ABC13 Anchor Melanie Lawson to Retire After 43 Remarkable Years

HOUSTON, Texas — Melanie Lawson, a beloved anchor at ABC13, will retire in January after an exceptional 43-year career with the station. Known for her work on ‘Live at 5’ and ‘Eyewitness News at 11 a.m.,’ Lawson has been a trusted voice for Houston viewers for over four decades.

Lawson, a Houston native, began her journey at ABC13 as an intern and later returned to the station after working in law. Throughout her career, she has covered local, state, and national elections, along with significant weather events such as Hurricane Harvey and the 2021 Texas ice storm. She has also reported on international stories from places like Cuba, Panama, Australia, Sudan, and South Africa.

“Melanie’s career has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Michael Carr, ABC13’s president and general manager, in a memo to staff. “She has been a guiding presence in our newsroom, shaping how we connect with our audience.”

In her time at ABC13, Lawson has conducted interviews with multiple U.S. presidents, including Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Notable interviewees also include Vice President Kamala Harris, the Dalai Lama, poet Maya Angelou, and entertainers like Aretha Franklin and Destiny's Child.

Beyond her reporting, Lawson has actively engaged in Houston’s cultural and civic communities. She collaborated with organizations like the Houston Ballet, SHAPE Community Center, and the Houston Association of Black Journalists. Lawson has also served on the board of trustees for Princeton University and is associated with the Texas Lone Star Chapter of the Emmys, as well as sororities like Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Her accolades include three Emmy Awards, recognition from the YWCA as an ‘Outstanding Woman of the Year’ and lifetime achievement awards from various organizations, including Women in Film and Television. Carr announced that the station will honor Lawson’s retirement throughout January, culminating in a celebration party. No replacement has been named as of yet.

<p“Melanie will be greatly missed,” Carr added. “Please join me in congratulating her on her well-deserved retirement and in celebrating her extraordinary legacy.”