Paula Ebben is one of Boston’s most trusted and decorated news anchors, serving at WBZ-TV CBS Boston for over two decades. From breaking coverage of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings to early morning broadcasts reaching thousands of New England households, her career is a masterclass in broadcast journalism done right.
Who Is Paula Ebben? A Quick Overview
Paula Ebben is a multiple award-winning American journalist and CBS Boston anchor who has been a cornerstone of WBZ-TV since December 2002. In June 2024, she made a high-profile shift to co-anchor WBZ News Mornings alongside Chris Tanaka, a move that brought her back to the morning slot she previously held from 2004 to 2013.
She also anchors WBZ’s streaming platform, CBS News Boston, and reports across all newscasts including the popular “Eye on Education” segment. With a Peabody Award, multiple Emmys, a Columbia DuPont Award, and an Edward R. Murrow Award to her name, Paula Ebben stands among the most recognized journalists in the Boston media landscape.
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Paula Ebben (born Paula Blute) |
| Date of Birth | November 9, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish-Italian-American |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.72 m) |
| Husband | Bill Ebben |
| Children | 4 (2 boys, 2 girls) |
| Education | Boston College, B.A. English (Cum Laude, 1989) |
| Employer | WBZ-TV CBS Boston / CBS News Boston |
| Years Active | 2001 – Present |
| Net Worth | ~$1M – $5M (estimated) |
Paula Ebben Age and Early Life
Born on November 9, 1966, in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Paula Ebben then Paula Blute grew up in one of the most tightly bonded large families in Central Massachusetts. She was the youngest among twelve children, raised by her late father Dr. Bob Blute and her mother Mrs. Anne-Marie Blute, both of whom instilled strong values of community, education, and public service.
Growing up in a family of that size was no ordinary experience. It sharpened her communication instincts, built her resilience, and gave her an early understanding of storytelling all traits that would later define her on-camera presence. In 2005, Boston magazine ranked the Blute family among the 10 most influential families in Boston, a recognition that reflects how deeply rooted the family is in Massachusetts civic life.
Paula Ebben’s zodiac sign is Scorpio, a fitting sign for a journalist known for her depth, tenacity, and investigative passion.
Paula Ebben Education: Boston College and Notre Dame Academy
Paula Ebben attended Notre Dame Academy in Worcester, Massachusetts, completing her high school education there between 1981 and 1985. She then enrolled at Boston College, one of New England’s most prestigious universities, where her academic and personal life would both take defining turns.
She graduated cum laude from Boston College in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English a degree that sharpened the storytelling and writing instincts she carries into every broadcast. It was also at Boston College that she met her future husband, Bill Ebben, a relationship that began in the campus corridors and has lasted decades since.
Paula’s connection to Boston College didn’t end at graduation:
- She serves on the Boston College Alumni Board of Directors
- She volunteers in the Women’s Alumni Mentoring Program
- She was featured by BC among six alumni Eagles reporting live from Boston
Her commitment to her alma mater is a reflection of the same community ethic she brings to every story she covers on air.
Paula Ebben Career at WBZ-TV: Two Decades of Broadcast Excellence
Early Career at New England Cable News
Before Paula Ebben became a household name in Boston television, she honed her skills on the ground. Her media career started in November 2001 when she joined WGMC-TV Charter Communications in Worcester as a reporter and anchor.
She then moved to New England Cable News (NECN) from July to December 2002, gaining valuable experience in regional broadcast journalism.
These formative years gave Paula the editorial discipline and on-air confidence that would make her transition to WBZ-TV seamless and long-lasting.
She learned to handle breaking news, community stories, and political coverage, a range that continues to define her at CBS Boston anchor level today.
Joining WBZ-TV in December 2002
Paula Ebben officially joined WBZ-TV CBS Boston in December 2002 and has not looked back since. Over more than two decades, she has reported across all newscasts, co-anchored the flagship 5:30 PM broadcast alongside Liam Martin, and become the face of the station’s beloved “Eye on Education” series, a recurring segment exploring the issues shaping New England schools.
