Fresno Radio: KMJ Talker E Curtis Johnson Retiring Friday

Cumulus Media’s News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ in Fresno announces that Fresno radio legend and KMJ Afternoon Drive Co-Host, E. Curtis Johnson will retire from radio after a successful 49-year career. Johnson has co-hosted afternoons on KMJ since March 2023 with on-air partner Philip Teresi. The show airs weekdays from 2:00pm-6:00pm PT.

Prior to joining the KMJ on-air team, Johnson was heard on-air at stations in markets including San Diego, Salt Lake City, and Ventura-Santa Barbara, CA. He also worked as consultant and brand manager for radio stations in Columbia, SC; Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK; and San Luis Obispo, Modesto, and Bakersfield, CA. Additionally, Johnson was group Program Director for two radio groups in Fresno, and notably served the Fresno community as Program Director for KRZR-FM from 1989-2007. Johnson holds a B.B.A. degree in Business Management from The University of Phoenix.

E Curtis Johnson

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, KMJ-AM/FM, 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!"

Philip Teresi, Co-Host, Afternoons, KMJ-AM/FM, 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.”

Johnson’s last day on air will be Friday, May 30, 2025.