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

Boomer's talk at the Cleveland Media Academy covered building relationships and other tips for aspiring reporters.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Longtime WOIO Channel 19 reporter Harry Boomer spoke with high school journalists participating in the Cleveland Media Academy, sharing career advice and stories from his over five decades in broadcasting. In a podcast, two students break down the highlights of Boomer's remarks, which covered topics like building relationships and other tips for aspiring reporters.

Why it matters

As one of Cleveland's most experienced and respected journalists, Boomer's insights provide valuable guidance for the next generation of reporters looking to follow in his footsteps. His talk at the Cleveland Media Academy helps equip young journalists with practical advice for navigating the industry.

The details

During his talk, Boomer discussed the importance of building relationships with sources and the community, as well as other tips for aspiring reporters. The longtime WOIO reporter, who has been covering news in Cleveland for 36 years, shared stories from his impressive career, which has included inductions into multiple halls of fame and prestigious journalism awards.

  • Boomer spoke with high school journalists on Saturday, January 24, 2026 as part of the Cleveland Media Academy.

The players

Harry Boomer

A Hall of Fame reporter who has worked at WOIO Channel 19 in Cleveland for 36 years, making him the longest-serving reporter at the station. He is also the executive producer and host of WUAB 43 Forum, a public affairs program.

Jonah Silver

A student who attended Boomer's talk at the Cleveland Media Academy and shared his takeaways in a podcast.

Jackson Thornton

A student who attended Boomer's talk at the Cleveland Media Academy and shared his takeaways in a podcast.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Cleveland, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Cleveland Media Academy plans to continue hosting talks and workshops with experienced journalists to provide aspiring high school reporters with valuable industry insights.

The takeaway

As a veteran journalist who has dedicated over five decades to the industry, Harry Boomer's talk at the Cleveland Media Academy offered aspiring high school reporters practical advice and inspiration for building successful careers in journalism.