James Charles Lehrer was an American journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright. He was the executive editor and a news anchor for the PBS NewsHour on PBS and was known for his role as a debate moderator during U.S. presidential election campaigns, moderating twelve presidential debates between 1988 and 2012. Lehrer authored numerous fiction and non-fiction books that drew upon his experience as a newsman, along with his interests in history and politics.
Lehrer at the 2007 Texas Book Festival
Lehrer signing copies of his book, Tension City: Inside the Presidential Debates, From Kennedy–Nixon to Obama–McCain, at the National Press Club Book Fair in 2011
PBS NewsHour is an American evening television news program broadcast on over 350 PBS member stations. It airs seven nights a week, and is known for its in-depth coverage of issues and current events. Since January 2, 2023, the one-hour weekday editions have been anchored by Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett. The 30-minute weekend editions, branded as PBS News Weekend, have been anchored by John Yang since December 31, 2022.
The final title sequence as The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, used from May 17, 2006, to December 4, 2009
Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff at the 2012 Republican National Convention on August 27, 2012
Judy Woodruff interviewing US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on September 18, 2013
Behind the scenes at The NewsHour, during a Gen. Peter Pace interview on November 7, 2005
