History of Jim Lehrer in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

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.

1959: Began Journalism Career

In 1959, Jim Lehrer began his career in journalism at The Dallas Morning News in Texas.

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.

1976: Featured Presidential Candidates Interviews

In 1976, the Debating Our Destiny documentaries feature excerpts of exclusive interviews with many of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates since 1976. Jim Lehrer was involved in these interviews.

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.

1988: Moderated First Presidential Debate

In 1988, Jim Lehrer moderated his first U.S. presidential debate. Between 1988 and 2012, he would moderate twelve presidential debates.

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.

2000: Involved in Debating Our Destiny Documentaries

In 2000, Jim Lehrer was involved in the Debating Our Destiny documentaries, featuring interviews with presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

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.

2008: Swore Off Moderating Debates After 2008

In 2008, Jim Lehrer had originally sworn off moderating any debates after 2008; however, he accepted in 2012 because he was interested in the new format.

2008: Involved in Debating Our Destiny Documentaries

In 2008, Jim Lehrer was involved in the Debating Our Destiny documentaries, featuring interviews with presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

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.

2012: Moderated Last Presidential Debate

In 2012, Jim Lehrer moderated his last U.S. presidential debate. Between 1988 and 2012, he moderated twelve presidential debates.

2012: Moderated First General Election Debate of 2012 Election

In 2012, Jim Lehrer moderated the first general election debate of the 2012 election at the University of Denver, focusing on domestic policy issues. His performance received mixed reviews.