GREENSBORO, N.C. — In less than a week, WFMY News 2 turns 75. Over the course of this week, we're catching up with some of the people who were part of making WFMY News 2 the station it is today. We couldn't do a week of talking about our past without honoring the woman who's name is synonymous with WFMY News 2: Sandra Hughes.
Hughes came to WFMY News 2 in 1972 and was here for 43 years. She started as a reporter, then was a show host, and then anchored the Good Morning Show and evening newscasts. Hughes said, "I consider myself a Trailblazer because I got to do things that I never even heard of people doing before." She hosted a show called 'Sandra and Friends,' and got to travel the world as a host of PM Magazine.
Of course, she was blazing a trail in television when not everyone was happy about it. Her longtime co-anchor Lee Kinard recalled someone expressing their displeasure about Sandra working at WFMY. He said, "I had a neighbor come to my house and, and say to me, Lee, I understand that Sandra Hughes is gonna work with you on the Good Morning Show. Um, this is not going to work." But Kinard, Hughes, and everyone at the station made it work. When thinking about those times, Hughes said Kinard, "always just stuck right with me no matter what."
Today, Hughes is beloved in the Piedmont Triad. Former WFMY reporter/anchor Frank Mickens said of Hughes, "Sandra, and I'm not overstating, is an Oprah-like figure in our community. Where Sandra shows up, it actually affirms that where she is, is important."
Of her career, Hughes said, "Without a doubt, WFMY News 2 has been just, just a, joy. I was able to do things that nobody expected me to do and, and I felt good about it, scared at times, but good. [...] There's no way I can really say to you how important it was for me to be here at WFMY News 2 for 43 years. It has been my life."
Hughes career achievements include a Murrow award, induction into the Broadcaster's Hall of Fame, and receiving North Carolina's top civilian honor -- the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. After leaving tv, she spent time as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University. Now she's enjoying her well-earned retirement.
Of course, this weekend we want you to celebrate 75 years with us! Sunday, August 18th, we'll be at Triad Park from 2:00pm - 4:00pm for a party! There will be food trucks, a performance from Eric and the Chill Tones, and, of course, members of the WFMY News 2 team! We hope to see you there.