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Where did WHO TV anchor Elias Johnson go? The lifelong newsman has been a fixture in Des Moines news. Before filling the evening news position vacated by Dan Winters September of 2022, Johnson was on WOI, Channel 5. But in August of 2024 just short of two years at Channel 13 he left to lead communications at Fareway. But why?
“It was a personal life issue of missing my family and not being able to do my number one job, which is being a dad,” he said. “There is quite a long time where the only thing I could do to get ready for bed is pour a whiskey, or pour a drink, and then just kind of chill out… But that’s not healthy.” Johnson decided it was time to make healthier decisions.
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Where did Elias Johnson Go?
Johnson spent 15 years in journalism as a multimedia journalist and anchor. Despite achieving professional success, winning awards, and working with colleagues he admired, Johnson found himself questioning his career’s sustainability. The demanding schedule of evening news meant he was missing key moments with his family, unable to coach his children’s sports teams, and losing personal time for hobbies like golf. Over time, the strain took a toll on his well-being. He recognized that media, as an industry, was evolving, but not necessarily in a way that provided stability or improved work-life balance.
Feeling the impact of burnout, Johnson made the decision to leave before the industry forced his hand. He describes how reaching out to Reynolds Cramer, CEO of Fareway, was the beginning of an unexpected opportunity. He wasn’t actively seeking a new job but instead looking for guidance on what could come next. That conversation led to a role in corporate communications, allowing him to use his media skills in a way that better fit his life.
Elias Johnson heads up communications at Fareway
At Fareway, Johnson now serves as Vice President of Corporate Outreach and Communications. His job involves working with media rather than for it, producing high-quality video content for internal communications, corporate outreach, and press releases. He has also restructured how Fareway engages with the press, ensuring that news outlets receive well-produced content, increasing the likelihood of coverage.
In addition to media relations, Johnson oversees Fareway’s corporate giving initiatives, supporting local charities and ensuring donations make a tangible impact within Iowa communities. This aspect of the job brings fulfillment, as he plays a role in helping families, students, and local organizations thrive.
Prioritizing Health and a New Lifestyle
Stepping away from the newsroom also allowed Johnson to focus on his health, both physically and mentally. He candidly discusses how poor habits had developed over time—late nights, stress-related routines, and neglecting fitness. Now, with a more manageable schedule, he is actively making healthier choices, participating in fitness challenges, and embracing a balanced lifestyle.
Johnson’s journey serves as an example of how professionals can pivot successfully, leveraging their skills in new ways while prioritizing personal well-being. His story is one of reinvention, proving that leaving a career—especially one as demanding as journalism—does not mean starting over, but rather, finding a better fit for the next chapter. And sometimes, the best stories are the ones you create for yourself.