Media Shakeup: Longtime Detroit TV Reporters Opting for Buyouts

Three longtime Detroit broadcasters are opting to take voluntary buyouts as WDIV-TV looks to trim costs.

Who's Leaving Channel 4?

Two reporters and a veteran sportscaster, all of whom have been with WDIV-TV (known as Local 4) for more than 20 years will be calling it quits.

Rod Meloni joined WDIV-TV in 1995, eventually becoming the station's business editor. He's a rock-solid broadcaster who spent several years at Saginaw's WNEM TV-5. Meloni served as the station's main 6 and 11 pm anchor before heading to the Motor City.

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Mara MacDonald is a veteran reporter and Detroit native who graduated from Miami University in Ohio in 1991, according to her bio. She's been with the NBC affiliate in Detroit since 2004.

Sportscaster Bernie Smilovitz has the longest tenure with WDIV-TV, joining the station in 1986. He's a U of M grad and has gained notoriety through the years for his 'Weekend at Bernie's' and 'Bernie's Bloopers' segments. Last fall, he penned a heartfelt tribute to his wife of 38 years after her death. That column - The Worst Week of My Life - is here.

What Are the Terms of the Buyouts?

 Deadline Detroit was unable to confirm the details with Meloni, MacDonald, or Smilovitz, but cited a "person familiar with the situation." The news outlet says that several long-time employees were offered buyouts, all of whom were 55 years old or older and had been with the station for 25 years or more (although MacDonald's bio indicates about 20 years of service).

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The Detroit Free Press says the deal includes 18 months' pay and an extended benefits package that includes one year of health insurance.

The Station's General Manager, Bob Ellis tells the Free Press that the voluntary retirement incentives being offered to these individuals is a "thoughtful pathway for our long-serving colleagues nearing retirement."