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{{Short description|American TV journalist (1950–2022)}}
{{for|others of this name|Bruce Johnson (disambiguation)}}
{{For|others of this name|Bruce Johnson (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Bruce Johnson
| image = Bruce Johnson.jpg
| caption = Johnson in 2007
| birth_date = {{birth date|1950|6|5}}
| birth_place = ], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2022|4|3|1950|6|5}}
| death_place = ], U.S.
| occupation = Broadcast journalist, author, public speaker
| spouse = Lori Smith<ref name="wapoo0422" />
| children = 3
}}


'''Bruce Johnson''', also known as C. Bruce Johnson, is an American ] for ] in ] Johnson has won 19 ] as a broadcast journalist.<ref name="NewsNow">{{cite web | last=WUSA9 News Now | title=Bruce Johnson Weekend Anchor & Reporter | url=http://www.wusa9.com/life/company/article/137335/133/Bruce-Johnson--Weekend-Anchor—Reporter | accessdate = 26 June 2012}}</ref> In 2003, the Society of Professional Journalists inducted him into the Hall of Fame.<ref name="Winner">{{cite web | last=The Winner’s Summit | title=Bruce Johnson Mater of Ceremony | url=http://thewinnerssummit.com/savingheartsforgenerations.org/index.php?page=bruce-johnson | accessdate = 27 June 2012}}</ref> '''Chester Bruce Johnson'''<ref name="wapoo0422" /> (June 5, 1950 – April 3, 2022) was an American television news ] and reporter for ] in ]<ref>{{cite web|title=BRUCE JOHNSON WUSA-TV9 Reporter/Anchor Washington, District of Columbia reporter/anchor/author|url=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thejustaskkimradioshow/2010/11/21/bruce-johnson-wusa-tv9-reporteranchor-washington-d|work=BlogTalkRadio|date=21 November 2010 |access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref> He focused on politics and urban affairs as a journalist.<ref name="1NKU" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMcJhFTT21c&t=2934 |title=Bruce Johnson: 'Your family members are watching you.' Spring 2018 NKU Commencement Speech |date=May 6, 2018 |website=] |access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref>


