We’ve reached the end of the first week of our 8th annual BSM Top 20 series. Today we place the spotlight on the Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022. As you review this year’s list, please remember that the results are a collective snapshot of how forty-six (46) industry executives view the best in this category. My thanks to Alex Reynolds, Stephanie Eads, and Dylan Barrett for their help with the Top 20 process, and Steve Kamer Voiceovers for being our exclusive sponsor for this year’s Top 20 series. Steve’s voice is heard across the nation on many top shows, stations, and networks, and if you’re not familiar with his work, take a second to learn what makes him stellar at his craft by clicking here.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few key things to be aware of.
– These results are based on 2022’s performance. 2023 changes have no effect on the voting.
– Our executive panel consists of forty-six (46) program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Spotify, and independently owned and operated radio stations. We involve a large number of people in this process in order to include feedback from all parts of the country, as well as to prevent the results from heavily favoring one company.
– A total of 29 programmers were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors category.
– Voters choose their Top 20 in this category based on a few key factor’s including leadership, brand success, ratings, multiplatform impact, etc.. Keep in mind that voters live in different cities, have different tastes, and value certain qualities more than others. This isn’t a perfect science, but it’s the best system we’ve been able to come up with to showcase how sports radio’s brain trust view the best in the format.
And that brings us to the rankings for this year’s Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors. Spike Eskin of WFAN is your category winner for 2022. This is Spike’s second category win, and his first since taking over at WFAN. He prevailed by thirty (30) points over runner up Jimmy Powers. BSM congratulates Spike and the WFAN team on earning this year’s top honor, as well as every programmer who gained a spot on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022!”
Additional Notes:
- Rick Radzik received a category best five (5) first place votes. Jimmy Powers was second with four (4).
- 21-25 belonged to Brian Long, Len Weiner, Adam Klug, Parker Hillis, and Mike Conti.
- The closest contest saw Rick Radzik finish ahead of Mitch Rosen by 3 points.
- Of the 29 programmers eligible for consideration this year, 10 received at least one 1st place vote.
Here is the remaining schedule for the BSM Top 20 of 2022.
- Monday February 13 = The Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Stations of 2022
To view prior years of BSM’s Top 20 results, click here.
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.
