Kathleen Johnston
Kathleen Johnston is an Indiana University alumna and the Founding Director of the Michael I. Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism at The Media School. Her work during her 30-year career as an investigative journalist has been featured on state, national, and international levels.
After graduating from IU in 1982, her career began as a journalist for The Indianapolis News, where she quickly began cementing herself as one of the best investigative journalists in the state. She quickly worked her way up in the industry when she accepted the position of co-director of WTHR Channel 13’s investigative team. Her work investigating city government led to her team receiving national recognition and multiple awards. In 2004, Johnston took on a senior investigative journalist position at CNN where her work was broadcast across the country and gained worldwide recognition for exposing corruption among national leaders. After 10 years with the network, Johnston moved on to become the sole investigative producer for CBS News in Washington where she covered homeland security issues. Her career would eventually lead her back to Indiana where she became the Founding Director of the Arnolt Center at IU in 2018.
Johnston’s thoughtful work and insightful investigative pieces have led to various law changes, exposed government corruption, and won various national awards including Emmys, Peabodys, and Edward R. Murrow Awards.
In 2017, Johnston won the Media School Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University.
Early Years and Education
In 1982, Kathleen Johnston graduated from IU with a dual degree in journalism and political science. During her time at IU, she honed her skills and developed a passion for investigative reporting. The university laid the foundation for her career, instilling in her the values of integrity, diligence, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
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The Indianapolis News
After graduating from IU and before her national prominence, Johnston's career began at The Indianapolis News. Covering city government, sports finance, and investigative stories, she demonstrated versatility and a keen understanding of the dynamic nature of journalism.
Her reporting on the major stadium developments for the Indiana Pacers and the Indianapolis Colts added a new dimension to her repertoire. Notably, Johnston won a national Scripps-Howard Service to the First Amendment award for a series of stories that changed Indiana's open records law.
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Additionally, Johnston played a pivotal role in a seven-day investigative series about the Lilly Endowment and its role in revitalizing downtown Indianapolis. Her commitment to unraveling complex issues and her skillful storytelling earned her recognition both locally and nationally.
WTHR Channel 13
Transitioning to WTHR in Indianapolis marked a significant shift for Johnston, who moved from print to television. Johnston co-managed a five-member team, including Gerry Lanosga, now Indiana University Director of Journalism and Associate Professor, that achieved unparalleled success. Her leadership played a pivotal role in winning over 40 national, state, and local awards, including the prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award, a significant milestone for the NBC affiliate.
As an investigative producer, Johnston was responsible for generating story ideas and shepherding projects through to broadcast. During these years, WTHR became the top-rated local news station in Indianapolis, solidifying its reputation as a driving force in the world of investigative journalism.
CNN
Johnston left Indianapolis for CNN, where she would make significant strides in investigative journalism. Her work at CNN exemplifies her commitment to exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable.
One of her landmark achievements at CNN was the revelation of Medicare fraud in the medical devices business. Additionally, her team uncovered a scheme wasting tax dollars along the Canadian border, leading to the cancellation of a $32 million Department of Homeland Security contract. The impact of these investigations was far-reaching, prompting reforms and earning Johnston's team the National Press Foundation’s Everett McKinley Dirksen Award and a national Emmy.
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During her time with the station, Johnston had the opportunity to produce numerous documentaries, including the nationally acclaimed Footnotes of 9/11. The documentary followed eight different individuals and outlined their experiences during the events of the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City.
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For one of these stories, Johnston, along with reporter Drew Griffin, had the opportunity to interview Michael Touhey, an airport gate agent who interacted with two of the hijackers on the morning of 9/11. In this story, Johnston explores Touhey’s interaction, along with his feelings of guilt in the aftermath of the attacks.
