September 12, 2009 in City

KREM drops longtime news anchor

Woodward says termination ‘was all about salary’ dispute

Tom Sowa toms@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5492

Nadine Woodward, a veteran TV news anchor at KREM, said she was let go by station management over contract terms.
(Full-size photo)

Veteran Spokane TV news anchor Nadine Woodward said she was targeted for a 15 percent pay cut, then let go when she and management at KREM couldn’t agree on terms.

Woodward, 47, worked for 19 years at KREM, owned by Texas-based Belo Corp. She was the station’s highly visible co-anchor during newscasts at 5, 6, 10 and 11 p.m.

Her last work day was Monday, said station General Manager Jamie Aitken.

“I think it was all about salary,” Woodward said. “Plus I think they could get somebody in there who would work for half my salary. And they could care …

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18 comments on this story so far. Add yours!

dick adams on September 12 at 12:19 a.m.
Mr. Aitken, your web site was not available to log on tonight, so I will submit my comment to the SR web-site in case you decide to read what the SR subscribers have to say. I`ll wager the KREM2 local news viewers might choose to check out the other local channels after finding out about the hatchet job.

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A Hyatt on September 12 at 7:56 a.m.
This is absolutely despicable. They terminated her…why hold her to a non-compete clause? Just to be jerks, that's why! KREM has been my news channel for as long as I can remember, but that certainly is going to change. I'm sure she'll land on her feet somewhere, and wish her much success wherever that may be. If it's at a competing news channel, I'll be tuning in!

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Bob_Knows on September 12 at 8:47 a.m.
The left wing talking heads champion Obama day after day, and now they are reaping the rewards of their leftist agenda. We will all end up poor as we all are forced to take jobs at 1/2 the pay and pay twice the taxes.

Maybe the other talking heads will fugue it out, but somehow I doubt they have the mental capacity to put 2 and 2 together.

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John Dodgion on September 12 at 9:46 a.m.
Nadine should file a grievance against KREM, holding her to a non-compete clause is ridiculous !! KREM has no class !!

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dick adams on September 12 at 11:51 a.m.
I remember during the River Park Square scandal, KREM2 shyed away from reporting on it and was rewarded earning a lot of money for ads promoting the mall. KXLY, was the only local channel to investigate and did a great job telling the citizerns about the robbery costing the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. Records will show KXLY received zero, zelch, no ad money from the mall developers as a result. Today, another disservice by KREM2 with their dirty laundry put out for the public to see. It appears once again, management is showing their true colors and it stinks .

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indie on September 12 at 12:17 p.m.
I worked with Nadine at KREM a few years back and wanted to post that she was just as sincere, kind, and dignified as she comes across on screen. It is such a shame to lose someone who truly cares about the news and her community. Good luck, Nadine. I know you will find another position where your presence and experience are appreciated. Until then, I am sure Spokane viewers will be eagerly awaiting your return.
Serena

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tcionwy on September 12 at 12:27 p.m.
I moved to Spokane about 25 years ago and watched Krem at 5 for Nadine and Tom, and KHQ at 6 for Randy. Well finally all my needs were met by the greatest team ever put together and only watched KREM for all my news needs. Letting Nadine go is the worst mistake Aitken could make, well at least the last one in a long line of mistakes. He has broken a well oiled machine that was heartwarming, talented and has lost this viewer. Nadine was an ICON for Spokane. I wish her all the best, and know such a genuine person will find all she seeks for herself and her family. AITKEN needs to be fired to save the station.

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beg1958 on September 12 at 1:54 p.m.
Bob_knows is a fool! If there is any political agenda it is the right wing agenda that comes out of Texas where BELO is headquartered. It is not the left that out sources jobs it is the right wing pro business republicans that champion this. KREM you screwed up you have lost another viewer.

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Jerry Kapelke on September 12 at 4:27 p.m.
The best cost you money, and Nadine has been the best female anchor in Spokane for some time. Nothing against Randy Shaw, but scre* you KREM, I'm turning the channel!

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ofcourse on September 12 at 8:07 p.m.
Nadine is by far the best TV newsperson. She is intelligent, appropriate, and positive. I also respect Randy Shaw. I completely agree with the above poster. The younger gals on KREM2 act like they are performing a spoof of Nancy Grace on Saturday Night Live. Such over kill, exaggerated inflection and misguided attempt at “drama”.

I trust their will be BETTER opportunities ahead for her than the ill run KREM 2. She deserves far better.

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two bit on September 13 at 8:29 a.m.
I too agree with all the above remarks. I can see some one wanting to change a contract but the way they did it was really cut throat and the part of not letting her non compete clause shows they are a heart less bunch at Belo. I do hope she can sue the mob and I usually shy away from lawyers but got get them Nadine.

