BSM Top 20
Barrett Sports Media’s Top 20 Mid Market Afternoon Shows of 2020
As decided on by radio industry executives, BSM reveals the Top 20 Mid Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows of 2020.
The BSM Top 20 of 2020 continues, as we recognize the best in sports radio for the sixth year in a row, although this was one that none of us will soon forget. Rocked by a pandemic, sports radio’s finest persevered to continue playing an important role in their listeners lives. Whether broadcasting from office desks and kitchen tables apart from one another or behind plexiglass dividers while wearing masks, operations were tested this year. Combine that with the world of sports shutting down in March and offering no new content for months, and it put a huge strain on all involved.
The show’s you see listed below deserve tremendous credit for finding ways to stay mentally sharp, and provide a needed daily distraction for their audiences. Before you jump ahead to see who our panel of 51 industry executives voted for, please join me in thanking Steve Stone Voiceovers for supporting the Top 20 as our exclusive sponsor. Steve is not only a tremendous voice talent, but a huge supporter of sports radio. His support for this series makes it possible. I also want to acknowledge my son Dylan Barrett, who handled all of the creative for this year’s series. He spent all of January digging thru personality and brand accounts to find photos, editing them in Photoshop, and the images you’ll soon be sharing on social media or printing off to hang inside your office or studio are a reflection of his hard work.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few things to keep in mind.
#1 – These results are based on 2020’s performance. 2021 changes have no impact on the voting. Our one specific rule that has been in place since we started this series in 2015 is that a show must finish the year on the air in the timeslot for which it’s being considered. Therefore, a show like The Big Show in Milwaukee, which moved into middays in January, was eligible for voting consideration. A program such as The Clubhouse with Kyle Bailey in Charlotte, which moved from afternoons to middays during the summer was not since it didn’t complete the year in the afternoon drive slot.
#2 – Our executive panel consists of program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Entercom, iHeart, Cumulus, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Spotify, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, Emmis, and independently owned and operated radio stations. We involve a large number of groups in order to receive feedback from all parts of the country, as well as to avoid the results heavily favoring one company. BSM President Jason Barrett does not vote, he simply presents the results.
#3 – A total of 52 shows were eligible for voting consideration in the Mid Market Afternoon Shows category.
#4 – Our executive panel picked their Top 20 shows based on a few factors; the ear test, originality, ability to entertain, multi-platform excellence, market where impact is created, on-air chemistry, and ratings success. Keep in mind that voters live in different cities, have different tastes, and value certain factors higher than others. This isn’t a perfect science, but it’s the best way we can think of to showcase how sports radio’s braintrust views the best in the format.
And that brings us to the rankings for this year’s Mid Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows. The trophy this year is heading to Pittsburgh where ‘Poni and Mueller‘ have earned the executive committee’s support to become #1 in the category. Chris Mueller and Andrew Fillipponi held a twenty two (22) point advantage over 97.1 The Fan’s ‘Common Man and T-Bone’, collecting the most amount of first place votes among afternoon shows with four (4). BSM congratulates Chris, Andrew, producer Kraig Riley, program director Jim Graci, and the entire 93.7 The Fan staff on a job well done, along with every other show which earned a spot on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Mid Market Afternoon Shows of 2020!”
Additional Notes:
- Poni & Mueller earned the most 1st place votes with four (4), Common Man & T-Bone were second with three (3).
- Spots 21-25 belonged to Isaac & Big Suke, The Big Show, Matt Moscona, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, and Jason Ross & Doug Christie.
- The closest battles saw Jim Traber nip Schopp & The Bulldog, and Murph & Andy hold off Inside Access by one (1) point apiece.
- Of the 52 shows eligible for consideration this year, thirteen (13) earned at least one (1) 1st place vote.
Here is the remaining schedule for the BSM Top 20 of 2020.
- Friday February 5 = The 2020 Top 20 Major/Mid Market Program Directors
- Monday February 8 = The 2020 Top 20 Major/Mid-Market Sports Stations
- Tuesday February 9 = The 2020 Top 20 Original Sports Podcasts
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at JBarrett@sportsradiopd.com.
Barrett Blogs
Barrett Sports Media’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Stations of 2022
“A total of 37 sports stations were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Stations category.”
We’ve reached the final day of our 8th annual BSM Top 20 series. The Monday following the Super Bowl has always been reserved for the Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Stations and as you review this year’s list, please remember that the results are a collective snapshot of how forty-six (46) industry executives view the best in this category. A special thanks to Alex Reynolds, Stephanie Eads, and Dylan Barrett for their help with the Top 20 process, and Steve Kamer Voiceovers for being our exclusive sponsor for this year’s Top 20 series. Steve’s voice is heard across the nation on many top shows, stations, and networks, and if you’re not familiar with his work, take a second to learn what makes him stellar at his craft by clicking here.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few key things to be aware of.
– These results are based on 2022’s performance. 2023 changes have no effect on the voting.
– Our executive panel consists of forty-six (46) program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Spotify, and independently owned and operated radio stations. We involve a large number of people in this process in order to include feedback from all parts of the country, as well as to prevent the results from heavily favoring one company.
– A total of 37 sports stations were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Stations category.
– Voters choose their Top 20 in this category based on a few key factor’s including ratings performance, brand awareness, on-air talent, multiplatform impact, etc.. Keep in mind that voters live in different cities, have different tastes, and value certain qualities more than others. This isn’t a perfect science, but it’s the best system we’ve been able to come up with to showcase how sports radio’s brain trust view the best in the format.
And that brings us to the rankings for this year’s top Major Market Sports Stations. The winner in this category for the fifth straight year and sixth time in seven years is 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. The Hub finished seventeen points in front of runner up WFAN. BSM congratulates Mary Menna, Rick Radzik and the entire Sports Hub staff on a well deserved honor, as well as every other station that earned a spot on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Stations of 2022!”