As a senior investigative producer at CNN based in the Greater Atlanta Area, Johnston demonstrated a rare ability to develop long-term investigative projects and in-depth enterprise stories. Her work not only shed light on unique angles during breaking news but also catalyzed government and business reforms. The numerous awards, including Emmys, Peabodys, and Murrow awards, underscore the caliber of Johnston's work and its impact on the field.
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CBS News - Washington D.C.
Johnston's journey continued at CBS News where she served as the network’s sole investigative producer in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. With a special emphasis on homeland security issues, Johnston delved into the intricate web of federal agencies including the FBI, Justice Department, Transportation Security Administration, ATF, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Her work at CBS News showcased her breadth of expertise, exemplifying her commitment to unearthing stories that matter. From covering the Paris and San Bernardino terror attacks to assisting in daily coverage of federal agencies, Johnston continued to make invaluable contributions to the field.
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Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism
Kathleen Johnston's illustrious career was further commemorated when she was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame by The Media School at IU in 2017. This recognition reflects her individual accomplishments and enduring impact on investigative journalism.
Following Johnston’s induction ceremony, she was approached by the Media School’s associate Dean where he asked if Johnston would ever consider teaching at the school. A few months later, the Media School Dean, James Shanahan, contacted Johnston and asked to have lunch with her. During their meeting, Shanahan offered Johnston a position as a visiting professor of practice.
However, Shanahan’s goal was not to simply have Johnston teach courses; in fact, he did not even want her to teach during her first semester. Instead, Shanahan wanted to offer a more permanent position to her. In 2018, Johnston was officially named the Founding Director for the Media School’s newly introduced Michael I. Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism.
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Present Day
Throughout her career, Johnston's guiding principle has been, “Shining a light where authorities would rather keep the public in the dark.” Her tenacity, coupled with her journalistic prowess, has not only exposed corruption and catalyzed reforms but has also inspired the next generation of investigative journalists.
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Kathleen Johnston's journey is a testament to the power of investigative journalism to effect change. From her early years at IU to her role as the founding director of IU's Michael I. Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism, Johnston's legacy is woven into the very fabric of the field she has dedicated her life to. Her story is one of unwavering commitment, fearless pursuit of truth, and a profound impact on the world of journalism.
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_________________________________________________________________________________________
By Victoria Rhemrev and Jack Lindner
Edited by Jack Lindner
For more information on the life and career of Kathleen Johnston, watch her full oral history interview.
Last Edit: February 14th, 2024
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The Investigators: Ameritech Gerry Lanosga Collection |
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The Investigators: Taken for a Ride Gerry Lanosga Collection |
2002 |
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Eye Witness News; The Investigators: Running from the Law part 1 Gerry Lanosga Collection |
2002 |
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The Investigators: Running from the Law Gerry Lanosga Collection |
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The Investigators: Prison (etc) Gerry Lanosga Collection |
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Newscenter 13 Breaking news: Stolen Guns, Greenfield Stabbing, (etc); Investigators Gerry Lanosga Collection |
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2003-10-30 |
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The Investigators: Case Dismissed Kathleen Johnston Collection |
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The Investigators: Delicate Balance Gerry Lanosga Collection |
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Under the Radar Kathleen Johnston Collection |
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WTHR news story on questions regarding airport security following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. |
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The Irsay Investigators Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
A WTHR Channel 13 news story on the investigators in Colt's owner Jim Irsay's prescription drug abuse case. Producers: Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga |
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The Investigators: Deadbeat Justice Gerry Lanosga Collection |
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2002 |
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Roger Harvey Compilation Kathleen Johnston Collection |
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Compilation of news story clips that include WTHR anchor Roger Harvey |
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Irsay Investigation Kathleen Johnston Collection |
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To Protect and be Served; Indiana's Holy War Kathleen Johnston Collection |
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Investigators: Dismissed DUI Cases; Section 8 Fund Scam; Guarding the Guardians Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
