MEET THE FOX45 NEWS TEAM
Bruce Cunniningham: Sports Director
Bruce Cunniningham is the weekday sports anchor for FOX45. Bruce has been with the News At Ten since its inception in June 1991.
He also hosts the Jerry Lewis Telethon.
Along with his regular anchor duties, Bruce is the co-host of "Sports Unlimited" which airs every Sunday at 10:30pm on FOX45. Bruce has been the PA announcer for the Ravens (NFL) since 1999 and is the PA announcer for Towson University football. Prior to that, he did radio play-by-play for the Ravens (NFL) and the Stallions (CFL), play-by-play for soccer for the Baltimore Blast (on HTS) and Lacrosse for the Baltimore Thunder (on WCBM). He also hosted the Gary Williams Show on WNUV during the 1997 - 1998 season. Bruce also co-hosted the Orioles Pre-Game Show television program (MLB Baseball 1996) on WNUV TV-54. Host of "Locker Room Talk" on Home Team Sports" cable (1994). He is also heard daily 1-3pm on 105.7 The Fan.
Bruce's list of awards includes: Feature story of the Year (1995) National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, The Associated Press' Best Year Round Sports Coverage (1991, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007), Society of Professional Journalists (1993, 1994, 1995 Best Sports Feature), Associated Press Best Sports Feature in 1992, 1993 and 1994, Pimlico Old Hilltop Award (2004), Baltimore Magazine Best TV Sports Anchor 2004 and Baltimore Touchdown Club - Electronic Media Award (1999).
E-mail Bruce: bcunningham@foxbaltimore.com
Candace Dold: Entertainment Reporter
Candace Dold is the traffic and entertainment reporter for FOX45 News.
Before Candace settled in at FOX45, she traveled across the country competing in beauty pageants. She never preached about world peace, but Candace does believe each person should create a positive imprint on their community. Her experiences with pageants sparked Candace's interest in Broadcasting. She started pursuing her career while interning with NFL Films in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. After living and breathing the game for a few months, she became an avid football fan. During her days as a student at the University of Maryland in College Park, Candace sported the red and black as a Terps Cheerleader for the football and basketball teams. Now, you can find her in the stands at M&T Bank Stadium during every Ravens home game.
Candace planted her roots at FOX45 in 2004. She gained hands-on experience as an intern with FOX45 Morning and Night Newscasts. In June 2005, Candace put her finger on the pulse of Baltimore as the Associate Producer for FOX45 Morning News. In September 2006, Candace started giving you the edge on your commute through her traffic reports.
Candace is an active member of the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation and several other community organizations. She is a proud recipient of President Bush's Student Service Award Medal for her efforts as a scholar and humanitarian. When Candace isn't updating you on traffic or the latest events that are shaping Hollywood, she enjoys staying physically fit and walking her dogs, Bart and Simba.
E-mail Candace: cdold@foxbaltimore.com
Emily Gracey: Meteorologist
Emily Gracey came to FOX45 in June, 2010 as the Weekend Meteorologist and Hometown Hot Spot Reporter. While new to the station, she is no stranger to the area after spending a few years at WMAR. Since arriving in the Mid Atlantic, Emily has also worked with the American Meteorology Society, developing educational programs in climate and weather studies.
Prior to her time in Maryland, Emily was at The Weather Channel in Atlanta, Georgia. Her time there included one of the most active hurricane seasons on record, but her passion for weather was discovered at an early age, often mesmerized by the summertime thunderstorms of her childhood in New England.
Emily is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Asheville, where she received a degree in Atmospheric Sciences. When she isn't watching the sky, Emily enjoys running, swimming, and reading. At home on Kent Island, Emily also enjoys spending time with friends, her husband, and her golden retriever, Mackenzie.
E-mail Emily: eegracey@foxbaltimore.com
Jeff Abell: Reporter / Saturday Evening Anchor
Jeff Abell is currently a general assignment reporter and Saturday evening anchor for News at Ten.
Jeff is a sixteen-time Emmy Award winning reporter. He has also been honored with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award and several AP and RTNDA Awards.
Prior to joining the News at Ten, Jeff worked as a reporter in Memphis, Tn, Greenville, SC and Lexington, KY. He is a graduate of the University Of Missouri School Of Journalism.
