This week we interview Johnathan Walton. A graduate from Campion College, he is a Jamaican born, four-time Emmy Award winning, comedic TV reporter, stand-up comedian and TV producer. His TV career began at WSVN-TV the FOX affiliate in Miami, Florida as a Special Projects segment producer. He later moved to San Antonio, Texas to be the Comedy TV reporter at KABB-TV the city’s FOX affiliate and then he did a 5 year Comedy TV reporter stint at CBS in Houston. Currently he’s living in Los Angeles writing, doing stand-up comedy and producing TV Shows.
Q: What do you call the type of Journalism you do?
It’s not journalism. It’s JOURNALUNACY.
Q: When did you realize you had a comedic talent?
In about a year from now.
Q: Some will argue that it is Howard Stern outside the studio?
I’m flattered. But I disagree. I do funny journalism. Howard does fart jokes and x-rated Jerry Springer shtick.
Q: You have won 4 Emmy awards. Were you surprised when you won your first one?
I was surprised and excited and thrilled and overjoyed and grateful. They’re regional Emmys not national Emmys but my mom can’t tell the difference so it’s all good.
Q: You worked for WSVN channel 7 in Miami that is hailed as the station that brought sensational news to the nation. Did this influence you in your journalism journey?
It was my first job out of college. I learned a lot at WSVN. But no, it didn’t influence me. My biggest influence was Jeanne Moos at CNN. She was the reporter doing the funny/interesting/weird stories and I thought, “I want to do that!” And I did.
Q: What do you think of Rick Sanchez? Are you friends with him?
If by “friends” you mean, do I follow him home every night and peek through his bathroom window while he brushes his teeth? If so, then yes. We’re friends.
Q: Tell us about Some Stupid Show?
Some Stupid Show is kind of like a “60 Minutes” for freaks and weirdos done in 30. Go to somestupidshow.com for more info.
Q: How do you keep a straight face doing some of the interviews you do for your show?
Botox. Lots of botox.
Q: What is the weirdest show you have done?
Human Suspension. It’s where “artists” drive stainless-steel hooks through their skin and hang from the ceiling with them. Here’s a link to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZfudYn8ooA
Q: Do you have any other projects in the works?
Right now I’m producing a new series for The History Channel called: Brad Meltzer’s Decoded. It premiers after Thanksgiving 2010.
Q: Is men wearing jean shorts cool or uncool?
You mean Jorts? Very uncool.
Q: Men wearing Lady GaGa type boots cool or uncool?
It depends on what color their purse is.
Q: Thanks for the interview any final thoughts?
Can I use your restroom?
