Jacksonville readers choose News4JAX anchor Melanie Lawson as Folio Weekly’s first Person of the Year

We’ve always known how amazing News4JAX anchor Melanie Lawson is, but it’s nice to know the Jacksonville community sees it, too!Lawson, who has been a feature on The Morning Show broadcast for nearly two decades, was named Folio Weekly’s 2026 Person of the Year, chosen by readers across Northeast Florida.Lawson, who has worked for Channel 4 for 21 years, was selected for the magazine’s inaugural honor through a nomination process that drew more than 280,000 votes. Readers cited her philanthropy, community involvement, and dedication to storytelling as reasons they chose her for the distinction, Folio Weekly General Manager Teresa Spencer said.“There were hundreds that wrote in all of the different reasons,” Spencer said. “Her philanthropy, what she does for the community, what she does here on air, bringing the stories to life that Northeast Florida deserves to hear and the right way to hear it.”RELATED | Melanie Lawson: Why I’m celebrating my 50th birthday by saying ‘Dear Jacksonville