In 2018, Johnson was honored by NATAS with its Board of Governors Award.<ref name=":0">{{Cite press release |url=http://www.capitalemmys.tv/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-Board-of-Governors-Award-Press-Release-Bruce-Johnson.pdf |title=2018 Board of Governors Award Honoree Announced |publisher=The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Of The National Academy Of Television Arts And Sciences |date=April 26, 2018 |website=capitalemmys.org |access-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624093105/http://www.capitalemmys.tv/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-Board-of-Governors-Award-Press-Release-Bruce-Johnson.pdf |archive-date=June 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMUI6rj9yKY |title= Bruce Johnson NATAS Board of Governors Award Winner 2018 |date=June 23, 2018 |access-date=July 18, 2018 |website=]}}</ref> He also won the Ted Yates Award in 1984,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dcregisterarchives.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/OS/release_content/attachments/13541/04-28-06_4.pdf|title=Ted Yates Award for Bruce Johnson cited by DC Council archived document.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=June 24, 2018}}</ref> given only with the unanimous consent of the NATAS Board of Directors. In 2003, the ] inducted Johnson into the Hall of Fame.<ref name="6PRNW">{{cite press release |first=Bruce |last=Johnson |title=Heart Attack Survivors Share Intimate Stories in Heart to Heart by C. Bruce Johnson |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases-test/heart-attack-survivors-share-intimate-stories-in-heart-to-heart--by-c-bruce-johnson-94248699.html |work=] |access-date=April 10, 2013 |date=May 19, 2010}}</ref> He was also a member of the Washington, D.C., Hall of Fame.
In 2003, Johnson was voted into the Society of Professional Journalist’s Hall of Fame. The D.C. City Council recognized Johnson in 2003 for being one of the nation’s best urban affairs and investigative journalists.<ref>{{cite web | last=City of D.C. | title=Bruce Johnson Recognition Resolution of 2006 | url=http://newsroom.dc.gov/file.aspx/release/13541/04-28-06_4.pdf | accessdate = 27 June 2012}}</ref> In 2007, Johnson won a local Emmy for his report on repairs at the Duke Ellington School and has won a total of 19 Emmy awards throughout his career.<ref>{{cite web | last=Capital Emmys | title=The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences | url=http://www.capitalemmys.tv/archive/_pdfs/2006_Emmy_Awardees_Final.pdf | accessdate = 27 June 2012}}</ref><ref name="NKU">{{cite web | last=Northern Kentucky University | title=Notable Alumni Bruce Johnson | url=http://alumniconnect.nku.edu/?page=johnson| accessdate = 26 June 2012}}</ref> Johnson also received the Doctor’s National Award from the Association of Black Cardiologists in 2011.<ref>{{cite web | last=iUniverse | title=Author Spotlight – Bruce Johnson | url=http://www.iuniverse.com/Community/AuthorSpotlightCBruceJohnson.aspx | accessdate = 27 June 2012 (Subscription Needed To View Full Article}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
After his near-death experience, Johnson now advocates for people to become healthier in order to prevent heart attacks. His efforts and those of his producers resulted in the three-part television series that won national recognition from the ].<ref>{{cite web | last=Bruce Johnson Heart To Heart | title=Award-Winning Reporter Adds A Heart Healthy Lifestyle to His Beat | url=http://brucejohnsonhearttoheart.com/about-the-author_22.html| accessdate = 27 June 2012}}</ref>
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 5, 1950,<ref name="wapoo0422" /> Johnson attended ] 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 |last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=April 4, 2022}}</ref> He transferred to ], where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in political science. He later earned a master's degree in public affairs from the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nab.org/air/bruceJohnson.asp|title=NAB Bruce Johnson profile. |last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</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.|last=|first=|date=6 May 2018|website=]|access-date=July 2, 2018}}</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.|last=|first=|date=6 May 2018|website=]|access-date=July 2, 2018}}</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 |last=|first=|date=May 6, 2018|website=]|access-date=July 2, 2018}}</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.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</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.|last=|first=|date=6 May 2018|website=]|access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref>


==Professional career==
Johnson is married with three adult children and three grandsons. He enjoys road biking and practicing yoga.<ref name="Winner"/>
While still an undergraduate student, Johnson began his career at ] in ].<ref name="1NKU">{{cite web|title=Notable Alumni: Bruce Johnson|url=http://alumniconnect.nku.edu/?page=johnson|publisher=Northern Kentucky University Alumni Association|access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref> In 1976, he joined WUSA 9 TV, the ] affiliate in Washington, D.C.<ref name="wapoo0422"/> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wusa9.com/video/opinion/editorials/off-script/offscripton9-authorities-take-down-opioid-trafficking-ring/65-8099531|title=WUSA OffScripton9, Opioid trafficking takedown and live discussion with guests, April 17, 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ61mk7gYrlnufuActetQ2g|title=YouTube: Bruce Johnson WUSA9.|last=|first=|date=|website=]|access-date=July 18, 2018}}</ref>


Johnson distinguished himself early with notable news stories, including the ] that killed three people and injured 25 others.<ref name="7WUSA">{{cite web|url=http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/184531/158/30th-Anniversary-Of-Fatal-Metro-Crash|title=30th Anniversary Of Metro Crash That Killed 3 People On Blue/Orange Line (video)|publisher=WUSA 9|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630165715/http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/184531/158/30th-Anniversary-Of-Fatal-Metro-Crash|archive-date=June 30, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref> He covered the ] where 12 gunmen seized three Washington, D.C., buildings, held 149 hostages and killed a radio journalist colleague; a city hall police officer later died of a heart attack in hospital.<ref name="8USA">{{cite web|title=Hanafi Hostages: 35 Years Later (video)|url=http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/195407/373/Hanafi-Hostages-35-Years-Later|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630173530/http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/195407/373/Hanafi-Hostages-35-Years-Later|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2013|publisher=WUSA 9|access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref>


The early 1990s saw him report and anchor for the acclaimed "Capitols of the World" documentaries. Johnson was dispatched to ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="7WUSA" />
==References==


