TV Anchor-Reporter’s Termination Questioned From Aboveby, Jack Swint
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Well known TV news personality, Christine Habrle, was a familiar anchor-reporter for WCHS in Charleston, West Virginia, for many years. She was terminated recently, and the reason given by upper management doesn’t come close to what others we talked to believe actually occurred. In fact, the TV station owners praised her work as recently as August, 2008.
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Our source(s) say Habrle was terminated after she insisted on running the story on Kanawha County resident, Val Thomas, who had been pronounced dead in the hospital after several heart attacks and other complications that began on May 17, 2008, at approximately 1:30 am.
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The Miracle ?….
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According to then reporter Christine Habrle, Val Thomas' heart stopped, and there was a period of about 15-20 minutes when the woman had no oxygen and no pulse, but paramedics revived her, and she was taken to Thomas Memorial Hospital.
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When Thomas' heart stopped for a third time, the doctors told the family there was less than a 10% chance she would survive. At that time, her son Tim, gave the doctors permission to turn off the life support and everyone said their goodbyes. There was apparently another 10-20 minutes or so delay because of a question or an issue about organ donation. Rigor mortis had set in; her hands were stiff and hard, and her toes were curling back.
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When the nurse started to turn the respirator off and take the tubes out, he looked down at Ms Thomas and said, "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Thomas" and again told the family that there was no pulse, but Val Thomas suddenly came back to life. She addressed the nurse saying, "That's all right, honey." Her son, Tim, says that family and friends were in the waiting room the entire time praying and worshiping and asking God for a miracle.
When the doctors told them that there was only a 10 percent chance of survival, the family states that they "turned her over to Jesus" and that is when the miracle happened. According to the attending physicians, “we have no real explanation.” She was then transferred to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, but not before WV doctors had the last word on the extent of her possible miracle. “Val Thomas has undergone a heart catheterization and the results show no blockages or damage.”
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At no time did Christine interject her own thoughts or beliefs into the story. And, at the time, she had not realized that both she and Mrs. Thomas are members of the same church, Maranatha Fellowship located in St. Albans, WV.
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Reportedly, WCHS management agreed to the story, but wanted the “miracle” angle cut out and left lying on the editing floor. Habrle allegedly stood her ground and went with the full version of the story that does reflect the impression that everyone involved, including Habrle and several other news staff employees, believed it could be true.
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One WCHS employee who had to remain anonymous said, not long after that story, Christine was “on her way out the door.” Management allegedly began a campaign to document and build a case to be able to terminate her if need be. In fact, here is the “anonymous” explanation we received as to corporates explanation on her termination….
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According to WCHS ?…
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"Christine was fired because she has filed multiple frivolous lawsuits against WCHS; she was constantly late for work, created a hostile and combative work environment, and was lazy. It's sad that someone bought into her delusional lies about why she was fired. Talk to her co-workers who had to deal with her for so many years.”
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We researched current and past lawsuits filed in both Kanawha County and the US District Court and found no civil actions filed by Christine Habrle. Not yet anyway. We asked for any comments from any of her former co-workers on their professional work relations with Christine, since we were encouraged to by WCHS. We assured them their names would not be used. Two people responded. The first person’s comments suggest that person was either complaining about Christine, or bragging.
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"How can she call herself a "devout Christian?” She's had multiple sex partners in the last 24 months. I should know... I'm one of them." Another co-worker who thought we were just looking for dirt wrote…. “Sorry I can't help you out. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with Christine, and I wish her the best.”
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The story, and alleged miracle that occurred to Val Thomas quickly spread across the state, country and even the world. Doctors could not professionally explain what happened and Christians from every corner of the globe wanted to believe divine intervention came between life and death, then life again.
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According to Val Thomas, “I know God has something in store for me, another purpose. I don’t know what it is, but I’m sure he’ll tell me.” One Maranatha Fellowship church member says, Pastor James Wright believes one of their parishioners has received nothing less than a miracle, and the entire congregation is blessed and most likely in awe of what God has shown them all.
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When we asked several non-media local citizens who have been associated with Christine in both her private, and professional life, we were told this: “Christine was always professional in her appearance and demeanor whenever we talked which was usually about city affairs. Her questions were balanced, and so was her reporting. In addition to Christine's professionalism, I could tell that she was a Christian because of how she conducted herself. Something special was just there. I felt it. I knew it.
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At no time did Christine interject her own thoughts or beliefs into the story. And, at the time, she had not realized that both she and Mrs. Thomas are members of the same church, Maranatha Fellowship located in St. Albans, WV.
