Twin Cities Radio Shakeup: KDWB, KS95 Make Major Talent Moves
Twin Cities radio listeners woke up to some shakeups at two of the market’s biggest stations this week. Let’s break down the major talent moves at hot adult contemporary rivals KDWB and KS95.
KDWB’s Dave Ryan Show Loses Co-Host
In a surprising move, Drake Webb announced his exit from the long-running Dave Ryan morning show on 101.3 KDWB. The 23-year-old had joined the show in November 2021 after previously working at a station in Green Bay.
Webb broke the news himself in an Instagram video on Tuesday, stating:
“I am no longer a part of KDWB or iHeartRadio or ‘The Dave Ryan Show’ as of yesterday. I’m not going to go into any specifics as to why but I just wanted to say thank you for the last couple of years of letting me hang out with you and trying to entertain you.”
His departure leaves veteran host Dave Ryan and co-host Jenny Luttenberger as the only remaining on-air personalities on the popular show. Webb’s exit is reportedly part of a new round of talent cuts across iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide, according to trade publication Radio Insight.
KS95 Brings In New Morning Co-Host
Over at hot AC rival KS95 (KSTP-FM), the Hubbard Radio station is shaking up its successful morning show. The station announced that Twin Cities native Wes McKane will join Adam “Crisco” Zaluski and Dez Young on the AM drive program starting April 8th.
McKane comes back to Minneapolis after most recently hosting mornings at a station in the Chicago market. He replaces Ryan Roos, who is departing KS95 after two decades at the station. Roos had been co-hosting mornings with Zaluski and Young since 2016.
“After a nationwide search, we found a guy who grew up on the east side of St. Paul,” said KS95 brand manager Mat Mitchell. “We could not be more pleased to welcome Wes McKane back to his hometown!”
The changing of the guard at two of the market’s biggest radio stations is yet another example of the tumult hitting the broadcast radio industry as it adapts to shifting listening trends and habits. Whether these moves pay off in the ratings remains to be seen.
