Bernie Smilovitz is a legendary American journalist, best known as a sports anchor at WDIV-TV in Detroit. With over four decades of experience, Bernie has become a beloved figure in Detroit’s sports media landscape. As of 2025, he continues to captivate audiences with his engaging and humorous sports reporting, maintaining his reputation as one of the most admired personalities in local sports journalism.
Born on May 1, 1947, in Washington, D.C., Bernie Smilovitz is currently 78 years old. He has been with WDIV-TV since 1986, where he has solidified his place in the hearts of Detroit sports fans. Over the years, his signature style—blending insightful commentary with humor—has won him numerous accolades, including multiple Michigan Emmy Awards.
Quick Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bernie Smilovitz |
| Date of Birth | May 1, 1947 |
| Age | 78 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Journalist, Sports Anchor/Reporter |
| Current Employer | WDIV-TV (NBC affiliate in Detroit) |
| Education | University of Michigan (Communications degree) |
| Spouse | Sarah Smilovitz (married in 1972) |
| Children | David Smilovitz (born 1975), Rachel Smilovitz (born 1978) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million |
Early Life and Background
Bernie Smilovitz was raised in Washington, D.C., a city known for its political focus, but Bernie’s passion was always sports. From a young age, he was drawn to the world of athletics, listening to baseball games on the radio and discussing sports with friends. His parents, both hardworking immigrants, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love for storytelling—qualities that would later serve him well in his broadcasting career.
“I always knew I wanted to be involved in sports somehow,” Bernie once said in an interview. “But it wasn’t until I realized I could combine my love for athletics with my knack for storytelling that I found my true calling.”
Education Journey and Academic Achievements
Bernie’s path to sports journalism took shape during his years at the University of Michigan, where he majored in communications. There, Bernie became an active participant in the campus radio station, honing his skills and developing his on-air persona.
Key Milestones in Bernie’s Education:
- Graduated from high school in Washington, D.C. (1965)
- Enrolled at the University of Michigan (1965)
- Joined the campus radio station (1966)
- Graduated with a degree in Communications (1969)
Breaking into Journalism: Bernie Smilovitz’s Path to Success
After completing his education, Bernie faced the daunting challenge of breaking into the competitive world of sports broadcasting. His career began with small roles at local radio stations, covering high school sports and minor league games. In 1972, Bernie’s big break came when he landed a weekend sports anchor position in Flint, Michigan, where his unique style quickly gained attention from larger markets.
Bernie’s Early Career Progression:
- Radio intern (1969-1970)
- Local radio sports reporter (1970-1972)
- Weekend sports anchor in Flint, MI (1972-1975)
- Sports reporter in Washington, D.C. (1975-1978)
WDIV-TV: The Cornerstone of Bernie’s Career
In 1986, Bernie joined WDIV-TV, an NBC affiliate in Detroit, marking the beginning of his most influential role. His ability to blend humor with hard-hitting journalism made him a fan favorite and helped revolutionize Detroit’s sports coverage.
Bernie’s Signature Segments at WDIV-TV:
- “Bernie’s Bloopers”: A lighthearted look at sports mishaps
- “The Sports Cave”: In-depth discussions with local athletes and coaches
- “Smilo’s Special”: Feature stories highlighting unsung heroes in Detroit sports
Bernie Smilovitz’s Unique Broadcasting Style
What sets Bernie apart from other sportscasters is his combination of humor and insight. He believes in informing his audience accurately while entertaining them with his signature wit. This approach has earned him a reputation for being both informative and entertaining.
Bernie’s Broadcasting Philosophy:
- Inform with accuracy
- Entertain with humor
- Connect with the audience
- Respect the game and its players
Bernie Smilovitz’s wife and Personal Life
Despite his public persona, Bernie has managed to keep much of his personal life private. He married his college sweetheart, Sarah Smilovitz, in 1972, and they have two children: David, born in 1975, and Rachel, born in 1978. As of 2025, Bernie and Sarah have been happily married for over 50 years, balancing family life with Bernie’s demanding career in sports journalism.
Bernie Smilovitz: Physical Attributes and Public Image
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Bernie’s height has never been an obstacle. His larger-than-life personality, however, has become a hallmark of his image. Known for his signature mustache and friendly smile, Bernie’s appearance has made him an instantly recognizable figure in Detroit. His quirky fashion choices, such as colorful ties and bold sports jackets, have also become talking points for fans.
Career Milestones and Achievements
Throughout his career, Bernie has covered some of the biggest events in sports, including seven Super Bowls and four Stanley Cup championships. He has also interviewed sports legends like Muhammad Ali and Wayne Gretzky. His ability to connect with both athletes and fans has made him a beloved figure in the Detroit sports community.
Notable Achievements:
- Covered 7 Super Bowls
- Reported on 4 Stanley Cup championships
- Interviewed sports legends like Muhammad Ali and Wayne Gretzky
- Won 12 Michigan Emmy Awards
Estimated Net Worth of Bernie Smilovitz
After decades of success, Bernie has accumulated significant wealth through his broadcasting career and other ventures. His estimated net worth as of 2025 is between $1 million and $5 million. The sources of his income include his salary from WDIV-TV, book royalties from his autobiography, speaking engagements, and commercial endorsements.
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |
|---|---|
| Primary Source of Income | WDIV-TV Salary, Speaking Engagements, Endorsements, Book Royalties |
| Publications | “Smilo: A Sportscaster’s Story” (2010) |
Bernie Smilovitz’s Impact on Detroit Sports Culture
Bernie’s influence on Detroit’s sports culture extends far beyond his role as a sportscaster. He has become an integral part of the city’s sports identity, championing local athletes, mentoring aspiring journalists, and supporting sports-related charitable causes.
His contributions include:
- Advocating for local athletes and teams
- Highlighting community sports programs
- Mentoring young sports journalists
- Raising awareness for sports-related charities
Legacy and Future
As Bernie Smilovitz approaches his later years in broadcasting, his legacy as a trailblazer in local sports journalism is firmly cemented. He has influenced a generation of sports reporters, showing them how to balance entertainment with factual reporting. Even as rumors of retirement swirl, Bernie continues to engage Detroit’s audience with his unique approach to sports journalism, always staying connected to new technologies and platforms.
Conclusion
As Bernie Smilovitz enters 2025, his influence in Detroit sports journalism is as strong as ever. He remains a beloved figure, thanks to his ability to blend humor and insight, while his dedication to local sports has endeared him to fans. Whether covering major events or mentoring future journalists, Bernie’s legacy is secure.
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Bernie Smilovitz was born on May 1, 1947, which makes him 77 years old as of 2024. As we move into 2025, he will be 78.
Bernie Smilovitz’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million. His wealth is derived from his long broadcasting career at WDIV-TV, royalties from his autobiography, and speaking engagements.
Bernie Smilovitz has been with WDIV-TV since 1986. His tenure of over 38 years at the NBC affiliate in Detroit has made him a prominent figure in the city’s sports media.
Some of Bernie Smilovitz’s most well-known segments include:
“Bernie’s Bloopers”: A lighthearted look at sports mishaps.
“The Sports Cave”: In-depth discussions with local athletes and coaches.
“Smilo’s Special”: Feature stories highlighting unsung heroes in Detroit sports.
Yes, Bernie Smilovitz is married to Sarah Smilovitz. The couple married in 1972 and has two children: David Smilovitz and Rachel Smilovitz.
While there have been rumors of Bernie Smilovitz’s retirement, he has shown no signs of slowing down. As of 2025, he remains active in his role at WDIV-TV, continuing to engage his audience with insightful sports coverage.