In June 2024, WBZ-TV announced a significant role change: Paula transitioned to WBZ News Mornings, co-anchoring alongside Chris Tanaka.
The revamped morning show brought new segments including “Talk of the Table” (inspired by CBS Mornings) and “Question Everything.” Station president and general manager Justin Draper praised the move, calling Paula a lifelong New Englander who “knows the region, the people and the local issues our communities face.”
This was actually a return to familiar territory Paula had previously anchored WBZ’s morning news from 2004 to 2013, making her one of the most versatile and enduring figures in the Boston broadcast journalism world.
Boston Marathon Bombing Coverage: The Peabody Award
April 2013 tested every Boston journalist, and Paula Ebben rose to meet it. Her WBZ-TV team’s extensive coverage of the Boston Marathon Bombings earned the station the most prestigious honor in electronic media, the 2013 Peabody Award.
The coverage was recognized for its public service, accuracy, and the human sensitivity with which the team handled one of Boston’s most devastating moments.
This award remains the crowning achievement of Paula Ebben’s broadcast journalism career and placed her among an elite class of journalists whose work genuinely served the public during a crisis.
Additional Awards and Recognitions
Paula Ebben’s award cabinet is among the most decorated in New England broadcast journalism. Her recognitions include:
| Award | Year |
| Peabody Award – Boston Marathon Bombing Coverage | 2013 |
| Columbia DuPont Award | 2014 |
| Regional RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award Best Feature Reporting | 2005 |
| New England Emmy Award Reporter, Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions | Various |
| Multiple New England Emmy Nominations Anchor, Writing, Education Series | Various |
Beyond awards, her career highlights include:
- Reporting for all CBS stations from the 2011 Royal Wedding in London
- Covering the Democratic National Convention (2004) and Republican National Conventions (2004, 2016)
- Conducting an interview with First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House
- Covering multiple New Hampshire Primaries and the Pope Francis U.S. visit
- Participating in CBS’s “Never Too Late” series, which included a memorable behind-the-scenes segment at Fenway Park
Paula Ebben Husband: Bill Ebben
Paula Ebben is married to Bill Ebben, whom she met during their shared years at Boston College. Their story is a classic campus romance that grew into a decades-long partnership. The two married shortly after graduating in 1989 and have built a life rooted in Boston both professionally and personally.
Bill Ebben is the founder and CEO of the Ebben Group, a respected integrated advertising agency based in Greater Boston. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Boston College and a Master’s in Business Administration from Northeastern University, a pairing that reflects the intellectual ambition both he and Paula share.
Together, Paula and Bill are parents to four children, two boys and two girls. They reside in the Greater Boston area, where their family life remains grounded despite the demands of two high-profile careers.
Paula has noted managing four children in six years while maintaining a demanding broadcast schedule, a testament to her discipline and the strength of her partnership with Bill.
Paula Ebben Height and Physical Appearance
Paula Ebben stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall (approximately 1.72 meters), with a confident, polished on-screen presence that has made her one of WBZ-TV’s most recognizable faces. She has blonde hair and blue-green eyes, and maintains a professional appearance that reflects her dedication to her craft.
Her demanding schedule which includes arriving at the station as early as 3:30 AM for morning broadcast preparation requires genuine physical discipline. While Paula has not publicly detailed a specific fitness regimen, she has used her journalism platform to report extensively on wellness topics, including weight loss systems, alternative health treatments, and community health initiatives across Massachusetts.
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Paula Ebben Salary and Net Worth in 2026
Paula Ebben’s long tenure at one of the top CBS affiliates in the country has translated into strong financial standing. While precise figures are not publicly disclosed, industry estimates and available data suggest the following:
| Financial Detail | Estimated Range |
| Annual Salary | $76,564 – $110,500 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |
These figures reflect her seniority at WBZ-TV, her expanded role as morning co-anchor, her multi-platform presence on CBS News Boston, and over two decades of consistent employment in a major media market.
