Q’s Hats in Review, Prepping for Rocky

The complaining about how much snow we “didn’t” get is taking up too much room in cyberspace. It is time to just enjoy TV reporters and the hats they are wearing out on the elements.

The last post had some doozies. Thanks for the submissions. If you have a photo to submit, send them in an email to me at IPTVPaul@gmail.com or just put them on Twitter @paulyeager.

Taylor Umland, KWQC, Davenport.

But one of the best ones came directly onto my Facebook wall. Here is the bar for today. A Wartburg College hat being worn on my old TV station, KWQC in Davenport. Taylor Umland was rocking the orange and black during his morning reports in the QC.

One of my former co-workers at KWQC was Matt Davis. Mr. Matt was a nightside reporter when I started and we would do liveshots without a hat. A certain morning radio duo named Dwyer and Michael’s would razz him on-air about not wearing a hat and looking cold on his evening live reports.

The radio guys decided to send a gift to Matt of a hat, which he would sometimes wear and other times it was just sitting on his desk, ready for the call of duty.

Bailey Dietz, KWQC, Davenport.

Sticking at KWQC, we bring in Bailey Dietz from her nightside live shot Thursday.

Former TV6 intern and now reporter at WGBA in Green Bay, WI, Jonathan Gregg is in on the action.

Jonathon Gregg

Jon is a former board member of the Iowa Broadcast News Association. I’m sure he’s already made plans to attend this year’s convention on April 20 in Johnston at the Stoney Creek Inn.

Now to some of the morning crew.

Arielle Nixon was wondering why she had to take a picture of herself wearing earmuffs. She wasn’t sure what the request was all about, but thanks to Pat Dix for this.

Pat’s Tweet.

Thanks for playing along.

Arielle Nixon, WHO, Des Moines.

Thanks to the MW ESPN bureau for this submission of KARE photojournalist Nate Anderson.

Nate Anderson, KARE, Minneapolis.

Jason Rantala, WOI, West Des Moines.

Kim St. Onge, KCCI, Des Moines.

My little reporter, Levi. That’s a hat OVER his hooded sweatshirt.

Megan Ruether is always a good sport about trying new hats and thanks to Travis Jungling for lighting up Megan Friday morning for this picture.

Megan Reuther, WHO, Des Moines.

But it was Megan’s former station that wins the day. You may remember Nikki Newbrough from last year with the space cadet interview subject.

This year she’s gone above and beyond with a sombrero and a friend, Danielle Wagner. I think Danielle is the Ice Princess? Did I get that correct?

Danielle Wagner and Nikki Newbrough of KWWL, Waterloo.

Thanks again for the submissions. We’re only a couple of days away from doing it again with Winter Storm Rocky approaching.

The Franchise Signs Off

As Ed Wilson tweeted: Bachman bye- bye cake. Nobody would touch his hair.

Friday marks the last day of John Bachman‘s tenure at WHO-TV in Des Moines.

After more than a quarter century, the main male of Channel 13 will say goodnight for the last time. After stops in Cedar Rapids, Chicago and Minneapolis, John delivered news to Iowans through huge events like the floods of 1993, the closing of Maytag and those tiny events known as the Iowa Caucuses.

Several video tributes have been played this week including one from Jane Pauley on Thursday night. Even his son, also an anchor, came by for a visit.

One internal story was done by Andy Fales. One of the best moments came from three newsroom employees just watching John work. One of those near his desk was his successor, Dan Winters.

Dan will now sit next to Erin Kiernan at 1801 Grand Avenue.

During my three tours at Channel 13, John was consistent, rarely missing a word from his perch.

Best to the Franchise as he heads into retirement. The big question for the Waverly HS graduate and son of the former president at Wartburg College is, how many rounds of golf can he play each year?

Summer Breeze of Media Moves

We know that the Godfather (John Walters) has moved from ABC5 to Iowa State University.

More sports shorts…

John Sears comes back to Des Moines and adds four numbers to his station channel assignment. Sears goes from KCRG TV 9 to WHO-TV13. He’ll work under Keith Murphy and replaces Zach Borg.

Molly Nelson has already left KCCI for a position at DMACC.

Another TV8 staffer departs soon. Keri Gavin will leave the news business and KCCI within days.

My old pal Beth Marsoun had the interim tag removed and now is News Director at KWQC in Davenport. Beth started as an intern, then tape editor, producer, executive producer and now is the boss.

