- Text
Whit Johnson
Whit Johnson (CBS News)
Whit Johnson is a CBS News correspondent based in Washington, D.C. He reports primarily for "CBS This Morning" and weekend editions of the "CBS Evening News," but also contributes to other CBS News broadcasts across the division.
Whit began his career with CBS News in August 2009 as a correspondent for CBS Newspath, the network's 24-hour affiliate news service. In that role, he covered some of the biggest stories out of Washington including: the contentious debate over President Obama's healthcare plan, the passing of Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy and American relief efforts following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
While reporting for "The Early Show," Whit was the first CBS News correspondent on the ground in Louisiana after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The ensuing oil spill proved to be the worst environmental disaster in American history and Whit traveled back to the region on several occasions to file reports for "The Early Show" and CBS Newspath.
Prior to joining CBS News, Whit was an anchor and reporter for KSL-TV, the NBC affiliate in Salt Lake City, Utah (2006-2009). He was co-anchor of the station's 6:30 p.m. newscast. Whit was also one of the station's lead breaking news reporters, covering national stories such as the Crandall Canyon Mine collapse and the Trolley Square Mall shooting in 2007. His work has been recognized by the Utah Society of Professional Journalists. While in Utah, he was also a key volunteer for former First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman's "Power in You" organization. As the program's host, Whit told inspiring stories to large crowds of thousands of teens across the state.
Whit began his career as weekend anchor and reporter for KNDO/KNDU-TV, the NBC affiliates in the Tri-Cities and Yakima, Wash. His reporting there made national news when nine inmates escaped from the Yakima County Jail.
Whit was born in San Francisco, Calif., and grew up in the Bay Area. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a bachelor's degree in Television & Radio Broadcasting. Whit lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife and two dogs.
