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KABC’s Ellen Leyva signs off after 30 years in moving final broadcast: ‘I’m really lucky’

BBG News

Ellen Leyva, a news anchor at KABC for several decades, has concluded her time there. In her farewell broadcast this week, she expressed disbelief, saying “I can hardly believe my good fortune to have been here for 30 years.

On Wednesday, Leyva said a heartfelt goodbye to the KABC newsroom and the viewers she had educated and entertained. She made her retirement plans public in February, expressing to her audience then, “I’m eager to embark on a new journey and focus on my next exciting chapter in life.

During the broadcast, Leyva became the focus of the story, stirring a heartfelt segment that took viewers on a nostalgic journey through her decades-long career. Her retirement led to a candid interview with her longtime colleague David Ono. Originally from Arizona, Leyva began her career at the Glendale-based station in 1995 as a health reporter, eventually transitioning to the anchor desk and moving from morning news to the evening news slot where she served for 25 years.

She told Ono, “I had no idea what awaited me, but I couldn’t help feeling unbelievable about working at KABC. My main concern was that I might not measure up and wouldn’t be skilled enough to keep broadcasting.

Television

After spending three decades with the syndicated newsmagazine show ‘Inside Edition’, Deborah Norville, a veteran former network news correspondent and host, has announced her departure from the program, having joined in 1995.

Despite her worries, Leyva skillfully accomplished more than expected over time. She’s been a co-host for Oscars red carpet arrivals, had the thrilling experience of flying with the Blue Angels, and has consistently offered an on-air presence to Los Angeles residents. Earlier this year, she kept viewers updated during the devastating wildfires that swept through the area, including the Eaton fire. Leyva shared on Wednesday that her home in Altadena was affected by the fire’s spread.

Outside her office, Leyva played an active role in various Los Angeles parades on behalf of KABC’s newsroom, served as a team captain during the AIDS Walk in Los Angeles, and championed mental health care for underprivileged neighborhoods by advocating for their needs.

“I’m really lucky,” she said during the segment.

Television

According to journalist Melvin Robert, he feels both elated and deeply honored to become part of the KTLA team, taking over the position previously held by veteran anchor Sam Rubin, who sadly passed away last year.

In the heart of KABC’s bustling newsroom, as the clock struck the end of my tenure, I found myself seated at the desk, bathed in a warm glow of camaraderie from colleagues, friends, and family. Their applause echoed through the room, a symphony that resonated with gratitude. “This workplace,” I mused aloud, “has been an unparalleled stage for my professional journey.” Caught in the throes of disbelief, I whispered to myself, “Thirty years here? I never thought such luck would find me.

Leyva addressed her audience, saying: “I’ve felt honored and privileged to enter your homes each afternoon, making you feel as if I’m a cherished guest.

In her retirement, Leyva expresses excitement about shifting from behind the screen to being a supporter and viewer of KABC. From now on, breaking news won’t be Leyva’s concern – at least that’s suggested by a playful retirement gift candle the anchor shared on Instagram.

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2025-05-23 21:01

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