Where Are They Now: Bos Johnson

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54 comments

For a quarter century, WSAZ viewers got to know Bos Johnson. He was an anchor and reporter for the station during a time in which several major news stories took place. Bos covered the Marshall University plane crash and the collapse of the Silver Bridge.

“There was really a sincere effort on the part of news people and everyone else in the station to try to serve them—give them what they wanted and needed. I hope we succeeded more often than not,” Bos told WSAZ recently.

Catch up with Bos Johnson by watching his full interview. You can also send him your comments below.

[ Then ]	[ Now ]

>> CURRENT STATUS <<

Bos left WSAZ in 1976 and is currently retired after several different careers, but still stays busy. He was recently appointed to the board of zoning appeals in Huntington.

Click here to return to the "Where Are They Now" listing.

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Patty Wolford on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I grew up watching you give use the news. At some point, probably during my college years, I realized you were someone of great insight and intelligence. You were a great example of professionalism!

Posted by: John on Sep 11, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Rob Johnson. Is the Best Male news reporter in the country ,even better than all the network newscasters .and melanie makes wsaz news well worth staying tuned to wsaz.

Posted by: Pizzabob on Sep 5, 2008 at 02:43 AM
I grew up watchin' this guy. Mr. Johnson is brlliant.

Posted by: Rick Dillard on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Hi Bos- you were my teacher at 1st Pres college class when I was 19 (1955). You gave us an assignment to start our prayer in the morning and close it at night, rather than the "now I lay me down to sleep.." approach. So I did it and have "Lived my Prayer" every day, ever since. It has been a wonderful experience and has been the driving force of my career, marriage (to Lenore Greenlee, daughter of Doug ,"the Coach") and life in general. I have taught "Living your Prayer" many times to all age groups. Your "experiment" has had a great impact on so many. Thanks. Love ya. Rick

Posted by: Peggy on Jul 23, 2008 at 01:40 PM
I do indeed remember Bos and Dottie Johnson. You both were such good examples for the youth group at the Presby Church. Thank you for sharing your Christian values and helping us during those 'teen years'. (Yes, we watched Bos on tv also) God bless you and your family.

Posted by: Rodney on May 17, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Very much enjoyed this article about Bos Johnson. We had a much better station back then (in my opinion!!). Would love to see more "Where Are They Now" segments. What ever happened to Bob Bowen?

Posted by: Susan on Apr 22, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Boz, I remember you and your lovely wife. My parents watched only WSAZ News so your face was one my sister, brother and I saw on a regular basis. Its nice to see a face from the childhood ages to now. Hope all is well and God bless.

Posted by: Bob on Mar 8, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Bos was always a fixture at our house. I especially remember him reading the Christmas story from the Bible on Christmas Eve. a very class act!

Posted by: Rus on Jan 24, 2008 at 10:28 PM
I remember the first time that I went to long Beach N.C. We had to stop at Dan Shannon's General Store to pick up the key to our beach house. I was just a kid and went in with my dad and there you were! You spoke to us as you left the store and I was unable to speak! I was in awe of you. Also later on in life we spent a lot of quality time together as I was a TV Repairman. You on one side of the TV, Me on the other. I knew that I could TRUST what you said. Best Wishes.

Posted by: Cindy on Jan 8, 2008 at 09:36 AM
I'm so glad I found this on your web site.I grew watching Mr.Johnson on the evening news,with "Mr.Cartoon" after school,Mr.Huffman.And the sports at 11:00. I remember sometimes hearing our hometown, Gallipolis, mispronounced, but it was a thill to hear it on the air. I'm 46 now, and have long since moved away, but it's to "come back home" and see what people are up to...Cindy Crews Brown, Salisbury,Maryland

Posted by: George P. Archer on Dec 29, 2007 at 01:45 AM
Your words were "rule" at our house. My mother always had supper ready in time for YOU to start covering the news. You were a class act, such a professional. We had 3 stations (sometimes), but we always had Ch. 3. My father was mayor of Prestonsburg and you, being the professional you are, covered local politics fairly, unlike those , Jerry Sanders especially, who often lied for a sensationalistic story. And lastly, what child can't remember how you covered Christmas Eve each year. You were what a news anchor should have been and now all you get is these talking heads with little heart and snappy jokes as transition between segments. You were in a class of a Brinkly, Cronkite and the men of the 50's. News was important, and you made it so. And dear God, who can forget Dottie and the annual Spelling Bee. (which I never was close to attending). Bless you for all the good memories and quality you brought to the television art.

