NYC Radio: Veteran Programmer Jim Ryan Exits Audacy

Jim Ryan, the Senior Vice President of Programming at Audacy and the daily programmer of the popular Hot Adult Contemporary (Hot AC) station WNEW-FM (The New 102.7) in New York, has recently announced his impending departure from the company. 

Jim Ryan

Ryan, who has been a significant figure in the radio industry for many years, will be leaving his position effective April 2025, as he shifts his focus to his consultancy business, Jim Ryan Media LLC. This move comes as he celebrates an impressive milestone—his 15th anniversary with Audacy—a testament to his long and impactful tenure with the company.

Originally, Ryan had intended to step away from Audacy in December 2024. However, a pivotal change in the industry prompted him to reconsider his timeline. The introduction of Nielsen's new three-minute qualifier rule—a metric adjustment that affects how radio audience engagement is measured—convinced him to extend his stay through an additional quarter. 

This decision proved to be a wise one, as it allowed him to witness and contribute to a significant achievement for WNEW-FM. In January 2025, the station outperformed its rival, WLTW, in the coveted demographic of women aged 25-54 during prime time—a key target audience for both stations. This victory was particularly meaningful given WLTW's (Lite-FM) historical dominance in this category.

Reflecting on this success, Ryan shared his enthusiasm: "I'm so happy I stayed, as we've already seen WNEW beat WLTW with 25-54 women in prime in January, and when you can beat Lite-FM with their core target, it's a moment to savor. It’s a rare and rewarding accomplishment in this competitive market." His pride in this milestone underscores the strategic and creative leadership he brought to WNEW during his time at Audacy.

Ryan’s career in radio spans decades and is marked by collaborations with some of the most iconic stations in the industry. He arrived in New York in 1996, initially working with iHeartMedia and programming WLTW, a station renowned for its strong listener base. In 2010, he transitioned to CBS Radio, where he took on the programming of WNEW and the legendary WCBS-FM. His move to Audacy (formerly Entercom, which merged with CBS Radio) further solidified his reputation as a skilled programmer capable of navigating the evolving landscape of radio. "I've been blessed to work with the most legendary stations in our business," Ryan said, reflecting on his journey. 

"I'm happy to pass the baton to a respected and well-known colleague." While he has not yet disclosed the identity of his successor, he assured that an official announcement is forthcoming, generating anticipation within the industry.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ryan took a moment to express gratitude to key figures who supported him along the way. He specifically thanked Susan Larkin, Audacy’s Regional President, for her unwavering belief in his vision for WNEW-FM (102.7), and Chris Oliviero, Audacy’s New York Market President, for his exceptional leadership. "Their trust and guidance have been invaluable," Ryan noted, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that has defined his time at Audacy.

For those interested in connecting with Ryan regarding future partnerships or inquiries, he has made himself available and can be contacted through his consultancy, Jim Ryan Media LLC, Ryan can be contacted here.