Maria Stephanos: Biography of WCVB Boston’s Esteemed Anchor
Maria Stephanos is an esteemed and highly-regarded news anchor at WCVB Channel 5 in Boston, Massachusetts.
She is a prominent figure in New England journalism, known for her passionate and empathetic approach to reporting.
Early Life and Education:
Maria Stephanos was born and raised in Groveland, MA, and comes from a Greek heritage.
She describes her childhood as idyllic and credits her family with instilling values of laughter, passion, loyalty, and hard work.
She pursued her higher education at Emerson College in Boston, where she earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Mass Communications.
Career Journey:
Stephanos’s career in journalism spans over 30 years, beginning in radio as a Statehouse reporter for various local stations, including WBUR in Boston, and also for NPR, WCBS Radio, and WABC Radio in New York.
This early experience, she says, was crucial in teaching her how to tell compelling stories.
She transitioned to television, initially working as a reporter at WJAR-TV in Providence, RI.
Maria Stephanos then spent nearly eighteen years at Boston’s WFXT-TV (FOX25), where she started as a general assignment reporter and eventually became the station’s main anchor.
In recent years, Maria Stephanos joined WCVB Channel 5, where she serves as co-anchor for NewsCenter 5’s 4:30, 6:00, 7:00, and 11:00 PM newscasts. She also anchors “The 10 O’Clock News” on WCVB’s sister station, MeTV Boston.
Notable Coverage:
Throughout her distinguished career, Stephanos has covered numerous significant news events that have impacted the local community, the nation, and even the world. These include:
- The plane crash of John F. Kennedy Jr.
- The Worcester Cold Storage fire
- The Presidential recount vote from Florida
- The 9/11 attacks (reporting from both Washington D.C. and Boston)
- Red Sox World Series and Patriots’ Super Bowl wins
- The deaths of Senator Edward Kennedy and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino
- The Boston Marathon bombings (she was a spectator near the finish line when the bombs went off and went straight to the station to anchor the coverage).
Awards and Recognition:
Maria Stephanos has been recognized for her contributions to journalism. She received an Associated Press award in 2000 for her feature reporting.
More notably, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alpha Omega Society, presented by former Governor of the Commonwealth, Michael Dukakis.
In 2018, she also received the Alumni Award of Distinction from Emerson College.
Personal Interest:
Maria Stephanos is known for her high-energy and high-empathy approach, both on and off-air.
She enjoys cooking (especially Greek recipes), playing sports with her family, and vacationing in New England, particularly anywhere with water.
She is also an avid supporter of various charitable organizations, including Action for Boston Community Development, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the American Heart Association.
Age
Maria Stephanos was born on June 9, 1964, making her 61 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Gemini. She holds American nationality and is of Greek ethnicity.
Parents and Siblings
Maria Stephanos was born to her parents in Groveland, Massachusetts.
Her mother, Lois Athena, worked as a beautician at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, and her father was a designer and salesman for a beauty shop.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much information available about her siblings, so it’s unclear if she has any.
Husband
Maria Stephanos is married to Dale Stephanos, a successful political narrator and author.
The couple has been together for many years and shares a strong, supportive relationship.
They have two children, Isabella and Liam, and live in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Height, Weight
Maria Stephanos stands at a height of 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 meters) and maintains an average weight of 128 lbs (58 kg).
Career and Background
Maria Stephanos is a well-known journalist and anchor with a rich career in broadcasting.
She has been with WCVB Channel 5 since 2016, where she co-anchors multiple newscasts, including NewsCenter 5 at 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 11:00 PM, as well as The 10 O’Clock News on MeTV Boston.
Before joining WCVB, Maria worked at FOX25 in Boston for nearly 18 years, where she held various roles, including anchor and reporter.
She has covered major news events such as the Boston Marathon bombings, the September 11 attacks, and numerous presidential elections.
Maria began her career in journalism as a reporter for various radio stations, including WJAR in Rhode Island and WBUR in Boston.
She later transitioned to television broadcasting, working at WFXT FOX 25 for nearly 18 years before joining WCVB in 2016.
Over her illustrious career, Maria has covered a wide range of major stories, including the Boston Marathon bombing, Presidential elections, and the 9/11 attacks.
Early Beginnings in Radio
Maria’s journalistic roots were firmly planted at the onset of her career when she began as a Statehouse reporter for WJAR Radio.
This role provided her with firsthand exposure to the dynamic world of political and local news.
Alongside this, she built a robust foundation by working for several prominent radio stations.
Her early radio stints include time at WBUR in Boston, as well as influential assignments at NPR Radio, WCBS Radio, and WABC Radio in New York.
