Cheryl Fiandaca Biography: Award-Winning Investigative Reporter at WBZ-TV CBS News Boston
Cheryl Fiandaca is the Chief Investigative Reporter and Executive Editor for WBZ-TV’s I-Team, which is part of CBS News Boston.
She is an award-winning broadcast journalist known for her investigative work, including exclusive interviews, uncovering information on breaking news stories, and conducting investigations that have led to significant government changes.
Before joining WBZ-TV, Fiandaca was with the former NBC affiliate in Boston. Her career also includes reporting for WABC-TV and WCBS-TV.
In 2012, she briefly served as the spokesperson for the Boston Police Department, where she managed media relations and internal communication, notably during the Boston Marathon crisis.
Beyond her journalism career, Cheryl Fiandaca is an attorney, licensed to practice law in Massachusetts, New York, and the District of Columbia.
She holds a B.S. from Suffolk University and a J.D. from New England Law, both located in Boston. She is a native of East Boston.
Age:
Cheryl Fiandaca was born in 1958 in East Boston, Massachusetts, making her 67 years old as of 2025. She is of Italian-American ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Cheryl Fiandaca was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, but her family’s heritage is deeply rooted in East Boston’s Italian-American traditions.
She grew up in a household that valued public service and law, which influenced her later career in journalism and law enforcement.
Her father, Joseph Fiandaca, served over three decades as the first assistant clerk magistrate at East Boston District Court, becoming a powerful role model for Cheryl and her siblings.
Her mother, Lucy Fagone Fiandaca, was born in 1923 and lived to be 94 years old; she passed away in 2018 and was cherished as the family matriarch.
Cheryl is one of seven siblings, including Kathy Picardi, Roberta Rose, Lisa Fiandaca, and Gina Fiandaca—who is a celebrated runner and public servant.
Her brothers include Joseph Fiandaca, a sergeant-detective in the Boston Police Department, and Judge Kenneth Fiandaca, who serves at East Boston District Court.
Their family remains close, with Cheryl proudly embracing her role as an aunt to ten nieces and nephews and grandmother to twelve grandchildren.
Husband:
Cheryl Fiandaca was married to William Bratton, a prominent law enforcement figure who served as Boston Police Commissioner (1993–1994), New York City Police Commissioner (1994–1996 and 2014–2016), and Los Angeles Police Chief (2002–2009).
They married in 1988 and divorced in 1998, with no children from their marriage. Bratton, born October 6, 1947, is now married to Rikki Klieman, and has one son, David, from a prior marriage, not with Fiandaca.
There is no public information confirming that Cheryl Fiandaca has any children.
She maintains a private personal life, and sources indicate she has not shared details about current relationships or children.
Her focus in public profiles is primarily on her career and investigative work at WBZ-TV.
Height:
Cheryl Fiandaca is about 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall and weighs around 122 pounds (57 kg). Her estimated body measurements are 35-28-37 inches.
Career and Background:
Cheacryl Fianda is a respected investigative journalist. She currently serves as the Chief Investigative Reporter and Executive Editor for the I-Team at WBZ-TV, the CBS affiliate in Boston, Massachusetts.
With decades of experience in broadcast journalism, she is known for exposing fraud, corruption, and consumer issues.
Her reporting blends journalistic skill with legal knowledge, thanks to her law degree from New England Law.
Throughout her career, Fiandaca has led major investigations. She has reported on land fraud, public safety problems, and consumer scams.
At WBZ-TV, she plays a key role in the station’s “Call for Action” initiative. This program helps viewers resolve complaints and uncover wrongdoing.
Some of her most notable work includes exposing land schemes targeting elderly homeowners, covering the Karen Read murder trial, and investigating Boston’s failing streetlight system.
These stories have helped raise awareness and demand accountability.
In 2023, her efforts were recognized. The Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys honored her with the Excellence in Media Award for her contributions to justice and transparency.
Beyond her reporting, Fiandaca is active in her community. She often highlights her East Boston roots and Italian-American heritage.
Cheacryl Fianda has hosted the Migliori Awards in Peabody, celebrating Italian-American achievements. She also emceed a fundraiser for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
In all she does, Cheryl Fiandaca brings a deep sense of purpose. Her work continues to inform, protect, and empower the public across the Boston area.
