Category: Newsletter Weekly
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Proctor, Bill
WXYZ: The “Doc” is now official. MAB Hall of Fame induction means I join my nominator Jerry Hodak, Chuck Stokes, Diana Lewis, and Eric Smith among others. Wouldn’t be here without great support from CH7 family. Thanks to you all! – Bill Proctor, Facebook, August 7, 2019 Retired from WXYZ-TV. Bill Proctor and Associates, LLC.…
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Fisher, Rich
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WXYZ: TV news. Died, March 24, 2017, after fighting cancer for many months.[1] Lynch and Clawson Funeral Home, “Rich Fisher died peacefully March 24, 2017. He was 67 years old. Rich was born March 31, 1949, in Detroit, to James and Patricia Fisher. He is survived by his children, Bill Fisher, Richard Fisher, Stephanie (Bryan)…
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Smith, Erik
WXYZ: August 2017 Erik Smith inducted into the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. [1] Erik Smith writes on Facebook, August 23, 2017: I think John Fuller was shooting the “great” Race. I remember Dennis Archer was Mayor at the time, because he challenged me to another race the following year. Maybe that’s a…
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Carr, Beverly
WXYZ: PBX operator. Beverly Louise Carr, 87, passed away on April 23, 2024. Obiturary: Lynch and Sons, Milford, Michigan Beverly Louise Carr, born on August 05, 1936, in Highland Park, Michigan, was the daughter of George and Mary Krause of Oak Park, Michigan. Beverly married her high school sweetheart after graduation.Together they had three sons,…
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Clifford, Carolyn M.
WXYZ: TV anchor, health reporter, producer. 2021: Inducted into the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. WPGH: AnchorWLFL: October 2022: Recognized by the Emmy folks for her 25-years of dedication to the television industry. References:
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Ducey, Joe
KNXV: Consumer reporter.WXYZ: TV investigative reporter. 02/2024 Retiring from KNXV, abc15/Phoenix. References: Recent Sightings: News:
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Seay, Samuel G. – ‘Sam’
WXYZ: TV engineering, videographer. [August 18, 1946 – January 11, 2022] Samuel started his amazing life in Oakland, CA. His family moved to Detroit, MI in 1948. Samuel attended the Detroit Public Schools. At Wilbur Wright High School, he was involved in the football program. He graduated in 1964. Upon graduation, he was employed at Ford…
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Best of the Class 1981 with Jeanne Findlater
Best of the Class 1981 with Jeanne Findlater “I created the campaign, which was eventually sponsored in up to 90 U.S. TV markets sponsored by General Motors. I was Community Affairs director for Detroit’s WXYZ-TV (ABC -TV) and can say, with great appreciation that the campaign would likely NEVER have been created had not station…
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Doerner, Wanda
WXYZ: TV engineering, ENG news editiing Wanda Doerner with one of her Emmy awards for her amazing editing skills – From the Terry Pochert’s retirement collection. Wanda retired on October 31, 2023, after 41 years with the station. References:
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Farrington-Jones, Dianne
WXYZ: Videographer, Audio “When I worked at XYZ, one of my best friends was a camerawoman named Dianne Farrington Jones. DJ moved to Los Angeles and attended the American Film Institute. On December 16th [2023] she was one of five women honored by Women in Media’s Annual Holiday Toast to Legendary Women in the Industry. Dianne…
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Media All Stars Hockey Team in 1971
Here are some of the Detroit media play for charities against the Detroit Lions prior to a Junior Olympic Red Wings game in 1971
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Garagiola, Steve
WDIV: Sports AnchorWXYZ sports, 1980 to 1989. Steve’s dad, Joe Garagiola, a baseball legend died at the age of 90 on March 23, 2016. Research:
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Sieger, Alan
WXYZ: Staging.Deceased: August 30, 1947 – October 21, 2023 “Allan Richard Sieger, age 76, passed away on October 21, 2023. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 30, 1947 to his late parents Lucille and Dexter Sieger Sr. Allan is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary Phyllis (Mary Phyl); siblings: Dexter C.…
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WXYZ staff earns 10 awards at 43rd annual Michigan Emmy Awards
WXYZ-TV was honored with 10 Emmy awards by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Michigan chapter, in June. Newscast – Morning/Daytime/Evening Mid-Michigan Flooding DisasterAshleigh Klinger, Alan Campbell, Glenda Lewis Continuing Coverage The Plot to Kidnap Michigan’s GovernorJim Kiertzner, Heather Catallo, Kennan Oliphant, Yve Jones, Tim Kochenderfer, Kim Russell Business/Consumer – Short or…
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Becker, William – ‘Bill’
WXYZ: TV News Writer/Producer, Investigative Producer and Copy Editor. References: Recent Sightings In The News: Bill Becker have fun during a heavy news day in the newsroom – From the Terry Pochert retirement collection If you can help identify some of our folks in the pictures, please comment below or leave a note on our…
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Sortor, Tammy
WDIV: Executive producer, LIVE in the D. Retired from broadcasting, March 2023. WXYZ: TV news executive producer, 1992-1997. Recent sightings:
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Shane, Don [Donald L.]
