Longtime Fresno radio personality and current afternoon drive Co-Host E. Curtis Johnson will retire from broadcasting on Friday, capping off a distinguished 49-year career in radio. Johnson has hosted for Cumulus Media’s News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ since March of 2023, and has hosted in afternoons alongside Philip Teresi since beginning with the radio station.
Known for his deep industry knowledge and distinctive voice, Johnson quickly became a staple of KMJ’s programming and a trusted voice for listeners across the Central Valley.
“I was truly excited to get the gig here at KMJ a little over two years ago. I’ve enjoyed working with Philip, and the entire staff has welcomed me as one of their own. I thought I’d be here longer, but some unexpected health issues made the decision to retire the right choice for me,” said Johnson. “It was a hard decision to make, but I’m comfortable that I’ve made the right call for my quality of life. I will miss this team.”
Before joining KMJ, Johnson held on-air roles in San Diego, Salt Lake City, and the Ventura-Santa Barbara, California markets. Additionally, he brought his talents to management and consulting positions across the country, serving stations in Columbia, South Carolina; Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska; and several California markets including San Luis Obispo, Modesto, and Bakersfield.
Co-host Philip Teresi also offered heartfelt remarks about his longtime colleague. “E. Curtis Johnson gave me my first job in radio. It was an absolute pleasure to have this full-circle experience, sharing the past two years with him as my partner on KMJ. There are many places in the Valley where E. made his mark, and the entire industry is better for his contributions. I wish my friend and mentor nothing but the best in his next chapter. But it is weird that I still don’t know the guy’s first name.”
Notably, Johnson served as Program Director at KRZR-FM in Fresno from 1989 to 2007 and later as Group Program Director for two radio groups in the city. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
Meanwhile, KMJ Program Director Blake Taylor praised Johnson’s professionalism and dedication. “It was great working with a true professional who brought great insights and a unique skill set to our audience. We’re going to miss E. I trust he’s going to take full advantage of the time off. He deserves it!”
Johnson’s final broadcast will air tomorrow, bringing to a close a legacy that spans nearly five decades and multiple generations of radio listeners.
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