Bruce Johnson (journalist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bruce Johnson
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Johnson in 2007
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| Born | June 5, 1950 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
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| Died | April 3, 2022 (aged 71) Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, U.S.
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| Occupation | Broadcast journalist, author, public speaker |
| Spouse(s) | Lori Smith |
| Children | 3 |
Chester Bruce Johnson (June 5, 1950 – April 3, 2022) was an American television news anchor and reporter. He worked for WUSA 9 (CBS) TV in Washington, D.C.. Johnson was known for his reporting on politics and city issues.
He received many awards for his work. In 2018, he was honored with the Board of Governors Award. He also won the Ted Yates Award in 1984. In 2003, the Society of Professional Journalists added Johnson to their Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Washington, D.C., Hall of Fame.
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Bruce Johnson's Early Life and Education
Bruce Johnson was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 5, 1950. He studied at Kentucky State University for three years. Then, he started his career in broadcasting at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati.
He later moved to Northern Kentucky University. He graduated in 1973 with a degree in political science. Johnson also earned a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Cincinnati. In 2018, he returned to Northern Kentucky University as a speaker. He was given an honorary doctorate degree.
Bruce Johnson's Career in Journalism
Johnson began his career while still a college student at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1976, he joined WUSA 9 TV in Washington, D.C. This station is a CBS affiliate. He co-anchored the 6 p.m. weekly newscasts. Until 2019, he also hosted "Off Script with Bruce Johnson" at 7 p.m. on weeknights.
Johnson quickly became known for his important news stories. He covered the 1982 Washington Metro train derailment. This accident killed three people and injured 25 others. He also reported on the 1977 Hanafi Siege. During this event, gunmen took 149 people hostage in Washington, D.C.
In the early 1990s, Johnson reported for "Capitols of the World" documentaries. He traveled to many cities around the world. These included Moscow, Paris, Stockholm, Budapest, Tokyo, Dakar, and Bangkok.
In 2010, Johnson went to Port-au-Prince to cover the deadly earthquake in Haiti. He reported on the disaster and its aftermath.
In March 2013, Johnson reported live from Rome. He covered the election of Pope Francis. Years before, he also reported on the Vatican ceremony for Washington Archbishop Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Johnson also covered visits by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis to Washington, D.C.
Bruce Johnson had a close relationship with Marion Barry, a former mayor of Washington, D.C. Before Barry's death, he asked that Johnson be the only journalist to speak at his public funeral. Johnson told the large crowd, "I'm ... thankful to Marion Barry. I owe him my career."
Johnson once suffered a major heart attack when he was 42 years old. His cameraman drove him to a firehouse, and firefighters took him to the hospital. As part of his recovery, Bruce Johnson trained and completed the 26.2-mile Marine Corps Marathon in Washington.
Johnson also wrote a book called Heart to Heart. It shared his story and the stories of 11 other people who recovered from heart issues. The book was also published in China. Johnson traveled to Beijing and Shanghai to promote it.
In 2012, Johnson wrote a second book, All Or Nothing, The Victor Page Story. This book tells the life story of Victor Page, a former NBA player.
Books by Bruce Johnson
| Publication Year | Title | Publisher | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Heart to Heart | iUniverse | ISBN: 1440170754 |
| 2012 | All or Nothing: The Victor Page Story | eBook2go | Amazon Digital Services for Kindle |
Awards and Recognition for Bruce Johnson
Many groups honored Bruce Johnson for his journalism and volunteer work. This included his work in the District of Columbia and nearby areas. In 1983–1984, Johnson won the Ted Yates Award. This award is given to someone who shows great professional and personal qualities in TV news.
In 2003, Johnson was voted into the Society of Professional Journalists' Hall of Fame. The D.C. Council also called him one of the nation's best urban-affairs and investigative journalists. In 2007, Johnson won a local Emmy for a report. This report led to important repairs at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Over the years, he won 22 Emmy awards.
The Capitol Press Club gave Johnson its Communication Award of Excellence in 1990. He was also part of the NATAS Silver Circle and the Washington, D.C., Hall of Fame. In 2011, Johnson received the Doctor's National Award from the Association of Black Cardiologists. In June 2018, he was honored with the Board of Governors Award from NATAS.
Bruce Johnson's Advocacy Work
In 2018, Johnson became a life member of "Mended Hearts." This group helps people recovering from heart problems. Through public speaking, interviews, and his website, Bruce Johnson Heart to Heart, he encouraged healthy heart lifestyles. He also created a three-part TV series that won national recognition from the American Heart Association. He made a documentary for the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) called "Before You Eat the Church Food, Watch This Video."
Bruce Johnson's Later Life and Death
Johnson was married and had three children and five grandchildren. He enjoyed road biking and practiced yoga.
Before becoming a journalist, Johnson was a Catholic seminarian. He also considered acting. Bruce Johnson died on April 3, 2022, after a heart attack in Lewes, Delaware. He was 71 years old.