E-mail Jeff: jabell@foxbaltimore.com
Jeff Barnd: Anchor
Jeff Barnd has returned to Baltimore after helping to launch it's News at Ten in June 1991!
Jeff has also had anchoring and reporting stints in Portland, Maine; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Boston, Massachusetts.
An eight-time Emmy Award winner, Jeff has also won numerous Associated Press awards and statewide honors in Maine, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maryland. In 1998, Jeff garnered an Emmy for "Boston's Best Anchor." In 2000, for "Best Host in Boston." Jeff has two Emmys for news writing. His most recent Emmy in 2008 was for his editorials in the program "American Crossroads," which aired nationwide.
Throughout his career at WBFF-TV, Barnd has covered stories in Rio d'Janeiro, Brazil, Manaus & the Amazon Rain Forest, Rome, Vatican City, Singapore, and most recently, Kuwait, Bahrain and the Bazra Oil platform in Iraq.
He has always considered Baltimore his adopted home. Jeff and Susie met in Baltimore in 1994. They've been married since 1996, and have two girls.
Jeff's hobbies include drumming, reading, biking and oil painting.
E-mail Jeff: jbarnd@foxbaltimore.com
Jennifer Gilbert: Anchor
Jennifer Gilbert anchors the weekday newscasts for FOX45. Jennifer joined the stations in 1993.
She has won two Capital Region Emmy Awards. Her 1997 story "History of a Gun" traced the violent past of one handgun that fell into the wrong hands. Jennifer won her second Emmy for her 2001 piece entitled "Divine Healer", which told the stories of hope surrounding a statue of Jesus Christ at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
In 2002, she was named "Best News Anchor" by Baltimore Magazine. She has won numerous awards from the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists.
Jennifer attended the National Press Photographers Association Team Storytelling Workshop at the University of Oklahoma in 1999.
Before coming to Baltimore in 1993, Jennifer worked as a reporter at WGAL-TV in Lancaster, PA. She began her journalism career reporting for Florida Today, a Gannett-owned newspaper in Melbourne, FL.
Jennifer is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. When she's not working, Jennifer enjoys antique shopping, cooking, playing the piano, and spending weekends in the country.
E-mail Jennifer: jgilbert@foxbaltimore.com
Joel D. Smith: Morning Reporter
Joel D. Smith is proud to be working in Baltimore again, where his parents can finally watch him live, after a memorable and sometimes frigid trip to stations across the Midwest and Pennsylvania. Everyone can now see "Joel D." weekday mornings on FOX45 Morning News.
Joel's voice might sound familiar to many in Maryland because he's been a public address announcer at Maryland Terrapin Football games (his alma mater) since 2005. He's also done radio for the Baltimore Thunder (with Bruce Cunningham), and announcing for the Baltimore Blast. Ravens fans might even remember the last time the team won the Super Bowl, Joel was part of the team's radio pregame show.
Joel's love for sports remains, but he's been in the news business now for more than a decade. His career stops include Chambersburg, PA; Sioux Falls, SD; Des Moines, IA (he covered the Iowa Caucuses, and Howard Dean's famous scream); and Reading, PA. While at his last station, Joel D. was nominated for the Mid-Atlantic Emmy in the category of best general assignment reporter.
When he's not reporting on the latest happenings around town, Joel is recording the latest happenings at home. Whether with his wife or their little boy, the camera is always close by.
E-mail Joel D.: jdsmith@foxbaltimore.com
John Rydell: Reporter
John Rydell is a general assignment reporter who has been with FOX45 since the News at Ten premiered in 1991.
John is a past President of the Maryland Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and is still active in the organization. He is a graduate of Towson University. He and his wife live in Reisterstown.
John covers state and local politics as well as legal issues. Prior to WBFF, Rydell was a political reporter for Maryland Public Television where he also produced feature-length documentaries.
Baltimore Magazine named John Baltimore's Best TV Reporter for 2003. John has received more than 25 journalism awards during his career including three Capital Region Emmy Awards. In 2005, he was honored by the Capital/Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Television Academy for his report on the U.S. Naval Academy's "plebe induction day." John has also won three "Dateline Awards" from the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, including one for his coverage of the D.C. area snipers. He has won two "Gavel Awards" from the Maryland State Bar Association for legal reporting, as well as numerous other awards from the Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association.