WBZ-TV (CBS News Boston) — 2017–Present
As Chief Investigative Reporter & Executive Editor for the I-Team, Cheryl leads some of the most impactful journalism in Boston. Her work focuses on:
- Government accountability, consumer protection, and public safety
- Exclusive interviews with newsmakers and whistleblowers
- Investigations that have led to policy reforms and legal action She’s also a public face of the station’s Call for Action initiative, helping viewers resolve consumer disputes and legal issues.
WHDH-TV (NBC Boston) — 2014–2017
Cheryl returned to broadcast journalism after her stint in law enforcement, bringing a unique insider’s perspective to her reporting. At WHDH:
- She served as an Investigative Reporter
- Covered high-profile cases involving fraud, corruption, and public mismanagement
- Her legal background allowed her to dissect complex legal documents and expose systemic failures
Boston Police Department — 2012–2014
Cheryl stepped away from journalism to serve as the Public Information Bureau Chief and Spokesperson for the Boston Police Department.
- She managed crisis communications during the Boston Marathon bombing
- Used social media to coordinate real-time updates with the public and press
- Earned accolades for her innovative use of digital platforms in law enforcement communication
WCVB-TV (ABC Boston) — 2009–2012
At WCVB-TV, Cheryl worked as a General Assignment Reporter, covering:
- Regional news, politics, and community issues
- Contributed to investigative segments that laid the groundwork for her future I-Team work
- Strengthened her reputation as a trusted voice in Boston journalism
WCBS-TV (CBS New York) — 2004–2007
As an Investigative Reporter, Cheryl tackled:
- Consumer fraud and public corruption
- Legal system failures and accountability issues
- Her work often led to public awareness campaigns and legal reviews
WABC-TV (ABC New York) — 1996–2004
This was Cheryl’s launchpad into television journalism:
- Covered breaking news, crime, and community stories
- Built her reputation for fearless reporting and sharp legal insight
- Her coverage of New York’s legal and political landscape helped shape her investigative style
At WBZ-TV and CBS News Boston, Cheryl Fiandaca works alongside a talented team of journalists and anchors who contribute to the station’s award-winning coverage.
Here are some of her notable colleagues:
- Lisa Hughes – Evening news anchor known for her calm delivery and in-depth reporting
- Paula Ebben – Co-anchor and reporter with a focus on education and consumer issues
- Jacob Wycoff – Meteorologist providing weather updates and climate insights
- Anna Meiler – Morning anchor and reporter covering breaking news and community stories
- Paul Burton – Reporter specializing in social justice and community impact
- Kristina Rex – Investigative reporter often collaborating with the I-Team
- Tammy Mutasa – General assignment reporter with a background in crime and public safety
- Louisa Moller – Reporter covering politics and regional developments
- Laura Haefeli – Reporter focused on legal affairs and public accountability
- Juli McDonald – Morning anchor and field reporter with a strong presence in live coverage
Net Worth and Salary:
Cheryl Fiandaca’s financial profile reflects her long-standing career in journalism, law, and public service:
Estimated Net Worth
- Cheryl’s net worth is estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000.
- This includes her earnings from journalism, legal consulting, and personal investments.
- Her time as a licensed attorney and Boston Police Department spokesperson adds to her financial portfolio.
Annual Salary
- As Chief Investigative Reporter at WBZ-TV, she reportedly earns between $50,000 and $100,000 annually.
- This places her among the higher-earning journalists in regional broadcast news.
- Her salary reflects her dual expertise in law and investigative reporting, which is rare in the industry.
Is Cheryl Fiandaca Married?
Cheryl Fiandaca’s current marital status is not publicly known.
She was married to William Bratton, former police commissioner of Boston and New York City, from 1988 to 1998. They later divorced and had no children.
Since then, Fiandaca has kept her personal life private, and there’s no confirmed information about a new marriage or relationship.
How Old Is Cheryl Fiandaca?
Cheryl Fiandaca was born in 1958, making her 67 years old as of 2025.
Where is Cheryl Fiandaca Working?
Cheryl Fiandaca is currently working as the Chief Investigative Reporter and Executive Editor for the I-Team at WBZ-TV, which is the CBS News affiliate in Boston, Massachusetts.
She’s known for leading in-depth investigations that uncover fraud, corruption, and systemic failures, often prompting policy changes and public accountability.
Her work regularly features exclusive interviews, consumer protection stories, and legal deep-dives that reflect her dual expertise in journalism and law.
Cheryl Fiandaca is active on X (formerly Twitter). She shares updates on investigations, breaking news, and WBZ I-Team stories.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.