NORTHVILLE, MICH. — He’s a children’s book author with a memoirs series; an Americana and roots rock recording artist; and, perhaps most notably, as the 28-year news anchor at Graham Media Group‘s flagship property — NBC affiliate WDIV “LOCAL 4” in Detroit.
Now, after joining the station in August 1995, Devin Scillian has announced he will retire from television in the coming weeks.
Scillian made the announcement on Tuesday during the 6pm newscast. Surrounded by the entire news team, he shared, “I am currently in my 30th year here at WDIV, and maybe it is the roundness of that number but I’ve decided it is time to move on to the next chapter of what has been a most enjoyable and gratifying book.”
His last day at WDIV is expected to be December 13.
Scillian first came to WDIV as a reporter and moved to the anchor desk in 1996. He previously was a member of the news team at KFOR-4 in Oklahoma City. There, his around the clock coverage of the bombing at the Murrah Federal Building in 1995 helped the station win a Peabody Award.
A 1985 graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas, Scillian began his career at WIBW-TV in nearby Topeka. His job path took him to WAND-TV in Decatur, Ill.; and KLTV-TV in Tyler, Tex.
While at WDIV, Scillian gained national attention. In 2011, he appeared in the feature film The Double, starring Richard Gere. His role? A journalist. He was also in Scream 4, also released in 2011. During the syndicated run of The Ellen Show, Scillian offered special reports on a variety of topics.
Speaking to viewers, Scillian noted how he and his wife thought they’d have a cup of coffee in the Motor City and then move on. “Well, the waitress kept refilling our cups and we found a very rich and lovely life here for us and our four children,” he said, with his team members laughing. “These two Kansans feel very much like Michiganders today.”
Talking about the Detroit renaissance he’s witnessed over his years at WDIV, Scillian added, “I cannot believe the way this worked out. And you won’t find anyone who feels luckier than me. I’ve been so fortunate over these 29 years.”
WDIV-4 VP/GM Bob Ellis was ranked at the No. 1 Top Local TV Reader of 2023 by RBR+TVBR. This year’s rankings will appear in our Fall 2024 magazine, distributed to subscribers digitally on November 11.
