Juli McDonald WBZ-TV Reporter | Bio, Husband, Age, Net Worth

Juli McDonald | WBZ-TV Boston Reporter Biography & Career

Juli McDonald is a general assignment reporter for WBZ-TV, the CBS affiliate in Boston, Massachusetts, where she has been employed since January 2017.

A native of Norwood, Massachusetts, McDonald has built a career in broadcast journalism marked by versatility, sensitive storytelling, and a commitment to delivering clear, impactful news reports.

Her work spans a variety of topics, from breaking news to human-interest stories, reflecting her ability to adapt to the unpredictable nature of daily assignments.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, McDonald developed an early passion for storytelling and communication.

She graduated from Emerson College in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, which laid the foundation for her career in television news.

Her education equipped her with the skills to craft compelling, concise narratives, a hallmark of her reporting style.

Career Path

McDonald’s journalism career began in Bismarck, North Dakota, where she worked as an anchor and reporter for KFYR-TV for two years, starting at the age of 21.

She describes this period as a formative adventure, during which she built lasting memories and connections.

After KFYR-TV, she moved to WWLP-TV in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she served as an anchor and reporter from April 2012 to November 2015, anchoring the weekday 5 PM newscast and pitching story ideas.

She then briefly joined WCVB-TV, Boston’s ABC affiliate, as a reporter from November 2015 to December 2016, before transitioning to her current role at WBZ-TV.

At WBZ-TV, McDonald works weekday evenings from 3–11 p.m., covering a wide range of stories, including local events like the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride, human-interest pieces such as the retirement of Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s facility dog, Buddy, and breaking news like crime and community events across Massachusetts.

Her reporting has also been featured on national platforms, including CBS News, SBS World News, and The CBS Evening News.

Before her on-air roles, McDonald gained experience as a production assistant at New England Cable News and as an intern with WFXT – Fox 25 News, where she worked on the investigative team and developed skills in researching and producing news content.

Additionally, her favorite local spots include Town Spa Pizza in Stoughton and Castle Island Brewing in Norwood. She cites her mother, Colleen, an ER nurse, and Kate Middleton as inspirational figures.

Awards and Recognition

McDonald’s work has earned her several accolades, including:

• 2009 Associated Press Award

• 2011 Emmy Nomination for Best Newscast Anchor/Producer

• 2015–2016 Western Mass. Woman to Watch, recognizing her contributions to journalism in Western Massachusetts

Age:

Parents and Siblings:

Juli McDonald was raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, in a close-knit Catholic household that deeply influenced her values and storytelling style.

Her mother, Colleen McDonald, has worked as a dedicated ER nurse for many years, instilling in Juli a sense of compassion and resilience.

While her father’s background hasn’t been publicly disclosed, Juli frequently speaks about the supportive nature of her upbringing.

She has a brother with autism, a relationship that profoundly shapes her empathetic reporting—especially when covering stories involving children or individuals with special needs.

She also has a sister, though details about her remain private. Juli’s early experiences clearly laid the groundwork for her heartfelt journalism and commitment to telling stories that matter.

Husband:

Juli McDonald is married to Dan Matthews, a Massachusetts state trooper known for his dedication to public service. The couple tied the knot on November 13, 2016, after several years of dating.

Their wedding was a heartfelt celebration, with Juli wearing a mermaid-style white gown adorned with sequins and lace, while Dan opted for a classic white coat and black trousers.

Together, they have three children:

• Thomas Kenneth Matthews, born in February 2019, is their eldest son. He was named in honor of his two grandfathers and weighed nearly 10 pounds at birth.

• Mickey Matthew, born on November 2, 2020, is their second son. He shares a close bond with his older brother.

• Sayre Kathleen, their youngest and only daughter, was born in September 2023, making her about one year old as of 2024.

Juli often shares how motherhood has deepened her empathy, especially in her reporting.

Her family life in Boston is a blend of love, service, and resilience—balancing her demanding journalism career with Dan’s law enforcement schedule.

Height:

Juli McDonald stands at an estimated 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall and weighs approximately 122 pounds (56 kilograms).

Her reported body measurements are 37-28-39 inches, which reflect her chest, waist, and hip proportions.

She’s known for her polished on-screen presence, complemented by blonde hair, hazel eyes, and a poised, professional demeanor.

Juli McDonald’s Career Overview:

Juli McDonald is a seasoned broadcast journalist currently serving as a general assignment reporter for WBZ-TV, the CBS affiliate in Boston, Massachusetts, since January 2017.

Known for her sensitive storytelling, versatility, and ability to deliver compelling news under tight deadlines, McDonald has built a robust career in television journalism, spanning multiple stations across the United States.

Her work covers breaking news, human-interest stories, and local events, earning her recognition for her engaging and impactful reporting.

Below is a detailed account of her career trajectory, including all the stations she has worked at, based on available information.

Career Timeline and Stations

• New England Cable News (NECN), Boston, MA (2008–2009)

  • Role: Production Assistant

• • Details: Early in her career, McDonald worked as a production assistant at NECN, a regional cable news network based in Boston.

This role provided her with foundational experience in newsroom operations, including assisting with production tasks, coordinating content, and learning the dynamics of television news.

Her time at NECN helped her develop skills in a fast-paced environment, setting the stage for her on-air roles.

• WFXT – Fox 25 News, Boston, MA (2008–2009)

  • Role: Intern, Investigative Team

• • Details: While still a student at Emerson College, McDonald interned at WFXT, Boston’s Fox affiliate, working with the investigative team.