Across the river, WQAD is settling into a new main female anchor. Denise Hnytka is new 5, 6, and 10p anchor at the ABC affiliate.  Hnytka replaces Rae Chelle Davis.

Jonathon Gregg has pulled up stakes at CRI in Oskaloosa and become a Packer fan in Green Bay at NBC 26. WGBA hired him to one-man-band, among other things. His boss is former KWWL sports director Bob Healey. Jon’s former boss at CRI was Tami Wiencek, another past-KWWL’er.

Gregg served on the IBNA Board of Directors until April. Another board member Dean Borg, is recovering after a weekend fall. Borg broke an ankle, leg and also had a pacemaker installed. Dean is efficient in his medical visits. He’ll probably show the scars this weekend on Iowa Press. Yes, he wants to be back on air this weekend.

And making his debut on the journal of rural America is Mike Pearson. The Grinnell banker steps to the mic to succeed his father, Mark. The elder Pearson passed away in June.

What else needs to be reported? Drop me a line: IPTVPaul@gmail.com

 

A few more things

Grandpa Fish with Levi and Noah following inspection of the tractors.

I have to make a second post in 2012 that says I’ve been busy.

What happened in May?

I was elected president of the Iowa Broadcast News Association.

Started coaching Noah’s tee-ball team for the second time. The Reds are playing good ball.

Went to a few Iowa Cubs game.

Planted a garden after cutting out a bunch of sod.

Had a Go-Pro camera run over twice on Uncle Gordon’s farm.

Checked out the Lego’s in a Reiman Gardens.

Continued work on the Call Committee.

Didn’t have a chance to tell you that Brooke Bouma and Megan Salois are pregnant.

Watched Noah “graduate” from Kindergarten.

Went north to the great town of Elgin.

Spent time on the farm.

And to start June, a friend and colleague Mark Pearson passed away. I hope June gets better.

IBNA Membership Drive

Hello readers.

Many of you are working in a radio or television newsroom right now as you read this. Thanks for your support. Now I’m asking for your support again. I am a board member of the Iowa Broadcast News Association. We are currently looking to improve our membership roles.

Historically, stations will pay one fee and all members of a newsroom are covered. We are now asking each individual journalist to join as some stations have cut this item from the budget. Membership is only $15 and you can take that with you when you head to your next job.

The following is a letter being sent out across the state. Please take time to consider joining IBNA (it is for journalists, PR pros, students and others interested in our mission. Visit this site for more factual IBNA information)

We are holding the 2011 convention at the Stoney Creek Inn just off 86th street in Johnston. The big day is April 30. The convention begins at 8:30 and will close with our dinner and awards that night. Bob Franken is our keynote this year. There’s also a big gathering planned for Friday night at the State Historical Building in Des Moines to honor Jack Shelley.

We hope you can join us.

Dear Iowa Broadcasters, the IBNA wants you.

Your dedication to the advancement of broadcast journalism in Iowa is vital to our state, not to mention our industry.

We are in a trying time in our industry. Journalism is under attack with claims of political bias, budget constrains and demanding bosses wanting more with less. While our ownership groups have profits in mind, we have good stories, responsible reporting and keeping our jobs as motivators.

None of these pressures can give us an excuse to take our craft any less serious. The Iowa Broadcast News Association wants to make sure members have the tools necessary to perform your job the best you can.

IBNA is committed to you and your efforts

This means IBNA has to understand what you’re doing and needing. The board of directors serves as your connection to what the organization does, and what we can do, to best help the profession of journalism.

We ask for your support in membership

We will continue to fulfill our mission to improve electronic media news gathering and presentation for our stations and the public we serve. IBNA also provides free legal assistance over issues of open and public records and court proceedings.

Each year, Iowa’s best journalists are honored during our annual convention and awards presentation. What better way to understand the state by meeting those who work here with you in neighboring towns and competing stations. Convention sessions are driven to cover relevant topics in all our newsrooms.

The organization also has a strong interest in philanthropy and educating future journalists. We offer scholarships to the best and brightest students who are entering this field.

IBNA members also receive quarterly publications including trade news, educational opportunities and job listings.

What else does membership get you? If that doesn’t sound good enough, how about some cool member cards that double as press credentials?
Membership fees are minimal and cover costs of operation. No one is making a profit.

