Each year, over 7,000 metro Detroiters make a "Call for Action" to WXYZ's consumer advocate and investigative reporter, Bill Spencer. According to Bill, "I have the best job, because I love people."
Since joining Channel 7 in 1998, Bill Spencer and the other 45 members of the "Call for Action" team have recovered over $2,000,000 for WXYZ viewers. One of Bill's most memorable Channel 7 experiences was helping the Van Houtens, parents of sextuplets. The "Call for Action" team procured a brand new $40,000 14 passenger van for the new parents.
"They both started crying," Bill recalled. "They had no idea it was coming. They knew I was going to help them, but what they really needed was a van, the biggest van ever made. And when we drove up and they saw it, it was pretty amazing."
Prior to joining WXYZ, Spencer worked as an anchor and investigative reporter at KNXV-TV in Phoenix and as a crime beat reporter for WMUR-TV in New Hampshire. At WMUR, Spencer broke the Pamela Smart murder case. The story was the basis for the Nicole Kidman film "To Die For" on which he served as a special media consultant.
When not working, Bill enjoys live jazz shows. The Fox Theater is one of his favorite venues. After a show, he loves to walk around downtown enjoying the city and all of its terrific restaurants. Bill enjoys the summer jazz series at Chene Park, and in his opinion, the new club Seldom Blues is going to be the next great jazz club in Detroit.
Although it is not well known, Bill is also an incredibly serious tournament tennis player. He plays tennis five or six times a week, and currently is ranked 6th in Michigan.
Spencer's award-winning journalism has been honored with six Emmys and several Associated Press and Michigan Association of Broadcasters Awards.
The most important aspect of Bill's journalism is forming a connection with viewers. "I feel Michiganders are very good, sincere, and loving people," Bill says. "It’s wonderful to meet so many of them and be able to help if they are in a tight spot."
Sometimes, viewers will stop Bill on the street and acknowledge that he always seems so excited about the stories he is doing. "That’s not an act," Bill explained. "I really am that excited to be helping people."
If you have any stories or questions for Bill email him at bspencer@wxyz.com.
