Maria Stephanos

Maria Stephanos anchors FOX25 News at 10:00 & 11:00 as well as FOX25 News at 6:00, a position she says is a passion, not just a job! Maria has been with FOX25 since 1997. She began as a general assignment reporter and later added fill-in anchor duties to her workload.

Born and raised in Groveland, Massachusetts, Maria's deep ties to the Boston area have proved valuable in covering local issues and major New England news. She believes being able to tell people night after night about what’s going on in their community is "amazing."

Maria's versatility as a reporter has lead to numerous high-profile assignments. She’s covered state and national elections, democratic and republican conventions, and a variety of breaking news stories. Her New England roots and reporter skills give her an edge on the anchor desk. She’s able to summarize a story quickly and ask field reporters the most relevant questions viewers want answered.

Maria's connection with New Englanders goes beyond delivering the day’s news. She’s an avid supporter of many charitable organizations including ABCD, The Massachusetts Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The American Cancer Society and The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Maria came to FOX25 from WJAR-TV in Providence, RI where she covered spot news. Her career also includes reporting for WCBS radio, WABC radio, NPR radio and WNBC radio.

Maria received an Associated Press award in 2000 for her feature reporting. She holds a master's degree in Mass Communications from Emerson College.

Favorite shows on FOX25: House, American Idol.

Favorite movies: I had a starring role in the Lollipop Guild and the Lullaby League in the Wizard of Oz play at the YMCA. I had to try out because the movie stole my heart the first time I saw it - and it still does!

Favorite sports stuff: Boston Red Sox, Boston Red Sox, Boston Red Sox, The Patriots, The Celtics and The Bruins.

Favorite food: There is not a food I don't like. But I can't say no to pizza and hamburgers.

Favorite vacation place: The Cape

Favorite story I've covered: HANDS DOWN - “The World Series.” I've been going to Fenway Park ever since I was a little girl from Groveland. Being able to go down to the park night after night, report before the game and then rush back to tell people, “YES they won again,” was one of the greatest things I've ever experienced. You're always supposed to be a reporter first. In this case -- I happily blurred the line. Go Sox!

Favorite interview: My Dad. I was doing a story on Necrotizing Fasciitis, the disease known as as flesh eating bacteria. It’s a story I've covered many, many times. Little did I know, it would strike my family. My dad was near death and we were told to say goodbye. Well we never did. He made it and months later I wanted to tell his story. My bosses were supportive. It was the hardest interview I've ever done. But it was certainly the most memorable.

How did you get started in TV news? 1977. The television was on and Elvis had just died. My parents were transfixed to the television. It fascinated me and I wanted to know everything I could about the news.

Most embarrassing moment on TV? I have a million. I've sneezed, I've coughed, my button has popped off. My necklace has fallen off, my earrings have dropped off my ears on camera. And I've laughed so hard, that I cried.

Best advice you ever got? Don't inhale. By that I mean compliments and criticism. Take them both with a grain of salt.

How do you spend your free time? I spend every moment I can with my two children.