Key Highlights
- Melanie Lawson, a longtime anchor at ABC13, is retiring after 43 years.
- Lawson has been the anchor of Live at 5 and Eyewitness News at 11 am for decades.
- Her career highlights include covering major elections and natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey.
- Melanie’s interviews with political figures and celebrities have been some of ABC13’s most notable moments.
A Beloved Figure in Houston Journalism
On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, KTRK-TV announced that Melanie Lawson, a beloved figure at ABC13 for more than four decades, will be retiring. This news comes as no surprise to those who have followed her career, but it marks the end of an era in Houston’s local news.
A Career Spanning Decades
Melanie Lawson has been a mainstay at ABC13 since 1982, starting with the popular show Live at 5 and later becoming the anchor of Eyewitness News at 11 am. Her tenure has seen her report on numerous significant events that have shaped Houston’s history. From covering the city’s first Black and female mayors to reporting on natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and the deadly Texas ice storm, Lawson has been a constant voice in the community.
Iconic Interviews and Stories
Melanie’s journalism skills have brought global stories home, with extensive coverage of destinations such as Cuba, Panama, Australia, Sudan, and South Africa. She has interviewed several high-profile figures, including four U.S. presidents—Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W.
Bush, and Bill Clinton; Vice President Kamala Harris; prima ballerinas Lauren Anderson and Misty Copeland; the Dalai Lama; iconic journalists Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, and Ann Curry; poet Maya Angelou; gospel superstar Yolanda Adams; R&B girl group Destiny’s Child; and former heavyweight champion George Foreman. These interviews have not only highlighted important political and social issues but also provided unique insights into the lives of influential figures.
Community Engagement
Melanie’s passion for journalism extends beyond just reporting. She has worked with organizations such as Houston Ballet, SHAPE Community Center, Asia Society, the Rothko Chapel, the Houston Museum of African American Culture, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Children’s Defense Fund, Volunteer Houston, Ensemble Theatre, and the Houston Association of Black Journalists. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including three Emmys, the YWCA’s “Outstanding Women of the Year,” lifetime achievement awards from the Houston Press Club, Houston Community College, Women in Film and Television, and the Houston Association of Black Journalists.
A Legacy to Celebrate
We look forward to celebrating Melanie’s legacy throughout January. ABC13 will share stories, tributes, and memories that highlight her extraordinary journey with us. In the meantime, we congratulate Melanie on her well-deserved retirement and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
As ABC13 continues to serve our community, we honor the incredible work of Melanie Lawson and the impact she has had on local journalism for over four decades.
Sources
- KTRK-TV News Release (November 25, 2025)
