Ernie Johnson will begin his 19th year this fall as the studio host for Turner NBA telecasts. He hosts TNT's Emmy® award-winning Inside the NBA with analysts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith and guest analyst Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Johnson also serves as TBS' studio host, alongside analyst Cal Ripken, for the network's exclusive coverage of the MLB Division Series and the American League Championship Series.

Ernie Johnson began his career while attending the University of Georgia as news and sports director for WAGQ-FM, Athens, GA (1977-78). Following graduation, Johnson joined WMAZ-TV, Macon, GA as news anchor. In 1981, he served as news reporter for WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, S.C. He was named Outstanding Young Alumnus by the Henry Grady School of Journalism in 1986.

From 1999-2005 and in 2007 Johnson served as host and play-by-play announcer for TNT's coverage of professional golf, including the PGA Championship, British Open and President's Cup; he also called the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1999-2005.

From 2001-2005 Johnson hosted "TBS Saturday Night College Football." He was the studio host for TNT's NFL coverage from 1990-1994 and an on-site game host for the 1995 and 1996 seasons.

In addition, Johnson covered the Wimbledon Championships for the three consecutive years. He worked in various roles for the 2001 Goodwill Games from Brisbane, Australia, the 1998 Goodwill Games from New York, the 1994 Goodwill Games in St. Petersburg, Russia, the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France and the 1994 Games in Lillehammer, Norway.

Ernie Johnson also called Atlanta Braves games on SportSouth from 1993-96 with his dad, Ernie Johnson, Sr. He came to Turner Sports from WSB-TV in Atlanta where he served as weekend sports anchor and reporter from 1983-89

In 2007 Johnson was presented with the first ever honorary "John Wooden Keys to Life Award," presented by Athletes in Action. The honor is awarded to individuals who exemplify Wooden's Seven Keys to Life including character, integrity and faith. A winner of numerous awards, Johnson was the recipient of an Emmy® for Best Studio Host/Personality in 2006 and 2001. He was also awarded the 1989 Georgia-area Emmy® for Outstanding Achievement-Television News Excellence/Sports Reporting. Johnson received a prestigious Georgia Associated Press Award for sports reporting in 1988. In 1984, he received a United Press International Award for Sportscasting.

>> Back to Speakers