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

 

Just because they may be thin, doesn’t mean the hats aren’t mighty

Nikki Newbrough, KWWL - TV Waterloo.

Thank goodness winter is here. We needed the snow to help bring out the hats.

We had one crop already this season. This would be the second round of lids.

We begin with Wartburg grad and now KWWL reporter Nikki Newbrough. She is the morning reporter for the NBC affiliate. Translation: She can be silly when needed.

Nikki's live shot on earth.

Earlier in the day, Nikki was at the University of Northern Iowa campus asking students about the cold and snow. Her interview almost stole the show. He was in a NASA-type space suit.

Earth to UNI dude, nice hat.

You can see in this picture, Nikki put the space helmet on her head for this still frame.

Brian Boesen, KWQC - HD, live on Brady Street Hill in Davenport.

Brian Boesen is reporting on Brady Street Hill in Davenport. I’ve done that shot a few times in my career.

The KWQC reporter and I met backstage at the Girl Scouts Night on Broadway a couple of months back.

I also met the clubhouse leader for hats in 2012, Megan Ottier that night in Bettendorf. More on her in a moment.

Back to Brian… I did ask him if he was related to the Des Moines Boesen’s. Specifically, former Dowling Catholic TE Ben Boesen who is now playing football at Iowa State. No relation between the two. Yes, I was that guy who asked.

Angie Hunt, KCCI - TV Des Moines.

Back to Central Iowa and an ‘ole favorite for hats here at PP&M and that would be Angie Hunt.

The Ames bureau reporter has been captured with many great lids on her head the last few years. She gets the plum assignments in all corners of the viewing area, many northern points, so wearing a good head topper is vital to her good health.

Thank you to Angie.

Krystle Kacner , WHO - HD Des Moines

Newly hired reporter Krystle Kacner of WHO-HD is now getting into the hat game. She’s new to the area and to the station.

But her hat is one of veteran caliber.

As she settles in, we’ll get her to tweet a couple of pictures of herself wearing a hat.

Chris Earl, KCRG Cedar Rapids

And back to eastern Iowa and KCRG reporter/anchor Chris Earl.

Mr. Earl deserves special attention for this furry wonder on his head.

Would you call that Cousin Eddy’s hat from Christmas Vacation? Or is that more Daniel Boone?

Now back to the hat that I received the most in my inbox.

Morgan Ottier of KWQC opens the competition with a home run.

Megan’s hat is spectacular. But some question if the hat is for show or if she’s serious about wearing the hat. Better yet, is she serious while wearing that hat?

I know many reporters were looking forward to getting out in the elements this weekend to talk about the ice and snow, but it looks like those pictures will have to wait, as the next winter death storm is staying to the west.

So Lauren Squires, bring us your hats from the Omaha market.

If you know of a hat to share, send the pic to IPTVPaul@gmail.com .

New Hats for the New Year of 2012

Morgan Ottier of KWQC opens the competition with a home run.

Welcome to 2012 and the return of TV reporters/photographers/producers wearing hats on the job.

You’ve all seen a reporter “braving the elements so you don’t have to.”

Sometimes they bring a hat to the liveshot to mix things up a bit.

This year we begin the look around the state and beyond with wonderful hats of winter. The winter that took forever to arrive.

We begin with Morgan Ottier of KWQC. The morning reporter hit a home run outside the Davenport studios this morning. I got to meet Morgan during my recent trip to the Quad Cities for the QC Media Night on Broadway Holiday Winter Spectacular Extravaganza.

Thanks to Joanne Phillips and Alan Campbell for pointing me in the direction of this hat. I know a couple of people are loyal readers of the blog, so thanks for the help. If you’ve seen a hat on your TV and get a screen grab, send it to me at IPTVPaul@Gmail.com.

Jill Kasparie, KCRG TV out in the snow.

Another entry comes from the best friend a guy can ever have in Michael Graham. Chef Mike sent this shot of KCRG reporter Jill Kasparie.

Jill has a twin in Iowa TV. Sister Kelly is a producer at WHO-TV.

I know that can’t be the only two hats out there today. Please consider your sisters and brothers outside your TV market who want to see the best in hats in 2012.

Again, send any pics to IPTVPaul@gmail.com
I can leave your name out of credit if you choose.

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

Spring Awakenings (and media movements)

Ryan Burchett has increased the size of his kegerator.

The February book is well, in the books and already there’s change happening all over Iowa’s TV and radio newsrooms.

