E. Curtis Johnson Calling It A Career

• Longtime Fresno radio pro E. Curtis Johnson, current afternoon co-host on Cumulus News-Talk KMJ-AM/FM, announced his impending retirement, effective Friday, May 30, wrapping up a successful 49-year career.

Johnson has co-hosted afternoons on KMJ with Philip Teresi since March 2023, but he’s best known in the market for his lengthy run as Program Director of the late KRZR from 1989-2007. Johnson has also been on-air in San Diego, Salt Lake City, and Ventura-Santa Barbara, CA and has served as a consultant and brand manager for stations in Columbia, SC; Anchorage & Fairbanks, AK; and San Luis Obispo, Modesto & Bakersfield, CA.

Johnson said, “I was truly excited to get the gig here at KMJ at 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. 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.”

Blake Taylor, Program Director of KMJ, commented, “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 co-host Philip Teresi remarked, “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.”