Mike DeForest: Emmy-Winning Investigative Reporter | WKMG News 6 Orlando
Mike DeForest is an Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter who has been covering Central Florida news for over two decades.
He works for WKMG News 6 in Orlando, Florida. Mike’s passion for broadcasting began at a young age when his grandfather introduced him to the world of broadcasting by handing him a microphone and a tape recorder.
He later pursued his education in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Southern California.
Mike’s career started at KAAL-TV in Austin, Minnesota, where he covered events like the annual Spam Jam festival.
He then moved to WRCB-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the mountains, the barbecue, and the woman he later married.
Mike joined WKMG News 6 during the aftermath of the 2000 presidential election and has since covered significant events such as hurricanes, shuttle launches, and high-profile trials like those of Casey Anthony and George Zimmerman.
Age:
Mike DeForest is confidently estimated to be in his 40s. Born on February 23, he falls under the Pisces zodiac sign. Mike is of white ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Mike DeForest was raised in the Chicago suburbs. At the age of five, his grandfather introduced him to broadcasting by giving him a microphone and a tape recorder.
This early exposure sparked his interest in journalism. As a child, he would use his family’s VHS camcorder to create movies with friends in his neighborhood.
Mike’s parents, Jim DeForest and Patti Baucum DeForest, were among the earliest employees of Portillo’s, a popular chain specializing in Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
His father later pursued a career as a printer, which helped support Mike’s education in journalism.
Wife:
Mike DeForest is married to his wife, April. They met in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where Mike worked at WRCB-TV before joining WKMG News 6 in Orlando.
Together, they have two sons and reside in West Orange County, Florida. However, Mike prefers to keep his family life private, so there isn’t much publicly available information about his children.
Height, Weight:
Mike DeForest stands tall at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) and has a well-maintained weight estimated to be between 160 to 180 pounds (72 to 82 kilograms).
Career and Background:
Mike DeForest pursued his passion for journalism by studying broadcast journalism at the University of Southern California.
During his time in Los Angeles, he was mentored by prominent figures in television news and covered significant events, including the O.J. Simpson case.
He also worked as a guide on the Disneyland Jungle Cruise, showcasing his versatility.
His professional career began at KAAL-TV in Austin, Minnesota, where he reported on local events, including the annual Spam Jam festival.
He then moved to WRCB-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he developed a love for the region’s culture and cuisine.
In 2000, Mike joined WKMG-TV (News 6) in Orlando, Florida, coinciding with the aftermath of the 2000 presidential election and the infamous hanging chads controversy.
Since then, he has covered a wide range of major events in Central Florida, from hurricanes and shuttle launches to high-profile trials like those of Casey Anthony and George Zimmerman.
His investigative reporting has earned him multiple Emmy Awards and recognition for his commitment to journalistic excellence.
Early Career and Education
Mike’s journey into journalism began early, thanks to his grandfather who introduced him to the world of broadcasting.
His passion grew stronger, leading him to pursue a degree in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Southern California.
During his time there, he was mentored by prominent figures in television news and covered significant events, including the OJ Simpson case.
This foundational experience helped shape his investigative skills and set the stage for his future career.
KAAL-TV (Austin, Minnesota)
Mike’s first professional role was at KAAL-TV in Austin, Minnesota.
At KAAL-TV, he covered a variety of local events, including the unique and entertaining Spam Jam festival, celebrating the city’s connection to the famous canned meat.
This role allowed Mike to immerse himself in the community, develop his reporting style, and gain valuable experience in local journalism.
WRCB-TV (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
Mike’s next career move took him to WRCB-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In Chattanooga, Mike fell in love with the local culture, the scenic mountains, and the delicious barbecue.
It was also here that he met his future wife, April. During his time at WRCB-TV, Mike continued to refine his investigative reporting skills, covering a wide range of stories that resonated with the local community.
His dedication to uncovering the truth and delivering impactful stories earned him recognition and respect.
WKMG News 6 (Orlando, Florida)
In the aftermath of the 2000 presidential election, Mike joined WKMG News 6 in Orlando, Florida.
