CBS News executive Crystal Johns is becoming an agent at Bienstock, UTA’s news and broadcast division, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Johns’ experience recruiting and developing talent as CBS News’ director of talent development and diversity, a role she originated, should serve as a logical segue for her new position, where she will represent broadcast news clients in network, cable and major local markets.
A multiple Emmy and National Association of Black Journalists award winner, Johns got her start as a producer and booker for WJZ-TV talk show People are Talking in Baltimore, co-hosted by Oprah Winfrey, who also was just starting out in her career. Johns eventually became executive producer for the show and special projects manager for the CBS-owned station. She also has served as executive producer and producer for WCVB-TV’s Good Day in Boston. Johns was a coordinating producer for Allen/Nee Productions, taking the lead on projects for CNN Newsource, before joining CBS News in 2006.
“Crystal is an immensely talented executive who brings years of experience in identifying and recruiting exceptional talent to our practice,” Bienstock co-president and co-founder Richard Leibner said Wednesday in a statement. “We know Crystal will be a terrific agent, and we’re delighted she has joined our team.”
