Simon Shaykhet: Investigative Reporter, FOX 2 Detroit, FBI Spokesperson Story

Simon Shaykhet: FOX 2 Investigative Reporter, FBI Alum, & Detroit News Icon

Most reporters chase stories. Simon Shaykhet has spent his career not just chasing them, but being at the very epicenter of them. His resume reads like a dossier of Detroit’s most pivotal moments: coordinating information releases on the Christmas Day Bomber, the infamous Jimmy Hoffa search, and the deep-seated Kwame Kilpatrick scandal.

This isn’t your average newsman.

Shaykhet, a native Detroiter whose roots run deep in the Motor City, is known for his tenacious investigative style. He doesn’t just read the police report; he unearths the human element, the systemic failure, and the path to justice.

His unique background—serving as the spokesperson and public affairs specialist for the FBI’s Detroit Field Office—gave him an unparalleled understanding of complex federal investigations. This isn’t just experience; it’s a superpower that has defined his journalistic excellence at both FOX 2 News and WXYZ-TV Channel 7.

But who is the man behind the microphone? How did a local kid go from a summer intern at Channel 7 to one of Michigan’s most trusted and recognized investigative voices?

Detroit’s Own: Upbringing and the Road to MSU

Simon Shaykhet’s story is one of true homecoming. Born and raised in the Metro Detroit area, his life has been intrinsically linked to the community he now serves. While specific details about his parents and siblings are kept private, reflecting a desire to shield his family from the public eye, his commitment to his hometown is anything but.

His pursuit of journalism began at Michigan State University (MSU), a key step in his career timeline. It was during his time at MSU that he landed a formative summer internship at WXYZ-TV Channel 7.

This was more than an internship; it was his first taste of broadcast reporting, a spark that ignited a lifelong passion. This full-circle moment—returning to WXYZ years later as a seasoned professional—speaks volumes about his enduring connection to the station and the city.

The FOX 2 & WXYZ Chapter: A Career Defined by Impact

Simon Shaykhet’s journalistic journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of the truth, often focusing on stories that directly impact the lives of Metro Detroiters.

The Early Grind

His career started with the vital, foundational work of local news. He cut his teeth as a reporter at Fox 47 in Lansing, Michigan, and later served as an anchor and reporter at NBC 24 in Toledo, Ohio. These roles provided the essential skills for a dynamic broadcast journalist.

The Detroit Return and High-Stakes Reporting (FOX 2)

Returning to Detroit, Shaykhet spent five pivotal years at Fox 2 News. This period saw him cover some of the region’s most high-profile and painful stories, including:

• The Kwame Kilpatrick Scandal: Covering the fall of the former Mayor, a scandal that rocked Detroit to its core.
• The Automobile Industry Collapse: Reporting on the profound economic and social upheaval across the state.

He became a featured correspondent for Fox 2 News “Edge at 11,” showcasing his ability to tackle complex issues with depth and clarity. His talent didn’t go unnoticed. During this time, the Fox News Channel recruited him to cover national stories, including the widespread impact of Hurricane Irene, extending his reach beyond Michigan.

A Critical Detour: The FBI Years

In a rare move for a working reporter, Shaykhet stepped behind the scenes, taking on the role of spokesperson for the Detroit FBI Field Office. This was arguably the most defining detour of his professional life. As the coordinator of information for hundreds of cases, he gained a critical, insider perspective on law enforcement, corruption, and the justice system.

Lesser-Known Fact: This unique experience means that Shaykhet is one of the few journalists in the country with direct, high-level experience navigating the communications strategies of a major federal agency. This context makes his current investigative reporting exceptionally well-informed.

The Homecoming to WXYZ (7 Action News)

In September 2013, Shaykhet made his “homecoming,” rejoining the 7 Action News team at WXYZ-TV as a reporter.¹ His quote upon his return summed up his mission:

“I am thrilled to once once again bring you the stories that make a difference. Taking action and fighting for your rights is something that I look forward to doing each and every day in my reporting. I am honored to be able to stand up for Metro Detroiters and continue to serve the community I call home.”