E-mail John: jrydell@foxbaltimore.com
Joy Lepola: Reporter
Joy Lepola is FOX45's Crime & Justice Reporter. She's covered several
high profile criminal trials including that of former Baltimore City
Mayor Shelia Dixon. Joy's extensive nightly coverage resulted in an Emmy Award Nomination.
Joy's won three Emmy Awards. Her most recent Emmy was for an investigation into onine gang recruitment. Besides covering crime and corruption, Joy also investigates consumer fraud cases.
While Joy is currently FOX45's Crime & Justice Reporter, she's also spent a great deal of her career behind the Anchor Desk. Joy anchored Evening Newscasts in Wisconsin, Guam, Ohio and Baltimore.
Joy gained international reporting experience while working in Guam. While there Joy covered Local and National Politics as well as the United States Military. She also traveled extensively reporting on international issues. During her time on Guam, a number of natural disasters occurred including Super Typhoon Paka which Joy road out on a 26 foot sailboat.
Joy's work has led to numerous Associated Press awards including Best Investigative Reporter and Best Reporter in Ohio. Her work has also been recognized by the Association for Women in Communications.
When Joy isn't at work, she and her husband are on the run darting from soccer fields to baseball diamonds with their young son.
E-mail Joy: jlepola@foxbaltimore.com
Judy Kurtz: Reporter
Judy Kurtz is a reporter for FOX45.
After growing up in D.C. and Maryland, Judy Kurtz returned to the Baltimore area to report for FOX45 in May of 2008. In addition to reports throughout the community, Judy gives viewers the "Word on the Web" every night on FOX45 News at Ten.
Before making the move to FOX45, Judy worked as a reporter for WJLA/NewsChannel 8 in Washington, where her work was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists. She also served as the host of "Newsburst", a daily webcast featuring the latest headlines and entertainment news.
A graduate of New York University, Judy began her career at People Magazine, dishing the dirt on celebrities and New York nightlife. She has interviewed everyone from Al Sharpton to George Clooney. Judy also worked as a producer at WKRN in Nashville, Tennessee, and at Washington's Verizon FiOS 1 as a Video Journalist.
Judy loves spending time with her dog, traveling, reading celebrity magazines, working out, and seeing her family.
E-mail Judy: jkurtz@foxbaltimore.com
Karen Parks: Reporter / Saturday Evening Anchor
Karen Parks is currently a general assignment reporter and weekend anchor for FOX45. She joined the News Team in July 2000. Before moving to Baltimore, she was a reporter/anchor for WJXX in Jacksonville, Florida.
Karen's journalism career began in 1998 in Washington, DC where she was a reporter trainee for the COX Washington Bureau. In July of 1998, she landed her first job as a Capital correspondent for Capital News Service. There she reported Capital news for many NBC stations across the state as well as for the Florida News Channel.
Karen's first career was not journalism. She graduated from Spelman College with a BA in English. Afterwards, she was granted a full scholarship to receive a dual Masters in reading and early childhood education. Upon graduating, she was offered a job with the Fulton County Board of Education, where she taught kindergarten for three years. She was then recruited by the Montgomery County Board of Education in Maryland to teach first grade. She taught for three more years before becoming a reporter.
Karen is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She is a member of the National Association for Black Journalists and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
E-mail Karen: kparks@foxbaltimore.com
Kathleen Cairns: Reporter
Kathleen Cairns is the Winner of 10 Emmy Awards (NATAS:Washington DC), and has been recognized numerous times with Edward R. Murrow, Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists Awards.
Kathleen has been with FOX45 News since its inception in 1991. During her tenure, she has covered a wide variety of stories including the Pope's visit in 1994, she provided Live coverage from BWI airport on 9/11/2001, and Kathleen covered the sniper attacks in 2002. She enjoys covering a variety of stories as a General Assignment Reporter, especially fun features that show unique perspectives on Baltimore and its characters.
Kathleen was raised in Westchester County, NY. She graduated from the State University of New York at Albany. Her first TV job was at WRGB in Albany. She enjoys hiking in the Maryland Countryside with her family and their friendly big red dog named Hailey.
Kathleen would love to hear unique story ideas about our community.
E-mail Kathleen: kcairns@foxbaltimore.com
Keith Daniels: Reporter
Keith Daniels is a general assignment reporter for FOX45. He joined the News Team in June, 2002.
Keith has always wanted to beat the street as a general assignment reporter. Charm City was among his top five choice cities for news.
