Today we depart from featuring the local scene to turn our attention to those hosts who perform across the country on a national sports radio brand. Many of these talents are have huge loyal followings and receive lots of mainstream media attention due to their show’s extended reach, and in some instances, a strong presence on sports television.
Although these results are presented by Barrett Sports Media, I refrain from voting in order to keep a neutral position while presenting the group’s findings. The goal is to acknowledge those hosts who performed at a high level in 2016, while allowing people inside and outside of the industry to get a better idea of the collective view of sports radio’s top executives. As we do with each category, our executive panel uses the criteria below to help determine who they feel deserves to be on the Top 20 list.
- 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
- Points are given for each ranking (EX: 20 points for 1st place, 1 point for 20th place)
*** 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.
Please remember that these results are very subjective. That said, few can argue that each of these individuals and shows have earned the industry’s respect, and are known for delivering excellent on-air content on a regular basis.
I extend my congratulations to each host and network that earned a spot on the list, and am pleased to now bring you “BSM’s Top 20 National Sports Radio Shows of 2016”!
Additional Notes:
- Colin Cowherd recorded the most 1st place votes (17) and was 27 points ahead of Dan Patrick
- Mike and Mike finished 21 points behind Dan Patrick but had the 2nd most 1st place votes (14)
- Morning Men and Chris Mannix were tied, the first time we’ve had that happen in the voting
- Scott Ferrall finished 21st, just 5 points behind Chris Mannix and the Morning Men
- Spots 22-25 belonged to Gio & Jones, Jalen & Jacoby, Freddie & Fitz and Jason Smith
- Stephen A. Smith left Mad Dog Sports Radio for ESPN Radio in January
- Jay Mohr and FOX Sports Radio recently agreed to part ways
- A total of 47 national shows were eligible for consideration and received at least 1 vote
- 9 of the 47 national shows received a 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.
