Michael Henrich is currently a reporter for the FOX 25 Morning News at WFXT-TV in Boston.
Michael joined FOX 25 this February from WXIN-TV FOX 59 in Indianapolis, IN where he was a general assignment reporter and primary fill-in anchor for the morning news. During his time in Indianapolis, Michael covered many of the region's most impactful recent events, including the South Side Explosion and the tragic killing of two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers. Prior to that, Michael was a morning anchor at WNWO-TV NBC 24 in Toledo, OH. He has also worked as a weekend anchor and reporter at KOKH-TV in Oklahoma City, OK; a reporter at WFFF-TV in Burlington, VT; a producer at News 12 Interactive in New York City; and a desk assistant at the ABC News Washington, D.C. bureau.
A native of Syosset, NY, Michael is a 2006 graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where he studied political science and German language and literature.
1. What kind of phone do you have, and what are your favorite apps?
Believe it or not, I have two phones! My work phone is an iPhone 5S, which I’m loving. The Facebook Page Manager app is probably my favorite because I’m on it a ton throughout the day to stay in touch with our viewers/fans. My personal cell phone is a Windows Phone… Apps? What apps? I’ll probably ditch it this summer when my phone contract’s up.
2. Favorite and least favorite news topics to cover (besides violent crime)?
As far as hard news goes, my favorite stories to cover are ones that allow me to give a “voice to the voiceless,” if you will. Journalism provides a great opportunity to highlight the struggle of the "David's" as they face off against the "Goliath's." Besides violent crime stories, I truly don’t have a topic I’d dub my “least favorite” to cover. Plus, I probably wouldn’t tell even if I could think of another one because I’ll have to cover it at some point anyway! Haha
3. If you weren't working in TV news, what would you be doing?
That’s a great question. Can’t say for sure. At some point, I would like to try teaching journalism at the college level. I also majored in political science in college, so deciding between a career in politics and journalism was the big debate for me back at age 22.
4. What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
A tie between Ghostbusters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I’m a product of the ‘80s.
5. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
What is this “free time” of which you speak? I’m the proud father of two wonderful elementary school-aged boys. When I’m not at work, I’m playing games or running around with my beautiful wife and kids.
6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Definitely Berlin, Germany. I met my wife, Renee, there during college. We were in the same study abroad program. We promised each other that we would go back to where it all started for our 10th wedding anniversary, which is coming up next year, so now we’re figuring out how to pay for it!
7. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
I think I get extra brownie points for naming my wife here, but to go with the spirit of the question I’d say any sitting president. This would surpass any quick, 5-minute interview about his/her agenda. I would really enjoy the chance to have an in-depth, thorough conversation and truly pick the brain of the leader of the free world.
8. Do you collect anything?
I had a coin collection and read Green Lantern comics religiously as a kid, but I don’t collect anything anymore.
9. What are the top 3 played songs on your iPod?
Can I go with artists? Lately, I’ve been listening a lot to Fitz & the Tantrums, Jurassic 5 and the Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga duet album. Side note: I still have my original iPod with an actual scroll wheel and colorless screen. And it’s still awesome.
10. What is one of your favorite quotes?
“You can’t fail if you never give up.” I’m sure lots of people have said it, but I know it from the movie The Last Kiss.
11. What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
I think my current experience moving to the Boston area is making me a stronger person. I left a job that I loved in an area that I loved to accept this incredible opportunity with WFXT Fox25. I have family in New England and I’ve always said Boston is my favorite city (not pandering, that’s true), so this opportunity is a dream come true. Still, leaving what’s familiar is never easy and the timing of everything meant that I had to come ahead while my wife and kids stay in the Indianapolis area to finish out the school year and sell our house. I miss them a ton, but we all know that come June, we’ll be together, stronger for it and in the city where we want to put down roots and thrive.
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