From our GM: 4 longtime WDIV journalists, others are retiring in July. Here’s why (2024)

Station

Bob Ellis, Vice President and General Manager, WDIV

Tags:Station News

I got into journalism by accident. I grew up here, went to high school in Southfield, and got placed into the journalism class responsible for publishing the school newspaper the first term of my freshman year.

It was a class for juniors and seniors, but the teacher gave me my first break. He said, “Let’s give this kid a chance. I think he might have a knack for understanding the news and what’s important.” I haven’t left since.

I share this story because -- having worked in and around newsrooms for 30+ years -- I knew it would be newsworthy when the most watched and trusted local news organization in Detroit did something we’ve never done before. Because for me, this is home. I knew this news would affect our loyal viewers.

Last March, we offered a small group of long-tenured employees a voluntary retirement incentive program. It was a package that helped bridge the gap between now and retirement for people who were near or at that time in their lives. People who’ve been here a long time. Some of that group said yes.

Four of them you know well, because you see them on TV every day. Bernie Smilovitz, Rod Meloni, Paula Tutman and Mara MacDonald will all be saying goodbye in early July. A number of behind-the-scenes employees, equally important to our station, will be leaving that same day.

Why did we do it?

At our company, we deeply value the hard work and loyalty of our employees. We work hard to create an exceptional workplace that attracts and retains top talent. We had a unique opportunity to reward a group of long-serving individuals who have been instrumental in building our station’s success over the years.

And while it’s bittersweet to see these friends and colleagues depart, it reflects our commitment to recognizing and appreciating our employees, which is a key reason we consistently attract and retain exceptional people.

You might have heard from someone or read a comment on social media saying these people were pushed out. That’s just not true. But don’t take my word for it. Read a snippet of an email Paula Tutman wrote me after making her decision.

After a lot of consideration and soul searching, I am happily accepting the offer. I already miss the people I haven’t met and the stories I still want to tell about our wonderful state and its people.   I am also incredibly appreciative that my employer thought enough of me to forgo the gold watch and give me something truly generous and useful: a great start to an early retirement.  They didn’t have to do it, yet they did. Lots of organizations in our industry are just slashing jobs and salaries in this changing climate. That’s not what happened here. I can only speak for myself: I am being treated well and am excited to travel, sculpt clay, raise orchids, work on screenplays, teach workshops, and do whatever the H*** I want to do without a pressing deadline.

Paula Tutman

---> More: Paula Tutman: It’s time to happily exit stage right

Of the group offered, some didn’t take it. Mostly, they said, it was because they had more left to give. And that’s where you come in: More left to give. More stories to tell. More people to help. More things to celebrate with you. (Detroit Lions, we’re looking at you.) More Go 4 It events to coordinate. More parades. More fireworks. More special events.

At WDIV, things might look a little different, but our commitment to serving our local community will never change. It can’t. We owe it to this special group. We’ve got to honor these people who are leaving by continuing their legacy. As the promos on TV say, “At WDIV, you should always Expect More.”

We work every day at this station to make Detroit and Southeast Michigan a better place to live. Sometimes, we do it very well. Sometimes, we make mistakes. But never do we waver from our commitment to you. It’s ingrained in all of us because of people like Bernie, and Rod, and Paula, and Mara. Now some new faces will get opportunities to earn your trust and carry on where these people leave off. Same with the behind-the-scenes folks who are equally responsible for making WDIV who we are today.

It’s news. I get it. But as my high school journalism teacher said to me many years ago: “Make sure the facts are correct.” Now you know the facts.

By the way, if you’re wondering where that teacher is today, he’s the mayor of Southfield. It’s good to be home.

Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

About the Author
Bob Ellis

Bob Ellis is the Vice President and General Manager of WDIV, the Graham Media Group, Inc. media hub in Detroit. It’s a return to the station where he had previously spent 15 years of his career in various management roles, including News Director. He has held the position since October 2021.

