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Johnson was recognized by the District of Columbia Council, D.C. mayors, and hundreds of civic and community groups and charities for his service work.
Johnson was recognized by the District of Columbia Council, D.C. mayors, and hundreds of civic and community groups and charities for his service work.


Johnson is listed as a noted alumnus of Northern Kentucky University, where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in political science. He later earned a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Cincinnati.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nab.org/air/bruceJohnson.asp|title=NAB Bruce Johnson profile. Retrieved 26 June 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref> In 2018, Johnson returned to NKU as commencement speaker.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMcJhFTT21c&t=2006|title=Spring 2018 NKU commencement speaker, Bruce Johnson (33:26), May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3dKqIJMxqs&t=2714|title=Bruce Johnson: 'Dream big.' 2018 Northern Kentucky University Commencement Speech (45:14), May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMcJhFTT21c&t=2978|title=Bruce Johnson: 'Reach out and help out someone who doesn't look like you.' 2018 NKU Commencement speech (49:38), May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref> He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inside.nku.edu/nkumagazine/2018/april/may2018grads/johnson.html|title=NKU Doctor of Letters: Bruce Johnson for class of May 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3dKqIJMxqs&t=1868|title=Bruce Johnson accepts Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree: Spring 2018 Northern Kentucky University Commencement, May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>
Johnson attended [[Kentucky State University]] for three years before beginning his broadcast career at the Cincinnati CBS affiliate, WCPO-TV <ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.audible.com/author/Bruce-Johnson/B001KHYZ9E title= Bruce Johnson bio Audible Retrieved 04 April 2022 |last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref> He transferred to Northern Kentucky University, where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in political science. He later earned a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Cincinnati.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nab.org/air/bruceJohnson.asp|title=NAB Bruce Johnson profile. Retrieved 26 June 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref> In 2018, Johnson returned to NKU as commencement speaker.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMcJhFTT21c&t=2006|title=Spring 2018 NKU commencement speaker, Bruce Johnson (33:26), May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3dKqIJMxqs&t=2714|title=Bruce Johnson: 'Dream big.' 2018 Northern Kentucky University Commencement Speech (45:14), May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMcJhFTT21c&t=2978|title=Bruce Johnson: 'Reach out and help out someone who doesn't look like you.' 2018 NKU Commencement speech (49:38), May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref> He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inside.nku.edu/nkumagazine/2018/april/may2018grads/johnson.html|title=NKU Doctor of Letters: Bruce Johnson for class of May 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3dKqIJMxqs&t=1868|title=Bruce Johnson accepts Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree: Spring 2018 Northern Kentucky University Commencement, May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>


Johnson was a member of the National Press Club (NPC), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and [[Kappa Alpha Psi]] fraternity. He was a national advocate for survivors of heart attacks and cancer. He died on April 3, 2022.<ref>[https://wtop.com/dc/2022/04/longtime-dc-journalist-wusa9-anchor-bruce-johnson-dies/ Longtime DC journalist, WUSA9 anchor Bruce Johnson dies]</ref>
Johnson was a member of the National Press Club (NPC), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and [[Kappa Alpha Psi]] fraternity. He was a national advocate for survivors of heart attacks and cancer. He died on April 3, 2022.<ref>[https://wtop.com/dc/2022/04/longtime-dc-journalist-wusa9-anchor-bruce-johnson-dies/ Longtime DC journalist, WUSA9 anchor Bruce Johnson dies]</ref>

Revision as of 07:50, 4 April 2022

For others of this name, see Bruce Johnson (disambiguation).
Bruce Johnson
Bruce Johnson
Bornc. 1950
Louisville, Kentucky
Died (aged 71)
Occupation(s)Broadcast Journalist, Author, Public Speaker
Children3

Bruce Johnson, also known as C. Bruce Johnson (c. 1950 – April 3, 2022), was an American TV news anchorman and reporter for WUSA 9 (CBS) TV in Washington, D.C.[1] Politics and urban affairs, and investigative and hard-hitting feature stories were his areas of expertise.[2] His personal story included never knowing his natural father, studying to become a priest, and being the first in his family to graduate college. His mother later earned her degree at age 52.[3]

Johnson was the author of two books, Heart to Heart and All or Nothing, The Victor Page Story.

