Meredith Anderson

Weeknight Anchor/Investigative Journalist

Augusta, GA

Meredith's journalism career started when she was just 16 years old during an internship at WCBD in Charleston, S.C.

Meredith was only 10 years old when Hurricane Hugo slammed into the South Carolina coastline. She and her family huddled inside their Summerville home as the trees fell on the house and windows exploded all around them. Their only lifeline to the world was a small, battery operated television tuned to a local news station.

That night, Meredith learned the power and importance of information, and a journalist was born.

Fast forward 22 years, and Meredith found herself in New York, accepting one of journalism's most prestigious honors: a National Edward R. Murrow Award. She was honored for her News 12 investigation into an alleged black market for babies in Augusta. She proved a juvenile court officer was working with juvenile judges to steal and sell babies. In the process, she was able to connect the dots to reunite two families. Hundreds of other victims now have the tools they need to find theirs, too.

Augusta is only three hours from Meredith's hometown, but the route she followed to get here is much longer than that. Meredith's journalism career started when she was just 16 years old during an internship at WCBD in Charleston, S.C.

After graduation, Meredith's ambitions took her to the University of Georgia, where she anchored, reported and produced for NewsSource 15, the local cable station there. She also tried her hand at sports reporting on Georgia Gameday and dabbled in some weather forecasting, though she promises those VHS tapes will forever remain packed away in the attic where they belong.

After college, Meredith accepted a reporter position at KCAU-TV in Sioux City, Iowa. She packed a U-Haul and moved half-way across the country to join the Channel 9 Eyewitness News team. Within three months, she was promoted to Morning and Midday anchor, where, on the side, she filed award-winning reports. There, Meredith was part of an improv comedy troupe. The snow, ice and subzero wind chills eventually weren't funny anymore, so Meredith traded in her winter coat for sunscreen. She worked in sunny Fort Myers, Fla., as a weekend anchor and reporter for WZVN. The weather was perfect, until the worst hurricane season in Florida history blew ashore.

Meredith found herself covering Hurricane Wilma, a storm similar to the one that first introduced her to journalism. Meredith also traveled to New Orleans to cover Hurricane Katrina. What she saw there and what she experienced will be with Meredith for the rest of her life.

Meredith joined the News 12 team in January 2007 as the anchor for News 12 This Morning. Less than a year later, she was promoted to anchor News 12 at 6 o'clock and News 12 at 11. In 2010, News 12 viewers shared in her growing excitement about becoming a mother as they noticed her growing belly. They've also been able to watch her daughter, Ella, grow.

In May of 2015, Jessica Dill announced she was leaving News 12, leaving the same opening on the morning news that brought Meredith to the CSRA more than eight years earlier. With Ella starting kindergarten that fall, Meredith's schedule as an evening news anchor was not going to work for this working mother's family. Meredith applied for the morning position and was thrilled when News 12 was able to bring her back home...in more ways than one.

In 2018, Meredith returned to the evening newscasts to anchor the 5 pm with Richard Rogers and the 5:30 pm. The new day schedule means you'll be seeing her more often at 6 pm with I-Team investigations. As an added bonus, Meredith's schedule now more closely mirrors her daughter's now that her little girl isn't so little anymore.

AWARDS AND HONORS:

2020 Georgia Association of Broadcasters Gabby Awards:

* Best News Anchor

* Best Investigative Series

2020 National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences - EMMA Awards

* On Camera Talent - Anchor News - EMMA winner

* Writer: EMMA winner

* Feature Report: Honorable Mention

* Sports Reporting: Honorable Mention

* Reporter - Specialty Assignment/Investigative: Honorable Mention

2020 Emmys:

National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences

* Journalistic Enterprise: Southeastern Nomination

* Writer - News: Southeastern Nomination

* Military: Southeastern Nomination

* Producer: Southeastern Nomination

2019 Georgia Association of Broadcasters Gabby Awards:

* Best Reporter

2019 Georgia Associated Press Awards:

* Best Reporter and/or Anchor - winner

* Public Service Award (I-Team) - winner

* Best Specialized Reporting (second place)

* Best Investigative Reporting (second place)

* Best Feature Reporting (second place)

2019 National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences - EMMA Awards

* On-Camera Talent-Anchor-News - winner

* On-Camera Talent-Reporter Investigative - winner

* Investigative Report - winner

2019 National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences - EMMY Awards

* On-Camera Talent-Anchor-News - nominee

* On-Camera Talent-Reporter Investigative - nominee

2018 Georgia Associated Press Awards:

* Best Reporter and/or Anchor

* Best Documentary/News Special Programming

* Freedom of Information Award

* Best Specialized Reporting (Honorable mention)

