Melanie Lawson, a beloved anchor at ABC 13 in Houston, is set to retire in January after an impressive 43-year career at the station. Currently, Lawson anchors “Live at 5” and “Eyewitness News at 11 a.m.” and has established herself as a familiar face for viewers in the region since starting her journey as an intern at ABC13.
A native of Houston, Lawson’s career has seen her report on significant events, including local, state, and national elections, and major weather occurrences such as Hurricane Harvey and the devastating ice storm in Texas in 2021. Her journalism experience also extends beyond the borders of the United States, having covered international stories in places like Cuba, Panama, Australia, Sudan, and South Africa.
Michael Carr, the president and general manager of KTRK, expressed great admiration for Lawson in a memo to staff, calling her career “nothing short of inspiring.” He highlighted her role as a “trusted voice” in the community who has influenced the way stories are told and how they connect with audiences. Throughout her time in journalism, Lawson has interviewed several U.S. presidents, including Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, and has also sat down with influential figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, the Dalai Lama, and renowned artists like Maya Angelou and Aretha Franklin.
Beyond her impressive reporting credentials, Lawson has actively participated in Houston’s civic and cultural life, working with organizations such as the Houston Ballet and SHAPE Community Center, and serving on the board of trustees for Princeton University. Her contributions to journalism and the community have been recognized with multiple accolades, including three Emmy Awards and a lifetime achievement award from Women in Film and Television.
Carr announced that ABC13 will honor Lawson’s retirement with various tributes throughout January, culminating in a farewell party. While a successor has yet to be named, Lawson’s legacy is expected to have a lasting impact on both the newsroom and the audience she has served for decades. Her commitment to journalism and the community is sure to be missed, but her influential career will be celebrated by many.