
Mike Clark Biography: Veteran Journalist at WTAE-TV Pittsburgh
Mike Clark is a well-known journalist currently working for WTAE-TV, an ABC-affiliated station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He has been with the station since 1995, co-anchoring Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 on weekdays at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Mike is recognized for his comprehensive news coverage and professional demeanor, making him a household name in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.
Career and Key Coverage:
- Longstanding Tenure: Mike Clark has been a consistent presence at WTAE-TV for nearly three decades, demonstrating deep commitment to covering news in the Pittsburgh region.
- Major News Events: His career is marked by his involvement in significant historical events and breaking news. He was honored for field-anchoring Emmy Award-winning continuing coverage of the United Airlines Flight 93 crash on September 11, 2001, and the rescue of nine miners at Quecreek in July 2002.
- Exclusive Interviews: Clark’s journalistic prowess is highlighted by his 2013 Edward R. Murrow Award for Hard News Reporting, earned for his exclusive interview with Charles Breitsman, the hostage in the Gateway Tower crisis. This was Breitsman’s only media interview.
International Reporting:
He has also covered major international events, including Pope John Paul II’s visits to St. Louis (1999), and to New York and Baltimore (1995).
He anchored coverage of Pope John Paul II’s death and funeral in 2005, and field-anchored WTAE’s live coverage of Pope Benedict’s first pilgrimage to America in 2008.
In 2013, he reported from St. Peter’s Square when Pope Francis emerged for the first time, earning two Emmys for his work from Rome and co-hosting “Chronicle: From Pittsburgh to the Vatican.”
Awards and Recognition:
Mike Clark’s on-air work has received numerous accolades from various organizations, including:
- Emmys: He has anchored multiple Emmy Award-winning newscasts for “Pittsburgh’s Action News 4,” including two that won “Best Newscast.” He also received Emmys for his field-anchoring of the Flight 93 and Quecreek coverages, and for his reporting from Rome on the election of Pope Francis.
- Edward R. Murrow Award: For Hard News Reporting in 2013.
- Golden Quill: Recognized for excellence in journalism.
- Associated Press: Honored for his work.
- Cardinal Fulton Sheen Television Award: For his series of reports on the Chimbote Mission in Peru in 2000.
- Bill Burns Award: For excellence in Television Broadcasting at the 2007 Art Rooney CYO Dinner.
- Cardinal Donald Wuerl Flame of Hope Award (2009): For his commitment to serving the poor.
- Cardinal John Wright Media Award (2009): From the Alumni Association of the Bishop’s Latin School.
Other Honors and Contributions:
- Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters: From La Roche College in 2004.
- Outstanding Achievement Award: From the New York Institute of Technology in 2003.
- Humanitarian of the Year Award: From the Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh in 2002.
- Honorary Alumni of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing (2013): For his advocacy of the nursing profession.
- Community Involvement: He and his family established the Matthew J. Clark ’12 Endowed Scholarship Fund to honor his late son, Matthew, which provides financial assistance for students attending Central Catholic High School.
Community Involvement:
- Mike is actively involved in several charitable organizations, such as the Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, The Chimbote Foundation, the Greater Pittsburgh YMCA, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and the ALS Association.
- He also serves as an adjunct professor of journalism at Duquesne University.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and participating in outdoor activities.
Age:
Wife:
Mike Clark is happily married to his wife, Terri. Mike Clark has four children with his wife, Terri: Michael, Danielle, Anthony, and Matthew.
Tragically, his son Matthew passed away in 2019 due to a hiking accident. Terri and Mike have been actively involved in various community and charitable activities, reflecting their shared commitment to giving back to the community.
Height:
Mike Clark stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). While his exact weight isn’t publicly documented, his build suggests an estimated range of 160–180 lbs (73–82 kg).
Career and Background:
Mike Clark began his broadcasting career in radio before transitioning to television news. He has worked for several news stations across the country before settling in Pittsburgh with WTAE-TV.
Over the years, Mike has covered major local and national news events, gaining a reputation for delivering factual, balanced, and timely reports.
He currently serves as a news anchor for the station’s evening broadcasts. His journalism career spans decades, and he has won numerous awards for his contributions to the field, making him one of the most respected figures in Pittsburgh’s news scene.
Early Career & Station History
Before joining WTAE-TV Pittsburgh in 1995, Clark gained valuable experience working at several stations across different markets. His early career helped him refine his reporting and anchoring skills.
WLIG-TV (Long Island, New York)
- Clark began his career at WLIG-TV, an independent station serving Long Island.