Posted by: Vickie on Dec 19, 2007 at 07:15 AM
Mr. Johnson: I like so many others have fond memories of you.You have much to be proud of, and you and Mrs. Johnson raised a wonderful son, Rob. He is a pleasure to watch. He is so pleasant and feels like a part of my family. I hope WSAZ know what a valuable employee they have in him.

Posted by: Phyllis on Nov 7, 2007 at 11:43 AM
Hello Mr. Johnson: I just wondered if you recall once when you were apparently on a vacation and your car broke down on Rosemount Hill in Portsmouth, Ohio. My family stopped to help and I believe my father actually got your car started and sent you on your way. My father has since passed away, but I still think of that incident from time to time.

Posted by: Tom on Nov 7, 2007 at 06:52 AM
The BEST and would be the BEST today. Hope life is good for you.You told it like it was good or bad.Some night you and Rob do the news, that would be great.ty ty ty

Posted by: Tim on Nov 5, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Hello Mr. Johnson (Dottie), Just wanted to thank you for you help and for sharing in your living room during my days at WSAZ-TV. I'm in my 21st year in Baltimore (WBAL-TV). You coaching also helped prepare me as Pastor-Founder of Harvest Christian Ministries. I'm what they call, "Bi-Vocational." I see Rob on the air during my visits to Huntington. I pray all is well with you. Again, Thanks. Tim Tooten

Posted by: roger on Oct 11, 2007 at 09:14 AM
Rob Johnson .is not only the best news reporter in west va.he gets to sit along beside the beautiful meloney shaffer which is also a good news reporter

Posted by: Virginia on Sep 7, 2007 at 06:28 PM
Bos Johnson is the epitome of the professional TV gentleman and Rob is doing a good job of following in his father's footsteps. WSAZ has always had the "class" professionals and I thank them for that. Every one of them is a good image for young people in this area. Thank you.

Posted by: Michael Adkins on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Hi Boz. I hope you remember me. I was the young man on the other side of the camera. I remember the great times we had in the studio. I fondly remember how you so professionally handled things when they when wrong. Remember the birthday cake for Bob Bowen that caught on fire on the air just was we rolled it out on the set during the news. I also remember the time that the horse fly kept flying around your face while you continued to read the news till it landed right on your nose. Great Memories.

Posted by: Roger on Aug 11, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Bos you were number one. when I was a boy and all the way to adulthood you were the best on tv. and you raised no two Rob.he is simply the best news reporter in wv.a I like the way he expresses the news, good news with a smile,and a sad face with bad news.there is nobody in the business as good as rob.

Posted by: Raamie on Jul 25, 2007 at 09:48 AM
This man is another West Virginia treasure. He is literally the Father of WV broadcast Journalism and is responsible for the development of many successful journalistic careers, mine included. A great teacher, mentor and a man of quiet wisdom, all West Virginians owe him much, especially myself. And, I love the idea of bringing back some of these greats to see them do the news one more time. Understanding ratings as I do, I can guarantee the audience would be tremendous. Congratulations Bos, on a wonderful career and life---Go Herd.

Posted by: Mickey on Jul 19, 2007 at 12:36 AM
Hello Cousin Bos, I typed your name in my browser, not thinking I would find you, but I knew you were in TV so who knows. You married my favorite cousin. Her mother was my mother's sister. (Esther) It would be great to say hello. Check out my website: mickeyholiday.com

Posted by: Dale Midkiff on Jul 5, 2007 at 10:19 PM
Hello Bos, I just want to say thank you for all the years that you worked at WSAZ. You made WSAZ what it is today. Wish you would make a short appearance every now and again to say hello to your fans. We all love you very much!

Posted by: Jay on Jun 28, 2007 at 07:50 AM
Boz was great then and is great now. He should come back and anchor. He is so articulate! I miss him on the air. I didn't realize he's been off Channel 3 since 1976! Boz Johnson is a real pro!

Posted by: Bill on Jun 20, 2007 at 03:01 PM
I grew up watching WSAZ. I always enjoyed Mr. Cartoon Show. I can remenber wacthing WSAZ news with Bos Johnson and DJ with the weather report

Posted by: Ladonna Conner on Jun 14, 2007 at 12:39 PM
I watched you when I became old enough to understand the news and you were always a joy to listen to. Hope you are doing well.

