Laura Diaz Biography: A Veteran News Anchor on KTTV Fox 11
Laura Diaz is a renowned American television journalist and news anchor. She currently works for KTTV FOX 11 News in Los Angeles, California.
With her extensive experience and engaging personality, she has become a trusted face in Southern California news.
Early Life and Education:
Born Laura Diaz in Santa Paula, California, she is a first-generation Mexican-American. Her family moved to Santa Clarita Valley when she was four years old.
She graduated from William S. Hart High School in Santa Clarita and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly SLO) in San Luis Obispo.
Career Highlights:
- Early Career: Diaz began her television career in San Luis Obispo at KSBY, followed by a stint at KFSN in Fresno.
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KABC-TV:
She returned to Southern California in 1983 as a reporter for KABC-TV’s Orange County bureau. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a weekend anchor in 1985 and then anchoring the 6 PM weekday edition of Eyewitness News in 1988. In 1997, she made history as the first female Hispanic lead anchor at an English-language television station in Los Angeles, co-anchoring KABC’s 5 PM and 11 PM newscasts. During her time at KABC, she covered major events such as the 1986 Los Angeles Central Library Fire, the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, and the 1994 Northridge earthquake. She also co-hosted “Vista L.A.,” a groundbreaking public affairs program for the English-speaking Latino audience.
- KCBS-TV: In September 2002, Diaz joined KCBS-TV as a lead anchor, co-anchoring the CBS 2 News at 5 and 11 PM. She also produced and hosted “Eye on Our Community” specials.
- KTTV Fox 11: Laura Diaz joined KTTV Fox 11 in May 2012, where she continues to anchor, report, and produce.
Awards and Recognition:
Laura Diaz is a highly decorated journalist, with a remarkable 14 Emmy Awards and three Imagen Awards to her name.
In 2003, she received the L.A. Press Club’s highest honor, the “Joseph M. Quinn Award” for journalistic excellence and distinction.
Her work on “Vista L.A.” earned two Imagen Awards, and her “Eye on Our Community” specials have also been recognized with an Imagen Award for Best Local Informational Program.
She also won back-to-back Golden Mike Awards in 2005 and 2006 for best feature reporting.
Commitment to Community:
Beyond her on-air duties, Diaz is actively involved in community initiatives.
She sits on the advisory board of trustees for The Joyful Child Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting children from predators.
Her commitment to this cause stems from her extensive coverage of the murder of Samantha Runnion. She is also a member of the Diversity Committee for the Pasadena Playhouse.
Age:
Laura Diaz was born on February 16, 1958, making her 67 years old as of 2025. She is an Aquarius. She is of Mexican-American ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Laura Diaz was born in Santa Paula, California, and raised in a culturally rich, first-generation Mexican-American household.
When she was just four years old, her family relocated to the Santa Clarita Valley, where she spent most of her formative years.
While she has spoken publicly about her heritage and upbringing, Diaz has chosen to keep specific details about her parents and siblings private.
What is known is that her background and early experiences in a working-class Latino family deeply influenced her journalistic voice—particularly her commitment to telling stories from underrepresented communities.
Husband:
Laura Diaz is married, though she has chosen to keep her husband’s identity private. She’s known for maintaining a discreet personal life, especially when it comes to her family.
She and her husband have two children: a son named Nash and a daughter named Norah.
In addition to her own children, Laura is also a godmother to two children named Madison and Jefferson, reflecting her close-knit family ties and strong sense of community.
Height:
Laura Diaz is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall (1.65 meters) and weighs between 125 and 135 pounds (57–61 kg). Her estimated measurements are 34-26-35 inches (86-66-89 cm).
Career and Background:
Laura Diaz has had a long and distinguished career in broadcast journalism, marked by numerous achievements and contributions to the field. Here are some key highlights:
Early Career
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KSBY and KFSN: Laura began her career at KSBY in San Luis Obispo and later worked at KFSN in Fresno.
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KABC-TV: In 1983, Laura returned to Southern California to work as a reporter for KABC-TV in Orange County. She covered several major stories, including the 1986 Los Angeles Central Library Fire, the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, and the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
Rise to Prominence
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KABC- TV Anchor: Laura started working as a weekend anchor in 1985 and three years later, she began anchoring KABC-TV’s 6 p.m. weekday edition of Eyewitness News. In 1997, she was named co-anchor of Eyewitness News at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., making her the first female Hispanic lead anchor at an English-language television station in Los Angeles.
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KCBS-TV: In September 2002, Laura joined KCBS-TV as co-anchor of the CBS 2 News at 5 and 11 p.m. She also produced and hosted Eye on Our Community specials for CBS2.
FOX 11 (KTTV)
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Joining FOX 11: Laura joined FOX 11 (KTTV) in May 2012 and has been a prominent figure on the station ever sinne. She serves as a news anchor and has won numerous awards for her work.
