Alum Chris Johnson keeps Lakeside in the Loop

Christopher Johnson (‘93) earned a degree in Mass Communications and Computer Information Science. From 2000-2013 he served at Bethany Lutheran College as studio director and faculty member and helped start the Television and Film program. During this time, he earned a Masters in Media Studies from The New School in New York. Chris worked at WSAW-TV, Wausau, as operations manager, helped launch WZAW-TV, a FOX network affiliate; and is now an engineer at WDJT-TV, CBS 58, Milwaukee, coordinating live news reports, installing equipment and maintaining reporter IT gear.

On his years at Lakeside

I ran cross country for two years, but running wasn’t my strength. Coach Walta asked me to be the manager and videographer. I think I ran more videotaping the team than I did in races. I put together highlight videos, which built my passion for video production. Coach Jim Unke asked me to produce a video of the basketball team. They won the Lutheran Invitational Tournament, and I made a highlight video, “Three Point Magic,” which Coach played at the awards banquet. That led to paid projects, starting my path to video production as a career.

There is no doubt God used Lakeside teachers to lead me down the path God intended for my life, even though when I attended Lakeside there were no video production classes or a video lab.

On the Lakeside Loop

Since leaving Bethany, I have missed mentoring students. I was humbled when Mr. Hackbath reached out to me. Brock Schneider and Jacob Greidl are talented and hard-working students. I help them determine what is newsworthy, record their anchor pieces, and write in a conversational style. I’ve been impressed with how they have become comfortable in delivering the news in such a short time. For two students to have consistently produced a weekly news program for 10 weeks is impressive. Too often students want to produce “late night comedy” news. Brock and Jacob have been consistent in telling Lakeside’s stories professionally.

On Christians and the media

We are in an age where the media isn’t trusted. The best way we can contribute is to develop Christian journalists who seek to tell the story, not interject opinion. Journalists who look for positive stories that make people feel good about their community. God blessed us with the technology of audio/video production and I know he wants us to use it to tell stories about his blessings. Students can also use these skills to create media content for their church, using the God-given gifts of technology in sharing the love of Jesus.

On working with LLHS students

Lakeside students are hardworking, dedicated, and multi-talented. I’ve felt a genuine respect from the students. The students want to learn and that passion is fueled by teachers. Mr. Hackbarth provides support and holds the students to a high standard. The quality of the students’ work is a direct reflection of his commitment to excellence.

Chris worked extensively this semester with juniors Brock Schneider (foreground) and Jacob Griedl (background) on the “Loop.”

From videography teacher Todd Hackbarth ...

When Ted Klug (‘92) was a teacher here, he pushed to get a videography course. Chris came to Lake Mills for a week and gave me a crash course. He not only provided great amounts of knowledge to set up the curriculum, but he also found ways to expand the meager amounts of equipment we had.

That brings us to the Lakeside Loop. Because Chris is free Monday through Wednesday, he offered to help—an offer I couldn’t refuse. With his expertise, and Isaiah Minning joining the two other young men, Lakeside Loop was born. Chris is a great example of alum moved by God to help Christian education. page 12 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 1 | llhs.org Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 1 | llhs.org | page 13