Yolanda Harris is a beloved and highly respected American news anchor and broadcast journalist, best known for her long-standing presence on central Ohio television screens. Currently co-anchoring the evening newscasts for WBNS-10TV in Columbus, Ohio, Yolanda has built a reputation for her engaging delivery, deep community ties, and authentic on-air personality. With a career spanning over three decades in her hometown, she has become one of the most recognizable and trusted voices in local news.

From hosting local entertainment programs to breaking hard-hitting stories, Yolanda’s dedication to journalism and the city of Columbus has earned her multiple accolades, including an Emmy Award.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Roots and Upbringing

Yolanda Harris is a proud “hometown girl,” born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Growing up in the central Ohio area, she attended Gahanna Middle School East before moving on to Gahanna Lincoln High School. During her high school years, she was highly active and immersed in her school community; she was a cheerleader for both football and basketball, a track statistician, a homecoming attendant, and a contributor to the school newspaper, “The Lion’s Roar”.

University and Early Interests

After graduating from Gahanna Lincoln High School in 1988, Yolanda pursued her passion for media and storytelling at Bowling Green State University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism. During this time, she honed her skills in writing, reporting, and public speaking, returning to Columbus shortly after graduation to jumpstart her career in local media.

Career Journey

Print Journalism Beginnings

Before becoming a fixture on television, Yolanda utilized her writing skills as a reporter and photographer for the Columbus Call & Post, a weekly newspaper focusing on the African-American community in central Ohio. This role grounded her in community-focused storytelling.

Rising Through WTTE-Fox 28 and WSYX ABC-6

Yolanda’s television career took off when she joined WTTE-Fox 28 as the on-air host for the “Fox 28 Kids Club.” Her natural charisma made her a hit with younger audiences. She also served as a reporter for the station’s “This Week” news magazine and hosted a program called “Take 1,” which highlighted stories about local youth.

When Fox 28 and WSYX ABC-6 merged their news operations in 1996, Yolanda transitioned into an entertainment and general assignment reporter for both stations. By 2002, her hard work culminated in a major promotion: she became the co-anchor for the evening news broadcasts, delivering the news at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, and 11:00 p.m. on ABC-6, and at 10:00 p.m. on FOX-28. She remained a staple on these networks for over 20 years.

Transition to WBNS-10TV

Looking for a change of pace, Yolanda left ABC-6 and Fox-28 in December 2016. After a brief hiatus, she made a highly anticipated return to local television in July 2017, joining the CBS affiliate WBNS-10TV. Today, she serves as the prominent co-anchor for the 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, and 11:00 p.m. newscasts, continuing to deliver breaking news and community features to her dedicated central Ohio audience.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Yolanda is happily married to her husband, Jonathan Eubanks. The couple tied the knot in 2017. While she does not have biological children of her own, she is a proud and devoted aunt, often noting that she loves spending her free time spoiling her niece and nephew. She and her husband share their Columbus home with an ornery but beloved Jack Russell Terrier.

Dating History/Affairs

Prior to her current marriage, Yolanda was previously married to former police officer Todd Smith. She generally keeps her romantic life out of the public eye, preferring to maintain a professional focus on her journalism and community outreach.

Community Involvement and Hobbies

Yolanda is deeply invested in the Columbus community. She regularly emcees charity events, such as the Better Business Bureau’s annual Integrity Awards and local telethons for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In her downtime, she is known for her adventurous side, particularly her love for riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle around Ohio.

Controversies

As a beloved public figure, Yolanda Harris has kept her professional reputation clean and drama-free. While her ex-husband made negative headlines years after their relationship ended, Yolanda herself has never been implicated in any scandals and maintains a pristine professional standing in the Columbus journalism community.

Awards & Achievements

• Emmy Award Winner (2005): Won for “Best Entertainment Program” as the host of Gimme The Mike, Columbus!, a local vocal talent competition.
• Gahanna Lincoln High School Hall of Fame: Inducted into her alma mater’s Wall of Fame for her outstanding professional success and community service.
• “Who’s Who In Black Columbus”: Featured in the 2007 edition recognizing prominent African-American leaders in the city.
• Viewer’s Choice Awards: Frequently voted “Favorite News Personality” and “Best Female Anchor” in various Columbus local polls.

Physical Statistics

• Height: Not explicitly disclosed
• Weight: Not explicitly disclosed
• Body Type: Average
• Hair Color: Dark Brown / Black
• Eye Color: Brown

Quotes

• “I’m a hometown girl. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I know this city, I love this city and I’ve lived here my whole life. I’m blessed to be able to do what I’ve loved in the city I love.”
• “The older you get, the more you realize what’s truly important. The health and happiness of my family, great relationships with good friends, and the ability to help others… are some of the things that matter most to me.”

Favorites

• Vehicle: Harley-Davidson motorcycle
• Pets: Her Jack Russell Terrier
• Hobbies: Mentoring high school and college students pursuing broadcast journalism

Earnings

With over two and a half decades of on-air experience in a major news market, Yolanda Harris commands a respectable salary. While exact figures are private, veteran news anchors in the Columbus market typically earn comfortable six-figure salaries. Her net worth is a reflection of her successful, enduring career as a prime-time television journalist and community host.

Interesting Facts

• Music Video Star: She briefly hosted Take 1, a local TV show that highlighted youth-focused stories.
• Local Idol: She hosted Pepsi’s Gimme the Mike Columbus, which was essentially central Ohio’s localized version of American Idol.
• Print to Screen: Her very first professional media job wasn’t on TV, but rather taking photographs and writing stories for a local weekly newspaper.

Did you know already?

Unlike many journalists who have to hop from state to state and market to market to climb the ladder, Yolanda accomplished an incredibly rare feat in broadcasting: building her entire, highly successful television career from entry-level reporter to prime-time evening anchor entirely within her hometown.

Social Media Links

Stay connected with Yolanda Harris for daily news updates and behind-the-scenes looks at 10TV:

• Facebook: Yolanda Harris 10TV
• Twitter/X: @yolandaharrisTV
• Website / Blog: yolandaharris.wordpress.com

FAQs

Why did Yolanda Harris leave ABC 6?

After spending over 20 years at WSYX-ABC 6 and WTTE-Fox 28, Yolanda left in December 2016, stating it was simply time for a change and a new chapter in her career. She subsequently joined WBNS-10TV in July 2017.

Is Yolanda Harris married?

Yes, Yolanda is married to Jonathan Eubanks. They wed in 2017 and live together in the Columbus area.

Where did Yolanda Harris go to high school?

She is a proud graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio, where she was highly active in sports cheerleading and the school newspaper. She has since been inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

What does Yolanda Harris do in her free time?

Yolanda is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoys riding her Harley-Davidson. She also dedicates significant time to mentoring local youth and serving as an emcee for various charity events.

Conclusion

Yolanda Harris’s career is a testament to the power of local journalism and community connection. By staying true to her Columbus roots, she has built a remarkable legacy built on trust, hard work, and authentic storytelling. As a staple on WBNS-10TV, she continues to inspire aspiring broadcasters in Ohio and beyond.

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