Interview with Elias Johnson, WHO-TV 13

Elias Johnson joins WHO-TV 13 as the new evening anchor and plans to bring something new to the station by changing the role. Viewers should be ready for a in-depth approach to storytelling and a less traditional anchor role. Johnson also said he’s aware of the challenge media is facing today: a lack of viewer trust.

Elias Johnson, Channel 13 Anchor

Elias Johnson has been a prominent figure in Iowa news for 14 years. Originally known as the “morning news guy” at WOI-TV for 6 years, channel 5 he is now the evening anchor on WHO TV HD in Des Moines.

From the start of his career in media, storytelling has been his main goal. He understands how important it is to form real connection with the audience and community to set yourself apart in local news. This is clear in his ability to storytell.

When considering his new position at channel 13, he made it clear to the station if they were going to work together he “wanted to be able to go out and tell stories.” Some anchors get comfortable in the anchor chair, but Johnson’s style is different. He believes personal storytelling adds value and gets the community = talking about stories days after the air. Johnson produces stories that he is proud of and believes in leading by example no matter the network he is at.

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As a three-time Emmy award winner at his previous station, success is no stranger to Johnson. The first Emmy Johnson won was on a solo project where he played the role of writer, videography, editor and storytelling. He took “full ownership of holistically producing a story”, and his work was rewarded and set a precedent for his coworkers to follow.

Who left channel 13 news?

Dan Winters left WHO 13 news in early May of 2022. Today, Winters works in communications as the VP of Communications and Public Affairs for BHE Renewables, LLC. BHE Renewables, LLC is within the MidAmerican Energy family of companies. Winters still lives in Iowa.

Prior to his anchor role at WHO 13, he worked as a reporter for KCCI.

Iowa media and an era of trust

Only 36% of Americans have a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in mass media, according to Gallup data. That’s the second lowest number on record, and Johnson wants to lead a new era of trust.

His approach will focus on showing a clear difference between local and national news by telling stories that pass muster to even the most critical viewers.

Johnson wants his approach to integrity and storytelling to shine through his work. He acknowledges the uphill battle but has committed to working hard to regain trust of the viewers in a time where the media is biased and untrustworthy. He says it starts with transparent stories to share with his Iowa community.