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Eyewitness News: Investigations 2 Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2000 |
Collection of WTHR Eyewitness News investigations that include stories on the 2000 Democratic elections, the Westville Prison allegations, and the legal battle between the IRS and the Indianapolis... |
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Eyewitness News: Investigations Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
Collection of WTHR Eyewitness News investigations, including "Guarding the Guardians", the award-winning story on Ruth Lilly, the then sole-surviving great-grandchild of pharmaceutical... |
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Eyewitness News: Behind the Badge Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR news investigation into Indianapolis Police Department officers accused of misconducts such as domestic abuse, DUIs, and police brutality toward Black-Americans and double standards towards... |
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Eyewitness News: “Guarding the Guardians” and “Behind the Badge” Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
The award-winning WTHR news story on the last surviving great-grandchild of Eli Lilly, founder of Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical company. The team investigates the legal disputes associated... |
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To Protect & Be Served Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2000 |
WTHR news investigation on Marion County Sheriff Jack Cottey and how he himself and other cops were getting away with DUIs. |
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Memorial Hospital Interview with Dr. Pou's Siblings Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2005 |
CNN Drew Griffin interviews the siblings of Dr. Pou from the Memorial Hospital in New Orleans following the mercy killing allegations during Hurricane Katrina. |
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Paula Zahn Now: "Questionable Clinic" - Coretta Scott King's Death Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2006 |
CNN news investigation into the clinic at Hospital Santa Monica following the suspicious death of Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife, Coretta Scott King. |
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Special Investigative Unit: Obama Voting Records, Midwest Floods, Mystery Oil Refinery in South Dakota, and TSA Witch Hunt Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2008 |
CNN investigation reports into Obama's voting record, a mystery oil refinery in South Dakota, and a FBI "terror watch-list" that reportedly included the names of a million people in the United... |
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"Where's Our Money": Delinquent Properties, Religious Freedom, and Native Americans Communities in Indiana Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR news story on Marion County man not paying property taxes on homes and how it impacts the community. Also includes interviews with a man on Native American Community Frustration over project... |
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Spinal Cord Stimulation Patient Education Video Kathleen Johnston Collection |
1998 |
Additional footage of a spinal cord stimulation patient education video for WTHR news. |
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Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga Going Away Party Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR news story on Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga leaving the Indianapolis Star and News. |
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IRE Watchdog Workshop: “Time Management” Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
A series of stories from CNN by Kathleen Johnston: includes stories after 9-11 about terror watch-lists and ill-equipped air marshal training. |
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Rice Lake Airport Footage for "Air Cargo Security" Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2005 |
Additional footage of Rice Lake Airport from CNN's story on air cargo security. |
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The Investigators Gerry Lanosga Collection |
1998/2003 |
S1: (00:00-06:57) Justice Delayed: DNA backlog delaying testing to solve rape crimes; |
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Memorial Medical Center Investigation Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2005 |
CNN news investigation clip of the story on the New Orleans Memorial Medical Center homicide allegations. |
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Newsnight: Memorial Medical Center Mercy Killings Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2005 |
CNN Newsnight story on the investigation into the New Orleans Memorial Medical Center "mercy killing" allegations following Hurricane Katrina. |
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Investigators: Insurance Company; Memorial Hospital; Air Cargo Security: Congress Earmarks Investigations Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2005-07 |
CNN News investigations into insurance companies, the New Orleans Memorial Hospital, air cargo security and U.S. congress "earmarks." |
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Fender-Bender Blues- Auto Insurance Companies Investigation Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2007 |
CNN news investigation into auto insurance companies that were allegedly denying claims to make more profit. |
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Investigators: "Guarding the Guardians" - Ruth Lilly Guardianship Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2000 |
WTHR news investigation into the legal battle regarding Eli Lilly's great-granddaughter Ruth Lilly. Producers: Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga |
