
Mitch Blacher Biography: Award-Winning Investigative Journalist at WJLA-TV
Mitch Blacher is a seasoned American investigative journalist, currently serving as a reporter for WJLA-TV (ABC 7) in Washington, D.C.
He joined the station’s 7News I-Team in November 2021, where he contributes in-depth investigations on consumer issues, political affairs, and public accountability.
Education and Early Career:
Blacher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Indiana University and a Master’s in Executive Business Administration from Villanova University.
Before his tenure at WJLA-TV, he worked as an investigative reporter for NBC10 News in Philadelphia and also had a role at 10News.
Career Highlights:
- WJLA-TV (2021–Present): Investigative journalist and national correspondent.
- NBC 10 Philadelphia (WCAU-TV): Investigative reporter and project manager for over 7 years.
- ABC 10 San Diego (KGTV-TV): Investigative journalist and project manager.
- KOAT-TV, Albuquerque: Investigative reporter.
- WANE-TV, Fort Wayne: Anchor and reporter; created a consumer news franchise.
- WTWO-TV, Indiana: Anchor, reporter, editor, and documentary producer.
His work has led to lifesaving regulatory changes, new laws, and criminal arraignments, underscoring his impact in the field.
Blacher’s work is characterized by its in-depth research, ability to humanize complex issues, and persistence in holding institutions accountable.
He is known for his commitment to ethical journalism, as evidenced by his role on the Society of Professional Journalists Board of Ethics.
Age
Mitch Blacher was born on June 8, 1984, making him 41 years old and a Gemini. He is a White-American, born and raised in the United States.
Parents and Siblings
Height, Weight
Mitch Blacher stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.81 meters) and weighs approximately 173 pounds (78 kilograms).
Career and Background
Mitch Blacher is a highly respected investigative reporter currently working with WJLA-TV.
He joined the 7News I-team in November 2021 and has since made significant contributions to investigative journalism.
Throughout his career, Mitch has reported on a wide range of critical issues across North America and Europe.
His investigative work has led to criminal indictments, lifesaving regulatory changes, and new laws.
WJLA-TV (ABC 7), Washington, D.C.
Since November 2021, Mitch Blacher has served as an investigative reporter for WJLA-TV’s 7News I-Team.
In this role, he’s led transformative investigations, including an exposé on D.C. Public Schools’ fire safety lapses that triggered sweeping oversight reforms.
NBC 10 Philadelphia (WCAU-TV)
From 2014 to 2021, Blacher worked as an investigative reporter and project manager at NBC 10 Philadelphia.
He uncovered vital safety failures, including the absence of Positive Train Control on Amtrak’s corridor, and helped initiate national scrutiny on transit safety.
ABC 10 San Diego (KGTV-TV)
Between 2009 and 2014, he held the role of investigative reporter and project manager at KGTV-TV.
During this time, he exposed political misconduct, including harassment allegations that contributed to a congressman’s resignation, and earned regional recognition for environmental reporting.
KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, New Mexico
In 2007 and 2008, Blacher worked as an investigative reporter at KOAT-TV, where he dug into public financing controversies, local government inefficiencies, and regulatory gaps in the cannabis industry.
WANE-TV, Fort Wayne, Indiana
From 2005 to 2007, he served as an anchor and reporter at WANE-TV. There, he created a consumer news franchise focused on scam prevention, financial literacy, and local business accountability.
WTWO-TV, Terre Haute, Indiana
In 2004 and 2005, Blacher began his broadcast career at WTWO-TV as an anchor, reporter, editor, and documentary producer.
He delivered investigative specials like “Return to Auschwitz” and “Police Power,” laying the groundwork for his lifelong dedication to truth-telling.
Award-Winning Investigations and Recognition:
Mitch Blacher’s investigative journalism has been widely recognized by prestigious organizations, including:
- National Press Club
- Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE)
- Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ): He also sits on the SPJ Board of Ethics.
- National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmy Awards)
- Chesapeake AP Broadcasters Association
- National Headliner Awards
Some notable investigations and areas of focus for Blacher include:
- D.C. Public Schools Fire Safety: Blacher’s I-Team investigations into fire safety failures in D.C. Public Schools, revealing years of safety lapses and skipped fire drills, led to significant overhauls in school safety operations.
- “Highway Robbery: Inside DC’s Auto Theft Epidemic”: This investigation, done with Trevor Taylor, received an award from the Chesapeake AP Broadcasters Association.
- Economic Investigations: Blacher has a focus on macroeconomic issues, examining government spending, corporate motives, and their impact on individuals. His “Economic Reel” showcases this work.
- Elder Abuse Protection: In his work with Spotlight PA, Blacher has investigated failures in Pennsylvania’s elder protection system, exposing how the Department of Aging has not penalized local agencies for botched elder abuse investigations despite legal requirements.
- “Ghost” Teachers: While at NBC10 Philadelphia, he investigated “ghost” teachers who were being paid but not showing up to teach.
These awards reflect his dedication to uncovering the truth and making a significant impact through his reporting.
WJLA-TV has a diverse team of journalists. Here are some of the key members:
- Scott Thuman: Anchor
- Michelle Marsh: Anchor
- Veronica Johnson: Chief Meteorologist
- Adrianna Hopkins: Anchor
- Eileen Whelan: Morning Meteorologist
- Megan Clarke: Anchor
- Lisa Fletcher: Investigative Reporter
- Nick Minock: Reporter
- Lindsey Mastis: Anchor
- Natalie Spala: Sports Reporter
- Ahtra Elnashar: National Correspondent
- Kayla Gaskins: Reporter
- Angie Moreschi: National Correspondent
Net Worth and Salary
Mitch Blacher’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be in the range of $1 to $5 million, given his extensive experience and position in the industry.
His salary as a journalist at WJLA-TV is also not publicly available but is likely competitive for his level of expertise.
However, Mitch Blacher has an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million. His annual salary is reported to be in the range of $50,000 to $150,000.
Is Mitch Blacher Married?
Yes, Mitch Blacher is married to Lauren Blacher. While he tends to keep his personal life private, it’s known that the couple shares a strong family bond and is parents to two daughters, born in 2012 and 2015.
How Old Is Mitch Blacher?
Mitch Blacher is 41 years old as of 2025. He was born on June 8, 1984.
Where Is Mitch Blacher Working?
Mitch Blacher is currently working at WJLA-TV (ABC 7) in Washington, D.C., where he serves as an investigative journalist and contributing national correspondent.
He joined the station’s 7News I-Team in November 2021, focusing on in-depth investigations into consumer protection, political accountability, and public safety.
Mitch Blacher does have a presence on social media, particularly on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where he shares updates about his investigative work and professional insights. However, he tends to keep his personal life private on these platforms.
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