In addition, he was also involved in matters of standards and practices, and co-authored NBC News Policies and Guidelines.
He rose quickly through the ranks at WBZ, eventually becoming news director in 1973.
Wheatley first joined NBC News as an assignment editor in January 1975, later becoming a producer and executive.
During that period, NBC's Nightly News was the recipient of numerous DuPont-Columbia, Emmy and Overseas Press Club awards.
He also served as the executive producer of a number of NBC News documentaries and specials, including the network's live broadcast of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.