Judi Gatson Biography
Judi Gatson is a famous American award-winning Journalist currently working for WIS-TV as a news anchor. There, she is an anchor of WIS News Live at 5 and WIS News at 6. She joined the station in November 1995. Judi has anchored and produced an award-winning documentary on the Confederate Flag exploring the controversy and eventual compromise reached to remove the flag from the South Carolina State House dome. Judi is known for her heart for service and devotes much of her community involvement to working with organizations that benefit youth and families. And is an active board member of Homeless No More.
Judi Gatson Education
She received her education at the Georgia Institute of Technology and majored in Business Management. Later she transferred to Indiana University-Purdue University where she graduated and landed her first broadcasting job for WIS News Radio 1320AM as a reporter in 1995.
Judi Gatson Career
She works as a news anchor working for WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina. She joined the station in November 1995. At WIS-TV, she is an anchor of WIS News Live at 5 and WIS News at 6. Since joining the station, she has reported on and anchored live coverage of some of the biggest stories around the state. In 2020, she was on air for nearly 10 hours anchoring WIS’ live continuous coverage of protests that erupted after the murder of George Floyd. Also, she is a trusted voice in covering critical issues confronting public education in South Carolina.
And led WIS’ live coverage when nearly 10,000 teachers and supporters rallied at the South Carolina State House calling for higher pay and improved working conditions. She is known for her smart and insightful political coverage. Because of her skillful performance as moderator of the U.S. Senate debate between incumbent Lindsey Graham and Challenger Jaime Harrison, she received international praise. In addition to moderating a number of gubernatorial and mayoral debates, she has conducted numerous in-depth interviews with influential politicians and newsmakers.
Gatson has anchored and produced an award-winning documentary on the Confederate Flag exploring the controversy and eventual compromise reached to remove the flag from the South Carolina State House dome. Also, she covered the inauguration of President Barack Obama live from the nation’s capital for WIS and affiliate stations around the country. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped launch, produce, and anchor WIS Today. The show replaced the Third Hour of Today after COVID concerns forced that program to take a production hiatus. She and her team highlighted how the pandemic affected South Carolina, and the impact on first responders, and connected viewers to critical resources that helped everyone navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
As an in-demand emcee, keynote, and motivational speaker at schools, churches, and conferences, she is known for inspiring others to find their purpose and personal power. She is known for her heart for service and devotes much of her community involvement to working with organizations that benefit youth and families. She is an active board member with Homeless No More. Judi over the years has been honored to serve on the boards of Healthy Learners, the Palmetto Health South Carolina Cancer Centre, Palmetto Centre for Women, and United Way’s Palmetto Society.
Judi Gatson Age
She was born on March 21, 1966. Thus she is 57 years old as of June 2023. Judi hence shares her birthday on March 21st of every year.
Judi Gatson Height
She stands at an approximate height of 5ft 4 inches (1.63m) tall.
Judi Gatson Family
She has managed to keep her personal life away from the limelight hence she has not disclosed any information about her parents. It is also not known if Judi has any siblings.
Judi Gatson Husband
She is married to the love of her life, Dr. Dwayne Gatson. Her husband served 22 years in the military where he retired as a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army. She and her husband are blessed with two sons, Aidan Kash, and Nicholas Jax. They are active members of Brookland Baptist Church and live in Columbia with their black labs, Shiloh and Storm.
Judi Gatson’s Net Worth
She has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million – $5 million which she has earned through being a successful news anchor.
Judi Gatson Salary
She earns an annual salary ranging between $45,000 – $110,500.
Judi Gatson Awards and Honors
Throughout her journalism career, she has been awarded various awards. Among her many honors and awards, she has been named Anchor of the Year by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, Military Advocate of the Year by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce for her work with the station’s “Year of the Veteran” series, and her support of South Carolina’s military community, Anchor of the Year by the KISS 103.1FM Columbia Neighborhood Awards,
Reporter of the Year by the National Alliance on Mental Health, South Carolina (NAMI), Champion for Children by Healthy Learners and Outstanding Professional in Support of Philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals SC, Central Carolina Chapter. Judi has also received numerous Anchor of the Year Awards from the Free Times and Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. As co-anchor of WIS News at 6, she has been recognized with numerous nominations for her anchoring and reporting and has won five Emmy Awards for best newscast.
Judi Gatson WIS-TV
Judi works at WIS-TV where she works alongside other well-known WIS-TV meteorologists, sports anchors, reporters, and anchors including;
- Rick Henry
- Drew Aunkst
- Jamal Goss
- Intisar Faulkner
- Hannah Cumler
- Billie Jean Shaw
- Dawndy Mercer Plank
- Sam Bleiweis
- Greg Adaline