Philly Radio: PD Eric Johnson OUT At The Fanatic

Eric Johnson

After two years, Eric Johnson, program director at Beasley WPEN 97.5 The Fanatic has exited.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Johnson, who took over as The Fanatic’s program director in November 2017, found out Monday he no longer has a job at the sports talk station. Johnson declined to discuss the reason for his departure, but sources at the station pin it on cutbacks by parent company Beasley that already forced out one personality — former midday cohost Jayson Myrtetus.

“It was great to be part of the team to improve the Fanatic ratings the past two years,” Johnson said. “I’ve been at this radio game for 41 years and have met many talented people along the way — and will always be grateful for that.”

“Now I have a little time to enjoy the holidays and decide what to do next,” Johnson added.

It’s unclear if Beasley will replace Johnson with an outside hire. For now, it appears assistant program director Eric Camille will oversee programming at the station. Crossing Broad was first to report the news of Johnson’s departure.

Johnson wasn’t afraid to mix things up during his brief tenure at The Fanatic. He launched a new morning show with Marc Farzetta and Tre Thomas, moved Anthony Gargano to middays, and said goodbye to longtime host and fan favorite Harry Mayes.

Over the last two years, ratings have trended up at The Fanatic, though outside of Mike Missanelli’s afternoon show the lineup continues to fall well behind rival 94.1 WIP.

One on-air host, who was not allowed to speak publicly about Johnson’s dismissal, summed up his thoughts about Johnson’s departure in one word: “Sucks.”