WXYZ: Sports Director. Retired on February 29, 2012, after 23 years with WXYZ-TV. Don died February 2023. “Longtime Channel 7 sportscaster Don Shane has died at the age of 70, 7 Action News has learned. Don spent 23 years at WXYZ and no one had more fun on the air or covering our local teams.”…
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Hall, Reggie
Reggie Hall has been the right-hand man to Don Shane, Dave LewAllen, Fred Heumann, Jay Berry, Tom Leyden, Vic Faust, David Solano, Brad Galli, Justin Rose, Kacie Hollins, and every other person who has stepped into the sports office the last three decades.
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Haynes, Trudy
KYW: News Reporter starting in 1965 until her retirement in 1998. WXYZ: Weathercaster starting in 1963. Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists is saddened by the recent news that Broadcast legend Trudy Haynes has passed this morning at 95 years old. We’re not mourning, but will continue celebrating her trailblazing life and legacy. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yl8zHSaKQt —…
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Burke, Kelly
WRC: ReporterWEWS: ReporterWXYZ: TV news reporter. Kelly grew up in Farmington, Michigan. Went to the University of Detroit. First job as a reporter at 21 at WEWS, TV, Cleveland – 1968. Then served in the Army for 2 years. Yes, then worked for 5 years at WXYZ TV. He worked at WRC TV in DC…
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Briggs, Curtis D. – ‘Curt’
Passed on May 16, 2022, at the age of 70 (Born: October 9, 1952) WXYZ: TV engineering. WXYZ‘s expert and professional videographers. Curt was an amazing individual always there to capture the breaking news. Curt was also one of those unique individuals that was always willing to teach and help the novice folks on the…
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Kalush, Mike
WXYZ: TV engineering and videographer. Born September 25, 1934, Died January 16, 2019. WJRT: Film photographer From Mike’s daughter, Kathy Kalush, “Thank you greatly for all of the thoughts and prayers. We have scheduled a 10 AM visitation, 11 AM celebration of life mass followed by a celebration of life luncheon at Holy Redeemer on Bristol…
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McConneha, Richard – ‘Dick’ ‘Ace’
WXYZ: TV Engineering. [March 9, 1926 – March 19, 2022] Richard Lee McConneha, of Midland, MI., age 96, March 19, 2022. Beloved husband of Lois. The father of Bill and the late Dustin McConneha. Obituary
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Chodun, Cheryl R.
WXYZ: 1978-2013 TV news reporter References: Detroit Jewish News Digital Archives – Signing Off – Longtime TV reporter Cheryl Chodun prepares for final broadcast on Channel 7 (PDF) Robert Pasick – Launching a Successful Second Career Institute of Continuing Legal Education Facebook.com 06/12/2013 – 7 Action News reporter Cheryl Chodun announces her retirement (PDF Cache)
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Conway, Mary
WXYZ: TV news reporter. Worked at WIFR, WZZM and then finally with WXYZ. Former WXYZ reporter Mary Conway to join Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame – Febuary 12, 2019 Former WXYZ reporter Mary Conway will be inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame, it was announced today. Conway, who set the standard for automotive and…
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Bowman, Charles – ‘Chuck’
WXYZ: TV engineering, ENG videographer, TV news editing. 1988 Archive Photo Chuck Bowman – Photo from Terry Pochert’s Retirement Album
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Findlater, Jeanne
WXYZ: Vice President and General Station Manager. (1979-1987) WKBD: Producer of the Lou Gordon Show and Hot Seat NATPE Conference in March 1979 (Los Vegas). Jeanne Findlater References: The Detroit Free Press, December 19, 2021 – Opinion: One responsibility of women leaders in the 1980s – don’t spoil it for other women (PDF)
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Rivera, Kurt
KXTV: Stockton bureau Kurt Rivera, an award-winning journalist with more than three decades of experience, joined the ABC10 team in November 2016. He is based in the ABC10 Stockton bureau. Kurt was born and raised in Stockton where he attended school at Colonial Heights Elementary and Lincoln High School. From there he went to San…
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Wolan, Scott
WXYZ: TV News Photojournalist, Videographer. Retire on January 29, 2016, after 37 years working for WXYZ-TV. Scott Wolan – Used with Permission of the Photographer, Wanda Doerner. Scott Wolan – Used with Permission of the Photographer, Wanda Doerner. References: Facebook WXYZ – January 29, 2015 (PDF)
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The Lone Ranger: The Early Years, 1933 to 1937
Available on Amazon.com by Martin Gram and Terry Salomonson This is the book that was decades in the making. When The Lone Ranger premiered on the evening of January 31, 1933, no one involved with the creation of the program suspected that “Hi-Yo, Silver!” would become an expression that would enter America’s lexicon. For more…
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Therrien, Glenn
WJBK: Senior Sports Producer at TV Fox 2 WXYZ: TV news writer, producer. Recent sightings: Facebook Neal Rubin – What a way for guys to celebrate the gift of friendship
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Schuster, Don
WXYZ: 1975-1976 WDIV: 1979 WJR: WWWW: FM Radio Disc jockey Shared link on Facebook: After a 51-year career, I have decided to retire. It is with mixed emotions, but certainly is driven by positive anticipation of the next phase of my life. My journey took flight in the summer of 1968. It was the summer…
