Bernie Smilovitz Retires: A Heartfelt Farewell to WDIV’s Beloved Sports Anchor
They say you can’t cry in baseball, but there were definitely some watery eyes in the studio as WDIV-TV bid adieu to their beloved sports anchor, Bernie Smilovitz. After an amazing run, Smilovitz decided to hang up his microphone, accepting a voluntary retirement package alongside other station heavyweights like Mara MacDonald, Paula Tutman, and Rod Meloni. Get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia, Detroit.
A Detroit TV Legend Steps Away
Bernie Smilovitz first graced the WDIV airwaves back in nineteen eighty-six, and let’s just say, he quickly became a Motor City institution. This wasn’t your average, stick-to-the-script sports guy. Oh no, Bernie brought the fun, becoming just as famous for his hilarious segments like “Weekend at Bernie’s” and “Bernie’s Bloopers” as he was for his insightful sports coverage. Think about it: For almost forty years, this is the guy who brought us the big game highlights, kept us updated on our favorite Detroit teams, and always knew how to end the news on a lighter note.
Saying Goodbye with Laughter and Love
The six o’clock newscast on Bernie’s last day was basically a lovefest, and rightfully so. Anchor Devin Scillian, a familiar face to Detroiters, took the reins to guide viewers through a touching tribute to Bernie’s career. Scillian emphasized what everyone loved about Bernie: his knack for injecting joy into the news, especially after a particularly tough day. And trust me, there were some rough news days in the D. But Bernie? He was always there with a smile and a chuckle, reminding us that even when the Tigers were down, there was still good in the world.
Of course, Scillian couldn’t gloss over the heartbreak that touched Bernie’s life in twenty twenty-three with the sudden passing of his wife. With empathy and respect, Scillian acknowledged Bernie’s strength and unwavering professionalism during that incredibly difficult time. The message was clear: The Channel four news team wasn’t just a group of colleagues; they were a family, and they rallied around Bernie, offering support and love when he needed it most.
“Lovely, Just Lovely”: Bernie’s Heartfelt Response
You could see it in his eyes, the genuine emotion welling up as Bernie Smilovitz listened to Devin Scillian’s heartfelt words. When the tribute segment ended, Bernie, in true Bernie fashion, kept it real, calling the whole thing “lovely, just lovely.” He talked about the amazing environment at WDIV, how it had been such a supportive and welcoming place to work, a stark contrast to some of the not-so-friendly newsrooms he’d encountered earlier in his career. And then, with that twinkle in his eye, Bernie touched on something that endeared him to so many: his humor. He never wanted to be exclusive, never wanted to alienate anyone who wasn’t a die-hard sports fan. Bernie’s humor, like his spirit, was all about bringing people together.
More Than Just a Sports Guy: A Family Man Through and Through
The waterworks were definitely flowing when Bernie’s sons, Zach and Jake, joined him on set. Talk about a proud dad moment! Devin Scillian, always the wordsmith, perfectly captured the essence of Bernie’s journey, reminding viewers that this extraordinary man, this beacon of light and laughter, was the son of two Holocaust survivors. It was a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, of the power of hope and love to overcome even the darkest of times. And how did Bernie react? With his signature humility and humor, of course, brushing off the praise like it was nothing. Classic Bernie.
A Bittersweet Farewell: Honoring Detroit TV Icons
Bernie wasn’t the only one bidding farewell that evening. The six o’clock newscast continued with equally touching tributes to Mara MacDonald, Rod Meloni, and Paula Tutman. Each segment highlighted their unique contributions to Detroit journalism, their unwavering dedication to keeping the community informed, and their undeniable impact on the city they called home. As the newscast drew to a close, viewers were treated to a montage of images, a visual tapestry honoring all twenty departing staff members. Alongside familiar faces like Smilovitz, MacDonald, Meloni, and Tutman, the montage featured other long-time WDIV contributors like photojournalist Tim Pamplin and programming director Ro Coppola. It was a poignant reminder of the legacy these individuals were leaving behind, a legacy etched in the hearts and minds of Detroiters.