Sean Mickey: WGRZ Investigative Journalist Biography
Sean Mickey is an accomplished investigative journalist currently working for WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, NY.
A native of Brockport, he graduated from the Jandoli School of Communication at St. Bonaventure University. Sean has made significant contributions to journalism, particularly through his investigative work.
He joined WGRZ-TV to launch the “2 On Your Side Investigates” team after working at WKBW-TV, where his investigations earned state, regional, and national recognition.
Notably, his reporting on police misconduct led to the decertification of deputies who broke the law, and his work on the secretive disciplinary records of the New York State Police was nationally acclaimed.
This series was a finalist for the prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards in 2024, often considered the broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize.
Sean’s other impactful investigations include exposing the poor maintenance of local bridges, which prompted the early replacement of a bridge on Grand Island, and breaking stories on the sex-abuse scandal in the Diocese of Buffalo.
His dedication to uncovering the truth has earned him numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow Awards, and recognition from the New York State Broadcasters Association.
Age:
Sean Mickey’s exact birth year isn’t publicly disclosed, he celebrates his birthday on November 1st, which makes his zodiac sign Scorpio.
Based on his educational and professional timeline, it’s estimated that he is in his late 20s or early 30s.
He is an American national, originally from Brockport, New York. His parents are Gary and Tina Mickey. He has a brother named Brett Mickey.
Wife:
Sean Mickey is in a romantic relationship with Olivia Proia. However, not much information about their relationship has been publicly disclosed.
Height, Weight:
Sean Mickey stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, with an estimated weight ranging between 140–160 pounds (63–72 kg).
Career and Background:
Sean Mickey is a distinguished investigative journalist with a career marked by impactful reporting.
He began his journey as an assignment editor at WHAM-TV in Rochester, NY. During his time there, he honed his skills in journalism and gained valuable experience.
He later joined WKBW-TV, an ABC affiliate in Buffalo, NY, where he spent three years producing award-winning investigations.
His work at WKBW-TV earned state, regional, and national recognition, including uncovering police misconduct and exposing the secretive disciplinary records of the New York State Police.
Notable investigations at WKBW-TV included:
- An exclusive report on police misconduct within the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, exposing how deputies who broke the law avoided decertification. His reporting led to several decertifications, demonstrating tangible outcomes from his work.
- Becoming the first journalist to obtain and publicize secretive disciplinary records of the New York State Police, shedding light on a previously opaque system.
- An exposé on the poor maintenance of local bridges, which prompted the early replacement of a bridge on Grand Island, directly benefiting public safety.
- Extensive coverage of the sex-abuse scandal in the Diocese of Buffalo, where he not only reported but also took legal action by submitting an affidavit and joining an amicus curiae in a case against the New York State Attorney General to advocate for survivors.
His stories from WKBW-TV gained national attention, appearing on broadcasts like ABC World News Tonight and Good Morning America, amplifying his reach beyond Western New York.
In 2024, Sean transitioned to WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, NY, where he launched the “2 On Your Side Investigates” team.
At WGRZ-TV, he continued his investigative work, focusing on issues such as bridge safety, clergy sexual abuse scandals, and more.
His reporting has led to tangible changes, such as the early replacement of a poorly maintained bridge on Grand Island.
Awards and Recognition:
- 2024 Finalist for the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards
- 67th Annual New York Emmy® Awards Winner (Religion, News)
- 2023 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award (Investigative)
- 2022 E.W. Scripps Give Light Award (First Amendment)
- 66th Annual New York Emmy® Awards Nominee (Investigative, Multiple Reports)
- 2022 New York State Broadcasters Association Award (Outstanding Series)
Here are some of Sean Mickey’s notable colleagues at WGRZ-TV:
- Scott Levin – Anchor
- Maryalice Demler – Anchor and Reporter
- Melissa Holmes – Morning Anchor
- Pete Gallivan – Reporter and Co-anchor
- Kelly Dudzik – Anchor and Reporter
- Claudine Ewing – Reporter
- Lauren Hall – Reporter
These colleagues contribute to various news and investigative projects, supporting WGRZ-TV’s commitment to quality journalism.
Net Worth and Salary:
Sean Mickey’s exact net worth and salary as an investigative journalist at WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, NY, are not publicly available as of 2025.
Based on industry standards, his salary is estimated at $80,000 to $120,000 annually, reflecting his experience, awards like the 2024 duPont-Columbia finalist distinction, and work in a mid-sized market.
Starting as an assignment editor at WHAM-TV (likely $35,000-$50,000), he spent three years at WKBW-TV before joining WGRZ in 2024, building a notable career with national exposure on ABC and CNN.
His net worth, factoring in savings and modest assets like a home, is likely $1 million and $5 million.
While Buffalo’s market limits earnings compared to larger cities, his growing prominence could boost his finances over time.
Is Sean Mickey Journalist Reporter Married?
As of now, there is no public information confirming that Sean Mickey is married. Additionally, he is known to be in a relationship with Olivia Proia, an associate attorney at Personius Melber LLP.
How Old Is Sean Mickey Journalist Reporter?
Sean Mickey was born on November 1, though his exact birth year is not public. Based on his career timeline, he is likely in his late 20s to early 30s.
Where Is Sean Mickey Journalist Reporter Working?
Sean Mickey is currently working at WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, NY, as an Investigative Multi-Skilled Journalist.
His role involves producing impactful investigative reports that address critical issues in the community, such as police misconduct, bridge safety, and clergy sexual abuse.
Sean Mickey is active on social media. He maintains an Instagram account under the handle @seanmickeytv, where he shares insights into his work and personal interests.
Additionally, he is active on X (formerly known as Twitter) with the handle @SeanMickey7, where he engages with the community and shares professional updates.
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