Radio host returns to KMJ after weeks-long suspension. One of his first guests was Devin Nunes

Ray Appleton returned to work on Monday following a weeks-long suspension for remarks he made on his KMJ radio show earlier this month.

“I’ve been bored to tears for two weeks doing absolutely nothing,” Appleton said early into his first segment back on air. A series of guest hosts — including former Fresno City Councilmember Clint Olivier and Cornerstone Church pastor Jim Franklin — appeared over the last two weeks while Appleton was off without pay.

Appleton was suspended Jan. 7 after saying, “Certain news editors should be hanged. Maybe.”

Appleton made more than passing reference to the suspension on Monday, repeatedly referring to it as his “exile” and saying people have to be careful what they say now.

At the time of his suspension, Appleton said the comment was taken out of context, that it was made in jest and “clearly tongue in (cheek).”

Monday, he said, “This all began with something that was taken a little bit askew. And that’s all I’m going to say.”

He expressed frustration with The Fresno Bee, without referring to the paper by name, calling it “the local newspaper” and “local rag.”

“I suppose they feel victory because, you know, I got bounced,” Appleton said.

Appleton took time Monday to apologize to KMJ, its owner Cumulus Media and to his audience for not being around during what has been a very busy two weeks.

“So much has happened since I’ve been gone,” he said.

Appleton said the whole experience made him contemplate retirement, though ultimately he’s not interesting in leaving the station any time soon.

“I’m not retiring. I’m addicted to what I do.”

The show remained political in its first day back, with Appleton attacking President Joe Biden on a host of policy decisions, including stopping the Keystone XL pipeline and asking for a $15 federal minimum wage. He also attacked the president’s border protection policy, saying it was disastrous, especially during the global pandemic.

Patterson, Nunes on show

California state Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, and Congressman Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, were both guests on Monday’s show. The pair had been scheduled to appear prior to Appleton’s suspension.

Patterson was responding to news that Gov. Gavin Newsom had lifted California’s regional stay-at-home order.

Nunes gave his account of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, speculated about President Biden’s plans on a number of issues including fracking, and expressed frustration over the state’s plan for distributing COVID-19 vaccine.

Nunes said his office is open and taking calls to help people get information on how and when they can receive the vaccine.

Appleton said he missed his chance to get the vaccine, because of the suspension. He had planned to take the vaccine on air.

“God only knows when I’m going to get it now,” he said.

Nunes also continued his attack on tech companies like Google and Apple, which he said are silencing him and other like-minded political thinkers.

“It’s a really scary time,” Nunes said.

The congressman made similar comments during a televised interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo earlier this month. Her show “Sunday Morning Futures” averages 2.1 million viewers.

This story was originally published January 25, 2021 at 12:13 PM.