Born in Prattville, Alabama and raised in Montgomery, Ed Harbison graduated from the Career Academy School of Broadcasting and attended Troy State University at Fort Benning. He served four years in the U.S. Marines and is a recipient of the Purple Heart. He is a public relations and advertising consultant and a broadcast journalist. Active in the community, Ed is a 1990 graduate of Leadership Columbus and a former officer of the Georgia Association of Newscasters.

He has received a number of awards for his professional accomplishments and his community service including: the James Costen Government Services Award, the National Infantry Association’s Order of Saint Maurice for distinguished and gallant support of the Infantry, the Associated Press Annual Award for Best Regularly Scheduled TV Newscast, the Jack Brinkley Service Award, the Department of Defense Vietnam Veterans of Appreciation Award, the Legacy of Leadership Award for outstanding service to the African American community, and was inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame for his support of Veterans in the state of Georgia. He is a recipient of the Fort Benning Georgia Sergeants Major Award for support of the military, The Department of Veterans Services Award for services rendered to Georgia veterans, Morehouse Naval Officers NROTC Award for support of its ROTC program, The Georgia Legislative Leadership Award for improving the lives and healthcare of Georgians, and The Medical Association of Georgia Award for distinguished service in advocating for quality medical legislation. He has also been honored as one of the 50 Most Influential African Americans of Columbus.