There’s strength in numbers

That’s where you come in to this conversation. Consider joining IBNA today to continue working on your future.
We thank you for your membership support in the past and want to make sure you sign up for another year. Just $15 keeps you active in IBNA. Tell your friends, co-workers and competitors. We want to see you all in Johnston in April 30th and beyond.

Sign up today by visiting this website: http://ibna.org/membership.html

Thank you for your time,
IBNA Membership Committee

Matt Breen, KTIV – Sioux City
Bob Fisher, KGLO – Mason City
Amy Fleming, KIMT – Mason City
Jonathon Gregg, Communications Research Institute – Oskaloosa
Beth Malicki, KCRG – Cedar Rapids
Gary Metivier, KWQC – Davenport
Paul Yeager, Iowa Public Television – Johnston

The IBNA wants you

Dear Iowa Broadcasters, the IBNA wants you.

And you want the Iowa Broadcast News Association to be a group working for you, right?

We know that budgets at every shop are tight. Money for tapes, OT and HD equipment has sucked away funds used to enter news contests.

News directors are being forced to cut anywhere they can to keep from eliminating positions. We know you work hard and your efforts should be rewarded. We can’t help you financially, but the glitz and glamour of an IBNA award is first-rate.

You work hard. You should be recognized for your efforts of informing your viewers and listeners and now readers as we all turn out dispatches into on-line stories.

Your 2010 Iowa Broadcast News Association Board. Front L-R, Trent Rice, Brian Allen, Dave Vickers. Back, Lauren Squires, Eric Hanson, Jeff Stein, Paul Yeager, Carla Kreegar.

We thank you for those of you who have paid your own way to conventions, entering news contests and paying membership dues. Your commitment to this organization cannot not be taken for granted. You have your own skin in, so we, as the IBNA board need to honor that.

Individual membership provides access to informational reports from the board, the organization and other vital information and source of information.

What does being a member of IBNA mean?

Look around. There’s fewer and fewer of us left in newsrooms. We have to stick together. We have to be able to give ourselves training and connections that can help us tell better stories and do our jobs better. The IBNA tries to put as much value into our annual spring convention to help us be better story-tellers, hunters and gatherers of information.

Our industry is under constant attack for being biased or having preconceived perceptions. We all need to continue our diligence in keeping honor to our craft.

We continue to adjust and adapt categories to fit the changing landscape of our newsrooms. We all are all being asked to do more with less.

I love this profession and I know many, if not all, feel the same way. As distributors or information, this is a huge responsibility we have. When we speak, we need to fair, accurate and clear. It is the fundamentals, that on occasion, get lost in the part of our hair, tie combo or hats we wear in the storm.

We thank you for your membership and want to make sure you sign up for another year. Just $15 keeps you active in IBNA. Tell your friends, co-workers and competitors. We want to see you all in Johnston in May and beyond.

Be on the lookout for notes from friends in your market. If we don’t hear from you, we’ll find you and hunt you down.

Thank you for your continued support.

And The Emmy© went to….

These are the Emmy's© won Saturday night by the KCRG team. (image 'borrowed' from Mike Wagner. I call this a trade for the cookie recipe.)

The 2010 Emmy’s© (Upper Midwest Region) were handed out Saturday night in Minneapolis.

First off, congratulations to all the winners. This event is presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and covers 130 categories.

So far, I’ve seen many friends posting pictures of their new statues.

It was a big night for me personally, as I won my first Emmy©. The Iowa Journal was nominated and won in the category of… Public/Current or Community Affairs Program/special or series. I know it sounds a little hybrid, but it is what we are, a mix of a lot of things. We submitted a composite of many of our shows.

The other Iowa Public Television winner was for a single story or feature. The award goes to producer Andrew Batt and videographer Steve Carns. They went on an honor flight from Rural America to Washington D.C.

Others were nominated at IPTV. A look at our other nominees is here, along with other Iowa nominees.

A big congrats to John Campbell of KCRG for his special award presented Saturday night. John is one of the hardest working people in the business. He’s covered every sport in Iowa and is a true professional and gentleman. John was put in the Silver Circle which honors for 25 years of service in the media industry.

Also, two Iowa Broadcast News Association board members picked up statues Saturday night. Justin Roberts and Paul Yeager were honored. You can learn more about becoming a member of IBNA by clicking here. So were a few of the media members listed in this post.

