Veteran Cleveland Reporter Harry Boomer Shares Career Insights

WOIO Channel 19 journalist with over 50 years of experience offers advice to aspiring high school journalists

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:47pm

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Veteran Cleveland journalist Harry Boomer, who has over 50 years of broadcasting experience, recently spoke to high school students at the Cleveland Media Academy, sharing career advice and stories from his long career in news reporting. Boomer, the longest-serving reporter at WOIO Channel 19 and WUAB 43, discussed the importance of building relationships, staying curious, and adapting to changes in the industry.

Why it matters

As a seasoned journalist, Boomer's insights provide valuable guidance for the next generation of reporters navigating an evolving media landscape. His decades of experience and multiple hall of fame inductions make him a respected voice in the Cleveland journalism community.

The details

During the event, Boomer shared advice on the importance of building relationships with sources and the community, as well as staying curious and adaptable as the industry changes. He also discussed his own career journey, which began in Washington, D.C. and eventually brought him to Cleveland in the 1990s, where he has been a fixture in local news for over 30 years.

  • Boomer spoke to high school students at the Cleveland Media Academy on January 24, 2026.
  • Boomer has been reporting in Cleveland for 36 years, making him the longest-serving reporter at WOIO Channel 19 and WUAB 43.

The players

Harry Boomer

A Hall of Fame reporter with over 50 years of broadcasting experience, currently the senior reporter for WOIO Channel 19 and the executive producer and host of WUAB 43 Forum.

Callum Primrose

A high school student who attended the Cleveland Media Academy and participated in a podcast discussing Boomer's remarks.

Sabastian Riccio

A high school student who attended the Cleveland Media Academy and participated in a podcast discussing Boomer's remarks.

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The takeaway

Boomer's decades of experience and insights provide a valuable perspective for aspiring journalists, highlighting the importance of building relationships, staying curious, and adapting to an evolving media landscape. His commitment to the Cleveland community and long-standing career serve as an inspiration for the next generation of reporters.