Q: While in high school, did you have any idea you wanted to go into broadcasting?
MJ: I knew I wanted to go in to tv news from a very early age. My supportive parents enrolled me in summer programs as a teenager that exposed me to the journalism industry. I was selected to serve as the female news anchor for that semester. Afterwards, I decided to join my high school newspaper where I became a writer during my four years and eventually an editor for our publication.

Q: How did your career start as a news anchor?
MJ: I applied to 100 news stations and finally received one yes from market 198 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The town was small with a population of about 14,000. It gave me a chance to get my feet wet and make mistakes as a reporter with my first TV job. I was tasked with shooting my own stories with a camera, writing, editing, and setting up my own live shot for the newscasts. I learned a lot fast, and it set the foundation for the rest of my career.

Q: Can you share with our audience one of your most memorable events you’ve covered?
MJ: Never in a million years did I think I would have to cover a school shooting however in October 2022 that became a reality. I wasn’t only in my first year as an Anchor/Reporter at KMOV-TV in St. Louis when I had to cover a fatal active shooting at CVPA High School. I interviewed the responding officers who fired their weapons at the gunman and witnessed the heartbreak of a community devastated by violence.

Q: How do you handle difficult or emotional stories?
MJ: As a journalist, it is my job to talk to people on the worst days of their lives. It is important for me to lead with being a human first and put myself in someone else’s shoes. Empathy and compassion go a long way when dealing with emotional stories. There have been times that I have cried with an individual because of the subject matter and that’s okay. We all are people before our professions. I carry that mantra with me as I go into these interviews and make sure I tell the story from their lens of pain and loss. 

Q: Giving back to the community is important to you … can you share with us some of the projects you’ve been involved in? 
MJ: I have a passion for giving back to our young people. As a community leader, I believe it is my responsibility to mentor and provide spaces for them to thrive. I wanted to give city kids the opportunity to experience life outside of their neighborhoods and away from urban distractions.

As a result, I collaborated with PGR Inc, a non-profit girls mentorship organization, and created a “Day with Melanie Johnson.” For two summers, 100+ children were able to ride horses, go on hayrides, and learn about farm life for free. I decided to dedicate the day to my father after he passed away in 2022. It was because of him that I grew to love horseback riding.

Q: Tell us how you manage your work life balance with your busy schedule.
MJ: I balance it all by taking my weekends to truly put work aside and pour into myself. Self-care is extremely important. On those days, I turn off my work phone and focus on filling my own cup. I have found things that make me happy, and I lean on those hobbies to get me prepared for my work week. 

Q: Who was the biggest influence in your life growing up?
MJ: Besides my mother, singer and actress Brandy Norwood was my biggest influence. Her sitcom involved her writing for her school newspaper and becoming a journalist. For me, it was my first time seeing someone my age who looked like me so passionate about writing and sharing stories of culture. Her role changed my life and gave me validation to follow my dreams of being a reporter. 

Brandy was also the first African American Cinderella and one of the first Black barbies I ever had. It exemplified why representation should always matter. 

Five Things About Melanie Johnson

1. Who is the most fascinating person you’ve ever met? 
Congressman and Civil Rights Icon John Lewis 

2. What’s the most amazing adventure you’ve ever been on? 
There’s a tie. The Great Wall of China and exploring the desert dunes of Morocco. 

3. What’s your favorite international food?
Tagine 

4. Are you a morning person or a night owl? 
I am 100% a night owl.

5. Favorite Dessert? 
Strawberry Cheesecake