Kate Merrill, a familiar face on Boston’s WBZ-TV morning news for over two decades, reentered headlines in August 2025—not for a broadcast but for legal action.
In a federal lawsuit filed this week, she alleges that WBZ and its parent companies forced her out to advance a DEI agenda, citing discrimination against her because she is white and the dismissal of her complaint regarding a colleague’s inappropriate behavior. This development has put her squarely back in public attention after her abrupt departure from the station in mid‑2024.
One viral moment, including a Zoom prank that caught her off guard, further shaped public perception. Learn more about The Viral Zoom Prank That Changed Kate Merrill’s Public Image.”
Uncovering Their Roots: Family, Culture & Early Influences
Born on December 11, 1973, in Carlisle, Massachusetts, Kate Merrill embraced her New England roots from the start. As of 2025, she is 51 years old and her zodiac sign is Sagittarius. She holds American nationality. While she has kept her religious beliefs private, public records and interviews do not indicate her religious affiliation. Similarly, her ethnicity is generally described as White/Caucasian, consistent with her family background.
She grew up with a younger sister, Susie Abromeit, who became a world-class tennis player by age 16 and later pursued acting, including a role on the series Jessica Jones. Kate stands about 5'7" (1.7 m) tall and is known for her hazel eyes and blonde hair.
She attended Concord-Carlisle High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Law from Lafayette College, which grounded her reporting in a keen understanding of civic and legal frameworks.
From the sparse details available, there’s a suggestion of a journalistically inclined family lineage—but only that her upbringing in Massachusetts and formal education shaped her early ambition; personal cultural or religious background remains private and unverified.
Kate Merrill’s Personal Life: Husband, Kids, and Family
Outside the newsroom, Kate Merrill’s life has long revolved around the kind of quiet stability not often associated with television fame. She is married to Michael "Mike" Dunham on 27 May 2000. Her husband is a former NHL goaltender who played professionally for 11 seasons, suiting up for teams like the New Jersey Devils, Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, and New York Islanders. Born on June 1, 1972, Dunham was known for his strong presence between the pipes, ultimately earning Olympic silver as part of Team USA in the 2002 Winter Games.
The two reportedly met in the early 2000s and married shortly after, although Merrill has never publicly disclosed the exact timeline of their relationship. They’ve since built a private but close-knit family life in the Boston area, raising two daughters together: Addison and Kayden. While their children's exact ages remain private, Kate occasionally offers glimpses into their family dynamic on Instagram.
On National Daughters Day in September 2023, she shared a heartfelt post honoring her girls, accompanied by candid photos that radiated warmth and affection. A few months later, she posted a festive Christmas Eve photo on December 24, 2023, capturing a moment of holiday joy at home.
Since retiring from hockey, Mike Dunham has remained active in the sport. As of 2025, he works as the goaltender development coach for the Boston Bruins, continuing to shape the next generation of NHL talent.
Despite Merrill’s high-profile career, the couple has maintained a remarkably private marriage. Her social media presence is careful—offering just enough to remind followers of her grounded family values, while protecting the personal boundaries so many public figures struggle to preserve. There are no known controversies, no tabloid rumors, and no high-profile separations. In an industry known for its instability, the enduring nature of Kate and Mike’s partnership feels like a rarity.
In 2025, as Kate navigates the public eye in the wake of her departure from WBZ, her family remains a strong emotional anchor. Whether she’s supporting her daughters’ school events or enjoying a quiet night in with her husband, it’s clear that life beyond the lens is where her heart truly lives.
For a more detailed look at Kate Merrill’s daily routine and how she balances life after WBZ, read our full feature on A Day in the Life of Kate Merrill.”
A Timeline of Kate Merrill’s Career from Intern to Emmy Winner
Kate Merrill’s journalism journey wasn’t a sprint — it was a steady climb built on grit, credibility, and years of earned trust in front of the camera. Her career began after graduating from Lafayette College with a degree in government and law. Though she never formally studied journalism, her instinct for storytelling and public trust set her apart from the start.
