News Director - Kgns

About Gray Television:

Gray Television is a leading media company that owns and operates high-quality stations in 113 television markets that collectively reach 36 percent of US television households. 

We constantly strive for excellence. Through upgrading to the latest technology and seeking new ways to stay on top in our markets, we focus on training and development of the best and brightest employees in the business.

About KGNS:

KGNS TV’s market dominance begins with a prime offering of 5 Major Networks including Telemundo affiliations; and a delivery of daily newscasts across multiple broadcasts and digital streams including desktop and mobile. KGNS TV, the area’s leading news broadcaster is located in the Laredo, Texas Metropolitan area and serves a combined population of over 790,000 (seven hundred ninety thousand) on the South Texas and US/Mexico border. The area consisting of Webb, Zapata, Dimmit, LaSalle, Maverick, Zavala, Frio, Duval, and Jim Hogg counties; and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico is geographically poised for success between two nations. A thriving and dynamic area for all things news, the Laredo Metro area houses a diverse economy that is often immune to economic anomalies experienced by the rest of the country. Touted the number 1 (one) inland port on the US/Mexico border and diverse in her economy, whether it be ranching, agriculture, international trade, healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, or oil/gas, Laredo and our sister cities offer a wide range of industries to foster a consistently healthy economy. Laredo’s population is a diverse blend of ethnicities with a median age of 27 (twenty-seven). Her young and vibrant energy lends itself to a history that entertains, a wide array of eateries and a cultural immersion in a unique experience that can only be held by the romance of this U.S. / Mexico border culture. A home to many successful broadcasters,

KGNS TV has a reputation for preparing reporters, producers, and anchors for their next move, which includes moves to larger metro markets. On the sales and marketing side, training in integrated marketing techniques is one of the reasons our team continues to thrive. The KGNS TV family is one where integrity, ethics, and personal growth are fostered. After all, it’s always sunny in Laredo, Texas.

Job Summary/Description:

KGNS Laredo’s premier news organization, is looking for a News Director who will lead, mentor, and develop the next generation of journalists. We are looking for a dynamic news professional who excels with high expectations, passion, and dedication. The News Director will lead and manage news coverage for KGNS (English and Spanish News Groups) and our digital and social platforms. We want someone aggressive in pursuing breaking news. The News Director will lead and manage news coverage for KGNS NEWS and a powerful group of digital and social platforms in a visual and viewer-oriented storytelling style. You will prepare young journalists to develop their skills and move up within the company.

The News Director must have a strong, working knowledge of community issues and needs and understand sound journalistic principles. Work with Digital Content Manager initiating and managing content delivery. Monitor all newscasts and digital news coverage to ensure staff is meeting standards. The ideal candidate must be a creative thinker and self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, winning news environment.

Duties/Responsibilities include (but not limited to):

- Work with Digital Content Manager initiating and managing content delivery
- Setting an urgent and aggressive tone in the newsroom
- Making editorial decisions on content
- Effectively communicate goals and plans for the newsroom and ensure those plans are carried out by all staff members
- Assisting morning, evening, and weekend producers and reporters with story development and assignment
- Executing our Breaking News and Severe Weather coverage plans
- Plan and execute “Big Story” coverage
- Holding all staff members accountable on a daily basis
- Conduct regular feedback sessions with all employees
- Participate in editorial and planning meetings
- Work with producers and reporters to enterprise and generate content
- Monitor all newscasts and digital news coverage to ensure staff is meeting standards
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality
- Protect and defend the journalistic integrity of the news product
- Ensure the news team follows best practices on all platforms
- Execute news strategies developed by news and station management

Qualifications/Requirements:

- Creativity and passion for news, leadership in teaching and coaching team members
- Ability to multi-task in high-stress situations
- While bilingual proficiency is NOT required, the ability to communicate in Spanish is preferred but not required
- Knowledge and understanding of using various digital and social platforms
- At least 3 years of newsroom experience and a BA in Journalism preferred
- Strong management, communication, and people skills required to supervise and interact daily with staff and the community
- Proven leadership ability
- Previous news management experience is a plus
- Exceptional organizational skills

Interested applicants may go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, you may type in the job title, station call letters, or click on "apply now", and upload your resume, cover letter, and references.

(Current employees who are interested in this position can apply through the Gray-TV UltiPro self-service portal)

KGNS-TV/Gray Television, Inc. is a drug-free company.

Additional Info:

Gray Television provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Television complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Gray Television expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Gray Television encourages all new employees to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus virus prior to the first workday.