Bob Ryan

2001 Charter Inductee

In his five decades as a broadcast journalist, Bob Ryan traveled more than half a million miles, bringing history in the making to Minnesota viewers and becoming one of the Midwest's most widely recognized and respected broadcasters. After serving in the Marine Corps in World War II, he began his broadcasting career at the University of Minnesota at KUOM in 1945. In 1947 he became a reporter and newscaster for KFAM Saint Cloud. In 1948 he began 23 years of service at KSTP Radio and TV, where he served as a solo news anchor and also pioneered the two-anchor model with the late John MacDougall. He moved to KROC Radio and KTTC TV Rochester in 1971, then to Minnesota News Network in 1985. In 1990 he began his commentary program, "Bob Ryan's Passport," on KNXR Rochester. He won numerous awards not only for broadcasting but also for his volunteer efforts and service to the community. In 1990 he was named Outstanding Broadcast Personality by the Minnesota Broadcasters Association.

Bob passed away on April 28, 2014, less than a month shy of his 90th birthday.