CBS news anchor Kristine Johnson: Interview

Student Journalist, Keilianette DeJesus had the opportunity recently to interview CBS News anchor for the New York City metro area, Kristine Johnson. The following is their conversation:

WW(Windsor Wire): What drew you to broadcasting how did you know you wanted to pursue that? 

KJ: I think my own sense of curiosity is what ultimately drew me to this business. I was always kind of a nosy kid and always wanted to learn. I grew up as an air force brat. I got to see different cultures, I lived in different countries, and different states. Not everyone was from the same background, so in some sense it gave me a better understanding of the bigger picture. I believe those were the beginnings. 

 WW: Which interview or story was most significant to you? 

KJ: I get asked that question quite a bit and I always answer, that’s like asking who’s my favorite child. It’s hard to say, every interview is memorable in its own sense. I think to covering the Pope when he came to New York was very exciting. SuperStorm Sandy was also a memorable time, in the sense that the audience depended on us. And then of course during the pandemic, during the political turmoil, elections. I think when you’re a journalist it’s hard to pinpoint one story that really impacted you because there are just so many that had an affect. 

WW: What was your biggest surprise covering the Queen’s death? 

KJ: The enormous sense of loss that country felt. I think for so many they felt a personal loss because she’d been around for so long and had been their head of state for decades. It really did come across, in my opinion, that this was a member of their own family that passed away. She had this unique ability to connect with people and that was a real gift. 

WW: Lastly, any advice for balancing home life and being a public figure? 

KJ: First and foremost there is no perfect balance. You can’t give your full attention to everything all at once. I struggled with that early on in my career. For people that are high achievers it’s difficult sometimes to take a step back and say, okay, what were the highlights of my day? Rather than the things that annoyed me today. At the end of the day you did your best, and that itself, is a successful day. 

WW: Thank you.