Veteran journalist Jim Avila, a former senior correspondent for ABC News and a longtime contributor to the news-magazine program 20/20, has died at the age of 70 after a prolonged illness. His passing marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned decades, countless major news stories and landmark moments in American journalism. People.com+1
A Career Defined by Big Stories and Relentless Pursuit
Avila was born on July 26, 1955 (or some sources report 1956) and began his work in broadcasting before rising to national prominence. Wikipedia+1 At ABC News he became best known for covering politics, justice, law enforcement and consumer investigations — and his efforts earned him multiple major awards. ABC News+1
One of his standout achievements came while he served as senior White House correspondent from 2012-2016. During that period, he broke the story that the United States and Cuba had reopened diplomatic relations, an achievement that earned him the prestigious Merriman Smith Memorial Award from the White House Correspondents’ Association in 2015. People.com+1
Earlier in his career, as Senior Law and Justice Correspondent, Avila reported from major trials including those of O. J. Simpson and Michael Jackson, helping shape how television news covered courtroom drama and public accountability. 10 News+1
Awards, Recognition and a Legacy of Trust
Throughout his career, Avila earned two National Emmy Awards, five Edward R. Murrow Awards, and numerous honors from journalism organizations. ABC News In 2019 he was inducted into the hall of fame of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists — a testament to both his professional impact and his role as a guide for the next generation of reporters. New York Post
Colleagues remember Avila for his steady presence under pre