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From our GM: 4 longtime WDIV journalists, others are retiring in July. Here’s why (2024)

FAQs

Why are so many people leaving WDIV channel 4? ›

WDIV-TV (Channel 4) Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis announced Tuesday that sports anchor Bernie Smilovitz and reporters Mara MacDonald, Rod Meloni and Paula Tutman will be leaving the station in early July —along with a number of off-air employees — as the result of a voluntary retirement incentive program ...

Who is retiring from WDIV channel 4? ›

Four of them you know from TV: Bernie Smilovitz, Rod Meloni, Paula Tutman and Mara MacDonald. A number of behind-the-scenes employees, equally important to our station, also accepted the offer. Their last day is Monday, July 1. “At our company, we deeply value the hard work and loyalty of our employees.

Why is Bernie Smilovitz leaving Channel 4? ›

In late May, the station officially confirmed that Smilovitz — along with reporters Mara MacDonald and Paula Tutman and business editor Rod Meloni — would be leaving as the result of a voluntary retirement package.

What reporters are leaving WDIV? ›

Bernie Smilovitz, Rod Meloni, Paula Tutman and Mara MacDonald will all be saying goodbye in early July. A number of behind-the-scenes employees, equally important to our station, will be leaving that same day. Why did we do it? At our company, we deeply value the hard work and loyalty of our employees.

Who got fired from WDIV Detroit? ›

Jason Carr firing from WDIV came after admonishments, livestream rant.

How much do WDIV anchors get paid? ›

Total salary range for WDIV News Reporter in Detroit, MI

The estimated total pay range for a News Reporter at WDIV is $38K–$66K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average News Reporter base salary at WDIV is $50K per year.

Who is new weatherman on WDIV Channel 4? ›

Ashlee Baracy and Ron Hilliard are the newest members of 4Warn Weather, the new name for the station's weather team. The news was posted on the station's website Monday. They'll be joining current WDIV meteorologists Kim Adams, Brandon Roux, Paul Gross, Brent Collier and Brian Schuerman.

Why did Andrew leave WDIV? ›

WATCH: Local 4 team says farewell to Andrew Humphrey in final newscast. Longtime WDIV meteorologist Andrew Humphrey has decided to leave the station after 20 years on the air to explore new opportunities.

Who owns WDIV Channel 4? ›

WDIV-TV (channel 4) is a television station in Detroit, Michigan, United States, affiliated with NBC. It serves as the flagship broadcast property of the Graham Media Group subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company.

Is Rod Meloni retiring? ›

Local 4′s Rod Meloni retires after 29 years. DETROIT – There is so much to say, and yet, the simplest way to end my roughly 29 years at WDIV is to offer a heartfelt “thank you” to Metro Detroit! Thank you for watching Local 4, for being so kind, so welcoming, for being the best news town in America!

Did Mara McDonald retire? ›

Local 4 reporter Mara MacDonald retires after 20 years of stories.

Where has Kim Degiulio been? ›

Kim now lives in Detroit with her husband and their rescue dog.

Who is the new weatherman Brian on WDIV? ›

Bryan joined the 4Warn Weather Team in May 2022 as a freelance meteorologist to help the weather department before being promoted to part-time meteorologist in March 2023.

How many people are retiring from Channel 4? ›

Bernie Smilovitz, Paula Tutman, Rod Meloni, and Mara MacDonald will all be leaving WDIV-TV (Channel 4) in early July, WDIV Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis announced on Tuesday.

What happened to Brandon the Weatherman on Channel 4? ›

Meteorologist Brandon Roux announces sudden departure from WDIV-TV after 13 years. Sunday marked meteorologist Brandon Roux's last day at Local 4 News, according to Click on Detroit. The announcement of Roux's departure from WDIV-TV (Channel 4) was made just hours before his final broadcast.

Where did Andrew Humphrey go? ›

Andrew Humphrey is Chief Meteorologist at WHBQ FOX13 Memphis.

Why did Jason DeRusha leave Channel 4? ›

The decision comes as DeRusha looks to explore other opportunities that allow for a more regular schedule and time with family. "In many ways, I have the job I dreamed of when I was a young kid watching the news every day from my family's living room.

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