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Awards and Honors: Laura is a 14-time Emmy Award winner and a three-time Imagen Award winner. She has received accolades for her outstanding journalism and community service, including the Governors Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Laura Diaz has covered numerous significant events and stories throughout her career at FOX 11 (KTTV).
Here are some of her notable and memorable reports in detail:
- 1986 Los Angeles Central Library Fire:
As a reporter for KABC-TV, Laura covered the devastating fire that destroyed the Los Angeles Central Library. Her reporting provided crucial information to the public during the crisis.
- 1992 Los Angeles Riots:
Laura was on the ground reporting during the civil unrest that followed the acquittal of police officers in the beating of Rodney King. Her coverage helped keep the public informed about the unfolding events and their impact on the community.
- 1994 Northridge Earthquake:
Laura reported on the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck the Los Angeles area. Her coverage included stories of survival, rescue efforts, and the extensive damage caused by the quake.
- “Eye on Our Community” Specials:
While at KCBS-TV, Laura produced and hosted several “Eye on Our Community” specials, which focused on important social issues and community initiatives.
These specials won multiple awards, including the Imagen Award and Emmy Awards.
- Johnny Wactor Shooting:
In May 2024, Laura reported on the tragic shooting of Johnny Wactor, an actor from “General Hospital,” who was killed while confronting catalytic converter thieves in downtown LA. Her coverage included interviews with witnesses and loved ones, providing a comprehensive view of the incident.
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Retired LA County Deputy Disappearance:
Laura reported on the mysterious disappearance of a retired Los Angeles County deputy who vanished during a vacation in Greece. Her investigative work helped bring attention to the case and provided updates to the public.
- “Miracle Baby” Home After 100 Days at Hospital:
Laura covered the heartwarming story of a baby born with a life-threatening condition who spent more than 100 days in the hospital before finally going home. Her report highlighted the resilience and hope of the baby and her family.
- Hart High Coach Honored at Dodger Stadium:
Laura reported on the honoring of a longtime baseball coach at Hart High School during a special event at Dodger Stadium. Her coverage included interviews with the coach and attendees, celebrating his contributions to the community.
Laura Diaz’s career is marked by her dedication to journalism and her commitment to bringing important stories to the public.
Laura Diaz works with several talented colleagues at FOX 11 (KTTV). Here are some of her close colleagues:
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Susan Hirasuna: Susan is a fellow news anchor at FOX 11. She and Laura have worked together since Laura joined the station in May 2012.
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Phil Shuman: Phil is a reporter with a strong presence in the newsroom. He often collaborates with Laura on various news stories.
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Mary Yoon: Mary is another reporter at FOX 11 who frequently works alongside Laura on news coverage.
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Marla Tellez: Marla is a reporter and anchor at FOX 11 who has teamed up with Laura on several news segments.
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Araksya Karapetyan: Co-anchor of Good Day LA from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and co-host of GDLA+ on FOX 11 Plus at 11:00 a.m.
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Christine Devine: Veteran news anchor for FOX 11 at 5 and 10 p.m., known for her “Wednesday’s Child” segment.
These colleagues, along with Laura, contribute to the high-quality news coverage that FOX 11 (KTTV) is known for.
Laura Diaz Health
There is no public information about any significant health issues affecting Laura Diaz. She appears to be in good health and continues to work actively as a news anchor at FOX 11.
Net Worth and Salary:
Laura Diaz, the veteran news anchor at KTTV Fox 11, has built a respected and enduring career in broadcast journalism—reflected in her financial standing as well.
Her estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated through decades of work in major Los Angeles newsrooms.
As for her earnings, estimates vary: some sources suggest she earns between $70,000 and $125,000 annually, while others place her salary in a higher bracket of $230,000 to $370,000 per year, depending on her contract and additional roles such as public speaking or hosting.
Is Laura Diaz Married?
Yes, Laura Diaz is married, although she has kept her marital life private, and little is known about her husband or family life.
How Old Is Laura Diaz?
Laura Diaz is 67 years old, born on February 16, 1958.
Where Is Laura Diaz Working?
Laura Diaz is currently working as a news anchor and reporter at KTTV Fox 11 in Los Angeles.
She joined the station in May 2012 and has since been a prominent face on the weekend editions of Fox 11 News, often appearing alongside anchor Susan Hirasuna.
In addition to anchoring, Diaz continues to report on major stories across Southern California, with a focus on community-centered journalism.
Her role builds on decades of experience at top Los Angeles stations, including KABC-TV and KCBS-TV, where she previously served as a lead anchor and hosted award-winning public affairs programs like Eye on Our Community.
Laura Diaz is active on social media. She uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with her audience, share updates about her work, and engage with viewers.
Laura often posts about her latest news reports, community events, and personal insights, making her a visible and approachable figure on social media.
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