[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E157]]
                      CRAIG NIGRELLI DEPARTS KOAT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2004

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
one of the finest and most respected news anchors in New Mexico--Craig 
Nigrelli. Craig is departing KOAT television of Albuquerque, New 
Mexico, after a strong four-year run. He will soon be leaving for KSTP-
TV in Minnesota. Before he departs, I would like to reflect on his 
career.
  Craig is one of New Mexico's most highly respected broadcast 
journalists. He joined the Action 7 News anchor desk in February 2000. 
As a popular morning and noontime anchor, he has commanded high ratings 
against some tough competition and is often credited with making a 
major contribution toward building KOAT's solid reputation.
  In 1989, Craig received his B.A. degree in Communications/Economics 
from Rutgers University. He began his broadcasting career in radio as 
an anchor/reporter for radio station WJJL-AM in Niagara Falls, New 
York, and then as anchor/reporter for WBEN-AM in Buffalo, New York, 
from May 1991 until June 1993. In April 1993, Craig made the move to 
television as a general assignment reporter for WIVB-TV in Buffalo, and 
became the station's anchor/co-anchor from October 1995 until January 
2000. During this time, he was praised for his reports on the crash of 
TWA Flight 800, the one-year anniversary of the federal-building 
bombing in Oklahoma, and the FBI raid on Timothy McVeigh's childhood 
home near Buffalo. This extensive experience prepared him well for his 
successful tenure at KOAT.
  Throughout his years at KOAT, Craig has developed a reputation in the 
New Mexico political community for being one of the few TV reporters to 
whom the moniker ``political reporter'' is applied. He has been a major 
presence on KOAT election coverage, and his departure will leave a void 
in this busy year. After being interviewed dozens of times by Craig, I 
can honestly say that I do not know his political affiliation or 
leanings. He has asked me, and countless other elected officials and 
candidates, the tough questions that New Mexico viewers want to know. I 
do not think there can be a higher compliment than that for a 
journalist.
  On February 16, I will travel to the KOAT studio in Albuquerque for 
what will probably be my last interview with Craig on the noon news. I 
have no doubt that he will be missed by his colleagues and viewers 
alike for his judgment, experience, toughness under pressure, and his 
wonderful sense of humor. He will be gone, but not forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing Craig the 
best of luck in all his future endeavors. His dedication to quality 
journalism cannot be understated, and I am pleased to have been able to 
honor him here today. While Craig and his lovely wife, Carol, embark on 
a new chapter in their life, I want them to know they will always have 
friends in New Mexico.

                          ____________________