In a heartfelt announcement on Monday, December 15, Rob Wolchek, the longtime investigative reporter and anchor for FOX 2 Detroit, revealed that he will retire in March after an illustrious career spanning nearly 30 years. Known for his tenacity in exposing scams, frauds, and consumer injustices across the Metro Detroit area, Wolchek has become a household name and a trusted voice for viewers seeking accountability.
From Country Radio to Investigative Journalism
Wolchek’s journey into journalism began in radio, where he broadcasted country music to listeners as a DJ. His career took him to KNX radio in Los Angeles, where he worked as a traffic reporter. It was there that he first gained entry into television as an intern—a role that would set the stage for decades of investigative reporting. His first major on-camera assignment was covering the 1989 San Francisco earthquake, a pivotal moment that showcased his ability to report under pressure.
Following that, Wolchek became a full-time reporter in Bakersfield before ultimately moving to Detroit in 1997. Originally intended as a temporary career stop, the Motor City soon became home. Reflecting on that period, Wolchek said, “When I came here to Detroit from California to work as a hall of shame reporter, I didn’t know anyone. Detroit was supposed to just be a stop along the way in my career, but it became home.”
A Career Built on Justice and Connection
During his retirement announcement, Wolchek spoke candidly about the rewards and responsibilities of investigative reporting. “You, the wonderful viewers, have embraced me and shown me way more love than I ever expected. I’ve met so many of you, brave people who’ve told me your stories that are hard, especially after getting cheated,” he said.
His dedication to his community and commitment to justice kept him in Detroit. “You’ve trusted me to get some kind of justice, whether it’s your money back or just the satisfaction of seeing the person that did you wrong get put on the spot. I stayed here in Detroit, and plan to stay here because of you, the people of Metro Detroit. I stayed at FOX 2, because this station has always had my back.”
Wolchek also reflected on the professional support that allowed him to thrive. “They let me do my stories my way. They were patient enough to give me time to do thorough investigations, and I work with the most talented camera people, editors, producers, and stage crews in the country. Now, I’ll still be around doing some Hall of Shame stories for the next few months.”
Looking Ahead: Family, Freedom, and Occasional Reporting
At 67, Wolchek said he feels it is the right time to retire and spend more time with his family, particularly his grandchild. “I’ll be 67 years old, and I just feel like it’s time to spend more time with my wife and kids and grandchild and not have to come to work five days a week,” he noted.
Yet, even in retirement, Wolchek’s passion for uncovering wrongdoing remains. “I still got some bad guys to catch, and who knows, I may pop up on FOX 2 on a part-time basis after I retire. I’d like that, because honestly, I love my job.”
A Legacy of Accountability
Over his nearly three-decade career at FOX 2, Wolchek became synonymous with exposing consumer fraud and holding wrongdoers accountable. His “Hall of Shame” reports uncovered scams ranging from fraudulent contractors to deceptive businesses, earning him the respect of viewers and peers alike.
Wolchek’s retirement marks the end of an era for FOX 2 Detroit, but his influence and dedication to investigative journalism will undoubtedly continue to resonate with audiences across Michigan.
