Who is Bernie Smilovitz?
Bernie Smilovitz is a renowned American journalist who has made a significant impact on sports reporting in Detroit. As the Sports Director at WDIV-TV, he has been a familiar face to Michiganders since 1986. His career stands out for consistently breaking news on cutting-edge sports stories while maintaining an engaging presence. Metro Detroiters have come to appreciate his amazing perspective on sports throughout his tenure.
What sets Smilovitz apart is his genuine passion for the sport, allowing viewers to connect with their favorite sports in a unique way. His approach to sports journalism combines professional insight with entertaining commentary that resonates with audiences across generations.
Bernie Smilovitz Age / Childhood
Currently in his early 60s, Bernie Smilovitz began his life journey in Brooklyn, New York. Born after the Second World War, his parents relocated to New York where early memories include Sunday afternoons being rocked to sleep in his pram at Prospect Park. When Bernie turned five, his family relocated again, this time to Washington, D.C., where his passion for athletics first developed.
While other young boys followed the latest musical fad, Bernie spent nights listening to Senator’s baseball games on his transistor radio before falling asleep. The lights of RFK Stadium visible from his bedroom window served as inspiration. This early love for sports has never diminished and remains evident in his projected sportscasts. Even at home, Bernie can be found on his couch yelling at the TV during Sunday NFL, NBA, and NHL hockey games, showcasing his enduring enthusiasm.
Height
Bernie Smilovitz stands at an average height of 5 feet 8 inches, which has never hindered his larger-than-life presence on screen throughout his broadcasting career.
Bernie Smilovitz is a Jewish
Bernie comes from a Jewish heritage with a profound family history. His parents, Rita (Mermelstein) Smilovitz and Izidor Smilovitz, survived being enslaved and tortured by Nazis before being liberated in 1945. This powerful background shaped his upbringing as he was raised alongside his younger brother, Harvey, in Washington DC. His family’s resilience through historical trauma has informed Smilovitz’s perspective and work ethic throughout his career.
Bernie Smilovitz’s Wife is a Psychologist
Bernie was married to his wife, Dr. Donna Rockwell Smilovitz, for nearly four decades, from 1985 until 2023 when she sadly passed away. Their union produced two sons, Zachary and Jacob Smilovitz, who have expanded the family with grandchildren Eloise, Sebastian, and Isabel Smilovitz. Their long-lasting marriage represented a partnership between sports journalism and psychology, creating a unique family dynamic.
Who was Donna Rockwell Smilovitz?
Dr. Donna Rockwell was a distinguished licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in her field. As the founder of Already Famous: Embracing Inner Celebrity and a leading mindfulness meditation teacher, she made significant contributions to psychology. Her groundbreaking research on celebrity mental health was widely featured in prestigious publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The BBC, and The CBC. Her professional accomplishments complemented Bernie’s career in sports journalism.
Bernie Smilovitz Salary
Bernie Smilovitz earns an average salary of $98,000 per year at WDIV-TV. His wages have increased significantly over the years he has worked in mainstream media. This compensation reflects his value to the network and status as a veteran broadcaster in the Detroit market.
Bernie Smilovitz Net Worth
With an estimated net worth of $1.4 million, Bernie has successfully generated wealth over the three decades he has worked in journalism. His financial standing represents the culmination of a long and successful career in sports broadcasting, smart investments, and careful financial planning.
Bernie Smilovitz WDIV-TV
Bernie takes pride in telling the story behind sports, drawing from his deep background in journalism. As a self-described sports nerd, his career began as a sportswriter covering Washington, D.C.-area games. Before securing his first permanent position at WTTG-TV as their 10 PM news sportscaster, Bernie hosted a four-hour sports call-in program on an all-news radio station and worked at a CBS TV station. As a local boy in Washington, he established himself as a regular in the athletics world.
The turning point came when Detroit called with an opportunity. Bernie relocated to Motor City in March 1986 to work for WDIV-TV, where he covered Tigers Baseball games and hosted sportscasts at 5, 6, and 11 PM. Since then, he has settled down in Metro Detroit, becoming a fixture of local media. Throughout nearly thirty years of broadcasting, Bernie has utilized his Detroit ties to break news and conduct in-depth interviews with elusive celebrities and sports stars that other journalists couldn’t access.
Is Bernie Retiring?
As of now, Bernie has not announced any plans for retirement. The station will update viewers when he reveals any retirement plans in the future. His continuing presence on WDIV-TV suggests he remains committed to sports broadcasting in Detroit.
Also Read: Larry Potash Salary, Net Worth: How Much Does The WGN Anchor Earn?
Bernie Smilovitz Socials
Fans can follow Bernie on Twitter and Facebook for updates and sports commentary beyond his regular broadcasts.
Bernie Smilovitz Career Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Current Position | Sports Director at WDIV-TV in Detroit |
| Years at WDIV-TV | Since March 1986 (nearly four decades) |
| Previous Work | Sportswriter, WTTG-TV sportscaster, sports call-in program host |
| Education | Background in journalism |
| Specialties | Breaking news, in-depth interviews with sports stars |
| Broadcasting Schedule | Sportscasts at 5, 6, and 11 PM |
| Sports Coverage | Tigers Baseball, Sunday NFL, NBA, NHL hockey games |
| Family | Sons Zachary and Jacob, grandchildren Eloise, Sebastian, Isabel |
| Financial Status | $98,000 annual salary, $1.4 million net worth |
| Social Media | Active on Twitter and Facebook |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Bernie Smilovitz been working at WDIV-TV?
Bernie Smilovitz has been working at WDIV-TV since March 1986, spanning nearly four decades of dedicated sports coverage in Detroit.
What is Bernie Smilovitz’s background before becoming a sportscaster?
Before becoming a sportscaster, Bernie had a background in journalism as a sportswriter covering Washington, D.C.-area games and hosted sports call-in programs.
Is Bernie Smilovitz Jewish?
Yes, Bernie comes from a Jewish heritage. His parents, Rita and Izidor Smilovitz, were survivors who were liberated from the Nazis in 1945.
What happened to Bernie Smilovitz’s wife?
Bernie’s wife, Dr. Donna Rockwell Smilovitz, sadly passed away in 2023 after being married to Bernie since 1985.
What is Bernie Smilovitz’s net worth?
Bernie Smilovitz has an estimated net worth of $1.4 million, accumulated through his three decades in sports journalism.
Conclusion
Bernie Smilovitz has become a Detroit institution through his decades of dedicated sports coverage at WDIV-TV. From his childhood in Brooklyn and Washington D.C. to becoming one of Detroit’s most recognized sports personalities, Bernie’s journey reflects his unwavering passion for sports. His professional success is evident through his $1.4 million net worth and respected position as Sports Director.
Beyond broadcasting, Bernie’s personal story includes his Jewish heritage and family life with late wife Dr. Donna Rockwell and their sons and grandchildren. As he continues his career without announced retirement plans, Bernie Smilovitz remains a trusted voice in Detroit sports coverage, bringing his unique perspective and insider knowledge to Metro Detroiters across multiple generations. His legacy in local broadcasting demonstrates how authentic passion for sports coupled with journalistic integrity can create a lasting impact on a community.
I’m Zaheer Ahmad is a content writer and SEO Expert with 2 years of Experience. I have Already work with BBC News Website.
