Vice President, News Director – KFSN

KFSN, the Disney/ABC Owned Station in Fresno is seeking a Vice President – News Director to lead our multiplatform content team. The VP – News Director is responsible for the news product across all platforms for the station as well as managing strategies and teams to develop content that connects with the community in a way that drives audience and revenue growth. The successful candidate will have a high degree of ethics, empathy, professionalism, function well under pressure, and have strong multiplatform and multi-tasking skills.

This leader will work closely with the President and General Manager on the development of a clear vision for the future of our local business and will be effective in communicating, motivating, and inspiring their team in executing that vision via hands-on leadership, optimism, strategic risk-taking and focused metrics of success.

The VP – News Director will work with key leaders across ABC OTV and ABC News to drive collective growth, success, and synergy.

Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day operations of the number one newsroom in the Fresno DMA. The Action News team includes a diverse team of talent across various roles including anchors, reporters, producers, photographers, assignment editors and others.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a strong team that is reflective of the Central California community, including on-air talent. Provide guidance and coaching to maximize their performance and accelerate their professional growth.
• Lead, execute and maintain a content strategy that attracts and maintains loyal news audience that has made ABC30 the top-rated news operation in the Fresno DMA.
• Grow and develop streaming strategies to grow station digital platforms, including abc30.com, the ABC30 Central California Apps and the ABC30 24/7 Stream.
• Directs and manages the overall newsroom operations to drive “ethical results” (meet or exceed KPIs) including established goals/objectives to help drive ratings, audience, video, and market share.
• Continue to identify more effective and efficient approaches to operations and processes throughout the newsroom.
• Partner with Marketing Department to help execute content strategy; including ideation and production of promotions, station specials, community events, and legacy partnerships.
• Partner with Disney Advertising Sales in the ideation and development of content that generates revenue for the station, while staying mindful of ethical and journalistic values.
• Partner with technology team to ideate and develop plans for future station equipment, hardware and infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community leaders as a key member of the stations’ leadership team.
• Execute all corporate policies/objectives while maintaining the highest level of ethics and industry standards.
• Establish and maintain an innovative and highly collaborative culture atmosphere that promotes innovation, open communication, kindness and excellence.
• Create a diverse, collaborative, fun and stimulating work environment.
• Collaborate with other parts of OTV and TWDC to advance the group’s interests and leverage assets.

Basic Qualifications and Skills:

• Proven leadership experience within a newsroom at a medium or large DMA local broadcast station or other news organization.
• A participative leadership approach that fosters collaboration and innovation
• Ability to recognize, create and communicate priorities, strategies as well as market opportunities and challenges to drive growth and performance improvement.
• Solid news judgment with respect for the highest ethical standards

• Attention to detail, project management skills, and the ability to effectively lead and manage in a dynamic and challenging environment.
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours, late nights and weekends as required
• Understanding of FCC rules and regulations.
• Experience working with unions and contract negotiations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of marketing and audience development in a multi-platform environment.
• Knowledge of the Fresno television market.
• Experience managing budgeting processes and strategic planning.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication or related field or relevant equivalent experience.

The hiring range for this position in Fresno, CA is $174,000 to $233,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

About ABC Owned TV Stations:

The Disney Entertainment Television group creates original entertainment and news content for the Company’s streaming platforms and its cable and broadcast networks.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with KFSN Television, LLC , which is part of a business we call ABC Owned TV Stations .

KFSN Television, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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