WCVB Sports Reporter Mike Dowling Signing Off

Hearst-owned ABC affiliate WCVB Boston (DMA 7) announced today that veteran sports reporter Mike Dowling will be stepping down after more than 28 years on the station’s sports team.

Since joining SportsCenter 5 in 1985, Dowling has covered all Boston’s major sports teams, as well as local colleges and high schools. “I’ve been living the dream,” said Dowling. “Working for the best television station in Boston and in the best sports town in the country — you can’t beat that. I feel like I’ve seen and covered it all, and have enjoyed every minute of it. But after over 33 years in the business, I want to spend more time with my family, to which I’m looking forward while pursuing some interests that I’ve been thinking about for a while.”

Dowling has received several Associated Press awards for “Best Sports Feature,” nine Associated Press awards for “Best Sportscast” award as part of SportsCenter 5, two Edward R. Murrow regional awards for “Best Sports Reporting,” an Emmy award for WCVB’s Patriots Coaches show and a UPI award for “Best Sports Reporting.”

Dowling’s final day on the air will be Feb. 21.