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Ned McGrath
Edward “Ned” McGrath is a media figure based in Detroit, Michigan. He currently serves as the Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Detroit, a position he has held since 1991.

Personal Life, Education

Ned McGrath was born in Buffalo, New York to Edward and Mary McGrath, an accountant and a secretary. He graduated from St. Rose of Lima Elementary School and Canisius High School. In 1973, he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Communications from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He enrolled in graduate school at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, but left the program upon receiving a job offer from WGN in Chicago.

He is married and has two adult children, and makes his home in Metro Detroit.

Professional Life

McGrath started his career in Chicago as a news writer for WGN. He continued in that role at WMAQ. From there he moved to WLS, where he produced the evening news show.

Moving to Louisville, Kentucky, McGrath became the features reporter for WHAS. McGrath’s segment, “That’s Life,” always played at the end of the broadcast. His lighthearted and humorous stories became a fan favorite in Louisville. McGrath and his camera crew were known for spending Halloween night in houses that were believed to be haunted. A story about bowling pigs was particularly memorable.

Off camera, McGrath served as president of the Louisville Chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists, and received a commission as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the State of Kentucky.

Hired by WDIV Detroit in 1985, McGrath worked alongside Carmen Harlan, Roger Weber, and Mort Crim. Notable stories included a segment on the J.W. Wescott Mailboat, and an award-winning story about the City of Detroit’s failing 911 system. In 1991, he left WDIV and began his current position as Communications Director for the Archdiocese of Detroit. During his tenure at the archdiocese, his television work has been recognized with an EMMY Award, a Gabriel, an SPJ Documentary Award, a Telly, the first ever Archbishop Sheen Award, and Proclaim Awards from the CCC. He was also inducted into the Silver Circle by the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 2004.

http://www.catholicpress.org/members/?id=5498126

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Michigan+Chapter+of+the+National+Academy+of+Television+Arts+and...-a0112684109