We’ll start in the east in the Quad Cities. KWQC Chief Meteorologist Ryan Burchett is now a civilian. He’s giving up TeeVee (that’s the way QC Times columnist Bill Wundrum writes it) to head to the hills of LeClaire and make booze with his brother. The pair have opened the Mississippi River Distilling Company. It is possible thanks to new Iowa laws and is called a microdistillery which will make River Baron Vodka and River Rose Gin at first.

Ryan and I go back to Mason City and KIMT. He moved to KGAN then a huge leap to Lafayette, LA and KLFY TV. David Paul (another Mason City alum) left WQAD to go to Channel 10 and  became chief when Ryan moved back to Iowa.

Erik Maitland, back to the QC.

A familiar face to TV6 fans is returning. Erik Maitland is leaving his post in Minneapolis at Fox9 to come back to be the new chief. He’ll be battling his old office-mate Terry Swails as TS is now at WQAD. Maitland, also worked in the River City, just a couple of years before me and after WHO’s Ed Wilson.

Back to the ABC affiliate in Moline, (Alan) Baker‘s Boys and Girls debuted a new set this week. The HD ready set is sharp and matches what TV6 did a few months back in ripping out the familiar and replacing it with the HD shine.

I’ve looked through some old VHS tapes this week and found some old WQAD newscasts with Mark Martin at the helm in the mornings. He was paired with Julie Sisk who is still with the station, now paired with Jim Mertens. Jimmy said the new HD set will replace the gray in his hair. Now that’s TV magic.

Miranda Khan (www.MirandaKahn.com)

I’ve also reconnected with former main female anchor Miranda Khan. She’s out of TV news and into corporate TV. You may see her in a commercial or infomercial soon. She’s living/working in south Florida.

She was WQAD’s main female anchor during the 2000s and was paired with Matt Hammill.

KWWL is making changes as well.

The NBC affiliate is sending Bob Waters back to weekend nights to replace Brady Smith. Channel 7 management is looking to bring in a new face for the mornings with Sunny Layne. Waters replaced Chris Carter.

Shawn Terrell in his WHO-TV days.

 

 

Shawn Terrell used to work at KCRG and soon he’ll be talking past tense with WHO-TV in Des Moines. The Channel 13 sports reporter/anchor is not signing a new contract and is headed in a new direction. He’s looking for a new gig that doesn’t necessarily mean spending every Saturday night at work.

Fun connection with me and Shawn, he grew up in the northwest Iowa town of Peterson. He played basketball under Jesup HS alum Kendall Rachuy at Sioux Central. I went to senior prom with his sister Dena. Congrats to her on completing a half-marathon recently.

Katelyn Ford Smith.

During the noon Wednesday on WHO-TV, a familiar face to Iowa and Illinois TV viewers appeared. Katelyn Smith was doing a story out of Pennsylvania and did a stand up to intro the piece. Smith, is married to former WOI-TV reporter Joel Smith. The two met while at Channel 5. Back then, Smith, went by Ford. She was moved from WHBF to WOI a few years back. Also at WGAL in Lancaster, PA is former KGAN anchor Brian Roche.

Tuesday marked the last day for Matt Perrault on the radio in Des Moines. At least for now. The New Englander is heading back home to be the new co-host of The Hometeam on WGAM in New Hampshire and will get to do some fill-in work on WEEI, the power sports station in Boston. He was partnered with Ken Miller on KXNO afternoons following Murph and Andy. No word on a replacement yet of if Rob Howe of Hawkeye Insider will return in making appearances on 1460.

That makes two big fills now needed at Clear Channel in Des Moines. Joel McRea and Van Hardin are also looking for an afternoon host on WHO-AM to replace Steve Deace.

Greg Berry of KIMT.

Perrault spent some time in Alabama which is where Greg Berry will soon be heading. The current KIMT news director is headed south at the end of March to begin as assistant news director at CBS42 in Birmingham.

Greg started as weekend sports guy (we overlapped by 5 days at KIMT back in 2000), switched to morning news anchor and eventually to news boss.

And to think it all started on Blue Blazer Sports. It is a shame they didn’t have YouTube back in the 90s and those tapes are lost forever…. what a shame. (right guys, those tapes are lost, right?)

Brent Balbinot, formerly of KXIC.

And this just came out today, AM800 KXIC in Iowa City has let sports director Brent Balbinot go. He was the host of Good Call. He’s also the voice of Iowa Women’s basketball and Iowa baseball. Those positions are through Learfield and at last check, he was keeping those positions.

