Full Breakdown
Dave Ryan Announces Retirement After 33 Years at KDWB
5/14/2026, 1:00:07 PM
Retirement Announcement and Final Broadcast
On his live Wednesday morning show, Dave Ryan announced his final broadcast will air May 22, 2026, ending a 33-year run at iHeartMedia’s 101.3 KDWB. Co-hosts Bailey Hess and Vont Leak learned of the decision moments before the announcement.
Career Overview and Honors
Ryan began radio at 17, worked in Las Vegas, Columbus (Ohio) and Phoenix before joining KDWB in 1993. His career spans 46 years, includes Marconi Awards (2011, 2023), and a March 2026 induction into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame (ceremony Nov 20). His early roles in Las Vegas, Columbus, and Phoenix included morning and evening slots that built his on-air style.
Key Personnel
- Dave Ryan – Morning host.
- Jenny Luttenberger, Bailey Hess, Vont Leak – Co-hosts.
- Rich Davis – iHeartMedia Minneapolis SVP of Programming.
- Lee Valsvik – Former KARE 11 reporter, longtime colleague.
- Allison Ryan – Daughter, called in on air.
- Belinda Jensen – KARE 11 meteorologist, acknowledged.
Timeline of Milestones
- 1993: Joined KDWB.
- 2011 & 2023: Marconi Awards.
- March 2026: Hall of Fame induction.
- May 13 2026: Retirement announced.
- May 22 2026: Final broadcast.
- Nov 20 2026: Hall of Fame ceremony.
The Hall of Fame ceremony is set for November 20 at the Pavek Museum.
Audience Reach and Awards
The “Dave Ryan in the Morning” consistently ranked #1 in key demographics, especially among women, over three decades. Ryan said he took only one week of vacation in his 33 years at KDWB, underscoring the job’s intensity. The #1 rating helped KDWB maintain its lead in the competitive Top 40 market.
Impact on KDWB and Twin Cities Radio
Station executives cite Ryan’s “connection with listeners” as a core driver of KDWB’s market position. His exit raises questions about the 5:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. slot and the show’s format continuity. KDWB will air tribute segments and listener messages in the weeks before May 22.
Official Statements and Reactions
Ryan said limited vacation time and a wish to travel in his new RV and motorcycle drove his retirement. Rich Davis called him a “Twin Cities institution” whose influence cannot be replicated. Lee Valsvik praised his seriousness, fun approach, and listener loyalty. KDWB announced special programming, listener tributes, and an ambassador role for Ryan, with the new morning lineup still pending. Co-host Hess was emotional; daughter Allison expressed pride on air.
Conflicting Reports & Unresolved Details
KDWB has not named a successor for the morning slot, and post-retirement schedule details are limited. Most sources list May 22 as the final date; one report cites Friday, creating a minor discrepancy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've been here for 33 years almost exactly,” — Dave Ryan, KDWB morning host
- “It was a really hard decision because this is what I do,” — Dave Ryan
- “Dave Ryan is a Twin Cities institution and one of the best to ever do it,” — Rich Davis, SVP of Programming, iHeartMedia Minneapolis
- “All I can say is thank you to the incredible fans and listeners who made this journey unforgettable.” — Dave Ryan
Future Plans
KDWB will announce its new morning lineup later in 2026. Ryan will stay involved as an ambassador and pursue extended travel and personal projects beyond the early-morning schedule.