2018 National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences - EMMA Awards

*Best Anchor-news: honorable mention

* Investigative report - honorable mention

* Writer: honorable mention

2017 National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences - EMMA Awards

* Best Anchor-news: winner

* Investigative report - honoree

2017 Georgia Association of Broadcasters Gabby Awards:

* Best On-Air Personality

2017 Georgia Associated Press Awards:

* Best Reporter and/or anchor

* Best Series Reporting

* Best Use of Sound - 2nd place

2016 Emmys:

* Journalistic Enterprise: National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences: Southeastern Nomination

* Investigative report: EMMA award winner (plus also received an honorable mention in the same category for another entry)

* Sports reporting: EMMA award winner

* On-Camera Talent- Reporter: EMMA award winner

* Promotion: EMMA honorable mention

2016 Georgia Associated Press Awards:

* Best Investigative Reporting

2015 Emmys

* Best On-camera talent: anchor: National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences: Southeastern Nomination

* Best Documentary-Topical: National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences: Southeastern Nomination

2015 Georgia Associated Press Awards:

* Best Sports Feature Reporting - swept the category by receiving both the award and honorable mention

* Best Documentary or News Special Programming (Honorable Mention)

* Best Investigative Reporting (Honorable mention)

2014 Emmys

*Best On-camera talent: anchor: National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences: Southeastern Nomination

2014 Georgia Association of Broadcasters Gabby Awards:

*Best Sports Reporter Merit Award

2014 Georgia Associated Press Awards:

*Best Investigative Story (Honorable Mention)

2013 Emmys

*Best Public/Current/Community Affairs Programming - National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences: Southeastern Nomination

2013 Edward R. Murrow Awards

* Best Writing - Regional Winner (5 states)

2013 Georgia Association of Broadcasters Gabby Awards:

* Best TV Personality

* Best Investigative Reporting

* Best Locally Produced Program

2013 Georgia Associated Press Awards:

*Best Series Reporting

* Best Reporter/Anchor (Honorable mention)

2012 Georgia Association of Broadcasters GABBY Awards

* Best TV On-Air Personality Merit Award

2012 Georgia Associated Press Broadcast Awards

* Best Specialized Reporting

2011 Edward R. Murrow Awards

*Best Video News Documentary - Regional Winner (5 states)

* Best Video News Documentary - National Winner

2011 Georgia Association of Broadcasters GABBY Merit Awards

* Best Feature Story/Series/Documentary

* Best On-Air Personality: Anchor/reporter Meredith Anderson

2011 Emmys

* Best Topical News Documentary - National Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences: Southeastern Nomination

2011 Georgia Associated Press Broadcast Awards

* Best Investigative Reporting

* Best Documentary/News Special Programming

2010 Georgia Associated Press Broadcast Awards

* Best Investigative Reporting

2009 Georgia Association of Broadcasters GABBY Merit Awards

* Best On-Air Personality: Anchor/reporter Meredith Anderson

2009 Georgia Associated Press Broadcast Awards

* Best Series Reporting

* Best Spot News

2008 Georgia Association of Broadcasters GABBY Award

* Best On-Air Personality: Anchor/reporter Meredith Anderson

I-Team

From left: Brandon Beckman, Allison Walker, Aunarey Walker and Melissa Allen.

I-TEAM: 2 fired, 2 demoted in Richmond County Sheriff’s Office scandals

Updated: Sep. 20, 2023 at 5:01 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

A top member of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office command staff and one of his subordinates have been fired. Separately, two other employees were demoted.

I-Team

Gary Flakes Jr. says an investigation by the Waynesboro Police Department that led to his...

I-TEAM: More on a case that vanished under Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams’ watch

Updated: Sep. 19, 2023 at 7:04 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

Burke County resident and businessman Gary Flakes Jr. dropped the name Alfonzo Williams after being arrested. What happened next?

I-Team

I-TEAM: A look at past incidents with jail health care provider

Updated: Sep. 12, 2023 at 7:06 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

From allegations of overcrowding to questions about medical oversight of some inmates, improvements at jail have been a growing project over the years.

I-Team

I-TEAM: Exposing more problems with Title IX in Richmond County schools

Updated: Sep. 5, 2023 at 6:22 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

The I-TEAM has already shown you how Butler High School did not follow federal requirements when a student reported a sexual assault, but it doesn’t stop there.

