NewsChannel 13 announced on Wednesday that anchor/reporter Elaine Houston will be leaving on Dec. 29 after over three decades at the station.

“For nearly 34 years, Elaine has been a mainstay on our News Team – providing unforgettable storytelling and authoritative anchoring,” said News Director Michael Raffaele in a statement. “Whether it’s being a mentor in the newsroom or a passionate voice for women in the community, Elaine has been an inspirational force for us all. From her powerful George Floyd specials to her compelling series on reparations, to her groundbreaking ‘Today’s Women’ stories, Elaine sheds light on stories in our region that must be told.”

Houston has won numerous community and journalism awards including an Emmy in 2022 for her story on a coal plant being part of cancer-causing environmental racism. She also received two Emmy nominations this year.

This past August. Houston earned her doctorate in executive leadership and social justice from St. John Fisher College.

“Elaine has not only made a significant impact to all of us here at WNYT, but she has made a difference throughout our community,” Raffaele said.

Houston joined WNYT in January 1990. She is currently co-anchor of NewsChannel 13 Live at 5 and Live at 5:30 p.m.

Houston has covered events stories such as the inauguration of Donald Trump, the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., tornadoes in Oklahoma, John Kerry’s run for president and the Elian Gonzalez controversy in Havana, Cuba, according to her biography.

While the education reporter, she highlighted outstanding teachers and students with her “Top Teacher” and “The Best and Brightest” program. She organized a weekend trip to Space Camp in Canada for 30 educators.

Houston also is known for her “Today’s Women” series, which focuses on women making a difference in their careers and communities.

She also has been active in the community. She received the Distinguished Community Service from Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2012. She created a communications program at Arbor Hill Community Center to teach children about broadcasting.

She wrote her first book in 2004. The “The Friendships Between Women,” is a compilation of letters from women.

Houston is making a formal announcement during NewsChannel 13 Live at 4.

Check back at wnyt.com later for more about her announcement.