HARTFORD April 7, 2008 –The most watched late news in Connecticut, Fox 61 News at Ten, has named Laurie Perez Weekend Anchor effective immediately. Laurie, a native of South Windsor, has been a key member of the Fox 61 News at Ten since she joined the team in 2000.

“I’m excited to have a new opportunity to cover the stories that involve and affect the communities I’ve known and loved my whole life,” said Laurie.

Laurie has been the lead reporter on the biggest stories in the state including the Petit Cheshire Home Invasion, the stunning discovery of a missing girl in a hidden closet of a West Hartford home, and the tragic hit and run of UCONN Freshman Carlee Wines. Truly a team player, she also reported for the Fox 61 Morning Show for the first two weeks of its launch, helping to ensure a smooth start.

Richard Graziano, Vice President and General Manager of Fox 61 WTIC-TV said, “Laurie has proven herself as a reporter, covering some of the biggest stories affecting Connecticut in recent years. I know she will bring that same high level of dedication and professionalism to the anchor desk.”

Laurie has been the recipient of many awards throughout her career, including a dozen Associated Press awards, several industry awards and has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards including her nomination in 2007 for her exclusive story about the growing trend of urban teens collecting Rest in Peace t-shirts, “cotton memorials” to loved ones lost to street crime.

Prior to coming to Fox 61, Laurie was a reporter at WSPA-TV, the CBS affiliate in Greenville, South Caroline. She started her career reporting at the CBS affiliate KEPR-TV in Kennewick, Washington. Laurie is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Chicago, earned her undergraduate degree at Tufts University and is a graduate of the Loomis Chaffee School.

In addition to being a continual market ratings leader, in 2007 Fox 61 News at Ten was honored with five Emmy Awards, more than all the other Connecticut news organizations combined and was also the recipient of two prestigious awards from the Associated Press.  The same team that has made Fox 61 News at Ten number produces the Fox 61 Morning Show, which launched to high viewer praise on March 3rd 6-8am.