Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

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.

References

  1. [1]
    Liz Cho | ABC7 WABC News Team - ABC7 New York
    Liz came to Channel 7 from ABC News, where she was an anchor for World News ... Liz attended Boston University, majoring in journalism and history. She ...
  2. [2]
    WABC/Ch. 7's Liz Cho goes into the OR to uncover tales of organ ...
    Apr 13, 2012 · Her father, Dr. Sang I. Cho, who died three years ago, was a liver and kidney transplant surgeon. He led the team that did the first liver ...
  3. [3]
    Josh Elliott Marries Liz Cho: 'We're Believers In the Modern Family'
    Jul 17, 2015 · Elliott's daughter Sarina, 6, and Cho's daughter Louisa, 8, both from their previous marriages, served as maids of honor and played a special ...
  4. [4]
    The Journeys of Six Jewish Americans - Tablet Magazine
    May 13, 2016 · Liz Cho Born in 1970 to a Korean-American surgeon and Jewish American nurse, Cho is the co-anchor of the weekday afternoon editions of ...
  5. [5]
    Dr. Sang In Cho, at 72, pioneering transplant doc - Boston Herald
    Mar 15, 2009 · Dr. Sang In Cho of Concord, a pioneering surgeon in the field of kidney and liver transplantation, died Friday at his home after a battle with colon cancer. He ...
  6. [6]
    Liz Cho - Ethnicity of Celebs | EthniCelebs.com
    Mar 29, 2008 · Her father, Sang In Cho, was a Korean immigrant. Her mother, Donna, is Ashkenazi Jewish. Liz is married to television journalist Josh Elliott.
  7. [7]
    Sang Cho Obituary (2009) - Mashpee, MA - Boston Globe - Legacy
    Dr. Sang In, 72, of Concord, died peacefully surrounded by his family on March 13, 2009. He was a pioneering surgeon in the field of kidney and liver ...Missing: parents | Show results with:parents
  8. [8]
    List of Boston University people - Wikipedia
    Liz Cho (COM '92) – news anchor, WABC-TV, flagship of ABC's network in New York City, co-anchored Eyewitness News · Dave Goucher (COM '93) – NHL play-by-play ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  9. [9]
    'World News Now' Stage Manager to Give his Final Cue - ADWEEK
    Apr 29, 2010 · That includes Ryan Owens 2007-2008, David Muir 2003-2004, Tamala Edwards 2003-2005, Alison Stewart 2000-2002, Liz Cho 2002-2003, Kevin ...
  10. [10]
    July 6, 2003 | Bill Ritter and Liz Cho's first broadcast together
    Jul 6, 2019 · Eyewitness News' Bill Ritter and Liz Cho anchored their first broadcast together on July 6, 2003. Here is a look back at their first ...Missing: job Boston University
  11. [11]
    Anchor Shakeup at WABC, as Station Launches Post-'Oprah' 4pm ...
    ... Liz Cho (right) will be the co-anchor of the new “Eyewitness News…First at 4” alongside David Novarro. Sade Baderinwa, who currently co-anchors the 5pm with ...
  12. [12]
    Countdown to the Starting Line: Preview of the 2025 TCS New York ...
    Watch "Countdown to the Starting Line" with Liz Cho and David Novarro on Saturday, November 1, after Eyewitness News at 11:00 p.m.. ByEyewitness News WABC logo.
  13. [13]
  14. [14]
    Liz Cho - Biography - JewAge
    Liz Cho (born June 14, 1970) is local New York news anchor at WABC-TV in New York City. Cho co-anchors the weekday 4 and 6 p.m. editions of Eyewitness News.
  15. [15]
    Anchor Liz Cho & hubby split: dating Josh Elliott? | Page Six
    Sep 20, 2012 · WABC-TV news anchor Liz Cho is divorcing her husband, Evan Gottlieb, following a nasty legal battle over renovation work on their Westchester home.
  16. [16]
    Josh Elliott and Liz Cho Are Engaged! - E! News
    Sep 30, 2014 · The pair began dating in 2012, after Cho split from Evan Gottlieb. The ex-spouses have a daughter, Louisa Simone, 7. Elliott, meanwhile ...Missing: divorce | Show results with:divorce
  17. [17]
    Josh Elliott, Liz Cho marry in intimate California wedding with Sam ...
    Jul 12, 2015 · NBC's Josh Elliott and WABC-TV's Liz Cho got married Saturday in California after getting engaged in August 2014. After more than eight ...
  18. [18]
    Josh Elliott on recent engagement to Liz Cho: 'I'm blessed'
    Oct 3, 2014 · Josh Elliott is tying the knot! The NBC Sports anchor and TODAY contributor proposed to WABC New York anchor Liz Cho during a recent vacation.
  19. [19]