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Reportedly, WCHS management agreed to the story, but wanted the “miracle” angle cut out and left lying on the editing floor. Habrle allegedly stood her ground and went with the full version of the story that does reflect the impression that everyone involved, including Habrle and several other news staff employees, believed it could be true.
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One WCHS employee who had to remain anonymous said, not long after that story, Christine was “on her way out the door.” Management allegedly began a campaign to document and build a case to be able to terminate her if need be. In fact, here is the “anonymous” explanation we received as to corporates explanation on her termination….
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According to WCHS ?…
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"Christine was fired because she has filed multiple frivolous lawsuits against WCHS; she was constantly late for work, created a hostile and combative work environment, and was lazy. It's sad that someone bought into her delusional lies about why she was fired. Talk to her co-workers who had to deal with her for so many years.”
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We researched current and past lawsuits filed in both Kanawha County and the US District Court and found no civil actions filed by Christine Habrle. Not yet anyway. We asked for any comments from any of her former co-workers on their professional work relations with Christine, since we were encouraged to by WCHS. We assured them their names would not be used. Two people responded. The first person’s comments suggest that person was either complaining about Christine, or bragging.
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"How can she call herself a "devout Christian?” She's had multiple sex partners in the last 24 months. I should know... I'm one of them." Another co-worker who thought we were just looking for dirt wrote…. “Sorry I can't help you out. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with Christine, and I wish her the best.”
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The story, and alleged miracle that occurred to Val Thomas quickly spread across the state, country and even the world. Doctors could not professionally explain what happened and Christians from every corner of the globe wanted to believe divine intervention came between life and death, then life again.
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According to Val Thomas, “I know God has something in store for me, another purpose. I don’t know what it is, but I’m sure he’ll tell me.” One Maranatha Fellowship church member says, Pastor James Wright believes one of their parishioners has received nothing less than a miracle, and the entire congregation is blessed and most likely in awe of what God has shown them all.
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When we asked several non-media local citizens who have been associated with Christine in both her private, and professional life, we were told this: “Christine was always professional in her appearance and demeanor whenever we talked which was usually about city affairs. Her questions were balanced, and so was her reporting. In addition to Christine's professionalism, I could tell that she was a Christian because of how she conducted herself. Something special was just there. I felt it. I knew it.
We never talked about it, but I knew that she had a deep faith in Jesus Christ. I admire her for taking a stand. I know there is something better coming her way. She will be blessed abundantly.” According to Wanda Carney, “I was shocked to see Kristine let go by channel 8. I have worked with her for many years now and have enjoyed our stories together. She was always professional and was able to become very comfortable with the people she was reporting about. I always enjoyed her weekend anchoring and will miss her. She was a great investigative reporter.”
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In Closing,
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Something is not right with WCHS management’s assessment and reason for terminating Christine Habrle. On one side they say she was “fired because she has filed multiple frivolous lawsuits against WCHS; she was constantly late for work, created a hostile and combative work environment, and was lazy.”
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But, just 3 months ago, in August, 2008, this same WCHS top management was singing her praises after Christine won an “Emmy” for her work on a special segment titled “Reconstructing Rachel.” One statement contradicts the other!!
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Read what they said…. Click on blue link.
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http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/0808/080814_4150ae08.shtml
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Val Thomas Story... Click on blue link.
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http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/0805/080521_41d512f9.shtml
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End Of Story
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In Closing,
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Something is not right with WCHS management’s assessment and reason for terminating Christine Habrle. On one side they say she was “fired because she has filed multiple frivolous lawsuits against WCHS; she was constantly late for work, created a hostile and combative work environment, and was lazy.”
....
But, just 3 months ago, in August, 2008, this same WCHS top management was singing her praises after Christine won an “Emmy” for her work on a special segment titled “Reconstructing Rachel.” One statement contradicts the other!!
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Read what they said…. Click on blue link.
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http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/0808/080814_4150ae08.shtml
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Val Thomas Story... Click on blue link.
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http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/0805/080521_41d512f9.shtml
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End Of Story
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Jack Swint-Publisher
West Virginia News
E-Mail: WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
Website: http://WVNewsOnline.com
Twitter: @WVNewsOnline
LinkedIn: Jack Swint
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22 comments:
Here's the plain truth. Management wanted to fire Christine years ago but she was always threatening to sue.
She was late to work all the time and complained about having to report. She was lazy and anyone with guts will say the same. She also was constantly forcing religion into her stories and on the people she worked with.
I was a camera operator for her on the weekends for some time. She was a pain in the butt and never had ANY respect for ANYONE.
I've always had a lot of respect for WCHS, but after this report and what happened to Ms. Habrle, I no longer have the same opinion. I feel sorry for her and think she was done a great injustice.