Simon Shaykhet Now: The Investigative Tenacity at FOX 2

While Shaykhet has a celebrated history with WXYZ-TV, as of late, he has been known for his compelling work as an Investigative Reporter at FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK). His focus remains on exposing government waste, public safety lapses, and holding powerful institutions accountable—a true reflection of his commitment to investigative journalism.

This position allows him to leverage his decades of experience and deep community ties to produce impactful, agenda-setting news. Where is Simon Shaykhet working? Currently, he is a highly valued Investigative Reporter for FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK) in Southfield, MI.

Behind the Camera: Simon Shaykhet Family and Personal Life

In an industry that devours work-life boundaries, Shaykhet stands out for his grounded core. Married since October 13, 2018, to fellow journalist Veronica Meadows—a dynamic Fox 2 Detroit anchor—he’s built a partnership that’s equal parts cheerleader and sounding board.

“We met in the trenches of a breaking story,” Meadows quipped in a joint Instagram post, hinting at their shared adrenaline-fueled romance. Together, they’ve welcomed two children, whose antics often steal the show in Shaykhet’s off-air tales.

One anecdote? A family hike gone awry, where a toddler’s muddy mishap turned into an impromptu lesson on “investigating clues” in the wild—classic dad humor with a reporter’s twist.

Family isn’t just downtime for Shaykhet; it’s fuel. Raised in a tight-knit Detroit household (details on parents and siblings stay private, honoring their low-profile lives), he credits early lessons in empathy for his advocacy streak.

“My folks taught me: See the story in everyone,” he told WXYZ viewers during a 2020 segment on Flint’s water crisis, where his reporting tallied billions in long-term damages and pushed for accountability.

That emotional depth shines in his work—think profiles of scam victims or marathon runners saved by quick-thinking cops, stories laced with the humanity he lives daily.

No public deets on height or weight (he’s the picture of poised professionalism, clocking in around 5’10” by casual estimate, but that’s beside the point). At roughly 44 years young—zodiac elusive, though his Aries-like drive suggests a spring-born fire sign—Shaykhet’s in his prime, blending veteran wisdom with fresh energy.

Net worth? Solidly estimated at $1-5 million, buoyed by a reporter’s salary of $100,000-$500,000 annually, per industry benchmarks. But money’s secondary; it’s the lives touched that bank his true wealth.

Challenges Conquered: The Unsung Struggles of a Truth-Seeker

Journalism’s glamour fades fast under deadlines and backlash. Shaykhet’s no stranger—he’s fielded threats covering Kilpatrick’s empire of graft and navigated FBI ethics in a post-9/11 world.

“You question everything, including yourself,” he admitted in a 2017 Arab American News profile, reflecting on the Fairness Award that validated his bridge-building amid polarized times.

One low point: the auto crisis beat, where shuttered plants meant interviewing neighbors turned jobless. “Those stories broke me a little each time,” he shared, “but they rebuilt me stronger.”

Compared to peers like NBC’s Pete Williams (a D.C. heavyweight with national gravitas), Shaykhet’s local laser-focus feels refreshingly intimate.

Where Williams dissects policy, Shaykhet digs into porches—literally, as in his 2024 gas line rupture live shot from Tyrone Township, dodging hazards to deliver facts first. It’s this street-level empathy that sets him apart, turning viewers into allies.

Legacy and The Future of Detroit Journalism

Simon Shaykhet’s impact extends beyond the day’s headlines. He embodies a crucial type of local journalism that acts as a watchdog for the public good.

His work provides valuable, localized accountability, earning him a place among Michigan’s most respected media figures. As Detroit continues its renaissance, reporters like Shaykhet are vital, ensuring that progress is transparent and equitable.

What Makes Simon Shaykhet Different?

His journey from a journalist to an FBI communications specialist and back to a reporter gives him a 360-degree view of complex stories that few of his peers possess. He is a local son who chose to return home and fight for his community, not just report on it.

Call-to-Action: Have you followed one of Simon Shaykhet’s major investigations? Share your thoughts on his impact on Detroit media in the comments below!

Verifiable Sources:

• WXYZ-TV Press Release (2013) on Simon Shaykhet’s return.
• FOX 2 Detroit Official Staff Page (Current Listing).
• The Detroit News archives covering Kilpatrick scandal and Shaykhet’s reporting.