The Barrett News Media Top 20 of 2024 series rolls on to day five. My thanks to JJ Surma Voiceovers for supporting this year’s series. To see each day’s results visit the website, follow BM on X or Facebook or sign up for our newsletters here. We appreciate the support.
The six categories featured in our series this year 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.
4 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 so we can fix it. 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 – Robin Bertolucci won this award while leading KFI each of the past two years. Her exit in November opened up the category for others, with votes shifting in many directions. Additionally, Mary Sandberg Boyle serves as VP/GM for WGN Radio in Chicago. Her role includes oversight of the brand’s programming department. Though she has more responsibility than just leading the programming team, she is included on our list because her work in the programming department is highly respected by our voters. The station also deserves to have representation in the category regardless if the leader of the department is labeled a PD, VP, OM, GM, etc..
#3 – 35 brand leaders appeared on ballots turned in by our executive panel. Executives were asked to rank their Top 20 selections using a few key factors; quality of shows (ear test), originality, ability to entertain-inform-connect across multiple platforms, ratings success, and industry buzz. Remember, our voters live in different cities, have individual tastes, work for different companies, 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 who the industry considers its best.
#3 – Our executive panel included 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 Major Market Program Directors in News/Talk radio for 2024.
Additional Notes:
- Ken Charles won a close contest, holding off Julia Ziegler by three (3) points. This is Ken’s first category win. Both Ken and Julia were tied with a category best four (4) first place votes.
- Spots 21-25 belonged to Kristina Koppeser, Bryan Buckalew, Ann Thomas, Martha Maurer, and Rob Davidek.
- The closest contest saw Craig Schwalb finish one (1) point ahead of Ben Mevorach for fourth place.
- Of the 35 program directors to appear on submitted ballots, fourteen (14) received at least one 1st place vote.
BNM Top 20 of 2024 Remaining Schedule:
- 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.