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Sharpe, Taylor
WXYZ: Video Editor, Technical Director “After graduating from two of Specs Howards programs, Taylor Sharpe gives some life lessons from the field of video editing. Where do you work and what do you do there? I work for Channel 7 News WXYZ as an Overnight Video Editor for the Monday-Friday morning show. References: LinkedIn
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Randall, Johnny – ‘David Manheimer, Dave Mann’
WXYZ: WXYZ-AM early afternoon disc jockey. Circa, 1965-1975. WAAM and WTAC: Disc Jockey WYSI: Disc Jockey WDTM: Announcer “David Manheimer started working in Detroit radio at the age of 15. He was hired by classical station WDTM because he could properly pronounce the names of the composers. He quickly moved to WYSI in Ypsilanti, then,…
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WXYZ Alumni Met at Roy Hobbs Baseball
“Special for my WXYZ-TV Channel 7 friends!! Playing baseball this week with our colleague Glenn Therrien in the Roy Hobbs World Series in Ft. Myers, FLA. A great week with a bunch of great guys. Special thanks to Gary Gavlinski for the great job managing! Made it through the first round of playoffs with a…
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Hodak, Jerry
WXYZ: Meteorologist. Retired September 23, 2010. WKMG: On-air Staff References: Wikipedia – Jerry Hodak Wikpedia – WKMG
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Hensley-MacLeod, Patty
WXYZ: TV Engineering. Retire after 44 years with the station. July 17, 2018 – Passed away from a traumatic brain injury received during a fall on July 13, 2018. Her co-workers, family and friends were in shock at her passing. She was loved by many. Patty was born on January 1, 1955. Memorial Service Flyer…
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Bill Proctor: Michigan Journalism’s Hall of Fame
Bob Giles writes, “So great tonight [October 9, 2021] to honor Bill Proctor’s 2020 induction into the Michigan Journalism’s Hall of Fame. He was inducted last year, without a formal dinner event. That changed tonight where he was honored along with the 2021 class of inductees. His dinner guest was an example of the success…
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Retirements: George Cwiek and Bob Malik
Bill Bruff writes on Facebook, October 2, 2021, “Congratulations to George Cwiek and Bob Malik on their long career at Channel 7. Both are retiring this week. You’ll both enjoy what is for most of us retirees the peace of knowing you were both an integral part of the history of the greatest place to…
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Benesh, Frank
Died: December 2018 WXYZ: TV news director [1968 – ] WJRT: News Director [1958-1968] WNEM: News Director [ – 1958] References: Memorial Service Flyer (PDF) – from Vivian Hoze
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Herman, Rob
WXYZ: Technical Director WEYI: Senior Newscast Director References: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Vimeo
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LaVelle, Rhonda Errer
WXYZ: News Director. Previously Executive Producer at WDIV; News Director at KPRC. WKBD: WNEM: WMYD: References: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Rhonda LaVelle joins WXYZ, WMYD as news director – June 6, 2016 (PDF) Tweets by rhondaerrer
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WXYZ Reunion Group Photos
WXYZ: Group photographs from September 20-21, 2013. Photograph by Andrzej Milosz/WXYZ-TV. Reunion Recap
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Louie, David
KGO: TV News. WXYZ: TV News. September 24, 2021 – David Louie receives the Col. Barney Oldfield Distinguished Service Award from the Radio Television Digital News Foundation. David writes on Facebook, “I’ve been privileged to serve and support the educational and scholarship/fellowship programs of the Foundation ever since I received the very first scholarship in…
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Herrington, Jim
WXYZ: TV news reporter, host of Spotlight on the News. (1965-1993). College classmate of William Fyffe “Bill”, graduates of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. References: YourObserver.com – Funneral Details (PDF) A newscast for the masses: the history of Detroit television news By Tim Kiska
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Wade, Vince
WXYZ: News investigative reporter. Recent online reports by Vince Wade: The End is Near for White Rule Stuff Democrats Don’t Talk About China Wants to Rule the World The Irishman Didn’t Kill Jimmy Hoffa My Name Is Vince Wade References: The Detroit News, Oralandar Brand-Williams, February 24, 2021 – Richard Wershe Jr.’s longtime lawyer, Ralph…
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Turner, Frank
WXYZ: TV news anchor and reporter, 1994-1998 and 2000-2007. Now with WNEM-TV5. Frank Turner’s Podcasting – Cave Radio Broadcasting (Facebook Page) References: Frank Turner at WNEM-TV, Fling-Saginaw, Michigan Frank Turner, Author Neal Rubin: The long-timers at at Harper House know him, but some of the newcomers to the drug treatment center don’t, at least not at…
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Hayes, Ricky Sylvester “Rick”
WXYZ: TV Engineering, Master Control Operator [August 9, 1959 – August 17, 2021] References: WXYZ.com (PDF) Obituary (PDF) LinkedIn
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Al Volker – Short satire clip upon Jim Herrington’s Retirement
Jim Herrington was a long time political reporter for television station WXYZ-TV in Detroit, Michigan. Jim was respected by all the employees including the writers and producers. Al Volker, one of the finest producer at the station during that era, always chided Jim Herrington for his thriftiness.
