Tyrone Johnson returned to the Philadelphia airwaves this past Friday as the former 97.5 The Fanatic host took the mic on New Jersey 101.5. Filling in for Dennis Malloy on his midday program Dennis & Judi, he worked alongside co-host Judi Franco as they discussed non-sports topics, since Johnson said he has a non-compete clause in his contract with The Fanatic.
To begin the program, Johnson opened by expressing his thanks for the opportunity to host on the show on Friday.
“I’m very excited to be on here for the first time in fourteen years,” said Johnson. “I started here literally in May of 2004, and now I’m back.”
Johnson’s appearance comes three weeks after his last show and dismissal from 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia. He was let go as the third piece of The Best Show Ever? to be replaced, after the program launched in 2022 as a foursome between Johnson, Ricky Bottalico, Hunter Brody, and Jennifer Scordo. However, cuts at Beasley later led to Brody’s departure in 2023. Furthermore, in 2024, Scordo left when she was also cut from the program. Notably, Brody has since landed at rival station 94WIP.
Meanwhile, Johnson lists that he was an assistant chief engineer for New Jersey 101.5 on his personal LinkedIn page and shared stories of his past with the station.
“This is a big deal, I love this place,” said Johnson. “I have such fond memories of this place. Time goes on, you get distance away from things and then you appreciate things even more because of how kind you (Franco) were and a lot other people taught me a lot early on not just about radio but about life.”
Although the fill-in was just for the day, Johnson noted at the end of the program that he hopes to have another opportunity with the radio station to fill in.
“This, to me, I am overjoyed to be here,” said Johnson. “I’m a little tired, I didn’t sleep at all last night, but other than that I’m rolling.”
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