    Josh Elliott Marries Liz Cho in Small, Intimate Wedding - Us Weekly
    Jul 11, 2015 · They do! NBC Sports' Josh Elliott said “I do” to his girlfriend Liz Cho in a small, intimate wedding in California on Saturday, July 11.
  20. [20]
    Josh Elliott, Liz Cho Wedding: How They Chose Joy over Tragedy
    The journalists, who married just three weeks after Elliott's mother died, found strength in their friends and family.
  21. [21]
    Josh Elliott: 11 Facts About The Former GMA Host - The List
    Oct 14, 2024 · Sarina is Josh's only biological child, born while he was married to first wife Priya Narang Elliott, but he also has a stepdaughter, named ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  22. [22]
    Organ Donors: Connected For Life - watch it on abc7NY
    ... Organ Donor Month is hosted by Eyewitness News Anchor, Liz Cho. You'll hear from transplant doctors and experts who dispel the myths surrounding organ donation.Missing: advocacy father's
  23. [23]
    Watch 'Breakthroughs for Breast Cancer' featuring Tina Knowles ...
    Oct 6, 2025 · Eyewitness News anchor Liz Cho hosts "Breakthroughs for Breast Cancer," an annual, Emmy Award-winning WABC-TV special.Missing: making events<|separator|>
  24. [24]
    'Breakthroughs for Breast Cancer': WABC-TV's ... - ABC7 New York
    Oct 13, 2024 · The special discusses a new form of radiation therapy that allows for greater precision, and much less damage to the heart and lungs.
  25. [25]
    New York Proton Center Featured in WABC-TV's 'Breakthroughs for ...
    Oct 14, 2024 · WABC-TV's aired its Emmy Award-winning annual special 'Breakthroughs for Breast Cancer' featuring patient stories and innovative treatment options.
  26. [26]
    Liz Cho (@LizCho7) / Posts / X
    Oct 17, 2025 · Proud mom and co-anchor of Eyewitness News, First at Four and Eyewitness News at 6pm on Channel 7 WABC-TV. Organ donor. Are you? Posts.<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    Liz Cho (@lizjcho) • Instagram photos and videos
    🗺️Wanderer•Adventurer ☀️Living for sunsets and waves ✨Positive vibes · To another year full of blessings, amazing memories, personal growth, and infinite ...Missing: upbringing biracial Korean Jewish identity move
  28. [28]
    Liz Cho on X: "The 5am workout always seems like a better idea ...
    Mar 19, 2015 · The 5am workout always seems like a better idea when it's not 5am. #HereWeGoNow.Missing: fitness exercise
  29. [29]
    Liz Cho busted for talking on cell, driving without insurance | Page Six
    and cops later learned that she had no car insurance ...
  30. [30]
    Liz Cho takes plea deal for traffic violation - Page Six
    May 18, 2016 · WABC-TV news anchor Liz Cho copped to a traffic violation Wednesday in Manhattan Criminal Court as part a plea deal for driving on a suspended license.
  31. [31]
    [PDF] 65th Annual NY Emmy Awards Recipients
    Sep 11, 2021 · Conor Loughlin - Squarespace - Make It Awards (It's from the Sole) - July 24, 2021 ... Liz Cho, Anchor; Shannon. Sohn-Rice, Helicopter Reporter.<|control11|><|separator|>
  32. [32]
    [PDF] NY EMMY® AWARDS GALA
    ... Liz Cho, Tara. Johnson, Josh Einiger, Chantee Lans, Janice Yu, David Novarro, Lee Goldberg. CATEGORY #101S. OVERALL EXCELLENCE - SPANISH. Spectrum Noticias NY1.Missing: 2021 | Show results with:2021
  33. [33]
    Announcing the 2025 Best in News Folio Award Winners
    Jul 2, 2025 · Here are the winners of the 2025 Best in News Folio Awards: Fair ... Liz Cho – Talent. Chantee Lans – Talent. Stacey Sager – Talent. Zahir ...
  34. [34]
    WABC-TV takes home 17 Emmy Awards including 'Overall Excellence'
    Oct 10, 2022 · The 65th annual New York Emmy Awards ceremony took place at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. ... Liz Cho, Anchor; Shannon Sohn-Rice, ...
  35. [35]
  36. [36]
    'Breakthroughs for Breast Cancer': The latest advances and reasons ...
    Oct 7, 2025 · Eyewitness News' Liz Cho hosted the annual, Emmy Award-winning WABC-TV special "Breakthroughs for Breast Cancer" on Saturday, ...
  37. [37]
    Liz Cho - Facebook
    Oct 1, 2025 · Run/walk 3 miles, then post a picture of your activity, copy/paste this message, and tag 3 more people. If you're tagged and you can't do it ...Missing: fitness | Show results with:fitness