Posted by: Kevin W. on Jun 11, 2007 at 12:15 AM
Hello Mr. Johnson, Glad to hear you're doing well. I ask Rob about you and Dottie all the time. He keeps me up to date. I grew up watching you on T.V. and playing sports with Rob. It's kind of sad that in the previous comments you are remembered by the Silver Bridge Collapse, the Marshall Plane Crash and the Buffalo Creek Flood (All Disasters), I remember seeing a man who loved his job reporting "ALL" the news, and the smiling face of the man in the stands at League 3 baseball games. See Ya, Kevin

Posted by: Susan on Jun 2, 2007 at 10:34 PM
I am 46 and I was a child when I watched the news unfold, I remember the Silver Bridge Collapse and the Marshall Plane Crash. Those are the 2 big things that stand out, Oh yeh the Buffalo creek flood, that was awful. You always did a great job of delivering the news. Thank you for making me appreciate the news team today.

Posted by: Doug on Jun 1, 2007 at 10:25 AM
Enjoyed your interview. I did indeed watch you through the bars of my crib. You were still on air when I left for college. When I came home years later, I still watched WSAZ. Good to see you looking so well.

Posted by: Daisy on May 27, 2007 at 10:58 AM
You were a great newsman; remember you well and always will. THANKS.

Posted by: Roland Cook on May 23, 2007 at 06:40 PM
Mr. Johnson is one of our local legends. That awesome black and white footage does him proud! His son Rob is fabulous. I miss those days way back when I was a child. Thanks Bos for being a "part of my life!" Anybody else remember when that was a slogan for WSAZ?

Posted by: Vicki on May 21, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Mr. Johnson, Thanks to you and my papaw, that refused to let anyone speak during a news cast, I learned to appreciate you as a news caster and WSAZ as my news outlet. I'm proud to say I still watch a Johnson deliver my daily news on WSAZ. As a child my favorite shows were the ones that included the "Boz

Posted by: Felecia on May 21, 2007 at 08:55 AM
You are very inspirational.

Posted by: Sue on May 19, 2007 at 11:42 PM
I enjoyed your interview very much and remember most of the people that you mentioned. I was 11 or 12 yrs old when my Dad purchased our first TV set and watched WSAZ every day and it's still my favorite station.

Posted by: Bill on May 18, 2007 at 12:28 PM
I remember as a kid, that if the news was on TV, it was WSAZ and Boz Johnson delivering it. And it's still WSAZ in our house because even though you are not there I feel your style and professional attitude is. I was 18 before I knew there was Two other stations with news programs. Boz, thanks for the years of professional coverage that you provided the area. Too bad many of todays talking heads didn't have a Boz Johnson to mentor them.

Posted by: Penney on May 17, 2007 at 01:45 PM
I don't know if Bos is aware of it, but he is the reason I chose to go to Marshall and study Journalism. I grew up watching him and when I learned he was on the staff at Marshall than the decision was made. He was a great reporter and teacher!

Posted by: Arlene on May 16, 2007 at 05:30 PM
Mr. Johnson I have been "a Fan" of yours for many, many years. I worked at Trailways Bus Station during the days when your "film" was sent to you by bus and you usually picked it up. You were always such a nice and pleasant person. Thank you!!!!

Posted by: Jennifer on May 16, 2007 at 11:22 AM
I remember watching WSAZ as a young girl. My favorite part of the show was when you and your wife Dotty,would have a debate over a topic. You both had good answers.But it seemed that most of the time your wife Dotty,came up with the better answer. I do recall you winning a few. Thank you for all the great reporting that you did.

Posted by: Jerry on May 16, 2007 at 06:55 AM
So very very good to se Mr. Johnson again. I grew up watching him every evening. I use to work at Pontiki Coal and we had a mock disaster drill one weekend and he came to that, I doubt that he remembers that though. I felt good seeing him again. Thanks WSAZ !

Posted by: william on May 15, 2007 at 02:22 PM
GLAD TO HEAR ABOUT SOME OF THE FORMER NEWS BROADCASTERS FOR WSAZ. I HAVE ALWAYS WATCHED WSAZ NEWS. THEN

Posted by: Jim Robinson on May 14, 2007 at 11:40 PM
I rember Bos as the olny news person on TV in my house in the earley 60's. I am happy to see that he is still well and active in Huntington. I am also glad that Rob is trying to fill his dad's shoes and carry on a great tradition for his family name!

