I met Scott Shannon backstage during The Rolling Stones “Steel Wheels” tour 36 years ago at the LA Coliseum. As Guns N’ Roses took the stage, Scott and I waited for the Mick and Keith photo op and talked radio. To be more accurate, Scott talked radio and I listened. Scott was programming Pirate Radio in LA while I was up the coast in Portland. I was stunned by how graciously Scott shared his time and ideas. When the Stones walked in, disappointment hit me — I knew the conversation was over.
An Unexpected Invitation
A few years later, Scott was at WPLJ, and I came east to look at diaries at Arbitron and flew up to New York. I called Scott’s office to request an appointment and the receptionist quickly rejected me.
A few minutes later, the phone rang. The voice on the other end said, “instead of trying to listen and steal our programming, just come over and hear it from me.” I spent the next couple of hours with Scott in his office, absorbing ideas from the master.
Why the Scott Shannon Award Matters
I was not special. Scott always took time with others, sharing ideas and giving inspiration. That’s why the Scott Shannon Award at the Barrett Media Summit means so much to the industry. Scott has seen it all.
Most people only remember the worst-to-first story of Z100, but there is so much more. He did not have to give his valuable time to people like me, but he always did.
From Radio Rivals to Golf Competitors
I moved on to program WLTW opposite Scott’s WPLJ in 1996. Our relationship shifted from radio to golf. If you think Scott was competitive in radio, you’ve never teed it up with him. Winning a five-dollar Nassau meant just as much to Scott as the Spring book.
Bringing Scott to WCBS-FM
When WPLJ and Scott parted ways in 2014, I was at CBS Radio. I was fortunate to work for a team that understood Scott’s value. The great Don Bouloukos was market manager, and Dan Mason and Chris Oliviero were at CBS corporate.
After a tough budget meeting, Chris assured me we would get it done. On March 3, Scott Shannon took over mornings and transformed the image of WCBS-FM.
We had the greatest ringmaster in morning radio history starting each day.
Building a Dream Team
Scott assembled a great show: Joe Nolan on traffic, John Elliott from Channel 2 on weather, Patty Steele with news, Kermit the Wonder Frog — now Trevor Marden on WAXQ — and Brad Blanks with Louis Pulice producing. I was lucky enough to have an office outside the studio to watch the magic happen.
Looking Ahead at Barrett Media Summit
My good fortune continues at the Barrett Media Summit in New York, where I get to introduce a packed room to Scott and other radio luminaries.
I hope to see you there.
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Jim Ryan is a Music Radio columnist for Barrett Media. In addition, he runs Jim Ryan Media LLC, a consulting company which assists major market radio brands and top talent including national radio personality Delilah. Prior to relaunching his consultancy in 2025, Jim spent 15 years with Audacy/CBS Radio, serving as SVP of Programming. Among his responsibilities included programming WNEW-FM and WCBS-FM. His career includes additional programming stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston. Jim was voted the #2 PD of 2024 in Barrett Media’s Top 20 series in the AC category. He can be reached by email at Jim@JimRyanMedia.com.
