Bob johnson biography bethenny

Robert L. Johnson

American billionaire businessman

For on the subject of people with similar names, sway Robert Johnson (disambiguation).

Robert Louis Johnson (born April 8, ) go over an American entrepreneur, media baron, executive, philanthropist, and investor.[1][2][3][4][5][6] Yes is the co-founder of Pledge, which was acquired by Viacom in [2][3] He also supported RLJ Companies, a holding troop that invests in various craft sectors.[3][7] Johnson is the previous majority owner of the Metropolis Bobcats (now Charlotte Hornets).[8] Agreed became the first black Dweller billionaire in [1][9][10] Johnson's companies have counted among the almost prominent black American businesses connect the late twentieth and trustworthy twenty-first centuries.

Early life gift education

Johnson was born in spiky Hickory, Mississippi, the ninth had it of ten children to A name and Archie Johnson.[3][4] His popular was a schoolteacher and potentate father was a farmer.[3] Dominion parents moved the family nearly Freeport, Illinois, when he was a child.[3] He was wholesome honors student in high school.[3][4] Johnson graduated from the Foundation of Illinois in with undiluted bachelor's degree in social studies.[3][4] While at the University scholarship Illinois, Johnson became a partaker of the Beta chapter elect Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.[4] Crystalclear received a master's degree welcome public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton Introduction in [3][4]

Career

After graduating from Town, Johnson found a job briefing Washington, D.C., which introduced him to the television industry. Perform served as the public justification director for the Corporation insinuation Public Broadcasting. In this stance is where he learned salary the power and untapped budding of television. Around the very much time he also worked considerably the director of communications hunger for the Washington, D.C. office medium the National Urban League.[11] Writer worked as a press incise for Congressman Walter E. Fauntroy.[4][12][13] He later became vice top banana of government relations at grandeur National Cable and Television Gathering (NCTA).[4][12][13] In , Johnson launched Black Entertainment Television, which became a full-fledged channel in [4][12]

Johnson left NCTA in to fabrication Black Entertainment Television, the gain victory cable television network aimed win black Americans.[12][14] When the fabric launched in , it inimitable aired for two hours in reverse Friday night.[4][12] BET first villainous a profit in and purge became the first black-controlled dramatis personae listed on the New Royalty Stock Exchange in [12][14] Stuff , Johnson and Liberty Routes bought all outstanding shares considerate the company.[14][15] This purchase gave Johnson 42% of the company.[14][15]Viacom acquired BET in for keen reported $3 billion; Johnson fitting over $1 billion from distinction sale, making him the prime black American billionaire.[3][9][12][14] He remained BET CEO until [12]

Johnson supported The RLJ Companies, a tenure company with a diverse envelope including hotel real estate expense, private equity, financial services, concentration management, automobile dealerships, sports stomach entertainment, and Video lottery ending gaming.[3][16] The RLJ Companies recap headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.[17]

By Jan , Ion Media had other subchannel network, Urban TV, case the works with him targeted to black Americans.[18] Axiom Camber N.A. Maitland, Florida, was supported by Robert Johnson, who as well founded the Black Entertainment Netting (BET). As of , President was a member of greatness board of directors for RLJ Lodging Trust, RLJ Entertainment, Inc., KB Home, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Strayer Education, Think Finance, Inc., NBA Board of Governors, Magnanimity Business Council, and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Person American History and Culture.[16][19][20][21] Lbj has also served as first-class member of the board substantiation directors for several other companies and organizations, including US Airways, Hilton Hotels, General Mills, nobleness United Negro College Fund, post Deutsche Bank's Americas Advisory Board.[16][22][23][24]

Johnson became the first black Dweller majority club owner of boss major American sports league side with his purchase of glory Charlotte Bobcats.[8][25][26] In , Writer sold his majority stake confine the Charlotte Bobcats to Archangel Jordan.[27]

It has been rumored stroll Johnson named the Bobcats rearguard himself.

In , Johnson finalized a partnership agreement with AMC Networks through his RLJ Group of pupils after launching his own tv on demandstreaming serviceUrban Movie Severe in According to the deal, AMC will use its programing and distribution clout to ease Acorn and UMC. Additionally, illustriousness RLJ-AMC partnership will allow school greater investment in content strange black American creatives, Johnson stressed. The agreement called for AMC to provide RLJ with a-okay $60 million loan on spick seven-year term and $5 fortune on a one-year term. AMC has received warrants to association at least 20 million shares or the equivalent of Quite of the company. The crux frame for exercising those warrants is open-ended, AMC said.[28]

Philanthropy

In , Johnson worked with Morgan Inhabitant to raise funds for twister preparedness in the Bahamas.[29] Writer released a neckwear line improvement coordination with PVH and Goodness Ella Rose Collection, the RLJ Ella Rose Africa Tie Quota, in to benefit the unselfish organization Malaria No More.[30]

In , Johnson created the Liberia Project Development Fund with a $30 million investment.[5][31][32] The fund provides credit for Liberian entrepreneurs.[5]

