Michelle "Breeze" Johnson
Michelle "Breeze" Johnson
MEDIA & MUSIC INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE
MEDIA & MUSIC INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE
BET Networks, New York, NY
Sr. Director of Music Programming & Talent Relations
2012 - Present
- Book stellar music and celebrity talent (i.e. superstar & emerging artists, film & television actors, social influencers, athletes, luminaries, etc.) on a global network scale throughout all BETN including: Linear, Experiential (Live Events/Festivals), Digital, Social, Brand Creative, Ad Sales, etc.
Work closely with Executive Producers on the creative process & production of shows, specials, tentpoles with respect to talent integrations, performances, and in-show executions
- Project-manage and oversee talent logistics for multiple shoots/executions in a fast-paced environment from inception through to completion
- Handle talent relations with the purpose of positive experiences for talent at all times. When necessary, quickly trouble-shoot and problem-solve issues to ensure network relationships with talent are always intact.
- Manage multiple teams and manage, train, coach, and develop employee's growth within our departments ( Talent teams & Music Programming team)
- Develop & implement the music programming strategy, branded music initiatives, and multi-platform music content for our BET Music Digi-Networks
- Oversee the music programming & strategy for all BET music networks & platforms which include: BET HER, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Hip Hop, BET Gospel, BET Caribbean, BET Canada, BET Pluto, SVOD and oversee BET playlist curation of all DSP's: Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal and Audiomack
- Work closely with the Rights & Clearances team on music clearances and music supervision of BET series, shows, movies, promo campaigns and soundtracks
Facilitate relationships between BET Ad Sales and record labels & talent to build revenue-generating partnerships for our BET Music Digi-Networks. Work with Ad Sales to help secure major buys based on the music brands, programming, and creative
Work with BET International on global initiatives to expand the music brands and audiences worldwide (i.e. placement of BET Soul & BET Jams in BET PLAY App making them available in over 100 countries)
Constantly build, nurture, and maintain relationships in the entertainment industry (record labels, talent mgmt., publicists, agencies, movie studios, music publishers, etc.)
Attend various industry events, concerts/shows, screenings, business dinners, etc. to maintain industry relationships and represent as a BET Network Executive out in the marketplace
Music Choice, New York, NY
Sr. Manager of Music Programming & Talent Relations
2009 - 2012
- Responsible for the launch and music video programming on SWRV (MC’s 24/7 fully interactive Pop/Rock/Rhythmic/Urban music video broadcast network) resulting in a 50% increase in viewer interactivity
- Implemented the strategic planning and outreach of label/artist relations to book talent on SWRV and Video On Demand original series
- Created and executed programming stunts and on-air music campaigns/initiatives with sponsorship opportunity
- Managed various company projects/business initiatives (i.e. Facebook Connect, SWRV Apps, Mobile Apps, etc) to help expand and cross-promote the brand
- Managed and trained a team of multi-genre music programmers (Pop, Rhythmic, and Urban formats) for the SWRV interactive music network
VH1 – MTV Networks, New York, NY
Sr. Director of Music Programming & Label Relations
2002 - 2009
- Lead development and implementation of music programming strategy generating a 25% increase in ratings
- Managed talent & label relations for artist franchises, various productions, and programming
- Planned and programmed music video hours on Vh1 and also launched Vh1 Soul music network which included programming all music videos, on-air promos, graphics packaging, stunts (artist hosted video blocks, themed & marathon programming, long-form specials/acquisitions, etc.)
- Managed and trained a team of multi-genre music programmers for the Vh1 digital music networks – Vh1 Soul, Vh1 MegaHits & Vh1 Country ***Also programmed all these networks for years prior***
- Directed critical aspects and programming strategy for the launch of the adult lifestyle, music, and entertainment network – Centric now known as BET Her
- Managed music and talent for the emerging artist franchise – “You Oughta Know”
- Worked closely with the "Save The Music" team to help secure Talent for their live events and pro-social initiatives in schools
- Created and developed new long-form original series for Vh1 Soul (SoulStage, Soul Cities)
- Coordinated logistics of off-air events (launch events, performances/showcases, media sponsored tours, etc.)
- Managed music video acquisitions process from submission through to on-air
- Managed creation of music research materials for Focus Groups and/or mallout research
- Managed the weekly creation & distribution of the Music Programming Report, digital network playlists, weekly rotations and spin reports
WERQ FM – Radio One, Baltimore, MD
Interim Music Director & PT On-Air Personality
2000 - 2002
- Handled daily 24hr music programming for the #1 radio rhythmic/urban station in the market
- Booked artist performances and celebrity talent appearances at station concerts, events, and local promotions
- Worked closely with record labels on label & artist partnerships, music submissions and radio station visits/bookings
- Conducted Music Meetings and worked with the Program Director to decide weekly rotations, develop themed music franchises, and new programming initiatives
- Part-time On-Air Personality – Weekend Mixshow Shift
- Responsible for air-checking station DJs and scheduling all Mix Show Jocks weekly
- Coordinated large events, concerts & promotions for Radio One stations (WERQ, WWIN-FM, WWIN-AM, WOLB)
- Analyzed and interpreted all music market research (i.e. BDS, Soundscan, Mediabase, callout research, etc.)
- Prepared reports, presentations, and statistical analysis of overall station ratings and individual daypart ratings
Education
Morgan State University
Bachelor of Arts
Visual Arts & Telecommunications
Maryland Institute College of Art
Graphic Arts & Design Program
Certificate of Completion
Highlighted Recognitions
Essence Magazine
20 Most Influential People In Black Music.
Recognized as the "GOT NEXT" Network Exec
A.I.R.
Active Industry Research
1ST Place Winner of National
R&B A.I.R. Competition
Sister 2 Sister Magazine
Office with a View Spotlight
"Stay tuned as Breeze continues to realize her vision by ushering in waves of innovation and hotness to the masses."
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