Taylor Johnson Spotlight

Taylor Johnson realized she wanted to be a journalist at a young age. The field combined her love of creative storytelling with the opportunity to advocate for those who are not able to share their stories for themselves.

Johnson has previously worked in public relations, content creation and social media. Now she works as a news reporter for KCTV5, which is her true passion.

Johnson’s work in the journalism industry has helped her become confident in her skills. She has learned to ask the hard questions and to advocate for herself; she encourages younger journalists to do the same.

“You have to have a passion for this industry; I know that being on TV looks amazing, especially with all the hair and makeup and stuff which is great but ultimately it’s about having that heart to serve,” Johnson said. “Sometimes you have to do a little bit of extra work, and it can get strenuous.”

Johnson was inspired by her great-grandmother and other family members. Throughout her five-year career at previous markets, she attributes her success to other anchors that have taken the time to help her grow and better her craft.

“All of my close girlfriends are some great women in my life,” Johnson said. “It’s the really amazing things that they are doing in their careers.”

As a woman who has worked in nearly all corners of journalism, Johnson knows the value of hard work. To her, being a journalist is being a person of integrity and a team player.

“Ultimately it’s about having that heart to serve,” Johnson said. “If you have that passion and you have that love for it you’ll be willing to persevere.”

Johnson grew up in the DC area watching the news. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2015 with a broadcast-journalism degree. You can catch her on the air in Kansas City at KCTV5.