Ellen Leyva, whose real name is Ellen Leyva Lundy, is a respected news anchor at ABC7 Los Angeles. She has worked in broadcast journalism for over 25 years, becoming a trusted face in television broadcasting. She was born on January 10, 1963, making her 59 years old. Over the years, she has covered breaking news, investigative journalism, and major events in Los Angeles, California. Her experience and dedication have made her a key figure in local news coverage.
Ellen has built a successful career, earning an estimated net worth of $1 Million – $5 Million. Her income comes from her annual salary, professional investments, and years in news reporting. She has co-anchored Eyewitness News on KABC-TV, working alongside David Ono. As a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, she connects with a diverse audience. Her ability to deliver reliable news has made her one of the most recognized television journalists in the industry.
Biography of Ellen Leyva
| Category | Details |
| Real Name | Ellen Leyva |
| Date of Birth | January 10, 1963 |
| Age | 59 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Tucson, Arizona, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mexican-American |
| Education | Arizona State University |
| Degree | Broadcast Journalism |
| Profession | News Anchor, Journalist |
| Employer | ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC-TV) |
| Years Active | Since the 1980s |
| Co-Anchor | David Ono |
| Spouse | Mark Hair (Retired F-15 Fighter Pilot) |
| Children | Two daughters, Emma and Audrey |
| Languages | English, Spanish (Bilingual Journalist) |
| Hobbies | Yoga, reading, traveling, spending time with family |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million (as of 2025) |
Introduction to a Broadcast Journalism Icon
Ellen Leyva is a well-known news anchor at ABC7 Los Angeles. She has worked in broadcast journalism for over 25 years, earning respect in the industry. Her ability to cover breaking news, conduct strong interviews, and present major events has made her one of the most trusted journalists in Los Angeles, California.
She is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, which helps her connect with a diverse audience. Her warm personality and deep knowledge of news reporting have made her a favorite among viewers. Working at KABC-TV, she has delivered top-quality journalism, covering everything from politics to entertainment.
Early Life and Cultural Roots
Born in Tucson, Arizona, Ellen comes from a Mexican-American heritage. Her mother, Emma Leyva Duarte, was a homemaker, and her father, Thomas Kraemer Lundy, served in the Air Force. Growing up in a military family taught her discipline, while her cultural background gave her a strong connection to community values.
Her childhood in Southern Arizona exposed her to diverse cultures, shaping her worldview. She grew up in a bilingual household, which helped her understand different perspectives. This upbringing later helped her excel in broadcast journalism, allowing her to bring authenticity and depth to her news coverage.
Educational Foundation
Ellen attended Arizona State University, where she studied at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. Her studies focused on news reporting, investigative journalism, and the fast-paced world of television broadcasting. The university provided her with hands-on experience, preparing her for a successful career in the media industry.
During her time at ASU, she learned the importance of accuracy, ethics, and storytelling. She developed skills in live television reporting, gaining experience in breaking news coverage. This strong foundation helped her build a career at ABC7 Los Angeles, where she became a respected television journalist.
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Professional Journey: From Local Stations to ABC7
Early Career Milestones
Ellen began her career at KERO-TV in Bakersfield, California, where she gained experience in news reporting. She covered local news, conducted interviews, and developed her skills as a media personality. This early experience helped her understand the fast-paced nature of broadcast journalism.
Her dedication and talent led her to larger news stations. She moved to KABC-TV, where she quickly became one of the leading TV presenters in Los Angeles. Her ability to report on investigative journalism stories and connect with viewers made her a trusted on-air personality.
ABC7: A Career-Defining Chapter
In 1995, Ellen joined ABC7 Los Angeles, co-anchoring Eyewitness News. She became a key figure in television broadcasting, covering major stories. Her work includes coverage of natural disasters, political events, and entertainment news, making her a well-rounded television journalist.
| Significant Coverage | Year | Importance |
| Northridge Earthquake | 1994 | Reported on one of California’s worst earthquakes |
| Academy Awards (Oscars Red Carpet) | Multiple Years | Covered entertainment industry’s biggest night |
| 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Announcement | 2023 | Provided in-depth reporting on city’s future event |
| California Political Coverage | Ongoing | Interviewed key figures and analyzed policies |
| Wildfire and Natural Disaster Coverage | Multiple Years | Delivered crucial updates to the public |
| Health & Wellness Reporting | Ongoing | Advocated for public health awareness |
Awards and Professional Recognition
Ellen’s contributions to news reporting have earned her multiple awards. She has won Emmy Awards for her excellence in broadcast journalism. She has also received Golden Mike Awards for her outstanding work in local news coverage. These awards reflect her commitment to delivering reliable news.
