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

Fox & Friends Hosts Light Empire State Building During Fox News 30th Anniversary Celebration

"Fox continues to evolve, continues to get better, continues to respond to the audience. Every day we're thankful."

Dianna Russini Reportedly Hiring Crisis Publicist Ahead Of Potential Sports Media Return

"Russini resigned from The Athletic in April amid controversy over her relationship with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel."

Katie Zacharia, Former Fox News and Newsmax Commentator, Named White House Press Secretary

Zacharia’s appointment continues Trump’s practice of choosing communicators with experience in conservative media and administration messaging.

Gracie Awards Open Nominations for 2027 Ceremony

"We look forward to honoring the content that moved audiences in 2026 and continuing the Gracies’ long-standing investment in the people who will shape what comes next.”