Longtime TV reporter Judy Sanders dies

Judy Sanders, who earned a reputation as a dogged reporter for CBS6 for nearly three decades before becoming a photographer for governors and others, has died, according to her former station.

Sanders, who had been battling cancer, died Thursday, according to a published report, but news of her death only surfaced Monday.

“The WRGB CBS6 family is saddened tonight and would like to express our deepest sympathy to Judy’s family and many friends,” WRGB News Director Lisa Jackson said in a statement. “Judy’s spirit, integrity, and tenacity is part of our fabric. She was a kind and special person and a legacy journalist who will long live in our hearts and memories.”

Sanders was recently honored for her long and noteworthy career.

“The Women’s Press Club of New York State mourns the passing of our friend and colleague, Judy Sanders,” the club posted on its Facebook page. “On June 5, the WPC presented Judy with the organization’s highest award, and inducted her into the Hall of Honor. The award honors Judy for her outstanding work as a political reporter for WRGB CBS6, and for her achievements as a photographer in the administrations of Governors Andrew Cuomo, David Paterson and Eliot Spitzer. …”

According to a published report, Sanders, 63, died Thursday. She went public with her 2009 cancer diagnosis only this spring, prior to a long feature on her battle with cancer that appeared in the Times Union.

After working for WRGB for nearly three decades, Sanders left the station in 2006 to work for Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

Sanders won a 1999 New York State Emmy for tracking down a man in a baby abduction case, chasing him down a Troy Street.

Women’s Press Club President Mary Alice Molgard said those at the June 5 awards ceremony knew Sanders was dying, but that the gathering was surprisingly upbeat.

“We were so glad she got that event on the 5th,” Molgard said. “It wasn’t sad. It wasn’t people feeling down. All her old friends from Ch. 6 were there. … the whole crew, all of the women.

“It was really … almost joyful. It doesn’t sound like it should be. But they told some stories and talked about different things they had covered. Everybody knew she didn’t have much time, but it wasn’t a sad, sad situation.”

WRGB anchor Greg Floyd wrote on his Facebook page, “Judy was a TV reporter here for almost three decades, and was always considered the best in the business.

“… She spent her final months dealing with her illness with nothing but grace and dignity. She will forever be missed and loved by the many who knew her, and by the many more whose lives she touched by fighting for them as one of the great journalists of our time.”

Arrangements were not immediately available.