How a journalism major became one of television's most celebrated sports studio hosts
In short: From local radio in Athens to the iconic 'Inside the NBA' studio, Ernie Johnson Jr. has mastered the art of sports broadcasting. His journey involves overcoming significant health challenges and navigating a career that spans everything from the World Cup to the PGA Tour.
Born in Milwaukee in 1956, Ernie Johnson Jr. moved to Atlanta at age eight after his father, Ernie Johnson Sr., retired from professional baseball. Johnson's path to broadcasting began at the University of Georgia, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1978 with a degree in journalism after playing first base for the Bulldogs. His early career was defined by local roles, serving as a news and sports director for WAGQ-FM and working as an anchor and reporter for various stations in Georgia and South Carolina between 1977 and 1989.
Johnson's rise in major sports media was marked by his long tenure at Turner Sports and his iconic role on ESPN's 'Inside the NBA,' which he has hosted since 1990. He is a highly decorated broadcaster, having won six Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host. Notably, in 2006, he won the award individually, breaking a six-year winning streak held by Bob Costas. His versatility is evident in his work across diverse sports, including the FIFA World Cup, the Winter Olympics, and the PGA Tour.
Beyond the studio, Johnson has faced significant personal hurdles. In 2003, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, undergoing treatment in 2006 while continuing his work on 'Inside the NBA.' In 2018, he announced he would miss the MLB postseason due to blood clots in both legs, a condition that impacts his ability to travel by air. Despite these challenges, he remains a prominent figure in sports media, recently signing a long-term extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports in 2022 and joining ESPN to host NBA coverage.
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