Anchor Leon Harris To Leave WJLA Washington

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WJLA Washington (DMA 7) said today that journalist Leon Harris will be leaving the station in October after 13 years anchoring ABC7 News. He has been the longtime co-anchor of WJLA’s 5, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts.

According to Harris’ Twitter account, the move wasn’t his idea: “13 great yrs at ABC7 are not enough, but will have to be. Thanks for the support, all! Not my choice, but it’s now my challenge. Much love!”

“We can’t thank Leon enough for his service to our station and our community,” said WJLA Director of News Mitch Jacob in a statement. “He is a journalist of the highest caliber, and has been an asset in our newsroom, and he will be missed.”

Prior to arriving in Washington, Harris was known nationally for his 20 years at CNN’s Atlanta headquarters, where he co-anchored CNN Live Today and Prime News, and also hosted CNN Presents and American Stories.

Harris graduated cum laude from Ohio University, from where he would also receive an honorary doctorate a number of years later.