Mike Catalana – Sports Director at WHAM-TV | Career & Net Worth

Mike Catalana: A Rochester Sports Anchor Legend

Mike Catalana is a well-respected figure in the Rochester sports scene, holding the title of Sports Director at WHAM-TV, the ABC affiliate in the city. His career boasts a long and impressive trajectory, dating back to 1986.

Here’s a breakdown of his achievements:

• Early Career and Rise to Sports Director: Catalana’s journey began in 1986 when he became the Sports Director at WMGC-TV in Binghamton, New York. Just a year later, he moved to Rochester, joining WOKR (now WHAM) as the weekend sports anchor and reporter. His talent was quickly recognized, and within 16 months, he was named the station’s Sports Director in 1989 – a position he holds to this day.

• Beyond WHAM: Buffalo Bills and MSG Roles: Catalana’s influence extended beyond WHAM. From 2000 to 2017, he served as the sideline reporter for the Buffalo Bills Television network on MSG Western New York during the NFL pre-season. However, this role ended in 2018 due to a syndication deal with a rival station’s owner. Despite this, Catalana maintained a presence on MSG by hosting the pre-game and between period segments for Amerks Hockey games until 2019.

Age

Mike Catalana was born on March 5, 1961. He is of American nationality and Caucasian ethnicity. His birth sign is Pisces.

Family

Mike Catalana has maintained a private life regarding his family, parents, and siblings. There is limited publicly available information about his immediate family members, suggesting he prefers to keep his personal life away from the spotlight.

Education

Mike Catalana attended Ithaca College, where he majored in Television-Radio with a concentration in sports journalism. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Career | Rochester NY

Mike Catalana began his career in sports journalism shortly after graduating from Ithaca College. He started in Elmira, New York, before moving to WHAM-TV, the ABC affiliate in Rochester, New York, in 1986. He later joined WOKR (now WHAM) in Rochester as the weekend sports anchor and reporter in December 1987.

After 16 months, he was named the station’s Sports Director in December 1989¹. Catalana also served as the sideline reporter for the Buffalo Bills Television network on MSG Western New York during the NFL pre-season from 2000 to 2017.

Unfortunately, he lost that position after MSG signed a syndication deal with Nexstar Media Group in 2018. He continued to anchor a daily sports report for “The 5 O’clock News Hour” on WHAM radio in Rochester.

Over the years, he has become a well-respected figure in the Rochester sports community. Catalana has covered a wide range of sports events, including local high school sports, college athletics, and professional teams like the Buffalo Bills and Rochester Americans.

His dedication and expertise have earned him several awards and recognitions throughout his career. As the Sports Director at WHAM-TV, he leads the sports department and is a familiar face to sports fans in the Rochester area.

Mike Catalana has had an impressive career in sports journalism. Here are some notable achievements:

1. Edward R. Murrow Award: He won an Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Feature for his story titled “J-Mac’s Big Night.”
2. Recognition by Industry Associations: The 13WHAM Sports staff, led by Mike Catalana, has been respected as the best in the state by both the Associated Press and the New York State Broadcaster’s Association.
3. Buffalo Bills Sideline Reporter: Mike served as a sideline reporter for the Buffalo Bills Television network on MSG Western New York during the NFL pre-season from 2000 to 2017. Unfortunately, he lost that position after MSG signed a syndication deal with Nexstar Media Group in 2018.
4. Long-Standing Career: Mike Catalana has been with 13WHAM since December 1987, serving as the station’s Sports Director for over three and a half decades. His dedication to sports reporting is commendable.

Mike Catalana Wife

Mike Catalana is married to his wife, Maureen Catalana. The couple shares a strong bond and has been together for several years. Maureen is supportive of Mike’s career, and they are known to be a close-knit family.

Salary | Net Worth

Mike Catalana’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed, but as a Sports Director for a well-established TV station, he is estimated to earn a competitive salary in the range of $80,000 to $120,000 annually. His net worth is estimated to be between $1 million to $2 million, accumulated from his long-standing career in sports journalism and related ventures.

Is Mike Catalana Married

Yes, Mike Catalana is married to Maureen Catalana. They have a strong and supportive relationship, and Maureen often accompanies Mike to various events and activities.

How Old Is Mike Catalana

As of June 2024, Mike Catalana is 63 years old.

Where Is Mike Catalana

Mike Catalana currently resides in Rochester, New York, where he continues to work as the Sports Director for WHAM-TV. He is actively involved in covering sports events and providing insightful commentary and analysis for the station.

Mike Catalana is active on social media, including Instagram. His Instagram handle is @mikecatalana, where he shares updates about his professional work, sports events, and occasionally personal moments. He engages with his audience by posting photos and videos related to his coverage of local and national sports.