In Detroit: WDIV’s Lauren Podell Resigns Amid Controversy

Lauren Podell

WDIV-TV4 reporter Lauren Podell has resigned from the station, officials there announced Wednesday, a day after calls for an apology from the station, saying Podell allegedly using a racial slur while off-air this year.

The incident apparently happened back in March but only recently came to light. Detroit activists Rev. W.J. Rideout and Sam Riddle demanded the station take action and called for Podell, 31, to be fired.

Reached Wednesday night, Marla Drutz, vice president and general manager of WDIV, said: “This is a personnel manner and as such, other than confirming her resignation, we have no comment.”

In an email to employees earlier Wednesday, Drutz said Podell’s resignation was effective immediately.

In the email to Ch. 4 staff Wednesday, Drutz wrote that Podell asked her to share a message: “During my time at WDIV I have created many friendships that I will continue to cherish.”

She joined the station as a traffic reporter in December 2007 while an Oakland University student.

In May, she filled in for her father, Doug “Doc of Rock” Podell, on classic rock station WCSX 94.7 FM while the DJ was on vacation.