The world of journalism has lost a respected figure with the passing of Jim Avila, a former senior correspondent for ABC News renowned for his investigative work. He was 69 years old.
Avila died on 12 November after bravely facing a prolonged illness. The sad news was officially announced by ABC News President, Almin Karamehmedovic, in an internal email sent to the staff.
A Storied Career in Journalism
Jim Avila built an impressive career focusing on critical areas such as politics, justice, law, and consumer investigations. His professional journey included the prestigious assignment of covering the White House during President Barack Obama's second term. He was also a key correspondent for ABC's renowned news magazine program, "20/20," based in Los Angeles.
His exceptional work was recognised with some of the highest honours in the field. Avila was a recipient of the Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents Association for his coverage of US-Cuba diplomatic relations. Furthermore, his trophy cabinet included two National Emmy Awards and five Edward R Murrow Awards.
Legacy and Personal Life
In his announcement, ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic praised Avila, calling him a "gifted journalist and a generous colleague." He also highlighted that despite his failing health, Jim "continued to contribute to journalism through opinion writing and local reporting," showcasing his unwavering dedication to the profession.
Karamehmedovic extended heartfelt condolences to Avila's family, which includes his three children: Jamie, Jenny, and Evan.
Beyond the national accolades, Jim Avila's impactful reporting earned him three Peter Lisagor Awards for his coverage of the Peru drug wars and the death of Mayor Harold Washington. His other honours include the Cine Golden Eagle Award, the Mongerson Prize, and five Chicago-area Emmy Awards. In a significant recognition of his contributions, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists named him a 2019 Hall of Fame honoree.
At the time of his passing, Avila was serving as a senior investigative reporter for KGTV, the ABC affiliate station in San Diego.
Remembering Jim Avila's Contributions
While there are no definitive public records detailing Jim Avila's net worth, reports from outlets like Merca 2.0 indicate that an ABC News correspondent typically earns an average annual salary ranging between $48,000 and $85,000.
Jim Avila's career stands as a testament to the power of diligent, courageous, and principled journalism. His passing leaves a void in the news community, but his legacy of truth-seeking and impactful storytelling will continue to inspire.
