Johnson, who was born in Wheaton and went to high school at Gonzaga, has spent virtually his entire life in the area. From 2009to 2012, he co-hosted and produced the mid-day “Mike Wise Show” at local rival 106.7 The Fan. Last year, he was the Nationals beat writer for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. Johnson had booked his travel for spring training in Viera, Fla. when he started discussions to return to 980, where he replaces Dan Zampillo, who resigned in January after less than a year on the job. (Mark Zuckerman, who has covered the Nationals since they arrived in D.C. for various outlets, including most recently at Comcast SportsNet, has replaced Johnson as the Nats beat writer for MASN.)

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“I think it’s a plus for me that I’ve been on the other side, maybe have an understanding of the competition from the inside,” said Johnson, who anticipates a smooth transition to his new gig given his familiarity with the station and many of its employees. “I have a lot of respect for what those guys do for and I’ve known a lot of those guys from my years at 106.7. As far as our station, 980, I think I’d just say I like our guys.”

Despite Johnson’s channeling a favorite quote of Orioles Manager Buck Showalter and ESPN 980’s long-standing relationship with the Orioles, Johnson promised “significantly increased Nationals coverage in 2016” on the Red Zebra broadcasting-owned station in his MASN farewell post, “including hearing from many of the familiar MASN baseball voices.” On Friday, Johnson made it clear that ESPN 980 will be about more than the Redskins.

“I wouldn’t get so caught up with the perception that because the station is underneath the umbrella owned by the Redskins, that that’s all we’re going to do,” Johnson said. “This hopes to be an exciting run for the Terps in March Madness. We’re looking forward to a Nats season with arguably the best player in the world playing in this city. We have the Capitals and Wizards, as well. At 980, we’re across the board here, covering all of the teams, but again, we’re certainly happy that we do have the added advantage of a relationship with the Redskins.”

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In December, Red Zebra and the Redskins promised a more synergistic relationship and announced that Redskins Executive Vice President Terry Bateman, the chairman of Red Zebra, would take a more active role in running the stations, including the team’s flagship.

“I’m very aware of the relationship there and I know there is no controlling of the message at all,” Johnson said. “I know that from my role as program director before in the same situation and I know that moving forward. The listeners can judge for themselves, but our guys don’t pull punches when they discuss the Redskins.”

Johnson also weighed in on the breakdown between local and national programming on ESPN 980. Since “The Man Cave” was canceled last October, the nationally syndicated show “Mike and Mike” has occupied the morning drive slot on the station.

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