Additional Notes:
- 98.5 The Sports Hub earned the most 1st place votes with seven (7). Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket and 94WIP tied for second most first place votes with three (3).
- Spots 21-25 belonged to Sports Radio 610 in Houston, Sports Radio 950 KJR in Seattle, Seattle Sports 710 in Seattle, AM 570 LA Sports in Los Angeles, and WQAM in Miami.
- The tightest race saw Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan nip 98.7 ESPN NY by one (1) point.
- Of the 37 sports stations eligible for voting consideration, seven (7) received at least one (1) first place vote.
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at JBarrett@sportsradiopd.com.
Barrett Blogs
Barrett Sports Media’s Top 20 Mid Market Sports Radio Stations of 2022
“A total of 63 sports stations were eligible for voting consideration in the Mid Market Sports Radio Stations category.”
We’ve reached the final day of our 8th annual BSM Top 20 series. The Monday following the Super Bowl has always been reserved for the Top 20 Sports Radio Stations in both Major and Mid Market categories. As you review this year’s list, please remember that the results are a collective snapshot of how forty-six (46) industry executives view the best in this category. A special thanks to Alex Reynolds, Stephanie Eads, and Dylan Barrett for their help with the Top 20 process, and Steve Kamer Voiceovers for being our exclusive sponsor for this year’s Top 20 series. Steve’s voice is heard across the nation on many top shows, stations, and networks, and if you’re not familiar with his work, take a second to learn what makes him stellar at his craft by clicking here.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few key things to be aware of.
– These results are based on 2022’s performance. 2023 changes have no effect on the voting.
– Our executive panel consists of forty-six (46) program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Spotify, and independently owned and operated radio stations. We involve a large number of people in this process in order to include feedback from all parts of the country, as well as to prevent the results from heavily favoring one company.
– A total of 63 sports stations were eligible for voting consideration in the Mid Market Sports Radio Stations category.
– Voters choose their Top 20 in this category based on a few key factor’s including ratings performance, brand awareness, on-air talent, multiplatform impact, etc.. Keep in mind that voters live in different cities, have different tastes, and value certain qualities more than others. This isn’t a perfect science, but it’s the best system we’ve been able to come up with to showcase how sports radio’s brain trust view the best in the format.
And that brings us to the rankings for this year’s top Mid Market Sports Stations. The winner in this category for the first time is Columbus’ 97.1 The Fan. The Fan received fourteen (14) points more than runner up WGR in Buffalo, and eighteen (1) more than third place finisher 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. BSM congratulates Todd Markiewicz, Mike Ricordati, Matt Erhard, and the entire 97.1 The Fan staff on their victory, as well as every other station that appeared on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Mid Market Sports Stations of 2022!”
Additional Notes:
- 97.1 The Fan, WJOX and WGR tied for the most 1st place votes with three (3).
- Spots 21-25 were occupied by ESPN 1100/100.9 in Las Vegas, Sactown Sports 1140 in Sacramento, 102.5 The Game in Nashville, Sports Radio WNML in Knoxille, and 99.9 The Fan in Raleigh.
- The tightest race saw 101 ESPN edge 98.1 The Sports Animal WWLS by one (1) point.
- Of the 63 sports stations eligible for voting consideration, twelve (12) received at least one (1) first place vote.
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at JBarrett@sportsradiopd.com.
Barrett Blogs
Barrett Sports Media’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022
“A total of 29 programmers were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors category.”
We’ve reached the end of the first week of our 8th annual BSM Top 20 series. Today we place the spotlight on the Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022. As you review this year’s list, please remember that the results are a collective snapshot of how forty-six (46) industry executives view the best in this category. My thanks to Alex Reynolds, Stephanie Eads, and Dylan Barrett for their help with the Top 20 process, and Steve Kamer Voiceovers for being our exclusive sponsor for this year’s Top 20 series. Steve’s voice is heard across the nation on many top shows, stations, and networks, and if you’re not familiar with his work, take a second to learn what makes him stellar at his craft by clicking here.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few key things to be aware of.
– These results are based on 2022’s performance. 2023 changes have no effect on the voting.
– Our executive panel consists of forty-six (46) program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Spotify, and independently owned and operated radio stations. We involve a large number of people in this process in order to include feedback from all parts of the country, as well as to prevent the results from heavily favoring one company.
– A total of 29 programmers were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors category.
– Voters choose their Top 20 in this category based on a few key factor’s including leadership, brand success, ratings, multiplatform impact, etc.. Keep in mind that voters live in different cities, have different tastes, and value certain qualities more than others. This isn’t a perfect science, but it’s the best system we’ve been able to come up with to showcase how sports radio’s brain trust view the best in the format.
And that brings us to the rankings for this year’s Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors. Spike Eskin of WFAN is your category winner for 2022. This is Spike’s second category win, and his first since taking over at WFAN. He prevailed by thirty (30) points over runner up Jimmy Powers. BSM congratulates Spike and the WFAN team on earning this year’s top honor, as well as every programmer who gained a spot on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022!”
Additional Notes:
- Rick Radzik received a category best five (5) first place votes. Jimmy Powers was second with four (4).
- 21-25 belonged to Brian Long, Len Weiner, Adam Klug, Parker Hillis, and Mike Conti.
- The closest contest saw Rick Radzik finish ahead of Mitch Rosen by 3 points.
- Of the 29 programmers eligible for consideration this year, 10 received at least one 1st place vote.
Here is the remaining schedule for the BSM Top 20 of 2022.
- Monday February 13 = The Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Stations of 2022
To view prior years of BSM’s Top 20 results, click here.
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at JBarrett@sportsradiopd.com.