This past Monday, Barrett Media began the Top 20 of 2024 series, featuring the top Program Directors and Shows across music radio formats as voted by their industry peers.
The lists feature a who’s who of the best and brightest in the radio industry.
I’ve had the opportunity to talk to several of the programmers who made the list, and despite the differences in formats, geography, and ownership, I’ve noticed some similarities in what they credit for their success.
Among the consistent traits:
• Sharing or giving credit to their people tops the list.
• Being transparent and keeping their team in the loop.
• Being open to ideas from anyone on the team.
• Celebrating wins as a team and being proud when someone on their team moves on to greater success.
• The belief that radio has a role in serving its community and not just in times of crisis.
• The firm belief is that while radio sometimes shoots itself in the foot, it is far from dead and provides a unique listening experience that streaming or pure plays can’t match.
• Passion for the industry, their station, and people.
• The belief that young people will still want to get into radio… you just have to look a little harder for them.
Over the next few weeks, I will continue to feature people on the list. So far, while exhibiting most of the traits listed above, I have learned something or taken away a great idea from each of them.
For instance, check out the feature with Terrie Carr at WDHA and her brilliant idea to generate revenue by sponsoring the station’s parking lot.
This is a graduate-level class in programming and content creation.
Watch this space.
Community Connections:
Congratulations to Eric Church and Luke Combs, co-recipients of the Country Radio Seminars 2025 Artist Humanitarian Award. They are recognized for raising over $24 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Saga Communications CBUS Media Group, Columbus, OH, hosted its annual “Stay Alive 5 Stuff The Bus,” collecting hats, gloves, coats, and boots for Ohioans in need. The items collected benefit Mission Warmth.
Industry Happenings:
The nominees for the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards have been announced. In addition to the awards show, Lady Gaga will be honored with the iHeartRadio Innovator Award, and Mariah Carey will receive the iHeartRadio Icon Award.
See the list of nominees here.
The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) will host a free webinar, “Better Together in 2025: A Unified Approach to Nielsen’s Measurement Modernization,” at noon (CT) on January 29. Register here.
Add ons:
Cox Media’s 97.1 The River, Atlanta, will celebrate its 19th birthday with The River’s Rockin’ Birthday Bash on May 9.
The concert with Billy Idol’s “It’s A Nice Day To…Tour Again!” featuring Joan Jett & The Blackhearts will take place at Atlanta’s Ameris Bank Amphitheatre.
Bit Of The Week:
Hit me with your best. The Pulse wants to include your show with the “Bit Of The Week.” If you want to be featured, please send me an mp3 of your best, most recent bit to jeff@barrettmedia.com.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
