Reporter Steve Filmer has been covering news and consumer issues in Arizona since 1993. Steve is the former Consumer Editor for ABC News "Good Morning America."

Many valley viewers connect Steve with his Emmy Award winning segments about the effectiveness of pepper sprays and other non-lethal weapons that are marketed to consumers and law enforcement. Steve told these stories first-hand, enduring the effects of each weapon with cameras rolling. Steve has also gone so far as to drag popular picnic coolers into the blazing heat of Death Valley, just to see which brand will really keep food cold longest.

Steve especially enjoys reporting stories that involve the unique challenges of Arizona’s weather, terrain, characters, and creatures.

Steve began his career in broadcasting in Fayetteville, N.C. His work has included tours of duty at network affiliated stations in that state, as well as in Minneapolis and Atlanta. Steve first came to Arizona as a reporter for KPNX-TV; he has also worked for KSAZ-TV and KNXV-TV.

Steve is married, and the father of a 5-year-old boy and a 1-year-old baby girl. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, hiking and photography. He graduated from Boston University's College of Communications with a degree in Broadcasting and Film. Steve was born in New Jersey, but no longer remembers precisely which exit to take to return home.

• E-mail Steve at steve.filmer@kpho.com