7 Shocking Shifts And New Faces Dominating Maryland TV News In Late 2025

The landscape of Maryland TV news is undergoing a significant and dynamic transformation in late 2025, driven by strategic programming shifts, high-profile personnel changes, and a renewed focus on in-depth investigative journalism. This period marks a pivotal moment for local broadcast journalism in the state, particularly across the major Baltimore television markets, as stations aggressively compete for viewer attention with new formats and fresh faces. The race for ratings is heating up, with stations like WBAL-TV, WJZ-TV, and WBFF FOX45 making bold moves to redefine their evening lineups and reporting priorities.

From the retirement of legendary reporters to the introduction of new evening newscasts, the changes reflect a broader trend in the industry to adapt to evolving viewer habits and the demand for more localized, impactful content. Keeping track of who's in, who's out, and which station is making the biggest investment is essential for any devoted viewer of Baltimore news anchors and Maryland local news.

The New Guard: Key Anchor and Reporter Biographies Dominating Maryland Airwaves in 2025

The movement of on-air talent is the most visible sign of change in the Maryland television market. Several prominent reporters and anchors have recently made headlines, either by moving to new stations, taking on new roles, or announcing their departure from the industry entirely. These individuals are shaping the current narrative of Baltimore broadcast news.

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• Jayne Miller (WBAL-TV): A true institution in Baltimore investigative journalism, Miller’s decision to step away from the television news business has been widely noted as a significant loss for WBAL-TV 11 News. Her long tenure and commitment to in-depth reporting set a high standard for her peers.
• Mary Bubala (WBFF FOX45): After a controversial departure from WJZ-TV, Bubala has returned to the Baltimore television scene as a reporter for WBFF FOX45. This move is one of the most talked-about personnel shifts in recent memory, highlighting the intense competition and second chances within the market.
• Ava Marie (WBAL-TV): A familiar face on WBAL, Ava Marie has transitioned to an evening role, a move that coincides with the station’s launch of a new 7 PM newscast. Her shift to a prime evening slot is part of WBAL's strategic effort to expand its local news footprint.
• Nicky Zizaza (WJZ-TV): Zizaza is one of the key faces of WJZ-TV, anchoring the 5 pm and 7 pm newscasts. Her role is central to CBS Baltimore’s evening programming strategy.
• Alexus Davila (WJZ-TV): Serving as a multi-skilled journalist, reporter, and fill-in anchor, Davila has been highlighted for having her own new segment on WJZ at 9 am. Her rising profile represents the new generation of talent at the station.
• Denise Koch (WJZ-TV): A long-standing WJZ anchor, Koch is set to be inducted into the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle. This recognition underscores her lasting impact on Maryland news reporting.
• Jason Newton (WBAL-TV): Newton is a key anchor for WBAL-TV’s expanded local news lineup, including the new 7 PM newscast.

The Battle for Primetime: Strategic Programming and Station Expansions

The competition for viewers in the Baltimore news market has led to significant strategic investments and programming changes by the major network affiliates. These moves are not just about filling time; they are calculated efforts to capture new audiences and gain an edge in the crucial evening ratings.

WBAL-TV Launches New 7 PM Newscast

In a direct challenge to the traditional evening schedule, WBAL-TV 11, the NBC affiliate, has expanded its local news offerings with a new half-hour newscast at 7 PM. This expansion aims to capture viewers immediately following the national news block and before the 8 PM primetime schedule begins. Anchored by Jason Newton and featuring the relocated Ava Marie, this new program is a clear signal of WBAL's commitment to dominating the early evening news cycle and is a major trend in local broadcast journalism trends Maryland.

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WBFF FOX45’s Investigative Reporting Surge

WBFF FOX45, owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group, is making a substantial investment in investigative journalism. The station announced an expansion of its investigative reporting unit, a collaboration that includes The Baltimore Sun and WJLA. This partnership is expected to bring up to 20 additional investigative reporters to its platforms, significantly boosting coverage of critical local issues. This strategy, branded as "Spotlight on Maryland," is a direct response to the public's desire for an "honest presentation of the news" and deeper scrutiny of state and city affairs, a key factor in the Maryland news ratings war.

WJZ-TV Focuses on Local Identity

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WJZ-TV, the CBS Baltimore affiliate, continues to leverage its strong local identity and veteran talent. The induction of Denise Koch into the Silver Circle highlights the station’s deep roots in the community. Furthermore, the station is promoting its rising stars, such as Alexus Davila, who is carving out a niche with her unique morning segments. WJZ's strategy appears to be a blend of honoring its legacy while fostering new talent to maintain its standing in the competitive Baltimore TV news scene.

Beyond Baltimore: Key Issues Driving Maryland News Coverage in Late 2025

While the internal dynamics of the television stations are fascinating, the actual news stories they cover are what truly define the current Maryland media landscape. Several high-impact, politically charged, and socially relevant issues have dominated headlines across all major Maryland TV channels in late 2025.

The Juvenile Justice System Crisis

One of the most intense and ongoing stories has been the crisis within Maryland's juvenile justice circles. Scathing audits have detailed allegations of contraband drugs, severe staffing shortages, and other systemic problems within juvenile detention facilities, leading to the firing of three top officials. This controversy has been a major focus for investigative reporters across the state, demanding accountability from state leadership.

The Baltimore Crime and Police Surge Debate

Violent crime in Baltimore City remains a persistent and divisive topic. Governor Wes Moore’s administration has announced plans for a surge of Maryland State Police into the city to combat the violence. This decision, often reported with varying degrees of emphasis by stations like FOX 45 and WJZ, continues to fuel public debate over the best methods for reducing crime and improving public safety in the state's largest metropolitan area.

New Legislative Impacts and Fiscal Policy

Local news stations have dedicated extensive coverage to new laws taking effect, including changes to the caps on financial payouts for abuse lawsuits. Furthermore, Governor Moore's commitment to state leaders regarding "no new tax" has been a major headline, particularly for stations like WBOC-TV covering the Eastern Shore, as lawmakers and citizens react to the fiscal policy implications for the state's budget and future projects.

The current environment of Maryland TV news is defined by a fierce competition for in-depth, original reporting, a significant turnover in high-profile personnel, and a strategic push to capture new viewing segments. As 2025 draws to a close, viewers can expect these major stations to continue their aggressive strategies, making the local news a more dynamic and essential part of the daily conversation.