Bill Proctor, investigative reporter for Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ, is retiring after 33 years in broadcasting.
In a tribute to Proctor in the Detroit News, a co-worker described Proctor as having, “The gravitas of Ed Bradley and the coolness of James Bond. He’s just so steady. There will be bullets flying all over the place, but nothing flusters the guy.”
The Detroit News has more details on Proctor’s career. Click here to view. The News said Proctor plans to devote his time to a non-profit focused on vindicating unjustly convicted prisoners called Proving Innocence.
The station posted some of Proctor’s most compelling stories to its website. Click here to view. The station said it plans to air a tribute to Proctor Thursday at 5:00 pm.
Proctor joined WXYZ in 1980 as a general assignment reporter. Before coming to WXYZ, he worked at KDKA in Pittsburgh, PA, WDAF in Kansas City, MO, and WAVY in Norfolk, VA.
[FTVLive]>UPDATE: Proctor told TVSpy, “It’s been a great run at a company dedicated to great journalism. The recognition (and “thanks you(s)”) from consumers for years of services to this community, and awards for powerful stories done well…..(thanks in great part to colleagues who are among the best in the business) have warmed my heart.
But what will stay with me are the looks on the faces of many people and their families that We helped along the many years on the air in five different TV markets over almost 39 years. It was rewarding, more than one man deserves, to tell their compelling stories in a way that everybody Who saw them cared, and in most cases, those in power responded.
There is no better feeling than using what you have…in my case the power and “the voice” of Broadcast journalism, The best job in the world…to help other people.
Now, I’m off to be an advocate for justice. I am the founder of Proving Innocence, a 501©3 Non profit providing investigators in cases of wrongful conviction, where the actually innocent Are imprisoned for a crime they did not, in any way, commit. Find us..and help us, at www.Provinginnocence.org.