David Ono Biography: Award-Winning Journalist at ABC7 Eyewitness News
David Ono is a well-known journalist and co-anchor at 4 and 6 p.m. for ABC7 Eyewitness News (KABC-TV) in Los Angeles, California. He has been with KABC-TV since 1996. Ono is recognized for his dynamic storytelling and dedication to journalism, often stepping beyond the anchor desk to cover significant events and produce multimedia projects.
One of his notable works includes a multimedia production about Japanese-American Nisei soldiers during World War II, titled “Defining Courage: Celebrate the Legacy of True American Heroes.” This production combines live music, historic film footage, and eyewitness interviews, and has been well-received, selling out multiple shows.
Ono’s career began in Texas, where he worked at various stations including KXAS-TV in Dallas, KOSA-TV in Odessa, and KDBC-TV in El Paso. He later moved to Sacramento, California, before settling in Los Angeles. Throughout his career, Ono has been involved with the Asian American Journalists Association and has been a strong advocate for diversity in the newsroom.
Age
David Ono was born on February 5, 1957, making him 67 years old as of 2024. His zodiac sign is Aquarius. He is of mixed ethnicity, with a Japanese mother and a White American father. David holds dual nationality; he is both Japanese and American.
Parents and Siblings
David Ono was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and a Caucasian father. His family moved to the United States when he was just one year old, and he was raised in San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, his mother passed away when he was young, so he had limited time with her.
There isn’t much publicly available information about his siblings, if he has any. David has often shared that his upbringing in a predominantly Caucasian and Latino community meant he had little connection to his Asian roots during his early years.
Wife
David Ono, a well-known news anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News, is married. He has a daughter named Kaia, who was born in May 2011.
Height, Weight
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 150 lbs (68 kg)
Career and Background
David Ono began his broadcasting career in the 1980s and has worked at various television stations across the country. He joined KABC-TV in 1996, where he has received numerous awards for his work, including Emmy Awards. He is highly regarded for his reporting on significant events and issues affecting the Los Angeles community.
David Ono has had a distinguished career in journalism, marked by numerous highlights and accolades. Here are some key points:
Career Highlights
- Early Career: David Ono began his journalism career in Texas, working at various stations including KXAS-TV in Dallas, KOSA-TV in Odessa, and KDBC-TV in El Paso. His early experiences helped him develop a strong foundation in news reporting and anchoring.
- Move to California: Ono moved to Sacramento, California, where he continued to hone his skills before joining KABC-TV in Los Angeles in 1996. His move to Los Angeles marked a significant step in his career, placing him in one of the largest media markets in the United States.
- ABC7 Eyewitness News: At KABC-TV, Ono co-anchors the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. He is known for his dynamic storytelling and has covered major events both locally and internationally. His work often goes beyond the anchor desk, involving in-depth reporting and multimedia projects.
- Notable Projects: One of his most acclaimed projects is “Defining Courage: Celebrate the Legacy of True American Heroes,” a multimedia production about Japanese-American Nisei soldiers during World War II. This project combines live music, historic film footage, and eyewitness interviews, and has been highly praised for its storytelling and historical significance.
- Documentaries and Special Reports: Ono has produced several documentaries and special reports, covering topics such as the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Boston Marathon bombing, and the terrorist attacks in Paris. His ability to provide in-depth coverage of significant events has earned him a reputation for excellence in journalism.
David Ono has covered a wide range of significant stories throughout his career at ABC7. Here are a few notable ones:
- Hurricane Katrina: David reported extensively on the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, providing in-depth coverage of the aftermath and the impact on the communities affected.
- Tsunami in Japan: He covered the 2011 tsunami in Japan, bringing attention to the disaster’s impact and the resilience of the Japanese people in the face of such a catastrophic event.
- 9/11 Attacks: David has also reported on the 9/11 attacks, including the aftermath and the ongoing effects on the United States and the world.
- Defining Courage: This is a special project where David explored the legacy of Japanese Americans who served in segregated U.S. military units during World War II. This series highlighted their extraordinary stories and contributions.
