Curtiss Johnson is returning to Sacramento after a brief stint in Chicago to serve as SVP/Programming for iHeartMedia.
Johnson spent 20 years programming in the market at Entercom’s Classic Rock “96.9 The Eagle” KSEG, Active Rock “98 Rock” 98.5 KRXQ and now defunct Alternative 106.5 KWOD. He also worked on air at former Rocker 98.5 KZAP. While at Entercom he also served as the company’s Rock and Classic Rock format captain. Johnson exited Hubbard Classic Rock “97.1 The Drive” WDRV Chicago at the end of 2015 after an 18 month stint.
He now will oversee an iHeartMedia Sacramento cluster including Country “B92.5” KBEB, Variety Hits “93.7 Jack-FM” KQJK, Classic Hip-Hop “V101.1” KHYL, Classic Rock “107.1 The Brew” K296GB, Conservative Talk 650 KSTE, and News/Talk 1530 KFBK/93.1 KFBK-FM.
iHeartMedia/Sacramento appoints Curtiss Johnson as Senior VP/Programming, effective immediately. Johnson is a 30-plus-year radio and media vet, who most recently served as Program Director of WDRV-FM (97.1 The Drive) in Chicago. He previously spent a combined 20 years in Sacramento serving as Station Manager and Program Director for KSEG, KRXQ and KWOD. Johnson also worked as an air personality for KZAP.
“I’m thrilled to bring Curtiss Johnson back to Sacramento as our Senior VP of Programming,” said Sara McClure, Market President for iHeartMedia Sacramento. “Curtiss’ experience and relationships in Sacramento are perfectly suited for our programming and client needs. I look forward to partnering with him to take iHeartMedia Sacramento to new heights.”
“Curtiss is not only an experienced programmer, but his leadership and strategic skillset are a perfect fit for this role,” said Steve Geofferies, Executive Vice President, iHeartMedia West Division. “I’m looking forward to working with him and watching his growth at iHeartMedia.”
Johnson began his radio career at KPRI in his hometown of San Diego and served over a decade as Program Director and afternoon personality at KUPD-FM in Phoenix. During his career, Johnson has won a Marconi Radio Award and a Crystal Radio Award for Major Market Station of the Year from the National Association of Broadcasters, as well as multiple Program Director and Station of the Year honors from Billboard, Radio & Records and the Gavin Report.
“I’m excited and honored by the opportunity to become Senior VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Sacramento,” said Johnson. “iHeartMedia has a tremendous portfolio of legendary media brands and talent in the Sacramento market. The iHeartMedia Sacramento team already feels like family. The building is full of people I have immense respect for and consider friends. I can’t wait to start working with the entire team.”