Johnson's assignments in 2010 included a trip to ] to cover the deadly earthquake and aftermath in ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/WUSA_20100114_170000_9News_Now_at_Noon/start/872/end/932?q=bruce+johnson+haiti|title=WUSA 9 CBS, Bruce Johnson coverage in Haiti, January 14, 2010.|last=|first=|date=January 14, 2010|website=|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/WUSA_20100125_220000_9News_Now_at_5pm/start/2220/end/2280|title=WUSA 9 newscast, Jan. 25, 2010: Bruce Johnson reports in Haiti after earthquake.|last=|first=|date=January 25, 2010|website=|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref>
{{reflist|2}}


In March 2013, Johnson reported live from Rome on the election of ]. Years before, he also covered the Vatican installation of Washington Archbishop Cardinal ]. From Washington, D.C., Johnson covered the visits of ] and Pope Francis.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/how-washington-d-c-stations-plan-to-cover-the-pope/155428|title=TV Spy article on D.C. coverage plans for Pope Visit, Sept. 21, 2015.|last=|first=|date=21 September 2015|website=|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref>
==External links==


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 ], including Barry's arrest at the Vista Hotel for smoking crack cocaine, his prison sentence and return to elective political office.<ref name="22WP">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/therootdc/post/chuck-brown-fans-pay-respects-at-howard-theatre/2012/05/29/gJQAtO1fzU_blog.html|title=Chuck Brown fans pay respects at Howard Theatre (including Marion Barry)|last=Montgomery|first=Sonsyrea Tate|date=May 29, 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4517824/bruce-johnson-marion-barry-funeral|title=CSPAN: Bruce Johnson speech at Marion Barry Funeral, December 6, 2014.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref>
*


In 1992, Johnson suffered a ] while covering a news story in Washington, D.C.<ref name="11NPR">{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Michel|title=Journalist Tells Of Having Massive Heart Attack At Age 42 (radio)|website=NPR.org|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126109925|access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref> He had just interviewed drug dealers working next to a youth summer jobs program hosted by D.C. Mayor ].<ref name="11NPR" /><ref name="12CG">{{cite web|last=Mavity|first=Rachel Swick|title=Lewes resident Bruce Johnson promotes book in China|url=http://capegazette.villagesoup.com/p/lewes-resident-bruce-johnson-promotes-book-in-china/821519|work=CapeGazette.com|access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref> He felt a tightening in his chest and his cameraman drove him to a local firehouse.<ref name="11NPR" /><ref name="12CG" /> 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.<ref name="11NPR" /> As part of his recovery, Bruce Johnson trained and completed the 26.2-mile Marine Corps Marathon in Washington ].<ref name="19UT" />
{{Persondata

| NAME = Johnson, Bruce
Johnson also authored the book ''Heart to Heart,'' featuring his story and the diverse comeback stories of 11 other male and female cardiac survivors.<ref name="11NPR" /><ref name="12CG" /> The book was also published by the People's Medical Publishing House in China.<ref name="12CG" /> Johnson traveled to Beijing and Shanghai to promote the book.
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Johnson, C. Bruce

| SHORT DESCRIPTION = journalist
Johnson authored a second book in 2012, ''All Or Nothing, The Victor Page Story'', which documents the life of former ] prospect ].<ref name="13VP">{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=C. Bruce|title=All or Nothing, The Victor Page Story|url=https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Victor-Page-Story-ebook/dp/B007HO8860/ref=la_B003ZBV28A_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1340802722&sr=1-2|work=Amazon.com|access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBgCeTjfsw|title=Victor Page: Bruce Johnson Report April 2009, Feb. 26, 2012.|last=|first=|date=26 February 2012|website=]|access-date=July 18, 2018}}</ref>
| DATE OF BIRTH =

| PLACE OF BIRTH =
{| class="wikitable"
| DATE OF DEATH =
|-
| PLACE OF DEATH =
! Publication Year
}}
! Title
! Publisher
! Notes
|-
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2009
| style="text-align:center;"|''Heart to Heart''<ref>{{cite book|last=Johnson|first=C. Bruce|title=Heart to Heart|isbn=978-1440170751|date=September 2009|publisher=iUniverse }}</ref>
| iUniverse
| {{ISBN|1440170754}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2012
| style="text-align:left;"| ''All or Nothing: The Victor Page Story''<ref name="13VP" />
| eBook2go
| ] for Kindle
|}

