Robert Kovacik is an anchor and general assignment reporter for NBC4 Southern California. He can be seen on the weekday evening newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 pm and 11 p.m.
Kovacik, who joined the station in 2004, is known for bringing viewers in-depth coverage of international events from a local perspective. He was NBC4’s correspondent for the 2013 Papal Conclave in Rome and the year before was assigned to the Summer Olympics in London; he was later honored by the British Consul-General of Los Angeles for his reporting of the Games. Kovacik also earned Emmy Awards for both international assignments, in Great Britain and Italy.
One of his most compelling live shots occurred right here in Southern California covering an extensive manhunt for an alleged murderer. The suspect suddenly appeared and surrendered to Kovacik while live on the air. His coverage of the event was recognized with an Edward R. Murrow Award, a Golden Mike and a Los Angeles Press Club Award for breaking and spot news reporting.
Kovacik’s 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, and his groundbreaking expose into overcrowded LA animal shelters helped force the city to change its laws.
Over the course of his career, Kovacik has been recognized with several industry accolades. He was named Television Journalist of the Year in 2013 at the 55th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards. He currently serves as President of the Los Angeles Press Club.
Early in his career, Kovacik became the youngest anchor in the nation’s largest television market, New York City, when he was named anchor of KCET’s overnight venture, “Nightworld.”
He is passionate about causes that impact Southern Californians and participates regularly in community events throughout the region.
Kovacik is an honors graduate of Brown University and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, where he also graduated with honors.