She assisted in researching stories, gathering data, and supporting investigative reports, gaining hands-on experience in journalism.

This role honed her research skills and exposed her to the demands of producing high-stakes news content.

• KFYR-TV, Bismarck, ND (2009–2011)

  • Role: Anchor/Reporter

• • Details: McDonald’s first on-air role was at KFYR-TV, the NBC affiliate in Bismarck, North Dakota, where she worked for two years starting at age 21.

As an anchor and reporter, she covered local news in a rural market, developing her on-camera presence and storytelling abilities.

She described this period as a formative adventure, where she tackled a variety of stories and built lasting connections.

Her work at KFYR earned her a 2009 Associated Press Award, recognizing her early talent in journalism.

• WWLP-TV, Springfield, MA (April 2012–November 2015)

  • Role: Anchor/Reporter

• • Details: McDonald returned to Massachusetts to join WWLP-TV, the NBC affiliate in Springfield, where she anchored the weekday 5 PM newscast and reported on a range of stories.

Her responsibilities included pitching story ideas, covering breaking news, and producing content for Western Massachusetts viewers.

During her tenure, she was nominated for a 2011 Emmy Award for Best Newscast Anchor/Producer (likely backdated to her earlier work or a clerical note, as the timeline suggests overlap) and was named a 2015–2016 Western Mass.

Woman to Watch by Western Mass. Women Magazine for her contributions to local journalism.

• WCVB-TV, Boston, MA (November 2015–December 2016)

  • Role: Reporter

• • Details: McDonald joined WCVB-TV, Boston’s ABC affiliate, as a reporter, covering stories in the Greater Boston area.

This role allowed her to work in a major market, tackling high-profile assignments and further refining her reporting skills.

Her time at WCVB was a brief but significant step, bridging her work in smaller markets to her current role at WBZ-TV.

• WBZ-TV, Boston, MA (January 2017–Present)

  • Role: General Assignment Reporter

• • Details: Since joining WBZ-TV, the CBS affiliate in Boston, McDonald has been a key part of the news team, working weekday evenings from 3–11 p.m.

McDonald’s reporting covers a broad spectrum, including breaking news (e.g., crime and community events), human-interest stories (e.g., the retirement of Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s facility dog, Buddy), and local history (e.g., the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride).

Her work has been featured on national and international platforms, including CBS News, SBS World News, and The CBS Evening News.

In addition, McDonald’s ability to craft well-researched, visually engaging stories under tight deadlines has solidified her reputation as a trusted journalist in Boston.

She emphasizes sensitive and heartfelt storytelling, aiming to deliver impactful messages to viewers.

Career Highlights and Achievements

• Awards & Honors:

  • 2009 Associated Press Award

  • 2011 Emmy Nomination – Best Newscast Anchor/Producer

  • 2015–2016 Western Mass. Woman to Watch

• Market Experience:

  • Small (Bismarck), Medium (Springfield), and Major (Boston) markets—demonstrating growth and versatility.

• Reporting Philosophy:

Juli is committed to delivering stories with heart, depth, and accuracy. She emphasizes empathy in her storytelling, and her 15+ years in the field reflect a passion for journalism and connection with viewers.

Juli McDonald works alongside a talented team of journalists, anchors, and meteorologists at WBZ-TV (CBS Boston). Here are some of her notable colleagues:

• Lisa Hughes – Evening news anchor known for her calm and authoritative delivery

• David Wade – Co-anchor with Lisa Hughes, recognized for his engaging reporting style

• Paula Ebben – Anchor and reporter with a focus on education and health stories

• Anna Meiler – Morning anchor and field reporter

• Louisa Moller – Investigative reporter with a strong background in public safety coverage

• Tammy Mutasa – General assignment reporter with a flair for breaking news

• Laura Haefeli – Reporter known for her sharp storytelling and field presence

• Cheryl Fiandaca – Chief investigative reporter, often covering legal and justice-related topics

• Kristina Rex – Reporter with a focus on community-driven stories

• Paul Burton – Reporter known for his compassionate coverage of local events

• Jacob Wycoff – Meteorologist delivering weather updates with clarity and precision

Net Worth and Salary:

Juli McDonald has built a financially solid career in broadcast journalism, earning an estimated annual salary between $65,000 and $110,000.

Her consistent on-air presence at WBZ-TV and past anchor roles have contributed to her income and long-term stability.

Over the years, she’s likely made strategic savings and investments, including possible real estate holdings around Greater Boston.

Her total net worth is estimated to fall between $1.5 million and $5.5 million, positioning her among the more financially stable and influential journalists in her region.

Is Juli McDonald Married?

Yes, Juli McDonald is married to Massachusetts state trooper Dan Matthews. They wed in November 2016 and have three children together: Thomas, Mickey, and Sayre.

How Old Is Juli McDonald?

Juli McDonald was born in 1977 in Massachusetts, USA, which makes her either 48 years old in 2025.

Where is Juli McDonald working?

Juli McDonald is currently working as a general assignment reporter at WBZ-TV, the CBS affiliate in Boston, Massachusetts.

She’s been with the station since January 2017, covering a wide range of stories across New England, including breaking news, human interest pieces, and community-focused reports.

Juli McDonald is active on social media:

• Instagram: She posts under @julimcdonaldwbz, where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her reporting, personal moments, and updates.

• X (formerly Twitter): Her profile @julimcdonald highlights her role as a WBZ-TV reporter, mentions she’s a “MA native mom of 3,” and she often shares career milestones and community-focused content.