The 10th edition of the Barrett Sports Media Top 20 series presented by Steve Stone Voiceovers turns its attention today to sports radio’s top National Shows. Stay updated on all of the results by visiting the website, following BM on X, Facebook or LinkedIn or by signing up for our newsletters. At the end of the series, Dave Greene and I will record a video for the Barrett Media YouTube page sharing our thoughts on the results. Make 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. To provide clarity, Major Markets are defined as those operating in markets #1-#20. Mid Markets consist of markets #21 and up.
Important Information
#1 – These results are based on 2024’s performance. 2025 changes have no effect on the voting. Given that brands went through changes, we promote them based on how they end, not how they start. Jim Rome, Rich Eisen, and You Better You Bet are on this list and enjoyed success under different networks/names in 2024. We used images of their current networks logos to reflect their current partners and avoid any confusion.
#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 63 shows were eligible for voting consideration in the National Sports Radio 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 National Sports Radio Shows of 2024.
Additional Notes:
- The Dan Patrick Show won the category for the third time, and the second year straight. DP finished ahead of Colin Cowherd by one hundred and thirty one (131) points, the largest category win of any show in the 2024 Top 20 series. Dan also received a series high seventeen (17) first-place votes.
- Spots 21-25 belonged to Amber & Ian, Busted Open, Moving The Chains, Full Ride w/ Rick Neuheisel and Chris Childers, and Amy Lawrence.
- The closest contest saw You Better You Bet finish one point ahead of Covino & Rich.
- Of the 63 shows to appear on submitted ballots, nine (9) received at least one 1st place vote.
BNM Top 20 of 2024 Remaining Schedule:
- 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 Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
