2020

Last Updated on: 6th July 2025, 10:40 pm

In 2020, Los Angeles TV newscasts were dominated by a series of historic, often overlapping crises that made it one of the most intense and news-heavy years in modern history. Here’s a breakdown of the major stories that Los Angeles stations (e.g., KTLA, KABC, KNBC, KCBS, FOX 11) covered that year:

🔹 TOP STORIES ON LOS ANGELES NEWSCASTS IN 2020

1. COVID-19 Pandemic (Ongoing)

• Wall-to-wall coverage began in March and dominated for the rest of the year.

• Topics included:

  • Lockdowns in LA County and California

  • Mask mandates and business closures

  • ICU shortages, case spikes, and daily death counts

  • Stay-at-home orders and curfews

  • Coverage of Mayor Eric Garcetti and Governor Gavin Newsom’s press conferences

  • Vaccine trials and the anticipation of the first doses in late December

2. Black Lives Matter Protests & George Floyd

• Following the murder of George Floyd in May, LA saw massive protests.

• LA newscasts showed:

  • Huge demonstrations in Hollywood, Downtown, Fairfax District, and Long Beach

  • Instances of looting, curfews, and National Guard deployment

  • Police tactics, including tear gas and kettling

  • Long segments on systemic racism, policing in LA, and local reforms

  • Names like Breonna Taylor and Elijah McClain also became central to local protest coverage

3. California Wildfires

• LA stations covered the state’s devastating fire season:

  • Bobcat Fire (San Gabriel Mountains, near Monrovia and Arcadia)

  • Lake Fire (near Lake Hughes in LA County)

  • Air quality warnings and “apocalyptic” orange skies

  • Evacuation orders, firefighting efforts, and utility company scrutiny

4. Death of Kobe Bryant (January 26, 2020)

• One of the most heartbreaking stories of the year in LA.

• Coverage included:

  • Crash near Calabasas that killed Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and 7 others

  • Tributes from fans at Staples Center and murals across the city

  • Helicopter safety debates and lawsuits filed by families

  • Grammy Awards that night included a live Kobe tribute

5. 2020 Presidential Election

• LA news focused heavily on:

  • Mail-in voting and COVID-safe procedures

  • Ballot drop boxes and concerns about voter suppression

  • Coverage of California’s support for Biden/Harris and statewide props

  • Post-election protests and Trump’s refusal to concede

6. Hollywood Shutdown

• LA entertainment industry was hit hard:

  • Movie and TV production halted

  • Theaters closed; Oscars and Emmys went virtual

  • Entertainment workers furloughed; unions (SAG-AFTRA, IATSE) spoke out

  • Drive-in theaters made a comeback, and streaming exploded

7. Homelessness & Evictions

• TV stations reported on:

  • Surge in LA’s homeless population

  • Tensions over Project Roomkey and hotel shelters

  • Tenant protests against evictions

  • Coverage of Venice Beach encampments and Skid Row conditions

8. LAPD Reform and Controversy

• In the wake of protests, LA news covered:

  • Calls to “defund the police”

  • Budget reallocation debates at City Hall

  • Use of force incidents by LAPD and LA Sheriff’s Department

  • Resignations and disciplinary actions

9. Unemployment and Economic Crisis

• Coverage of:

  • EDD delays and fraud scandals

  • Long lines at food banks and rent relief programs

  • Closure of beloved local businesses and restaurants

  • Gig workers (like Uber/Lyft drivers) caught in Prop 22 debate

10. LA Lifestyle & Human Stories in Crisis

• Uplifting segments amid the chaos:

  • Birthday parades for kids in quarantine

  • Stories of frontline workers

  • Drive-thru testing and vaccine trials at Dodger Stadium

  • “California Love” moments showing community resilience

Notable Figures on LA News in 2020:

• Mayor Eric Garcetti

• Dr. Barbara Ferrer (LA County Public Health Director)

• Sheriff Alex Villanueva

• Governor Gavin Newsom

• Kobe Bryant (memorialized all year long)

Chip Paige Dies.
David Sheehan dies.