wxyz com
WXYZ.com: Detroit’s Hub for Local News, Weather, and Real Stories
If you live anywhere near Detroit, chances are you’ve watched or read something from WXYZ Channel 7. It’s one of the oldest TV stations in the city, but more than that, it’s a full digital news operation through its website, wxyz.com. The site runs 24/7 — breaking stories, pushing alerts, streaming live video, and keeping tabs on local weather and traffic. Here’s what really defines it and how it operates today.
The Core of WXYZ.com
WXYZ.com is the online home of WXYZ-TV Channel 7, Detroit’s ABC affiliate. The station launched in 1948 and is owned by the E.W. Scripps Company. It’s based in Southfield, Michigan, and produces close to 60 hours of news each week. The website serves as an extension of that newsroom.
The homepage is built for quick use. Top banner stories, live video feeds, a rotating weather widget, and navigation tabs for News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports. There’s no paywall, no forced log-in, and articles are updated several times per day.
For people who want to know what’s happening in Metro Detroit — whether it’s a highway closure, a shooting investigation, or a weather warning — wxyz.com is where most locals end up.
How WXYZ Covers Detroit News
WXYZ’s newsroom focuses on three main beats: community news, investigations, and local government. The content is rarely national unless it has a Michigan angle. Reporters routinely cover Detroit City Council meetings, changes in local tax policy, and state-level political issues that affect residents directly.
One example: the site recently ran a detailed story about sewer depressions in Detroit neighborhoods. It explained how aging pipes under hundreds of homes are collapsing, causing sinkholes and flooding. Another piece covered the Michigan primary election process and how early registration deadlines affect voter turnout.
The writing style on the site is simple and direct. Facts first, quotes next, then short context paragraphs. It’s not opinion-heavy. When they run editorials — like a recent one urging residents to prepare for the next primary — those are clearly labeled.
Weather: Always Front and Center
Detroit’s weather is unpredictable, and WXYZ’s weather section is one of the most-visited parts of the site. It includes hourly forecasts, Doppler radar, and severe weather alerts. The channel’s lead meteorologist, Mike Taylor, often posts real-time updates during storms.
Each article includes forecast maps, text summaries, and links to extended video reports. During snow or ice events, the newsroom adds “school closing” and “travel impact” alerts directly to the homepage.
WXYZ also pushes weather alerts through its mobile app. When a tornado watch or thunderstorm warning is issued, the app sends notifications that match National Weather Service alerts.
Traffic and Commuter Info
Metro Detroit has heavy traffic, and WXYZ.com handles that with a live map showing real-time congestion. It also lists freeway closures, construction projects, and accidents. These reports pull from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) feed and are updated automatically throughout the day.
The morning and afternoon anchors refer to the same map on-air. So, whether someone’s watching Channel 7 live or just checking the website before work, the information lines up.
Live Streaming and On-Demand Content
One of the strongest parts of WXYZ’s digital platform is its live stream. Users can watch full broadcasts of 7 Action News directly on the website or through smart TV apps. The schedule includes weekday morning news, noon updates, and evening shows at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m.
When no newscast is live, the site runs continuous local updates — called “Today As It Happened” — featuring short news clips, press conferences, and community event coverage.
The video player works on mobile browsers without requiring a download. Viewers can rewind or jump to earlier segments, which makes it easier to rewatch breaking stories that aired earlier in the day.
The Digital Shift and Social Reach
WXYZ was one of the first Detroit stations to push hard into digital. The website launched in the early 2000s, but real growth came when the newsroom began publishing web-exclusive stories. Reporters now upload directly to the site and post short versions to social platforms.
The outlet’s X (Twitter) account, @wxyzdetroit, posts dozens of updates each day — from shooting investigations to marathon results. It has more than 250,000 followers across its main platforms. The YouTube channel has around 800,000 subscribers, offering news replays, community highlights, and full investigative series.
This reach matters because a large portion of WXYZ’s audience doesn’t watch traditional TV anymore. They see headlines through social media, click through to wxyz.com, and stream live events instead of tuning in on broadcast.
The Investigative Edge
WXYZ has a strong investigative unit. Their reports often deal with city spending, corruption, or housing issues. In 2024, they covered problems with Detroit’s property tax refunds and long delays in processing appeals.
The station’s “Spotlight on the News” program — on air since 1965 — also runs stories in written form on the website. It’s the longest-running public affairs show in Michigan, and the archived articles give readers context on long-term policy debates.
Investigations from WXYZ have led to city policy reviews and public hearings. That’s part of why the station holds a reputation for serious local journalism.
Community Coverage
Unlike many national outlets, WXYZ’s value lies in everyday community stories. The site regularly promotes neighborhood cleanups, charity drives, missing-person updates, and profiles of local events like “Diwali in the D” — Detroit’s citywide celebration of the Festival of Lights.
When major sports or cultural events happen — such as the Detroit Free Press Marathon or auto shows — reporters post coverage throughout the day with updated results and interviews.
The newsroom also invites user participation. People can submit photos, story tips, or event details through a contact form.
Ownership and Standards
WXYZ is owned by the E.W. Scripps Company, one of the largest local-news operators in the U.S. It also runs sister station WMYD (Channel 20) in the same market. Scripps has standardized policies on source transparency and corrections, which apply across its local outlets.
All digital stories on wxyz.com list the reporter or digital producer’s name and timestamp. When a correction is issued — such as fixing a misquoted source — the note appears at the bottom of the article.
These steps matter because online misinformation spreads fast. Local stations like WXYZ have to show how they verify content, and this approach helps maintain trust.
Why WXYZ.com Matters for Detroit
Local information isn’t as easy to find as it used to be. National sites rarely cover Detroit unless something goes wrong. WXYZ.com fills that gap by publishing daily updates on crime, development, and politics that directly affect the people living there.
The mix of live TV, digital articles, and mobile alerts keeps it relevant. For commuters, it’s traffic and weather. For families, it’s local safety and school updates. For voters, it’s political accountability.
If you ignore local sources like this, you end up relying on scattered social posts or delayed coverage from bigger outlets. That’s the practical reason WXYZ’s role still matters — it keeps residents informed without outside filters.
Common User Mistakes
Many people only check WXYZ’s social feeds and skip the full stories on the website. That’s a mistake because the posts often summarize without full context. Clicking through gives timelines, quotes, and official updates that social captions leave out.
Another common issue: people misread weather alerts. When the site says “watch” instead of “warning,” that difference matters — one is potential, the other is active. The weather section explains these terms clearly, but users often skim and miss them.
Finally, people sometimes report false tips through comments instead of using the official “Submit News Tips” form. The newsroom can’t verify those as easily, which delays response.
FAQ
What is WXYZ.com?
It’s the official website for WXYZ-TV Channel 7, Detroit’s ABC-affiliated television station. The site publishes news, weather, traffic, and live video.
Who owns WXYZ?
The station is owned by the E.W. Scripps Company, which operates several other local news stations across the United States.
Can I watch Channel 7 live online?
Yes. WXYZ.com has a “Watch Live” page that streams newscasts and special coverage in real time.
Does WXYZ have a mobile app?
Yes. The 7 Action News app provides push alerts for breaking news and severe weather.
Where is the WXYZ studio located?
The main studio and newsroom are in Southfield, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit.
How long has WXYZ been broadcasting?
Since October 1948 — more than 75 years of continuous service.
WXYZ.com is straightforward, factual, and consistent. It doesn’t overpromise or lean on flashy marketing. It just delivers Detroit’s daily rhythm — news, weather, traffic, and everything tied to the city’s pulse — in real time.
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