Johnson was awarded 22 Emmys by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).

In 2018, Johnson was honored by NATAS with its Board of Governors Award.[4][5] He also won the Ted Yates Award in 1984,[6] given only with the unanimous consent of the NATAS Board of Directors. In 2003, the Society of Professional Journalists inducted Johnson into the Hall of Fame.[7] He was also a member of the Washington, D.C., Hall of Fame.

Johnson was recognized by the District of Columbia Council, D.C. mayors, and hundreds of civic and community groups and charities for his service work.

Johnson attended Kentucky State University for three years before beginning his broadcast career at the Cincinnati CBS affiliate, WCPO-TV [8] He transferred to Northern Kentucky University, where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in political science. He later earned a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Cincinnati.[9] In 2018, Johnson returned to NKU as commencement speaker.[10][11][12] He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree.[13][14]

Johnson was a member of the National Press Club (NPC), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He was a national advocate for survivors of heart attacks and cancer. He died on April 3, 2022.[15]

Professional career

While still in undergrad school, Johnson began his career at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio.[2] In 1976, he joined WUSA 9 TV, the CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C. For over 42 years, he was an award-winning anchor and reporter for major news stories from the nation's capital.

He co-anchored Channel 9's 6 p.m. weekly newscasts. Until 2019, he also anchored "Off Script with Bruce Johnson," a weeknight 7 p.m. broadcast.[16][17] The show was replaced by "The Q&A with Bruce Johnson," a similar show designed to answer people's questions about the nation's capital laced with classic Johnson-style commentary.

Johnson distinguished himself early with notable news stories, including the 1982 Washington Metro train derailment that killed three people and injured 25 others.[18] He covered the 1977 Hanafi Siege where 12 gunmen seized three Washington, D.C., buildings, held 149 hostages and killed a colleague and radio journalist and a city hall police officer.[19]

In 1988, Johnson traveled to Bangkok, Thailand for an Emmy-winning series, "Why Won't They Come Home," featuring American Vietnam War veterans who chose not to return to the United States after the war.

The early 1990s saw him report and anchor for the acclaimed "Capitols of the World" documentaries. Johnson was dispatched to Moscow, Paris, Stockholm, Budapest, Tokyo, Dakar, and Bangkok.[18] "Capitols of the World" aired during Sunday evenings prime time immediately after "60 Minutes" on CBS.

Johnson's assignments in 2010 included a trip to Port-Au-Prince to cover the deadly earthquake and aftermath in Haiti.[20][21]

In March 2013, Johnson reported live from Rome on the election of Pope Francis. Years before, he also covered the Vatican installation of Washington Archbishop Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. From Washington, D.C., Johnson covered the visits of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.[22]

In 2017, using his own iPhone, Johnson traveled to Cuba to report on how American travel to the communist country had been altered after President Trump's rollback of travel changes under President Obama.

Johnson covered the rise, fall and rise again of D.C.'s best known and controversial local politician, the late D.C. Mayor and City Councilmember Marion Barry, including Barry's arrest at the Vista Hotel for smoking crack cocaine, his prison sentence and return to elective political office.[23] Before his death, the "Mayor for Life," Marion Barry, had instructed his family and staff that Johnson be the only journalist to speak at his public funeral, which drew thousands. Johnson explained to the crowd, "I'm ... thankful to Marion Barry. I owe him my career."[24]

In 1992, Johnson suffered a heart attack while covering a news story in Washington, D.C.[25] He had just interviewed drug dealers working next to a youth summer jobs program hosted by D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly.[25][26] He felt a tightening in his chest and his cameraman drove him to a local firehouse.[25][26] Firefighters transported Johnson to the hospital, where doctors discovered he had suffered a massive heart attack often referred to as a "widow maker." He was 42 years old.[25] As part of his recovery, Bruce Johnson trained and completed the 26.2-mile Marine Corps Marathon in Washington Marine Corps Marathon.[27]

Johnson also authored the book Heart to Heart, featuring his story and the diverse comeback stories of 11 other male and female cardiac survivors.[25][26] The book was also published by the People's Medical Publishing House in China.[26] Johnson traveled to Beijing and Shanghai to promote the book.

