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MaryLee Melendez is an anchor for Spectrum News 1.

The Maryland native turned buckeye moved to Ohio in 2018 to launch the station and currently anchors ‘Your Evening’ beginning at 4 p.m. every weekday. She is also the host of ‘Beyond the Sport’ on Spectrum News + and ‘Gametime Ohio’.

Over the past five years, MaryLee helped launch Spectrum News 1’s midday and 4 p.m. newscasts, has covered every state and national election, the COVID-19 pandemic, capitol riot, the Dayton mass shooting, Memorial Day tornadoes, a Super Bowl, national championship and the OHSAA football and basketball state championships where she earned an Emmy Nomination for her sideline reporting.

Previously, she worked as a news and sports anchor at multiple ABC affiliates in Alabama, covering a U.S. Senate special election, governor’s race, and two national championships. 

She grew up playing sports and performing in musicals, and in 4th grade won her county oration contest where her grandfather proclaimed she would be “the first woman President of the United States”. While she didn’t go into politics, she pursued her love for storytelling and performing, studying music and theatre at Catholic University and Florida State University.

Prior to her journalism career, she worked at some of the top regional theaters in the nation and acted in many commercials, TV shows and movies.

You may now catch her performing the national anthem at sporting events throughout Ohio or singing on the weekends at her church in Columbus. She is very active in the community, volunteering with Special Olympics, Miracle League, Ronald McDonald House, Pelotonia, and the Distinguished Young Women of Ohio Program. She has a passion for storytelling and connecting with the community, as well as cheering on Ohio’s sports teams . . . especially the Buckeyes! 

If you have a story idea or news tip, you may contact MaryLee at marylee.melendez@charter.com.