- The station, branded as WLIG TV-55, focused on local news, syndicated programming, and public affairs.
- Clark contributed to News 55 Long Island, a nightly newscast that covered regional stories.
- WLIG faced challenges in gaining cable access, which limited its audience reach.
WEVU-TV (Fort Myers, Florida)
- Clark transitioned to WEVU-TV, a low-power station in Fort Myers.
- The station initially focused on sports programming, including Major League Baseball affiliations.
- Over time, WEVU shifted toward community-focused content, including local news and public affairs.
WMTW-TV (Portland, Maine)
- Clark continued his journalism career at WMTW-TV, a station serving Maine.
- WMTW is known for its strong local news coverage and weather reporting.
- His tenure at WMTW helped him gain experience in covering regional issues and breaking news.
WSYX-TV (Columbus, Ohio)
- Clark worked at WSYX-TV, a major news station in Columbus, Ohio.
- He was part of the Channel 6 News Nightcast team, delivering evening news updates.
- WSYX is a ABC-affiliated station, known for its investigative journalism and in-depth reporting.
WTAE-TV Pittsburgh (1995–Present)
Since joining WTAE-TV Pittsburgh, Clark has become a respected figure in the city’s media landscape.
- He co-anchors Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., delivering trusted reporting.
- His work has earned recognition from organizations such as:
- Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences
- Press Club of Western Pennsylvania
- Associated Press.
Notable Coverage
Clark has reported on major events that shaped Pittsburgh and the nation:
United Airlines Flight 93 Crash (September 11, 2001)
- Clark provided field-anchored coverage of the tragic crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- His reporting was part of an Emmy Award-winning news segment.
Quecreek Mine Rescue (July 2002)
- He covered the dramatic rescue of nine miners trapped underground in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
- His reporting contributed to another Emmy Award-winning segment.
Mike Clark has covered numerous memorable stories during his tenure at WTAE-TV. Here are a few highlights:
- Swissvale’s Triangle Bar and Grill: Mike reported on the 90th anniversary of this iconic Pittsburgh establishment, famous for its “battleships” sandwiches.
- Woodcarver’s Art for Foster Kids: He covered a heartwarming story about a local woodcarver who transforms old doors into beautiful works of art for foster children in the Pittsburgh area.
- Community and Charity Work: Mike has frequently highlighted various charitable events and community initiatives, reflecting his deep involvement in local causes.
These stories showcase his dedication to covering both significant events and uplifting community stories.
Mike Clark has received several awards throughout his career for his excellence in journalism. Here are some of the notable ones:
- Emmy Awards: He has won multiple Emmy Awards, both individually and as part of a news team.
- Press Club of Western Pennsylvania: Recognized for his outstanding reporting and anchoring.
- Associated Press: Honored for his contributions to journalism.
- Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences: Awarded for his work in television journalism.
- Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters: Received from La Roche College in Pennsylvania in 2004.
Mike Clark works alongside several talented anchors and reporters at WTAE. Some of his close colleagues include:
- Michelle Wright: An experienced anchor who has been with WTAE for many years, known for her engaging reporting style.
- Andrew Stockey: A versatile anchor and sports director, who covers a wide range of stories from news to sports.
- Kelly Sasso: A morning news anchor who brings energy and a fresh perspective to the team.
- Janelle Hall: Known for her in-depth reporting and anchoring, she covers significant local and national stories.
Is Mike Clark Married?
Yes, Mike Clark is married to Terri Clark. The couple has been together for many years, and they share a close-knit family, including their four children, including Anthony and Danielle.
How Old Is Mike Clark?
Mike Clark was born in 1963, making him 62 years old. He celebrates his birthday on February 1 every year.
Where Is Mike Clark Working?
Mike Clark is still working as an anchor for WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. He co-anchors Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 on weekdays at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
He has been with the station since 1995 and continues to be a prominent figure in the local news scene.
Additionally, his dedication to journalism has made him a reliable source of information for his audience, and he remains a prominent figure in the local news industry.
Pittsburgh is home to many notable journalists who have made significant contributions to the field. Here are a few prominent names:
- Marty Baron: Former executive editor of The Washington Post, Marty Baron has had a distinguished career, including overseeing the Boston Globe’s investigation into the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal.
- Lauren Linder: An Emmy Award-winning journalist at KDKA, Lauren Linder is known for her in-depth reporting on significant events such as the East Palestine toxic train derailment and the shooting death of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire.
- Jean Bryant: A pioneering Black journalist in Pittsburgh, Jean Bryant was known for her impactful work and dedication to mentoring young journalists.
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