By Collin Denton -

Seattle-based broadcast journalist Michael Harris (Political Science, BA, ‘87) is a highly accredited producer and filmmaker most widely recognized for his work with wildlife. During his career he has made 30 full-length films, been nominated for 45 Emmys in 15 categories, and won 11 Emmy Awards. He has produced content for Yahoo and worked for high profile companies including ABC News, NBC News, MTV, and VH1. Harris describes himself as “third generation show business,” and says the work comes very naturally for him.

Harris was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, and at the tender age of 6 he got his first break in the entertainment industry. He was employed as a child actor promoting a video game console called the Odyssey Zenith. At 14-years-old Harris had already written and produced his first television commercial. His family encouraged his growth as a writer and producer throughout his adolescence.

After graduating from high school Harris attended Ohio University’s School of Telecommunication. In 1983 he transferred to the University of Washington where he began to sharpen his skills as a journalist by writing for two small magazines, Slo-Pitch News and Youth Soccer News. He credits UW with giving him an “explosion of intellectual energy” by surrounding him with “smart, engaged, and committed people.” In 1987 he graduated with a degree in Political Science and immediately began working in network television.

He worked for Seattle’s KING, KCTS, and KOMO television stations where he learned many trades including how to become a “one man band.” He is able to write, produce, and edit all of his own material, assuring a quick turn around for any story.

His latest documentary “THIS IS INDIAN COUNTRY With Billy Frank Jr.,” focuses on Native Alaskans and how their way of life is being threatened by global warming, the U.S. government, and poverty. The 9-part series will be shown on First Nation’s Experience, a national public television affiliate, over the next three years. On Wednesday, May 30, UW had the privilege of hosting Billy Frank Jr. and Michael Harris for an advanced screening of the first episode entitled “The Iñupiat, Hanging On at the Top of the World.”

The screening hosted approximately 60 people and was followed by a short Q&A. Without giving away any details, the series provides a first-hand look into the growing problems of Native Alaskans. Global Warming is causing erosion of precious polar ice caps that sustain most of their sources of food and fuel. Due to this melting process, floods and erosion are threating force 200 villages to relocate within the coming years.

The film documents the resiliency of the Native Americans and captures actual footage of sustenance whaling that has gone on for thousands of years. Harris continues to document the struggles of American Natives in the lower 48, preparing for his next project, “NEW FISH WARS The Fight For Puget Sound”.

Harris called the Department of Communication “a wonderful academic partner all together.” He also offers a bit of advice for aspiring journalists, suggesting they develop multiple talents and learn a wide variety of skills to ensure their place in the workforce after college.