==Awards and recognition==
Johnson was honored by many organizations as part of his journalism and volunteer work in the ] and surrounding areas.<ref name="1NKU" /><ref name="16Emmy">{{cite web|title=2006 Emmy ® Award Recipients|url=http://www.capitalemmys.tv/archive/_pdfs/2006_Emmy_Awardees_Final.pdf|publisher=The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Of The National Academy Of Television Arts And Sciences|access-date=April 10, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721131658/http://www.capitalemmys.tv/archive/_pdfs/2006_Emmy_Awardees_Final.pdf|archive-date=July 21, 2011}}</ref><ref name="17IU">{{cite web|title=Author Spotlight: Heart-Healthy Advocate and Author of Heart to Heart C. Bruce Johnson Wins Doctor's National Award|url=http://www.iuniverse.com/Community/AuthorSpotlightCBruceJohnson.aspx|publisher=iUniverse|access-date=April 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214194244/http://www.iuniverse.com/Community/AuthorSpotlightCBruceJohnson.aspx|archive-date=December 14, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1983–1984, Johnson earned the Ted Yates Award<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nab.org/air/bruceJohnson.asp|title=Profile of Bruce Johnson on National Association of Broadcasters.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=June 24, 2018}}</ref> given only with the unanimous consent of the Board of Governors<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitalemmys.tv/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Ted-Yates-Award-Nomination-Form-Interactive.pdf|title=Ted Yates Award form & List of Winners from The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Of The National Academy Of Television Arts And Sciences.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=June 24, 2018}}</ref> 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 ]. 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.<ref name="1NKU" /><ref name="16Emmy" /> Over the years, he won 22 ].<ref name="WUSA9-obit" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/bruce-johnson-celebrates-40-years-with-wusa9/84035284|title=WUSA 9 article on Bruce Johnson's 40th year at the TV station.|last=|first=|date=15 March 2016|website=|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> Johnson received the Doctor's National Award from the Association of Black Cardiologists in 2011.<ref name="17IU" /> in June 2018, he was honored with the Board of Governors Award<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> 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,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://brucejohnsonhearttoheart.com/|title=BruceJohnsonHearttoHeart.com. Retrieve 2 July 2018.|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref> he advocated for heart-healthy lifestyles.<ref name="18BJ">{{cite web|title=Award-Winning Reporter Adds a Heart Healthy Lifestyle to His Beat|url=http://brucejohnsonhearttoheart.com/about-the-author_22.html|work=Bruce Johnson Heart to Heart website|access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref><ref name="19UT">{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=C. Bruce|title=Marine Marathon (video)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peDOGLul8Uw|work=YouTube.com|date=7 October 2009 |access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref> His efforts included a three-part television series that won national recognition from the ]<ref name="18BJ" /> and a documentary for the ] (ABC) titled "Before You Eat the Church Food, Watch This Video."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1RNI3Cm8rw|title=PGTVonline report: Before you eat the church food, December 18, 2015.|last=|first=|date=18 December 2015|website=]|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Or_nvOB_o|title=Private Screening: Before You Eat The Church Food, May 3, 2013.|last=|first=|date=3 May 2013|website=]|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/b8dzjd/before-you-eat-the-church-food-watch-this-video|title=BET.com: Before you eat the church food, March 12, 2013.|last=|first=|date=|website=]|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref>

==Later life and death==
Johnson was married with three children and five grandchildren. He enjoyed ] and he practiced ].<ref name="6PRNW" /><ref name="19UT" />

