Jim Ryan
Q&A with Jim Ryan
Clear Channel SVP of AC Programming & Morning Show Executive Producer
Back in the summer of 2006 Clear Channel top execs had a morning show concept that sounded too good to be true and a personality that was custom made for the job. Motivated by the migration of 25-54 year-old females to morning TV, the CC brain-trust opted to put up a fight. First they needed star power…enter Whoopi Goldberg! Great start, but need to finish it off with a seasoned radio personality who could cut the mustard in the big leagues and was ready for a prime time morning shot…that would be Paul “Cubby” Bryant.
On August 14, 2006 live from New York and WKTU, the Wake Up with Whoopi morning show debuted nationally and has since grown to sixteen markets including Chicago, San Francisco, Philly, Denver and Vegas. CC SVP of AC Programming Jim Ryan was one of the catalysts behind the idea and serves as the show’s Executive Producer. Ryan’s no stranger to success as he’s won several industry awards in recognition of his enviable track record including a five-time winner as FMQB’s Most Influential AC Programmer. The minor shift in Jim’s schedule nowadays is merely his whole work day!
Who comprised the think-tank team that pushed for the concept of the show?
(Premiere President/COO) Kraig Kitchin and (Clear Channel VP/Programming) Sean Compton had the first meeting with Whoopi, and then I met with her to talk about show specifics, which was followed by a session in the studio. As you would expect with a star as big as Whoopi, (CC CEO) John Hogan, (CC EVP) Tom Owens and Kraig all needed to believe in this project for it to happen.
What was your role specifically?
Since the morning show targets the 25-54 female audience, the same as the Clear Channel AC stations, everyone felt having me as Executive Producer of the show, along with (Premiere SVP) Jennifer Leimgruber would make sense.
Were there any reservations about taking a Hollywood star (type) with virtually no radio experience and building a show around her?
Of course, but I believed in Whoopi since the first meeting. It is truly her show and her vision. Yes, we’ve done Focus Masters with Broadcast Architecture and there has been perceptual research from Critical Mass. Jennifer and I distill that information and share it with Whoopi and Cubby as well as our producer/director Mike Opelka. Funny thing, many of Whoopi’s instincts were right on when it came to content. This show addresses radio’s biggest competition…morning TV.
What qualities in Whoopi did you see in the planning stages that had you convinced she could pull something like this off?
She is one of the most delightfully charming people I’ve ever met. She works hard and is really smart. I have spent six months with her, almost every weekday, and have seen her sign countless autographs, take countless pictures and be nice to every single fan. She is amazing!
Whoopi Goldberg
How receptive was Whoopi during the demo/prep process of learning how to be a radio host?
She takes direction well, and I need to do my job in telling her why we need to make a change. I have to say, she has made me a better programmer. I love having someone who asks “why?”
What was the thought process in selecting the co-host and was the choice obvious or was there a selection process?
(Z100 SVP/OM) Tom Poleman and Mike Opelka are responsible for that idea. Of course, the moment I heard it, I was in. We honestly never talked about anyone else. It was presented to Cubby and after doing a demo with Whoopi, he was in.
Cubby is about as good an afternoon drive Pop jock as there is in the business. What qualities did you see in him that instilled confidence in the pairing?
The ultimate radio DJ with an Oscar/Emmy/Tony/Golden Globe winning actress just makes sense. Cubby worked with one of the greatest programmers in radio, Tom Poleman, for 10 years in New York and Houston. Cubby knows radio, and has done great radio. He has interviewed every major star in Pop music, and sounded comfortable with every one. He was so ready for this, and has risen to the challenge.
It’s all about communication on all levels and where many Pop jocks talk at the audience, Cubby seems to talk to the audience…and the same style when he’s conversing with interview subjects.
He’s added a lot to the show, no question. Listening to him with Whoopi as I answer these questions makes me smile. They are really communicating with the audience.
What’s been the biggest adjustment for you since undertaking this initiative?
The days are MUCH longer, as I rarely miss a show. If I’m in New York, I always come over to the studio. When I’m on the road, I dial into my secret number to listen. As I mentioned, I have to answer the “why?” question to Whoopi, and I have learned through her, as well as all the research we’ve done, what women want to hear in the morning. The show has really energized me as I can hear the progress. There are days that the show is a home run connecting with the demo better than any show on the radio.
What are the plans to put the show on the road to affiliate markets, and how are things going on the technical side?
As of now, we’ve only been on the road to Philly and Vegas, but since Whoopi and Cubby have gotten so good with their interaction and confidence together, we’re going to be broadcasting on the road a lot more, and also doing some live audience shows in New York. The team behind the scenes has taken their game to the next level.
How much influence does producer Mike Opelka have on the show?
Mike assembles the content with his team and presents it to Whoopi and Cubby. It is Whoopi’s show, so she does have final say over guests and topics.
Paul “Cubby” Bryant
What team is involved in the overall day-to-day content mix of the show?
Mike has an assistant producer, Lisa Jackson, and a great production director in Matt Bosso, however, whoever is in the room contributes to the content. Whoopi likes a full room; from time to time you could even hear me on the radio.
Who has final say on most of the critical matters involving the show?
Jennifer Leimgruber’s official title is SVP of Programming at Premiere so the show falls under her aegis, but it really is a collaboration of many smart people. Due to the huge commitment we’ve made financially, in human resources and in major radio station airtime, critical decisions can go all the way to the top. I think this is an important show not only for Premiere, but our industry. We have let morning radio listeners go to television. This kind of programming can curb our losses, as well as get some of those women BACK to radio.
How is the show performing market to market? Which are the standout markets?
It’s impossible to judge any morning show after one rating book. I could talk about WLIT in Chicago, but we rode the wave of Christmas programming to a huge fall book, and nobody knows Santa better than Darren Davis. The Party in Vegas is showing signs of exploding with success, WWDE in Norfolk had a very good fall and Mix in Cincinnati is popping. I really expect WKTU to take off with Rob Miller in now as program director; the station is focused, which helps the morning show. We are on many newly formatted stations, so that adds to the timeline for Arbitron results.
What is your key to finding the time to handle your multiple roles with Clear Channel?
I love what I do and have the greatest respect for the people I get to work with. John Hogan has empowered me and given us all the resources for success with Clear Channel and I think, by far, this is the greatest radio company in America. On the Premiere side, Kraig and Jennifer have become great friends and they have a true commitment to talent as the future of our business. I wake up every morning without an alarm clock because I literally cannot wait to get to the station. This is FUN!
** QB Content by Fred Deane **
