It’s been a fun four days highlighting the sports format’s top shows and personalities, but we always wrap up week 1 by showcasing sports radio’s top program directors. These are the folks responsible for guiding some of the best stations in America, and working with the elite talent on each brand’s airwaves to maximize their success.
Before you scroll down, there are a few things to be aware of. First, the voting for this series is done by fifty one radio executives from thirty cities and thirteen companies. BSM president Jason Barrett does not vote. He simply assembles the panel and presents their collective opinions.
Secondly, we ask our voters to consider the following criteria below when judging programs. That said, each voter has different preferences, which makes this a subjective process.
- Strong station ratings in 2018
- Great reputation and consistency
- Exceptional track record of managing elite talent
- Finished 2018 programming a sports radio station
- Points are given for each spot (EX: 20 for 1st, 1 for 20th)
Our one golden rule is that an individual must finish the year programming in the sports format. If an individual changes companies or markets that doesn’t affect their status. Just as long as they’re active still leading a sports radio brand, they’re up for consideration.
Moving on to the rankings, the format’s top major market programmer for 2018 according to our executive panel was Mike Thomas of 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. This is Thomas’ 2nd win. He last won the honor in 2016. He and Mark Chernoff have traded places at the top each of the past 4 years.
We congratulate Mike on his well deserved recognition, as well as every other programmer who gained a spot on this year’s list. With that in mind, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Major Market Program Directors of 2018”!
Additional Notes:
- Mike Thomas recorded eighteen (18) first place votes, the most of any PD, en route to a 56 point victory.
- The closest races saw Spike Eskin nip Jeff Catlin by 2 points for 4th place. Armen Williams did the same to Jimmy Powers to claim 13th. Brian Long was 3 points ahead of Terry Foxx to secure the 18th spot.
- Dan Zampillo was in 21st place, 8 points behind Mike Salk
- 22-25 belonged to Rich Moore, Eric Johnson, John Mamola and Len Weiner
- 33 program directors were eligible for consideration, 9 received at least one (1) 1st place vote
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