Our official listings of winners by Iowa Public Television is listed first.

• Public/Current/Community Affairs – Single Story/Feature/Segment “Honor Flight Carries Heroes From Rural America” Iowa Public Television. Andrew Batt Producer/Director, Steve Carns Videographer
• Public/Current/Community Affairs-Program/Special/Series “The Iowa Journal” Iowa Public Television: Paul Yeager Host/Producer, Nancy Crowfoot, Judy Blank, Nancy Brown, Producers.

Here’s a list of Iowa winners. There’s some talent here and all should be congratulated.

• Teen (13 and up) – Program/Special/Series “Teen- Eyes on the Road” KCRG-TV: Nicole Agee, Ian Philbrick, Executive Producer, Julie Seebold, News Director.
• Community/Cable/Public Access – Edited Program/Interview/Discussion “Faith Family Football: The Spirit of Iowa” Mediacom Communications Company: India Moore Producer/Editor, Jeff Anderson and Lee Grassley Executive Producers, Bob Brooks Host, Robert Silver Camera Operator, Robin Meill and Kelly Rooks Audio.
• Graphic Arts – Animation Non News Graphic Arts Animations “Mediacom Connections MC22″ Brent Willett Graphic Designer/Editor.

Lance Herbold, right, with his latest Emmy© for work at Mediacom. (image from Facebook)

• Community/Cable/Public Access – Sporting Event/Game – Live or Live-to-tape “AHST vs. Madrid High School Football” Mediacom Communications Company: Lance Herbold, Producer, Jeff Johnson, Director, Tim Sheehan, Technical Director, Melanie Campbell, Marlyn Schram, Chris Gourley, Kevin Rivers Camera Operators. B. Ross A1 (Yes, that B. Ross from SoundOff) Beth Haag, Duet Asst., Frank K., Stats, Kevin Heitz Floor/Spotter. BJ Schaben, Play-by-Play, Kirk Daddow, Analyst, Will Frazier and Joe Madersky, Tape, Dan Graves, Video, Debbie Keller-Ericson, Grip, Craig Knutson, Parabolic.
• Business/Consumer: Single Story/Feature/Segment “Sky High” KGAN-TV Jack Miller, Anchor/Reporter,  Nick Moron, Photojournalist/Editor, April Samp News Director.
• Promotion: Sports-Single Spot “Football Friday” WHO-TV Kevin Rivers, Producer/Editor (that’s 2 for him Saturday night if you’re counting).
• Weather – Continuing Coverage “Blizzard of ’09″ KCCI-TV: John McLaughlin, Chief Meteorologist, Kurtis Gertz, Meteorologist. Steve Karlin and Cynthia Fodor, Anchor/Reporters. Geoff Greenwood, Eric Hanson, Angie Hunt, Emily Price, Alex Murphy, Reporters.
• Donna Smith, Dan Bolsem, Duane Wright, Glen Biermann, Bob Thomas, Jesse Landolt, Spencer Vaughn, Photojournalists.
• Sports – Program Series (Outside of news) “Harrison Barnes: Eye of the Storm” KCCI-TV, Andy Garman, Sports Director/Photojournalist/Writer/Editor. Andy Ireland, Scott Reister, Sports Reporter/Photojournalist, Will Marchino, Sports Reporter.
• Photojournalist – Sports – Within 24 Hours (Single Camera Only) “A Night in the Bigs” KCRG-TV Matt Nelson, Photojournalist (his first of two on this night).
• Photojournalist – Sports – No Time Limit (Single Camera Only), “Composite” KCRG-TV Matt Nelson, Photojournalist (Wartburg grad).

Jon Gregg's Emmy© on the way back to Oskaloosa. (image from Jon Gregg's Facebook page).

