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

How Tim Legler Is Stealing the Show During the NBA Finals

"This series has delivered classic battles and memorable moments. Viewers are better off with Legler behind the microphone helping bring them to life. He is at the top of his game, bringing the excitement to viewers one play after another."

Glenn Beck Reflects on Leaving Fox News to Launch Blaze Media 15 Years Later

"I didn't want to do a podcast. I wanted to show that we could do a network. We were the first."

Three Media Predictions For The FIFA World Cup 2026 On FOX Sports

"Over the next six weeks, there will be unforgettable goals, shocking upsets, controversial officiating decisions, viral moments, and storylines that dominate conversations around the globe. Some of those memories will fade. Others will live forever."

Approaching the Summit: Anna Zap, Co-Host of Syndicated Anna & Raven

"If you're not evolving and aren't aware of what everyone else in the industry is doing, you'll get left behind."