He dedicated more than 45 years to the Salt Lake City media community, where he served as President of Simmons Media and, later, as CEO of Broadway Media, helping shape Utah broadcasting. Now, many are pausing to recall the life and accomplishments of Stephen Johnson, who has died at the age of 74.
“He will be remembered for his kindness, his sense of humor, his thoughtful leadership, and his genuine love for people,” an obituary shared last week notes. “Whether in his professional life, church service, or personal relationships, he had a unique ability to make others feel valued and heard. He was larger than life, made everything joyous, and left everyone better after they were with him.”
Johnson passed on May 19; the cause of death was not shared. However, Johnson had relinquished his active duties at Broadway Media in September 2025 to General Manager Jacquie Louie.
An operator of seven radio stations, a growing digital platform and a formidable out-of-home advertising network in the Salt Lake City market, Broadway Media earlier this month signed a strategic digital advertising partnership with Townsquare Media, the latest in a series of pacts that brings the “local first” company’s Townsquare Ignite digital advertising services to an industry peer in a market where Townsquare does not own stations.