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prairie gal on September 13 at 12:28 p.m.
I quit watching KHQ when they first let Debra Wilde, and then Randy Shaw go several years ago. I began to watch KREM, because Nadine Woodward, Charles Rowe, and Tom Sherry were class acts. Add Randy Shaw as well. People don't watch the local stations because of the news, because the news is the same from station to station. We watch a station because of the anchors—because of their likability, professionalism, etc. KREM forgets that people in this town have long memories; most of us, I believe, will switch to watching KXLY now.
There are ways to treat people, and there are ways you don't treat people. Whereever you land, Nadine, good luck to you; you can look yourself in the mirror with no regrets.

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papacats on September 13 at 3:38 p.m.
I went through almost the same thing in Sacramento, CA in the early 90's with a GM just like this guy. But in my case I was the first of 85 employees let go, to make the station more appealing for purchase.

I have been watching KREM since I moved to the area in 2003,
but I guess it's time to change that dial. Hope you stay in this market, your one of the best woman anchores I've watched.

GOOD LUCK!

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Dixie on September 13 at 4:23 p.m.
I have typed in two comments before,but nothing is working.
Here goes any way. Good by krem tv. Unbelieveable Nadine won't be giving out the news in such a professional and personable way. I bet the morale around there is sinking.

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austinsloan on September 13 at 11:21 p.m.
I think the people of Spokane should start a BOYCOTT of KREM 2. We are the reason they make money. No viewers. No Money from advertisers. I'm starting my boycott today until Nadine is back on the air and the person responsible, I'm assuming the station manager is fired.

We the people can make a difference. Tell your friends and lets send a message to KREM 2. Let them know what you want.

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Karen Dorsh on September 14 at 6:16 p.m.
Nadine, you will be sorely missed by all of your viewers, your colleagues, and your friends who have enjoyed watching your broadcasts for the last 19 years. The way both you and your husband were treated by the management at Krem after putting in so
many dedicated years with this company is absolutely despicable and underhanded. What were they thinking?!! Their ratings are going to plummet, and if they have any common sense they will apologize to both of you and to the public for making such a bone-headed decision, then reinstate both of you with your original contracts intact. But we both know that will never happen. You have been served a huge injustice, one that I hope in part can soon be amended. You have always been one of my favorites, along with Tom Sherry, Abbey Gibb, Randy Shaw, and Tom Hudson. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this was one of the reasons why Tom Hudson chose to move on. I'm proud of you Nadine for sticking to your principles and not letting them bully you. You are a class act, and any T.V. station will be lucky to have you. Krem has broken up a great news family. I hope they will be taken to task. Good luck Nadine! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen D. Dorsh

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djv101358 on September 14 at 7:47 p.m.
In times of uncertainty, it is comforting to invite these people into our homes in the evening to give us the daily news. These News Anchors become part of our family. After 19 years, we appreciated Ms. Woodward, her professionalism, class, and sincerity. I have been a loyal KREM news viewer for years, I am sorry to the rest of the staff, this is not directed at them, they are fantastic, but I cannot watch KREM any longer, until Ms. Woodward is returned to the air and the GM returns to Texas, I tried to leave a comment on KREMs website, but the commentary was disabled on her story. Good luck to Ms. Woodward and her family, and thank you for 19 great years, your always welcome in our home! On to KXLY…..

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Janinthevalley on November 14 at 12:06 a.m.
My husband and I were on vacation in October and I guess we weren't paying attention for two weeks before that. Our news watching has been irregular these first two weeks in November and it wasn't until today (Friday, November 13th) that I learned that Nadine has been terminated from KREM TV.

Wow! I couldn't and can't believe that the management would drop one-third of Spokane's best news team after repeatedly receiving high ratings for their excellent work together. We invited Nadine, Charles and Tom into our living room every night for years, then shifted allegiance to Nadine,Tom and Randy as good and trusted friends, to sit with us and tell us the news of interest in our area.

What was the General Manager thinking? What do the advertisers think of the bad judgement exhibited by KREM's management? I plan to visit the advertisers who are supporting this station and tell them of my disrespect for KREM's management. Maybe others will join me?

Nadine brought insight, experience, intelligence, human understanding, professionalism, team work and humor to every newscast. She was always prepared and was an anchor with charm and class.

I'm stunned, shocked and not finished writing about my objection to this really stupid action by the general manager.
This shouldn't be forgiven and forgotten. This man has done so much damage to the station and the moral of the staff since coming to KREM. How is the station going to survive? What might he do next?

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