KTUU General Manager and Vice President Nancy Johnson inducted into 2020 NATAS Silver Circle

The Northwest Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) has recognized KTUU General Manager and Vice President, Nancy Johnson with one of its most prestigious career honors, induction into the Silver Circle.

Awarded to media professionals with at least 25 years of experience, “Candidates must have more than longevity to their credit: they must be truly outstanding in their contribution to both the television industry and their communities,” according to NATAS. Due to the impact of COVID-19, NATAS plans to officially induct the 2020 class during a virtual awards ceremony on Saturday with plans for formal recognition to take place in the summer of 2021.

Johnson’s introduction to the broadcast industry began as a child, “My dad was in radio. I kind of grew up in it.” As a teenager, Johnson served hot dogs at radio remotes before landing a job at a country radio station. In 1981 Johnson joined NBC affiliated television station, KTUU Channel 2 in Anchorage. While at KTUU, she has served in a variety of top tier roles including Director of Marketing, Programming Director and General Sales Manager.

Working tirelessly for positive media growth meeting the ever-changing needs of Alaskans, during her tenure as KTUU’s General Manager, Johnson has increased the number of primary and sub-channel programming streams delivered from KTUU’s Anchorage broadcast facility from two to six (and growing), including the purchase of KYES, an additional full-power TV station in the market.

Johnson’s leadership has facilitated local news growth to more than 22 hours of content each week, encouraged the development and production of original programming and crafted one of the most influential media organizations in Alaska. “I’ve always had a profound belief in journalism and what it does for a democracy,” Johnson said.

Nancy is the epitome of a broadcaster who has not only excelled in her field for nearly four decades, but she also has mentored countless young professionals along the way. Nancy helped build the foundation of a powerful Channel 2 brand that stands for equality and proudly celebrates professional success throughout the broadcast industry.

While at Channel 2, Johnson has been a passionate advocate for non-profit and community partnerships including KTUU’s Fund the Future scholarship program, a collaboration she established between public, private and non-profit organizations.

Johnson’s induction marks the fifth consecutive representative from KTUU to be inducted into the elite circle. Previous inductees include Channel 2 News Anchors, Maria Downey (2016) and Mike Ross (2019), Chief Meteorologist, Jackie Purcell (2017) and Chief Photojournalist, Eric Sowl (2018).