Dawna Friesen

Dawna Friesen is a Canadian television journalist best known as the chief anchor and executive editor of Global National.

Dawna Friesen is a Canadian television journalist best known as the chief anchor and executive editor of Global National. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on October 8, 1964, she has reported on Canadian and international news for more than three decades. Friesen began her career in Manitoba and later worked as a foreign correspondent for NBC News in London before returning to Canada to anchor the national newscast.

Early life and education

Dawna Friesen was born in Winnipeg and grew up on a farm in Manitoba. She studied Creative Communications at Red River College before beginning her journalism career.

Career in Canadian media

Friesen worked at newspapers, radio stations, and television outlets across Manitoba and other parts of western Canada. She later held national roles with CBC and CTV in Ottawa, Toronto, and elsewhere.

Work with NBC News

Friesen joined NBC News in 1999 and spent more than a decade as a London-based foreign correspondent. Her coverage included wars, terrorism, and major political events in Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Global National

In 2010, Friesen became the anchor and executive editor of Global National. She has since been one of the most prominent figures in Canadian national television news.