Nationally Syndicated Radio & TV Personality Tom Joyner Pays Tribute to Late Ebony/Jet Publisher, John H. Johnson

Nationally Syndicated Radio & TV Personality Tom Joyner Pays Tribute to Late Ebony/Jet Publisher, John H. Johnson

DALLAS, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationally syndicated radio and TV personality Tom Joyner called the late Ebony and Jet Publisher and Founder John H. Johnson his 'hero' during his morning drive-time radio show.

"If it wasn't for John Johnson none of us in black media would be here today," said Joyner. His successful radio show, the "Tom Joyner Morning Show," is aired in 115 markets reaching nearly 8 million listeners every week. "If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here today. He turned the corner in my career. He is truly one of the greatest."

Throughout the morning's broadcast, Joyner talked to listeners around the country who recalled their favorite Ebony or Jet article and the impact Johnson Publishing Company had on their lives. Joyner began working with Johnson early in his career. First, at the Chicago radio station he owned, WJPC-AM, and later as host of the 'Ebony/Jet Showcase,' a national entertainment show. In his upcoming autobiography, "I'm Just a DJ But ... It Makes Sense to Me" (Warner Books, 208pp, $22.95), Joyner recognizes Johnson as one of his mentors and role models.

"Mr. Johnson built his entire career creating and perfecting a medium dedicated to highlighting the achievements of Black people," Joyner writes in his book, slated for release September 2. "Before Ebony and Jet Magazines, black newspapers were the only source for finding out what black people were doing in other parts of the country. Mr. Johnson not only knew his audience, but he also was devoted to his audience and remains so today. His commitment to Super-Serving his readership by providing them with what no one else would provide is unwavering. His constant challenge was convincing advertisers that they were wasting an opportunity when they failed to go after the black consumer. When I worked for Mr. Johnson he would let me know whenever I seemed to be losing my focus on the audience I was supposed to be serving. And he pulled no punches. He knew what he was talking about and he let me know it. Mr. Johnson taught me that it's necessary to try to reach out to people other than your core audience."

ABOUT REACH MEDIA

REACH Media, founded by radio personality, philanthropist and entrepreneur Tom Joyner, is a multi-media company formed in January 2003. REACH Media is the parent company of the "Tom Joyner Morning Show," billed as the No. 1 entertainment/information morning show in America and now, the syndicated TV show, "The Tom Joyner Show" that will premier in the fall, reaching 70 percent of the general market audience and 90 percent of the African-American audience.

REACH also has several other businesses that will target African-Americans through radio, television, event production and the internet. Its website, BlackAmericaWeb.com (http://blackamericaweb.com/), which has more than 800,000 members, is a virtual town square for visitors to get daily news, play games, search for jobs and listen to the Morning Show online. REACH Media also produces the Tom Joyner Family Reunion @ Walt Disney World Resorts, a three- day Labor Day Weekend event, featuring top-name performers, comedians, seminars and access to the theme parks.

Source: REACH Media

CONTACT: Neil Foote, Director of Communications, REACH Media,
+1-972-371-5840, Neil.foote@reachmediainc.com; or Pilaar Terry of BNC,
+1-310-854-4869, pterry@bncpr.com, for REACH Media

Web site: http://blackamericaweb.com/

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