Tonisha Johnson is an Emmy Award-Winning Multimedia Journalist for Spectrum News 1 Ohio. She covers politics and education across the state. Whether it’s in the classroom or the statehouse, she delves into legislation and shares the stories of those impacted in rural, urban and suburban communities. She also shines a light on teachers, students, districts and legislators making their mark in education.
Since being a part of the Spectrum News 1 team, she’s produced and hosted virtual education town halls, in addition to the documentary Glass Walls: Black Experiences in Higher Education. The documentary addresses students and their experiences with systemic racism. Currently, she serves as the co-chair for the station’s Local Fairness Group, which is made up of station employees. Together they address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion within the newsroom and in relationship to the content that goes on air.
Johnson is a native of Springfield, Illinois, and earned a degree in Mass Communications with a minor in Spanish, from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Hood Theological Seminary.
Before joining Spectrum News 1, Tonisha was a reporter for WTVI (PBS) in Charlotte, and WRCB-TV, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
When she is not covering news, she enjoys traveling with her family, designing clothes, and mentoring youth and young adults. You can also find her connecting with others locally and internationally on mission trips. Overall, her greatest satisfaction comes from being able to inspire, educate and encourage people through the stories she tells.