I-Team

Richmond County School System fails to follow Title IX

I-TEAM | Title IX failure: Richmond Co. high school punishes student who reports sexual assault

Updated: Aug. 29, 2023 at 6:18 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

An I-TEAM investigation exposes how the Richmond County School System has failed a student when it comes to Title IX, and it has nothing to do with sports.

I-Team

Josey High student injured in shooting inside school, sheriff says

I-TEAM: A look at past incidents, security at Josey High School

Updated: Aug. 16, 2023 at 5:06 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and William Rioux

We reached out to the FBI in Atlanta, and you may be surprised to find out that the FBI does not track school violence data. The I-TEAM tracked down national and local data for you.

I-Team

I-TEAM: Senate OKs money for Ft. Gordon’s child development center

Updated: Aug. 2, 2023 at 7:33 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Our I-TEAM has an exclusive update about big bucks coming to Fort Gordon to help the youngest members of our military families.

I-Team

I-TEAM: Deputies break silence on suspect’s claims they attacked him

Updated: Jul. 27, 2023 at 6:32 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Two former Richmond County deputies share what they say really happened the night a fellow deputy was shot in the face.

I-Team

I-TEAM: IRS tax records show Wellstar’s top execs make millions

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023 at 7:29 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Wellstar is a nonprofit, so their tax filings are public record. Our I-TEAM combed through them and found Wellstar pays its top executives millions of dollars in salaries each year.

Local

Military families need more help with housing, Ossoff says

Updated: Jun. 16, 2023 at 6:13 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Sen. Jon Ossoff is joining forces with Republican Sen. Tom Tillis of North Carolina to help give families more choices when it comes to housing off-post.

I-Team

Even though the school sits on a military installation, the Department of Defense doesn’t run...

I-TEAM: How did a student go missing from school on post?

Updated: May. 25, 2023 at 6:15 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

A mom wants to know how her son walked out of school, and no one noticed. Our I-TEAM discovered this might not be the first time this has happened.

Local

This is the McKenna Gate of Fort Gordon.

Senators file bill to build Fort Gordon child development center

Updated: May. 25, 2023 at 4:27 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

The Army's authorization for child development center is set to expire at the end of this fiscal year. New legislation would extend that by a year.

I-Team

Sen. Jon Ossoff speaks with Atlanta News First about TV, film apprenticeships in Georgia.

I-TEAM: $20M secured for Fort Gordon child development center

Updated: May. 17, 2023 at 4:50 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

We have an exclusive update from our I-TEAM about a new child development center planned for Fort Gordon, but he tells us that the project could be in jeopardy thanks to government red tape.

I-Team

I-TEAM | Nuclear fallout: A former SRS worker’s fight for funds

Updated: May. 16, 2023 at 10:57 AM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

The United States government could be breaking a promise made to thousands in our area who answered the call to serve in the Cold War.

I-Team

Joy Viera gives emotional testimony about Fort Gordon housing on April 18, 2023.

I-TEAM UPDATE: Progress on fixing military housing woes

Updated: Apr. 27, 2023 at 6:44 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

The fight for better military housing at Fort Gordon is entering a new chapter. Army leaders pledged millions of dollars to fix the mess we’ve been exposing.

I-Team

Sen. Jon Ossoff holds an oversight session of Fort Gordon housing.

3 military moms leave D.C. with hope about Fort Gordon housing

Updated: Apr. 19, 2023 at 9:55 AM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

There's new housing coming to Fort Gordon as well as face-lifts to some old housing. It may be too little, too late for some, but three families are hopeful.

I-Team

WATCH: Exclusive interview with Ossoff on Army housing

Updated: Apr. 18, 2023 at 5:18 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Sen. Jon Ossoff sat down with News 12's Meredith Anderson to discuss the ongoing problems with family housing at Fort Gordon. Watch the exclusive interview here.

News

Fort Gordon families are in Washington D.C. ahead of a meeting Tuesday morning with Senator Jon...

I-TEAM: Ossoff to hold oversight session involving Fort Gordon families

Updated: Apr. 17, 2023 at 5:51 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

A big update from our I-TEAM means another step forward in ensuring our military families have safe housing. Fort Gordon families are in Washington D.C. ahead of a meeting with Senator Jon Ossoff and top Army leaders.

I-Team

Sen. Jon Ossoff oversees inspections of Fort Gordon housing on April 12, 2023.

