The journalism world is mourning the loss of Jim Avila, a veteran correspondent whose career spanned more than half a century and left an indelible mark on American broadcast news. Avila died at the age of 69 after a long illness, as announced by ABC News Live on November 13, 2025. His passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from colleagues and industry peers, many of whom remember him not just for his tenacious reporting, but for the integrity and empathy that defined his work.
Avila’s journey in journalism began in Los Angeles, where he took on the role of managing editor at KCBS-FM. From those early days, his drive and curiosity were unmistakable. Over the years, he moved through some of the nation’s most competitive newsrooms, including KNBC in Los Angeles, WBBM and WLS in Chicago, and KPIX in San Francisco. By the time he joined NBC News in 1997, Avila had already established himself as a formidable reporter, but his star was only beginning to rise.
During his tenure at NBC, Avila served as senior national correspondent for NBC Nightly News, averaging an impressive 130 reports a year. According to his ABC News biography, his coverage was broad and impactful, tackling stories that shaped the national conversation. But it was his move to ABC News in 2004 that truly cemented his legacy. Based out of Los Angeles, Avila became a national correspondent with a focus on law and justice investigations. His work regularly appeared on flagship programs like ABC World News Tonight and 20/20, where his meticulous approach and clear-eyed analysis won him both viewers’ trust and industry accolades.
For more than two decades with ABC, Avila was known as a weathered chronicler whose name became synonymous with integrity and surgical exactitude. He covered politics, justice, legal affairs, and major consumer investigations, helping to shape the network’s reporting legacy. Diane Macedo, anchor of ABC News Live, paused during Thursday’s broadcast to honor Avila’s lasting contributions. "Jim was an L.A.-based correspondent specializing in politics, justice, law and consumer investigations for nearly two decades... He also worked in the White House and broke the news that the U.S. and Cuba had reopened diplomatic relations. That story earned him the prestigious Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents Association..." Macedo recalled, as reported by People.
Avila’s time on the White House press corps from 2012 to 2016 was particularly noteworthy. In a period marked by global tension and shifting alliances, he broke the news of the thaw in diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. This scoop was no small feat—it secured him the 2015 Merriman Smith Award from the White House Correspondents' Association, a recognition reserved for masterful coverage of major breaking news. The story centered on the release of U.S. contractor Alan Gross from Cuban confinement, a pivotal moment in international diplomacy and a testament to Avila’s ability to capture history as it unfolded.
Yet, Avila was more than a reporter chasing headlines. Those who worked alongside him repeatedly spoke of his professionalism, genuine empathy, and the courage he displayed even as serious health challenges confronted him. Colleagues describe a man who met each obstacle with poise and an unrelenting devotion to the truth. His reports were not just informative—they were guided by a sense of justice and a commitment to balanced storytelling. As a 20/20 correspondent and later as senior investigative reporter for ABC’s San Diego affiliate, Avila consistently held himself to the highest standards, inspiring journalists across generations.
His work ethic was legendary. Whether covering major consumer investigations or unraveling complex legal affairs, Avila approached each story with the same rigor and attention to detail. He was, as many have said, a byword for trustworthiness in an era when public confidence in the media was constantly tested. His colleagues, both at NBC and ABC, often remarked on his ability to connect with sources and audiences alike—a rare gift that elevated his reporting and made his stories resonate.
Avila’s broadcasting career, which spanned more than 50 years, is a testament to his enduring passion for the craft. From his beginnings as managing editor in Los Angeles to his national presence on NBC and ABC, he never lost sight of the core values that define great journalism. He believed in the power of facts, the necessity of context, and the responsibility journalists bear in holding power to account. Even as he faced personal health battles, Avila’s commitment never wavered. He continued to file reports, mentor younger journalists, and contribute to the newsroom’s collective mission.
His passing leaves a void not just at ABC News, but across the broader journalistic community. The imprint he left—marked by integrity, empathy, and an unrelenting devotion to the truth—continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. It’s no wonder that, even in the wake of his death, colleagues and viewers alike are reflecting on the lessons he imparted, both through his reporting and his example.
Jim Avila is survived by his three children: Jamie, Jenny, and Evan. While his family grieves the loss of a beloved father, the journalism world pauses to remember a man whose dedication helped shape the way Americans understand their world. His legacy, built on decades of hard work and an unwavering belief in the importance of the news, will not soon be forgotten.
As the industry moves forward, Avila’s story stands as a reminder of what’s possible when journalistic excellence is paired with compassion and courage. His voice may be gone, but his influence endures—echoing in every newsroom, every broadcast, and every young reporter who dares to ask the hard questions.
