Ilona Carson was announced as the new KHOU 11 morning co-anchor with Jacob Rascon on today's AM newscast.
"Houston has been my home for years, and every day I'm reminded what an honor it is to be part of this incredible community," Carson said. "It's a true privilege to be welcomed into your home, share your stories, and help you start your day."
It's an ABC13 KTRK reunion, but the duo never actually worked at the station together at the same time. As Jacob noted on the morning newscast, Carson and his father, Art Rascon, worked together.
Carson will join the KHOU morning newscast on July 28, 2025, and stay on for the KHOU 11+ streaming portion until 9am.
Stephanie Simmons will be moving to the dayside schedule. If I had to guess, Simmons will fill the 4pm newscast vacancy left by Rekha Muddaraj. Speaking of Muddaraj, back in April when I posted that she was leaving KHOU, I wrote:
"Sources tell mikemcguff.com that KHOU is hiring another new morning co-anchor. In fact, I am aware of one notable Houston TV anchor that has tried out. Stay tuned. This could get very interesting. I've been telling people in the TV industry that when new KHOU GM David Loving was hired in May 2024, given that he had already run the top-rated station in Houston a few years ago, he was going to hit the ground running and shake up the ratings. Stay tuned."
The person I was referencing was Ilona Carson, who auditioned at Channel 11 many months ago.
Last year in an interview, Carson told me she left the TV biz to escape "the daily whirlwind of live news" and focus more on her family since she is a mom to three busy kids in elementary, middle, and high school.
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| Taisha Walker, Foti Kallergis, Ilona Carson (courtesy Comcast) |
Lately, Carson's work life has been in the public relations office of Comcast Houston with former colleague Foti Kallergis and KPRC 2 competitor Taisha Walker.
"When I departed from ABC 13, I thought I was retiring," Carson told mikemcguff.com in 2024. "While it was a much-needed sabbatical, I learned a lot about myself and the importance of finding a new challenge, the next step in my career. The opportunity at Comcast was simply the right fit — not just for my own professional development but also for the flexibility that my family needs. Everyday, I get to do some amazing work for one of the nation’s biggest technology and media companies. I still get to tell impactful stories and share them with Houston area viewers - which will always be in my DNA. There really is a wonderful life after news!"
Carson left ABC13 after 16 years in June 2021 and was one of the many departures around that time. She joined Channel 13 in 2005 as anchor of the 4 p.m. newscast. Over time, she expanded her role to include the 6:30 p.m. news and eventually the 10 p.m. newscast.
In 2018, after five years on the late news, Carson stepped away from the 10 p.m. anchor desk to focus on her growing family.
Before making the move to Houston, Carson worked at FOX 10 KSAZ in Phoenix. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she also spent part of her early career at KAMR in Amarillo.
Over the course of her career, Carson has been recognized with numerous honors, including a Lone Star EMMY, a National Headliner Award, and a Gracie Award.
"Ilona brings exceptional experience and an authentic connection to Houston that our audience will immediately recognize," said David Loving, KHOU 11 President and General Manager. "Her proven track record of guiding our community through challenging moments with facts, compassion, and perspective makes her an incredible asset to our team."
"Ilona is a hands-on anchor and solution-focused journalist who combines extensive experience with a relatable style that connects with viewers and reflects her love for Houston," said Kathryn Bonfield, KHOU 11 News Director. "Her ability to deliver news with both professionalism and heart makes her the perfect addition to the KHOU 11 family."
