Wendell “Max” Johnson

Treasurer

Wendell “Max” Johnson is a founding member of CFABJ. He is also a CFABJ Hall of Fame inductee.

After a high school teacher encouraged him to join a debate team, he was inspired to major in radio and television at the University of Detroit.

Wendell’s big break came while working at Sears when he landed a morning news role at a new AM/FM station in Melbourne. He began his first radio job monitoring live and recorded programs shortly after.

Johnson’s commitment to uplifting Black voices led him to Orlando, where he became News Director at WORL and adopted the name “Max.” Continuing to make his mark, Johnson served as a street reporter, NAACP cable TV news show host, and Star 94 News Director.

In 1983, he notably helped co-found the Black Media Association/Central Florida (now CFABJ), advocating for greater inclusion and representation of Black professionals in journalism and station management.

A memorable highlight was the 2001 NABJ National Conference at Disney World, where CFABJ’s efforts raised $20,000 for workshops and scholarships for aspiring journalists.