Mike Campbell — Esteemed Detroit Journalist, Respected Voice of WWJ Newsradio 950, and Beloved Community Presence — Leaves a Profound Legacy Following His June 8 Passing at Age 65, Stirring Grief and Reflection Across Southeast Michigan

DETROIT, MICHIGAN — The heart of Detroit’s journalistic community and countless loyal radio listeners across Southeast Michigan fell silent on Sunday, June 8, 2025, as the city learned of the passing of Mike Campbell, a revered and long-standing anchor and reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950. Campbell, who had recently celebrated his 65th birthday, leaves behind a storied legacy that spans nearly four decades of broadcast journalism. His unmistakable voice, compassionate storytelling, and steadfast presence on the airwaves shaped the way Detroiters experienced news — not merely as information, but as a shared civic journey.

For the people of Detroit, Campbell was not simply a reporter; he was part of the cultural fabric — a familiar, reassuring tone in times of joy, crisis, celebration, and reflection. His enduring career served as a bridge between generations of listeners, from those tuning in on their morning commutes in the 1990s to newer audiences discovering his work through digital streaming and mobile alerts.

Campbell’s departure has not only stirred sorrow among colleagues and longtime friends — it has ignited a citywide reflection on the power of local journalism and the people who give it a soul.

A Career Etched in Dedication and Detroit’s History

Mike Campbell began his career with WWJ in the late 1980s, during an era when Detroit’s identity was undergoing dramatic transformation. From the financial struggles and population shifts of the early ’90s to the resurgence of downtown in the 2010s, Campbell was there — microphone in hand, notebook nearby, broadcasting facts with clarity and empathy. His signature calm demeanor, combined with an instinct for human-centered reporting, made him not only a respected journalist but also a trusted voice in turbulent times.

Over nearly 40 years, he became a fixture of morning broadcasts, often delivering the latest headlines before dawn had even broken. Whether updating commuters on road conditions, guiding the public through breaking news, or offering thoughtful coverage on community issues, Campbell embodied reliability. More than a newsreader, he was a translator of civic life — someone who could unpack a complex city budget story, a sensitive political scandal, or a breaking weather alert with equal measures of professionalism and poise.

He reported from every corner of the city and beyond, covering stories that touched every aspect of life in Metro Detroit — labor strikes, mayoral elections, auto industry milestones, crime waves, school board debates, and regional weather emergencies. And he did so without ego, seeking to elevate the facts, not himself.

Humanity Behind the Microphone

Colleagues who worked alongside Campbell often speak not just of his journalistic excellence, but of his kindness and humility. Though deeply knowledgeable and seasoned, he remained approachable, generous with mentorship, and tireless in his pursuit of accurate, responsible storytelling. Interns found a patient teacher. Editors found a dependable craftsman. Listeners found a friend.

“Mike was the kind of journalist who reminded you why this work matters,” said a longtime WWJ producer. “He never chased sensationalism. He chased truth — and he did it with heart.”

Perhaps nothing exemplifies Campbell’s character better than a story from 2019 during a severe snowstorm in Shelby Township. Assigned to field coverage from WWJ’s mobile unit, Campbell encountered an elderly woman — 89 years old — walking alone, disoriented in dangerously cold temperatures. Recognizing the severity of the situation, he immediately welcomed her into the warmth of the news vehicle, kept her safe, and contacted local authorities. She was later reunited with her family. To Campbell, it was simply the right thing to do. But to those who heard about it, it became emblematic of a lifetime of integrity — on and off the air.

The City Responds with Mourning and Gratitude

News of Campbell’s passing spread quickly through newsrooms, social media platforms, and civic institutions. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan released a statement praising Campbell’s “unwavering commitment to fair, accurate journalism” and noting that “Mike represented the very best of Detroit — resilient, compassionate, and profoundly connected to the people.”

WWJ Newsradio 950 dedicated several segments on June 9 to honor his life, featuring interviews with former co-anchors, producers, local leaders, and longtime listeners who shared how Campbell’s presence had touched their lives. From recalling the comfort of hearing his voice during September 11 coverage, to acknowledging how his reporting helped them understand their communities better, the tributes were deeply personal.

One listener wrote on social media, “Mike Campbell’s voice was part of our mornings for years. He was there in good times and bad — always steady, always kind. Detroit won’t be the same without him.”

A Voice That Never Faltered — Even During Personal Trials

Despite personal challenges and the inherent stresses of newsroom life, Campbell remained deeply committed to his craft. Those close to him note that he worked through long shifts, difficult assignments, and evolving technology without complaint. He believed in the mission of journalism — to inform, to connect, and to serve.

In recent years, even as digital transformation redefined the way radio news was produced and consumed, Campbell adapted with ease, lending his voice to podcasts, social audio experiments, and community forums. His interviews, whether with public officials or everyday Detroiters, retained the same tone of dignity and fairness that defined his entire career.

Beyond the Newsroom — Family, Friends, and Quiet Moments

Away from the spotlight, Campbell was a devoted family man, an avid reader, and a lover of Detroit history. Friends describe him as witty, intellectually curious, and quietly generous. He volunteered with local literacy programs, participated in community clean-up events, and supported young people interested in media careers.

He had a deep appreciation for music, particularly Motown, and often spoke about his admiration for Detroit’s artists, inventors, and underappreciated civic heroes. He frequently reminded colleagues that “the stories we tell today become the history others study tomorrow.”

A Call to Reflect on Journalism’s Role and Future

Mike Campbell’s passing is not only a moment of personal loss — it is an invitation for reflection on the critical importance of local journalism. In an era of algorithm-driven content and media polarization, Campbell represented an older — and many would argue, better — tradition: journalism as a public service.

His life’s work is a reminder that facts matter, voices matter, and trust is earned through consistency and care. While technologies will change and platforms will evolve, the values he embodied — integrity, empathy, accuracy — are timeless.

To honor Campbell’s legacy, several local organizations have announced plans to create a journalism scholarship in his name, aimed at supporting Detroit-area students pursuing careers in media, especially those interested in radio and community storytelling.

Final Sign-Off: A City’s Voice, Now an Echo in Its Heart

As tributes continue to pour in, and as the city of Detroit mourns one of its most beloved journalists, there is comfort in knowing that Mike Campbell’s legacy will continue — in the stories he told, in the lives he influenced, and in the sound of his voice preserved in archives.

His last broadcast may have concluded, but the resonance of his words, his decency, and his devotion to the people of Southeast Michigan endures. In homes, cars, and offices throughout the region, echoes of his reporting still linger — reminders that one man’s commitment to truth and kindness can leave a lifelong imprint on a city.

In the days ahead, the Campbell family will announce plans for a memorial gathering open to the public. Until then, WWJ listeners and Detroiters from all walks of life will continue to share stories, light candles, and remember a man who gave his voice to the city — and in doing so, gave it a little more soul.

If you knew Mike Campbell or have stories of how his reporting touched your life, WWJ invites you to share your memories online using the hashtag #RememberingMikeCampbell.