If you’ve lived in Metro Detroit for any length of time, you know that the faces on your TV screen aren’t just employees. They’re basically family. We wake up with them, we eat dinner while they recap the day’s chaos, and we trust them to tell us when a blizzard is actually coming or if it’s just another “Michigan weather” false alarm.
So, when the news broke that another Detroit TV anchor resigns, the reaction wasn't just a shrug. It was a full-blown "Wait, who? Why? What’s happening to my station?"
Lately, the Detroit media landscape looks more like a game of musical chairs than a stable industry. From legendary retirements to sudden departures, the local news scene is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades. If you feel like you need a program just to keep track of who is sitting at the WDIV, WXYZ, or FOX 2 desks, honestly, you aren't alone.
What Really Happened With the Recent Departures?
The term "resignation" is often a polite catch-all in the broadcasting world. Sometimes it means a veteran is hanging it up after thirty years. Other times, it means a contract negotiation went south, or a "new direction" for the station didn't include a familiar face.
The biggest shockwave recently hit WDIV-TV (Local 4).
The Devin Scillian Era Ends
After 30 years—three full decades—Devin Scillian officially signed off on December 13, 2024. Now, while Devin technically "retired" to focus on his music with his band Arizona Sun and his prolific career as a children's book author, his departure left a massive void. When a titan like Scillian leaves, it sets off a domino effect. Ty Steele has since stepped into that evening anchor role, joining Kimberly Gill, but the transition has been a major adjustment for viewers who grew up watching Devin.
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The FOX 2 Shake-up
Over at WJBK FOX 2, the vibe is also shifting. We already saw the emotional goodbye of the iconic duo Huel Perkins and Monica Gayle back in 2022. But the headlines haven't stopped. Just recently, in December 2025, the legendary "Problem Solver" Rob Wolchek announced he’s leaving the station in March 2026.
Wolchek has been the guy catching scammers and "shady" contractors for 28 years. His departure isn't just a resignation; it’s the end of a specific type of investigative grit that Detroiters rely on. When you hear a Detroit TV anchor resigns or a major reporter leaves, it’s rarely just about the individual. It’s about the station’s identity.
Why Everyone Seems to Be Leaving at Once
You might be wondering if there is something in the water at the studios. The truth is more corporate and, frankly, a bit more boring.
- The "Silver Tsunami": Many of Detroit’s most beloved anchors started in the late 80s or early 90s. They’ve reached that 30-year milestone where retirement isn't just an option; it's a well-earned reward.
- Changing Contracts: The way local news makes money is changing. Stations are under immense pressure to cut costs as viewers move to streaming. Sometimes, "resigning" is the result of a veteran anchor being asked to take a pay cut they simply won't accept.
- Digital Burnout: Today’s anchors aren't just reading the news at 6:00 PM. They’re tweeting, filming TikToks, updating web stories, and doing "lives" at 4:00 AM. It’s exhausting.
The Scandal Factor
We can't talk about Detroit resignations without mentioning the ones that weren't so "happy." Remember Lauren Podell? Her 2016 resignation from WDIV after a racial slur scandal remains one of the most cited examples of a sudden, forced departure in the city's history. While most recent exits have been much more amicable, the "resignation" headline always carries a bit of that old tension for long-time viewers.
What Most People Get Wrong About Newsroom "Resignations"
Most viewers think an anchor decides to leave, gives two weeks' notice, and walks out. That is almost never how it works in Detroit.
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Contracts are incredibly complex. Often, an anchor knows they are leaving six months before they say a word on air. There are "non-compete" clauses that prevent them from popping up on a rival station (like moving from WXYZ to WDIV) for up to a year.
So, when you see a Detroit TV anchor resigns announcement, you’re usually seeing the end of a very long, very private process.
The Current State of the "Big Three" Stations
Let's look at where things stand right now in the 2025-2026 cycle.
WXYZ (Channel 7) has seen its fair share of turnover, but it’s currently leaning heavily into its "Action News" legacy. Glenda Lewis continues the family legacy of her mother, Diana Lewis, though the station has had to navigate several behind-the-scenes producer shifts that affect how the news is delivered.
WDIV (Local 4) is in full "New Generation" mode. With Devin Scillian gone, they are betting big on Ty Steele. It's a gamble. Will Detroiters bond with a newcomer the same way they did with Mort Crim or Devin? Only the ratings will tell.
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FOX 2 (WJBK) is leaning into its personality-driven "Let It Rip" style. However, losing Rob Wolchek in early 2026 means they lose a significant part of their "tough on crime" brand. Speculation is already swirling about who can possibly fill his "Hall of Shame" shoes.
How to Keep Up With Your Favorite Personalities
When an anchor leaves, they don't usually disappear. Most move to social media or start podcasts.
- Check LinkedIn and Instagram: This is where most Detroit media figures announce their "next chapter" first.
- Watch the "Final Sign-off": Stations almost always give a departing veteran a tribute video. These are usually uploaded to the station's YouTube channel and contain the real "heart" of why they are leaving.
- Support Local Journalism: Whether it’s the Detroit Free Press or the local TV stations, these journalists are the ones keeping the city's power structures in check.
The era of the "40-year anchor" might be over. The industry is faster, leaner, and a lot more volatile. But the bond between Detroit and its news teams? That isn't going anywhere. Even as the faces change, the need for someone to tell us what’s actually happening on the Lodge Freeway at 5:00 PM remains a constant.
Actionable Next Steps for Viewers
If your favorite anchor just resigned, don't panic. Start by following their verified social media pages to see if they are moving to a national network or starting a local venture. You should also check the "About Us" section of the station’s website; they often post formal press releases that explain the transition plan and introduce the successor so you can get a head start on getting to know the new face of your morning news.