Jerry Hodak

Inducted 2010

reporter, WXYZ

Although the name, Jerry Hodak, has been synonymous with the word “weather” in Metro Detroit for the last 45 years, Jerry has an extensive background as a reporter.

His career began as a newscaster at WDET-FM, while a student at Wayne State University.

Later, Hodak was a news reporter for WDBO-TV in Orlando, Florida, where he covered many early space launches from Cape Canaveral for his local station and for CBS Radio and Television.

After returning to Michigan, in addition to his weather duties, Jerry became the first science and medical reporter in Detroit television.  He held that position for 27 years, first at WJBK-TV and later at WXYZ-TV.

His medical reporting earned an Emmy and his stories were distributed nationwide by Lorimar Productions for several years.

Between 1992 and 1996, Hodak was a news reporter/anchor for WJBK-TV.  His Vatican coverage of the elevation of Detroit Archbishop, Adam Maida, to Cardinal was nominated for an Emmy award.

Among his many community activities, Jerry served on the Board of Directors of the Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit.

Hodak has been married to his wife, Peggy, for 46 years. They are the parents of three daughters and have four grandsons.