Her net worth is further supported by her advisory and volunteer roles, which add to both her professional profile and her influence in the Greater Boston area.
Paula Ebben Community Involvement and Volunteer Work
For Paula Ebben, journalism and community service are two sides of the same coin. Beyond her on-air responsibilities, she is deeply embedded in Greater Boston’s civic and charitable ecosystem. Her volunteer commitments include:
- Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Boston’s leading agency for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth (former Board of Directors member)
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation: ongoing supporter
- Boston College Women’s Alumni Mentoring Program: active volunteer
- Boston College Alumni Board of Directors: serving member
- Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart: supporter
- The Roxbury Latin School: community supporter
These commitments are not performative; they reflect a genuine, sustained dedication to public service that has been woven into Paula Ebben’s life since childhood. Her community reporting at WBZ-TV, particularly through the “Eye on Education” series, extends this commitment to the airwaves, giving voice to schools and communities that might otherwise go unheard.
Paula Ebben Family Background: A Legacy of Public Service
Paula Ebben’s family story is inseparable from Massachusetts civic history. Born Paula Blute, she carries a surname with deep roots in New England public life.
- Her grandfather, Paul H. Hines, served as a Massachusetts state representative and aide to Mayor John Hynes
- Her uncle, Peter F. Hines, served on the Boston City Council from 1958 to 1968 and ran for Mayor in 1967
- Her brother, Peter I. Blute, was named deputy chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party in December 2011
- Her late parents, Dr. Bob Blute and Anne-Marie Blute, were proud grandparents to 25 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren
This legacy of public engagement spanning politics, education, and media gives Paula Ebben’s journalism career an added layer of depth. She didn’t just happen into public service journalism; she was raised in it.
Key Takeaways
- Paula Ebben is a multiple award-winning CBS Boston anchor with over 22 years at WBZ-TV
- She transitioned to WBZ News Mornings in June 2024, co-anchoring with Chris Tanaka
- Her WBZ team won the 2013 Peabody Award for Boston Marathon Bombing coverage
- She is a Boston College alumna (cum laude, 1989) who met husband Bill Ebben on campus
- She and Bill are parents to four children and reside in Greater Boston
- Her Instagram handle is @paulaebbenwbz with ~9,577 followers; Twitter/X @PaulaEbben with 21,000+ followers
- Her estimated net worth ranges from $1M to $5M, built over two decades of major market broadcasting
- She is actively involved in Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and Boston College alumni programs
Paula Ebben’s Role in Modern Journalism and Media Trends
Paula Ebben represents a generation of broadcast journalists who successfully bridged the gap between traditional television news and modern multi-platform media. At WBZ-TV, she doesn’t just anchor a single broadcast she contributes to the station’s streaming arm CBS News Boston, reports across all newscasts, and maintains a strong digital presence that extends her reach well beyond the television screen.
Her move to morning news in 2024 also reflects a broader industry trend: experienced evening anchors bringing credibility and depth to the competitive morning daypart. In an era where trust in media is under constant scrutiny, Paula Ebben’s two-decade track record and community-first reporting style make her a rare asset in the Boston media landscape.
Her work on the “Eye on Education” series is particularly noteworthy as a model for local journalism done well, consistent, community-rooted, and genuinely informative for Massachusetts families navigating the education system
Notable Interviews and Special Coverage by Paula Ebben
Paula Ebben’s career is distinguished not just by the awards she has earned, but by the breadth and significance of the stories she has covered. Her most notable coverage and interviews include:
- 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings: Led WBZ-TV’s Peabody Award-winning team coverage of one of Boston’s darkest moments
- First Lady Michelle Obama: Conducted a one-on-one interview at the White House, a rare honor for a local anchor
- 2011 Royal Wedding, London: Selected to report for all CBS stations from London, representing the entire network
- Pope Francis U.S. Visit: Covered the three-city tour of Pope Francis across the United States
- Democratic National Convention (2004) and Republican National Conventions (2004 & 2016): Provided on-the-ground political coverage from both national events
- Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions: Her reporting on this disaster earned her a New England Emmy Award
- CBS “Never Too Late” Series: Participated in a behind-the-scenes segment at Fenway Park as a ball attendant, bringing a warm, human-interest dimension to her broadcast career
- Multiple New Hampshire Primaries: A consistent political voice during the nation’s first primary state coverage
Paula Ebben Social Media Presence and Public Influence
Paula Ebben understands that modern journalism lives beyond the television screen, and her social media presence reflects that. She is active across multiple platforms, engaging directly with Boston viewers in ways that strengthen her community connection and broadcast reach.
