Veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila addressed her recent viral on-air blooper during an exclusive interview at the Maxwell Leadership Summit on February 18, 2026. She also shared insights for aspiring journalists and young leaders.
Karen recently made headlines when— during a live telecast of TV Patrol— she accidentally introduced field reporter Karen De Guzman using her own name. The clip quickly went viral online, drawing reactions from viewers.
After the incident, Karen emphasized the realities of live broadcasting and the importance of humility in the profession.
“I think yung totoo lang is, number one, live, it goes to show na one, we're all human,” she said.
“Number two, in a live show, anything can happen. And I think that what I liked about it is, I think, I appreciate how our Kapamilyas reacted. Kasi natuwa sila na kumbaga, ganun lang eh, tao lang tayo talaga nagkakamali. Pero sa pagkakamaling yun, napasaya sila.”
Karen, who has spent over three decades in television and is also one of the anchors of TV Patrol, shared that the moment became even more meaningful after learning that De Guzman was named after her.
“I'm honestly happy na kumbaga, ngayon, Karen De Guzman is in the consciousness of so many Filipinos. And natuwa ako na kinwento ni Karen De Guzman na pinangalanan siyang Karen ng nanay niya dahil sa akin,” she said.
Beyond the viral moment, Karen used the opportunity to deliver a message for aspiring journalists and future leaders, highlighting that purpose should always come before recognition.
“I think number one, my message is you have to take the work seriously more than yourself. Some people, they end up thinking it's all about themselves. The attention does go to us only as an after-effect of the job,” she explained.
She further emphasized that journalism should be rooted in public service.
“If you really want to enter television, be a broadcast journalist or be a radio commentator, dapat ang tunay na dahilan na gusto mo na gawin yun ay para number one, mailabas mo ang katotohanan sa mga isyu na kinakaharap ng taong bayan,” she said.
Karen concluded by highlighting the role of journalists in helping audiences understand complex issues and make informed decisions, reinforcing the responsibility as part of the profession.“Number two, tulungan mong maintindihan ng taong bayan ang mga issues na nilalabanan nila sa araw-araw. I honestly believe that we help in contextualizing issues that allow Filipinos to make better choices for themselves.” she expressed.
—By Kent Joahs Escabarte, PUSH ABS-CBN Intern