TELEVISION : Donaldson’s Deal

Veteran ABC News anchor/correspondent Sam Donaldson, who just a year ago was locked in a bitter contract dispute that threatened his career at the network, has signed a new four-year contract, ending what he calls “the shortest negotiation ever.” Donaldson would not reveal terms of the new pact, although it is believed he received a raise over what is reportedly a $2-million-a-year salary. For that, he will continue as co-anchor on “PrimeTime Live” and as a regular with “This Week With David Brinkley” while remaining on call for key assignments like conventions, specials and substitute evening news anchor.