Veteran television journalist Mary Bubala serves as an evening news anchor and reporter for WBFF-TV Fox 45 in Baltimore, Maryland. Her transition to Fox 45 followed a high-profile departure from WJZ-TV in 2019, marking a major chapter in local media. Today, she continues to cover local stories and anchor broadcasts for Baltimore audiences, maintaining a prominent presence in the regional news market.
Understanding her trajectory requires examining her long tenure at CBS affiliate WJZ, the controversial on-air exchange that led to her termination, and her swift return to local airwaves with Fox 45. Viewers often track her career to see how regional news personalities navigate public controversies and station shifts.
Early Career and Rise in Baltimore Broadcasting
Before building her core legacy in Maryland, Mary Bubala graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Ithaca College in 1991. She worked in other media markets, including New York and Rochester, where she earned recognition for reporting on international medical conditions and community health initiatives.
She arrived in the Baltimore television market in the late 1990s, initially working as a reporter and anchor for WMAR-TV. In December 2003, she moved to WJZ-TV, where she spent more than 15 years anchoring prominent evening newscasts, including the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. slots. During her time at WJZ, she earned regional recognition, including an Emmy award for outstanding anchoring, and established herself as a trusted household name across Maryland. As discussed in detailed articles by Reuters, the results are significant.
The 2019 Departure From WJZ-TV
The trajectory of Bubala's career shifted abruptly in the spring of 2019. Following the resignation of Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, Bubala hosted an on-air discussion with a local university professor. During the segment, she questioned the city's political leadership trajectory, noting that the city had experienced three consecutive African American female mayors who were passionate public servants, though two had resigned.
The phrasing of the question drew immediate public criticism and internal review from station management. WJZ-TV's general manager announced that Bubala was no longer with the station, issuing a public apology to viewers regarding the remarks. Bubala subsequently issued public apologies on social media platforms, expressing regret over the language used and noting that she was not permitted to address the situation directly on air. The firing sparked widespread debate across local media circles regarding journalistic framing, free speech, and the pressures facing local news anchors.
Joining Fox 45 News in Baltimore
After several months away from television screens, Bubala returned to the Baltimore media landscape in September 2019. WBFF-TV Fox 45 announced her hiring as a special projects reporter and news anchor. Station leadership noted her extensive multi-decade experience covering issues vital to the local community.
Her return to local broadcasting drew polarized reactions from the public. Supporters who felt her punishment at WJZ was disproportionate celebrated her comeback, while critics maintained scrutiny over the 2019 incident. Settling into her role at Fox 45, she expanded her portfolio by anchoring additional evening news blocks and managing investigative special projects.
Current Professional Standing and Community Work
Today, Bubala remains an active fixture in Baltimore journalism. Working alongside other veteran anchors at Fox 45, she covers local governance, public safety, and community human-interest stories. Her longevity in a single media market spans over 25 years, giving her a deep historical perspective on Maryland's urban and suburban developments.
Outside of the newsroom, she lives in Baltimore City with her family. She is actively involved in local animal rescue efforts, frequently supporting organizations like the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) and the SPCA, inspired in part by adopting her rescue dog, Copper, through television station adoption segments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mary Bubala's current job?
She works as an evening news anchor and reporter for WBFF-TV Fox 45 in Baltimore. She joined the network in September 2019 after spending over 15 years at WJZ-TV.
Why did Mary Bubala leave WJZ-TV?
WJZ terminated her employment in May 2019 following a controversial on-air question regarding Baltimore's political leadership and mayoral resignations. Station management apologized for the remarks, and Bubala also issued public apologies for her phrasing.
How long has Mary Bubala been a journalist?
She graduated with a broadcast journalism degree from Ithaca College in 1991 and has worked in television news for over three decades, spending the vast majority of her career in the Baltimore media market.
Has Mary Bubala won any journalism awards?
Yes. During her career in local news, she has been nominated for multiple regional Emmy awards and won an Emmy for outstanding anchor work in Maryland.