She has also been honored with the Gracie Allen Award, which recognizes influential women in media. Her alma mater, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, inducted her into its Hall of Fame. Her achievements highlight her lasting impact on television journalism.
Personal Life: Beyond the Camera
Family and Personal Support System
Ellen is married to Mark Hair, a retired F-15 fighter pilot. Their married life has been built on mutual respect and shared values. They have raised two daughters, Emma and Audrey, who are a significant part of her life. Despite her busy career, she prioritizes family time.
She credits her husband Mark Hair for being a strong source of support. Her daughters, Emma and Audrey, inspire her daily. Her ability to balance family and work showcases her strength and dedication. She often speaks about the importance of having a supportive family background.
Personal Interests and Wellness
Outside of journalism, Ellen enjoys reading, yoga, and traveling. She believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She is also passionate about mental wellness and often shares insights on stress management.
She is a strong advocate for animal rescue and works with Wags and Walks, a nonprofit focused on dog adoption. Her love for animals reflects her kind and compassionate nature. These personal interests keep her grounded despite her busy career.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Ellen is dedicated to giving back to the community. She supports Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, helping raise awareness for children’s healthcare. She also participates in the AIDS Walk Los Angeles, showing her commitment to important causes.
She actively supports the American Heart Association, advocating for heart disease prevention. Her work in mental health advocacy has made her a voice for those struggling with emotional well-being. Through these efforts, she has become more than just a news anchor—she is a community leader.
Financial Success and Career Strategy
Professional Earnings
| Metric | Estimated Range |
| Annual Salary | $300,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Net Worth (2024) | $3 million |
| Career Earnings | Over $10 million |
| Professional Investments | Real estate, media ventures |
| Endorsements & Public Appearances | Occasional media and event hosting |
Her financial stability comes from career earnings, professional investments, and wise financial decisions. She has ensured long-term security through real estate and media ventures. Her strategic approach has helped her maintain financial success.
Inspiration and Legacy
Ellen’s career has inspired many young journalists. She has shown that dedication and passion lead to success in broadcast journalism. Her ability to report with integrity and empathy has set a high standard in the industry.
She continues to be a role model, especially for bilingual journalists. Her journey from Arizona State University to becoming a top news anchor proves that hard work and perseverance pay off. Her legacy will continue to influence future journalists.
Advice for Aspiring Journalists
Ellen encourages young journalists to stay curious and adaptable. She believes that strong storytelling skills and authenticity are essential in news reporting. She advises newcomers to embrace digital news platforms to stay relevant in the evolving media world.
She also highlights the importance of ethical journalism. She believes in building trust with the audience by reporting facts accurately. Her guidance helps aspiring television journalists navigate the competitive industry.
The Evolving Media Landscape
The media industry is changing, and Ellen has adapted to the shift. She embraces social media engagement to connect with modern audiences. As more people turn to digital news platforms, she continues to stay active on these channels.
With changing viewer expectations, traditional television broadcasting has evolved. Ellen’s ability to blend traditional journalism with digital trends has kept her relevant. Her experience proves that journalists must evolve to remain successful.
FAQ’s
How old is Ellen Leyva?
Ellen Leyva is 59 years old. She was born on January 10, 1963, in Tucson, Arizona, and has been in broadcast journalism for decades.
What is Ellen Leyva’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $1 Million – $5 Million. She earned this through her long career as a news anchor at ABC7 Los Angeles.
Where does Ellen Leyva work?
She works at KABC-TV, co-anchoring Eyewitness News at ABC7 Los Angeles, covering breaking news, local events, and investigative journalism.
Is Ellen Leyva married?
Yes, she is married to Mark Hair, a retired F-15 fighter pilot. They have a strong family life and support each other’s careers.
Does Ellen Leyva have children?
Yes, she has two daughters, Emma and Audrey. She balances her personal life with her successful television broadcasting career at ABC7 Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Ellen Leyva is a well-known news anchor who has spent over 25 years at ABC7 Los Angeles. She has covered many important stories and earned the trust of viewers. Her hard work in broadcast journalism has made her one of the most respected television journalists. She is also a bilingual journalist, helping reach a wider audience. Her work in news reporting has made a big impact in Los Angeles, California.
Her success has also brought her financial stability. With an estimated net worth of $1 Million – $5 Million, she has earned well from her annual salary and career earnings. She has made smart professional investments, securing her future.
Even after decades in television broadcasting, she remains passionate about delivering the news. Whether covering breaking news or community stories, she stays dedicated to her work. Ellen Leyva is truly a respected and admired figure in local news coverage.
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