Maria Stephanos is the weekday evening news anchor at WFXT-TV FOX 25 in Boston. She joined FOX 25 in 1997 as a general assignment reporter and later became the station's main anchor.
Prior to coming to FOX 25, Maria was a reporter at WJAR-TV NBC 10 in Providence, RI. It was there that she got her first taste of the anchor desk when the sports anchor didn't show up for work. Before that, Maria worked in radio news at WBUR in Boston. She has also reported for WABC radio, WCBS radio and WNBC radio, all in New York City.
A native of Groveland, MA, Maria is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston where she received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in mass communications.
1. What kind of phone do you have, and what are your favorite apps?
I have an I phone 6 and my Twitter app is my favorite! I love the back and forth with the viewers and honestly I do use the Fox 25 weather app every day. And NO they didn’t tell me to say that 
2. Favorite and least favorite news/weather topics to cover (besides violent crime)?
I love any breaking news. The topic doesn’t matter. When Mayor Menino passed away I had just left the YMCA, still in my workout clothes, about to drop something off at my son’s school when the station called. I had a decision to make. Do I drive home shower get ready and go to work or do I drive to the closest store (Frugal Fannies) buy a dress, shoes and earrings? I chose the latter and was on the set within minutes and anchored for hours. I didn’t exactly look my best but I didn’t care. it was a true honor to relay that part of our history. And it’s unbearable to cover stories where children are hurt or suffering in any way.
3. If you weren't working in TV news, what would you be doing?
I would own my own restaurant OR run for Congress. I love to cook. I cook all weekend for my family for the week ahead. And politics is my second favorite sport!
4. What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
Bugs bunny every day. We weren’t allowed to watch a lot of television so when we did we made sure it was something we loved!
5. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
If I had 30 minutes I would spend it with my kids hands down. And if it wasn’t in person it would be talking on the phone with them, Face timing or through text. They are two of the best people on this planet.
6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I would like to say someplace exotic, but the truth is, any place that has an ocean. Preferably the Atlantic ocean! I know it’s cold and that’s what I love about it. I love it so much that I try to jump into the frigid water every year for my February birthday to celebrate.
7. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
I’ve been so lucky to interview so many amazing people. Presidents, Athletes, newsmakers. But at the end of the day having dinner with my children trumps it all. So I pick both of my kids.
8. Do you collect anything?
Dust. A lot of it. When I’m faced with the choice of cleaning or spending time with my family, family wins.
9. What are the top 3 played songs on your iPod?
Anything Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin or Frank Sinatra.
10. What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Never, never, never give up.” - Winston Churchill
11. What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
Every experience in life makes us stronger. I’ve certainly seen my share of tragedy, some of it personal but for me it just makes me realize that we are all dealing with things in our life it’s how we handle them that defines us as human beings. Wait! Maybe I should’ve used that as a favorite quote
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No endorsement between WFXT-TV and New England One is implied or intended by Maria Stephanos' participation in "11 Questions"
