Jim Avila

Throughout 2011 and 2012, Avila’s reporting on food, drug, consumer, transportation, environmental, and other regulatory issues made a tangible difference in viewers’ lives. A versatile reporter, he has broken big stories since joining ABC News in 2004. As the Senior Law and Justice Correspondent, Avila brought his incredible storytelling to the headline-making news around the country, from Jerry Sandusky and Penn State to Michael Jackson and OJ Simpson.   

The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Avila earned a National Emmy Award for his coverage of the destruction of Grand Forks, North Dakota, by flood and fire and another Emmy for covering the fate of undocumented workers during the southern California wildfires in 2008. He has received five Edward R. Murrow Awards for his coverage of September 11, the DC Sniper attacks, and the War in Iraq, and in 1999, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists honored him with the TV News Feature Award.

Avila shares his insights with audiences on the role of the media in shaping public opinion and policies related to immigration as an important social and political topic and its direct impact on immigrant communities. He also sheds light on diversity’s role, how different boardroom perspectives invite quality solutions, and the other benefits it offers.