KPLC Anchor Cynthia Arceneaux to Retire After 45 Years

LAKE CHARLES, La. - One of Southwest Louisiana's most recognizable and trusted television personalities will be signing off the for the final time later this summer.

Longtime KPLC 7News anchor Cynthia Arceneaux has announced she will retire this August after an extraordinary 45-year career in television journalism. For generations of viewers across Southwest Louisiana, Arceneaux has been a familiar and reassuring presence during both celebrations and times of crisis.

Arceneaux is a native of Acadiana, born and raised in Franklin, Louisiana. She would later graduate from LSU with a degree in broadcast journalism.

Cynthia Arceneaux: A Pioneer in Southwest Louisiana Broadcasting

Arceneaux joined KPLC in 1982 and quickly made history as Lake Charles' first African American television news anchor. Over the decades, she became a respected journalist and community leader whose influence extended far beyond the newsroom.

Colleagues and Community Remember Arceneaux's Impact

KPLC News Director Jillian Corder said Arceneaux inspired many aspiring journalists, including herself.

"Growing up in Southwest Louisiana, I watched Cynthia deliver the 6 o'clock news," Corder said. "She was poised yet strong; she was everything that I wanted to be."

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Arceneaux briefly worked in New Orleans before returning to Southwest Louisiana, where she spent the majority of her career serving the community she loves. KPLC General Manager John Ware said her commitment to the region never wavered.

"She could work anywhere in the world, but she chooses to be here because she loves the community," Ware said. "She is Southwest Louisiana."

A Career Defined by Calm in the Storm — Especially During Hurricanes

Throughout her career, Arceneaux became especially known for her calm and dependable reporting during hurricanes and other emergencies. Former colleagues say viewers often turned to her for trusted information during some of the region's most challenging moments, including Hurricane Rita.

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Recently, Arceneaux was honored by Mount Olive Baptist Church with the Murphy Fontenot Eagle Trailblazer Award, recognizing her contributions to the community and her role as a pioneer in local broadcasting.

For many viewers, particularly young Black women who saw themselves represented on television, Arceneaux's success served as an inspiration. Former coworkers praised not only her broadcasting abilities but also her integrity, professionalism, and genuine compassion for the people she covered.

Arceneaux's Final Broadcast: August 6, 2026

Arceneaux's final broadcast is scheduled for Aug. 6, 2026. While she may be stepping away from the anchor desk, her impact on Southwest Louisiana journalism and the countless lives she touched throughout her career will continue for years to come.

Congrats Cynthia, job well done. Enjoy retirement!