Ever wondered about the friendly face that greets you on weekend mornings? Let’s dive into the life of Whit Johnson, one of ABC News’ most dynamic anchors. From his role on Good Morning America to his impressive salary and family background, we’ll cover everything you want to know about this rising star in broadcast journalism.
Whit Johnson TV Career
Whit Johnson’s journey in journalism kicked off in 2005 at KNDO/KNDU-TV, where he served as an evening anchor and reporter. His natural talent and dedication quickly caught attention, leading him to KSL-TV in Salt Lake City. While there, he honed his skills as a weekday evening anchor, setting the stage for bigger opportunities ahead.
His career took an exciting turn at KNBC, where he co-anchored “Today in LA” alongside Daniella Guzman. During this time, Johnson’s investigative reporting skills shone through, earning him a Los Angeles Emmy for exposing auto-repair shop scams. His versatility as a journalist was on full display during his coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
One of his most notable achievements came from covering the 2013 LAX shooting and the Christopher Dorner case, where he demonstrated remarkable stamina with nine hours of continuous on-air reporting. These experiences would prove invaluable in his future role at ABC.
ABC News
In March 2018, Whit Johnson joined ABC News as a correspondent, marking the beginning of an impressive new chapter. His talent and dedication led to his promotion as weekend co-anchor for Good Morning America. During the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, Johnson served as ABC’s lead correspondent, delivering critical updates to millions of Americans.
His political reporting chops were evident during the 2020 US election, where he covered the Democratic primaries and conducted memorable interviews with candidates like Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders. Following Tom Llamas’ departure to NBC News, Johnson took over as Saturday anchor for World News Tonight in February 2021.
What is Whit Johnson’s Salary?
As a prominent figure at ABC News, Whit Johnson commands an impressive salary range of $130,000 to $200,000 annually. This compensation reflects his multiple roles as weekend anchor for Good Morning America, Saturday anchor for World News Tonight, and correspondent for various ABC programs including 20/20 and ABC News Live.
Net Worth
Through his successful broadcasting career and various anchor positions, Johnson has built an estimated net worth of $1 million as of 2024. This figure represents his years of hard work across multiple networks and his current prominent position at ABC.
Age, Parents, Siblings
Born on June 25, 1982, in San Francisco, California, Whit Johnson (full name: Stephen Whitney Johnson) stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall. He comes from an interesting family background – his mother, Sharon Johnson Edell, is a retired geography professor turned eclipse chaser who recently appeared on GMA with her son and grandchildren during the 2024 Mexico eclipse.
His stepfather, Dean Edell, made his own mark in broadcasting as the host of the Dr. Dean Edell radio show from 1979 to 2010, combining medical expertise with media savvy.
Wife, Children
Love bloomed in the newsroom when Johnson met his wife, Andrea Fujii, at KNDO/KNDU-TV. They tied the knot on August 11, 2007, and now both work at ABC News, where Andrea serves as a correspondent and maintains her license as an attorney.
The couple has two daughters, Leah Fuji Johnson and Summer Johnson. Despite their busy careers, they prioritize family time and enjoy taking vacations together.
Education
Johnson’s foundation in journalism was laid at San Francisco State University, where he earned his degree in Television and Radio Broadcasting. This education, combined with his natural talent and work ethic, set him up for success in the competitive world of broadcast journalism.
Through his journey from local news to national prominence, Whit Johnson has proven himself as a versatile and reliable journalist. His ability to connect with viewers while delivering important news has made him a valued member of the ABC News team. Whether he’s covering breaking news, conducting interviews, or spending time with his family, Johnson continues to inspire and inform audiences across America.
Conclusion
Whit Johnson stands as a shining example of modern broadcast journalism excellence. From his early days at KNDO/KNDU-TV to his current position at ABC News, he’s shown remarkable growth and versatility. Whether he’s anchoring Good Morning America on weekends or covering breaking news on World News Tonight, Johnson brings professionalism and warmth to every broadcast.
Beyond his professional achievements, he’s managed to maintain a beautiful balance between his thriving career and family life with wife Andrea Fujii and their daughters. As he continues to inform and connect with viewers across America, Whit Johnson remains one of broadcasting’s most relatable and trusted voices, proving that authenticity and hard work truly pay off in journalism.
FAQ’s
What is Whit Johnson’s nationality?
Whit Johnson is American, born and raised in San Francisco, California.
Who is ABC Weekend News’ anchor?
Whit Johnson serves as the Saturday anchor for ABC World News Tonight, while taking on weekend co-anchor duties for Good Morning America.
What is Whit’s last name on Good Morning America?
His full name is Stephen Whitney Johnson, but he goes by Whit Johnson on Good Morning America and all ABC broadcasts.
Is Wit on GMA married?
Yes, Whit Johnson is married to Andrea Fujii, who also works as an ABC News correspondent. They’ve been married since August 11, 2007.
