Grant Johnson

My journey began in high school when I discovered my calling after joining the broadcast team. During one of my first assignments covering a house fire, I realized the power of storytelling to create change. That experience shaped my approach to journalism—I refuse to take the easy route when telling a story. This philosophy served me well as a 20-year-old intern in Texas, when my week-long investigation into an apartment fire revealed that a resident had intentionally started the blaze, contradicting the fire chief’s initial assessment of electrical issues. Three families received justice because I questioned everything and refused to accept the surface-level explanation. I’ve worked in top newsrooms across the country, including FOX, NBCUniversal, TEGNA, and Gray Television, contributing to both live and longform reporting. My work has been recognized nationally by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Television Academy Foundation. As a recent graduate of Ithaca College, where I studied Television & Digital Media Production, I continue to expand my expertise while pursuing graduate studies. A significant part of my identity centers on research about Gen Z news consumption habits. I believe viewers shouldn’t have to sacrifice compelling storytelling regardless of how they choose to consume news, whether through traditional linear TV or social media platforms. I frequently teach sessions at journalism conventions nationwide, focusing on how journalists can better engage younger audiences through storytelling that meets the moment.