Posted by: JAMES C MITCHELL on May 14, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Today we have very good reporters,but it would take a very big man or woman to feel Bos Johnson shoes!! Good to hear from you Bos

Posted by: glen wallace on May 14, 2007 at 07:30 PM
grew up in the late 70s and all thru the 80s with you guys and still love you guys as my hometown news station i remember having to go out and turn the antenna before we had cable to get you guys in so i could watch mr cartoon afterschool and once wsaz came in we would put rocks up against the antenna so the wind wouldnt mess up your signal ha ha lol

Posted by: glen on May 14, 2007 at 07:17 PM
i love wsaz as a young boy growing up in carter county wsaz was always are station and now i live in northern ky not that far away but i turn you guys on to get news rather than the cincinnati stations i never missed a day of mr cartoon whatever happend to jewl huffman i think that was his name mr cartoon 4 ever

Posted by: deborah on May 14, 2007 at 06:46 PM
that was neat injoyed that greatly thanks so much

Posted by: David on May 14, 2007 at 06:28 PM
As I was growing up in Huntington I was aware there were other tv stations but for me WSAZ

Posted by: DON on May 14, 2007 at 05:56 PM
I CAN REMEMBER BOS JOHNSON AS I GREW UP AS A CHILD IN THE TRI STATE. THE NIGHT THE SILVER BRIDGE COLLAPSED I WAS AT A NEIGHBORS HOUSE WHEN BOS BROKE THE STORY. AND I CAN REMEMBER OTHER STORIES THAT BOS REPORTED. HE WAS INDEED ONE OF THE BEST IN THE IN BUSINESS. THANKS BOS FOR EXCELLENT REPORTING IN THE PAST. LOTS WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU FOR YOUR EXCELLENT WORK!

Posted by: Patsy on May 14, 2007 at 05:13 PM
I was so excited to hear of your series "Where Are They Now?" and watched while I was getting ready for work. To my great surprise, one of the clips with Bos included my dad, Corky Black, who was a great fan and influenced me to watch WSAZ as a child! I just listened to the unedited interview and really enjoyed reminiscing with Bos. Thanks, WSAZ, for another wonderful broadcast idea!

Posted by: Angie on May 14, 2007 at 05:02 PM
Thank you so much WSAZ for doing this. Boz was an instructor of mine when I attended MU and I did work study for his wife, Dotty. My grandpa was so thrilled when I told him you were one of my instructors at college because he said that him and my grandma (who have bothe passed on) used to watch you all the time on WSAZ. You and Dotty are such great people, and you still look wonderful!

Posted by: June on May 14, 2007 at 11:40 AM
You spoke at my high school graduation in 1973. In some part of your speech you said it was harder to stay at home in your community and try to make a difference than to go away and be successful. You were SO right. That was a valuable insight I have never forgotten. You were the Walter Cronkite of WSAZ when we watched your news - factual and reliable. May good health and happiness be yours.

Posted by: Judy on May 14, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Than you so much for the Where Are They Now series.I started watching WSAZ when my parents bought our first tv in 1951. I've been a loyal viewer ever since. These people are like old friends. Thanks again.

Posted by: tim on May 14, 2007 at 10:47 AM
Mr.Johnson, i grew up in linclon county,iam 49 yrs. old and me and my grandad use to watch you every evening in the early 70's, grandad watched you from earlier on than i did. Grandad use to say..well, its time for Bos to come on..Iam from the old school myself and carry on the tradition, i watch Rob every morning while getting ready for work. may god always keep you and yours safe and in good health.

Posted by: Linda on May 14, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Bos was on while I was still young. We knew then he had another job at the University. He and his wife have always been part of something greater than tv. He was so very professional in his job and on top of things. I find it so interesting (abeit not uncommon) that his son followed in his footsteps. He has big shoes to fill. I know Bos must be so very proud of Rob.

Posted by: Carol Tackett on May 14, 2007 at 09:54 AM
I watched you on WSAZ when I was a young lady. I now tune in every morning to WSAZ News with your son. WSAZ is the only news cast I watch. I think it is the very best.It is very professional

Posted by: RitaBowen on May 14, 2007 at 08:48 AM
I so remember when WSAZ started in Huntington. I too, remember "Saturday Night Jamboree" "Anut Drew Silly" "Maida's Kitchen" and more. I was elated to visit your unedited interview with Rob. How proud your son must be. Thanks so much for sharing your information, much of which I hadn't thought of in quite some time. Those were wonderful times, and on a lighter note, gas was 29 cents a gallon.

WSAZ History Stories
	New Website to Showcase WSAZ Archive Video Last Updated: 4:41 PM 01/07/08 - The Marshall University Library just launched a new website called 50 Years Ago Today: As Seen on WSAZ-TV News. (Full Story)
	What Do You Want to Ask Former WSAZ Employees? Here's your chance to weigh in on the next round of "Where Are They Now." (Full Story)

These video clips are just a preview of what's to come for the WSAZ history page. Keep checking back for more. Also, start digging through your video, film, and picture archives. If you have anything with, about, or at WSAZ (including Mr. Cartoon footage), we plan to give you an opportunity to share it with everyone.