Jim Ryan

92 POSTS
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.

Is The PPM 3-Minute Rule Helping Or Hurting Hot AC Radio?

This shift reflects a broader recognition that modern radio listening habits are more fragmented, especially among younger, digital-savvy audiences.

Hits On The Horizon: Scotty McCreery, Royal Otis and Russ

A couple of my choices come straight from the Country category this year. Scotty McCreery w/ Hootie and the Blowfish / “Bottle Rockets,” Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs / “Back Up Plan.

Hot AC Songs That Radio Stations Will Be Playing A Year From Now

What songs are Hot AC stations playing now that will still be a part of the mix in a year?

Hits On The Horizon: Scotty McCreery, Chappell Roan And Sleep Token

Scotty McCreery w/ Hootie & The Blowfish / “Bottle Rockets” sounds like a super summer smash that is very familiar to me!

Can Hot AC Radio Name Its Core Artists?

Does Hot AC need core artists these days, or should it be more like Top 40, just finding the best songs and not focusing on any sense of artist development?

Breaking

Barstool Sports Is Mainstream Media, Whether Dave Portnoy Likes It or Not

"The establishment has changed. When one of the largest and most influential voices in sports reaches millions where modern audiences actually consume content, it isn't operating outside the mainstream anymore."

CNN’s Independence Day Coverage Shows Network’s Live Event Strength

Live event programming is a different animal, and CNN has quietly become one of the best in the business at it.

Joon Lee Reveals How He’s Turned an ESPN Layoff Into a Thriving YouTube Career

"For me, this was a time in my life to try and take a big swing and might as well go for it. Because I don’t have any kids that are dependent on me. It felt like the right time to take a risk."

Music Radio Isn’t Done With the Taylor Swift Wedding

"There are angles everywhere. Pick one per day and build around it."