Shawn Ley: A Voice for Detroit | WDIV-TV Journalist
Shawn Ley is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News (WDIV-TV) in Detroit, Michigan for over a decade.
He is known for his in-depth reporting and investigative journalism, often covering breaking news stories and conducting insightful interviews.
Ley has been recognized for his work with multiple Michigan Association of Broadcasters “Reporter of the Year” awards.
Before returning to Local 4 News in 2010, Ley worked at various news stations across the country, including KPRC-TV in Houston, Texas, and WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida. He has also covered major events such as the Iraq War and the Super Bowl.
Ley’s passion for journalism is evident in his dedication to uncovering important stories and holding those in power accountable. He is a respected member of the Detroit community and a valuable asset to Local 4 News.
Age:
Shawn Ley was born on December 23, making him a Capricorn. While his exact age isn’t publicly available, he is estimated to be around 40-50 years old as of 2025. He is of American nationality and ethnicity.
Wife:
Shawn Ley and his wife, Sandra Ali, have a lovely family. They have four children: Roman, who is 9 years old, Isla, who is 5 years old, and twins Tamer and Grant, who are nearly 2 years old. The family resides in Birmingham.
Height, Weight:
Shawn Ley is estimated to be 5 feet 11 inches tall. While Shawn Ley’s exact weight isn’t publicly available, it’s estimated that he has lost around 30-40 pounds through his weight loss journey.
Career and Background:
Shawn Ley’s career is a testament to his dedication to impactful journalism. He began his journey at WDIV-TV in Detroit, where he cut his teeth in local news reporting.
This foundational experience provided him with a strong understanding of the issues affecting his community.
Seeking to broaden his horizons, Ley ventured to KPRC-TV in Houston, Texas.
This move exposed him to a larger market and diverse range of stories, allowing him to refine his reporting skills and gain valuable experience in a different media landscape.
Ley’s career continued to evolve as he moved to WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida. This experience provided him with further opportunities to cover a wide array of news topics and hone his craft as a journalist.
In 2010, Ley returned to his roots at WDIV-TV in Detroit, where he has made significant contributions to the station’s investigative unit, “The Defenders.”
His in-depth reporting and tenacious pursuit of truth and accountability have earned him widespread respect and numerous accolades.
Throughout his career, Ley has demonstrated a commitment to serving the public by uncovering important stories and holding those in power accountable.
His dedication to his craft, coupled with his diverse experiences across different markets, has solidified his reputation as a respected and influential journalist in the Detroit area.
Current Role
Currently, Shawn Ley is a reporter at WDIV-TV in Detroit, Michigan. He is a key part of the Local 4 News team, working on various broadcasts including Local 4 News Morning, Local 4 News at Noon, and the evening broadcast of Local 4 News starting at 5 p.m.
His work at WDIV-TV continues to demonstrate his dedication to delivering timely and important news to the community.
Notable Reports
Shawn Ley has covered numerous notable reports throughout his career. Here are a few highlights:
- Oxford High School Shooting: Shawn Ley reported extensively on the tragic Oxford High School shooting in November 2021. His coverage included updates on the legal proceedings, settlements, and the impact on the community.
- Orion Township Condo Explosion: In November 2024, Shawn reported on a massive explosion that destroyed a condo building in Orion Township. He highlighted the heroic acts of the community and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the explosion.
- Firing of Metro Detroit Coach: Shawn covered the sudden firing of a long-time wrestling coach in Livonia, which sparked outrage and questions from the community. His reporting shed light on the reasons behind the dismissal and the community’s response.
- Oxford High School Shooting Settlements: Shawn reported on a judge’s ruling that each victim and gunshot in the Oxford High School shooting should be considered a separate incident, resulting in a total payout of $55 million.
Awards and Recognition
Shawn Ley has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his excellence in journalism:
- Emmy Awards: Shawn Ley has been honored with multiple Emmy Awards for his outstanding reporting and contributions to television journalism.
- Michigan Association of Broadcasters Awards: He has received three “Reporter of the Year” awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, recognizing his dedication and impact in the field.
- Community Impact: Shawn’s reporting on significant events, such as the Oxford High School shooting and the Orion Township condo explosion, has had a profound impact on the community and has been widely recognized for its thoroughness and sensitivity.
These awards and recognitions underscore Shawn Ley’s commitment to delivering high-quality journalism and his ability to connect with audiences through his reporting.
Shawn Ley works closely with several colleagues at WDIV-TV, including:
- Ross Macey: A fellow reporter and member of the news team.
- Farah Eltohamy: Another reporter who often collaborates with Shawn on various stories.
- Devin Scillian: A long-time anchor and reporter at WDIV-TV, known for his work on Local 4 News.
- Kimberly Gill: A co-anchor who often works alongside Shawn, delivering the news to the Detroit community.
- Karen Drew: Another anchor and investigative reporter at WDIV-TV, contributing to the depth and quality of the news team.
- Jason Carr: A versatile reporter and anchor who brings a unique perspective to the news.
- Rhonda Walker: A morning news anchor who collaborates with Shawn on various stories.
- Bernie Smilovitz: A sports anchor and reporter known for his engaging sports coverage on Local 4 News.
Weight Loss
Shawn Ley embarked on a weight loss journey alongside his wife, Sandra Ali. Together, they followed a balanced diet and regular workout routine.
Shawn is estimated to have lost around 30-40 pounds. His motivation for losing weight was not just to support his wife but also to be a healthier and more active father for their children.
Net Worth and Salary:
While specific figures are not publicly disclosed, based on Shawn Ley’s extensive career as an Emmy Award-winning journalist and reporter at WDIV-TV, his estimated net worth could range between $1 million and $2 million.
His annual salary as a reporter at a prominent station like WDIV-TV is likely in the range of $50,000 to $120,000, depending on experience and other factors.
These estimates align with industry standards for journalists in similar roles
Shawn’s net worth comes from his successful career in journalism, which includes multiple Emmy Awards and recognition from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
His dedication to delivering high-quality news and impactful stories has contributed to his financial success.
Is Shawn Ley Married?
Yes, Shawn Ley is married to Sandra Ali, also a journalist. They married in 2006 and have four children: Roman, Isla, and twins Grant and Tamer.
Shawn Ley and his family reside in Birmingham, Michigan. Birmingham is a suburb of Detroit and is known for its affluent community and excellent schools. Shawn and his wife, Sandra Ali, enjoy raising their four children in this family-friendly area.
How Old Is Shawn Ley?
Shawn Ley is estimated to be around 40-50 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Shawn Ley Working At?
Shawn Ley is currently working at WDIV-TV’s Local 4 News in Detroit, Michigan, where he serves as a reporter and is part of the investigative unit known as the Defenders.
His roles include:
- Local 4 News Morning: Reporting on the latest news and events in the morning segment.
- Local 4 News at Noon: Covering news and updates during the noon broadcast.
- Local 4 News starting at 5 p.m.: Delivering news in the evening segment.
Shawn is known for his dedication to breaking news and daily investigations, often highlighting important stories and solutions-based journalism.
Shawn Ley is active on social media. He can be found on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where he shares updates about his work, family, and personal life. You can follow him to stay updated on his latest news and achievements.
Sources
Here are the sources linked for the article about Shawn Ley:
- Metro Parent:
Anchors of the Family: Sandra Ali and Shawn Ley - Click On Detroit:
Shawn Ley Promoted to Defenders at WDIV-TV
These sources provide detailed insights into Shawn Ley’s career, family, and accomplishments.
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