CLEVELAND — After nearly 15 years anchoring News 5’s late-day newscasts, Danita Harris will return to the news program that launched her tenure as an anchor – Good Morning Cleveland. Harris will join co-anchor Katie Ussin and Power of 5 Meteorologist Trent Magill starting Monday, March 23.
“I always loved working mornings and helping Clevelanders start their day with a smile,” said Harris of the change. “My time on Good Morning Cleveland years ago was a joy, and I look forward to energizing our viewers along with Katie and Trent.”
Harris co-anchored Good Morning Cleveland from 2000 through 2006 before joining Ted Henry on the 6 p.m. newscast. She eventually anchored the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts and has done so for many years, working alongside co-anchor Rob Powers and Power of 5 Chief Meteorologist Mark Johnson.
“Mark has been like my brother and Rob has been a dear friend and wonderful colleague since he came back to Cleveland a few years ago,” she said. “I’ll miss working with them day to day but can’t wait to rise and shine with Northeast Ohioans at a new time.”
“Our viewers have had a relationship with Danita that runs 20-plus years, and her community roots and community service run deep,” said Steve Weinstein, vice president and general manager at News 5. “She’s not only a terrific anchor and award-winning journalist but a strong community leader and advocate as well. We’re excited that our morning viewers can start their day with Danita, Katie, and Trent.”
Earlier in her career, Harris also worked for Black Entertainment Television Network and WJLA-ABC7 in Washington, DC. She was inducted into the Ohio Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2010 and earned several industry awards during her tenure at News 5. In late 2019, Harris was recognized by MetroHealth with a “SHEROE” award for her work with S.H.I.N.E., a spiritually-based organization that helps women achieve their goals. Harris also recently received a “Doing Well by Doing Good” honor from station owner E.W. Scripps for her accomplishments with S.H.I.N.E.
RELATED: Danita Harris presented with 2020 Media Personality of the Year Award for work in community
