Robert Handa Biography
Robert Handa is an award winning journalist currently working as a reporter for NBC Bay Area News at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. He joined the station in June 2014 returning to the station where he began his career more than three decades ago. Handa was named as the 2015 Reporter of The Year by the Associated Press.
Robert Handa Career
Besides reporting for NBC Bay Area News, Handa is also the host of Asian Pacific America with Robert Handa. A weekly talk show covering Asian newsmakers, events, community accolades and youth perspectives. The program airs Sunday mornings at 5:30 a.m. on the station and encores at 6 p.m. on COZI TV.
He was born and raised in South Bay, Los Angeles County. Handa attended DeAnza college and won an internship at KNTV Channel 11 through a journalism contest. He describes the moment as his first real step towards a broadcast journalism career. Furthermore, the internship eventually turned into a part time job while he attended San Jose State University. In addition, he later became KNTV’s first Asian-American reporter. Handa joined a small group of other Bay Area television reporters who had received the same distinction.
Handa videotaped, produced and edited a five part documentary series on gangs at just 22 years. He won a Peninsula Press Club award for Best Documentary News Series. In addition, Handa helped launch KNTV’s very first weekend newscast.
A few of his most memorable assignments have been flying with the Blue Angels, the 49ers’ Super Bowl victory. Handa also went on an ocean rescue with the Air National Guard and reported on a 5-part series on Alaska. In addition, he covered the Maverick’s surf competitions from a boat, and the Queen of England and Prince Philip’s visit to Hewlett Packard.
Prior to returning to NBC Bay Area, he worked at KTVU as the stations South Bay Reporter for 16 years. Handa also worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor at KPIX in San Francisco and reporter/documentary producer for KQED-TV.
Robert Handa NBC Bay Area
He has also interviewed some notable newsmakers throughout the years, some favorites include; President Jimmy Carter and the Dalai Lama. In addition, Handa also interviewed Henry Kissinger and Hillary Rodham Clinton and UFW Founder Cesar Chavez. He has held more interviews with Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev, astronaut Buzz Aldrin and 49ers quarterback Joe Montana. Furthermore, he also sat down with Giants baseball great Willie Mays and former 49ers head coach Bill Walsh. Handa also interviewed both Star Trek’s ‘Mr. Sulu’s: George Takei and John Cho and TV star, writer and producer Mindy Kaling.
Handa has been a recipient of multiple national journalism awards such as two top awards. From the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and a first place award from the National Association of Black Journalists. In addition, Handa also received numerous Emmys including the award for outstanding achievement in investigative reporting. It is an Associated Press Award for best documentary. In 2010, he was named to the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) Honor Roll of Pioneers in Journalism.
Handa was honored with the “Reporter of the Year” award by the Associated Press Television and Radio Association in 2016. In addition, he was also recognized with the “Best Coverage of an Ongoing Story” award. For a series on the delayed construction of the $300 million expansion to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Handa has also been honored with distinguished alumnus awards from Sunnyvale High School, De Anza College and SJSU.
He is an active member of many Bay Area organizations, such as Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA). In addition, Handa is also a member of KIMOCHI, Self-help for the elderly and Yu Ai Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service and Asian Americans for Community involvement (AACI).
He currently resides in Morgan Hill with his wife and two children.
Robert Handa Age
He was born and raised in South Bay, Los Angeles County about 68 years ago.
Robert Handa Height
There is no information about his height. However, will update once the information is available.
Robert Handa Education
Handa attended DeAnza college and won an internship at KNTV Channel 11 through a journalism contest. He describes the moment as his first real step towards a broadcast journalism career. Furthermore, the internship eventually turned into a part time job while he attended San Jose State University. He majored in journalism, with a minor in English.
Robert Handa Family
He was born and raised in South Bay, Los Angeles County. His parents are Albert and Harumi Handa and they relocated form Japan to California in 1955. Handa has three siblings, an older brother Albert Jr and younger sisters Angela and Suzie.
Robert Handa Wife
Handa married Arlene Sison-Handa in 1998 when he was almost 43 years old. She has also served as an on air reporter like Handa.
Robert Handa Children
He is a father to two children, Mason and Olivia.
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