Ken Johnson

37 POSTS
Ken Johnson is an Urban/Hip-Hop columnist for Barrett Media. Born and raised in Washington DC, his career experiences include serving as VP of Urban formats for Cumulus Media, holding the Director of Urban Programming post at ABC Radio Networks, and programming stations in Birmingham, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City. He has also managed affiliate relations for the Nick Cannon show, and worked as the Executive Producer of The Hughley Truth Podcast hosted by comedian DL Hughley. Ken currently runs Mean Ole Lion Media, a content creation company and podcast network. He can be reached by email at ken@kenjohnsonmedia.com.

Audio Still Wins: Why Urban Radio Connects Where Video Can’t

The point is clear—audio fits into people’s lives in ways video simply can’t. But beyond convenience, the real story is the connection.

Why Urban Radio Personalities Can’t Be Replaced by AI

AI personalities can give you the details of a Beyoncé concert but not the experience of seeing one, or express feelings from the Destiny’s Child Beyoncé to what we see today.

Why Urban AI Bands and Virtual Stars Don’t Work

Where the concept loses me is that if it hasn’t already happened, I think it's a short walk until this is done in R&B.

Making the Pivot: Turning Radio Skills Into New Roles

I’ve often talked with radio and record folks about how the experience we gain in these industries doesn’t always seem to translate well into other careers.

Urban Radio and Late-Night TV: Who’s Making the Calls?

In Urban radio, we’ve experienced this all too often. If there’s a sales problem, some decision-makers believe that cutting the quality of content will somehow fix it.

Breaking

Joe Davis, Former Salem Media COO, Dies at 82

"He was our guide, our anchor, and our greatest supporter. I am a better man and a better father because of his example."

Ernie Johnson Hopes His Retirement Doesn’t Mean the End of Inside the NBA

"I would hope that they could continue the show in some form. And there are plenty of great studio hosts out there who could do what I do."

Ben Stevens Elevated To Full Time Co-Host of “D-Fish & Decker” at 97.1 The Fan

"Stevens has been a rotating fill-in host since 97.1 The Fan launched in May."

Borrell Associates: Digital Advertising Will Reach 80% of Local Ad Spending by 2030

Borrell Associates projects that figure will climb considerably over the next four years as the industry undergoes what it describes as a "great reshuffling."