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Memorial Hospital Dr. Bryant King Interview Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2005 |
An interview with Dr. Bryant King by CNN reporter Aaron Brown regarding the alleged New Orleans Memorial Hospital "mercy killings" during Hurricane Katrina. |
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News Compilation of "Guarding the Guardians" Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR news compilation that includes the award-winning story on Ruth Lilly’s guardianship, “Guarding the Guardians,” produced by Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga. "Guarding the... |
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The Investigators: Gerry Lanosga and Kathleen Johnston Kathleen Johnston Collection |
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Collection of news stories from "The Investigators" series on WTHR produced and written by Gerry Lanosga and Kathleen Johnston: Guarding the Guardians; |
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Investigators: Nicole Richards Recovery Battle, Bob Knight Trial, and the Indianapolis Baptist Temple Unrest Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2000 |
WTHR News Investigators stories, all produced by Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga, that include coverage on the Jim Irsay investigation, the Indianapolis Baptist Temple unrest, and the Bob... |
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Investigators: Guarding the Guardians; Dismissed DUI Cases; Jim Irsay Investigation Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR Investigators news stories produced by Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga: includes reports on Ruth Lilly's guardianship legal battle, dismissed DUI cases, and Colts manager Jim Irsay's drug... |
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Martial Art School Abuse Investigation, Payne Stewart Jet Crash, and 18-Month-Old Rescued by Good Samaritan Kathleen Johnston Collection |
1999 |
WTHR compilation including outtakes, news stories, and the investigation into a martial art school on claims of abuse (produced by Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga). Anchors: Anne... |
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Kathleen Johnston: Family Home Movies Kathleen Johnston Collection |
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A collection of award-winning news producer Kathleen Johnston's family home videos. |
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Investigators: Airport Parking; Victims Assistance; Domestic Violence Kathleen Johnston Collection |
1997 |
WTHR News Investigators series with stories ranging from airport parking, victims assistance, and domestic violence. Anchors: Anne Ryder, John Stehr, Bob Gregory, Dave Calabro, Jill... |
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Insurance Hardball Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2005 |
CNN news story on auto insurance companies that refuse to cover the full expenses of accidents and medical help. |
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M.I.S.T., Memorial Hospital, and Air Cargo Security Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2005 |
CNN news stories on faulty auto insurance claims and coverage, the New Orleans Memorial Medical Center allegations following Hurricane Katrina, and the dangerous flaws in air cargo security. |
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On The Road Again-Suspended Licenses Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2001 |
WTHR Channel 13 news story on people driving after having their licenses suspended and the legal ramifications surrounding loose laws on suspended drivers, particularly those with a DUI.... |
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WTHR Eyewitness News: Credit Score and Car Insurance + More News Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2001 |
Channel 13 Eyewitness News story on how Indiana residents credit score affects their car insurance. Producers: Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga This video also includes other WTHR... |
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CNN Investigative Unit: Airline Maintenance Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2005 |
CNN Investigative Unit story on the unsafe practice of airlines sending their planes to outside repair shops in order to save money; report also includes discussion of the poor maintenance that... |
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Case Dismissed and other news broadcasts Kathleen Johnston Collection |
1997-10 |
Segment 1: WTHR news report on driving under the influence and cases dismissed due to arresting officers not showing up for depositions or court; Segment 2: WRTV News; Segment 3:... |
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Eyewitness News: Case Dismissed-DUI Victims Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2000 |
Eyewitness News story on DUI cases that were dismissed and the reason why DUI suspects sometimes wrongfully get away with it. Producers: Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga This... |
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Art of the Interview Kathleen Johnston Collection |
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IRE Watchdog Workshop, "The Art of the Interview" |
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The Investigators Kathleen Johnston Collection |
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Several episodes of Eyewitness News: The Investigators, produced by Kathleen Johnston & Gerry Lanosga Each of the investigations was conducted by Jeremy Rogalski or Roger Harvey, who dove... |
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Kathleen Johnston Oral History Oral History Collection |
2023-10-26 |
Victoria Rhemrev interviews Kathleen Johnston |
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