She cut her teeth at WNEM-TV in Saginaw, Michigan, where she reported for several years before landing a role at WKRN-TV in Nashville. There, Merrill gained early recognition for her commitment to field reporting during major weather events — experiences that would later define her composure during crisis coverage in Boston.
In 2004, she joined WBZ-TV, the CBS-owned station in Boston, where she would go on to anchor morning and midday newscasts for more than two decades. It was during this period that Merrill became a familiar and comforting face to New Englanders, especially during high-stakes moments like the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing, blizzards that paralyzed the region, and national election coverage that shaped public conversation.
Her reporting wasn’t just consistent — it was award-winning. Over the years, Kate Merrill earned multiple Emmy Awards for her coverage of breaking news and live reporting. Her thoughtful delivery, calm presence, and professional empathy built a viewer base that followed her for years.
However, behind the scenes, the atmosphere at WBZ reportedly began to change. In June 2024, Merrill quietly exited the station. Then in May 2025, she made headlines again — not as an anchor, but as a plaintiff. Merrill filed a lawsuit against CBS and WBZ, alleging age and gender discrimination, a hostile work environment, and retaliation after she reported inappropriate behavior. According to legal filings, she claimed younger, male colleagues were given preferential treatment and that her complaints about workplace misconduct were ignored — ultimately leading to her departure.
While she has not publicly spoken in depth about the lawsuit, her legal filing paints a stark contrast to the calm professionalism viewers saw on-air. As of August 2025, the case is ongoing, and Kate has yet to announce any new television projects. Still, her career legacy — two decades of trusted local news reporting, multiple awards, and a loyal viewer following — remains untouched.
How Much Is Kate Merrill Worth in 2025?
Public records and credible media outlets do not provide fresh or verified financial details about Kate Merrill. While some online profiles estimate her net worth in the range of $1–5 million, these figures are speculative and unsubstantiated by reliable sources, so they are respectfully omitted here.
However, based on general data, WBZ anchors typically earn an average salary of approximately $73,343 per year, with net worth estimates ranging from $715,000 to several million, depending on career length and other income sources.
Fast Facts You Didn’t Know About Kate Merrill
Kate Merrill:
- Served WBZ‑TV for over 20 years, becoming a morning mainstay.
- Won an Emmy for her tornado coverage in Nashville in 1999.
- Transitioned from intern to Boston anchor with a legal education background.
- Is married to former NHL goalie Mike Dunham, with whom she shares two daughters.
- Has a younger sister, Susie Abromeit, known for her tennis and acting careers.
- Is approximately 5'7" tall with hazel eyes and blonde hair.
- Is now at the center of a $4 million discrimination lawsuit against her former network.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kate Merrill
Who is Kate Merrill?
Kate Merrill is an Emmy Award-winning journalist best known for her 20+ year career at WBZ-TV in Boston. In 2025, she became the center of national attention after filing a lawsuit against her former employer, CBS and WBZ, citing discrimination and retaliation. She is also known for her coverage of major events such as the Boston Marathon bombing.
Does Kate Merrill have a Wikipedia page?
As of August 2025, Kate Merrill does not have an official Wikipedia page. However, her biography, career timeline, and legal news have been widely reported by reputable news sources. Many readers search for a "Kate Merrill Wikipedia" page, but trusted biographical articles like this serve as reliable, fact-checked alternatives.
Why did Kate Merrill leave WBZ?
WBZ stated that she “decided to move on” in June 2024; no specific reason was provided at the time.
What is her current status in 2025?
As of August 2025, Kate Merrill is not working at WBZ. Her recent activity is centered on her lawsuit, alleging racial and gender discrimination.
Who is her husband and what does he do now?
She is married to Mike Dunham, a former NHL goaltender and current goalie development coach for the Boston Bruins.
What awards has she won?
She earned an Emmy award in 1999 for tornado coverage at WKRN-TV in Nashville, along with two additional investigative reporting awards that same year.
Who is Kate Merrill’s sister?
Her younger sister, Susie Abromeit, was a talented tennis player and later pursued an acting career, including a role on Jessica Jones.