Work life never escapes Dia Ryan. Phone in hand, she answers listeners’ questions, and checks the radio station's Instagram all before the elevator reaches the second floor. Stepping off the elevator, her heels keep a quick upbeat rhythm. In an industry as fast paced as radio, every second counts. However, she manages to greet every co-worker she encounters with a warm smile and small talk.
As a radio personality for Miami's local radio station, Hits 97.3, Ryan's role constantly changes. She was hired specifically to cover other radio personalities' on-air shifts, when they were sick or on vacation. The station needed somebody who was experienced enough to work the biggest shifts and be comfortable covering any time slot.
For the moment, her on-air shift is on weekdays from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.* As a part-time host, her schedule is constantly changing.
“Just like any other company we are hourly. Things get moved around a lot based on how many hours you get,” Ryan said. “We’re always trying to make sure that everybody has the same amount of exposure and that we rotate all of these great opportunities.”
Ryan’s role includes anything from contacting event sponsors, creating social media graphics, preparing content for a show through blogs and digital, working with coworkers on bigger projects, answering emails, and assisting the Programming Director, Dave Hanson.
“My day always looks a little bit different which is why it’s so exciting. If there’s a concert my day’s gonna look different on that day than when I have a lot of administrative work that I have to catch up on,” she said. During concerts, she greets listeners, films content for Hits973’s social media, and even meets the artists before the show.
Having had her fair share of celebrity encounters from Enrique Iglesias to Katy Perry, Dia said that celebrity experiences are very different depending on the event. If it’s a listening party like the Hits Live and Hits Sessions series, then radio personalities spend more time with the artist. In other instances, celebrities stop by the studio for a second and it’s just a quick photo op, according to Ryan.
“Through social, everything seems unbelievably glamorous but really a lot of it is very political. And it’s work, you know? I think that the most exciting part is being able to have those experiences and to relay them with your listeners,” she said.
During the listening parties - when an artist visits the station and plays their new music for fans- Ryan’s role is to interact with listeners, making sure they have the best experience and allow listeners to ask the artist questions.
Although she recognizes celebrity events are a perk of the job, Ryan notes her most memorable experiences have not been with artists and celebrities. They’ve been with people in the radio industry, specifically with her bosses, Programming Director, Dave Hanson and Operations Director, Jill Strada, prior to getting hired.
“I always really valued the time people would give me when I know they didn’t have a lot of time,” she said.
There is never a moment she takes her position in the radio industry for granted.
“People in radio spend their whole lives hoping to get into this building. We are in Miami, it’s a top ten market. We are a top radio station,” Ryan said.
One of the most exciting opportunities she has had working for Cox Media Group, the radio station’s network, was attending a corporate conference in Atlanta. She worked with CMG managers at local levels on a company-wide digital project.
“I think that it’s special to work for such a big company that doesn’t see me as a number, but sees me as somebody who has possibility in all of the different sectors of this building,” she said.
Arthur Lesnever, Ryan’s father, is proud of his daughter’s accomplishments. He admits the road to Hits 97.3’s offices haven’t been easy, but due to his daughter’s persistence it is now her reality.
“She didn’t get this easily but she never gave up. I’ve never known her to give up in anything she wanted badly. She never stopped trying. You would have to slam the door to get her to stop. She is persistent. That’s Dia as far as her personality,” Arthur Lesnever said.
Like any job, radio comes with its challenges. The hardest part of working in the radio industry according to Ryan is that “you have to be 100% committed to what you’re doing.” The hours can get crazy and sometimes she has to sacrifice family time and relationships in order to be at the station.
The level of commitment differs from other industries, said Ryan. Normally the owner of the company is held to a higher standard of commitment due to his attachment to the company, according to Ryan. However, she admits that the most challenging part can also be the most rewarding because people have to give up many things to be able to do this job right.
“Our radio station is our baby regardless of how many hours we invest in what we’re doing. It doesn’t matter whether it’s full-time or part-time, this is what we do. We’re really proud of it and we’ve always had each other’s backs,” she said.
And Kelbin Ramirez, Hits 97.3 ‘s radio personality and Ryan’s colleague, can attest to that.
Having been mentored by Ryan when he started at Hits 97.3, Ramirez remembers learning technical aspects of the job from her, but also recalls learning valuable life lessons. He knows he can count on Ryan to give him the best advice.
“When I tell her any problem, she gives me the most subjective advice on any situation, whether it is personal, professional, or creative. I wish that I could give her the advice that she gives to me. She is such an open hearted person and has taught me to be kinder,” Ramirez said.
**Since then, Dia Ryan has been promoted to Music Director for HITS 97.3**