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House Resolution 889
By: Representative Holcomb of the 101
st
A RESOLUTION
Honoring and commending the life, leadership, and legacy of Wyatt Thomas Johnson Jr. for
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his extraordinary contributions to journalism, civic life, and public service in Georgia and2
across the nation as well as for his resolute efforts to champion mental health awareness,3
strengthen democratic institutions, and promote informed citizenship; and for other purposes.4
WHEREAS, Tom Johnson, born Wyatt Thomas Johnson Jr. on September 30, 1941, in5
Macon, Georgia, has led a life dedicated to truth, service, and compassion, rising from6
humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in American journalism and7
a transformative leader in both public and private spheres; and8
WHEREAS, Johnson's career began as a young reporter at The Macon Telegraph, an9
opportunity made possible by the generosity and mentorship of publisher Peyton Anderson,10
who recognized Johnson's early dedication, talent, and integrity; and11
WHEREAS, with the support of scholarships from Anderson, Johnson earned a journalism12
degree from the University of Georgia and later an MBA from Harvard Business School,13
achievements that laid the foundation for a remarkable professional life defined by purpose14
and principle; and15
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WHEREAS, Johnson served in the White House under President Lyndon B. Johnson as a
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Special Assistant and Deputy Press Secretary, during one of the most complex and17
consequential chapters in American history; and 18
WHEREAS, his closeness to President Johnson and his presence at pivotal historical19
moments deepened his lifelong commitment to public service, civil rights, and effective20
governance; and21
WHEREAS, transitioning from public service to journalism, Johnson went on to serve with22
distinction as publisher and CEO of The Dallas Times Herald and later as publisher and23
president of the Los Angeles Times, where under his stewardship the paper won six Pulitzer24
Prizes and reached its highest levels of readership, quality, and impact; and25
WHEREAS, in 1990, Johnson was recruited by CNN founder Ted Turner to lead the Cable26
News Network as President during a critical era of global change, including the Gulf War and27
the emergence of 24-hour news broadcasting; and28
WHEREAS, under his visionary leadership, CNN expanded to a worldwide audience,29
launched CNN International and CNN.com, and became a global standard-bearer for30
real-time, credible journalism; and31
WHEREAS, throughout his media career, Johnson was a steady voice of calm, accuracy, and32
ethical responsibility, ensuring that news was not only fast but fact-based, and that journalists33
upheld the highest standards of public trust and democratic accountability; and34
WHEREAS, Johnson has served on a multitude of boards and foundations dedicated to35
education, global development, civic leadership, and journalism excellence, including the36
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Rockefeller Foundation, the Knight Foundation, the Mayo Clinic Foundation, and the
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Peabody Awards Board of Jurors, as well as leadership roles with the Lyndon Baines38
Johnson Foundation, the Trilateral Commission, and the Council on Foreign Relations; and39
WHEREAS, despite personal achievements, Johnson has never wavered in his advocacy for40
those often overlooked, including through his courageous public dialogue around his own41
battle with clinical depression; and42
WHEREAS, in sharing his experience, Johnson broke down stigma, empowered countless43
others to seek help, and became a national advocate for improving access to mental health44
resources; and45
WHEREAS, Johnson has returned time and again to his Georgia roots, investing in his home46
state through educational programs, mentoring, and civic initiatives aimed at building future47
generations of ethical leaders and responsible journalists; and48
WHEREAS, his legacy reflects not only professional excellence but also humility,49
perseverance, public-mindedness, and compassion, making him an enduring role model for50
Georgians and Americans alike.51
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that52
the members of this body honor and commend Wyatt Thomas Johnson Jr. for his53
extraordinary contributions to journalism, democracy, mental health awareness, and public54
service, and extend their deepest appreciation for his tireless efforts to build a more informed,55
compassionate, and just society.56
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
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and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available to Tom Johnson and his58
family.59
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