History of Leon Harris in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 3, 2024

Leon Harris is an American journalist and newscaster currently working for NBC's WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. He previously worked as an anchor at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, and at WJLA-TV, an ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C.

April 20, 1961: Birth of Leon Harris

Leon Harris was born on April 20, 1961.

1979: High School Graduation

Leon Harris graduated from Buchtel High School in 1979.

1983: Career Start at CNN

After graduating, Leon Harris began his career at CNN's headquarters in Atlanta in 1983 as an entry-level video journalist.

1983: College Graduation

Leon Harris graduated cum laude from Ohio University in 1983 with a degree in communications.

1991: CNN Anchor Position

In 1991, Leon Harris secured a full-time anchor position at CNN after auditioning earlier that summer.

1999: Honorary Doctorate

Leon Harris received an honorary Doctorate from Ohio University in 1999.

2000: Emmy Awards at CNN

In 2000, Leon Harris received multiple Emmy Awards at CNN for his coverage of significant events, including the presidential election, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the September 11th attacks.

July 2003: Signing with WJLA-TV

In July 2003, Leon Harris signed an agreement with WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., to anchor the station's 5 and 11 o'clock newscasts.

2006: Local Emmy Award

Leon Harris received a local Emmy Award for Best Anchor in 2006.

2013: Health Scare

In 2013, Leon Harris faced two near-death experiences due to necrotizing pancreatitis.

September 2014: End of Probation

Leon Harris completed six months of probation in September 2014 following a DUI charge.

September 2, 2016: Departure from WJLA-TV

On September 2, 2016, WJLA-TV decided not to renew Leon Harris's contract, concluding his time at the station in October 2016.

April 2017: Joining WRC-TV

Leon Harris joined the news team at WRC-TV, an NBC owned-and-operated station in Washington, D.C., in April 2017.

January 29, 2022: DUI Arrest and Charge

Leon Harris was arrested and charged with driving under the influence following a car crash in Montgomery County on January 29, 2022.

June 2022: Sentencing for DUI

In June 2022, Leon Harris was sentenced to one year in jail (with all but ten days suspended), three years of supervised probation, and the use of an interlock device in his vehicle for a DUI charge.

December 2024: Medical Leave of Absence

In December 2024, NBC4 Washington announced that Leon Harris would be taking a medical leave of absence after appearing unwell during a recent broadcast.