Johnson authored a second book in 2012, All Or Nothing, The Victor Page Story, which documents the life of former NBA prospect Victor Page.[28][29]

Publication Year Title Publisher Notes
2009 Heart to Heart[30] iUniverse ISBN 1440170754
2012 All Or Nothing: The Victor Page Story[28] eBook2go Amazon Digital Services for Kindle

Awards and recognition

Johnson was honored by many organizations as part of his journalism and volunteer work in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas.[2][31][32] In 1983-1984, Johnson earned the Ted Yates Award[33] given only with the unanimous consent of the Board of Governors[34] of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding professional and personal qualities in their contribution to the National Capital Chesapeake Bay region's television news and public affairs.

In 2003, Johnson was voted into the Society of Professional Journalists' Hall of Fame. The D.C. Council also recognized him as one of the nation's best urban-affairs and investigative journalists. In 2007, Johnson won a local Emmy for his report that resulted in much-needed repairs to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. He captured multiple Emmys for his reports on the city's violent crack epidemic in the 1980s and '90s and the plight of D.C.'s inner-city youth.[2][31] The Capitol Press Club awarded Johnson its Communication Award of Excellence in 1990. He was an inductee to NATAS Silver Circle and a member of the Washington, D.C., Hall of Fame.[35] Johnson received the Doctor's National Award from the Association of Black Cardiologists in 2011.[32] in June 2018, he was honored with the Board of Governors Award[4][5] from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).

Advocacy

In 2018, Johnson became a life member of "Mended Hearts," the premier nonprofit advocacy organization for men, women, and children recovering from cardiac issues. Through public speaking, interviews and his website, Bruce Johnson Heart to Heart,[36] he advocated for heart-healthy lifestyles.[37][27] His efforts included a three-part television series that won national recognition from the American Heart Association[37] and a documentary for the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) titled "Before You Eat the Church Food, Watch This Video."[38][39][40]

Personal life

Johnson was married with three adult children and three grandsons. He enjoyed road biking but was “appalled” at some other forms of recreational cycling,[41] and he practiced yoga.[7][27]

Johnson was a Catholic seminarian before deciding to pursue both acting and journalism.[42]