- Humanitarian Stories: David has traveled to various parts of the world to cover humanitarian stories, including the plight of refugees and the efforts of aid organizations.
Awards and Recognitions
David Ono’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, reflecting his contributions to journalism and storytelling:
- Emmy Awards: Ono has won multiple Emmy Awards for his outstanding reporting and anchoring. These awards highlight his excellence in news coverage and his ability to connect with audiences.
- Edward R. Murrow Awards: He has received several Edward R. Murrow Awards, which are among the most prestigious in broadcast journalism. These awards recognize his achievements in electronic journalism.
- National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Awards: Ono has been honored by the NAB for his contributions to the field of broadcasting, particularly for his work in news reporting and production.
- Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) Awards: As an active member of the AAJA, Ono has been recognized for his efforts to promote diversity in the newsroom and for his impactful storytelling that often highlights issues affecting the Asian American community.
David Ono’s career is a testament to his dedication to journalism and his ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences. His numerous awards and recognitions underscore his impact on the field and his commitment to excellence.
David Ono works closely with several colleagues at KABC, including:
- Ellen Leyva: She co-anchors the 4 PM and 6 PM newscasts with David Ono.
- Marc Brown: Another prominent anchor at KABC, he often co-anchors the 5 PM and 11 PM newscasts.
- Rob Fukuzaki: The sports anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News, making the team one of the few news programs with two Asian American male anchors.
These colleagues, along with David Ono, form a strong team delivering news to the Los Angeles area.
Net Worth and Salary
David Ono, a prominent anchor at ABC7 Eyewitness News, has had a successful career that has significantly contributed to his financial standing. His estimated net worth is around $2 million to $15 million. This wide range is due to varying reports from different sources.
Regarding his salary, David Ono earns an estimated $100,000 to $120,000 annually. His earnings reflect his extensive experience and the numerous awards he has received throughout his career.
Is David Ono Married?
Yes, David Ono is married and has a daughter named Kaia, who was born in May 2011.
How Old Is David Ono?
David Ono is 63 years old, having been born on June 25, 1961.
Where Is David Ono?
David Ono is still working at ABC7 Eyewitness News (KABC-TV). He co-anchors the news at 4 PM and 6 PM alongside Ellen Leyva. David has been with ABC7 since 1996 and continues to be an integral part of their news team.
Here are a few more interesting facts about David Ono:
Personal Interests and Activities
- Adventure and Exploration: David Ono is known for his adventurous spirit. He has traveled extensively to cover stories, including trips to war zones and disaster areas. His passion for exploration is evident in his willingness to go to great lengths to bring important stories to his audience.
- Storytelling Beyond News: Ono has a deep interest in storytelling that extends beyond traditional news reporting. He has produced several documentaries and multimedia projects that delve into historical events and personal narratives, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller.
- Community Involvement: David is actively involved in the community and often participates in events and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. He is a strong advocate for the Asian American community and frequently speaks at events organized by the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).
Unique Projects
- “Defining Courage”: This project is particularly notable for its innovative approach to storytelling. By combining live music, historic film footage, and eyewitness interviews, Ono created a powerful narrative about the bravery of Japanese-American soldiers during World War II. The project has been performed to sold-out audiences and has received widespread acclaim.
- Coverage of Major Events: Ono has covered some of the most significant events of our time, including the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Boston Marathon bombing, and the terrorist attacks in Paris. His on-the-ground reporting has provided viewers with in-depth insights and humanized the impact of these events.
Recognition and Influence
- Influence in Journalism: David Ono’s work has had a significant impact on the field of journalism. His dedication to high-quality reporting and his innovative approach to storytelling have set a standard for others in the industry.
- Mentorship and Advocacy: Ono is committed to mentoring young journalists and advocating for greater diversity in newsrooms. His efforts have helped to pave the way for future generations of journalists from diverse backgrounds.
David Ono’s career is marked by a blend of professional excellence, adventurous reporting, and a commitment to community and diversity. His work continues to inspire and influence both his peers and the audiences he serves.
David Ono is quite active on social media. You can follow him on:
He often shares updates about his work, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal insights.
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