The veteran anchor has worked for nearly five decades in journalism, including the last 38 years at KENS 5.
SAN ANTONIO — Award-winning news anchor Deborah Knapp will lead her final newscast Wednesday, May 21, at 5 p.m. on KENS 5.
After nearly five decades serving the people of San Antonio, Knapp is retiring from the station.
“It’s been an honor to serve the wonderful people of San Antonio in this city I love for nearly 50 years,” Knapp said last month when the news of her retirement was announced. “I love my KENS 5 family, so it was not an easy decision. I am thrilled to continue working with our talented staff as a mentor, and I will remain active with the Alamo Colleges Foundation.”
The Wednesday newscast will include the day’s top headlines while also taking a look back at Knapp’s career in news. You can watch on KENS 5 TV, the KENS 5 app and KENS 5+, available now to download to your TV and watch for free.
Knapp’s journey in broadcast journalism began in 1977 when she walked across the stage at The University of Texas at Austin, diploma in hand, and started the very next day as a “weekend weather girl” at KSAT. A year later, she was hired as weekend anchor at KENS 5, eventually co-anchoring the 5 p.m. newscast with Fred Lozano.
In 1980, Knapp took her talents to Philadelphia, anchoring the 5 and 11 p.m. newscasts at WCAU, before returning home to San Antonio and KENS 5 in 1987 following the birth of her daughter.
“For decades, Deborah has been the heart of our newsroom and a shining example of our commitment to both journalism and community,” said Tom Cury, KENS 5 president and general manager. “She embodies the spirit of San Antonio and the values of KENS 5 with unmatched grace and professionalism. While we’ll miss seeing her at the anchor desk every day, we wish her all the joy and fulfillment this next chapter brings.”
Knapp described news director Jack Acosta as “a joy to work for,” and he shares the admiration. “Working with Deb has been an absolute pleasure,” Acosta said. “She’s been a mentor to so many in our newsroom and a trusted colleague every step of the way.”
As she transitions into retirement, Knapp says she looks forward to more family time and enjoying the simple joys of life.
“I look forward to cherishing moments with my mother, children and grandchildren,” she said. “And I plan to spend more time dancing!”
SPECIAL ON KENS 5+: Meteorologist Bill Taylor interviews news anchor Deborah Knapp about her five decades working in the news business. Catch the special exclusively on KENS 5+, which you can download on your TV and watch for free!