Veteran TV Reporter Harry Boomer Shares Career Advice with High School Journalists

Boomer's 50-year broadcasting career includes 36 years covering news in Cleveland

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:15pm

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Hall of Fame reporter Harry Boomer from WOIO Channel 19 shared career advice and stories with high school journalists on January 24 as part of the 2026 Cleveland Media Academy. Boomer has dedicated over five decades to broadcasting, with 36 years focused on news coverage in Cleveland, making him the longest-serving reporter at Channels 19 and 43.

Why it matters

Boomer's experience and insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring young journalists on navigating the evolving media landscape and building a successful career in the industry.

The details

Boomer's broadcasting journey began in Washington, D.C., where he worked as an on-air personality and talk show host, also holding various management roles, including news director. After studying at Northern Virginia Community College, he transitioned to Ohio in 1988 to manage WBXT-AM in Canton. In the early 1990s, Boomer became a full-time reporter and producer at WCPN 90.3 FM, contributing to National Public Radio and launching the statewide news magazine program 'INFOhio.' Boomer's impressive career has led to multiple hall of fame inductions, including the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2007. He is also recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists, the Associated Press, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which awarded him both Silver Circle and Gold Circle honors. Additionally, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Professional Journalists/Cleveland Chapter.

  • Boomer shared his career advice and stories with high school journalists on January 24, 2026.
  • Boomer has been reporting news in Cleveland for 36 years.

The players

Harry Boomer

A Hall of Fame reporter from WOIO Channel 19 who has dedicated over five decades to broadcasting, with 36 years focused on news coverage in Cleveland, making him the longest-serving reporter at Channels 19 and 43.

Alexy Actis, Olivia Bagnoli, Ania Oshaben, and Reese Phillips

High school students and reporters in the Cleveland Media Academy, an eight-week high school journalism program sponsored by cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer in partnership with WKYC Channel 3, News 5, Signal Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists.

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What they’re saying

“Don't be afraid to step out of your lane”

— Harry Boomer, Hall of Fame Reporter

The takeaway

Boomer's decades of experience and multiple accolades make him a valuable mentor for aspiring young journalists, providing them with insights and advice on building a successful career in the evolving media landscape.