Robert Kovacik

Robert Kovacik is co-anchor of NBC4’s weekend newscasts at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and a general assignment reporter.  He joined the station in July, 2004. 

An award winning journalist known for his comprehensive reporting, Kovacik was selected as NBC4’s correspondent to cover the 2013 Papal Conclave in Rome and the historical selection of Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio.  He also covered the 2012 Olympics for which his exceptional coverage was honored by the British Consul-General.   Kovacik has received wide-spread praise for bringing viewers in-depth coverage of these international events from a local perspective.

Kovacik was the lead morning reporter on “Today in LA” for several years. One of his more memorable live shots occurred when he was 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 in 2007 with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, a Golden Mike and a Los Angeles Press Club Award for breaking and spot news reporting.  Another career highlight involved a heated exchange between the Los Angeles Chief of Police and a local Councilman regarding paparazzi following celebrities. The confrontation between the two led to headlines worldwide and earned Kovacik a Golden Mike Award.  His recent investigation that looked into how long it takes the Los Angeles Fire Department to respond to 911 emergencies prompted the Mayor and City Controller to call for an audit.

Kovacik is known for his versatility in reporting.    In one year alone, he received a local area Emmy Award for hosting an entertainment special, and was nominated for awards in the categories of Serious News Reporting and Live Sports Coverage.  His investigative reporting surrounding President Clinton’s impeachment earned Kovacik a place in the Kenneth Starr Report, and his groundbreaking investigation into the overcrowded Los Angeles animal shelters forced the city to change its laws.  He is also the recipient of the  Best of the West and International Genesis Awards.

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.”   At the PBS flagship, he anchored hourly news updates and hosted the network's first-ever live coverage of Manhattan’s famous Halloween Parade.  

Kovacik loves being a journalist because it gives him the privilege of telling peoples’ stories that otherwise would go unheard.  In addition to his career, he is passionate about causes that support  the well being of animals and has been honored to serve as the annual emcee of MS Walk: Pacific, raising awareness and money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  He also is involved with Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a foundation devoted to fighting childhood cancer.  A board member of the Los Angeles Press Club, Kovacik was recently elected to serve as vice president of the organization for 2013.

Born and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, Kovacik is an honors graduate of Brown University.  After receiving a prestigious fellowship with the International Radio and Television Society, he attended Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where he also graduated with honors.