Shawn Ley: Former WDIV-TV Journalist Joins Fieger Law | Biography & Career
Shawn Ley is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who was a reporter and anchor for WDIV-TV (Local 4 News) in Detroit.
He has had an extensive career in broadcast journalism, with assignments that took him to various locations, including war zones, and even flying in an F-16 fighter jet.
Prior to his most recent tenure at WDIV, which began in July 2010, Ley worked in Dayton, Phoenix, and Cincinnati.
He is known for his enthusiasm and passion in reporting stories, often getting into neighborhoods to cover local events. He was promoted to WDIV’s investigative unit, “The Defenders,” alongside Karen Drew in May 2020.
Shawn Ley is married to Sandra Ali, who is also a news anchor. They have children together. He is a fan of University of Dayton Basketball.
In February 2025, it was reported that Shawn Ley had left WDIV. As of April 2025, Shawn Ley has joined Fieger Law as the Director of Media Relations and Investigations.
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:
| Station | Location | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WKEF-TV | Dayton, Ohio | Reporter/Anchor (early career) | Likely where he began his on-air career after college |
| WCPO-TV | Cincinnati, Ohio | Reporter | Covered major local stories; built reputation for breaking news |
| KNXV-TV (ABC15) | Phoenix, Arizona | Reporter | Gained national-level experience; covered high-profile crime and courts |
| WDIV-TV | Detroit, Michigan | General Assignment & Investigative Reporter | Spent over a decade; known for Emmy-winning work and international stories |
| Fieger Law | Detroit, Michigan | Director of Media Relations & Investigations | Joined in 2024 after leaving WDIV-TV |
Early Foundations in Dayton, Ohio
Shawn Ley began cultivating his passion for journalism while studying at the University of Dayton in Ohio.
Even before graduating, he was already immersed in the newsroom environment, working part-time as a news writer.
This early exposure gave him a strong foundation in news production, storytelling, and the fast-paced demands of broadcast journalism.
His time in Dayton not only shaped his journalistic instincts but also introduced him to the rigors of live newsrooms.
WKEF-TV – Dayton, Ohio
Shawn’s first on-air role came at WKEF-TV, the ABC affiliate in his hometown of Dayton. Here, he transitioned from behind-the-scenes writing to on-camera reporting and anchoring.
This station served as his launchpad, allowing him to develop his voice, refine his delivery, and gain confidence in front of the camera.
Covering local politics, community issues, and breaking news, he quickly established himself as a reliable and engaging presence on screen.
WCPO-TV – Cincinnati, Ohio
After gaining experience in Dayton, Shawn moved to WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, a larger market with a broader news landscape.
At WCPO, he took on more complex assignments, including investigative pieces and high-profile crime stories.
His reporting style became more assertive and analytical, and he began to build a reputation for asking tough questions and delivering impactful stories.
This role marked a significant step up in his career, exposing him to a more competitive newsroom and a wider audience.
KNXV-TV (ABC15) – Phoenix, Arizona
Shawn’s next move took him across the country to KNXV-TV in Phoenix, Arizona.
At this ABC affiliate, he expanded his reporting portfolio to include national-level stories and in-depth court coverage.
Phoenix’s diverse and dynamic news environment challenged him to adapt quickly, especially in covering fast-breaking crime stories, immigration issues, and legal investigations.
His time in Phoenix sharpened his skills in field reporting and live coverage, and he became known for his ability to deliver clear, compelling narratives under pressure.
WDIV-TV (Local 4 News) – Detroit, Michigan
In what would become the most defining chapter of his career, Shawn joined WDIV-TV in Detroit.
Over more than a decade at the station, he served in multiple roles—including morning and noon reporter, evening contributor, and investigative journalist.
His work at WDIV earned him multiple Emmy Awards, particularly for his excellence in breaking news and investigative reporting.
He covered everything from local government scandals to international stories, including dispatches from Eastern Europe.
One of his most memorable assignments involved reporting from inside an F-16 fighter jet, showcasing his versatility and fearlessness as a journalist.
Shawn became a trusted voice in Detroit, known for his clarity, urgency, and commitment to public service journalism.
Transition to Fieger Law – Detroit, Michigan
In February 2024, after a long and impactful tenure at WDIV-TV, Shawn Ley made a significant career shift.
He joined Fieger Law, a prominent Detroit-based law firm, as the Director of Media Relations and Investigations.
In this new role, he leverages his investigative skills and media expertise to manage public communications and support legal investigations.
The move marked a transition from traditional journalism to strategic communications, but it also reflected his continued dedication to uncovering truth and advocating for justice.
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?
Shawn Ley is working at Fieger Law in Detroit, Michigan. He joined the firm as the Director of Media Relations and Investigations after leaving WDIV-TV, where he had been a longtime Emmy Award-winning reporter.
In his new role, Shawn leverages his extensive background in investigative journalism to manage public communications and support legal investigations for the firm.
Fieger Law described him as a “gritty, hard-working” addition to their trial team, emphasizing his ability to help fight for clients through strategic media engagement.
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.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.