This move marked a significant milestone in his career, as he became a key figure in Central Florida journalism.
Over the past two decades at WKMG News 6, Mike has covered numerous high-profile events, including:
- Hurricanes: Mike reported on several major hurricanes, providing critical information and updates to the community during times of crisis.
- Shuttle Launches: He covered shuttle launches from Kennedy Space Center, highlighting the achievements and challenges of space exploration.
- High-Profile Trials: Mike’s investigative reporting shone during the trials of Casey Anthony and George Zimmerman, where he provided in-depth coverage and analysis of these nationally significant cases.
Throughout his career at WKMG News 6, Mike has earned multiple awards, including an Emmy, for his outstanding investigative journalism.
His commitment to uncovering important stories and his ability to connect with the community have made him a trusted and respected figure in Central Florida news.
Awards and Recognitions
Mike DeForest has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his dedication and excellence in investigative journalism. Here are some of his notable achievements:
- Emmy Awards: Mike has won multiple Emmy Awards for his outstanding investigative reporting. These prestigious awards recognize excellence in the television industry and are a testament to his skill and dedication.
- Associated Press Awards: Mike has received several Associated Press Awards for his investigative journalism. These awards honor excellence in news reporting and are highly regarded in the industry.
- Edward R. Murrow Awards: Mike has been honored with Edward R. Murrow Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. These awards are named after the legendary broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow and are among the most prestigious in the field.
- Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Awards: Mike has also been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for his investigative reporting. The SPJ Awards celebrate excellence in journalism and promote the highest standards of ethical reporting.
Colleagues at WKMG News 6
Mike DeForest works alongside a talented team of journalists and reporters at WKMG News 6 in Orlando, Florida. Here are some of his notable colleagues:
- Lisa Bell: An anchor and reporter who has been with WKMG since 2011. Lisa co-anchors the evening newscasts and has covered a wide range of stories, from breaking news to in-depth investigations.
- Matt Austin: An anchor and reporter who joined WKMG in 2011. Matt co-anchors the evening newscasts and has a passion for storytelling and investigative journalism.
- Ginger Gadsden: An anchor and reporter who has been with WKMG since 2014. Ginger co-anchors the evening newscasts and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the team.
- Erik von Ancken: A reporter and anchor who has been with WKMG since 2003. Erik covers a variety of stories, including breaking news and special reports.
- Julie Broughton: A meteorologist and reporter who has been with WKMG since 2010. Julie provides weather updates and covers environmental stories.
These colleagues, along with many others at WKMG News 6, work together to deliver comprehensive news coverage to the Central Florida community.
Net Worth and Salary:
Mike DeForest’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated over his extensive career in investigative journalism.
His earnings come from various sources, including his salary as an investigative reporter at WKMG News 6 and any potential bonuses, endorsements, or other professional engagements he might have.
Salary
Mike’s annual salary is estimated to be between $30,000 and $90,000. This range reflects the typical earnings for investigative reporters, taking into account factors such as experience, location, and the specific responsibilities of the role.
Given Mike’s extensive experience and award-winning track record, it’s likely that his earnings are at the higher end of this range.
Is Mike DeForest Married?
Yes, Mike DeForest is married to April, and they have two sons together.
How Old Is Mike DeForest?
Mike DeForest prefers to keep his personal life private, so his exact age and date of birth are not publicly disclosed. However, it is estimated that he might be in his 40s.
Where Is Mike DeForest Working?
Mike DeForest is currently working as an Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter at WKMG News 6 in Orlando, Florida.
He has been covering Central Florida news for over two decades, providing in-depth investigative reports on a wide range of topics, including hurricanes, shuttle launches, and high-profile trials such as those of Casey Anthony and George Zimmerman.
Mike’s role at WKMG News 6 involves uncovering important stories, conducting thorough investigations, and delivering impactful reports that resonate with the community.
His dedication to journalism and his ability to connect with the audience have made him a trusted and respected figure in Central Florida news.
Mike DeForest is active on social media. You can follow him on various platforms to stay updated with his latest investigative reports and news updates:
These platforms are great for keeping up with his work and engaging with his content.
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