For most in the television world, working in a small to medium market is a starting point – merely a stepping stone to the large market newsrooms. Anchor teams constantly change as personalities come and go – except at KCBD-TV in Lubbock where Karin McCay and Abner Euresti have made the South Plains their permanent TV home. The two have been anchoring the evening newscasts together for nearly 30 years – making them the longest running anchor team in the United States!
Both Karin and Abner began their television careers at KCBD, and both remain there today. KCBD consistently dominates the ratings in Lubbock, often enjoying a 40+ share of household viewers. Together, Karin and Abner have received the “Hero’s Award” from the Lubbock Area Foundation, the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Children’s Miracle Network, the “Good Scout Award” from the Boy Scouts, and the “Dean’s Distinguished Service Award” from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Karin McCay is a Texas Tech University graduate and started her career at KCBD in 1978 as a reporter. Karin is the most recognized and respected health reporter in Lubbock. She is a 17-time winner of the Anson Jones Award, which is selected by the Texas Medical Association. She has won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award three times and earned an Emmy nomination for best news documentary and a recipient of a Lone Star Excellence in My Market Award (EMMA) this year. She has co-hosted the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon since 1984 and has helped raise more than $12 million for the Children’s Hospital at University Medical Center.
Karin is married to Lubbock County Commissioner Bill McCay. They have two children and a first grandchild who was born in September.
Abner Euresti is a graduate of Texas Tech University and has lived in Lubbock his entire life. He began his television career at KCBD in 1974. In addition to his anchor duties, Abner doubles as Managing Editor. Abner has received numerous awards for excellence in education reporting, including statewide awards from: the Texas State Teachers Association, the Association of Texas Professional Educators and the Texas Parent Teacher Association. In addition, Abner has been recognized numerous times by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Division for his work at NewsChannel 11.
Abner has served on several boards including the Libraries Board, the Lubbock Area Foundation, Women’s Protective Services, United Way Speaker’s Bureau the Texas Tech Mass Communications Alumni Council.
Abner is a strong advocate for education and spends much of his time speaking to schools, particularly events and activities that target at-risk students. For that, he received a State Board of Education Hero Award.
Abner and his wife Tara are the proud parents of twin daughters, Kiersten and Kelsie.
The secret of their success and long-time teamwork? Karin and Abner say they are best friends, on and off the set.
It is with great honor we welcome Karin McCay and Abner Euresti into the Silver Circle of the Lone Star Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for their three decades of outstanding contribution to television broadcasting.