WOWK reporter leaves abruptly. Gagzette/Kabler

[genlock]

The abrupt departure of West Virginia Media political commentator Chris Stirewalt, to work for a free-distribution commuter daily in Washington, D.C., has the rumor-mill humming.

One rumor, originated by state Republican chairman Doug McKinney, was that Gov. Joe Manchin had threatened to pull all state advertising in the State Journal and on West Virginia Media’s four TV stations if Stirewalt wasn’t axed.

Manchin’s people basically laughed that off, and probably rightfully so. Given that Stirewalt’s commentary aired on third-rated stations in most of the markets, pulling strings to have him silenced would make about as much sense as using a bazooka to kill an annoying fly.
Besides, Manchin isn’t shy about pulling reporters aside for a face-to-face if he believes coverage has been biased or slanted against him.

Supposedly, after McKinney taped an episode of “Decision Makers,â€

[Mr. Tom Jones]

Stirewalt's departure suggests things have not gone well at the WVMH flagship.

Perhaps others closer to the situation might amplify here.