References

  1. ^ "BRUCE JOHNSON WUSA-TV9 Reporter/Anchor Washington, District of Columbia reporter/anchor/author". BlogTalkRadio. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d "Notable Alumni: Bruce Johnson". Northern Kentucky University Alumni Association. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  3. ^ "Bruce Johnson: 'Your family members are watching you.' Spring 2018 NKU Commencement Speech (48:54), May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018".
  4. ^ a b "2018 Board of Governors Award for Bruce Johnson, Press Release from The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Of The National Academy Of Television Arts And Sciences. Retrieved 24 June 2018" (PDF).
  5. ^ a b "WUSA9 report on Bruce Johnson winning NATAS Governor's Award, June 23, 2018. Retrieved 18 July 2018".
  6. ^ "Ted Yates Award for Bruce Johnson cited by DC Council archived document. Retrieved 24 June 2018" (PDF).
  7. ^ a b "Heart Attack Survivors Share Intimate Stories in Heart to Heart by C. Bruce Johnson". PR Newswire. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  8. ^ title= Bruce Johnson bio Audible Retrieved 04 April 2022 https://www.audible.com/author/Bruce-Johnson/B001KHYZ9E title= Bruce Johnson bio Audible Retrieved 04 April 2022. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Missing or empty |title= (help); Missing pipe in: |url= (help)
  9. ^ "NAB Bruce Johnson profile. Retrieved 26 June 2018".
  10. ^ "Spring 2018 NKU commencement speaker, Bruce Johnson (33:26), May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018".
  11. ^ "Bruce Johnson: 'Dream big.' 2018 Northern Kentucky University Commencement Speech (45:14), May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018".
  12. ^ "Bruce Johnson: 'Reach out and help out someone who doesn't look like you.' 2018 NKU Commencement speech (49:38), May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018".
  13. ^ "NKU Doctor of Letters: Bruce Johnson for class of May 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018".
  14. ^ "Bruce Johnson accepts Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree: Spring 2018 Northern Kentucky University Commencement, May 6, 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018".
  15. ^ Longtime DC journalist, WUSA9 anchor Bruce Johnson dies
  16. ^ "WUSA OffScripton9, Opioid trafficking takedown and live discussion with guests, April 17, 2018. Retrieved 26, June 2018".
  17. ^ "YouTube: Bruce Johnson WUSA9. Retrieved 18 July 2018".
  18. ^ a b "30th Anniversary Of Metro Crash That Killed 3 People On Blue/Orange Line (video)". WUSA 9. Archived from the original on 30 June 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  19. ^ "Hanafi Hostages: 35 Years Later (video)". WUSA 9. Archived from the original on 30 June 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  20. ^ "WUSA 9 CBS, Bruce Johnson coverage in Haiti, January 14, 2010. Retrieved 26 June 2018". 2010-01-14.
  21. ^ "WUSA 9 newscast, Jan. 25, 2010: Bruce Johnson reports in Haiti after earthquake. Retrieved 26 June 2018". 2010-01-25.
  22. ^ "TV Spy article on D.C. coverage plans for Pope Visit, Sept. 21, 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2018".
  23. ^ Montgomery, Sonsyrea Tate (29 May 2012). "Chuck Brown fans pay respects at Howard Theatre (including Marion Barry)". The Washington Post. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  24. ^ "CSPAN: Bruce Johnson speech at Marion Barry Funeral, December 6, 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2018".
  25. ^ a b c d e Martin, Michel. "Journalist Tells Of Having Massive Heart Attack At Age 42 (radio)". NPR.org. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  26. ^ a b c d Mavity, Rachel Swick. "Lewes resident Bruce Johnson promotes book in China". CapeGazette.com. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  27. ^ a b c Johnson, C. Bruce. "Marine Marathon (video)". YouTube.com. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  28. ^ a b Johnson, C. Bruce. "All or Nothing, The Victor Page Story". Amazon.com. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  29. ^ "Victor Page: Bruce Johnson Report April 2009, Feb. 26, 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2018".
  30. ^ Johnson, C. Bruce (September 2009). Heart to Heart. ISBN 978-1440170751.
  31. ^ a b "2006 Emmy ® Award Recipients" (PDF). The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Of The National Academy Of Television Arts And Sciences. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  32. ^ a b "Author Spotlight: Heart-Healthy Advocate and Author of Heart to Heart C. Bruce Johnson Wins Doctor's National Award". iUniverse. Archived from the original on 14 December 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  33. ^ "Profile of Bruce Johnson on National Association of Broadcasters. Retrieved 24 June 2018".
  34. ^ "Ted Yates Award form & List of Winners from The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Of The National Academy Of Television Arts And Sciences. Retrieved 24 June 2018" (PDF).
  35. ^ "WUSA 9 article on Bruce Johnson's 40th year at the TV station. Retrieved 26 June 2018".
  36. ^ "BruceJohnsonHearttoHeart.com. Retrieve 2 July 2018".
  37. ^ a b "Award-Winning Reporter Adds a Heart Healthy Lifestyle to His Beat". Bruce Johnson Heart to Heart website. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  38. ^ "PGTVonline report: Before you eat the church food, December 18, 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2018".
  39. ^ "Private Screening: Before You Eat The Church Food, May 3, 2013. Retrieved 29 June 2018".
  40. ^ "BET.com: Before you eat the church food, March 12, 2013. Retrieved 29 June 2018".
  41. ^ https://twitter.com/brucejohnson9/status/1117127910819807232?s=21. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  42. ^ "Tweet". Twitter. Archived from the original on 2022-01-07. Retrieved 2022-01-07.
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