Red Zebra Broadcasting has announced that it has hired Chris Johnson as Program Director for ESPN 980. Johnson will return to the radio station starting Monday February 15th.
Johnson brings nearly three decades of broadcast experience to ESPN 980. His career spans all sides of the industry, including having spent time as a writer, producer, on-air talent and program director for various outlets in the Washington, D.C. market.
In addition to his extensive local background, Johnson’s résumé includes several years as a producer for Westwood One, helping the network air national game broadcasts for the NFL and NCAA. Johnson re-joins ESPN 980, where he worked in various capacities from 1996-2008. He served as the station’s Program Director from 2005-08. Most recently, Johnson worked as a reporter covering the Washington Nationals for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.
“We are excited to have someone with Chris’s experience and skill to help us build and grow ESPN 980,” said Terry Bateman, Chairman, Red Zebra Broadcasting. “We have a great line-up of talent, and great content and look forward to putting it all together to give our listeners the best sports talk radio in the Washington market.
In addition to leading the station’s award-winning group of daily shows, Johnson will oversee ESPN 980’s diverse offering of live game broadcasts, including serving as the flagship station of the Washington Redskins Radio Network. The station is also Washington, D.C.’s radio home for the Baltimore Orioles, Maryland Terrapins and Virginia Cavaliers as well.
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
