Early Life and Education of Jim Lehrer: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jim Lehrer. From birth to education, explore key events.
Jim Lehrer was a prominent American journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright, best known as the executive editor and news anchor for the PBS NewsHour. He gained significant recognition for moderating twelve U.S. presidential debates from 1988 to 2012, showcasing his impartiality and deep understanding of political issues. Beyond journalism, Lehrer was a prolific author, writing both fiction and non-fiction books that often reflected his experiences as a newsman and his interests in history and politics. His career highlights his dedication to informing the public and fostering civil discourse.
May 19, 1934: Jim Lehrer's Birth
On May 19, 1934, James Charles Lehrer was born. He later became a journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright.
1956: Graduated from the University of Missouri
In 1956, Jim Lehrer graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri.
1963: Covered JFK Assassination
In 1963, Jim Lehrer worked as a reporter for the Dallas Times Herald, where he covered the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
1968: Became City Editor
In 1968, Jim Lehrer became the city editor for the Dallas Times Herald, where he was previously a reporter and political columnist.
1972: Moved to PBS in Washington, D.C.
In 1972, Jim Lehrer moved to PBS in Washington, D.C., to become the Public Affairs Coordinator, a member of Journalism Advisory Board, and a Fellow at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
1973: Covered Senate Watergate Hearings
In 1973, Jim Lehrer covered the Senate Watergate hearings and the revelation of the Watergate Tapes broadcast, live on PBS. This coverage would later help lead to what would eventually become The MacNeil/Lehrer Report.
October 1975: Became Washington Correspondent
In October 1975, Jim Lehrer became the Washington correspondent for The Robert MacNeil Report on Thirteen/WNET New York.
December 1, 1975: Promoted to Co-Anchor of The MacNeil/Lehrer Report
On December 1, 1975, Jim Lehrer was promoted to co-anchor of The Robert MacNeil Report, and the program was renamed The MacNeil/Lehrer Report.
September 1983: Relaunched The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour
In September 1983, Jim Lehrer and Robert MacNeil relaunched their show as The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour.
1983: Recovered from a Heart Attack
In 1983, Jim Lehrer recovered from a minor heart attack at the age of 49.
1995: Show Renamed The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
In 1995, after MacNeil's departure, The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour was renamed The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.
2004: Awarded Honorary Degree by McDaniel College
In 2004, Jim Lehrer was awarded an honorary Doctor of Journalism degree by McDaniel College.
April 2008: Underwent Heart Valve Surgery
In April 2008, Jim Lehrer underwent heart valve surgery, leading to Ray Suarez, Gwen Ifill, and Judy Woodruff anchoring in his place temporarily.
June 26, 2008: Returned to PBS NewsHour after Surgery
On June 26, 2008, Jim Lehrer returned to anchor the PBS NewsHour after recovering from heart valve surgery.
2009: Show Renamed PBS NewsHour
In 2009, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer was renamed the PBS NewsHour.
June 6, 2011: Stepped Down as Anchor of PBS NewsHour
On June 6, 2011, Jim Lehrer stepped down as anchor of the PBS NewsHour. He continued to moderate the Friday news analysis segments.
January 23, 2020: Jim Lehrer's Death
On January 23, 2020, James Charles Lehrer passed away after a long career as a journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright.
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