People
Rick Gevers’ Weekly Newsletter reported that Jason Walker has been named news director of Morgan Murphy Media CBS affiliate WKBT/8 (La Crosse).
A belated note that Dustin Nolan joined Gray NBC affiliate KWQC/6 (Davenport) as morning co-anchor last month. He had previously worked across the river at Nexstar CBS affiliate WHBF/4 (Rock Island).
Meteorologist Justin Esterly has departed Allen ABC affiliate WQOW/18 (Eau Claire) for a job in Kentucky.
TV NewsCheck reported that Jim Collins has been named strategic marketing director at Weigel’s “CBS58” (WDJT Milwaukee). Collins had previously been news content operations manager at Scripps NBC affiliate WTMJ-TV/4 (Milwaukee).
The Chicago/Midwest chapter of NATAS announced that five Wisconsin broadcasters will be named to the Silver Circle on Feb. 12. They are: John Eddy, Dwight Moss, and Jan Wade of WISN-TV (Milwaukee), Rick Rietbrock of WTMJ-TV (Milwaukee), and Glenn Riley of Milwaukee PBS (WMVS/WMVT).
Stations
Minnesota Public Radio‘s station alerts page says wintry weather and tower icing continues to affect its stations in Bemidji and Worthington, as well as several translators. Nine MPR stations formally reported to the FCC last week that they were at reduced power.
Iowa Public Radio says KSUI/91.7 (Iowa City) is at reduced power and its HD signal is off the air due to an “issue at the transmitter.”
TV viewers looking for their local news on New Year’s Eve may be surprised that there won’t be any 10 p.m. news in most Upper Midwest cities. Listings indicate most ABC, CBS, and NBC affiliates will run their local news at 9:00 Central time, with network New Year’s Eve specials resuming at 9:30 and continuing past midnight Central on ABC and CBS.
In case you missed it:
News tips? Press releases? If you don’t see yours here, I probably didn’t receive it! Please send them to jonellis@northpine.com!
Disclosure: Jon Ellis was an employee of Gray Media Group at the time this item was posted. The statements and views expressed in this posting are his own and do not reflect those of Gray Media Group.