David Ono Biography: Award-Winning Journalist at ABC7 Eyewitness News
David Ono is an exceptionally accomplished and award-winning journalist, widely recognized for his work as a co-anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles, a position he has held since 1996.
He co-anchors the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts, which are top-rated in Southern California.
Early Life and Career:
Born David Johnston in Japan to a Japanese mother and a Caucasian father, Ono moved to the United States at a young age and was raised in San Antonio, Texas.
He attended the University of North Texas. Early in his career, he worked at various stations in Texas and California, including KOVR in Sacramento, KDBC-TV in El Paso, KOSA-TV in Midland/Odessa, and KXAS-TV in Dallas.
He professionally adopted his mother’s maiden name, Ono, in the early 1990s and has since embraced his biracial heritage, actively engaging with the Asian American Journalists Association.
Distinguished Career Highlights:
Throughout his decades-long career, David Ono has covered some of the most significant global events and interviewed prominent figures, including President Barack Obama. His extensive reporting includes:
- Major international events like the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
- Natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami in Japan.
- Terrorist attacks, including the Boston Marathon bombing and incidents in Paris.
- He has also traveled across Europe and Asia, chronicling the courageous acts of Japanese American Nisei soldiers from World War II.
Award-Winning Journalist and Filmmaker:
David Ono is highly acclaimed for his in-depth reporting and powerful documentary films, many of which focus on the Japanese American experience and civil rights. His work has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Over 30 Emmy Awards (some sources indicate 31).
- Multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards (reports vary, but at least 10, including one in 2024 for his “FACEism” series).
- Distinguished Journalist Award from the Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (2015).
- Japanese American of the Biennium Award in arts/literature/communications from the JACL (2024).
- Legacy Award from the Japanese American National Museum (2022).
- Joseph M. Quinn Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Los Angeles Press Club (2023).
- Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from the Japanese government (2021), for his work promoting understanding of Japan in the United States and within the Japanese American community.
- RTDNA National Unity Awards (2).
- Asian American Journalists Association National Journalism Awards (6).
His notable documentary projects include:
- “Witness: The Legacy of Heart Mountain”: This Emmy and Murrow Award-winning documentary explores the Japanese American internment camp during World War II, with his work even landing at the Smithsonian Institution.
- “Defining Courage”: A multimedia production, often presented as a stage show with a live orchestra and choir, that celebrates the legacy of Japanese American Nisei soldiers of World War II. This project has received significant recognition, including an Edward R. Murrow Award for best news series.
- “Unknown Warriors of World War II”: Focusing on the Nisei soldiers in Europe.
- “The Power of the Picture” and “Japan, Surviving the Wave”.
Beyond his anchoring duties, Ono is known for his dedication to storytelling, often investing his own resources into producing documentaries that shed light on underrepresented communities and historical events.
His commitment to journalism is not just about reporting the news, but also about creating impactful and deeply personal narratives that resonate with audiences and preserve important cultural histories.
Age
David Ono was born on February 5, 1957, making him 68 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Aquarius.
He is of mixed ethnicity, with a Japanese mother and a White American father. David holds dual nationality; he is both Japanese and American.
Parents and Siblings
David Ono was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and a Caucasian father.
His family moved to the United States when he was just one year old, and he was raised in San Antonio, Texas.
Unfortunately, his mother passed away when he was young, so he had limited time with her.
There isn’t much publicly available information about his siblings, if he has any.
David has often shared that his upbringing in a predominantly Caucasian and Latino community meant he had little connection to his Asian roots during his early years.
Wife
David Ono is married to Laura Ise, a photographer with a passion for nature and conservation.
Together, they’ve created a nurturing and environmentally conscious home in Los Angeles.
Their daughter, Kaia Ono, born in May 2011, shares that same love for nature—especially monarch butterflies.
Kaia and Laura have been featured on ABC7 for their efforts in creating a certified Monarch Waystation at home.
They plant milkweed to support the monarch butterfly population, and Kaia has even explained how she searches under leaves for tiny white eggs.
In 2024, Kaia earned her second-degree black belt, a testament to her discipline and drive at a young age.
Height, Weight
David Ono stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, which is around 173 centimeters. He maintains a fit physique, with an estimated weight of about 150 pounds or 68 kilograms.
Career and Background
David Ono began his broadcasting career in the 1980s and has worked at various television stations across the country.
He joined KABC-TV in 1996, where he has received numerous awards for his work, including Emmy Awards. He is highly regarded for his reporting on significant events and issues affecting the Los Angeles community.
Career Highlights
- Early Career: David Ono began his journalism career in Texas, working at various stations including KXAS-TV in Dallas, KOSA-TV in Odessa, and KDBC-TV in El Paso. His early experiences helped him develop a strong foundation in news reporting and anchoring.
- Move to California: Ono moved to Sacramento, California, where he continued to hone his skills before joining KABC-TV in Los Angeles in 1996. His move to Los Angeles marked a significant step in his career, placing him in one of the largest media markets in the United States.
- ABC7 Eyewitness News: At KABC-TV, Ono co-anchors the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. He is known for his dynamic storytelling and has covered major events both locally and internationally. His work often goes beyond the anchor desk, involving in-depth reporting and multimedia projects.
