarborough, Excel and LAN necessary.
• Prior broadcast sales experience required

Interactive Account Executive, Sales Department
We are seeking an Interactive Account Executive who will be responsible for generating revenue by prospecting and selling interactive advertising campaigns for WFAA.com in collaboration with broadcast account executive as required. Responsible for client calls, proposal preparation and presentations, successful closing negotiations, and meeting revenue goals.

We are seeking a candidate with the following:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Must have knowledge of Microsoft programs (primarily Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
• Texas Driver's License and dependable personal transportation required.
• Minimum of 1-3 years in sales environment, media sales preferred.

If you are interested in any of these positions, contact:
WFAA-TV, Attn: Human Resources, 606 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75202. Resumes may be faxed to 214-977-6393 or to humanresources@wfaa.com. Please submit the job title for which you are applying.

(notices received 11/6/07)

Cleveland-Area PR Opening

Entry-level public relations position, Prima Public Relations, Chagrin Falls, OH
Looking for a recent grad for entry-level account administrator/office manager. Prefer someone with 1-2 years of public relations agency experience who’s strong in account and office administration and comfortable with talking directly to the media. Consider entry-level applicants with a public relations or journalism degree. Writing skills create an easy path for advancement, but are not critical for this position. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PhotoShop is necessary and familiarity with Cision MediaSource is desirable. Applicant should enjoy a fast pace and multi-tasking and must be extremely reliable and understand the benefits of working in a small office and receiving one-on-one mentoring. The agency serves both business-to-business and consumer accounts in the paint/home décor/and craft industries and has strong relationships with the women’s/shelter/home décor media. Excellent benefits. Some travel.

Contact:
Paula DePasquale, APR
Principal
Prima Public Relations, Ltd.
35 River Street
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Phone: 440-893-9676
Fax: 440-893-9679
E-mail: paula@primapublicrelations.com

(notice received 11/16/07)

Helping hand ...

A couple weeks ago I was working on a story about the 25th anniversary of Aaron Pryor's epic 14th-round knockout of Alexis Arguello, a fight ESPN recently listed as the ninth best fight in boxing history. I was putting some finishing touches on the story when I figured I'd call Peter King, a fellow Scripps alum who covered the fight for the Cincinnati Enquirer.

King is now a big-shot football scribe for Sports Illustrated. You can also find him on-air with either HBO and NBC or on the big screen in the recent remake of The Longest Yard.

King doesn't know me from Adam, but I thought maybe he'd be good for a quote. Boy was I wrong. He was good for much more than that.

We talked for about 20 minutes. During the conversation he gave me the following quotes off the top of his head:

"My most unusual memory is something I can remember like it happened five minutes ago. The Miami Airport Marriott was the headquarters for the fight. I remember walking down in the morning and the chairman of the boxing commission, Alvin Goldman was on the couch in the lobby and he was reading a woman’s palm. He told me he was a fortune teller. He had a big gold medallion around his neck and an open-necked shirt. And I thought to myself, "Boxing is unusual."

"You know how in sports today, there are events that everyone is watching? For three or four days, everyone was talking about this fight. This was so important. ... This was Aaron's shot at a better life. This was his chance - where the world would be watching - to change the rest of his life."

"Pryor walking down the street the week before the fight in Miami would be like Derek Jeter walking down the street in Boston prior to a Red Sox game. And I say that for this reason: In the arena that night he would be despised and booed, but on the street he would be respected."

"Pryor was crazed. He was going to win that fight or die trying. He’s the only guy I’ve covered in any sport that would rather die than lose."

The whole time we talked, I just kept thinking, "I could have a month to finish this story, and nothing I'd write would be as good or interesting as what this guy is saying completely off memory."

Bottom line: King deserves everything he has. He couldn't have been any more knowledgeable, insightful, helpful, thoughtful or delightful. He's a credit to the School of Journalism.

Job openings ...

... and you don't even have to leave Athens.

Editor/writer: This University Communications and Marketing position provides much of the day-to-day oversight for coverage of Ohio University news. Responsibilities include editing, assigning and writing stories; coaching writers; coordinating with other campus communicators; and helping to provide editorial leadership for university communication efforts. The successful candidate will be a skilled editor, strategic thinker and excellent, detail-oriented reporter and writer. A bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field and at least three years’ experience in deadline writing for a media outlet or a large organization’s communications office required. Salary commensurate with experience; excellent health and education benefits offered. For full consideration, apply by Dec. 7 to www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=53685.

Part-time writer/editor: Ohio University Communications and Marketing seeks a skilled writer/editor for its strategic, fast-paced news operation. The successful candidate for this 20-hour position will cover a variety of interesting topics and work closely with student writers. He or she will demonstrate exceptional editing, writing and reporting skills; possess a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field; and have at least three years’ experience in deadline writing. Salary commensurate with experience; excellent health and education benefits offered. For full consideration, apply by Dec. 7 to www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=53686.

Big Donation from FOX CEO and Bobcat Alum

Just wanted to be sure everyone saw this exciting news as reported by Business First of Columbus:

Fox News CEO funding new Ohio U. newsroom
Business First of Columbus
Ohio University has landed a donation from Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger E. Ailes that will finance most of a planned $560,000 newsroom.

The university said Wednesday that Ailes, a 1962 OU alumnus, donated an undisclosed amount to the Scripps College of Communication. Spokeswoman Jennifer Bowie said Ailes isn't releasing to the public the amount of the gift, but added it funds the "majority" of the newsroom's cost.
The current newsroom for students in the broadcast sequence of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, an arm of the communication college, is a little over 1,100 square feet and is housed in the basement of the school's building. The new facility, set to open in early 2008, will double the newsroom's size by moving to the third floor of the Radio-Television Building across campus. The school's broadcast students will share use with telecommunications students, in addition to the local WOUB Center for Public Media radio station.

The newsroom is a small part of a planned $34.4 million integrated communication facility for the college, which has more than 2,300 students, more than 10 percent of OU's 20,225-student population. That project is a new building that will have more than 118,000 square feet of assignable space, joining the adjacent, vacated former student union with the Radio-Television Building. The project is set for completion in 2012.