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Liz Cho

Liz Cho is an broadcast and news anchor, best known for co-anchoring the weekday 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. editions of on , the in , a role she has held since joining the station in 2003. Raised in , by her Korean father, Dr. Sang I. Cho—a pioneering liver and transplant who led the first liver transplant in and passed away in 2009—and her mother, Donna Cho, Liz Cho developed an early interest in . She graduated from with a in and . Cho's professional career began after college as an assignment editor at in , followed by a role as a reporter at WPLG-TV, the affiliate in , . She later moved to as a general assignment correspondent for , where she covered significant events including the Clinton impeachment trial, the shootings, and devastating Midwest tornadoes. In 2001, she joined in as an anchor for and served as a correspondent for programs such as , World News Tonight, and , reporting on the early weeks of the and the funeral of President . Since her tenure at WABC-TV, Cho has anchored coverage of major national and international stories, including the 2011 of Prince William and Kate Middleton, political national conventions, and various local events. She has also been an advocate for , inspired by her father's medical legacy, and has volunteered with organizations like City Harvest. In her personal life, Cho was previously married to financial executive Evan Gottlieb, with whom she has a daughter, Louisa Simone, born in 2007. She married fellow journalist , a former anchor for and , on July 11, 2015, in a where their daughters—Louisa and Elliott's daughter Sarina from his prior marriage—served as ; the couple resides in with their blended family.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Childhood

Liz Cho was born on December 19, 1970, in . She is the daughter of Sang In Cho, a Korean-American who specialized in and , and Donna Cho (née Weltman), a Jewish-American nurse. She has a younger brother, Andrew. Cho's biracial Korean-Jewish heritage stems directly from her parents' ethnic backgrounds, with her father having immigrated from South Korea and her mother descending from Ashkenazi Jewish lineage. This multicultural family environment shaped her early exposure to diverse cultural influences. Raised in the area, Cho grew up in a household deeply embedded in the medical field, where her parents' professions as a pioneering transplant and a dedicated nurse fostered an atmosphere centered on healthcare and service. Her father, recognized for leading the first liver transplant in , died on March 13, 2009, at age 72, following a battle with colon cancer.

Academic Background

Liz Cho attended , where she pursued studies in the College of Communication from 1988 to 1992. During her time at the university, Cho earned a dual bachelor's degree in and , providing her with a strong foundation in both reporting techniques and contextual analysis that would later influence her approach to news coverage.

Professional Career

Early Journalism Roles

Liz Cho launched her professional career shortly after earning a degree from in 1992, taking her first role as an assignment editor at in , during the early 1990s. In this entry-level position, she coordinated news assignments and supported the production of regional coverage for the cable network serving audiences. She advanced to a reporter position at WPLG-TV, an ABC affiliate in Miami, Florida, where she honed her on-air skills by covering a variety of local stories in the vibrant South Florida market. This role allowed her to build foundational experience in field reporting, including community events and breaking news relevant to the region's diverse population and dynamic environment. Subsequently, Cho served as a Chicago-based correspondent for ABC NewsOne, the network's affiliate news service, where her work expanded to national and international assignments. She traveled across the United States to report on major events, such as President Clinton's impeachment hearings, the Columbine High School shootings, and the devastating Midwest tornadoes, contributing footage and stories to ABC affiliates nationwide. These experiences sharpened her ability to handle high-stakes, fast-paced journalism in broader markets.

Anchoring at ABC Networks

Liz Cho began her anchoring career at ABC Networks as co-anchor of the overnight program in February 2002, partnering with Derek McGinty until June 2003. During this period, she also served as a correspondent, contributing reports to , , and , including coverage of the early weeks of the for . In July 2003, Cho transitioned to in , joining the team as co-anchor of the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts alongside , replacing ; she held these roles until 2011. She debuted on the station on July 6, 2003, marking the start of what would become one of the longest-running anchor teams in history. In 2011, Cho added co-anchoring duties for the newly launched First at 4 p.m. with David Novarro, dropping the 11 p.m. newscast while continuing to co-anchor the 6 p.m. edition with . She has maintained her 6 p.m. co-anchoring duties with since 2003, focusing on local and national stories relevant to the . As of 2025, Cho remains active in these roles, delivering daily broadcasts and hosting specials such as the half-hour preview "Countdown to " for the TCS on November 1, 2025, alongside Novarro. She also participated in the relay team for the 2025 marathon, supporting charitable causes. Throughout her tenure at , Cho has anchored coverage of major events, including the 2011 Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the bombings, Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the election of in 2013, and the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019. Her reporting has emphasized impactful , such as community responses to natural disasters and national political conventions.

