When Dawn Stensland started following Delaware County Magazine on Twitter, we knew we wanted to touch base with the former Fox Anchor. We had heard rumors that Dawn was going to run for politics since her contract with Fox was not renewed in October of 2009. The news first broke of the split with Fox from Dawn herself, on her Twitter page. She twittered to her fans “Fox is not renewing my contract. I wanted you to hear that directly from me. Thank you for all yoru love andsupport over the years.”

The split from Fox came after a tormenting year for Dawn. Remember, her husband Larry Mendte was fired from CBS 3 after the scandelous affair he had with co-anchor Alycia Lane that resulted in both being terminated. Mendte pleaded guilty to hacking into Lane’s email account and was ultimately sentenced to six months of house arrest and three years of probation.

Delaware County Magazine: What advice could you give others who are out of work during this recession now that you find yourself in the same position as so many?

Dawn Stensland: I look at this as a new start in my life and so should others. There are so many opportunities out there, you just need to stay strong and take life in as it comes.

Delaware County Magazine: Wow, you have a positive attitude. I can see that you see it as the glass is half full, rather than half empty.

Dawn Stensland: I am positive. In times like these, it gives us the opportunity to reevaluate ourselves, our interests, and what we are good at.

Delaware County Magazine: I believe that every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. Positivity is key. What have you been up to since your contract was not renewed?

Dawn Stensland: I have actually been having a great time! I am spending time with my husband and children and enjoying our time together. Losing a job is hard on anyone. It’s keeping with a positive attitude that will get us through it. But, it really has been a great time for me. I love to be with my children and now I have the time to. Larry is working and spending as much time with us as he can. We are really doing great.

Delaware County Magazine: Is it true that you are considering getting in to politics?

Dawn Stensland: (Laughing). That was a rumor started by a website. I never said I was going to run, and I am not saying someday I won’t. I am just taking life in and looking into the opportunites that are out there. Someone suggested that Larry and I do a radio show. Someone else said I should go on with Danny Bonaduce. There are so many opportunities out there. I am just trying to take it all in. I have been overwhelmed by the support of my fans...they are amazing people.

Delaware County Magazine: What made you become a news anchor-did you want to connect with people?

Dawn Stensland: I went to college for broadcasting. I always wanted to be in broadcasting. Today, I am part of The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia...I have been in the business now over 17 years.

Delaware County Magazine: Tell us about life before “Fox Ten O’Clock News”.

Dawn Stensland: Hmm...where to begin. Before Fox, I was a co-host of the national show, “CBS News Saturday Morning” . It was an amazing opportunity. I interviewed generals to presidential candidates. I also interviewed celebrities-including Kermit the Frog!

Delaware County Magazine: How fun!

Dawn Stensland: Yes, it was! It was also very serious at times too. I did live coverage on CBS News with Dan Rather for several hours the morning that John F. Kennedy Jr.’s plane tragically crashed. I joined Fox in Dec ember of 2001. Before that I co-anchored the 5 o’clock news hour at KYW-TV Channel 3. I also did the “Eyewitness News at Eleven”.

Delaware County Magazine: I remember watching you cover the deadly Pier 34 collapse.

Dawn Stensland: Yes, I did. With it being local, we raced out to the scene to cover the story for our viewers. It was definitely a tragedy.

Delaware County Magazine: Is there any other stories that were local that you covered that will always leave a lasting memory?

Dawn Stensland: All of the events leave their mark on you. As an anchor, I just try to keep focused in getting the story to the viewers. I know people count on us. We are as surprised as you are by some of the happenings that unfold around us, but we must stay focused on the task at hand.

Delaware County Magazine: I saw you at the King of Prussia Mall around Christmas this past year. You were volunteering. Can you tell me about the volunteer work that you do?

Dawn Stensland: I truly believe in volunteering and helping various organizations and giving back. It’s the least I can do. I volunteer for the Salvation Army, the March of Dimes, and the Girl Scouts.

Delaware County Magazine: Is there any charities that are particularly close to your heart?

Dawn Stensland: Yes. My mom and my grandmother are both breast cancer survivors. The American Cancer Society is close to my heart. As is the “Race for the Cure”. I am dedicated to charities that support breast cancer research.

Delaware County Magazine: Are you an animal lover?

Dawn Stensland: I am. I have been involved in fundraisers that help abandoned and abused animals. I have two dogs myself.

Delaware County Magazine: Do you still live in Chestnut Hill?

Dawn Stensland: I do, but I am in Delaware County all the time. I was married in Delaware County in 2000...wow...it’s been 10 years! Half of my family lives there. I love Delaware County!