Gina Gaston Biography: Veteran Anchor & Reporter at ABC13 Houston KTRK-TV
Gina Gaston is a highly respected and veteran television journalist, currently serving as a lead anchor and reporter for ABC13 KTRK-TV in Houston, Texas. Her career spans several decades, with significant contributions both locally and nationally.
Early Career and Education:
Gina Gaston graduated from the University of Southern California in 1987 with a double major in journalism and communications and a minor in international relations.
She began her television news career at KLTV in Tyler, Texas, before moving on to WHTM-TV in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and WTSP in Tampa, Florida.
Time at ABC13 Houston (KTRK-TV):
Gaston first joined KTRK-TV in Houston in 1992, where she co-anchored the morning newscast. She left in 1999 for a national opportunity.
National Exposure at MSNBC:
From 1999 to 2000, Gina Gaston co-anchored “HomePage,” an afternoon show on MSNBC, alongside Ashleigh Banfield and Mika Brzezinski. Entertainment Weekly famously dubbed this trio “the Powerpuff Girls of journalism.”
During her time at MSNBC, she also anchored coverage of the 2000 presidential election and served as a fill-in anchor for NBC’s “Weekend Today” show.
Return to ABC13 Houston:
In 2001, Gaston returned to KTRK-TV, where she quickly became a prominent figure.
She anchored and reported the 6 PM and 10 PM newscasts, eventually becoming the first female and African-American to hold the lead anchor position at the station.
In May 2023, after 21 years of anchoring the 10 PM news, she transitioned to anchoring the 6 PM newscast and filling in on other shifts, citing a desire for more family time and focus on health and well-being.
Career Highlights and Recognition:
Gina Gaston has covered numerous significant events throughout her career, including the O.J. Simpson trial, the Democratic National Convention, the 2000 presidential election and Florida ballot recounts, and President George W. Bush’s inaugural activities.
She has interviewed notable figures such as former U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison, Olympia Snowe, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, as well as Reverend Jesse Jackson and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.
Her journalistic excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards:
- Emmy Awards: Including a 2007 Lone Star Emmy for Outstanding Achievement for a documentary (“Cosmos” and “Soulful Stitches”).
- National Headliner Award: For her documentary “Soulful Stitches.”
- Gracie Allen Awards: For her documentary “Interview with Peter Jennings,” “Houston Symphony 100th Anniversary,” and a profile of Andres Orozco Estrada.
- Associated Press Awards: Several awards for Best Newscast in Houston and Pennsylvania.
- Named “Best Anchor” by the Houston Press (twice).
- Inducted into the “Best Dressed” Hall of Fame by Houston Chronicle/March of Dimes.
- Recognized as “25 Most Beautiful People” by H Texas Magazine, “Woman on the Move” by Texas Executive Women, and “Woman of Distinction” by CCFA.
Personal Interest:
Gina Gaston is actively involved in the Houston philanthropic community, supporting various charities and organizations, including the Children’s Museum of Houston, Easter Seals, The Women’s Fund, March of Dimes, Making It Better, Child Advocates, and the American Heart Association.
She co-founded “Flower Power,” a non-profit that repurposes flowers from events for distribution to veterans’ organizations, shelters, and seniors.
Age:
Gina Gaston was born on January 14, 1966, making her 59 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Capricorn. She holds American nationality and is of Afro-American ethnicity.
Parents and Siblings:
Gina Gaston was born in Oxnard, California, and grew up in Santa Barbara, California.
Her childhood in Santa Barbara, a coastal city known for its cultural and educational opportunities, likely influenced her path toward journalism.
She pursued higher education at the University of Southern California, graduating in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and Communications, and a minor in International Relations.
This academic foundation suggests a supportive environment that valued education, though specific details about her early life experiences are not publicly documented.
However, details about her parents and siblings remain largely undisclosed, as she has not publicly shared much about her family background.
Husband:
Gina Gaston is married to Mario Elie, a former Houston Rockets player and three-time NBA champion.
The couple met while Gina was covering a Rockets championship game during her time at MSNBC. They tied the knot in 2001 and have been together ever since.
Children:
Gina and Mario are proud parents of triplets, born in 2003—two sons, Gaston Elie and Glenn Elie, and a daughter, Lauren Elie.
Mario Elie had an impressive 11-year NBA career, playing for teams like the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs before transitioning into coaching.
He has worked as an assistant coach for teams like the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic.
The Elie family has been described as a prominent Houston couple, even listing their luxurious Piney Point mansion for sale at $3 million.
Height:
Gina Gaston stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) and maintains a weight of approximately 121 lbs (55 kg).
Career and Background:
Gina Gaston began her journalism career in the early 1990s and joined KTRK-TV ABC13 in Houston in 1992.
After initially serving as a weekend anchor, she took a brief break from the station in 1999 to join MSNBC, where she covered national stories.
She returned to ABC13 in 2001 and has since been one of the station’s primary news anchors. She co-anchors the weekday 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts.
Her reporting spans significant political, community, and breaking news events, earning her high praise and credibility. Gina is known for her professionalism, warmth, and insightful reporting.
Early Career & Local Stations
Local Foundations:
Before achieving household recognition, Gina honed her craft at smaller local stations.
Although detailed records from these early roles are limited, it’s understood that her hands-on experiences at markets across the country laid the groundwork for her later success.
Here’s what we know about her formative years in the broadcast world:
- WHTM-TV (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania):
At WHTM-TV, Gina learned the essentials of live reporting and news production.
Working in a smaller market, she was able to develop a strong sense of community-focused journalism, learning to balance breaking news with human-interest stories.
