The nearly fifty year radio and television career of Bill Harris can best be summed up in the quote inscribed on the award presented to him on his induction into the prestigious “Silver Circle” by the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences: Membership in the Silver Circle is recognition of your dedication to excellence and the significant contribution you have made to our industry.
In his thirty-years as an anchor, reporter and producer in Flint, Bill has been honored with nine Emmy awards, thirty-seven Emmy nominations, including Emmy awards in 2011, 2009 and 2007 as Michigan’s “Best News Anchor.” From his first statue, a report on the “whistle stop” campaign of President George H. Bush, another for his series of stories documenting the 119th Michigan State Police recruit school, to his award winning reports detailing his diagnosis of Prostate Cancer, Bill has earned the title of “Dean of Michigan News Anchors.” He is an inductee in the Michigan Associated Press “Journalism Hall of Fame” and has been honored with numerous national and international awards including The Aurora Awards, New England Chapter of the National Academy of TV Arts and Sciences, an international “Freddie” award for outstanding medical reporting, as well as honors from the Michigan Associated Press, Michigan Association of Broadcasters and New England chapter of the National Academy of TV Arts and Sciences.
Bill has also distinguished himself in the area of law enforcement with a rare perspective of someone who has been on “both sides of the fence.” While anchoring and reporting for WJRT, Bill also served as a uniformed, reserve deputy with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department’s Paramedic Division. He is a recent graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy and has trained with numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
He continues to work closely with numerous agencies and consulting firms, including the Michigan State Police, as a media consultant and instructor and, this past August, served as the Public Information Officer for Flint’s “Back To The Bricks” Law Enforcement Task Force.
Bill and his wife Jane, a 35 year law enforcement dispatcher, live in Grand Blanc.
He holds Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcasting and Film, cum laude, from Boston University.
-----------------------------------------------------
FUN FACTS FROM AN INTERVIEW WITH BILL
Favorite Movie? Final Countdown
If you were stranded on an island – what’s the one thing you’d want with you? XM Radio-"60's on 6" (and, of course, my family)
Person you most want to have dinner with? Bobby Orr
Favorite story you’ve covered? George H Bush Inaugural
Interesting talent you possess? I make awesome French Onion soup
Best vacation you’ve taken? Venice, Italy
Movie star crush? Gena Davis
Place you’d most like to visit? Ireland
Charity or non-profit organization you volunteer for? Red Cross
Favorite childhood memory? Family time at Lake
Congamond (Western Massachusetts)
Way you like your coffee? Black
What do you do to “treat” yourself? Pizza, cold milk and watching "Cheers."
Number one thing on your “bucket” list? Fly "1st Class" on a 747
Favorite Michigan spot to visit / vacation? Higgins Lake