• Community/Cable/Public Access – Newscast Edited “CRI Weekly News” Communication Research Institute, Jonathon Gregg, Senior Producer (Another Wartburg and former KWQC intern during my days at TV6. Nice work, Jon).
• Newscast – Weekend – Markets 141+ “232 Memorial” KTIV-TV, Matt Breen Anchor/Producer, Kristie VerMulm, Reporter/Anchor, Tia Heidebrecht, Chief Photojournalist, Bridget Breen Dir. of News & Operations.
• Newscast – Daytime – Markets 141+ “Protient Fire” KTIV-TV, Bridget Breen, Director of News & Operations, Kim Wilson, Assistant Producer, Al Joens and Christy Batien, Anchor/Producer, Tia Heidebrect, Chief Photojournalist, Mike Flood and Brian Masters, Reporters.
• Newscast – Daytime – Markets 21-140 “CBS 2 This Morning: Blizzard Blast” KGAN-TV April Samp, News Director, Tim Seymour, Anchor/Executive Producer, Kristine Ward, Anchor, Cameron Libe, Producer, Brittney Hibbs and Kristian Leitzen, Reporters, Justin Roberts, Weatherman, Aaron Gerhardt, Director.
• Newscast – Evening – Markets 141+ “Little Sioux Scout Camp Tornado 1 Year Later” KTIV-TV Bridget Breen, Producer and Matt Breen, Anchor.
• Station Excellence – Markets 21-140 “KCRG Station Excellence” KCRG-TV, Ian Philbrick, Station Excellence and Julie Seebold, News Director.

Also I want to give a shout out to my former Wartburg College Communication Arts fellow major Jennifer Livingston for winning and Emmy for Editor – News – No Time Limit at WKBT-TV in Lacrosse. Jenn was the Editor & Reporter getting the award. Not sure if her brothers Ron or John have won an Emmy yet, so take that Hollywood.

Bell, Mizzu-rah and other IA media moves

Patrick Bell is now at KCCI-TV.

An old face returns to the Des Moines media market this week as Patrick Bell is back in the Capital City, but this time he’s on KCCI-TV8.

Bell was a reporter at WHO-TV before he departed for Columbus, Ohio. Before Bell arrived back in Des Moines, Channel 13 alum Mark Tauscheck was doing some freelance reporting for Dave Busiek‘s bunch on 8th Street.

Bell replaces Geoff Greenwood on KCCI who left for a job with the Iowa Attorney General’s office.

Laura Nichols of KCCI.

Also new at KCCI, Laura Nichols. She’s a recent graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, a frequent supplier of talent to the Des Moines TV market. Patrick Dix and Dave Price of WHO-TV and Emily Givens Price and others have been Missouri Tigers one day and Des Moines TV reporters the next.

All of you mentioned would be great members of the Iowa Broadcast News Association. Send me an email to IPTVPaul@gmail.com on how to enroll in the IBNA. We’ve got a couple of tweaks to categories that we will post here.

Other media bits

Fox 18 out of Davenport is now having their news produced by WQAD-TV in Moline. Previously the folks at Independent News Network were doing the news for KLJB. WQAD is owned by the same people who run WHO-TV in Des Moines. Channel 13 produces the 9 o’clock news on Fox 17. See a pattern?

This means Chris Williams is back in the anchor chair. Williams replaced a guy named Paul Yeager at KWQC-TV6 on weekends back in 2006. Williams was a budget cut before ending up at WQAD Channel 8. Williams is paired with Kim Johnson and James Zahara. The Fox 18 news in Davenport when it was produced by INN had several faces from Greg Wilson, Scott Kinrade, formerly of KIMT and also AgDay, to now Mike Mickle. Mike is doing the Fox42 news for Omaha. Also at that station is a new reporter, former Channel 13 intern and Waverly-native Shelly Russell.

Phil Doherty was the Sunday evening news anchor for the last few years while serving as a new producer as well for INN. Phil and I were involved in the Girl Scouts of the Mississippi Valley’s Media Night. We would sing and dance for the Girl Scouts of the Quad Cities. Phil is quite the singer who will now do more with his voice.

Also an alum of KJLB weekend team is WHO TV’s Chris Hassel.

If I don’t mention congratulations to Megan Reuther and Randy Schumacher (Mizzu and Wartburg alums respectively), I would be failing in my duties. The couple welcomed their third child into the world this week. Cathryn Ann was born September 21st. She has two older brothers.

For the record, Jeriann Ritter is still pregnant and Bryan Karrick is still not at KCCI.

But Amanda Krenz and Rachel Pierece are both back on the anchor desk. I believe this is the first time the two have been paired together when neither one of them was pregnant. Congrats to both of the WOI ABC5 anchors on their recent births.

All of you mentioned would be great members of the Iowa Broadcast News Association. Send me an email to IPTVPaul@gmail.com on how to enroll in the IBNA. We’ve got a couple of tweaks to categories that we will post here.

Other media moves to report? Send me an email to IPTVPaul@gmail.com