This role likely instilled in her the values of accurate reporting and authenticity that continue to define her work today.
- WTSP-TV (Tampa, Florida):
In Tampa, the fast-paced environment of local news kept Gina on her toes.
Covering a range of local events and hard-hitting stories, she refined her ability to deliver news in a clear, engaging manner.
This stint reinforced her adaptability and her knack for connecting with a diverse audience in a vibrant, urban setting.
- KLTV (Tyler, Texas):
At KLTV, Gina’s role involved digging into community narratives and local government issues.
The hands-on reporting here gave her a close-up view of the challenges and triumphs facing smaller communities.
This experience enriched her storytelling skills and prepared her for the broader canvases of national and large-market journalism.
Each of these early positions was critical for developing her reporting fundamentals—from script preparation and field interviews to live shots—forming a launch pad for the advanced roles that would later come her way.
KTRK-TV (ABC13 Houston)
The Houston Chapter – First Tenure (1992–1999):
Gina made her major breakthrough when she joined KTRK-TV in 1992.
Initially stepping in as a co-anchor for the morning newscast, she quickly resonated with the Houston audience through her clear delivery, engaging presence, and meticulous reporting style.
In this role, she covered local issues ranging from municipal developments to breaking news events that affected everyday Houstonians, earning her local acclaim and building a solid, trust-based relationship with viewers.
Return and Ongoing Legacy (2001–Present):
After her national exposure, Gina returned to KTRK-TV in 2001.
Stepping into the role of lead anchor for the evening broadcasts—Eyewitness News at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.—she has become a definitive voice in Houston news.
Her commitment to in-depth reporting, coupled with her on-air charisma, has kept her at the forefront of local journalism.
Her time at ABC13 Houston is marked not only by breaking significant local stories such as severe weather events and community crises but also by conducting high-profile interviews that have stirred conversations across the community.
National Exposure with MSNBC & NBC’s Weekend Today
MSNBC (1999–2001): Seeking to expand her perspective beyond local news, Gina transitioned to national broadcasting with MSNBC in 1999. In this role, she was entrusted with covering landmark national events, most notably:
- The 2000 Presidential Election & Florida Ballot Recounts: Her insightful coverage of these pivotal moments showcased her ability to blend regional nuance with national significance.
- Major National Events: Gina’s reporting during this period was not just informative but also delivered with the gravitas required for stories that would resonate on a national scale.
NBC’s Weekend Today (Fill-In Role):
During her time with the national network, Gina also served in a fill-in capacity for NBC’s Weekend Today.
This role further broadened her exposure to different broadcast formats and a wider audience.
It underscored her versatility—transitioning seamlessly between the fast‐paced national news cycle and the more relaxed, yet comprehensive weekend programming.
Her work with MSNBC and NBC provided Gina Gaston with a robust platform to refine her reporting style, adapt to high-pressure news environments, and broaden her storytelling repertoire before returning to lead local journalism in Houston.
Gina Gaston has worked alongside several talented journalists at ABC13 Houston, forming a strong newsroom team over the years. Here are some of her notable colleagues:
- Erik Barajas – Co-anchors with Gina on Eyewitness News, known for his engaging delivery and strong reporting skills.
- Tom Koch – A longtime anchor at ABC13, he worked with Gina during her early years at the station.
- Shara Fryer – A veteran journalist whom Gina replaced when she returned to ABC13 in 2001.
- Art Rascon – A respected reporter and anchor who spent decades at ABC13 before retiring.
- Melanie Lawson – A well-known anchor and reporter, recognized for her insightful coverage and community involvement.
- Briana Conner – A rising anchor and reporter at ABC13, Briana has worked alongside Gina in various newscasts.
- Greg Bailey – A sports anchor who has covered major Houston sports stories alongside Gina’s news reporting.
- Travis Herzog – Chief meteorologist at ABC13, providing weather updates during Gina’s broadcasts.
Gina’s colleagues have often praised her professionalism, leadership, and ability to connect with audiences. Her long tenure at ABC13 Houston has made her a key figure in the newsroom’s success.
Net Worth and Salary:
Gina Gaston has built a successful career in journalism, contributing to her financial stability. Here’s an overview of her net worth and salary:
Net Worth:
- Estimates suggest her net worth ranges between $1.5 million and $2.5 million.
- Her wealth comes from her long-standing career as a journalist, including her tenure at ABC13 Houston, MSNBC, and other media roles.
- She and her husband, Mario Elie, have been described as a prominent Houston couple, even listing their luxurious Piney Point mansion for $3 million.
Salary:
- As a lead anchor at ABC13 Houston, Gina Gaston reportedly earns an annual salary between $56,500 and $120,000.
- Some sources suggest her salary could be around $94,000 per year.
Her financial success reflects her decades of experience, award-winning journalism, and high-profile reporting.
Is Gina Gaston Married?
Yes, Gina Gaston is married to Mario Elie, a former Houston Rockets player and three-time NBA champion.
They wed in 2001 and have triplets—two sons, Gaston Elie and Glenn Elie, and a daughter, Lauren Elie, born in 2003.
How Old Is Gina Gaston?
As of 2025, Gina Gaston is 59 years old, born on January 14, 1966.
Where is Gina Gaston Working?
Gina Gaston is currently working as a lead anchor at ABC13 Houston (KTRK-TV), where she co-anchors Eyewitness News at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m..
She has been a key figure at the station since 1992, briefly leaving in 1999 to work at MSNBC before returning in 2001.
Her role involves anchoring major news stories, conducting high-profile interviews, and delivering in-depth reporting on local and national events.
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