Biography: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia James Charles Lehrer (May 19, 1934 – January 23, 2020) was an American journalist, novelist, screenwriter and playwright. Lehrer was the executive editor and a news anchor for the PBS NewsHour on PBS, known for his role as a debate moderator during U.S. presidential election campaigns. He authored numerous fiction and non-fiction books that drew upon his experience as a newsman, along with his interests in history and politics.