Erik Smith has been giving Detroiters their morning “wake-up call” since 1968.
The popular anchorman of Channel 7’s “Action News This Morning” joined WXYZ-TV in 1962 as a sound tech. A year later, he became a part-time writer/reporter in the station’s then tiny six-person news department. The rest, as they say, is local TV history.
For over four decades, Erik has covered the major news events in the metropolitan Detroit area. He reported on the 1967 riot and the mysterious disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. He has interviews every president since John F. Kennedy and was the last reporter to talk with Malcolm X before his assassination in 1965.
IN addition to anchoring “Action News This Morning” Erik hosts the award-winning series “From the Heart” with co-host Carolyn Clifford. The critically acclaimed program of compelling and heart-warming stories captures the spirit and determination of the metropolitan community.
Many favorite episodes from the long running Channel 7 special have been compiled in a new book titled, “Erik Smith, From the Heart” published by Huron River Press in Ann Arbor. The book is available at Borders and Barnes & Noble outlets.
A Detroit native, the veteran reporter/anchorman is the city’s most honored on-air personality, recently receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Associated Press Broadcasters Association.
Erik spends his leisure time outdoors, usually racing cars with his son, Kristian. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Brighton with their two rescue dogs, “Beau” and “Baxter.” Their daughter, Sara, is a TV advertising producer.
If you have any stories or questions for Erik email him at esmith@wxyz.com.