Ossoff to put Army leaders on the spot about Fort Gordon housing

Updated: Apr. 13, 2023 at 8:57 AM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and Hallie Turner

At upcoming hearing, Sen. Jon Ossoff hear directly from Fort Gordon military families about privatized housing, as well as from Army leadership.

Masters

Larry Mize and Sandy Lyle say farewell to Masters

Updated: Apr. 8, 2023 at 6:38 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

For Augusta’s hometown guy and 1987 Masters champion Larry Mize, Saturday was an emotional day. And it's the last Masters for Sandy Lyle.

Sports

Fred Couples makes Masters history by making the cut

Updated: Apr. 8, 2023 at 6:29 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

At 63 years and 184 days old, Fred Couples has made history by becoming the oldest player ever to make the cut at the Masters.

Masters

At the Masters, a picture can still say a thousand words

Updated: Apr. 7, 2023 at 7:10 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

This week, people have been taking advantage of free souvenir pictures Augusta National provides with proposals and special announcements.

Masters

Many families make memories together at the Masters

Updated: Apr. 7, 2023 at 6:05 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

The azaleas’ blooms are temporary, yet they will forever be frozen in time as the backdrop of Masters memories, being made all over this cathedral of golf.

Masters

Amateur Sam Bennett of the United States plays a stroke from the No. 12 tee during practice...

Sam Bennett wears a reminder of his dad, and his love of golf

Updated: Apr. 7, 2023 at 6:03 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Sam Bennett's dad died in 2021. His love for his dad was his driving force when it came to golf and it’s the same for others out on the course.

Masters

Masters carries on long tradition of honorary starters

Updated: Apr. 6, 2023 at 6:51 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Masters royalty officially christened tournament play: Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson, who isn’t fully recovered from an injury back in November.

Masters

Nicklaus’ legacy at Masters shines brighter than a diamond

Updated: Apr. 6, 2023 at 5:49 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

This Masters is a major milestone for the man Jack Nicklaus. He's won 18 majors – but you could say his six Masters victories are his crown jewels.

Masters

News 12 interviews golf great Tom Watson.

Why Tom Watson didn’t compete in the Par 3 Contest

Updated: Apr. 5, 2023 at 6:14 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Someone who missed out on the Par 3 Contest was Tom Watson, a two-time Masters champion who loves to compete.

Masters

Honorary start is ‘icing on the cake’ for golf great Tom Watson

Updated: Apr. 5, 2023 at 6:10 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Someone who didn’t play in Par 3 Contest on Wednesday was two-time time Masters champ Tom Watson, who won it back in 2018.

Masters

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club

Chairman makes news with annual ‘State of the Masters’ talk

Updated: Apr. 5, 2023 at 6:08 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley made a lot of news, especially for the locals, at his “State of the Masters” news conference Wednesday.

Masters

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland chips to the green on the No. 15 hole during practice round 1...

Rory McIlroy has plenty of patrons pulling for grand slam

Updated: Apr. 4, 2023 at 6:14 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Many patrons today were following Rory McIlroy, who knows quite a bit about having another chance.

Masters

13th hole could be a devil now for Masters players

Updated: Apr. 4, 2023 at 5:47 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

The Masters is steeped in tradition, and what has become a tradition of late is a significant change to the course.

Masters

How will Champions Dinner play out amid LIV tension?

Updated: Apr. 4, 2023 at 5:33 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

Tonight is the annual Champions Dinner, and, oh, to be a fly on the wall where past champions get together.

News

“We need to understand what damage to health has already been done. But we also need to...

I-TEAM UPDATE: Date set for Army to inspect Fort Gordon housing

Updated: Mar. 30, 2023 at 5:34 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

We continue to follow breaking news out of Washington that appears to be another step forward in making sure our military families are safe.

News

A new golf course is coming to North Augusta in the near future.

New 1,742-acre golf and spa destination coming to North Augusta

Updated: Mar. 23, 2023 at 10:35 AM EDT

By Meredith Anderson

A new golf course is coming to North Augusta. According to their website, Cypress Shoals will be designed for individuals that enjoy active lifestyles.

News

Every single Superior Court case dismissal had the name of a single Superior Court Judge: Judge...

I-TEAM: Cases Closed | Local judge makes thousands of charges disappear

Updated: Mar. 20, 2023 at 5:52 PM EDT

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

The I-TEAM is cracking open cases a local judge slammed shut before they ever made it to trial. We found some were closed just because they were old. Others were closed because the suspect was never arrested, and that’s not all.

I-Team

You take a picture to preserve a memory, but Edgardo Coscia isn’t a man Aspen LeBlanc likes to...

