Jay Harris (born February 22, 1965 in Norfolk, Virginia) is an American journalist who has worked for ESPN since February 2003. When he first joined ESPN, he worked primarily on ESPNEWS, but in August 2006, he was named the weekday co-host of the 6pm ET SportsCenter along with Brian Kenny. He also often hosts the SportsCenter 30 at 30 Update.[1]
Prior to ESPN, Harris worked for many years at WPGH-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a weeknight news anchor. He also has local morning radio news experience at WAMO-FM, and national news experience at American Urban Radio Networks, also in Pittsburgh. He also did local radio news at WOWI-FM in Norfolk, Virginia. He is known primarily for his two trademark on-air catch phrases: finishing his interviews with correspondents by saying, "Thank you brother.", and mixing in a high pitched "However" reminiscent of Dumb Donald from Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.
Harris has several honors including: a Silver World Medal from the New York Festivals, a Robert L. Vann Award from the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, an EXCEL Award from the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals. He was also part of two Emmy award winning Sportscenter shows. A 1987 graduate of Old Dominion University, he received a Distinguished Alumni Award and served as the keynote speaker for its 100th commencement ceremony in 2003 and 2004 respectively.
He is married with 2 children.
Harris is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.[2]
On the February 22, 2008 episode of SportsCenter, Bill Walton presented Harris with a cake, to the surprise of Harris. Walton also noted that Harris shares the same birth date with famed basketball player Julius Erving.
Hewitt, Dr. Clay W. The Glide Journal of Drexel College School of Journalism in Televised Communication Volume 4, July 2007 pp. 113-118
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