Robert Kovacik is a multiple-award-winning
Americantelevision journalist based in
Los Angeles,
California. He is currently an
anchor/
reporter for
NBC (
KNBC) Los Angeles and can be seen worldwide across all NBC platforms. In 2018, Kovacik won the
Emmy for Outstanding Hard News Reporting.[1] He was selected as Journalist of the Year at the 55th Southern California Journalism Awards in 2013. According to the judges, "Robert Kovacik has not only won the trust and respect of his audience, but he has won their hearts with solid reporting and integrity."[2][3]
Kovacik was elected by his industry peers to serve three consecutive terms as President of the
Los Angeles Press Club.[9] After Kovacik was termed-out, he was named an Honorary Board member of the LA Press Club, with the title, President Emeritus.
Kovacik is also a three-time recipient of the Genesis Award, presented by the
Humane Society of the United States, recognizing the best media coverage of animal protection issues.[10]
Kovacik began his career at 23 years of age when he became the youngest anchor in New York City for NIGHTWORLD at
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) primary member station,
WNET. In 1994, he relocated to Los Angeles to become an anchor and reporter for
KCOP-TV.
Career
Kovacik left KCOP in 2001,[12] and was named the West Coast correspondent, anchor, and bureau chief for the newly formed
National Geographic Channel[13] and its nightly news show, National Geographic Today.[11]
His exclusive examination into the
Los Angeles Fire Department's 911 response times prompted the Mayor to call for an audit of the LAFD. His reporting on the investigation surrounding
President Clinton's impeachment was included in the
Kenneth Starr Report (
Starr Report), and his groundbreaking expose into overcrowded LA animal shelters helped force the city to change its laws.[citation needed]
Awards and honors
2021 Emmy Award Nomination, Live Coverage of an Unscheduled Event, "Tiger Woods Crash"[20]
2021 Southern California Journalism Award, Reporter, Public Service News, "The LAPD: Joining the Force"[21]
2021 Golden Mike Award—Reporter, Best TV Sports Reporting, "An Olympic Hopeful at 60"[22]
2021 Golden Mike Award Nomination, Reporter, Best Live Coverage of a News Story, "Tiger Woods Crash"[22]
2020 Golden Mike Award—Reporter, Best Continuing Coverage, "Kobe Bryant's Death"[23]
2020 Golden Mike Award - A, Best 30 Minute Newscast, 11pm [23]
2019: Genesis Award (Above and Beyond Award) - Reporter, "Life Connected—Canine on Call"[24][25]
2019: Golden Mike Award - Anchor, Best 30 Minute Newscast, 11pm
2019: Golden Mike Award - Anchor, Best 60 Minute Newscast, 6pm
2019: Golden Mike Award - Reporter, Best Continuing Coverage, “Borderline Shooting.” [26]
2019: Emmy Award, Live Special Events—News, “Borderline: One Year Later.”
2018: Emmy Award, Outstanding Hard News Reporting
2018: Emmy Award Nomination, Light News Story-Single Report, "Communicating on Canvas"
2017: Emmy Award, News Special, Orlando Shooting,
2017: Emmy Award Nomination, Serious News Story—Single Report, "Hidden Hazard"
2017: Emmy Award Nomination, Outstanding News Feature Reporting
2017: nomination for "Light News Story (Single Report): ("Dive Warriors")"[27]