Washington State University Professor Glenn Johnson has been named the recipient of the award previously reserved only for employees of Seattle’s KING television station and affiliates.
The “KING Mike” Award, named after the historic cartoon mascot with a microphone-shaped head, is considered the “highest honor bestowed on an employee of KING 5,” according to a letter to Johnson from Ray Heacox, KING 5 President/General Manager, and Pat Costello, Vice President/Station Manager.
Johnson, who teaches broadcasting at The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at WSU, was given the award for “33 years of outstanding contributions to journalism.”
KING 5, along with KONG-TV and Northwest Cable News, is owned by Belo Corp. “You have been a professor, mentor, and friend to countless members of our family, who consider you to be part of their own,” the letter said. “All of Belo Seattle wants you to have it – the first time it has been awarded to anyone outside of our television stations.”
Johnson is behind the Martin Stadium microphone for WSU football games. However, Heacox and Costello added, “As the ‘Voice of the Cougs’ you gave voice to generations of broadcast students. “
Since 1982, Johnson has become known for his phrase, “And that’s another Cougar first down.” Pledges for contributions toward a Murrow College professorship honoring Glenn Johnson are being accepted at http://anothercougarfirstdown.wsu.edu/
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