Why Leon Harris Is Leaving NBC4: "This Is the Right Time"
The Emmy-winning anchor is permanently leaving D.C.'s local NBC News affiliate.
NBC4 is saying goodbye to one of its longtime anchors. Leon Harris, who for years has brought breaking news to the DC Metro area as a face of NBC affiliate WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., is leaving his position to focus on his health and family.
Leon Harris says goodbye to NBC4
Harris joined the team in 2017 and took a leave of absence at the end of last year following undisclosed health issues. In a statement shared by the affiliate on April 8, Harris said, "Many of you have kindly asked about me over the past few months. As you know, I took time off to focus on my health and family."
He continued, "After 40+ years of nonstop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I've made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4. I'm grateful to NBC4 for having me as part of their team for the last eight years. This is the right time to prioritize my health and family."
The station added its own message in the post, sharing, "We are grateful for Leon’s eight years of service to our newsroom. We thank him for his commitment to our community, dedication to journalism, hard work, and friendship. He will be missed, and we wish him nothing but the best."
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On Instagram, viewers of his nightly broadcasts were quick to chime in with their own well wishes, with one commenting, "Leon we wish you all the best in your new endeavors. A really class act and dynamic newscaster." Added another, "Be well Leon. You’re a welcome presence on the airwaves and you’ll be missed."
When Harris took time off in December 2024, the station announced, "We have an update to share with you about our colleague, Leon Harris. Last week, Leon appeared unwell while anchoring News4 at 6. Leon will be stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues. We here at NBC4 — and you at home — care deeply about Leon and wish him well. We thank you for your concern."
The broadcaster had previously dealt with a foot injury and pancreatitis, and was open about receiving treatment for alcoholism.
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Per his website bio, Harris' career accomplishments include more than a dozen local Emmys, including two as Best Local News Anchor.
