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

Laid Off By Innovation? Use AI To Get Hired Faster

"Remember, your advantage is not what was listed on your business card. It is who you are, not what you do."

Live Music Revenue Plateaus After Years of Record-Breaking Post-Pandemic Growth

Men..are redirecting discretionary dollars toward video games, spending double on gaming versus live events in Q1 2026.

KXnO Layoffs Highlight the Changing Reality for Sports Radio Talent

"The industry has spent decades telling talent to be genuine, build trust, and create authentic relationships with listeners. Yet when those same qualities extend beyond sports and into the realities of the business itself, they can suddenly be viewed as liabilities instead of strengths."

Paul Finebaum Reflects on His Legacy in Receiving the Sports Media Lifetime Achievement Award

"I, somehow, have been able to survive and adapt. My career is full of different chapters. Every one of those chapters, I never really knew if I’d make it out of it."