It’s Day 2 of our BSM 2016 Top 20 in Sports Radio and today we turn our attention to the best midday programs airing across the nation. Last year this category produced a few tight finishes, with Tony Kornheiser claiming the top spot. Tony has since left terrestrial radio to host a podcast for DGital Media, which has left the door wide open for others to move up. In reviewing the results, this category produced the closest finish of any Major Market category. The top 4 spots were decided by less than 10 points.
Before you skip ahead to see the rankings, let me remind you of a few things.
First, this process is an inexact science. Each member of our executive committee has different insights and preferences, and may or may not favor members of their own company or programs they’re most familiar with. We do our best to keep the process fair and balanced by having 53 members from multiple companies and different cities contribute, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
So there’s no confusion, BSM does not vote on the awards. My role is to present the findings of the sports radio industry from a neutral point of view, and offer some perspective and a few takeaways after the project is completed. The identities of the voters are kept discreet, so if you’re expected them to be revealed, prepare to be disappointed. I don’t believe in violating trust, because it would hurt future participation, and damage my relationships in the industry. That’s not something I’m willing to compromise.
As it applies to each category, the following criteria is considered by our executive panel.
- Strong local ratings success in 2016
- An established track record in the format
- Quality content delivered on a consistent basis
- Finished 2016 employed at the station
- Spent more than six months with the radio station
*** If a host or show was changed or cancelled in January 2017, it has no effect on our voting. These results are based solely on 2016.
We place an emphasis on ratings, stability and impact when deciding who belongs on the initial list of 25-35. If a show didn’t generate ratings or spend the majority of the year on the air, they’re not likely to appear on the list. We’re aiming to highlight the best performers of 2016, not who we feel possesses the most talent.
For example, Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie on Sports Radio 94WIP occupy middays in Philadelphia, but because their show didn’t start until late October, they weren’t eligible for consideration. If we do this again in 2018, and Joe and Jon remain in their current timeslot and perform strongly, they’d be up for consideration then.
There will be plenty of debate over the selections, but I hope that you remember that the purpose of this project is to recognize those in the sports radio industry who performed at a high level in 2016. Each of these shows and hosts are worthy of industry recognition, and I extend my congratulations to each of them.
Now without further adieu, I present to you the Barrett Sports Media Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Midday Shows of 2016!
Additional Notes:
- Mason & Ireland finished 8 points ahead of Zolak & Bertrand; They also received the most 1st place votes (10)
- Harry & Rob of 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia finished 21st, and were 7 points away from 20th place
- The 22-25 spots belonged to John Clayton, Rick & John, Ian & Puck, and In The Loop
- Ordway, Merloni and Fauria on WEEI finished 1 point ahead of WFAN’s Joe & Evan
- Jason Goff moved from middays to afternoons on 670 The Score in January 2017
- Chris Canty joined Hahn and Humpty’s show as a regular co-host in late November
- Ten of the Top 20 shows received at least (1) 1st place vote
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
