Jim Ryan

101 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.

What Scott Shannon Taught Me About Radio, Golf, and Generosity

"When the Stones walked in, disappointment hit me — I knew the conversation was over."

Why Your Morning Show Sounds Like Everyone Else’s

"When I heard three different shows in different parts of the country doing the same phone topic, I screamed. It's the damn morning show prep service."

From Billboard to Bots: A Guide to Finding Real Hit Songs

"We all know playing a bad song is a bigger tune-out than playing commercials. The best strategy is to proceed with caution. "

Why WFAN’s Boomer Esiason Deserves a Spot in the Radio Hall of Fame

Boomer Esiason never paid his radio dues by doing an overnight show in Akron. He was thrown into the deepest water and told to swim. Not only did he stay afloat, he rose to the top of his profession.

Scott Shannon Always Celebrated His People — Radio Should Too

Not everyone can be #1 in Nielsen, #1 in revenue, or #1 in streaming. We all need to acknowledge the little victories along the way, not just the final destination.

Breaking

Howard Stern’s HBO Max Deal Is a Win for Everyone Involved

Audio built Stern's legend, yet television extends it to a generation that discovers shows through streaming platforms rather than satellite dials.

When Artists Die: Streaming Data Tells the Story

"The genuine shock of losing someone whose voice shaped your entire life. That can't be planned. That's real."

Salem Media’s Allen Power Reflects on 50-Year Radio Career Before Retirement

"It's bittersweet. What I will do is just be grateful. I'll be grateful for the 26 years with Salem, and the 50 years in the business, and the wonderful people that I've worked with."

How Freezing Cold Takes Turned Sports’ Worst Predictions Into An Entertainment Phenomenon

"I was only going to use it to mess with people. I did not plan on it being big at all. But it lends to what I do, which is find stuff. And because it’s sports, it makes it that much better for me."