The next to last release of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2024 presented by Radio.Cloud has arrived. Today we recognize the Top 20 AC/Hot AC radio shows of 2024. In addition, we’ve also announced the AC/Hot AC format’s Top 20 program directors. For all format results, visit the website, follow BM on X, Facebook or LinkedIn or sign up for our newsletters. Be advised, the results are based on 2024’s performances, not on anything that has occurred in January 2025.
We’ve run this Top 20 series successfully for years in the Sports and News/Talk formats. This is our first time though highlighting music radio. It is by far the largest project we’ve ever done. 173 program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants voted, and 250+ were invited to be a part of it. Though some brand leaders and company executives didn’t vote or respond, I’m ecstatic with our turnout. I wasn’t sure what to expect when the process began given that I’m a new face to some, but many knew our brand, and were excited to participate. It’s been fun connecting with many accomplished radio professionals.
As you review these results, please remember that they represent the collective feedback shared by our industry voters. I do not vote in this process. My role is to assemble the group, collect their votes, and present the information. At the conclusion of the series, Jeff Lynn and I will record a video for the Barrett Media YouTube page sharing our takeaways from the series. Be sure to subscribe to the page so you’re notified of when the video goes live.
Given the size of Music Radio formats, we are presenting the Top 20 shows and programmers from ALL markets. This includes Major Markets, Mid-Markets, and syndicated programs. The best of the best if you will. Some formats are combined due to similarities such as AC/Hot AC, Adult/Classic Hits, and Rock (Active/Modern Rock). There are also a few shows, hosts and/or programmers who appear on lists in multiple formats. This is due to their stations featuring music and programming that crosses over.
Important Information
#1 – Music radio is a massive space, and stations don’t always provide or update information. That makes it hard at times to issue credit to deserving programmers or hosts. We’ve tried to be accurate with the spelling of names, shows, brands, cities, and positions, but we’re human, and mistakes happen. If you see an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can make a correction.
#2 – We’ve asked the voters to supply photos and logos to avoid headaches. Some comply, but most don’t. That’s consistent with voters in our sports and news/talk series too. It forces us to spend a lot of time digging for images to highlight everyone. For that reason, there are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. Thanks in advance for understanding.
#3 – This series specifically focuses on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts and programming outside the United States are not included.
#4 – 129 AC/Hot AC radio shows received votes from our voters, the most of any category in our Top 20 series. Executives were asked to rank their Top 10 selections using the following criteria: Quality of Show (ear test), Originality, Ratings Success, Ability to Entertain-Inform-Connect Across Multiple Platforms, Clearance (national shows) and Industry Buzz. A 1st place vote equals 20 points, 2nd gets 18, and it goes down by 2 each time until reaching 10th and earning 2 points. 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 one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.
#4 – 27 broadcasting companies are represented in this series. Among them include iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Townsquare Media, Beasley Media, Hubbard Radio, Bonneville, Meruelo Media, Radio One, Cox Media Group, Alpha Media, Connoisseur Media, Saga Communications, Hearst Communications, Rubber City Radio Group, Cromwell Media, Press Communications, Pamal Broadcasting, Lotus Communications, Shamrock Communications, Midwest Communications, Seven Mountains Media, Summit Media, Buck Owens, Local Media San Diego, Colorado Springs Radio Broadcasters, and Milwaukee Media Group. Another 18 consulting groups were involved as well. We involve people from different groups and cities to make sure balance is provided.
#5 – Though we have a total of 173 voters in this series, the number voting on each format is lower. This is by design. We wanted experts from each format to vote on what they know best, and avoid situations where managers with less format familiarity are impacting the results. 53 programmers, consultants, and executives with experience in the AC/Hot AC format voted on the category.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for doing an excellent job with our graphics, and Stephanie Eads for helping with the voting process. I’d also like to thank every single voter who made time to participate. Now without further delay, here are the Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows of 2024.
Additional Notes:
- Karson & Kennedy landed a 14 point win over Cubby & Christine. They finished tied for the most first place votes with Cubby & Christine, Ellen K, and Delilah with 4.
- Spots 21-25 went to Mike Adams, Wendy Wilde, The Morning Mix, Jenn & Bill, and Anna & Raven.
- We had a tie for 16th place, which is why you’ll see images for both Sean Copeland and the Bret Mega Show. 2 other races were close and decided by 2 points. Booker, Alex & Audrey edged John Tesh, and Bennett held off Tad, Drex & Kara.
- Of the 129 shows to receive votes, 27 received at least one 1st place vote.
Barrett Media Top 20 of 2024 in Music Radio Upcoming Schedule:
- Wednesday January 29 = BMM Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors
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.