Keith has an extensive background in reporting. He left WMC in Memphis, Tennessee and went out with a punch, having covered the Mike Tyson / Lennox Lewis fight as his last assignment there. Before Memphis, there was KWTX in Waco, Texas. In fact, his career began in Texas at WFAA in Dallas as a production assistant. He quickly caught the "on-air fever" after securing the overnight anchor position. That was exciting because Dallas is his hometown. Keith hit the air not long after graduating from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.
Since then, Keith has covered several major stories, including the Beltway Sniper Attacks in our area. But one of his favorite stories took him to Northern Africa. He traveled to Morocco with a group of inner city high school kids who experienced a trip they will never forget... and neither will Keith.
E-mail Keith: kdaniels@foxbaltimore.com
Kristen Berset: Weekend Sports Anchor
Kristen Berset is the Weekend sports Anchor for FOX45. She joined the WBFF team in January 2009.
Before moving to Baltimore, Kristen was the evening News Anchor and Producer at WJHG-TV in Panama City, FL. In 2008 she was honored as a 2nd place finalist by the Florida Chapter of the Associated Press for her continuing coverage of the Martin Lee Anderson Boot Camp case that attracted attention Nationwide. Born and raised in Sunny St.Petersburg, FL, Kristen is a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism and Communications. When not reporting on or watching sports, Kristen likes to play a few including tennis, softball and swimming. She's excited to explore the Northeast and experience what Maryland has to offer!
E-mail Kristen: kberset@foxbaltimore.com
Lauren Cook: Reporter
Lauren Cook is a traffic reporter for FOX45. She joined the news team in June of 2007.
When she's not giving you up-to-the-minute traffic updates, Lauren is at the heart of our operation in the newsroom, working as the station's Managing Assignment Editor. She enjoys the excitement of never knowing what's going to happen next in the newsroom, from the time she negotiated a hostage situation with a convicted felon, to helping viewers get their stories heard, and sending photographers to breaking news.
Before joining FOX45, Lauren worked at Fox News Channel and FOX5 WNYW in New York City. She also appeared as a regular cast member on the show, "MTV Hits" where she interviewed celebrities. Lauren studied broadcast journalism at Marymount Manhattan College where she graduated with a degree in Communication Arts.
Lauren is thrilled to be back in the Baltimore area after her time in New York. She grew up in Bel Air, and loves working so close to her hometown! In her free time, Lauren likes spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach and playing with her dog, Sophie.
E-mail Lauren: lecook@foxbaltimore.com
Megan Gilliland: Morning Reporter / Morning News Anchor
Megan Gilliland joins the FOX45 News team as our morning reporter.
Before moving to Baltimore, she was a reporter and weekend anchor for WTAJ-TV in Altoona, Pennsylvania. During her years there, she became known for spotting an escaped prisoner. After an all day man hunt, she saw him running through the parking lot where her news station was staked out. After yelling, "There he is!" police quickly apprehended him.
Megan is a proud Penn State graduate where she majored in broadcast journalism and minored in communications, arts and sciences. While in Happy Valley , she ran track and cross county for the Lady Lions, and was captain of the team her senior year.
While her competitive days are over, Megan still loves to run and play sports.
As a Pittsburgh native, she's excited to live near water for the first time in her life, explore the city, eat good seafood and meet the people of Baltimore.
You can catch Megan reporting weekdays from 5:30 AM to 9 AM.
E-mail Megan: mgilliland@foxbaltimore.com
Melinda Roeder: Reporter
Melinda Roeder joined the FOX45 news team in May 2007. She is an award winning journalist with several honors to her credit including several regional EMMYS, five Edward R. Murrow Awards and more than a dozen Associated Press Broadcasters Awards from chapters in Maryland, Kentucky, Indiana, South Dakota and Pennsylvania.
She serves on the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), and is also a member of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTNDA) and the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA).
Melinda began her broadcasting career in radio as a writer and reporter. After graduating from Duquesne University, she moved to Sioux Falls and made the switch to television. Since then she has moved around the country, working as a TV reporter, anchor, weather forecaster and sports announcer.
She is originally from Pittburgh, Pennsylvania and remains an avid Steelers, Penguins and Pirates fan. However, she does enjoy catching a game and eating some BBQ at Camden Yards on her days off. Her hobbies also include politics, reading, scrapbooking, photography, watching sports and baking, although her mom is the professional baker in the family!
