Karen Drew Biography: Accident, Net Worth | WDIV-TV Journalist

Karen Drew of WDIV-TV Biography: Renowned Investigative Reporter and Anchor

Karen Drew is an Emmy award-winning journalist currently working as a weekday anchor and investigative reporter at WDIV-TV (Local 4) in Detroit, Michigan.

She has had a diverse career, previously working at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida, WTVC-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and WHOA-TV in Montgomery, Alabama.

Karen was born on September 21, 1970, in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

She pursued her dream of becoming a television reporter from a young age and earned a degree in Radio TV Communications from Southern Illinois University.

She began her career in Dickinson, North Dakota, where she handled all aspects of news production by herself.

Over the years, Karen has won numerous awards, including an Emmy from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. She is also known for her volunteer work with various non-profits.

In her personal life, Karen is married to her best friend, Paul, and they have two children, Madison and Morgan. She enjoys spending time with her family, attending concerts, and going to sporting events.

Age:

Parents and Siblings:

Karen Drew grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, where she was the oldest of two siblings. Her parents played a significant role in shaping her future.

In addition, her mother, Evelyn Drew, was an educator who instilled in Karen a love for reading and writing. Her father, David Drew, was a businessman who taught her the value of hard work and dedication.

Karen’s upbringing was filled with encouragement and support, which helped her pursue her dream of becoming a television reporter.

She attended Harry D Jacobs High School in Algonquin, Illinois, where she was known for her ambition and determination.

Husband:

Karen Drew is married to Paul, who is not only her husband but also her best friend.

They have been together since early 2006 and tied the knot in January 2008.

Paul is known for his low social media presence, preferring to keep a private life away from the public eye.

Together, Karen and Paul have two daughters.

Their first daughter, Madison, was born in December 2009, and their second daughter, Morgan Ashley, was born in May 2012.

Karen often shares glimpses of their family life on her social media, showcasing the close bond they share.

Height, Weight:

Karen Drew stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) and maintains an average body weight of around 138.89 lbs (63 kg).

Career and Background:

Karen graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Radio and Television Communications.

She began her career in Dickinson, North Dakota, where she handled multiple roles, including shooting, writing, editing, and anchoring her own stories.

She then worked in Montgomery, Alabama; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Jacksonville, Florida, before joining WDIV-TV in Detroit.

At WDIV-TV, she anchors Local 4 News First at 4 and serves as an investigative reporter, covering a wide range of stories from uncovering mismanagement at local institutions to exposing violations affecting the community.

Early Career

Karen Drew began her career in journalism at WDIV-TV (Local 4) in Detroit, Michigan in 1995.

She started as a general assignment reporter, covering a wide range of stories and honing her skills in news production and reporting.

Rise to Prominence

In 1998, Karen was promoted to Weekend Anchor, where she gained more visibility and experience in front of the camera.

Her dedication and hard work led to another significant promotion in 2003, when she became the Lead Investigative Reporter.

In this role, Karen focused on in-depth investigative pieces, uncovering stories that had a significant impact on the community.

Major Achievements

Karen Drew has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, recognizing her dedication to journalism and impactful reporting. Here are some of her most notable achievements:

• Emmy Award for Investigative Reporting (2005): Karen won this prestigious award for her outstanding investigative work, highlighting her ability to uncover important stories and bring them to light.

• Edward R. Murrow Award (2010): This award recognized Karen’s excellence in broadcast journalism, particularly for her in-depth reporting and commitment to truth.

• Michigan Association of Broadcasters Award (2015): Karen received this award for her contributions to the field of journalism and her dedication to serving the community through her reporting.

• Peabody Award (2019): This award acknowledged Karen’s impactful contributions to local journalism, celebrating her ability to tell compelling and important stories.

• Regional Edward R. Murrow Award (2022): Karen was honored with this award for her continued excellence in broadcast journalism, further solidifying her reputation as a top journalist.

• Society of Professional Journalists Award: Karen has also received awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, recognizing her commitment to ethical and impactful journalism.

• Non-Profit Recognition: Karen has been recognized by various non-profits for her volunteer work and contributions to the community, showcasing her dedication to making a positive impact beyond her reporting.

Notable Investigations

Karen Drew has been involved in several impactful investigations throughout her career. Here are some of her notable works:

• Flint Water Crisis:

  Karen Drew’s reporting on the Flint water crisis brought national attention to the issue. Her in-depth coverage highlighted the struggles of Flint residents and the failures in the water system, contributing to the ongoing efforts to address the crisis.

