For our second day of the BSM Top 20 of 2019, we shift our attention to the local scene, most notably the morning shows. Before you look ahead at the results and save the photos to promote your favorite hosts and programs on social media, there are a few things I want you to be aware of.
First, the voting for our Top 20 series this year involved forty seven radio professionals from thirty cities and eighteen companies. Yours truly (Jason Barrett) does not vote on the awards, I simply collect the information, add up the votes, design the images, and present and promote the results.
Secondly, our voters are asked to consider the criteria below to judge the format’s best programs. However, each contributor values certain things more than others. Due to that fact, we understand this is an imperfect science. Nonetheless, the Top 20 series offers a collective snapshot of what radio industry executives consider to be the format’s best shows.
- Strong ratings in 2019
- Industry track record
- Reputation and influence
- Finished 2019 with the network/station
- Ability to entertain and inform consistently
- Points are given for each spot (EX: 20 for 1st, 1 for 20th)
That now brings us to the rankings for the Mid Market Local Sports Radio Morning Shows of 2019. The top honor once again goes to Bernie Miklasz of 101 ESPN in St. Louis. Bernie has won this award four years in a row. He recorded the most first place votes (7) and appeared in the Top 3 on more ballots than any other show eligible in this category. Ken Carman and Anthony Lima of 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland once again finished 2nd, although they did narrow the gap from last year.
BSM congratulates Bernie, Tom Carroll, and Tommy Mattern on this year’s recognition, as well as Michelle Smallmon and former PD Chris ‘Hoss’ Neupert who also had a hand in the Bernie show’s 2019 success. With that said, let’s now take a look at the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Mid Market Local Sports Radio Morning Shows of 2019!”
Additional Notes:
- Bernie Miklasz finished 27 points in front of Ken Carman & Anthony Lima. He also recorded the most 1st place votes with seven (7)
- 21-25 was occupied by Mike Taylor, Mason & Gall, The Franchise Morning Show, The First Quarter and Bill & Rookie.
- Howard & Jeremy edged Dunlap & Mack by 1 point, The Border Patrol did the same to the Wake Up Zone.
- 38 shows were eligible for consideration this year, 10 received at least one (1) 1st place vote
Here is the remaining schedule for the BSM Top 20 of 2018.
- Wednesday January 29 = The 2019 Top 20 Major/Mid-Market Local Sports Radio Midday Shows
- Thursday January 30 = The 2019 Top 20 Major/Mid-Market Local Sports Radio Afternoon Shows
- Friday January 31 = The 2019 Top 20 Major/Mid-Market Local Sports Radio Program Directors
- Monday February 3 = The 2019 Top 20 Major/Mid-Market Local Sports Radio Stations
- Tuesday February 4 = The 2019 Top 20 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.