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James Blanchard – Jim Herrington Retirement from WXYZ-TV
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James Blanchard, former governor of Michigan, wishing Jim Herrington the best on his retirement from WXYZ-TV, Detroit, Michigan. Jim Herrington was the premier political reporter for the station during his entire career and was respected by both political parties. James Johnston Blanchard (born August 8, 1942) is an American politician, attorney, and former diplomat from…
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Sander Levin – Jim Herrington Retirement
Jim Herrington retired from WXYZ-TV, Detroit. Jim was an institution at the station covering everything from general reporting to politics. American politician who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 2019, representing Michigan’s 9th congressional district (numbered as the 17th District from 1983 to 1993 and as the 12th District from…
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Volker, Al
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WXYZ: TV news writer and producer. Died on January 6, 2014, at his home in Hoover, Alabama. Al worked at WXYZ-TV from January 1976 through November 1979. He attended the University of Miami, Class of 1966. He attended high schools both Morgantown, WV and Coral Gables, FL. Memorial services were private by his family. References:…
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Crawford, Donella
WXYZ: TV news, Producer. Retired on December 5, 2014, after more than 40 years of work at WXYZ in many roles of Producer. Donella Crawford’s last story as producer before retirement. Donella Crawford – Yes, that’s a typewriter with White Out References: Facebook LinkedIn
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WXYZ Crew Interviews Barbara Bush
“Mary Conway, Jerry Tarrien and I got to meet First Lady Barbara Bush in September, 1992. What a kind & gracious person. This photo showed up unexpectedly a short time after we met her at Schoolcraft College (I believe- could have been OCC). May she Rest In Peace.” – Dave Meinhard
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Tarrien, Jerome – “Jerry”
WXYZ: TV news videographer. Jerry died at his home after an illness on Tuesday, September 23, 2014. Press Release from WXYZ.com, “(WXYZ) – It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Jerry Tarrien. Jerry lost his courageous battle with cancer Tuesday morning. Our entire Channel 7 family is terribly saddened…
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WXYZ Thanks Their 25 Year Employees
Vic Adams, Ray Aiken, Dan Angelich, Porter Bourne, Jim Brinn, John Doran, Lou Dumon, Hal Dushane, Don Farmer, Jack Flechsig, West Govier, John Gulevich, Len Hogg, Paul Jantke Jr, Charlie Kocher, Zack Lee, Harry Lenk, Chet Mitchell, John McGraw, Dick McNutt, Dave Orell, Elza Runkle, Kurt Schmeisser, Kenny Weagel, Mason Weaver Jr, Jack Weir, Leo…
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Schmeisser, Kurt R.
WXYZ: Engineering Supervisor and IBEW L.U. 1218 Business Manager. Joined WXYZ in 1948 and spent 27.5 years with the station until he retired on January 1, 1976. Read the article written by Kurt in the IBEW Newsletter. WWJ: Broadcast Engineer #1810 SCHMEISSER, Kurt R. W8LZV, Born 12-18-10. First on air 1934. Went to High School…
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ABC in Detroit by Kurt R. Schmeisser
Archive Copy from American Radio History “WXYZ, ABC in Detroit, was purchased by the American Broadcasting Company during the year 1946. At the time of this purchase, it was generally believed that the engineers who were then members of the IBEW, would switch to another union. An NLRB election however, proved otherwise and today there…