- Notable Projects: One of his most acclaimed projects is “Defining Courage: Celebrate the Legacy of True American Heroes,” a multimedia production about Japanese-American Nisei soldiers during World War II. This project combines live music, historic film footage, and eyewitness interviews, and has been highly praised for its storytelling and historical significance.
- Documentaries and Special Reports: Ono has produced several documentaries and special reports, covering topics such as the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Boston Marathon bombing, and the terrorist attacks in Paris. His ability to provide in-depth coverage of significant events has earned him a reputation for excellence in journalism.
David Ono has covered a wide range of significant stories throughout his career at ABC7. Here are a few notable ones:
- Hurricane Katrina: David reported extensively on the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, providing in-depth coverage of the aftermath and the impact on the communities affected.
- Tsunami in Japan: He covered the 2011 tsunami in Japan, bringing attention to the disaster’s impact and the resilience of the Japanese people in the face of such a catastrophic event.
- 9/11 Attacks: David has also reported on the 9/11 attacks, including the aftermath and the ongoing effects on the United States and the world.
- Defining Courage: This is a special project where David explored the legacy of Japanese Americans who served in segregated U.S. military units during World War II. This series highlighted their extraordinary stories and contributions.
- Humanitarian Stories: David has traveled to various parts of the world to cover humanitarian stories, including the plight of refugees and the efforts of aid organizations.
Awards and Recognitions
David Ono’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, reflecting his contributions to journalism and storytelling:
- Emmy Awards: Ono has won multiple Emmy Awards for his outstanding reporting and anchoring. These awards highlight his excellence in news coverage and his ability to connect with audiences.
- Edward R. Murrow Awards: He has received several Edward R. Murrow Awards, which are among the most prestigious in broadcast journalism. These awards recognize his achievements in electronic journalism.
- National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Awards: Ono has been honored by the NAB for his contributions to the field of broadcasting, particularly for his work in news reporting and production.
- Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) Awards: As an active member of the AAJA, Ono has been recognized for his efforts to promote diversity in the newsroom and for his impactful storytelling that often highlights issues affecting the Asian American community.
David Ono works closely with several colleagues at KABC, including:
- Ellen Leyva: She co-anchors the 4 PM and 6 PM newscasts with David Ono.
- Marc Brown: Another prominent anchor at KABC, he often co-anchors the 5 PM and 11 PM newscasts.
- Rob Fukuzaki: The sports anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News, making the team one of the few news programs with two Asian American male anchors.
These colleagues, along with David Ono, form a strong team delivering news to the Los Angeles area.
Net Worth and Salary
David Ono, a prominent anchor at ABC7 Eyewitness News, has had a successful career that has significantly contributed to his financial standing.
His estimated net worth is around $2 million to $15 million. This wide range is due to varying reports from different sources.
Regarding his salary, David Ono earns an estimated $100,000 to $120,000 annually. His earnings reflect his extensive experience and the numerous awards he has received throughout his career.
Is David Ono Married?
Yes, David Ono is married and has a daughter named Kaia, who was born in May 2011.
How Old Is David Ono?
David Ono is 68 years old as of 2025. He was born on February 5, 1957, in Japan and raised in San Antonio, Texas.
Is David Ono KABC related to Yoko Ono?
Where Is David Ono?
David Ono is still working at ABC7 Eyewitness News (KABC-TV). He co-anchors the news at 4 PM and 6 PM alongside Ellen Leyva. David has been with ABC7 since 1996 and continues to be an integral part of their news team.
Here are a few more interesting facts about David Ono:
Personal Interests and Activities
- Adventure and Exploration: David Ono is known for his adventurous spirit. He has traveled extensively to cover stories, including trips to war zones and disaster areas. His passion for exploration is evident in his willingness to go to great lengths to bring important stories to his audience.
- Storytelling Beyond News: Ono has a deep interest in storytelling that extends beyond traditional news reporting. He has produced several documentaries and multimedia projects that delve into historical events and personal narratives, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller.
- Community Involvement: David is actively involved in the community and often participates in events and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. He is a strong advocate for the Asian American community and frequently speaks at events organized by the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).
Unique Projects
- “Defining Courage”: This project is particularly notable for its innovative approach to storytelling. By combining live music, historic film footage, and eyewitness interviews, Ono created a powerful narrative about the bravery of Japanese-American soldiers during World War II. The project has been performed to sold-out audiences and has received widespread acclaim.
- Coverage of Major Events: Ono has covered some of the most significant events of our time, including the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Boston Marathon bombing, and the terrorist attacks in Paris. His on-the-ground reporting has provided viewers with in-depth insights and humanized the impact of these events.
Recognition and Influence
- Influence in Journalism: David Ono’s work has had a significant impact on the field of journalism. His dedication to high-quality reporting and his innovative approach to storytelling have set a standard for others in the industry.
- Mentorship and Advocacy: Ono is committed to mentoring young journalists and advocating for greater diversity in newsrooms. His efforts have helped to pave the way for future generations of journalists from diverse backgrounds.
David Ono’s career is marked by a blend of professional excellence, adventurous reporting, and a commitment to community and diversity. His work continues to inspire and influence both his peers and the audiences he serves.
David Ono is quite active on social media. You can follow him on:
He often shares updates about his work, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal insights.
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