Don Ryan is a lifetime Yooper whose experience includes working in radio and television, government and private industry. He started working when he was a sophomore in high school at WJPD in Ishpeming and later worked at WDMJ and WJAN. His early career in broadcasting included serving as news, sports and weather reporter at WLUC-TV in Marquette. While there, he was also promoted to management positions including Operations Manager and Station Manager
In 1975, Don was appointed District Representative for Congressman Phil Ruppe, and he joined the staff of The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company in 1977 and was promoted to District Manager of Public Affairs in 1982.
He returned to WLUV-TV in 2003 as the Host and Producer of The Ryan Report, and continues to work today as a member of the TV6 News Department.
Ryan’s interest in economic development included serving in leadership positions with the Lake Superior Community Partnership, Operation Action UP, the Lake Superior Jobs Coalition, the Ishpeming Chamber of Commerce and the Central Upper Peninsula Job Force Board.
In 2019, WLUC-TV6 & FOX UP named Don Ryan as the first recipient of the Carl V. Pellonpaa Lifetime Achievement Award because of his dedication to area businesses and the community.
While not involved with dancing, Don has always had an interest in show business, producing some entertainment specials for TV6, and serving as part of Ishpeming’s Allegro singing group where he was their master of ceremonies and writer and performer in some of their special productions.