Brian Johns (businessman) facts for kids

Brian Francis Johns (born May 6, 1936 – died January 1, 2016) was an important Australian journalist and media leader. He helped run big media companies like the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). He was the managing director of SBS from 1987 to 1992. Later, he led the ABC from 1995 to 2000.

Early Life and Education

Brian Johns was born in 1936 in Gordonvale, Queensland. His father, Frank Johns, worked on the docks and was also a barber. His mother, Lenora, was from Ireland.

In 1947, his family moved to Sydney. There, his father ran a barber shop in Kings Cross. As a young person, Brian worked as a paper boy and in a factory. When he was 16, he joined St Columba's Seminary. Three years later, he left the seminary and moved to Canberra.

Starting a Journalism Career

Johns began his career in journalism at The Queanbeyan Age newspaper. He also wrote special articles about the arts for the Australian News and Information Bureau. This was a government group that promoted Australia.

In 1964, he became the first main political reporter for The Australian newspaper. The next year, he was a special writer for The Bulletin magazine. In 1966, he joined The Sydney Morning Herald. He wrote important articles for the paper. By 1969, he was the paper's chief of staff. In 1972, he went back to Canberra as the Herald's main political reporter.

Leading Media Companies

In 1974, Brian Johns worked for the government again. He was an advisor for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

In 1979, Johns joined Penguin Books Australia. He became their publishing director. From 1987 to 1992, he was the managing director of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). This is a public broadcaster in Australia.

In 1992, he became the chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Authority. This group oversees broadcasting in Australia. From 1995 to 2000, he was the managing director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The ABC is Australia's national public broadcaster.

During his time at the ABC, he started many new things. These included ABC Online, which is the ABC's website. He also launched the national version of The 7.30 Report. Other popular shows started under his leadership were Australian Story and the TV drama SeaChange.

After leaving the ABC, Johns worked for Queensland University of Technology. From 2000 to 2003, he was a special professor there. He also led the board of the university's cultural area. In 2000, he joined the board of the Copyright Agency Ltd. He was their chairman from 2004 to 2009. From 2011, he was a director on the board of Melbourne University Publishing.

Death

Brian Johns passed away on January 1, 2016. He was in a Sydney hospital after a battle with cancer.

Awards and Recognition

Brian Johns received several important awards for his work.

In 1988, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This is a high honour given for great service to publishing and media.

In 2001, he was given the Centenary Medal. This award recognized his service to the media and broadcasting industry. It especially noted his work in public broadcasting.

He also received special honorary doctorates. These were from RMIT University and the Queensland University of Technology. He had worked as a professor at Queensland University of Technology.

See also

In Spanish: Brian Johns (periodista) para niños