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

Liz Cho married investment banker Evan Gottlieb in 2008. The couple welcomed their daughter, Louisa Simone Gottlieb, on May 17, 2007, in . Their marriage ended amid a contentious dispute over renovations to their Westchester County home, with Cho filing for in 2012. Following her separation from Gottlieb, Cho began a relationship with journalist in late 2012. The pair announced their engagement in August 2014 after Elliott proposed during a European vacation. They wed on July 11, 2015, in an intimate garden ceremony at Villa Sevillano in , officiated by meteorologist . Cho and Elliott have built a blended family, incorporating Cho's daughter Louisa and Elliott's daughter Sarina from his prior to Priya Narang Elliott. The resides in , where they navigate parenting responsibilities amid their demanding careers in . In reflections on their union, they have described embracing structures, with their daughters serving as maids of honor at the wedding and the family finding strength together shortly after Elliott's mother passed away weeks before the ceremony. As of 2025, their continues to thrive.

Advocacy and Interests

Liz Cho has been a vocal advocate for , a cause deeply personal to her following the death of her father, Dr. Sang I. Cho, a renowned liver and transplant , in 2009. Motivated by his lifelong dedication to transplantation and the circumstances surrounding his passing, Cho has participated in public awareness efforts to promote organ donor registration and dispel myths about the process. In 2012, she hosted the special "Connected for Life," which explored stories of donors and recipients, highlighted New York's low rates despite its leading transplant facilities, and featured insights from medical experts to encourage community involvement. Beyond , Cho hosts the annual Emmy Award-winning special "Breakthroughs for " on , focusing on survivor stories, innovative treatments, and early detection strategies. The program, which debuted in the early and continues as of 2025, includes interviews with medical professionals and patients to raise awareness about advancements in care, such as and . Cho maintains an active presence on social media, using platforms like (@LizCho7) and (@lizjcho) to share professional updates from her anchoring role, behind-the-scenes glimpses of broadcasts, and occasional personal reflections. With over 1,500 followers on as of 2025, her posts often blend work-related content with lighthearted family moments, fostering a connection with her audience. In her , Cho enjoys family travel, frequently posting about weekend getaways and adventures that emphasize exploration and relaxation, such as trips to or beach destinations. She prioritizes , incorporating early-morning workouts into her routine to maintain balance amid her demanding schedule. Of her Korean-Jewish heritage—stemming from her father's Korean-American background and her mother's Jewish roots—Cho occasionally engages with cultural events that celebrate this dual identity, reflecting her appreciation for diverse traditions. In 2016, Cho faced public scrutiny when she was arrested in for using her cellphone while driving and operating a vehicle on a suspended due to lapsed ; the matter was resolved through a deal on a lesser traffic violation.

Awards and Recognition

Professional Honors

Liz Cho has earned several New York Emmy Awards for her contributions to at , particularly through her anchoring roles in high-impact news coverage and specials. The annual special "Breakthroughs for ," hosted by Cho, has received multiple New York Emmy Awards, recognizing its in-depth reporting on medical advancements and patient stories. The 2021 edition, titled ": Updates and Progress in a ," won in the /Medical - Long Form Content category (longer than 10 minutes), produced by . Cho hosted the 2024 and 2025 editions of the special, which continue to be acclaimed as part of this Emmy-winning series for their focus on innovative treatments like and . In addition to the special, Cho contributed to a 2021 New York Emmy win in the Team Coverage category for "Eyewitness News at 6: Ida's Aftermath," where she served as anchor covering the flooding impacts of Hurricane Ida. She was part of the winning team for the 2025 New York Emmy in the Evening Newscast - Larger Markets (1-49) - Bilingual Category for "Eyewitness News First at 4: Congestion Pricing Postponed," highlighting policy shifts in New York transportation. Beyond Emmys, Cho received the 2025 Best in News Folio Award for Talent from the Fair Media Council, honoring her excellence in on-air performance and storytelling in local journalism. Eyewitness News segments anchored by Cho have also garnered team nominations and awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, underscoring her role in outstanding news anchoring.

Contributions to Public Awareness

Liz Cho has been a prominent advocate for , leveraging her platform to raise awareness through personal storytelling and educational programming. In 2012, she hosted the half-hour special "Connected for Life" in partnership with , which highlighted real-life transplant stories, addressed common myths about donation, and emphasized New York's low donation rates despite its leading transplant centers. Her efforts draw from her family background, where her father, Dr. Sang In Cho, was a pioneering organ transplant surgeon whose work inspired her commitment to the cause. Beyond organ donation, Cho has significantly contributed to breast cancer awareness by hosting the annual WABC-TV special "Breakthroughs for Breast Cancer," which features patient narratives, innovative treatments, and expert insights to educate viewers on prevention and care. The program, which aired its 2025 edition on October 4, spotlighted advancements like cryoablation—a minimally invasive procedure using extreme cold to destroy tumors—through the story of a 77-year-old patient who underwent the treatment for Stage 1 breast cancer and returned home the same day. This coverage underscores her role in amplifying accessible, cutting-edge options for underserved patients. In recent years, Cho's philanthropic engagements have extended to community fundraisers and awareness events, reflecting her dedication to . For instance, in 2025, she participated in a team for the alongside ABC colleagues to support America's 50th anniversary initiatives, which included charitable components benefiting various causes. Her involvement in these efforts continues to bridge her journalistic reach with broader societal impact.

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