By: Jesse Schrote schrote.2@wright.edu
Robert Johnson, a 2011 Mass Communication alum credits his education as a great foundation for his career. Johnson serves as On-Air Talent and the Program Director for Skyyhook Radio.
Skyyhook Radio is an online radio station which is available via the Tunein mobile app or skyyhookradio.com. He has two shows on the station, the first is "In The Midday," a music-intensive/pop culture based show airing Wednesdays 12 p.m.; and "The Wrap Up," an entertainment news and pop culture topic-oriented show, which airs Saturdays 2 p.m.
While at WSU, Johnson worked for WWSU 106.9 FM, where he had a show for three years. He applied his own ideas to his shows and served as an influence to other deejays. He did an internship with Alpha Media owned WDHT 102.9 FM where his Program Director Scott Sharp gave him the chance to prove himself as an overnight daypart as well as a fill-in when needed.
"That moment broke the ice of having any fears when hosting and producing my own shows for Skyyhook Radio," Johnson said.
An interest in communication and having close family in Ohio played key factors in Johnson choosing to pursue his education at Wright State.
"What kept me in Ohio and choosing Wright State was basically keeping close to the remaining family I have in Ohio," Johnson said. "Also knowing that my start in the industry would be in a sizeable city, which isn't small or big."
At Wright State, Johnson had many favorite professors that helped him on his educational journey.
"Dr. Carol Morgan, Dr. Mary Rucker, and Dave Baxter, those three made sure you understood the material, found a way to tie it to current events, and always made sure you left each day learning something new," said Johnson. "Their availability and welcoming demeanor made it very good for office hour chats on lectures."
Johnson encourages current communication majors to ask questions and never be afraid.
"Always be the student," Johnson said. "Never be afraid to ask a question, even if it's common knowledge."
