Substitute Newstudies Instructor

Kristen Johanson has been a reporter for KYW Newsradio since January 2015.

Recently named the "crime and justice reporter" Kristen now primarily covers crime in and around the city, trials in both Philadelphia and Federal courts. She is also co-creator/producer of the podcast "Gone Cold: Philadelphia Unsolved Murders" which highlights unsolved murders in the region. As a reporter for KYW, she has been part of the news team covering the 2015 Papal visit, the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and the 2018 Eagles Super Bowl victory and parade. She has helped mentor future journalists through the station’s ‘Newstudies’ program and the 2016 Democratic National Convention Youth News Team.

​

Prior to joining KYW Newsradio, she worked at CBS-3 for 5 years as planning and assignment editor, but began her career at FOX 29 as a production assistant. Johanson is a member of two professional organizations, the Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors.

A graduate of Towson University, Johanson spent four years as a Division I swimmer, serving as captain her senior year, and as secretary of the university’s Proud Athletes Who Serve for two years. Johanson received a bachelor's degree in both English and mass communication.

​

On the side, Johanson volunteers for Philabundance's Hunger Coalition Communications Committee, and enjoys spending time with her 'Little,' as a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Johanson is a native of Maple Glen, Pa, and went to Upper Dublin High School.