Hometown: Belmont, NC 

Family: 2 dogs--a chocolate lab named Lucy and a black lab/cocker spaniel mix named Desi

Education:  UNC-Chapel Hill--School of Journalism & Mass Communication, South Point High School

Career: Michael began his television career as a general assignment reporter at WCTI TV-12 in New Bern, NC.  He loved being on the coast, but after 18 months, he knew it was time to come home to Charlotte. 

Michael spent several months working at his father's business, before joining WBTV as the weekend reporter in April 2005.  He continued to work at both places, until he was promoted to a full-time reporter in October 2006.

While in college, Michael served as an anchor and reporter for the award-winning student newscast, "Carolina Week”.  He also worked at WFTS ABC-28 in Tampa, FL, and WTVD ABC-11 in Durham, NC.

Beat: Michael will focus his reporting on Gaston County, the place where he lived nearly his entire life.

Honors:   Michael has won numerous awards from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and the Society of Professional Journalists.  His investigative reports on the Carolina Computing Initiative placed in the top 5 of the Hearst Competition.

Hobbies:  In his spare time, Michael enjoys running and traveling.  He's thrilled to be back in Charlotte, where he grew up watching WBTV.

 Email: mhandy@wbtv.com