What Did Ernie Johnson Do Before Joining TNT’s “Inside the NBA”?

TNT’s Inside the NBA is a timeless favorite among basketball experts and fans. Ever since its launch in 1991, the show has continued to gain the same love and attention from fans and viewers. Over time, new members have also joined the family. But Ernie Johnson is one name that has remained constant and the most favorite over the three decades. And as his colleague Charles Barkley once said, “Everybody likes Johnson.”

He is the backbone of the show holding all the pieces together. His colleague Shaquille O’Neal joined the show because of Johnson. He was one of the first reporters who interviewed a rookie O’Neal. He has been a part of the show for so long that most fans might know him only because of it. We are talking about 35 years. This is surely something huge. But what did he do before that? 

Ernie Johnson’s career before joining TNT’s 

The 1978 graduate of the University of Georgia landed his first job when he was in college. He got a sportscasting job at the WAGQ-FM radio station in Athens, Georgia. He worked there as the news and sports director for some time. He has always been a part of the sports world thanks to his father who was a MLB pitcher. Johnson also played some sports during his college life. He played football for the Georgia Bulldogs. But unlike his father Ernie Johnson Sr., he never played anything professionally.

Instead, he focused on his career as a journalist. He completed his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia.  Just within a year, the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer got a job as a news anchor at WMAZ-TV in Macon, Georgia, and worked there until 1981. 

Following this time, he joined as a news reporter in Spartanburg, South Carolina, at WSPA-TV. He also worked in Atlanta at the same company as a general assignment news reporter.  Then finally, he became the station’s weekend sports anchor and reporter in 1983. He continued to work at the company for 6years until a golden opportunity came his way which was the TNT job.

His impressive resume includes him being a play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball and college football games. He even worked alongside his father. Apart from his TNT job, Ernie has covered the PGA Tour events, the PGA Championship, and NCAA Tournaments. Many may not be aware of the fact that he was also a studio host for Major League Baseball on TBS. His resume includes covering almost all the sports.

Ernie Johnson joined Turner Sports in 1989

Throughout his three decades in the show, Johnson has worked hard along with his co-hosts, Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and many more to make the show the most entertaining television program. As his popularity began to skyrocket, the show has also benefitted winning around 18 Sports Emmy Awards. 

“I’m blessed to still work at a job I love and they pay me to do it. That’s beyond and above. It’s something I’ve never taken for granted,” Johnson said about his TNT job ahead of his Hall of Fame Induction last year. He was inducted in the 2023 Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame class. He boasts of 6 Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Studio Host.

Speaking of Johnson’s Hall of Famer career, his colleague Grant Hill said, “He’s a pro’s pro. He’s genuine, he’s incredibly talented, he’s authentic, he’s funny as hell. I can’t think of someone more deserving. He’s an icon. He really is an icon, who’s just a regular guy.”

Needless to mention the veteran has a rich experience on television. Throughout his career, he has amassed a wealth of $16 million. The 67-year-old is also a philanthropist. The Love You Too foundation was initiated by the veteran and his wife Cheryl. Did you know about this? Let us know in the comments section below.