BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer
Ron “Jomama Johnson” Shepard has meant more to the broadcast industry than anyone else over the past 23 years. He is responsible for creating an awareness of Clear Channel Broadcasting that hadn’t been done before.
On December 20th, Jomama Johnson officially retired as the Program Manager and Promoter for Clear Channel Radio.
“I’ve had a lot of enjoyable experiences over the years,” said Jomama.
“This is an ever-learning industry, so there’s always something out there to pick up on and use.”
Jomama said his profession afforded him the opportunity to meet super stars, and bring those personalities close to his listening audience.
Jomama said he’ll return to radio, but for now, he’s going to take care of his mother in Lake Wales.
As far as the industry is concerned, Jomama said it’s very competitive.“This is an ego-driven industry that also has a lot of politics connected to it. I understand it’s part of the job, even though it can be difficult at times.”
As far as his on-air persona is concerned, Jomama said he’s learned if you’re not about nothing, then no one is about you. “No one will hire Ron Shepard to do any promotions, but they will hire Jomama Johnson. Right now, life is a mental challenge, and I’m prepared to be Ron Shepard instead of Jomama. The love of my family is all that matters right now.”
Jomama said as far as Clear Channel is concerned, he knows he left a huge footprint behind. “I started out there as an intern and now I’ve done every job in radio. I am responsible for creating 95.7 The Beat, and getting out there and promoting the station.”
Jomama said getting into radio was always a dream of his, and he can’t think of anything else he’d rather do. “Now that I’m retired, I will do whatever I have to do.”
Of the 23 years Jomama has been in the industry, 19 of them were in Tampa at Clear Channel.
Jomama’s wife, Prophetess B. Shepard, was the host of Sunday Morning Glory, a gospel show, and also has left the station. “Now, we both will be starting over,” said Jomama.