Any proof? Or all here-say ? Post your proof. I met Ms.Habrle at the Ashton Korger sometime ago. She was a normal acting gal to me. Where is your proof of her being less than a lady?
Just where is your 100% proof of this? I met Ms. Habrle at the Ashton Korger one time & she was nothing less than a very humble, nice young lady. proof or it is all lies
No matter what is said about Ms. Habrle, her reporting was good, and she is missed. I don't believe a word of what is being said. Casting stones is easy when you are anonymous, isn't it.
To the person at WCHS that made the uncalled sexual comment they should fire him. He certainly in uncouth and should not be allowed to represent the station . Sounds alot like sour grapes to me.
Gentleman - NO
Poor Lopser - YES
This is by far the worst journalism ever. There is no hard evidence of anything said, just heresay.
Did you try contacting Christine? If so, why aren't her comments posted? And if not, where did the information come from.
And the alleged comments from WCHS employees and management, how come no names were used? These could be made up comments from someone off the street disguised as employee comments just to try and balance your story.
The "witness" gave no evidence to back up his/her claims.
As far as we know this article is nothing more than libelous comments about both parties involved.
You can't write a whole "dirt digging" article and only use one name who gives a character refernece, and spells the "victim's" name wrong.
To the idiot who wrote the above "annonymous" comments talking about how poor the facts of the story on the news reporter being fired.
Why dont you put your name in your comments chicken shit!!!!!
You sound like a a news reporter who is tired of these guys scooping you!!!
To the person who wrote the annonymous comments two above this one.
When we contacted WCHS employee's we said that their input would be annonymous, and we kept them that way. If you would like to send me an e-mail, I can forward you the names of the people who commented. I would do the same for you if we had said that no names of staff would be used.
Also, if you dont like what your reading, DONT READ IT. It does appear you have an axe to grind on this story. By the way, if you havent noticed, this is a BLOG, not the newspaper or local TV.
But, AT LEAST WE ARE WRITING ABOUT IT!!!
Thanks for your comments and concerns. Sorry we can not make everyone happy.
Maybe you should use your real name if you are that upset.
Sam Webber
PWDGroup
To the person who complained about the story not naming their sources. Guess you have never actually worked with "sources" who remain annonymous.
You must be one of those media employee's who write obits or want ads for a living.
I also agree with what someone else wrote, your either jealous or your involved in the story somehow and to scared to say who you are.
Stan Hill
WV
She must hang out at the Ashton Kroger ALOT! Could you dO a report on Maranatha? I bet it would be REALLY interesting.
There are over 2,000 people who attend Maranatha. Somebody must be doing something right.
You sound a little jealous to me.
we would love to hear her side of the story. we wonder if you & Jack can get that part. maybe interesting to hear.
This is an attack on Christianity.
I have sent nice email to different ones over the years and hers was the nicest reply.
Actually one of the nicest reply I ever got from WCHS.
Laura Bakker ,Deborah Linz and several more were all snobs in their reply.
I even received an email from the General Manager telling me that if I didn't quit being friendly,that he would find me and press charges for being a stalker.
This was and is an attack on Christianity.
Notice that Laura Bakker.Eric Wells and Natalie Tenant aren't there either.
That may tell you something!!!
Natalie even left years before running for political office.
Somebody ought to work up a petition to get WCHS/WVAH off the air.
No,a petition wouldn't work there needs to be some legislation made or have stricter rules for management and reporters alike.
Since there was no hardcore evidence,this was an obvious slap in the face to the Christian Faith because we are known by our love and you could tell that Christine loved what she did as opposed to Laura Bakker,I was glad to see Laura go.
To the annonymous person who keeps asking about comments from Christene Habrley?? From what I read on here, she already did.
Give it a rest pal, or gal, or maybe e-mail the people who write this blog and ask them to write you back???
I could never figure out why Christine was a reporter or sometimes doing the news, unless she had something on management there. She looked awful, spoke very unprofessionally, was silly and stupid. What took them so long?
The February 7 writer is right. Christine was a terrible speaker,but why was management so long in terminating her?
Her appearance was was bad,looked like somebody that stepped out of a hooker position.
I think management did the right thing,but took to long to do it.
All I remember about this lady is she seemed to have a lot of difficulty speaking, like her mouth was always full of something. Perhaps her tongue was enormous. To be fair, the entire staff of WVAH/WCHS is pretty near bottom-of-the-barrel. It's embarrassing.
I think Rick Lord and Debra Linz do an excellent job of anchoring the evening news desks. Some people are just naturally better than others, and these are among the top in our tri-state area. I hope WCHS does what it takes to keep these people on staff.
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