The Television Academy today named Emmy Award-winning journalist David Ono as the recipient of the 2026 Los Angeles Area Emmy Governors Award, recognizing his more than three decades of broadcasting and his passion for in-depth storytelling. The surprise announcement was made by Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, on ABC7’s Eyewitness News at 4 p.m.
The award is presented to an individual, company or organization, selected by the Los Angeles Area Governors Award committee, that has made an outstanding, innovative and visionary achievement in the arts, sciences or management of television as well as a substantial contribution to the greater Los Angeles area.
“David is a respected and trusted journalist whose award-winning reporting has been integral in helping Southern Californians make sense of the local, national and international news and events that shape their lives,” said Abrego. “He is a tremendous asset to our television community, and we are honored to celebrate him and his legacy.”
Ono, who is currently the co-anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., joined ABC7 in 1996 and during his tenure has not only reported extensively on news across the Southland, including a deep look at the recent Eaton and Palisades wildfires, but has covered important stories throughout the country. He was the first LA reporter on the scene of the 2023 Maui wildfires. He covered Hurricane Katrina in 2005, reported live from Boston after the tragic marathon bombing in 2013, and interviewed President Barack Obama from the White House.
See the full list of the 2026 Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards nominees.
His passion for comprehensive storytelling has taken him beyond the anchor desk and around the world. Ono has tracked drug runners through Central America, covered terrorism in Paris and reported on Haiti’s 2010 earthquake and Japan's devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami. He has traveled across Europe and Asia chronicling brave acts of World War II’s Nisei soldiers who liberated Dachau while their families were incarcerated in the U.S. His resulting multiple award-winning documentaries have been featured at the Smithsonian Institution and culminated in the immersive storytelling stage show Defining Courage, which has been performed all over the country.
Ono has also covered some of the great events of our time, including two royal weddings, the 2005 selection of Pope Benedict XVI, and both the 2013 selection and 2025 death of Pope Francis from the Vatican.
He cares deeply about his community and has always made time to host and support charity events and many important causes. Recently named Anchor of the Year in the U.S. by Broadcasting & Cable, Ono has won 12 Edward R. Murrow awards, 31 Emmys, two RTDNA National Unity Awards, six AAJA National Journalism Awards and was honored with the Distinguished Journalist Award by the Society of Professional Journalists. He has also received both the Journalist of the Year and Lifetime Achievement award by the Los Angeles Press Club.
Ono will be presented with the Los Angeles Area Governors Award during the 2026 Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards Saturday evening, July 25, 2026, at the Skirball Cultural Center. Brian DeCloux and Greg Taylor are the Los Angeles Area Governors.
Contact:
Stephanie Goodell
breakwhitelight for the Television Academy
stephanie@breakwhitelight.com
818-462-1150
Download the press release here.
