Meredith McDonough Biography: Anchor at WESH 2 News Orlando
Meredith McDonough is a seasoned journalist and anchor at WESH-TV, the NBC affiliate in Orlando, Florida.
She joined WESH 2 on October 31, 2011, and currently co-anchors the early evening and late news broadcasts.
Before her tenure at WESH 2, Meredith worked at WPBF-TV in West Palm Beach, where she covered several high-profile national stories, including Tropical Storm Fay and Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme.
She began her broadcasting career at WATM/WWCP-TV in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Meredith’s journey into journalism began with her academic pursuits.
She graduated cum laude from Allegheny College, majoring in communications and minoring in political science.
Her excellence in mass communications was recognized with the prestigious Wakefield Prize.
This strong educational foundation, combined with her passion for storytelling and public service, propelled her into the field of journalism.
In addition to the prestigious Wakefield Prize for excellence in mass communications, Meredith McDonough has received several notable awards throughout her career:
- Associated Press Award: Meredith, along with her co-anchor Jason Guy, received this award for their exceptional live coverage of a high-speed car chase. The coverage lasted 40 minutes and concluded dramatically when the suspect collided with another vehicle at an intersection.
- Emmy Award: The same high-speed car chase coverage also earned Meredith an Emmy, recognizing her outstanding work in breaking news reporting.
Beyond her anchoring duties, Meredith McDonough is also involved in the community, notably joining the board of Special Olympics Florida.
She often covers stories related to community events, mental health awareness, and educational initiatives.
Meredith McDonough also enjoys golfing and attending Orlando Magic games with her husband.
Age:
Meredith McDonough was born on August 9, is a Leo by zodiac sign. She hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She holds American nationality and belongs to Caucasian ethnicity.
Husband:
Meredith McDonough’s husband is Thomas Waligora, often referred to as T.P. They got married in 2012, and their wedding was a memorable event held at Macy’s, where they danced to “Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra.
Thomas and Meredith have four children together, including Maryn Eileen, Madelyn Diana, and Michael David. The family enjoys spending time together, and Meredith often shares glimpses of their life on social media.
Thomas is supportive of Meredith’s career and they both enjoy activities like golfing and attending Orlando Magic games.
Height:
Meredith McDonough hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a proud supporter of the Steelers and Penguins. She stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.65 meters).
Career and Background:
Meredith McDonough has a rich background in journalism, starting her career in broadcast news before joining WESH-TV.
She has covered a variety of stories, from breaking news to special reports, and has built a strong reputation in the Orlando news community.
Prior to her role at WESH-TV, Meredith worked at other stations, where she honed her skills as a reporter and anchor.
1. WATM/WWCP-TV – Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Meredith’s broadcast journey began at this FOX/ABC affiliate duo in western Pennsylvania. As an anchor and reporter, she quickly earned a reputation for her poise and empathy on air.
- One of her most poignant assignments was covering the 5th anniversary of the Flight 93 crash in nearby Shanksville — a story that required both journalistic rigor and emotional sensitivity.
- This early experience shaped her ability to handle high-stakes, emotionally charged stories with grace.
2. WPBF-TV – West Palm Beach, Florida
Meredith’s next chapter took her to WPBF, a Hearst-owned ABC affiliate and sister station to WESH.
- Here, she covered nationally significant stories, including:
- Tropical Storm Fay, which brought widespread flooding and damage to Florida.
- The Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme, one of the largest financial frauds in U.S. history.
- The Thanksgiving Day manhunt for Paul Michael Merhige, a chilling case that gripped the nation.
- Her reporting during this time demonstrated her ability to balance breaking news urgency with thoughtful storytelling.
3. WESH 2 News – Orlando, Florida
Meredith joined WESH 2 News on October 31, 2011, initially anchoring weekend evening newscasts.
- By August 2012, she was promoted to morning anchor, and later advanced to evening and late news co-anchor, a role she continues to hold.
- She co-anchors alongside Jason Guy, and together they’ve become a trusted duo in Central Florida.
- A career highlight: their live coverage of a 40-minute high-speed car chase, which earned them both an Associated Press Award and a regional Emmy.
- Her presence at WESH has spanned over a decade, making her one of the station’s most recognizable and respected faces.
4. Fox News Channel – New York City (Internship)
Before stepping into the spotlight, Meredith interned at Fox News Channel in NYC — a pivotal experience that confirmed her passion for journalism.
- This post-graduate internship exposed her to national-level news production, editorial decision-making, and the fast-paced world of cable news.
Her Work at WESH 2 News
Since joining WESH 2 News on October 31, 2011, Meredith has become a familiar face to viewers in Orlando.
She co-anchors the early evening and late news broadcasts, bringing her expertise and engaging presence to the screen.
Meredith is known for her thorough reporting and ability to connect with her audience. Her work at WESH 2 includes:
- Anchoring Major News Events: Meredith has been at the forefront of covering significant local and national news stories, providing viewers with timely and accurate information.
- Community Engagement: Beyond her on-air duties, Meredith is actively involved in the community, participating in various events and initiatives that support local causes.
- Mentorship and Leadership: As a seasoned journalist, she also plays a role in mentoring younger reporters and contributing to the newsroom’s overall success.
Notable Stories Meredith Has Covered
Meredith McDonough has reported on several high-profile stories throughout her career. While at WPBF-TV in West Palm Beach, she covered significant events such as:
- Tropical Storm Fay: Meredith provided extensive coverage of the storm, delivering critical updates and safety information to the public.
- Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi Scheme: She reported on the fallout from one of the largest financial frauds in history, detailing its impact on victims and the legal proceedings that followed.
WESH 2 News has a talented team of anchors. Here are some of the key members:
- Jim Payne: Co-anchors the evening newscasts alongside Meredith McDonough.
- Summer Knowles: Co-anchors the evening newscasts and also reports on special assignments.
- Jason Guy: Co-anchors the morning newscasts.
- Michelle Imperato: Co-anchors the morning newscasts with Jason Guy.
- Stewart Moore: Anchors the weekend evening newscasts and reports during the week.
Is Meredith McDonough Married?
Yes, Meredith McDonough is married to Thomas Waligora. They got married in 2012 and have four children together.
How Old Is Meredith McDonough?
Meredith McDonough was born on August 9, but her exact birth year isn’t publicly available. However, based on her career timeline and educational background, she is estimated to be in her 40s.
Where Is Meredith McDonough Working?
Meredith McDonough is currently working at WESH 2 News in Orlando, Florida, where she serves as a morning news co-anchor for WESH 2 News Sunrise alongside Jason Guy.
She previously anchored the station’s 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts, but transitioned back to mornings — a role she had held earlier in her WESH tenure — as part of a station-wide anchor realignment.
Her return to the Sunrise shift reflects both her deep connection with early-morning viewers and her enthusiasm for helping Central Floridians start their day informed and uplifted.
Meredith McDonough is active on social media. You can find her on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where she shares updates about her work and personal insights. If you’re interested in following her, you can search for her profiles on these platforms.
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