These experiences not only sharpened her reporting skills but also instilled in her a deep commitment to accurate and impactful storytelling.
Transition to Television
Eager to expand her horizons, Maria transitioned to television with a role at WJAR-TV in Providence, Rhode Island.
This move allowed her to adapt her reporting acumen to the visual broadcast medium, setting the stage for her subsequent successes.
It wasn’t long before she embraced larger platforms that would define her career, making her an enduring figure in New England journalism.
Defining Roles on TV
Maria’s television career reached new heights when she joined WFXT-TV (also known as FOX25) in Boston.
Over nearly 18 years, she served as a news anchor and general assignment reporter, covering a gamut of high-profile events such as:
- The tragic plane crash of John F. Kennedy Jr.
- The chaos surrounding the 9/11 attacks
- The profound impact of the Boston Marathon bombings
- Other landmark stories including political events and local crises
Her steadfast presence on FOX25 cemented her reputation as a reliable and incisive reporter, mastering the demands of live and breaking news.
Current Leadership at WCVB
In a career-defining move, Maria joined WCVB Channel 5 in Boston, where she now co-anchors NewsCenter 5—delivering newscasts at 4:30, 6:00, 7:00, and 11:00 PM.
In addition, she extends her reach as the anchor for The 10 O’Clock News on MeTV Boston.
At WCVB, her extensive experience, combined with a deep connection to the community, continues to influence her storytelling and reporting style, ensuring that viewers receive thorough and trustworthy news coverage.
A Career Shaped by Versatility
Maria Stephanos’s trajectory—from her foundational radio roles at WJAR Radio, WBUR, NPR Radio, WCBS Radio, and WABC Radio, to her pivotal television roles at WJAR-TV, WFXT-TV Boston, and now WCVB Channel 5 (with additional anchoring on MeTV Boston)—is a testament to her versatility and longevity in the field of journalism.
Each chapter of her career reflects her ability to adapt and excel, no matter the medium or the scale of the story she covers.
Maria Stephanos has had a remarkable career with many memorable moments. Here are a few highlights:
- John F. Kennedy Jr. Plane Crash: Maria covered the tragic plane crash of John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1999, providing detailed and compassionate reporting during a highly emotional time.
- 9/11 Attacks: She reported on the September 11 attacks, delivering critical updates and information during one of the most significant events in recent history.
- Boston Marathon Bombings: Maria was on the front lines covering the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013, offering in-depth coverage and updates as the events unfolded.
- Political Reporting: Starting her career as a Statehouse reporter, Maria has covered numerous political events and elections, providing insightful analysis and interviews.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: In recognition of her contributions to journalism, Maria received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alpha Omega Society, highlighting her impact and dedication to the field.
Maria Stephanos’ colleagues at WCVB:
- Ed Harding – Co-anchor alongside Maria on NewsCenter 5.
- Mike Wankum – Chief Meteorologist providing weather updates.
- Shayna Seymour – Anchor and reporter, also co-host of Chronicle.
- Doug Meehan – Morning anchor and reporter.
- Antoinette Antonio – Morning anchor and reporter.
- Jessica Brown – Anchor and reporter.
- Ben Simmoneau – Investigative journalist.
- Jennifer Eagan – Weekend anchor and reporter.
- Ted Reinstein – Chronicle correspondent.
- Kelley Tuthill – Former reporter, now in media leadership.
Net Worth and Salary
Maria Stephanos has an estimated net worth of $2 million, thanks to her long-standing career in journalism.
As a news anchor at WCVB, her salary is estimated to be between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, making her one of the top-earning journalists in the Boston area.
Is Maria Stephanos Married?
Yes, Maria Stephanos is married to Dale Stephanos, a talented author and political narrator. The couple has been married for several years and shares two children, Isabella and Liam.
How Old Is Maria Stephanos?
Maria Stephanos is currently 61 years old, having been born on June 9, 1964.
Where Is Maria Stephanos Working?
Maria Stephanos continues to work at WCVB, where she anchors the evening news alongside Ed Harding and Mike Lynch.
She is a highly-regarded journalist with over thirty years of experience and currently co-anchors NewsCenter 5 at 4:30, 6:00, 7:00, and 11:00 PM.
Maria Stephanos also anchors The 10 O’Clock News on MeTV Boston. She remains a vital part of Boston’s NewsCenter 5, delivering news to viewers across the region with professionalism and dedication.
Maria Stephanos is active on social media. She frequently posts on her Twitter account. She also maintains a presence on Facebook, sharing updates and engaging with her audience.
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