Bernie Smilovitz Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Salary, Net Worth WDIV in 2025

Bernie Smilovitz is a well-known and beloved sports director and anchor for WDIV-TV (NBC Affiliate) in Detroit, Michigan. His career in sports journalism spans decades, with his signature style blending informative sports coverage with light-hearted humor. Bernie is not just a sports anchor; he’s a cultural figure in Detroit, thanks to his engaging personality and dedication to delivering the latest in sports with a smile.

Biography of Bernie Smilovitz

Bernie was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Washington, D.C., after his parents moved there following World War II. His early exposure to diverse environments helped shape his engaging communication style, making him a relatable figure for audiences. He attended the University of Maryland, where he graduated with a BA in Journalism. Shortly after, Bernie began his broadcasting career, which would take him from Washington D.C. to Detroit, where he would cement his place as a sports broadcasting icon.

Bernie Smilovitz Bio Table

Full Name	Bernie Smilovitz
Date of Birth	Not publicly available
Place of Birth	Brooklyn, New York, USA
Education	BA in Journalism, University of Maryland
Profession	Sports Director, Anchor
Current Employer	WDIV-TV (NBC Affiliate)
Years Active	1986 – Present
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Spouse	Donna Smilovitz
Children	Two children, including Jacob Smilovitz, who works for The New York Times
Famous For	Sports anchoring with humor, long-time association with Detroit sports news
Salary	Estimated between $50,000 – $100,000 annually
Net Worth	Estimated at $1 million – $5 million
Awards	6 local Emmys, “Best Local Athlete” by Hour Detroit (multiple years)

Career Highlights

Bernie’s career began in Washington, D.C., where he dabbled in the sports scene before moving to Detroit in 1986 to join WDIV-TV. At WDIV, Bernie became a staple in the sports department, covering major events like Tigers baseball games and anchoring the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. sportscasts. His style, marked by wit and a touch of humor, resonated deeply with Detroit audiences, making him a household name.

Bernie’s unique approach to sports reporting, which includes his widely adored “Bernie’s Bloopers” segments, adds an element of fun and entertainment to his newscasts. His work hasn’t gone unrecognized, as he has been awarded six local Emmys throughout his career. Furthermore, readers of Hour Detroit have voted him the “Best Local Athlete” numerous times between 2005 and 2011, demonstrating his popularity not just as a journalist, but as a beloved personality in the Detroit community.

Family Life

Bernie is married to Donna Smilovitz, and together they have two children. His son, Jacob Smilovitz, has followed in his father’s footsteps of success, having graduated from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business. Jacob was recognized as a rising star on Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30” list in 2018 and currently works for The New York Times as the Director of Mergers and Acquisitions and Investments.

While Bernie keeps his personal life relatively private, he has shared that he enjoys dining out with his family, especially in restaurants with great views. Outside of his work in sports, Bernie is also an avid tennis and basketball player, often spending his free time engaged in these activities.

Salary and Net Worth

Given Bernie’s decades-long career and prominence in the Detroit media landscape, his annual salary is estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000. His successful career, coupled with his long-term role as Sports Director at WDIV-TV, has allowed him to amass a net worth estimated between $1 million and $5 million.

Achievements and Accolades

Bernie Smilovitz is not just a staple on local television; he’s an award-winning journalist who has earned multiple accolades for his work. His six local Emmys showcase his professional excellence, and his consistent wins as “Best Local Athlete” by Hour Detroit readers for several consecutive years reflect his deep connection with the Detroit community. His achievements stand as a testament to his hard work, charm, and dedication to sports journalism.

Conclusion

Bernie Smilovitz is more than a sports anchor; he is a cultural fixture in Detroit. His decades-long career at WDIV-TV has made him a trusted source of sports news, while his signature sense of humor has endeared him to viewers. Whether he’s reporting on a Tigers game or delivering a segment of “Bernie’s Bloopers,” Bernie continues to be one of the most beloved figures in Detroit sports journalism. His commitment to his craft and his community ensures that his legacy will continue to grow.