So, the next time you ask, whatever happened to… we’ve got you covered on who got fired, why did they leave and where did they go.

Other notes we should post? Send them to me IPTVPaul@gmail.com

Hats, they’re not just for breakfast anymore

Lee Rouse in front of the WHO-TV 13 live truck.

I’ve asked. You’ve responded. Here’s another installment of Paul Yeager’s Hat Parade.

I like to see pictures of TV reporters wearing hats while doing live shots. I used to not wear a hat and just freeze off my ears. That’s why I’ve got small ears. They’re like that cat we had growing up, she wouldn’t come in from the cold and had her ears freeze off.

We begin with the photographers. They are behind the scenes. Occasionally, you may see their hand in a live shot. This is my old friend Lee Rouse of WHO-TV in Des Moines. Lee was behind the camera the day back in 2007 when he and Jon Cahill were out in a snow storm and the power line just erupted behind the subject of the interview. Anyone remember this video?

Katie Wiedeman, KCRG -TV 9, Cedar Rapids

This screen shot captures Katie Wiedeman of KCRG-TV 9 news of Cedar Rapids. She is usually based out of the Dubuque newsroom, so it is always a fun time be out and about in those hills of eastern Iowa.

This shot is more of a head band and a side, profile shot of Katie.

But it is a lid and it is on her head in a live shot on television.

It is a nice purple headband. Hey, whatever it takes to stay warm and toasty when out in the snow.

Ted McInerney, WHBF - TV 4, Rock Island.

Now we head back to my old stomping grounds and the Quad Cities.

WHBF-TV (Channel 4) gave us a couple of good shots before and they haven’t disappointed me this year either.

This is Ted McInerney of the CBS affiliate based in Rock Island.

The big snow of early February, hit the QC particularly hard, with more than a foot of snow falling in the region, some spots even seeing 17 inches of snow.

WHBF SUV stuck in the snow.

This was the type of snow where the reporters say, ‘don’t come out here unless you have to…” and they meant it. Maybe one of Ted’s co-workers should have listened the advice being given.

It snowed enough to make driving difficult for everyone.

Including reporters for WHBF. Channel 4 did a story on how the reporter got stuck, received help in getting shoveled out and moved on to the next snow desk story.

Courtney Baker, WHBF - TV 4

Again, with the WHBF reporters.

This is Courtney Baker.

She is also live outside the station’s front door, in the snow. Her hat is a nice checkered one and adds a little variety to the mix of our normal lids we see.

Concetta Callahan, WHBF - TV4

Here is another WHBF reporter, Conchetta Callahan. She too, is out the front door.

You can see how much snow is behind here (I feel like writing copy for reporters again).

The road behind her is the street that leads to the District of Rock Island, a popular weekend and night hang out for some of the younger adults.

I’m just saying, I may have been there a time or two. Blue Cat was a fun place to go…. but I digress. I think even saw my first Nada’s concert at RIBCO on a Halloween way back when.

Back to the hats.

Angie Mitchum, WQAD - TV8

We stay in the Quad Cities market and the Illinois side of the river. This is Angie Mitchum of WQAD-TV.

Channel 8 is becoming a place for former KWQC folks with Terry Swails now doing weather there. When Erik Maitland returns to the QC, he’ll be in direct competition with this former weather office mate, Mr. Swails.

Erik has been in Minneapolis since leaving Davenport a couple of years back. Mr. Maitland will be replacing Ryan Burchett in front of the chief meteorologist’s green screen.

Back to Angie, she’s in the simple black hat and wearing a scarf. I could do a post on scarves, but come on, would you really read that?

Christina Palladino, WOI - TV5.

Back to Des Moines and WOI-TV.

This is Channel 5′s weekend anchor Christina Palladino out on assignment. I believe she is at the Brenton Skating Plaza in Des Moines. It always a good spot for a night live shot. You wouldn’t need a good back light to see her red hat on television.

Christina is another QC transplant to Des Moines. She formerly worked at WHBF in Rock Island. She is not the first and probably won’t be the last to be transferred from one to the other.

Andy Fales, WHO - TV13

And we finish this post with Mr. Andy Fales.

This is a rare find. Normally, Andy will not wear a hat, but this Tuesday storm forced everyone to bundle up more than usual.
It is time for me to get ready for Andy on SoundOff with Keith Murphy.

There was another big storm in north Iowa and I expect to see some pictures soon of reporters out in the elements and wearing their protection.

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.