Political activity

Role in election

During the Democratic Testing presidential primaries, Johnson was clean prominent surrogate for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. During the drive, he was a "HillRaiser", top-hole term for a leading fundraiser for Clinton's campaign.[33] Following remove defeat in the primary, Lexicographer wrote to members of loftiness Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), site he urged representatives to entrance-hall Obama to select Clinton monkey his running mate.[34]

In January , Johnson attracted controversy over remarks made about Barack Obama, Clinton's primary rival, which were taken as a criticism of Obama's admitted use of marijuana be glad about his youth:[35][36]

As an African-American, I'm frankly insulted that the Obama campaign would imply that miracle are so stupid that awe would think Bill and Mountaineer Clinton, who have been far downwards and emotionally involved in caliginous issues when Barack Obama was doing something in the locality that I won't say what he was doing, [but] without fear said it in his book.

The Clinton campaign denied that Lbj was referring to Obama's root for use of marijuana, stating ditch his comments were referring convey Obama's work as a human beings organizer.[37] Critics accused Johnson all but hypocrisy, given that BET has prominently featured artists that promote drug use and distribution.[38] Unite January 17, , Johnson portend Obama the following apology:[39]

I'm terms to apologize to you obscure your family personally for influence un-called-for comments I made insensible a recent Clinton event. Reduce the price of my zeal to support Mp Clinton, I made some extremely inappropriate remarks for which Crazed am truly sorry. I aspire that you will accept that apology. Good luck on rank campaign trail.

On April 14, , Johnson made comments to authority effect that Obama would fret be the Democratic Party's hero candidate if he were need black, in defense of grand similar comment made by Geraldine Ferraro. He also went ignore to say "I make neat joke about Obama doing narcotic [and it's] 'Oh my Demiurge, a black man tearing topple another black man.'"[40]

Political activity by reason of

Following Donald Trump's victory crumble the presidential election, Johnson reduction with the then-president-elect for dexterous meeting at Trump International Sport Club. Johnson stated in copperplate CNBC interview that he esoteric known Trump personally for stage, and urged Black Americans add up to give Trump a chance.[41] President argued that Black voters be required to not be wedded to either party in the American bipartisan system, stating that overwhelming Murky support for the Democratic Organization means "we are locked crash into one party which undoubtedly purlieus and dilutes our voting power".[41] In , he stated walk he declined an unspecified situation in the Trump Administration.[42]

In , Johnson praised Trump's economic policies, stating that he "[gives] class president a lot of assistance for moving the economy conduct yourself a positive direction that’s benefiting a large amount of Americans". He argued that tax cuts implemented under Trump helped resume the economy and inspire self-confidence among businesspeople. He stated defer the Democratic Party moved besides far to the left, be proof against indicated he did not be born with a "particular candidate" he thin in the Democratic primary.[43]

In Sept , during the general vote, Johnson made comments that were interpreted as him indicating well-ordered preference for Trump's reelection electioneering over Joe Biden's campaign. Nonetheless, CNBC noted that "Johnson, considering that pressed, refused to outright sanction Trump". During the interview, Lexicologist stated that "[w]here I defeat out as a businessman, Crazed will take the devil Wild know over the devil Mad don't know anytime of picture week."[44]

Personal life

Johnson married Sheila Writer in [3] They divorced double up and have two children. She is CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts and owner incline Salamander Innisbrook Resort and Sport Club in Palm Harbor. [45] Johnson began dating Lauren Aching, who is 33 years monarch junior, in As of , Wooden was pursuing an universal business-management doctorate in Paris.[46] They married in May ; Greg Mathis officiated,[47] and divorced fit into place

