Melanie Lawson
Throughout her distinguished career, Melanie has covered nearly every major city, state, and national election, along with some of Houston's most pivotal moments - from devastating hurricanes and ice storms to the rise of global icons like Beyoncé and Destiny's Child. Her work has taken her across the globe to Cuba, Panama, Australia, Sudan, and South Africa, among many other destinations.
Melanie's storytelling excellence has earned her numerous honors, including three Emmy Awards. She is widely recognized for her in-depth interviews with influential figures including four U.S. Presidents, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Dalai Lama, and cultural icons including the late poet Maya Angelou, heavyweight champ George Foreman, legendary journalists Barbara Walters, Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer, trailblazing prima ballerinas Lauren Anderson and Misty Copeland, film directors Tyler Perry and Spike Lee, actress Betty White, and religious leaders Joel and Victoria Osteen.
While she has covered world leaders and headline events, Melanie's favorite stories are those close to home - highlighting Houston's vibrant, multi-ethnic communities, especially children, education and everyday heroes working to make a difference in our city.
Beyond the newsroom, Melanie is deeply engaged in charitable and cultural life. She has served organizations such as Houston Ballet, SHAPE Community Center, Asia Society, The Rothko Chapel, the Ensemble Theatre, and the Houston Association of Black Journalists. She is a member of the The Links, Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She's been honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, and recipient of the Ben and Julie Rogers Ecumenism Award from the Anti-Defamation League. She has also received lifetime achievement awards from Houston Community College, Women in Film and Television, and the Houston Association of Black Journalists.
Melanie and her husband John Guess are avid art collectors and have been honored by the Community Artists Collective, DiverseWorks, Art League Houston and the Center for Contemporary Craft.
Melanie earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, where she later served as a University Trustee, and holds a joint degree in Law and Journalism from Columbia University. Before returning home to Houston and ABC13, she practiced law at a Wall Street firm for three years and remains a member of both the Texas and New York State Bars.
Above all, Melanie finds her greatest joy and grounding in her faith. She is a devoted member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, founded by her parents, and continues to draw inspiration from their legacy of service, community, and compassion.
Melanie's Stories
SHAPE Center shares need for support to 'build back better' after fire damaged Third Ward hub
SHAPE Community Center in Third Ward has created space for at least four generations, but after a devasting fire in January 2025, the building's leader tells ABC13 they need help to rebuild so it can serve generations more.
ABC13's Melanie Lawson shares personal news
Melanie started at ABC13 in 1978 as an intern, and her first time on TV was a mistake. Forty-five years later, she's sharing personal news with viewers.
Houston billionaires Rich and Nancy Kinder pledge to give away 95% of wealth to charities
Houston billionaires Rich and Nancy Kinder told ABC13's Melanie Lawson they plan to donate an astounding 95% of their multi-billion-dollar wealth to charities.
Harris County Judge Hidalgo announces she will not seek third term, dispels Congressional run rumors
Only on 13, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says she is honoring a promise she made when she was first elected: to serve only two terms. The judge says she is leaving the door open for a new political position in the future.
David Adickes, artist behind Sam Houston Statue, 'We Love Houston' signs, looks back on his career
ABC13's Melanie Lawson spoke with David Adickes and the two most important women in his life -- his daughter and life partner -- about creating his giant "Heads of State."
Houston columnist reflects on moment she earned her 3rd Pulitzer Prize: 'The feeling was relief'
Lisa Falkenberg is now a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, which is a record matched only by renowned writers, including Edward Albee and Carl Sandberg.
ABC13's Melanie Lawson sits down with Tina Knowles as musical matriarch shares her own story
When you're mother to Beyoncé and Solange, you have a lot of stories to tell, including your own. Here, Tina Knowles sits down with ABC13's Melanie Lawson to open up about her life experiences in her new memoir, "Matriarch."
Award-winning and history-making journalist Joy Sewing shares story with ABC13 of her next chapter
Before news, Joy Sewing covered fashion for more than 15 years, but here, she tells ABC13's Melanie Lawson why her perspective in life has changed and why she was inspired to tell stories in a bigger way.
Black History Month: A picture of change in Houston
Meet photographer Earlie Hudnall, the quiet force that has captured compelling images of Houston for decades.
'On the Brink' shows 'raw conversations' of abortion restriction, ABC News Rachel Scott says
"These were difficult and raw conversations," ABC News' Rachel Scott said as she and Diane Sawyer interviewed women regarding the dire impact of healthcare restrictions on pregnant women.