From the moment Dr Hume Nicola Johnson opens her mouth to speak, particularly about political affairs and political ideas, you can tell that she has a rare political instinct. And as soon as her signature deliberate, measured tone and compelling yet charming manner of speech reverberates from her clearly trained vocal chords, you know that communication is her game. At only 33 years old, this charismatic national of the Caribbean island of Jamaica ranks in the top 5 percent of communication specialists and broadcast journalists in Jamaica, having amassed some 15 years of combined experience in the media and communications industries spanning television and radio broadcasting with both government and commercial broadcasters; public relations within the cultural industries sector and strategic political communication. At present, Dr Johnson passes on her expertise and experience as a lecturer in Journalism and Communication at James Cook University, Queensland, AUSTRALIA. She teaches Advanced Television, and Radio Broadcasting and Public Relations.
Dr. Johnson holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Political Science & Public Policy (University of Waikato, New Zealand), a Masters of Science Degree in Government (UWI, Mona, Jamaica) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media and Communications (CARIMAC, UWI, Jamaica). Her current research focuses on citizenship and governance, popular citizen participation, social movements and civil society. Other significant interests include media studies, political communication, the conduct of elections and the workings of political parties.
Dr. Johnson is currently working on her first book entitled ‘Roadblocks to Civil Society: Popular Protest and Governance in Jamaica”. She is the co-author of ‘Jamaican Dons, Italian Mafias and the chances of a reversible destiny’ (Political Studies, Vol. 56, March 2008); ‘Performing Protest: The Mass Media as Stage’ (International Journal of Media and Cultural Politics, Vol 2, no. 4, 2008) and “Ode to Quasheba: Resistance Rituals of Higgler Women in Jamaica” (On the Edges of Development: Cultural Interventions, New York: Routledge, 2009). Dr. Johnson has also published on the politics of incivility among the marginalised in Jamaica (Political Studies, Vol. 53 (3), 2005) and the role of civil society in degarrisonisation (Forthcoming, International Journal of Crime and community Safety).
Hume Johnson
Hume Johnson’s deepening interest and passion for political affairs and political communication began in her early teens when she became particularly attentive to and fascinated by the ideas of former Jamaican Prime Minister, Michael Manley; the practice of governance in her native Jamaica and issues of social justice which beset her fellow Jamaicans. Her genuine interests in Jamaican politics and media made her well-placed to assume a role as a producer at the government’s news agency, Jamaica Information Service (JISTV) and Anchor of its flagship programme, Jamaica Magazine. Her extraordinary talent for broadcasting led Hume to her employment as a Specialist Newsreader at Radio Jamaica (RJR) and FAME FM.
Dr. Johnson’s expertise and gift as a communicator was beginning to spread. In 1995, Jamaican reggae superstar, Tony Rebel, contracted the communication services of Dr. Johnson to position his personal brand, publicise his reggae festival, Rebel Salute; production firm, Flames Production as well as artistes under the Flames label, including the now popular Queen Ifrica. Dr. Johnson nearly two-decade old association with Tony Rebel, Flames Production, Rebel Salute and the Jamaican reggae industry underscores her enormous regard for the talent and mission of Tony Rebel. Hume was influential in getting the revered artiste to be properly recognised with a national honour for his contribution to music in Jamaica. Tony Rebel was conferred with an Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica in 1999.
Hume (L) with entertainers Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica
Dr. Johnson has over the last decade been actively engaged in the Jamaican public sector as a communications consultant with the Jamaican government and strategic advisor with political parties. For example, Hume served as a political speechwriter in the Ministry of National Security, a researcher/writer with author and former Senator and State Minister in Foreign Affairs, Delano Franklyn, and as a youth advisor on a Prime Ministerial Advisory Council convened by former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Most. Hon. P.J. Patterson. Dr. Johnson’s extraordinary capacity for strategic communication analysis, her ability to articulate and make lucid complex issues, and her public profile as an excellent broadcaster made her a valuable member of the Youth Advisory Council.
Hume’s remarkable political instinct and keen political observations has caused her expertise to be solicited by the academic community, local community groups, media professionals and political parties. In 2007, Hume was engaged as a political analyst on the post political debates coverage of the Jamaican General Elections, and commentator on public issues on several media programmes, including guest host of radio talk show, Disclosure (HOT 102 FM).
Hume getting ready to deliver a media training workshop to students at Howard University, Washington DC
Today, Dr Johnson operates under her own professional brand, HUME JOHNSON CONSULTANTS. She offers services in political and public affairs counselling, research as well as strategic political communication. Dr. Johnson also offers communications consultancy and training through a media/communication training series called THE COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP, which she co-founded with best friend, Dr. Nickesia Gordon. You are welcome to surf their blog at http://thecommunicationexperts.blogspot.com
Dr. Johnson is committed to her country Jamaica and in this regard has recently launched the REBRAND JAMAICA PROJECT, an international public relations initiative designed to improve Jamaica’s global image and reputation using strategic communication tools. Dr. Hume Johnson maybe contacted at by email: humepela@gmail.com and at the following URLs: www.twitter.com/humejohnson
www.reverbnation.com/humejohnson
