Bill Harris

Bill Harris became the first African American television news reporter in Toledo, Ohio, working for Channel 13, then an NBC affiliate, for more than two decades. Public affairs duties were added to his responsibilities, and eventually he became the assistant news director. His news stories and special reports on finances and the economy over the years have given him numerous contacts among business and political leaders, both locally and nationally. Harris received two Emmy Awards, seven Crystal Awards, and an Associated Press Award for his news reports, which aired locally and nationally. He also participated in two journalist tours of Israel. For a year, he served as the public information officer for the City of Toledo, serving the city manager and two mayors. Harris' academic studies included the University of Toledo, College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado, and Career Academy School of Broadcasters.