Melinda strives to live and work by the motto: "Never lose your sense of humor, humility or humanity."
E-mail Melinda : mroeder@foxbaltimore.com
Myranda Stephens: Reporter
Myranda Stephens joined the FOX45 news team in August 2008.
Previously, Myranda worked at WHP-TV in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Virginia and KLEW-TV in Lewiston, Idaho. She even made history at KLEW-TV, becoming the station's first African-American news anchor. Myranda was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio (go Browns!). She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where she earned a B.S. in Telecommunications & Film. She interned at WJBK-TV in Detroit, Michigan, and began her professional career in television as a news trainee at WDTN-TV in Dayton, Ohio. Myranda is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She is most proud of her work as the editor of The Stephens Family Network - a networking web site she created for members of her extensive family.
E-mail Myranda: mstephens@foxbaltimore.com
Patrice Harris: Morning News Anchor
Patrice Harris is one of the anchors for FOX45 Morning News. Patrice joined the morning news team in April of 2003.
Before joining FOX Morning News, Patrice worked as a reporter at WGAL-TV in Pennsylvania and KSWB-TV in California. Prior to heading to California, Patrice received a fellowship to report for WCVB-TV in Boston. Her career in journalism began in 1995 at ABC News in Washington. She worked there as a production coordinator for Nightline.
A native of Mitchellville, Maryland, Patrice graduated from Towson State University and Suitland High School in Prince George's County.
In her free time, Patrice enjoys outdoor activities, reading and photography.
E-mail Patrice: psharris@foxbaltimore.com
Steve Fertig: Meteorologist
Steve Fertig is a meteorologist for FOX45. Steve delivers the forecasts for the FOX45 Morning News. He joined the news team in November 2001.
Steve's route to Baltimore followed a less than common path. Born and raised in Long Island, NY, he later graduated from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Between his junior and senior year, he worked in the production department at WABC in New York and was exposed to various positions for future consideration.
However, Steve considered working for himself instead, as he returned to school. An interest in chiropractic and a passion for sports sparked a career pursuit in a totally new direction. After graduating from Syracuse University, he enrolled at New York Chiropractic College and hoped to ultimately work with first class athletes. Graduation and certification as a Chiropractic Sports Physician followed.
After practicing chiropractic for 11 years and the introduction of "managed care" with regard to insurance coverage, Steve felt that too much time was spent on paperwork, preventing him from spending the time that allowed him to enjoy a rewarding rapport with his patients. "I just feel life is much too short not to enjoy every day to it's fullest." So after selling his practice, back to school he went, this time combining his interest in the sciences and broadcasting at the Broadcast Meteorology Program at Mississippi State University where he graduated in December 1996.
Since then, he has worked for WPBF in West Palm Beach, FL, WAPT in Jackson, MS and WBRE in Wilkes-Barre, PA before joining the FOX45 news team. Steve has earned the Seal of Approval of the American Meteorological Society.
"They say weatherfolks don't control the weather, but given my background, I've probably got the best chance to 'adjust' it!"
Steve enjoys basketball, tennis, working out, comedy, movies and spending time just about anywhere with those closest to him. One of his proudest accomplishments was originating the "Basket Brigade of Delaware" which now supplies 1,500 to 2,000 families annually with Thanksgiving dinners.
E-mail Steve: sfertig@foxbaltimore.com
Vytas Reid: Chief Meteorologist
Vytas Reid is the Chief Meteorologist for the award winning FOX45 News at 5:30, 10, and 11 pm newscast.
Vytas previously was the Chief Meteorologist for Sinclair Broadcast Group's News Central weather operations. Before coming to Maryland he worked for WRTV ABC 6 Indianapolis, WXIN FOX 59 Indianapolis, and WKJG NBC 33 Fort Wayne, IN. He has also had opportunities to do work at WB 17 Philadelphia, PA, and FOX 28 South Bend, IN. Vytas holds a degree in Broadcast Communications from Indiana University and a Certificate in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. Vytas has also been awarded the seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society.
Originally from Grand Rapids, MI Vytas now calls Maryland his home with his wife and two children. He enjoys music of all kinds, cultural events, and traveling. He is an active supporter of the South Baltimore Learning Center, Presenting to schools in the area, youth activities, and and active member of the Baha'i Faith.
E-mail Vytas: vreid@foxbaltimore.com