Former WAVY anchor files another suit against station

Former WAVY-TV 10 anchor David Nelson has filed another lawsuit against the television station, this time accusing his former employer of defamation.

Nelson sued WAVY in U.S. District Court in Norfolk last month, accusing the station of repeatedly ignoring his and his doctor's requests for time off to recover from chronic back problems. Nelson was fired in November 2007 after five years at WAVY, that suit said.

In another suit, filed in Portsmouth Circuit Court, Nelson has accused WAVY of defamation. WAVY executives have told prospective employers, for example, that Nelson was a "poor anchor" and "cannot be trusted," the suit said. It seeks more than $5 million.

It names WAVY; its parent company, Lin Television Corp.; Doug Davis, WAVY's president and general manager; and news director Kathy Hostetter. Davis declined comment Friday.

More Holiday Challenge

Three more local companies are giving some extra thought - and money - to those less fortunate this holiday season.

Pioneer Title does not usually have a party, but it does send gifts to clients. This year, in lieu of gifts, it has made a donation to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia in honor of its clients.

"Our industry has certainly felt the strain of the tough economic times in which we live," the title insurance firm wrote in a note to its customers. "Every day, we are reminded of the needs of others and have made a concerted effort to help our community."

The Hipage Co. Inc., a small Norfolk customs broker and freight forwarder, plans to continue its 81-year tradition of a Christmas luncheon.

However, it will also donate the same amount it spends on the luncheon - about $1,000 - to the Union Mission, in memory of the late Rev. Ted Bashford to recognize his years of service to Norfolk's homeless, said Linwood Beckner, Hipage's executive vice president.

For the second year, William E. Wood and Associates, a large local real estate agency, is skipping its annual holiday party, said Rick Schoew, the agency's director of marketing. Each of its 18 offices will instead make donations to disadvantaged families or charitable organizations.

"In all, nearly $10,000 was donated in 2007, and we hope to exceed that amount this year," Schoew said.