CHARLIE LANGTON
Legal Analyst
Fox 2 News WJBK,
(Detroit, MI)

For years Charlie Langton has been front and center in Michigan law. With an education from Specs Howard School and Michigan State University, Charlie has taken his legal expertise to the masses with insightful and educational programming on radio and television. In addition to his private practice, Charlie works as a legal analyst for Fox 2 News (WJBK) and hosts several locally-produced cable law programs. For years Charlie has been using his education from Specs Howard combined with his legal degree to create a media career that he loves.

“To be effective on television and radio, one must talk in language that people can understand and I pride myself on being able to do that,” comments Langton.  “Of course, having a background in the law gives me an opportunity to have a little knowledge in a lot of different areas.”

The most popular of his local shows, “Legally Speaking, ” a co-production of Sterling Heights Television and the Macomb County Bar Association, has garnered critical acclaim. A series of episodes done on the Ken Wyniemko case even earned him an Emmy award in journalism.

“Ken Wyniemko spent nine years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.  He was released from prison based on DNA evidence.  I had followed this case for a number of years through the very involved legal process. I knew that this case demanded more attention, and decided to thoroughly look into the statute that allowed for Ken to get released, and the need in this state to use DNA in all cases.”

Langton covers all sides of the law, including the people making the tough decisions. In an upcoming episode of his show, titled “Crazy Mary,” Charlie uncovers the story of a current judge and her battle with alcoholism. She now uses her experience to help criminal defendants overcome their addictions. It’s apparent that Charlie's legal education combined with his media savvy exposes some of the lesser-known aspects of the legal world.

When asked whom Charlie admired, he mentioned Specs Howard School’s Vice President of Industry Relations, Dick Kernen, as a source of encouragement.

“Upon graduating from Specs Howard, I had a job offer from a small television station in Lafayette, Indiana. The job would demand that I relocate to Indiana and leave my children, legal job, and get paid about $5.00 per hour.  Though I thought long and hard about doing this, Dick Kernan said stay in Michigan and something will open up.  He was right, and in about a month I got a job at a small radio station in the Detroit area, which eventually led to WXYT, WWJ, and Fox 2.”

Today Charlie Langton looks back upon his education at Specs Howard School and recalls the keys to his own success. Gaining experience in different schools and combining the collective knowledge, Charlie has created his own career path.

“The most important thing I learned at Specs Howard was to never give up.  If you continually do your best and a good job, good things will happen.”

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