Asha Blake Biography

Asha Blake is an Emmy award-winning journalist who anchored KTLA-TV News @ 1PM with Frank Buckley in Los Angeles. She previously was the anchor of the 9:00 p.m. news on Denver's CW affiliate, KWGN-TV before leaving KWGN in 2007 to return to Los Angeles. She was replaced by Vida Urbonas.

Early life and education

Born in South America, Blake grew up in Toronto and in Minnesota. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota's journalism school.

Professional career

Blake began her career at KJCT-TV in Grand Junction, Colorado. She also worked as an anchor/reporter for KTHV in Little Rock.

From 1987 until 1993, Blake was a reporter for KARE-TV in Minneapolis. From 1993 until 1996, Blake was an anchor and reporter at WDIV-TV in Detroit.

In 1996, Blake joined ABC News in New York. She became an anchor for ABC's "World News Now", "World News This Morning" and "Good Morning America Sunday" as well as a reporter for World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.

In 1999, Blake joined NBC News, where she co-hosted NBC's "Later Today" with Florence Henderson and Jodi Applegate.

After "Later Today" went off the air in 2000, Blake hosted two syndicated programs, "Smart Gardening" on PBS and the nationally syndicated "Life Moments".

Blake also was considered to be the top candidate for a 10 p.m. news anchor job at WBBM-TV in Chicago in late 2000, according to an article in the October 18, 2000 Chicago Sun-Times. Blake eventually dropped out of the running for the job, however, and the Sun-Times reported in a separate news article on November 15, 2000, that the two sides "were believed to be too far apart on money to continue negotiations."

In 2005, Blake joined KWGN-TV. In 2007, she joined KTLA-TV, which she has since left.

Charity and public service

Blake has been actively involved with many charity organizations, including serving as a celebrity ambassador for UNICEF, volunteering for Make A Wish, and supporting Race For A Cure and Meals on Wheels. Following the 9/11 Attacks, Asha created and launched a public service website providing a free planning guide to help organize pertinent personal information in the event of an emergency. She is also writing a book version, 4My Emergency, to help families in crisis.

Personal

Blake is married to former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Mark Dusbabek and has a daughter, Sasha. She has a passion for photography, rollerblading, and reading.

Blake is the founder of her own production company called Goldenheart Media Inc.