‘I’ve tried it all, done it all. I’ve never been just a face on television. I really started writing, producing and going out on the field. I built a track record of really doing what needs to be done to build a credible person that comes out on television.’
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Karen Davila is living proof of the capricious web that fate can weave in the quick-paced world of journalism. Speaking to the Rotary Club of Manila during their 21st Weekly Membership Meeting in early December, the distinguished broadcast journalist offered insights into her incredible 33-year journey.
Twist of fate
"Destiny may actually have another plan," Davila said, as her journey began with a dream of becoming a fashion designer.
Unable to secure a full scholarship for her dream in New York City, she pivoted to communications, driven by a family's financial turmoil during the aftermath of Ninoy Aquino's death.
Despite initial hesitation, a college professor recognized her potential during her Mass Communications studies, setting her on a path she hadn't anticipated.
Throughout her college journey, the idea of being on television never crossed her mind, and little did she know, "I took Mass Communications without knowing that this would be where I would shine."
Graduating from UP's College of Mass Communications in 1993, Davila embarked on a journey that would redefine her destiny.
Auditions to primetime
Her career took a diversified turn once she was hired for her first job at GMA-7's Business Today following auditions.
After working on Brigada Siete and hourly news breaks, Davila's big break came in 1995 when she was hired as the news anchor for GMA's primetime Tagalog newscast, Saksi.
Pushing the boundaries of her country, she trained at CNN's Atlanta headquarters in 1996 and contributed to CNN World Report according to news reports. In 1997, she was named a finalist for Best Environmental Report.
A pivotal move led her to ABS-CBN, where she continued to shape the landscape of Philippine broadcast journalism.
"I've done it all on television," Davila asserts, underscoring her multifaceted approach to journalism.
"I've tried it all, done it all. I've never been just a face on television. I really started writing, producing and going out on the field. I built a track record of really doing what needs to be done to build a credible person that comes out on television," she added.
As a result, beyond traditional media, she embraced the digital realm, launching her YouTube channel in May 2021.
Despite doubting her star power, she garnered 1.71 million subscribers, attributing her success to "journalistic practice" and understanding evolving viewer habits.
Recognizing the changing landscape, she adapted content to suit modern attention spans, producing light stories on her channel that inspire people. This digital reinvention showcased her adaptability and commitment to remaining relevant in an ever-evolving media landscape.
Awards and accolades
Davila's dedication didn't go unnoticed. Throughout her career, she received accolades such as a bronze medal from CNN World Report and the grand prize in the UNICEF Child Rights Awards. Her impact resonates globally as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.
In 2023 alone, she added Best News Anchor at the Asian Academy Creative Awards, Most Outstanding Female News Anchor at the fifth Gawad Lasallianeta and News Anchor of the Year at the fourth VP Choice Awards to her list of achievements. Her influence extends beyond borders, earning the title of Asia's Most Influential PH in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Yet, Karen Davila remains grounded, having won prestigious awards like TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) in 2008 and TOWNS (The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service) in 2013.
Through reinvention, resilience and a touch of destiny, Davila continues to shape the narrative of broadcast journalism in the Philippines.
