Leaving WDIV refers to a wave of departures by on-air talent and journalists from Detroit’s NBC affiliate, WDIVLocal¯4, continuing a trend that began in late 2023 and has extended into 2025. This ongoing reshuffling has included high-profile retirements, voluntary buyouts, and unexpected exits, reshaping the station’s familiar voices and raising questions about its future direction.
Scope of Departures
Since the start of 2024, WDIV has experienced an exodus of more than 20 employees ranging from anchors and reporters to behind-the-scenes staff sparked by voluntary retirement offers and organizational restructuring
- Veteran anchor Devin¯Scillian retired after a distinguished 30-year career in December 2024
- Meteorologist Andrew¯Humphrey, a mainstay for nearly 20 years, also departed recently
- Morning anchor Evrod¯Cassimy announced his exit after nine years at the desk
- Station host Christy¯McDonald left her role in creating streaming content and on-air appearances in early 2025
- Reporter Shawn¯Ley departed mysteriously, with rumor filling the void around his exit
Reasons Behind the Turnover
Cost Management and Industry Trends
WDIV, like many local news stations, implemented voluntary retirement programs and buyouts to reduce costs amid shrinking newsroom budgets. The departures align with broader financial challenges and reduced viewership that are impacting local news nationwide
Personal Decisions and Career Moves
Some exits, such as Devin¯Scillian’s retirement, were clearly announced as personal decisions to step back after long tenures
Speculation Around Sudden Departures
For figures like Shawn¯Ley, the abrupt nature of the departure has led to conjecture. Reddit discussions suggest unease among viewers, who wonder if disciplinary or contractual issues played a part
Who Has Left WDIV?
- Devin Scillian: Longtime evening anchor, retired in December 2024
- Andrew Humphrey: Veteran meteorologist with almost two decades on air
- Evrod Cassimy: Morning news anchor departing after nine years at WDIV
- Christy McDonald: Producer-turned-anchor for streaming content; left early 2025
- Shawn Ley: Award-winning reporter whose sudden departure drew speculation
- Plus more than a dozen other behind-the-scenes staffers affected by buyouts
How WDIV Is Responding
In response to the turnover, WDIV has recruited new talent to reshape its newsroom and on-air line-up:
- Ty Steele, a former anchor from Sacramento, has joined the station
- Erika Erickson was hired as a reporter to reinforce the station’s coverage
- Kim Adams is returning to the weather desk, marking a continuity in its meteorology team
Impact on Audience and Trust
Detroit viewers have traditionally formed strong attachments to on-air personalities. The departures, particularly of familiar faces like Scillian and Humphrey, have triggered concern and speculation among loyal audiences
Conversely, the introduction of new hosts and reporters represents WDIV’s efforts to maintain journalistic standards and viewer engagement. The transition period remains delicate as the station works to balance legacy and fresh energy.
What’s Ahead for WDIV
Short-Term Goals
- Sustain trust by ensuring seamless transitions and emphasizing editorial consistency.
- Fill key roles promptly to reassure audiences and stabilize on-air talent.
Long-Term Strategy
- Adapt to changing viewer habits by expanding digital content and streaming platforms.
- Invest in community-focused journalism to reinforce regional relevance.
- Manage financial pressures while retaining talent and newsroom quality.
Who is leaving WDIV? has become a recurring question as the station undergoes one of its most significant transitions in years. While some departures were planned retirements or natural career moves, others have raised speculation and viewer concern. WDIV has responded with new hiring and strategic restructuring, but the true test will be in rebuilding viewer trust and newsroom stability.
The shake-up at Detroit’s channel¯4 reflects wider changes in local broadcast journalism, where economic pressures, technological disruption, and evolving audience behaviors are reshaping how news is produced and delivered. For viewers, the hope remains that new faces can maintain the connection once forged by veterans and that WDIV continues to serve its community faithfully in this era of transformation.
: