Tom Johnson: A man ‘Driven’ to make a difference

After 10 years of agonizing and reflecting over his incredible life, Tom Johnson has written his autobiography. Titled “Driven: A Life in Public Service and Journalism from LBJ to CNN,” the book details the ups and downs of his 84 years.

“Driven” covers Johnson’s life — as a cub reporter for the Macon Telegraph, as a White House fellow and later deputy press secretary for President Lyndon Johnson, as publisher of the Dallas Times Herald and the Los Angeles Times, as president of CNN, and as a lifelong warrior for journalism and mental health.

The Atlanta History Center held a book signing event for Johnson on Oct. 14, when he was interviewed by the legendary Pat Mitchell, a lifelong friend and fellow journalist.

In full transparency, I feel I need to disclose that I consider Johnson as a mentor — someone who has been a champion of mine for decades — from when I worked at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, SaportaReport and all my years with the Atlanta Press Club. For decades, Johnson has been the guardian angel of the Atlanta Press Club – and we have been partners and collaborators in too many causes to name.

In short, I have little objectivity when it comes to writing about Tom Johnson.

I’m not alone. The Atlanta History Center event was filled with people who have been touched by Johnson, both personally and professionally.

For starters, the evening was hosted by Rex and Duvall Fuqua, who decided to spend their 36th wedding anniversary at the event — indicative of how important Johnson has been to both of them.

“Tom and I really didn’t bond until after he had left CNN in the early 2000s,” Fuqua said. “We both suffer from depression… With my depression and my father’s depression, I understand how difficult it is — the shame you feel.”

Fuqua said Johnson finally sought help for his depression because of the insistence of his wife, Edwina, who had borne the brunt of his illness when he couldn’t share it with the outside world.

“She is rather bossy,” Johnson yelled from behind the curtain during Fuqua’s introduction.

All joking aside, the book is an ode to love. Throughout the 340 pages, Johnson credits Edwina for much of his success, which he described as “61 mostly happy years” of marriage.

“I wanted it to be an honest book,” Johnson told Mitchell at the onset.
Mitchell then shared her own secret. 

“I had a terrible crush on you,” she told Johnson of when they were both students at the University of Georgia.

Johnson then jokingly quipped: “Pat and I did not have sex.”

So went the evening — a deeply personal give-and-take about the journey of life, complete with stories of the people who made the biggest impact on their lives.

For Johnson, there were three remarkable men who defined the chapters of his professional life. First, was President Johnson (no relation). Second was Otis Chandler, publisher of the Los Angeles Times. And third – Ted Turner, founder of CNN.

“Until I met Ted, I thought LBJ was the most complex human being I had met,” Johnson said.

The book recounts how Johnson found himself in classified White House briefings with President Johnson serving as a notetaker. Even though I’ve known Tom Johnson for nearly 35 years, it was during the Oct. 14 event that I learned he too had studied Gregg’s Speedwriting, a skill I mastered while pursuing my journalism degree.

During his years at the White House, Johnson was able to see the terrible toll the Vietnam War had on the president.

“Vietnam was a disaster,” Johnson said. “He was so anguished about the war… We thought we might have peace, but peace eluded him.”

It was when he was at the Los Angeles Times that Tom Johnson realized he needed help to treat his depression. It didn’t help that he was ousted from his job.

That’s when Johnson realized he possibly could join Ted Turner at CNN as president. He asked Turner about his goals and expectations for the role.
“I want to make CNN the absolute best news network on the planet. That’s it, pal,” Turner told Johnson. 

“He never called me by my name. It was always ‘pal,’” Johnson said.
The same was true when Johnson told Turner that he suffered from depression. “Hell pal, let me tell you about me,” Turner responded.

Much of the evening’s conversation was devoted to the vital role journalism plays in our society.

Johnson said it’s “so important to have trusted information” and to “defend the First Amendment.” Journalists have to be careful not to cave to outside forces that might want to limit the rights of a free press.

“Our American democracy is under attack,” Johnson warned. “I’m more worried about the state of our democracy than I’ve been in my 84 years.”

Throughout the book, Johnson cautions journalists to be responsible. The best advice Turner ever gave him was “be fair.”

One of the quotes I’ve attributed to Johnson, that has helped guide my career: “Get it first. But first get it right.”

At the end of the book, Johnson offers 37 “Lessons Life has Taught Me.” They are lessons to live by: “Openness works; closed minds and closed meetings do not work.” “Treat others the way you wish to be treated. Being mean or “tough” on others does not work.” “Listen more. You never learn when you are talking.”

Johnson also offers eight “Best Practices for Journalists,” most of which he attributes to people he has worked with.

After leaving CNN, Johnson immersed himself in helping people with depression and mental illness. Through his friendships with William Cope Moyers of Hazelden-Betty Ford Foundation and Beth Finnerty of Skyland Trail (to name just two), Johnson also has been involved in treatments for addiction and depression.

“He’s raised an enormous amount of money for Skyland Trail and the Addiction Alliance,” Fuqua said during the introduction. “Tom is always open to helping people.”

During his conversation with Mitchell, Johnson also said it was important to support science and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We should have science determine what medicines we take,” said Johnson, before making a case for vaccines.

But always the optimist, Johnson then added: “One person can still make a difference in our society, and it can be you.”

At the end of the conversation, Johnson then urged people to throw out a lifeline to those in need. 

Then Johnson closed with a reflective message: “I want my eighth inning to make the world just a little bit better.”