Welcome to the Barrett News Media Top 20 of 2024 series presented by JJ Surma Voiceovers. JJ is an avid supporter of the news/talk format. Be sure to check out his work when time permits. This series is voted on by news/talk radio program directors and executives across the country. To see each day’s results visit the website, follow BM on X at @Barrett_Media or Facebook at Barrett Media or sign up for our newsletters here. We appreciate the support.
The six categories featured are news/talk radio’s Major and Mid market morning, midday, and afternoon shows, the top program directors and radio stations, and the format’s best national talk shows. Major Markets represent shows, stations, and PDs in markets #1-#20. Mid Markets are for markets #21 and below. Not included in our lists are NPR brands and shows. Mainstream talk radio outlets are our main focus.
As you review the results, please remember that they represent the collective opinions of our radio industry executive panel. Decision makers receive lists and are asked to vote on talent, shows, brands, and leaders. We don’t participate in the voting process, we simply add up and present the results.
Three Things To Be Aware Of
#1 – We try to be thorough with the spelling of names, shows, cities, and the use of photos and logos. However, we’re creating 200+ images to highlight an entire format, so mistakes happen sometimes. If you see an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com. Additionally, we ask voters to send in photos and logos in advance to avoid headaches. Once the series is presented, there are no changes unless it involves a mistake. Thanks in advance for understanding.
#2 – 70 mid market morning shows appeared on ballots turned in by our executive panel. Executives were asked to rank their Top 20 selections for each category based on a few key factors; quality of show (ear test), originality, ability to entertain-inform-connect across multiple platforms, ratings success, clearance (national shows) and industry buzz. Remember, our voters live in different cities, have individual tastes, work for different groups, and value certain factors higher than others. This is not a perfect system but it’s the best we’ve come up with to showcase the industry’s best.
#3 – The executive panel includes programmers, consultants and corporate executives from radio’s top companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Hubbard, Cox Media Group, Townsquare Media, Salem Media Group, Bonneville, FOX News Radio, Westwood One, and Radio One. Our total number of voters this year was forty six (46). Most vote on six categories, but some only vote on national shows and/or program directors. We involve people from different groups and cities in order to provide a balanced view of the format.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for doing a great job with this year’s graphics. I’d also like to thank all who took part in the voting process. Now without further delay, here are the Top 20 Mid Market Morning Shows of 2024.
Additional Notes:
- Tony Katz finished ahead of Mike McConnell by twenty one (21) points. This is Katz’s first time winning the category. He finished 3rd in 2023, and 2nd in 2022.
- Spots 21-25 belonged to Bill Spadea, Good Morning Orlando w/ Simon Conway, KMJ Morning News, Fort Wayne’s Morning News w/ Kayla Blakeslee, and Wake Up Memphis w/ Ben Deeter.
- We had a tie for 18th between Kevin Miller and Jeff Angelo. As a result, it paved the way for Tony Cruise to make the cut at #20.
- Of the 70 shows to appear on submitted ballots, seven (7) received at least one 1st place vote.
BNM Top 20 of 2024 Remaining Schedule:
- Tuesday January 7 = BNM Top 20 Major/Mid Market N/T Radio Midday Shows of 2024
- Wednesday January 8 = BNM Top 20 Major/Mid Market N/T Radio Afternoon Shows of 2024
- Thursday January 9 = BNM Top 20 National N/T Radio Shows of 2024
- Friday January 10 = BNM Top 20 Major/Mid Market N/T Radio Program Directors of 2024
- Monday January 13 = BNM Top 20 Major/Mid Market N/T Radio Stations of 2024
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.
