The 9th annual BSM Top 20 series starts with the Top 20 National Sports Radio Shows of 2023. There is always confusion when this category is presented so let’s set things straight. These shows air on radio stations across the country. They are not solely podcasts or video shows on social or TV. That means programs such as the Pat McAfee Show, Pardon My Take, Dan Le Batard Show and Bill Simmons Show are NOT eligible since they do not broadcast on radio.
Now that we’ve covered that, let’s get into the process.
As you review this year’s selections, please remember that these results represent the collective votes from fifty eight (58) industry programming executives. My thanks to Alex Reynolds and Stephanie Eads for helping with the Top 20 creative process. I’d also like to thank Steve Stone Voiceovers for being our exclusive sponsor for the Top 20 series. Steve’s voice is heard across the nation on many top sports and news radio and television brands and networks. He’s an excellent voice talent, great to partner with, and if you’re not familiar with him, click here.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few key things to be aware of.
– These results are based on 2023’s performance. 2024 changes have no effect on the voting.
– Our executive panel consists of fifty eight (58) 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 a number of independently owned and operated radio stations. We involve a large group 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 97 shows were eligible for voting consideration in the National Sports Radio Shows category. This includes programs on all of SiriusXM’s sports channels, and betting programs from BetQL, VSiN, SportsGrid, etc..
– Voters are asked to consider a myriad of factors when making their selections. Among the criteria taken into account included the ear test, originality, ability to entertain, multi-platform impact, on-air chemistry, and ratings success. Keep in mind that voters live in different cities, work for different companies, have different tastes, and value certain factors higher than others. This is not a perfect science, but it’s the best system we’ve come up with to showcase how sports radio’s brain trust view the best in the format.
Which brings us to the rankings for this year’s National Sports Radio Shows. For the 2nd time in 9 years, the top honor for National Sports Radio Show of 2023 belongs to The Dan Patrick Show. DP finished in front of Colin Cowherd by sixty two (62) points to claim the top prize. We congratulate DP, Paul, Todd, Seton, Marvin and all involved with Fox Sports Radio on the well deserved recognition, as well as every other show which appeared on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 National Sports Radio Shows of 2023!”
Additional Notes:
- The Dan Patrick Show finished sixty two (62) points ahead of Colin Cowherd. Cowherd did have more first place votes though, landing twenty (20) to DP’s sixteen (16).
- Spots 21-25 were occupied by The Zach Gelb Show, You Better You Bet, Pro Football Talk w/ Mike Florio, Amy Lawrence and Busted Open.
- The closest contest saw Paul Finebaum edge Doug Gottlieb by one (1) point. Unsportsmanlike also nipped Carlin vs. Joe by two (2) points.
- Of the 97 shows eligible for consideration this year, ten (10) received at least one 1st place vote.
Here is the remaining schedule for the BSM Top 20 of 2023.
- Tuesday February 6 = Top 20 Local Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Morning Shows of 2023
- Wednesday February 7 = Top 20 Local Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Midday Shows of 2023
- Thursday February 8 = Top 20 Local Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows of 2023
- Friday February 9 = Top 20 Local Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2023
- Monday February 12 = Top 20 Local Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Stations of 2023
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.
