KDKA-TV says 'Wendy Bell doesn't work for us' after social media outcry

KDKA-TV is distancing itself from Pittsburgh radio personality Wendy Bell in light of controversial comments she made on recent videos, such as calling on park rangers to shoot people who deface monuments honoring historical figures.

“KDKA-TV would like to remind our viewers and readers that Wendy Bell does not work for KDKA-TV, a ViacomCBS owned station,” the television station said in a statement on its social media platforms. “Bell works for KDKA Radio, which is owned by Entercom Communications radio group. Please direct all comments and inquiries to KDKA Radio, 412-353-1300.”

Bell, once one of the most recognized faces on Pittsburgh television, worked at WTAE-TV for 18 years before being fired in March 2016 for controversial comments she made on her Facebook page.

Some people have been confused about whom she works for, thinking she works for KDKA-TV rather than KDKA Radio. She hosts a provocative, opinion-driven, afternoon radio talk show.

KDKA-TV would like to remind our viewers and readers that Wendy Bell does not work for KDKA-TV, a ViacomCBS owned station. https://t.co/BpCWOhWjBn

— KDKA (@KDKA) September 1, 2020

In a text message Wednesday night, Bell said KDKA-TV also received a lot of feedback on social media from her supporters.

“They got slaughtered,” by her backers, Bell said of KDKA-TV. “But don’t let those facts get in the way.”

KDKA-TV General Manager Chris Cotugno declined to comment on Bell’s assertion.

“We just want people to stop calling the television station regarding this incident,” he said.

The timing of KDKA-TV’s clarification coincides with videos of Bell that have surfaced on social media. In one of these videos she addresses the debate over defacing and tearing down monuments of controversial figures such as Christopher Columbus, who is memorialized with a statue in Schenley Park in Pittsburgh.

In the video, taken during her live radio show, Bell looks into the camera and says: “My easy solution for the park rangers and hopefully snipers who are going to be watching for this is to shoot on sight.” Bell then mimics the sound of a gunshot. “Shoot! Done! No more messing with monuments. You want to mess with a monument? Done! Get out!”

In another video shot at night, Bell is seen standing on a dark street as she addresses Black Lives Matter protesters.

“Hey — news flash, protesters. Get out! Go somewhere else, OK? Because you’ve worn out your welcome,” Bell said. “And by the way, the silent majority is pissed and they are armed and they are ready. So, don’t muck with us.”

There has been plenty of negative reaction to Bell’s comments on social media.

“Hey @KDKAradio, this is your representative, Wendy Bell. I’m sure that your advertisers are thrilled that listeners will be associating a fascist with their products,” said J Churchin @NoRlyYaRly on Twitter.

The negative comments heaped on KDKA-TV have left Cotugno feeling exasperated.

“We have been inundated with phone calls and emails with comments and questions relating to Wendy Bell, and we had to tell folks that she does not work for KDKA-TV. We are not her employer. Please stop calling us because our people need to do their jobs,” said Cotugno, who expressed concern that the mistaken notion Bell works for his television station is bringing negative attention to KDKA-TV.

“There is always going to be that concern. If something happened in your neighborhood and they started disparaging your family, you’d eventually have to say ‘Hey, you know what? It’s not us,’ ” Cotugno said. “Look, everybody is entitled to their opinions. It doesn’t matter if you’re right or left. All we’re trying to do is say that she doesn’t work for KDKA-TV.”

Bell was fired by WTAE TV four years ago for a post on her official Facebook page made after a mass shooting in Wilkinsburg. Before police had made any arrests in the case, Bell wrote, “You needn’t be a criminal profiler to draw a mental sketch of the killers who broke so many hearts two weeks ago Wednesday. … They are young black men, likely in their teens or early 20s. They have multiple siblings from multiple fathers and their mothers work multiple jobs.”

Calls requesting comment from KDKA Newsradio 1020 Program Director Jim Graci were not immediately returned.