The 10th edition of the Barrett Sports Media Top 20 series presented by Steve Stone Voiceovers rolls on. Today, we reveal sports radio’s top Major and Mid Market Program Directors of 2024. Stay updated on all the results by visiting the website, following BM on X, Facebook or LinkedIn or 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. A few examples of this are Ryan Hurley taking the reins at WFAN, and Andy Roth doing the same at 680 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 29 program directors were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Program Directors 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 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2024.
Additional Notes:
- Jimmy Powers won a tight race over Rick Radzik by tfourteen (14) points. Both were tied for the most first-place votes in the category with four (4).
- Spots 21-25 belonged to Rich Moore, Parker Hillis, Jon Winthrop, Kyle Brown, and Mike Hohler.
- The closest contests saw Jeff Catlin and Adam Klug finish one (1) point ahead of Rod Lakin and Len Weiner.
- Of the 29 PDs to appear on submitted ballots, eleven (11) received at least one 1st place vote.
BNM Top 20 of 2024 Remaining Schedule:
- 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.
