The BSM Top 20s are generators. They generate clicks, comments, and conversation in our industry. Every year, JB reaches out to dozens of PDs and executives to generate those lists.
I thought it might be fun this year to add a new twist and let talent get in on the conversation. Everyday a new Top 20 is released, I will turn to a few talents in those same categories with a simple question: If you had a vote, who would be #1 on your ballot?
Afternoon drive is as prime time a spot as a local sports talk station can offer, so today we are looking at some of the format’s biggest stars. The executives put ESPN New York’s The Michael Kay Show and 93.7 the Fan’s Poni & Mueller at the top of the Top 20 Major Market and Mid Market lists respectively. Now it is time to see what the men that do the job everyday think.
CARL DUKES – 92.9 THE GAME (ATLANTA)
I listen to my peers from all over the country, and I’m always looking to be entertained as much as I am trying to find out what’s going on in any particular market. In what might be the most competitive markets, Mike Felger and Tony Massarotti along with my old friend Big Jim Murray (who was in Atlanta when we started the station here) kill it on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
The biggest thing that gets the audience engaged in the show, I believe, is the entertainment value. They are laughing and having fun! These guys get their audience to respond. This show connects with that passion in Boston.
They drive the audience with great content, opinions, and entertainment. The show is interactive.We live in a fast-paced society and as host you get about 2 mins (and sometimes less than that) to grab their attention and get the audience engaged. Once that happens, if you are talking about the right things, people will give you a chance.
Listeners want to hear what you have to say about the biggest topics in sports, and more importantly those in their hometown. Most successful sports shows are either driven by a host’s dynamic personality or by exceedingly strong sports content. I think they have both. These guys put up numbers and they are fun! That’s a win for me!
ANDREW FILLIPPONI – 93.7 THE FAN (PITTSBURGH)
My favorite show on this list is Schopp and the Bulldog. Here’s why:
I started working with them in 2008. Straight out of college. There are still radio techniques from working on that show that I apply today. I think both hosts have top 10 market and national talent. But are from Buffalo and at this point are institutions in that town.
Mike is creatively one of the best hosts in the business. He came up with original benchmark segments. He used callers better than any host I had been around. He could be combative, but would also use them when the show organically went off the rails on non-sports topics too.
Bulldog plays the common man, Buffalo sports fan character well. Because that’s who he probably is at his core. However, he’s one of the best hosts I’ve heard at giving opinions or reacting on his feet. And he’s extremely intelligent but can communicate his thoughts without trying to sound smart.
JAY RECHER – 95.3 WDAE (TAMPA)
To me, the conversation starts and ends with The Michael Kay Show.
I don’t get to hear them as often as I’d like, but every single time I go to visit my family in NY, I flip the dial to 98.7 ESPN NY to hear what Michael, Don and Peter are talking about.
Michael was a voice of my childhood, growing up as a Yankee fan on Long Island. He’s seen it all and when he puts his stamp of approval on something, you know he means it. It’s no BS.
Don’s passion for this business bursts through the speakers like the water out of the hoses we used to drink out of as little kids. It’s must-listen radio when he’s spitting that hot fire.
And whether it’s taking a completely different perspective, discussing pop culture or talking about something like WWE, Peter’s the perfect complement to a show that I think is tops on-air on the ride home.
Never a dull moment listening to these guys.
CARRINGTON HARRISON – 610 SPORTS (KANSAS CITY)
Few people in this business are truly creative in terms of topic development, infusing new ideas and unique points of view. Nick Wilson is one of those guys. I have a lot of respect for the high level of content Nick creates and his consistency.
As the week rolls on, we will dive into every single list that JB puts out. That means next up is Program Directors. Stay tuned!
By the way, just because I didn’t reach out to you to contribute doesn’t mean you can’t have a say. Who do you think the best afternoon show on sports talk radio is? Feel free to add your comment below.
Demetri Ravanos is a columnist and features writer for Barrett Media. He is also the creator of The Sports Podcast Festival, and a previous host on the Chewing Clock and Media Noise podcasts. He occasionally fills in on stations across the Carolinas in addition to hosting Panthers and College Football podcasts. His radio resume includes stops at WAVH and WZEW in Mobile, AL, WBPT in Birmingham, AL and WBBB, WPTK and WDNC in Raleigh, NC.
You can find him on Twitter @DemetriRavanos or reach him by email at DemetriTheGreek@gmail.com.
