Twin Cities Radio: KDWB Morning Host Dave Ryan To Retire

Dave Ryan

Dave Ryan, longtime morning host at KDWB-FM 101.3 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, announced his retirement Wednesday, with his final broadcast set for Friday, May 22.

Ryan has anchored the KDWB morning show since June 1993 — a 33-year run that followed earlier stops in Las Vegas and Phoenix — making him a rare local mainstay in an era dominated by syndicated programming.

The announcement comes just two days after parent company iHeartMedia unveiled a $50 million cost-savings plan for the second half of 2026.In a statement, iHeartMedia described Ryan as more than a radio voice: “For generations of listeners, Dave Ryan wasn’t just a voice on the radio — he was a daily ritual. With his unmistakable blend of humor, honesty, and heart, Dave created a show that felt like a personal conversation with a friend.”

Rich Davis, iHeartMedia’s Sr. VP of Programming in Minneapolis, called Ryan “a Twin Cities institution and one of the best to ever do it,” noting his authentic connection with listeners that “helped shape KDWB and the lives of countless listeners who grew up with him.”

Ryan said in his own statement: “All I can say is ‘Wow!’ I could not have imagined a more incredible experience than I’ve had, not just the last 33 years at KDWB, but in 46 years of radio. … Being a part of your morning and being welcomed into your life has meant more to me than I can ever express.”

KDWB plans special programming, listener tributes, and on-air celebrations leading up to his finale. Ryan will retire into an ambassador role and remain part of the KDWB family.

Details on who will succeed him have not been announced. It remains unclear whether KDWB will continue with a local morning show or shift to a syndicated program such as iHeart’s The Fred Show, which has recently replaced local hosts in other markets including Washington, D.C./Baltimore and West Palm Beach. iHeartMedia said further information on the KDWB morning lineup will be released soon.