Colleagues confirmed that Jim Avila, former ABC News Correspondent died on Thursday at the age of 69.
Diane Macedo, a television anchor in the Philippines, announced that Avila died after “a long illness.” She did not provide any details regarding his health. In 2020, the veteran journalist received a transplant from his brother.
Avila is a Los Angeles-based senior national correspondent who has contributed to 20/20 for more than 40 years. He has covered consumer investigation, politics, and justice.
His long career in broadcast journalism has been marked by several awards, including the national award for his breaking of the news that U.S.A. and Cuba restored diplomatic relations.
In a press release, ABC News president Almin Karamehmedovic expressed his condolences, as well as his gratitude for the many contributions he made and his unwavering dedication to finding out truth.
Avila was remembered for his professionalism and friendliness by colleagues and admirers.
Jim Avila has died after a lengthy illness. He was formerly ABC News’ senior correspondent as well as “20/20”. He was 69. pic.twitter.com/OMD1wbKMCn
ABC News (@ABC). 13 November 2025
Frank Buckley, KTLA’s anchorman, wrote that “one of the greatest broadcast journalists has died.” Avila was described as “one of the closest friends I’ve had with whom we spent too many evenings out together to count”, and “someone deeply concerned about journalism, friends, and his family.”
Buckley continued, “I’ll miss him.”
John Parkinson , ABC’s Supervising Producer/Reporter and Senior Reporter, shared Avila as a man who “demanded excellence from his co-workers but kept things fun.”
Our assignments brought us from Martha’s Vineyard, Turkey to Waikiki, and everywhere in between. “RIP, my dear friend,” he said.
Karamehmedovic said in an internal memo, cited by ABC News: “Jim is a gifted and generous journalist.” Avila was also remembered as a staple of American news.
His death has been described as “a sad loss for the broadcasting industry” by one.
The fan said, “Honestly, I think this story hits harder due to his appearance on 20/20. He had such a steady, calm way of telling tough stories.”
One poster wrote, “I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Jim Avila, former ABC News Correspondent. He was an excellent reporter. “We could do with more people like him.”
