ABC13’s Melanie Lawson shares personal news

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — I first walked through the doors of ABC13 as an intern in 1978. My first time being on air was a mistake. I went out and approached a reporter and asked if I could ask some questions and get some information.

He said, “Sure,” and I came back and wrote the story, edited it, and turned it in. The producer put it on TV without asking much from anyone.

When the news director saw my reporting on air he was yelling at me in the hall. He wasn’t happy, but he said the story wasn’t too bad, and he let me stay there.

I took a trip to law school and practiced law for a short time, but the spark I felt every day at KTRK could not be replicated. The light I felt that wasn’t in any law office was telling stories – stories about the things that mattered to you and your families.

And now, just a few years later, that light still shines for the important work we do here every day.

Now it’s time to share that light in a different way, as I focus on my family and my next chapter. I will be stepping down from the anchor desk at the end of January and will be spending my time here.

Being here at ABC13 is a path I have not walked alone. My wonderful partner in life, John, is a rock for whom I am forever grateful. He’s been through my ups and downs – speaking his mind the whole time – but still been there.

My father and mother, whose incredible love story should be admired and appreciated, are an inspiration of love and perseverance.

And of course, my whole family has been along on this wild journey we call television news.

I have been so fortunate that I have had a front row seat to history in a way I never imagined. That bright-eyed, keen, inquisitive intern never knew that she would get the chance to interview presidents and politicians and people whose influence and sway was far greater than I ever realized.

I have the privilege of telling your stories, tragedies and triumphs, stories that have shaped the fabric of who we are in Houston. The light that shines from me – to tell our stories, right wrongs and hold people accountable, shines here at ABC13.

There is so much in our future, my friends, as Houston grows and we move forward together. I hope I’ve been able to inspire you, my friends, and I hope I’ve been able to inspire the younger generation of journalists and storytellers that the world is not as big as it seems. Sometimes, you do the work, you hand it in and maybe they show it on TV.

Bad news – you’re stuck here with me for a while, so don’t call dibs on my table just yet.

A note from ABC13:
Please join us in celebrating Melanie as we look back at her incredible career. After the holidays, we’re calling January “Mail Month” with a special surprise for each day.