It’s become an annual tradition for BSM to recognize the best in the sports radio format during Super Bowl week. This is our 4th year of publishing the BSM Top 20 series, and as we’ve done each of the past three years, we kick things off by shining the spotlight on the Top 20 Mid Market morning shows of 2018.
Before you scroll to look at the results, there are a few things to be aware of. First, the voting for these awards is done by a large panel of radio executives. We involved fifty one people from thirty cities and thirteen companies this year in our Major and Mid Market voting process. BSM president Jason Barrett does not vote in this process.
Secondly, to create these results, we ask voters to consider the following criteria when judging the format’s best programs. Be advised, each voter values certain things more than others, so we try to gather everyone’s feedback, add it all up, and present a collective snapshot of what industry executives think.
- Strong ratings in 2018
- Important show/brand connection with local listeners
- Exceptional talent and content provided on a consistent basis
- Finished 2018 with the station and in the morning drive timeslot
- Points are given for each spot (EX: 20 for 1st, 1 for 20th)
Moving on to the rankings, the panel this year once again placed its full support behind 101 ESPN’s Bernie Miklasz. This was the 3rd straight win for Miklasz. The St. Louis morning host has claimed the top prize every year since the Mid Market category for morning shows was introduced.
Miklasz once again produced strong ratings in morning drive for 101 ESPN. His ability to deliver strong informed opinions, break news, mix it up with Michelle Smallmon, and serve as St. Louis’ most influential sports voice earned the respect of our executive panel, adding another industry honor for Hubbard St. Louis’ morning man.
We congratulate Bernie and Michelle on being recognized as the best in their category, as well as every other program which earned a spot on this year’s list. With that in mind, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Mid Market Morning Shows of 2018”!
Additional Notes:
- Bernie Miklasz received the most 1st place votes (11) and was 57 points ahead of runner up Ken Carman and Anthony Lima
- The closest finishes were Ken Carman and Anthony Lima finishing 5 points ahead of JOX Roundtable and Mike Bianchi’s Open Mike edging Dusty and Cam by 2 points
- Wes McElroy came in 21st, 9 points behind The Deener Show
- Spots 22-25 were claimed by Bill & Rookie, Off The Bench, Sharp & Benning and Bucky & Erin
Here is the remaining schedule for the BSM Top 20 of 2018.
- Tuesday January 29 = The 2018 Top 20 Major and Mid-Market Local Sports Radio Midday Shows
- Wednesday January 30 = The 2018 Top 20 Major and Mid-Market Local Sports Radio Afternoon Shows
- Thursday January 31 = The 2018 Top 20 National Sports Radio Shows
- Friday February 1 = The 2018 Top 20 Major and Mid-Market Local Sports Radio Program Directors
- Monday February 4 = The 2018 Top 20 Major and Mid-Market Local Sports Radio Stations
- Tuesday February 5 = The 2018 Top 5 Original Sports Podcasts
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.
