In June 1993, after stints at radio stations in Las Vegas and in Phoenix, he took over the morning show at Top 40 KDWB-FM 101.3 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, following in the footsteps of Steve Cochran. He’s been there ever since, and in an era of syndicated morning shows across many mid-sized markets he’s remained a local trusted morning companion.
Now, just two days after iHeartMedia revealed a plan initiate a $50 million cost-savings plan across the second half of 2026, Dave Ryan has announced his retirement.
Ryan’s final broadcast is scheduled for Friday, May 22.
Ryan’s arrival at KDWB barely made news, following his early 1993 exit from KKFR “Power 92” in Phoenix, where he was replaced in morning drive by Bruce Kelly. Ironically, Ryan replaced Kelly at Nationwide-owned KZZP-FM in Phoenix in December 1989 after being transferred from WNCI-FM in Columbus, Ohio. One year later, he was a nominee for Major Market Air Personality of the Year at Bobby Poe’s radio/record seminar and awards banquet.
In a statement released Wednesday morning, iHeartMedia commented, “For generations of listeners, Dave Ryan wasn’t just a voice on the radio — he was a daily ritual. With his unmistakable blend of humor, honesty, and heart, Dave created a show that felt like a personal conversation with a friend. He made people laugh and offered perspective when life felt heavy.”
Rich Davis, who serves as Sr. VP of Programming for iHeartMedia in Minneapolis, said, “Dave Ryan is a Twin Cities institution and one of the best to ever do it. He connected with listeners in a way that can’t be manufactured. His influence helped shape KDWB and the lives of countless listeners who grew up with him.”
For Ryan, “All I can say is ‘Wow!’ I could not have imagined a more incredible experience than I’ve had, not just the last 33 years at KDWB, but in 46 years of radio. Having an outlet for fun and creativity has been wonderful, but it’s the connection with people who listen that has made this all so amazing. Being a part of your morning and being welcomed into your life has meant more to me than I can ever express.”
KDWB will honor Dave’s legacy with special programming, listener tributes, and on‑air celebrations leading up to his final show. In retirement, Ryan will take on an ambassador role and will continue to be part of the KDWB family.
Will KDWB retain a local show, or will it become the latest affiliate of the WKSC-FM “103.5 KISS FM” in Chicago-based offering The Fred Show, which recently replaced locally based programming on WIHT “HOT 99.5” in Washington, D.C. (simulcast on WZFT “Z104.3” in Baltimore) and also replaced a locally based morning show at WLDI “Wild 95.5” in the West Palm Beach-Stuart-Fort Pierce DMA?
“Details on the future of the KDWB morning lineup will be announced soon,” iHeartMedia shared.
