Marie Waxel

Evening Anchor

Meet Marie Waxel, an Emmy & Murrow award-winning journalist. Catch her on your screen every weekday at 4 & 5 o'clock.

Marie's passion extends beyond anchoring; she dedicates much of her time to spotlighting our region's veterans and military organizations. She shares their stories and covers the latest developments at Redstone Arsenal, shedding light on the profound impact of the defense industry in North Alabama. In 2022, Marie had the privilege of joining a select group on the E-4B media flight, offering viewers a rare inside look at the E-4B Nightwatch, a critical asset for national security. Her in-depth coverage of the 60-year legacy of America's 'Doomsday plane' earned her a prestigious MidSouth Emmy award.

Originally from South Carolina, Marie studied mass communications with a minor in psychology at Newberry College. Her journalism journey began in Greenville, SC (WHNS), followed by a role as the Shoals Bureau Reporter in Huntsville (WAFF). She later anchored the evening news in Shreveport, LA (KSLA) before returning to her roots in Huntsville. Marie rejoined North Alabama in 2019 as WAAY 31's morning anchor and transitioned to the evening slot after welcoming her son in 2021.

During her time in Louisiana, Marie pioneered the KSLA Salutes series, dedicated to honoring veterans, active military communities, and the organizations supporting them. Her dedication to the military earned her a Mid-America Emmy nomination and a Military Reporters & Editors (MRE) Journalism Award in 2019. Marie also received community recognition for her unwavering support for local veterans.

Marie's leadership both on and off the screen contributed to WAAY 31's first Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in journalism, particularly for their coverage of the 2021 in-the-line-of-duty shooting of Sheffield Police Sgt. Nick Risner, a story that deeply impacted the community. This coverage also earned her team a MidSouth Emmy award nomination.

In 2013, she received the Alabama APME Award for Best Hard News Feature, highlighting the heartwarming story of a rural Alabama community coming together to find a missing child with Down Syndrome.

Beyond her career, Marie finds solace in sailing on Lake Guntersville and embarking on new adventures with her husband and son.