Her current social media footprint:
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
| @paulaebbenwbz | ~9,577 | |
| X (Twitter) | @PaulaEbben | ~21,000+ |
| TikTok | @paulaebben | ~1,224 |
On Instagram, Paula shares behind-the-scenes moments from WBZ-TV, community events, and her involvement in charitable initiatives. On X, her feed features breaking news, political commentary, and education-focused stories, a direct extension of her on-air journalism. Her TikTok presence, while smaller, signals her willingness to connect with younger audiences on emerging platforms.
For a veteran journalist, Paula Ebben’s social media engagement is authentic and purposeful; she uses platforms not for self-promotion but to deepen the public trust she has built over twenty-plus years of credible broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paula Ebben
Who is Paula Ebben?
Paula Ebben is a multiple award-winning American news anchor at WBZ-TV CBS Boston, where she has worked since December 2002, currently co-anchoring WBZ News Mornings with Chris Tanaka.
How old is Paula Ebben?
Paula Ebben was born on November 9, 1966, making her 59 years old as of 2026.
Who is Paula Ebben’s husband?
Paula Ebben’s husband is Bill Ebben, founder and CEO of the Ebben Group advertising agency in Boston; they met at Boston College and married after graduation.
How many children does Paula Ebben have?
Paula and Bill Ebben have four children, two boys and two girls and the family lives in the Greater Boston area.
What is Paula Ebben net worth?
Paula Ebben’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated over her two-decade career in Boston broadcast journalism.
What awards has Paula Ebben won?
She has won the 2013 Peabody Award, the 2014 Columbia DuPont Award, the 2005 RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award for best feature reporting, and multiple New England Emmy Awards including a win for her Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions report.
What is Paula Ebben salary at WBZ-TV?
Paula Ebben earns an estimated annual salary between $76,564 and $110,500 as a senior morning co-anchor at WBZ-TV CBS Boston.
Where did Paula Ebben go to college?
Paula Ebben attended Boston College, graduating cum laude in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
What is Paula Ebben’s height?
Paula Ebben stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall, approximately 1.72 meters.
What is Paula Ebben famous for covering?
She is best known for her 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing coverage, which earned her team a Peabody Award, as well as her long-running “Eye on Education” segment on WBZ-TV.
Is Paula Ebben still at WBZ-TV?
As of 2026, Paula Ebben continues to co-anchor WBZ News Mornings alongside Chris Tanaka and anchors for CBS News Boston across multiple platforms.
What is Paula Ebben’s Instagram?
Paula Ebben is active on Instagram as @paulaebbenwbz with approximately 9,577 followers, where she shares news updates, behind-the-scenes content, and community initiatives.
Conclusion
Paula Ebben’s story is one of steady, earned excellence. From her roots in a large, civically engaged Shrewsbury family to her seat at the anchor desk of one of New England’s most watched morning newscasts, she has never stopped building as a journalist, a community member, and a public figure.
Her 2024 transition to WBZ News Mornings is not a career wind-down, it’s a new chapter. With fresh segments, a revitalized format, and co-anchor Chris Tanaka by her side, Paula Ebben continues to evolve while remaining the same trusted voice Boston has relied on for over two decades.
Whether you’re following her for breaking news, education coverage, community stories, or just the warmth she brings to every broadcast, Paula Ebben remains the gold standard of Boston television journalism in 2026.
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