Johnson was a ] seminarian before deciding to pursue both acting and journalism.<ref>{{Cite tweet |title=Today's Friends of Nigel |last=McCarren |first=Andrea |user=andreamccarren |number=968103793052344320 |date=February 26, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=January 7, 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107155558/https://twitter.com/andreamccarren/status/968103793052344320 |archive-date=January 7, 2022}}</ref> Johnson died on April 3, 2022, after a heart attack in ].<ref name="wapoo0422">{{cite news |last=Silverman |first=Ellie |date=April 4, 2022 |title=Veteran WUSA9 anchor Bruce Johnson dies at 71 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/wusa9-anchor-bruce-johnson-dead/2022/04/04/db20438e-4c88-11e8-84a0-458a1aa9ac0a_story.html |newspaper=] |access-date=April 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://wtop.com/dc/2022/04/longtime-dc-journalist-wusa9-anchor-bruce-johnson-dies/ |title=Retired Channel 9 anchor Bruce Johnson dies |date=April 4, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> He was 71 years old.<ref name="WUSA9-obit">{{cite news |title=Longtime WUSA9 anchor Bruce Johnson dies at 71 |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/bruce-johnson-obituary-wusa9-anchor/65-eac84b60-a5d8-4684-93b9-24019d778461 |access-date=April 6, 2022 |work=wusa9.com |date=April 3, 2022}}</ref><ref name="wapoo0422"/>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*

{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 01:17, 13 July 2024

American TV journalist (1950–2022) For others of this name, see Bruce Johnson (disambiguation).
Bruce Johnson
Johnson in 2007
Born(1950-06-05)June 5, 1950
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
DiedApril 3, 2022(2022-04-03) (aged 71)
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, U.S.
Occupation(s)Broadcast journalist, author, public speaker
SpouseLori Smith
Children3

Chester Bruce Johnson (June 5, 1950 – April 3, 2022) was an American television news anchorman and reporter for WUSA 9 (CBS) TV in Washington, D.C. He focused on politics and urban affairs as a journalist.

In 2018, Johnson was honored by NATAS with its Board of Governors Award. He also won the Ted Yates Award in 1984, 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. He was also a member of the Washington, D.C., Hall of Fame.

Early life and education

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 5, 1950, Johnson attended Kentucky State University for three years before beginning his broadcast career at the Cincinnati CBS affiliate, WCPO-TV 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. In 2018, Johnson returned to NKU as commencement speaker. He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree.

Professional career

While still an undergraduate student, Johnson began his career at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1976, he joined WUSA 9 TV, the CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C. 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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. 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."

In 1992, Johnson suffered a heart attack while covering a news story in Washington, D.C. He had just interviewed drug dealers working next to a youth summer jobs program hosted by D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly. He felt a tightening in his chest and his cameraman drove him to a local firehouse. 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. As part of his recovery, Bruce Johnson trained and completed the 26.2-mile Marine Corps Marathon in Washington Marine Corps Marathon.

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

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

Johnson was honored by many organizations as part of his journalism and volunteer work in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas. In 1983–1984, Johnson earned the Ted Yates Award given only with the unanimous consent of the Board of Governors 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. Over the years, he won 22 Emmy awards. 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. Johnson received the Doctor's National Award from the Association of Black Cardiologists in 2011. in June 2018, he was honored with the Board of Governors Award 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, he advocated for heart-healthy lifestyles. His efforts included a three-part television series that won national recognition from the American Heart Association and a documentary for the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) titled "Before You Eat the Church Food, Watch This Video."

Later life and death

Johnson was married with three children and five grandchildren. He enjoyed road biking and he practiced yoga.

Johnson was a Catholic seminarian before deciding to pursue both acting and journalism. Johnson died on April 3, 2022, after a heart attack in Lewes, Delaware. He was 71 years old.

