WHO 13 host Elias Johnson announced his departure from the television network on Wednesday, telling viewers that his departure did not go as planned.
“No final stories to cap off my career or say goodbye to my final night,” Johnson wrote in a Facebook post. “It’s just over like it never happened. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity I was given.”
Why did Elias Johnson leave WHO 13?
Johnson has decided that it is time to start a new phase of his life outside of broadcast journalism, the Facebook post says.
“At the end of last year, I was at a crossroads,” Johnson said in the post. “Every day, I felt the weight of what was missing. The ratings were great, I was producing award-winning work, and LOVED my colleagues. But something wasn’t right.”
A week before the post was published, Johnson submitted his resignation and gave WHO 13 30 days’ notice, he wrote. Johnson was informed on Tuesday that his time at WHO 13 was over.
“I handed in my key card, signed out of my workstation, and was escorted out. I was told my things would be packed up and delivered. So… no goodbyes or long hugs from my coworkers (the best in the business).”
Rod Peterson, WHO news director, told the Register on Thursday morning that the broadcaster planned to release a statement but that it was not available at the time of publication.
Where is Elias Johnson going next?
Before resigning, Johnson said he had found a new opportunity outside of broadcast journalism. He did not reveal what his next job would be in his Facebook post.
“I started exploring what the next chapter of my life could look like and I found it,” Johnson said. The Register contacted Johnson but has not yet heard back.
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How long has Elias Johnson been at WHO 13?
Johnson began his career as a reporter in 2008. He joined the WHO 13 team in July 2022. Prior to WHO 13, Johnson worked for television stations in Phoenix, Arizona and Reno, Nevada. He also spent six and a half years at Local 5, hosting “Good Morning Iowa” until his retirement in May 2021.
During Johnson’s time at WHO 13, he was awarded the regional Edward R. Murrow Award and a national Edward R. Murrow Award.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
