Doug Johnson

Inducted 2015

The biggest influence on Doug Johnson’s career was his dad, former WCCO Radio government correspondent Arv Johnson. Doug started in radio as a journalism student at the University of Minnesota. After college he became the first full-time news director at KWLM in Willmar. Doug spent seven years in Willmar with KWLM and KQIC. In 1975 Doug joined his brother, Craig Johnson, and became sales manager for Kleven Broadcasting at KMSD in Milbank, South Dakota. In 1980 the Klevens started a new station in Jackson, Minnesota, and Doug became the general manager and several years later, part owner. In 1994 KRAQ was launched and Doug assumed the same responsibilities at the new station. In addition to news, sales, and management duties, Doug has done a bit of everything including announcing, play-by-play, and even mowing the lawn. Doug believes “local” is the key word in broadcasting and that it’s vital to serve the community by providing local news, sports, weather, and information, while supporting local organizations like the Chamber Board, Ducks Unlimited, and the Jackson County Conservation League. Doug has spent 50 years in the industry and he continues his family’s proud legacy as a Minnesota broadcaster.