Welcome to our 10th year of recognizing the best in sports radio as part of the Barrett Sports Media Top 20 series presented by Steve Stone Voiceovers. Steve is a friend, tremendous voice talent, heard across stations nationwide, and is a champion of the sports format. Be sure to check out his work if you’re not already familiar.
We kick off this year’s series with a look at the top 20 Major and Mid Market Morning Shows of 2024. Stay updated on all of the results by visiting the website, following BM on X, Facebook or LinkedIn or signing up for our newsletters. At the conclusion of the series, Dave Greene and I will record a video for the Barrett Media YouTube page sharing our thoughts on the results. Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube page so you’re notified once the video goes live.
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.
Important Information
#1 – These results are based on 2024’s performance. 2025 changes have no effect on the voting. Given that some shows went through changes, we promote them based on how they end, not how they start. A few examples of this are the morning show changes at 101 ESPN, WHB, and 96.5 The Fan.
#2 – We’ve asked the voters to supply photos and logos to avoid headaches. Some comply, but most don’t. 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 – Our executive panel consists of forty six (46) program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Good Karma Brands, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Radio One, 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.
#4 – Voters were asked to consider a bunch of factors when making their selections. The criteria included the ear test, originality, multi-platform impact, ratings success, clearance (national shows) and industry buzz. Keep in mind that our voters live in different cities, work for different companies, have different tastes, 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.
#5 – A total of 46 shows were eligible for voting consideration in the Mid Market Morning Shows category.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for helping with our graphics, and Stephanie Eads for her assistance 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 Mid Market Sports Radio Shows of 2024.
Additional Notes:
- McElroy and Cubelic finished forty six (46) points ahead of The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima to earn first-place. This is the duo’s third straight year finishing first. Greg and Cole also earned a category best eight (8) first place votes.
- Spots 21-25 belonged to The Press Box, The Starting Lineup, Mike Bianchi’s Open Mike, The Franchise Morning Show, and Bill and Rookie.
- The closest contest saw Jen, Gabe & Chewy finish two points in front of Robby and Rexrode.
- Of the 46 shows to appear on submitted ballots, eleven (11) received at least one 1st place vote.
BNM Top 20 of 2024 Remaining Schedule:
- Tuesday February 4 = BSM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Midday Shows of 2024
- Wednesday February 5 = BSM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows of 2024
- Thursday February 6 = BSM Top 20 National Sports Radio Shows of 2024
- Friday February 7 = BSM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2024
- Monday February 10 = BSM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports 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.
