The shakedown occurred last week before the 11 AM morning news. It lasted 10-15 minutes and shocked even hardened veterans. Goldberger is the ABC O and O's 4, 5, and 6 PM news Executive Producer.
"It was very loud and animated--she basically acted like 'I'm in charge here--don't -uck with me.", a Channel 7 staffer who witnessed the dust-up first-hand. The staffer requested anonymity due to the nature of the story.
What was it that drew the ire of Watkowski? According to the staffer, the ND was angry over a story run in one of KGO's newscasts referring to Hayward Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi as a "convicted criminal." Indeed, in January, Hayashi pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor shoplifting charge. Legally, a plea of no contest is essentially the same as a guilty plea. (While you enter a plea of no contest the court makes a finding of guilt.)
After the story ran, Hayashi's office called Channel 7 and asked for an on-air retraction. They later backed off that request, according to the source.
Watkowski was angry that Goldberger went through the station's legal analyst for advice rather than taking the matter to Disney legal people. Even after the fact Hayashi's reps backed off the retraction road didn't stop Watkowski's outburst.
"It was a matter that should have been dealt with behind closed doors. It wasn't something that should have been handled the way it was in front of the entire newsroom--not very professional and just not right, "said the source.
Watkowski did not return a call seeking comment.
*RICH LIEBERMAN 415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE
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