James Charles Lehrer (/ˈlɛərə/ LAIR-ə;[1] May 19, 1934 – January 23, 2020) was an American journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright.

Lehrer authored numerous fiction and non-fiction books that drew upon his experience as a newsman, along with his interests in history and politics.

[4] His mother, Lois Catherine (née Chapman), was a teacher and bank clerk, and his father, Harry Frederick Lehrer, was a bus station manager.

[5] After graduating from college, Lehrer followed his father and older brother, and joined the United States Marine Corps serving for three years as an infantry officer in the late 1950s.

[14] Lehrer began his television career at KERA-TV in Dallas, Texas, as the executive director of Public Affairs, an on-air host, and editor of a nightly news program.

[4] He worked as a correspondent for the National Public Affairs Center for Television (NPACT), where he met Robert MacNeil.

[16] Lehrer covered the House Judiciary Committee's impeachment inquiry of President Richard Nixon.

He had originally sworn off moderating any debates after 2008; however, the CPD persisted, and he accepted as he was interested in the new format.

[3] Lehrer was a prolific writer and authored numerous novels, as well as several plays, screenplays, and three personal memoirs.

[31] His last play, Bell, was produced by the National Geographic Society as part of their 125th anniversary celebration.