Initial Broadcast Date: March 20, 1972
30 minutes -- Color
Black Journal will examine the growing impact of black-owned and oriented magazines and interview John Harold Johnson, who at 55, heads the Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Company and is the undisputed leader in black publishing.
Shortly after World War II, Johnson started a publication company in a corner of a law office in Chicago. Today, Johnson Publications reach the widest black audience. The Johnson Publication, “Ebony,” has a circulation of nearly 1.4 million, while “Jet” goes to 500,000 readers each week. Other Johnson publications are “Black Star” and “Black World.”
The program includes coverage of last year’s formal opening of the Johnson Publishing Company’s new 11-story headquarters on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, the first Chicago “loop” building exclusively designed and constructed by a black-owned corporation.
The program also includes an interview with Black Journal executive producer Tony Brown and Johnson. The black publishing magnate candidly reveals part of his personal philosophy that has culminated in his success and a bolstered image of black America.
During the interview, Johnson also responds to younger black critics who have charged that he sold out to the establishment because he is successful. “Some young people cannot believe that a black man can succeed without compromising himself and selling out,” Johnson says. “I think they are underestimating the ability and capacity of black people.”
“Black Journal” is a production of WNET New York.
Executive producer: Tony Brown
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