Tim Staudt

Editor's note:  As of press time, the complete list of Gold Circle inductees has not been released.  We'll have the complete list of this year's honorees in next week's newsletter.

Gray Media's WILX-TV (Lansing) announced this week that Tim Staudt, Co-Sports Director, has been selected for induction into the Gold Circle of the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the organization behind the Emmy Awards. The Gold Circle is a prestigious honor recognizing television professionals with 50 or more years of service who have made significant contributions to the industry, NATAS and in the community.

Staudt is now in his 54th year of broadcasting and holds the distinction of being the longest-serving on-air sportscaster in Michigan history, earning him the title “Dean of Sports.” Since 1980, he has served as Sports Director at WILX-TV 10, Lansing’s NBC affiliate, delivering decades of trusted sports coverage to viewers across mid-Michigan.

“Tim’s voice, perspective, and leadership have helped define sports broadcasting in our region for generations,” said Debbie Petersmark, WILX-TV General Manager. “This recognition reflects not only the length of his career, but the extraordinary impact he has had on our community, our profession, and the people who have worked alongside him.”

Staudt began his career in sports journalism in 1969 as a college sophomore hosting a radio sports show on WFMK. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1971 with a journalism degree, he began as a weather forecaster before moving into sports. Over the course of his career, Staudt has interviewed sports figures from every level—from high school standouts to nationally recognized legends—and has hosted numerous coaches’ shows and basketball and football specials.

In addition to his television work, Staudt hosts “Staudt on Sports” on WVFN-AM 730, the longest-running daily radio sports show in Michigan history. Staudt’s passion for Michigan sports history has also been documented in several books, and many sports journalists credit him as a mentor who helped launch their careers.

Staudt’s community involvement includes longstanding charitable work supporting the Children’s Miracle Network, which earned him Sparrow Health System’s highest honor, the Founders Award. He is also a founding member of the Mid-Michigan Baseball All-Star Game.

His many honors include induction into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, along with the Lansing Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen’s Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Michigan State University College of Communications. His extraordinary career was featured in the 2019 documentary “Decades with the Dean.”

“Receiving the Gold Circle honor is truly humbling, and I’m incredibly grateful,” said Staudt. “I’ve had the privilege of covering so many outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams over the years—from remarkable high school competitors to champions on the biggest stages. And there’s absolutely no way all of these years could’ve been assembled without the amazing colleagues who I’ve been blessed to work with. To be recognized for doing work I’ve loved for more than five decades, in the community that’s meant so much to me, is an honor I’ll always cherish.”

Staudt will be formally honored at the NATAS Michigan Gold Circle induction ceremony on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.