I-TEAM: Thousands of felony charges dropped by local judges

Updated: Mar. 6, 2023 at 8:22 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

An all-new I-TEAM investigation is exposing local judges who dropped at least 1,600 charges, and we’re not talking about misdemeanors. These are felonies, and the timing might not be a coincidence.

I-Team

New evidence in a case involving animal research at Augusta University could prove AU lied to...

I-TEAM: New evidence in Augusta University’s animal research case

Updated: Feb. 21, 2023 at 11:12 AM EST

By Meredith Anderson and Saint Julian Cox

New evidence in a case involving animal research at Augusta University could prove AU lied to the federal government, risking millions of research dollars.

I-Team

Sometimes a few documents could make all the difference for those feeling sprayed and betrayed.

I-TEAM: Documents highlight those sprayed and betrayed at Fort Gordon

Updated: Feb. 13, 2023 at 4:18 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson

New estimates show around 300 Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange die every day. Sometimes a few documents could make all the difference for those feeling sprayed and betrayed.

News

Mayor Britton Williams says most of the new developments are across the street from the Crowne...

North Augusta leaders extend Riverside Village agreement for 1 year

Updated: Feb. 6, 2023 at 11:00 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson

After the five-year master development agreement with Greenstone Properties expired in 2022, the North Augusta City Council agreed to extend the agreement with the developer for one more year.

News

It started as a mere trickle…whispers of the LIV tour buying land a stone’s throw from Augusta...

Coore and Crenshaw has ‘no plans for golf course in the Augusta area’

Updated: Feb. 6, 2023 at 6:28 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson

In about 50 days, Augusta becomes the center of the golf universe, but lately, the Masters’ buzz has centered around a piece of property along the river.

News

Senator Jon Ossoff says $26 million is heading to Fort Gordon to help expand child care.

I-TEAM Exclusive: Senator Ossoff discusses multimillion-dollar child care facility

Updated: Jan. 24, 2023 at 5:39 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson

Our I-TEAM has exclusive details about millions of dollars coming to Fort Gordon to help our men and women in uniform and their families.

I-Team

On the cellphone recording, you can hear Richmond County deputies imply they did not have a...

I-TEAM: Closer look at who’s policing the police in Richmond County

Updated: Jan. 23, 2023 at 6:11 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson and Joi Daniels

An all-new I-TEAM investigation takes a closer look at who’s keeping watch over those who protect and serve.

Crime

Izzy Scott drowned on his second day of swimming lessons in Burke County.

Instructor charged in 4-year-old’s Burke County drowning

Updated: Dec. 30, 2022 at 1:11 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson

District attorney is charging instructor in death of Izzy Scott, who drowned on his second day of swim lessons in Burke County.

I-Team

Christina Richardson was charged with homicide by vehicle, following too closely, driving with...

I-TEAM: What we’ve learned about truck driver in deadly crash

Updated: Dec. 15, 2022 at 6:39 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson and Joi Daniels

An all-new I-TEAM investigation shows the truck driver at fault in a deadly accident should not have been behind the wheel in the first place.

I-Team

Sen. Jon Ossoff chairs a Dec. 13, 2022, hearing on sexual abuse of women in federal prisons.

I-TEAM UPDATE: Ossoff details women’s sexual abuse at federal prisons

Updated: Dec. 13, 2022 at 1:26 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson

Sen. Jon Ossoff unveils the results of the panel’s eight-month bipartisan investigation into sexual abuse of women in federal prisons.

Politics

From left: Herschel Walker and Raphael Warnock

I-TEAM: Following the money in the Senate runoff election

Updated: Dec. 5, 2022 at 7:30 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson

Tuesday is election day in Georgia as voters decide who they'll send to the Senate. When our ITEAM crunched the numbers, we found their campaigns raised more than $234 million.

News

Our I-TEAM hasn’t stopped digging into problems with military housing at Fort Gordon, and we’ve...

I-TEAM UPDATE: Army still silent on Fort Gordon investigation

Updated: Nov. 23, 2022 at 6:51 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson

Our I-TEAM hasn’t stopped digging into problems with military housing at Fort Gordon, and we’ve uncovered yet another frustration.

I-Team

I-TEAM | Examining mental health police calls: a crisis or a crime?

Updated: Nov. 14, 2022 at 6:34 PM EST

By Meredith Anderson and Joi Daniels

When a young man has a mental health crisis in his own home, his mom thought deputies would help her get him to the hospital. Instead, he was punched and put in handcuffs.

News