Spotlight: Bryce Johnson: Mako Media Network’s man of many hats

By Brielle Aguayo •

Walking into The Current’s newsroom can be chaotic, with the graphic design team laying out the paper and scrambling to fit photos, reporters clicking away at their keyboards and constant meetings in a bustling energetic atmosphere. It can be overwhelming. But anyone who walks through the door and into the chaos will also find a quiet presence in the corner of the newsroom. A voice full of comfort and warmth, Bryce Johnson, Mako Media graduate assistant and editor-in-chief, is The Current’s calm in the storm.

“Bryce is a man of many hats. He pretty much can excel in any challenge. He has covered major stories with huge expectations and handles all of it with excellence and integrity,” Mike Lynn, assistant director of Mako Media Network, said. “No matter how high the stakes are, Bryce can handle them, whether it is meeting a celebrity for an interview or meeting with the president, he can translate all of his ideas in a clear and cohesive way,”

Johnson, a graduate student in the Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media program, first began his journey at Mako Media Network his junior year through a recommendation from his professor, Megan Fitzgerald, who saw his potential in her Introduction to Print Journalism course.

“Bryce was initially shy in class, but his writing made him stand out almost right away,” Fitzgerald said. “He has so much talent and an ability to take feedback and run with it–always coming back with something stronger.”

Johnson registered for the course because he needed an ExEl credit and by joining the course he was able to receive one.

“So, I wrote some articles for the class,” Johnson said. “After the class ended, Dr. Fitzgerald suggested that I come to The Current as a reporter, and it made me want to join, because she was so nice and the people there were nice too, and it felt like it was a place where I could really learn and grow.”

Soon after joining as a contributing writer, Johnson grew into other roles, such as copy editor and managing editor, but his current leadership role as editor-in-chief is what has helped him gain the most experience.

Like Fitzgerald, Chris Delboni, director of Mako Media Network, immediately saw his potential when she came to NSU two years ago.

“There was no doubt in my mind Bryce would be an incredible editor-in-chief,” Delboni said. “He has a level of attention, promptness, professionalism and kindness, a combination I have never seen in one person. He is a brilliant journalist and an amazing human being.”

Johnson appreciates the diversity of coverage in this role.

“My favorite thing about being EIC is that I get to work with so many stories. I like getting different people’s perspectives and helping them because I feel like, if I were just a contributing writer, I would just come in for the [newspaper meeting] and then go back out,” Johnson said.

Being EIC has helped him form strong bonds.

He said he likes to see people grow and that it’s inspiring watching people progress in such a short time.

Johnson reports on different stories like news, features and arts and entertainment, but his favorite types of stories are personality profiles.

“I really like the profile that I did on Alex Hernández for Mako Radio because I think that was the first time I interacted with her, and I learned a lot about her, like how she went to Colombia and how she had her nonprofit and was able to distribute things to children in need. I like learning all about the things that she does, and I feel like that experience helped me become more knowledgeable of her and Mako Radio,” Johnson said.

Personality profiles have allowed Johnson to build connections with people like Gerard Wheeler, assistant dean of Student Engagement, who opened up to Johnson about his life and passion for student engagement.

“It was fun learning about him and the impact he had on so many students, and getting to talk to them and the faculty here and how much they admire him,” Johnson said. “It was like, nice and heartwarming to see.”

One of the biggest challenges Johnson faced was multitasking by editing stories, while reporting on others. But he has learned to stay focused and pace himself.

“I am very proud of how Bryce handles major stories, and in some of the most intense and time sensitive situations can stay focused and calm and deliver the same level of high quality work that he always does,” Lynn said.

Johnson said his most challenging article was on the 2023 pronoun policy implemented at NSU, which allows students, faculty and staff to specify their preferred names and pronouns on their SharkCards, emails, and Canvas accounts.

“It was interesting seeing how the policy impacted them and their different opinions on it. I had to be careful to make sure that I attributed the correct wording and pronouns to the correct individual and make sure that no one was disrespected even if unintentionally,” Johnson said.

When he’s not writing and reporting, Johnson helps reporters with their articles and gives them guidance.

“Bryce definitely helped me with more technical writing because, since he edits my stuff, I know how to write better, and he’s a really great writer,” Danna Bertel, The Current’s former features editor, said. “Through him, I can learn a lot more about how to better write an article.”

Bertel added that Johnson is always there when reporters and staff members need assistance.

“There was a time that I couldn’t make it to an interview, and I asked him if he could interview that person for me. He right away helped. He’s definitely helpful and is always open to helping you out with anything that you need. I found that really nice to have, especially when someone’s above you,” Bertel said.

Other than working at The Current, Johnson loves to read, draw, write, watch movies and play video games. His dream is to be a children’s book author after graduate school and one day, maybe, even write movie scripts.

“My favorite movie is Spiderman: Into the Spider Verse, and when I saw the animation and the writing, it was so inspiring and unique. It made me want to be a part of something like that, I think I would love to maybe be a writer on something like that film or anything,” Johnson said.

Sabrenda Adkins, Johnson’s mother, also wants him to continue to pursue writing and is proud of how much he has grown.

“I’m proud of his dedication, both with the newspaper and personally, because he’s been journaling since he’s been in elementary school. I like his dedication to just the art of writing, he writes everything and so that’s what I’m proud of, his dedication to writing.”

Being a part of Mako Media Network has given Johnson the opportunity to practice his writing while also being a crucial part of The Current’s leadership team.

“Bryce has a heart of gold and is genuinely invested in everything that you share with him, and he’ll ask you, he’ll touch base with you and follow up about things that you shared with him,” Lynn said.