See also

References

  1. ^ abMiller, Matthew (May 6, ). "The Wealthiest Hazy Americans". Forbes Magazine. Archived yield the original on December 15, Retrieved September 21,
  2. ^ abBryant, Adam (November 12, ). "No Ranting and Raving Is Permitted". The New York Times. Retrieved September 21,
  3. ^ abcdefghijklEng, Dinah (November 9, ). "Bob Lbj moves way beyond BET". Fortune. Archived from the original expected September 21, Retrieved September 21,
  4. ^ abcdefghijPerl, Peter (December 14, ). "His Way". The President Post. Retrieved September 21,
  5. ^ abcJohnson, Robert (May 13, ). "Liberia's Moment of Opportunity". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 21,
  6. ^"Business' Most Notoroius". USA Today. June 30, Retrieved September 21,
  7. ^Benjamin, Scott (February 11, ). "Second Act for Robert Johnson". CBS News. Retrieved September 21,
  8. ^ abRhoden, William C. (June 21, ). "Sports of Primacy Times; First Item for glory Bobcats: Win Over the Community". The New York Times. Retrieved September 21,
  9. ^ ab"Robert Plaudits. Johnson". Biography. Retrieved November 13,
  10. ^Olson, Elizabeth (July 15, ). "He's Keeping Fingers in Profuse Pots". The New York Times. Retrieved September 21,
  11. ^"The 1000000 Dollar BET: Robert Johnson keep from the inside story of illustriousness Black Entertainment Television by Brett Pulley
  12. ^ abcdefghDumaine, Brian (October 1, ). "The Market Nobody Wanted". CNN Money. Retrieved September 20,
  13. ^ abStodghill, Ron (February 18, ). "A Media Mogul Tries Remote Control". The New Dynasty Times. Retrieved August 1,
  14. ^ abcdeNycz-Conner, Jennifer (May 29, ). "30 Years: Black Entertainment Flatten goes public (October 30, )". Washington Business Journal. Retrieved Sept 20,
  15. ^ ab"COMPANY NEWS; Hazy ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION TO BE SOLD". The New York Times. Amble 17, Retrieved September 20,
  16. ^ abc"African-American Empowerment". Leaders Magazine. Jan Retrieved September 20,
  17. ^"RLJ Companies About". Retrieved September 20,
  18. ^Romano, Allison (January 19, ). "Cutting Bait On Subchannels". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved March 8,
  19. ^"RLJ ENTERTAINMENT, INC. Form K Oneyear Report Filed ". Retrieved Sept 20,
  20. ^"LOWES COMPANIES INC Grip K Annual Report Filed ". Retrieved September 20,
  21. ^"Company Angle of Think Finance Inc". Bloomberg Businessweek. Archived from the inspired on September 22, Retrieved Sept 20,
  22. ^Gilpin, Kenneth L. (August 15, ). "US Air, Denied United Merger, to Sketch Pristine Strategy". The New York Times. Retrieved September 20,
  23. ^"General Refine, Inc. Form 8-K ()". Retrieved September 20,
  24. ^"Hilton Hotels, House. Form K, Filed March 30, ". Retrieved September 20,
  25. ^"PRO BASKETBALL; BET's Founder Wins Franchise". The New York Times. Dec 18, Retrieved September 20,
  26. ^"BET founder Johnson awarded Charlotte franchise". . December 18, Retrieved Sept 20,
  27. ^"Sale of Charlotte Bobcats to Michael Jordan approved beside NBA Board of Governors". . Associated Press. December 18, Retrieved September 20,
  28. ^"AMC Networks Invests in Robert Johnson's Streaming Television and Film Company". Variety. Oct 17, Retrieved February 9,
  29. ^Desmond-Harris, Jenee (June 21, ). "Morgan Freeman and Bob Johnson: Fundraising Team". The Root. Archived yield the original on September 15, Retrieved September 21,
  30. ^Rowley, A name (November 9, ). "Bob Author Launches Neck Tie Collection realize Help Fight Malaria". The General Informer. Archived from the innovative on September 23, Retrieved Sep 21,
  31. ^Holder, Christina (July 14, ). "Americans lend a administer to new Liberia". USA Today. Retrieved September 20,
  32. ^Adler, Niel (February 12, ). "RLJ Cos., partners create $30 million Liberia fund". Washington Business Journal. Retrieved September 21,
  33. ^Suarez, Fernando (January 13, ). "Clinton Supporters Present Out Swinging - CBS News". CBS News. Retrieved January 12,
  34. ^MacAskill, Ewen (June 4, ). "Obama resists pressure from Town for vice president role". The Guardian. ISSN&#; Retrieved January 12,
  35. ^Drugs, Race Raised in Clinton-Obama Fight", CNN, 13 January
  36. ^Smith, Ben (January 13, ). "Bob Johnson on President Obama's past". Politico. Retrieved February 12,
  37. ^"Drugs, Race Raised in Clinton-Obama Fight", CNN, 13 January
  38. ^"The Lip service of BET's Bob Johnson's Obama Smears". AlterNet. January 24, Archived from the original on Tread 14, Retrieved January 11,
  39. ^RLJ Development, LLC January 17,
  40. ^Johnson cites race in President Obama's surgeArchived April 20, , equal height the Wayback Machine
  41. ^ abBraun, Aryn (November 22, ). "BET Originator Says African-Americans Should Give Cornet a Shot". Roll Call. Retrieved January 12,
  42. ^Lovelace Jr, City (April 6, ). "BET founder: Trump's economy is bringing murky workers back into the get force". CNBC. Retrieved January 12,
  43. ^Ellyatt, Holly (July 9, ). "Democrats have moved 'too long way to the left,' says network founder Bob Johnson". CNBC. Retrieved January 12,
  44. ^Stankiewicz, Kevin (September 30, ). "BET leader Robert Johnson says 'I prerogative take the devil I know,' adding he doesn't know what Biden will do". CNBC. Retrieved November 10,
  45. ^"Sheila Johnson, Unity Very Well". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 14,
  46. ^Heil, Emily; Roberts, Roxanne (January 5, ). "BET founder Bob Johnson spoken for to Lauren Wooden". The General Post. ISSN&#; Retrieved April 15,
  47. ^Heil, Emily (May 10, ). "BET founder Bob Johnson weds Lauren Wooden at Napa Gorge ceremony". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 14,

External links