ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) announced Wednesday, Nov. 12 that one of the state’s most-beloved local TV anchors and broadcast journalists will be inducted into its 2026 Hall of Fame class.

WALB News 10’s Karla Heath-Sands will be among the elite group of honorees. She was selected for the honor by a group of her peers in the television industry throughout the state.

GAB President Randy Gravley delivered the news personally via video conference call to Heath-Sands and her WALB News 10 colleagues during the station’s Wednesday morning editorial meeting.

In an interview with WALB following the announcement, Gravley commented on Heath-Sands’ wide-ranging, positive impact in Georgia.

“Congratulations to Karla on this incredible recognition and induction into the GAB Hall of Fame. She is immensely going to raise the bar and level for broadcasters across the state, and her induction into the GAB Hall of Fame just is a testament to what she does as a local broadcaster here in Georgia,” Gravley said. “It goes to show the great work—her leadership and dedication and her professionalism—of the broadcasting industry and what she does for not only WALB and her coworkers at WALB, but broadcasters all across the state.”

Heath-Sands shed tears of joy as she heard the news, as her Channel 10 coworkers erupted in cheers and applause.

“I have always referred to my career as a ‘Godsend,’ and 36 years later, HE is still sending blessings my way! I am truly overwhelmed with this honor and am so humbled by all of those who played a role in my selection into the 2026 Class of Inductees into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame.”

WALB’s management team also offered high praise of Heath-Sands and her positive impact on the station, community and industry.

“Everyone that knows Karla loves Karla. We are incredibly lucky and proud to have her as a community leader and a leader at WALB,” said Liz Knight, WALB’s General Manager. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor than my colleague and friend Karla Heath-Sands.”

“Karla is one of the most humble news personalities I’ve ever worked with. She genuinely cares about the people of South Georgia and the issues that matter to them,” said WALB News Director Jerry Goodman.

Heath-Sands’ roots run deep in Georgia broadcasting. In 1989, she started her career as a weathercaster and community service director at WMAZ, the CBS affiliate in Macon.

In 1997, she joined WALB, anchoring “Today in Georgia” and the news at noon.

Today, Heath-Sands continues anchoring the noon broadcasts, along with the early evening newscasts at 4, 5 and 6 p.m.

In addition, Heath-Sands hosts a weekly community news show, “Dialogue” which airs on Sunday mornings and intends to amplify the voices of minorities.

Through the years, Heath-Sands has earned recognition for excellence in broadcast journalism with a number of awards and recognitions. They include a 2024 “Telly Award” for WALB’s “Kendrick Johnson Special” and a Georgia Association of Broadcaster’s GABBY award for “Best On-Air Personality” in 2002.

Heath-Sands is widely known for her connection to the community through her participation in a number of organizations and causes.

She has emceed numerous pageants and events across the Southeastern United States.

A native of Brunswick, Georgia, Heath-Sands graduated from Mercer University in Macon in 1984.

Heath-Sands is married to the Honorable W. Louis Sands and is the proud mother of two — Billye and David.

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