Searching for a New News Director (Patreon)

On Friday, FTVLive told you that KCPQ in Seattle had hired a new News Director.  

We showed you the internal memo to the KCPQ staff, informing that KOLD (Tucson) News Director Erik Breon will be joining the station in a few weeks. 

That means that KOLD has an opening for a News Director, but it seems that if you don't work at a Gray station, or in a market that has a Gray station, then you can't get the job. 

Check out this internal email sent to the staff at KOLD from General Manager Eric Duncan and was obtained by FTVLive: 

I am excited to announce that Erik Breon has accepted the position of News Director at the Fox soon to be O&O in Seattle Washington. Erik has been a leader in this station for three years and he has helped grow and maintain what has become the strongest newsroom in Tucson. While he will be missed,  Erik has earned this opportunity and I know we all are happy for him.  When Erik shared the news with me I assured him that while the timing is not good, it never is, Erik’s efforts along with your hard work have put us in a place that is absolutely manageable. Erik’s last day will be February 21st. There will be time for you to say good bye and for us to regroup and move forward.

I promise you that I will cast a wide net when looking for the next News Director at KOLD. The position will be posted tomorrow and I will also be in Miami next week working the GM’s in Gray to help us find the right candidate from either Gray or a competing station in a Gray market. What I need from each of you in the newsroom is leadership. Each of you has the ability to be a leader even if it is of yourself. Do your job with excellence every day. Listen to those with more experience and make decisions that will help KOLD every time.

For now Congratulations and God’s speed Erik. Your (sic) going to miss the sun. 

What is interesting, is the line that says, "The position will be posted tomorrow and I will also be in Miami next week working the GM’s in Gray to help us find the right candidate from either Gray or a competing station in a Gray market."

So, in other words you could be a great News Director, but if you are not already at a Gray station, or in a market that has a Gray station, it doesn't look like you can get the job. 

If you are truly looking for the best person for the job, shouldn't you include the entire TV news industry? 

Just asking....