Jim Avila Named White House Correspondent for ABC News/Univision JV

Matthew Dowd also expands role as analyst and special correspondent

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/6/2013 3:48:45 PM

ABC News senior national correspondent Jim Avila is expanding his duties at the network's Washington bureau and will serve as the first White House correspondent for the ABC/Univision joint venture when it launches later this year, ABC News president Ben Sherwood announced Wednesday.

Until then, Avila will report for ABC News from the White House alongside chief White House correspondent Jonathan Karl. He will also lead coverage of immigration reform, education, politics and other issues important to the Latino community, according to Sherwood's note, and continue to report for 20/20.

ABC News political contributor Matthew Dowd has also expanded his role to analyst and special correspondent at the network as well as a senior strategic adviser on Sherwood's executive team. As a correspondent, Dowd will report on cultural, economic and spiritual trends for Good Morning America, World News, Nightline and This Week.