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ABC13 Anchor Art Rascon Announces He’s Leaving the Station After More Than 20 Years
Rascon Legacy Continues With Son Jacob Joining the Team
Art Rascon, who joined ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston as an anchor in 1998, will leave the station at the end of the year, announced Wendy Granato, president and general manager of KTRK. Rascon has co-anchored the midday and 5:00 p.m. newscast for 23 years. He looks forward to pursuing personal life endeavors that include religious and community service projects.
“KTRK ABC13 has been home to many iconic journalists through the years, and Art Rascon is certainly in that elite club,” said Granato. “He is passionate, fearless, unique and authentic – and KTRK is a better station because of Art’s many contributions to our viewers and to our communities.”
Rascon joined KTRK after working as a national correspondent for CBS News and reporter for ABC-owned station ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles. He has reported from more than 70 countries and five continents, and news coverage in nearly every state in the United States. He’s covered numerous stories that include Haiti’s civil unrest, Mexico’s guerrilla wars, conflicts in Central America, Peru’s hostage standoff, Cuba’s downing of U.S. planes, as well as national airline disasters, numerous hurricanes, the Oklahoma City bombing and a variety of other stories. As a reporter for KABC-TV in Los Angeles, he covered notable events such as the O.J. Simpson case, Rodney King trial, Los Angeles riots, Branch Davidian standoff, as well as earthquakes, fires and floods.
As he ends his illustrious career to pursue personal life endeavors, he passes his legacy to his son, Jacob Rascon, who joins ABC13 as a new anchor and reporter at the start of 2022.
“Like his father, Jacob Rascon epitomizes quality journalism. His experience as a national correspondent covering the biggest stories around the world brings a unique perspective,” said Granato. “Jacob is committed to pursuing stories that make a difference in our community and amplifying the voices of the underrepresented. His love for his hometown of Houston is an extra bonus that makes him an excellent anchor and reporter. ABC13 is thrilled the Rascon legacy will continue.”
Jacob Rascon is an Emmy© and Edward R. Murrow-winning journalist who joins ABC13 as an anchor and reporter with an impressive portfolio traveling the world covering groundbreaking international stories as an NBC News correspondent and as a local news reporter for KNBC-TV Los Angeles, KFOX-TV El Paso and KPRC-TV Houston.
“I remember visiting the station as a kid and meeting Dave Ward, Deborah Duncan, Wayne Dolcefino and Marvin Zindler,” said Jacob. “The fact that I’m now following in their footsteps and my father’s, who is the consummate journalist and an even better person, makes me immensely proud.”
In an excerpt from an email from Art Rascon to ABC13 staff:
“My dear friends, after 36 years of reporting the world, and more than 28 years with the ABC/Disney company, it’s time to pursue other opportunities … Thank you for such an incredible and rewarding journey. You know how to cover news and every day you bring amazing stories to life … You have my most sincere gratitude for your hard work and incredible insight into producing award-winning stories. It has been such a blessing to witness history in a remarkable way. Truly, I have had the best job in the world. I’m not leaving yet—I will still be around until the end of the year, but I wanted to give you this early notice. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not thank my television partner of more than 23 years, Melanie Lawson …”
About ABC13/KTRK-TV Houston
For over 50 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news leader from sign-on to sign-off. Broadcasting 49 hours of locally produced newscasts each week, ABC13 is the top-rated and most-watched news station among the Houston-area viewers. ABC13 also leads the market in its digital media efforts, with top rankings for its website, abc13.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ABC13 delivers live and streaming content on Roku, Fire TV, Amazon and AppleTV in the ABC13 Houston App. ABC13 is deeply invested in the Houston community, spotlighting Houston’s diversity with community affairs programs covering issues that affect different segments of the population – from local town halls to ABC13+. The station also hosts several community projects throughout the year including Share Your Holidays, an annual food drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank; and our E-cycle Drive, a collection/recycling effort for outdated electronic equipment in conjunction with Earth Day. ABC13 is also known for broadcasting the city’s major events including the annual July 4th Freedom Over Texas celebration, The Chevron Marathon, Houston Pride and The Houston Rodeo Parade.