If you’ve made a home in the Treasure Valley, chances are that Maggie O’Mara has been part of your mornings. For over 20 years, she’s brought warmth and meaningful stories to Idaho mornings as the anchor of “Wake Up Idaho” on KTVB, becoming a familiar and trusted part of the community.
O’Mara has a genuine passion for uplifting stories that bring people together. Every Sunday at 10 p.m., she shines a spotlight on someone making a difference in her 7’s HERO segment, which she cherishes.
“When I started my job here as a young anchor, 7’s HERO was part of it. I thought to myself, ‘How will I ever find a hero EVERY week?’ That hasn’t been a problem at all. I meet the most amazing people, and I love profiling each one. They all move me!” O’Mara says that she has the pleasure of building a unique bond with each hero she features. “Some have stayed in touch with me for all these years, and some are good friends today,” she said.
Originally from Southern California, O’Mara attended Gonzaga University in Spokane and double majored in Broadcast Communications and Theater Arts. After graduation, she landed her first job in journalism in Idaho Falls at KIFI Local News 8. In 2000, she was offered a job in a bigger market at KTVB in Boise.
“I thought KTVB was going to be a stepping stone to a bigger news market, but I fell in love with Boise and the Treasure Valley, and I stayed,” O’Mara explained. “I guess it worked out!”
Now in Eagle, O’Mara and her husband are raising five children. When she’s not on-air, you’ll likely find her on the road. “I’m a chauffeur and a sports mom,” she laughed. O’Mara loves to be out enjoying the Idaho outdoors, especially during the summer.
“I love to walk or bike along the river with my kids, go to the pool, try new restaurants, and just take in all the fun that’s happening here in our community,” said O’Mara.
When asked what advice she would give to young people in Idaho considering a career in journalism, O’Mara doesn’t sugarcoat it. “It’s not for everyone. Especially right now in this political climate. The news is a hard grind, day after day. I get the privilege of telling good news stories, and that keeps me hopeful,” she said.
Through every headline and human interest piece, Maggie O’Mara remains true to her calling: connecting people, building community, and reminding us all that there is still so much good happening around us.
