The 7th and final category of our 2019 Top 20 series has arrived. We shift our focus today to the digital audio space in order to recognize the Top 20 Original Sports Podcasts of 2019. This category was by far our most crowded with a total of 89 podcasts eligible for voting consideration. One thing to address up front is that we are highlighting ‘Original’ digital audio content in this category, not re-purposed radio shows available in digital form.
Before you scroll ahead to see who made the list, be advised that our Top 20 results are determined by a panel of radio industry professionals. Yours truly (Jason Barrett) does not vote on the awards, I simply recruit the voters, collect their feedback, add up the votes, design the images, and present and promote the results.
Given how different podcasting success is measured versus radio, we gave our panel the freedom to make their selections based on the shows they listen to and enjoy most. Given that each individual has different tastes and lives and works in a different region of the country, that makes the process an inexact science. Nonetheless, this is a collective snapshot of what people in leadership positions think of the best sports digital content, brands, and talent.
Which brings us now to the results. After being named our inaugural winner last year, Pardon My Take from Barstool Sports steps aside this year for a brand new winner. Topping the charts for 2019 is ESPN’s ‘30 For 30 Podcasts‘. Big Cat and PFT Commenter held strong coming in 2nd. Rounding out the Top 5 were Bill Simmons, Pat McAfee and Adam Schefter.
We congratulate all involved in the production of ESPN’s ’30 For 30 Podcasts’ on their well deserved recognition, and now bring you the full rankings for BSM’s Top 20 Original Sports Podcasts of 2019.
Additional Notes:
- 30 For 30 Podcasts and Pardon My Take tied for the most 1st place votes with five (5). 30 for 30 secured 1st overall by 16 points over PMT.
- The closest races were for 11-12 and 15-16. Marty Smith’s America and Rapsheet & Friends narrowly defeated The Right Time w/ Bomani Jones and Spittin’ Chiclets by 1 point. Clay Travis’ Wins & Losses edged ESPN Daily for 17th place by 2 points.
- Spots 21-25 belonged to Sports? with Katie Nolan, Talk is Jericho, Stone Cold Steve Austin Podcast, StuPodity, and the Brock & Salk Podcast.
- 16 of the 89 eligible podcasts received at least one (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.
