WFTV announced Friday that Martha Sugalski has joined Channel 9 Eyewitness News, and will co-anchor its weeknight newscasts starting Monday, August 24.
Sugalski has more than two decades experience covering Florida news, most recently at WESH-TV in Orlando. Over the course of her broadcasting career, she has reported on or anchored the coverage of some of the state's most memorable stories, including the disputed 2000 Presidential election, the Elian Gonzalez affair, and the trial of Casey Anthony.
Station Vice President and General Manager Paul Curran recognized her unique experience, both as a journalist and in the world of social media.
"We're very pleased to welcome Martha to our Eyewitness News team. She will be a valuable addition to our on-air and digital news operations here at Channel 9 and TV 27. She also understands the unique opportunity that new media presents to our viewers in Central Florida. As such, Martha will also be a strong proponent of our Eyewitness News brand as we expand our news gathering efforts across the social media ecosystem," Curran said.
News Director Matt Parcell added: "She’s going to do great because she understands our culture and our brand. At Eyewitness News our anchors are leaders, both on the air and in the newsroom. They work very hard. I know Martha is going to fit right in to that environment."
Martha Sugalski said that the station's news reputation was one of first things that attracted her to WFTV.
"I'm thrilled to be joining the team at Channel 9. It's really a dream job because of the station's reputation for news. As a former competitor, and a viewer, I've long been impressed. Now, I'm looking forward to seeing it from inside, and to being part of it," Sugalski stated.
Martha was born in Philadelphia and raised in Florida. She graduated from Florida Atlantic University before starting her broadcast career as a reporter in West Palm Beach. She is married and the mother of four sons and two daughters. She gave birth to triplets in June 2013.
Martha Sugalski will anchor Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 6:00 with Bob Opsahl. On WRDQ TV-27, she will anchor Eyewitness News at 10:00 with Jorge Estevez. And she will anchor Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 11:00 with Greg Warmoth. Martie Salt and Vanessa Echols will co-anchor Channel 9 Eyewitness News at Noon. In addition to her anchor duties, Martie Salt will also be the on-air ambassador for 9 Family Connection, the community outreach and charitable giving arm of Channel 9.
9 Family Connection helps raise over $20 million a year for worthy causes and communities in Central Florida.
For more information, please contact Tony Getts at tony.getts@wftv.com.
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