Understanding Harris Simmons
The Company That Changed Everything
At the center of the Black Camelot universe stands one of America's most respected and influential media companies—Harris-Simmons Media Company.
For generations, Harris-Simmons has shaped public opinion, influenced elections, broken historic news stories, and helped define American journalism. Its newspapers, television stations, digital media platforms, and publishing interests have made it one of the nation's most recognizable media organizations.
To the outside world, Harris-Simmons represents excellence.
Inside its executive offices, however, the company carries a complicated legacy of privilege, tradition, and long-buried family secrets.
A Family Dynasty
For decades, leadership of Harris-Simmons remained firmly in the hands of the Harris family.
Successive generations of Harris executives built one of the country's most powerful media empires, creating a corporate culture known for prestige, exclusivity, and tradition.
Employment at Harris-Simmons was considered one of the highest honors in American journalism and publishing. Rising into its executive ranks was even more exclusive.
Few outsiders ever reached the company's highest levels of leadership.
Gill Harris's Vision
Gill Harris inherited not only one of America's great companies but also the responsibility of preparing it for a new era.
Unlike some of his predecessors, Gill believed Harris-Simmons should be judged by talent, integrity, and leadership rather than family connections or social standing.
He envisioned a company where the best minds—not simply the best pedigrees—would shape its future.
That vision would change countless lives.
Donald Alexander
Gill Harris saw extraordinary leadership qualities in Donald Alexander.
Recognizing his intelligence, character, and ability to inspire others, Gill selected Donald as the executive he believed could lead Harris-Simmons into the future.
The decision surprised many within the company and challenged decades of tradition.
It would also place Donald at the center of events that would transform both Harris-Simmons and Gotham forever.
The Day Everything Changed
The future of Harris-Simmons changed in an instant.
A shocking act of violence inside the company's headquarters shattered the lives of employees, executives, and the Harris family itself.
The attack sent shockwaves throughout Gotham and across the nation, triggering investigations, political consequences, and discoveries that reached far beyond the walls of the media company.
From that day forward, nothing would ever be the same.
More Than a Company
Throughout the Black Camelot series, Harris-Simmons is more than a workplace.
It is where friendships are forged.
Where rivalries begin.
Where secrets are uncovered.
Where leaders emerge.
And where the events that reshape an entire city first take root.
The story of Black Camelot begins at Harris-Simmons—but it does not end there.
Its influence can be felt in every book of the series.
Key People of Harris-Simmons
Gill Harris
President and Chief Executive Officer of Harris-Simmons Media Company. A visionary leader determined to prepare the company for a new generation. His decisions set the events of the series in motion.
Donald Alexander
A gifted executive recruited to become Harris-Simmons' next great leader. His rise through the company becomes one of the defining stories of Black Camelot.
Oliver Harris Jr.
Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Harris-Simmons. A respected statesman whose influence extends well beyond his years leading the company.
Cornwall Harris
A former Harris-Simmons executive and member of the Harris family whose personal choices and complicated relationships continue to cast a long shadow over the dynasty.
Wynne Shields
A powerful Harris-Simmons executive who embodies the company's old guard. His commitment to tradition and entrenched privilege often puts him at odds with those seeking change.
Why Harris-Simmons Matters
Every great saga has a place where history begins.
For Black Camelot, that place is Harris-Simmons Media Company.
It is the birthplace of extraordinary leaders, impossible choices, enduring friendships, devastating betrayals, and the events that give rise to the Black Camelots themselves.
To understand Black Camelot is to understand Harris-Simmons.