• Detroit’s Broken Fire Hydrant System:

  Karen uncovered significant issues with Detroit’s fire hydrant system, which was not functioning properly. Her investigation led to swift action, and the problem was resolved within months, ensuring better safety for the community.

• Mismanagement at a Local Children’s Psychiatric Hospital:

  Karen exposed mismanagement and neglect at a local children’s psychiatric hospital. Her reporting shed light on the conditions and practices within the facility, prompting calls for reform and better care for the children.

• Detroit Animal Care:

  Karen held Detroit Animal Care accountable for its practices and policies. Her investigation revealed areas needing improvement and led to discussions on how to better serve the community and its animals.

• Contractor Violations at Local Cemeteries:

  Karen reported on contractors who violated regulations at local cemeteries, making it difficult for families to find their loved ones’ graves. Her work brought attention to the issue and pushed for better oversight and accountability.

• Line 5 Pipeline:

  Karen conducted in-depth reports on the Line 5 pipeline and its potential impact on Michigan residents. Her investigative work provided valuable information to the public and policymakers about the environmental and safety concerns associated with the pipeline.

• Cold Case Murder Investigation:

  Karen participated in a scuba diving operation with police to search for evidence related to a cold case murder. Her involvement helped uncover new leads and brought renewed attention to the case.

• Scammers and Lawbreakers:

  Karen conducted surveillance and undercover operations to expose scammers and lawbreakers. Her work helped bring these individuals to justice and protected the community from further harm.

Community Involvement

Beyond her reporting, Karen is actively involved in her community. She serves as a board member of the Detroit Police Athletic League and hosts events like “Run for the Ribbon”, which supports various charitable causes.

Current Role

As of now, Karen Drew continues to serve as a reporter and anchor at WDIV-TV, where she is known for her empathetic storytelling and commitment to uncovering the truth.

Her career is a testament to her dedication to journalism and her ability to balance professional excellence with personal dedication to her family and community.

Karen Drew works alongside several talented colleagues at WDIV-TV (Local 4) in Detroit. Some of her notable colleagues include:

• Bob Ellis: Vice President and General Manager.

• Kim Adams: Meteorologist.

• Tina Wood: Chief Financial Officer at Hutzel Hospital.

• Cathy Wood: General Manager at Little Caesars Pizza Detroit.

• Kathryn S. Wood: Attorney at Dickinson Wright PLLC.

These are just a few of the professionals Karen collaborates with at WDIV-TV. The team is known for its dedication to delivering high-quality news and information to the community.

Karen Drew Weight Loss

Karen Drew has not publicly discussed significant weight loss.

However, she has shared her journey of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a balanced diet.

She enjoys running, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Her commitment to fitness is evident in her social media posts and interviews.

Karen Drew Cancer

In late 2023, Karen Drew was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.

She underwent Mohs surgery to remove the cancerous tissue from her cheek.

Karen has been open about her experience, sharing her story to raise awareness about the importance of regular skin checks and sun protection.

Karen Drew Accident

There is no public record of Karen Drew being involved in any significant accidents.

She has maintained a healthy and active lifestyle, and there have been no reports of any major incidents in her personal life.

Net Worth and Salary:

Karen Drew’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her successful career as a journalist, anchor, and reporter.

Her annual salary at WDIV-TV ranges from $78,000 to $89,000, though it can vary based on various factors such as experience, responsibilities, and specific contracts.

Karen’s financial success is a testament to her dedication and hard work in the field of journalism.

She has consistently delivered impactful stories and maintained a strong presence in the industry, which has contributed to her financial stability and recognition.

Is Karen Drew Married?

Yes, Karen Drew is married. She is married to Paul, who is also her best friend. They started dating around early 2006 and tied the knot in January 2008.

Karen often shares glimpses of their life together on her social media, showcasing their strong bond and happy family life.

How Old Is Karen Drew?

Karen Drew is 54 years old as of 2025. She was born on September 16, 1970, in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

Where Is Karen Drew Working At?

Karen Drew is currently working at WDIV-TV (Local 4) in Detroit, Michigan. She serves multiple roles, including:

• News Anchor: Karen is a weekday anchor for Local 4 News First at 4, which airs at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

• Investigative Reporter: She is known for her in-depth investigative reporting, uncovering significant stories that impact the community.

• Consumer Investigator: Karen also takes on the role of a consumer investigator, helping viewers navigate issues related to consumer rights and services.

Karen’s diverse roles at WDIV-TV highlight her versatility and dedication to delivering high-quality news and information to the community.

Karen Drew is active on social media. She has a significant presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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