References

  1. ^ Silverman, Ellie (April 4, 2022). "Veteran WUSA9 anchor Bruce Johnson dies at 71". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
  2. "BRUCE JOHNSON WUSA-TV9 Reporter/Anchor Washington, District of Columbia reporter/anchor/author". BlogTalkRadio. 21 November 2010. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  3. ^ "Notable Alumni: Bruce Johnson". Northern Kentucky University Alumni Association. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  4. "Bruce Johnson: 'Your family members are watching you.' Spring 2018 NKU Commencement Speech". YouTube. May 6, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  5. ^ "2018 Board of Governors Award Honoree Announced" (PDF). capitalemmys.org (Press release). The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Of The National Academy Of Television Arts And Sciences. April 26, 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 24, 2018. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  6. ^ "Bruce Johnson NATAS Board of Governors Award Winner 2018". YouTube. June 23, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  7. "Ted Yates Award for Bruce Johnson cited by DC Council archived document" (PDF). Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  8. ^ Johnson, Bruce (May 19, 2010). "Heart Attack Survivors Share Intimate Stories in Heart to Heart by C. Bruce Johnson". PR Newswire (Press release). Retrieved April 10, 2013.
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  12. "Bruce Johnson: 'Dream big.' 2018 Northern Kentucky University Commencement Speech (45:14), May 6, 2018". YouTube. 6 May 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  13. "Bruce Johnson: 'Reach out and help out someone who doesn't look like you.' 2018 NKU Commencement speech". YouTube. May 6, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  14. "NKU Doctor of Letters: Bruce Johnson for class of May 2018". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  15. "Bruce Johnson accepts Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree: Spring 2018 Northern Kentucky University Commencement, May 6, 2018". YouTube. 6 May 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  16. "WUSA OffScripton9, Opioid trafficking takedown and live discussion with guests, April 17, 2018". Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  17. "YouTube: Bruce Johnson WUSA9". YouTube. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  18. ^ "30th Anniversary Of Metro Crash That Killed 3 People On Blue/Orange Line (video)". WUSA 9. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  19. "Hanafi Hostages: 35 Years Later (video)". WUSA 9. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  20. "WUSA 9 CBS, Bruce Johnson coverage in Haiti, January 14, 2010". January 14, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  21. "WUSA 9 newscast, Jan. 25, 2010: Bruce Johnson reports in Haiti after earthquake". January 25, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  22. "TV Spy article on D.C. coverage plans for Pope Visit, Sept. 21, 2015". 21 September 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  23. Montgomery, Sonsyrea Tate (May 29, 2012). "Chuck Brown fans pay respects at Howard Theatre (including Marion Barry)". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  24. "CSPAN: Bruce Johnson speech at Marion Barry Funeral, December 6, 2014". Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  25. ^ Martin, Michel. "Journalist Tells Of Having Massive Heart Attack At Age 42 (radio)". NPR.org. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  26. ^ Mavity, Rachel Swick. "Lewes resident Bruce Johnson promotes book in China". CapeGazette.com. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  27. ^ Johnson, C. Bruce (7 October 2009). "Marine Marathon (video)". YouTube.com. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  28. ^ Johnson, C. Bruce. "All or Nothing, The Victor Page Story". Amazon.com. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  29. "Victor Page: Bruce Johnson Report April 2009, Feb. 26, 2012". YouTube. 26 February 2012. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  30. Johnson, C. Bruce (September 2009). Heart to Heart. iUniverse. ISBN 978-1440170751.
  31. ^ "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 July 21, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  32. ^ "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 December 14, 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  33. "Profile of Bruce Johnson on National Association of Broadcasters". Retrieved June 24, 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" (PDF). Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  35. ^ "Longtime WUSA9 anchor Bruce Johnson dies at 71". wusa9.com. April 3, 2022. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  36. "WUSA 9 article on Bruce Johnson's 40th year at the TV station". 15 March 2016. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  37. "BruceJohnsonHearttoHeart.com. Retrieve 2 July 2018".
  38. ^ "Award-Winning Reporter Adds a Heart Healthy Lifestyle to His Beat". Bruce Johnson Heart to Heart website. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  39. "PGTVonline report: Before you eat the church food, December 18, 2015". YouTube. 18 December 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  40. "Private Screening: Before You Eat The Church Food, May 3, 2013". YouTube. 3 May 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  41. "BET.com: Before you eat the church food, March 12, 2013". BET. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  42. McCarren, Andrea (February 26, 2018). "Today's Friends of Nigel" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 7, 2022. Retrieved January 7, 2022 – via Twitter.
  43. "Retired Channel 9 anchor Bruce Johnson dies". WTOP News. April 4, 2022.

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