We’ve reached the end of the Barrett Sports Media Top 20 series presented by Steve Stone Voiceovers. Today, we recognize the Sports Radio format’s top Major and Mid Market Stations of 2024. To see all of this year’s results, and any from the past, click on the BM Top 20 tab up top on the website. You’ll be able to check out everything we’ve produced over the past 10 years. Additionally, you can stay updated on everything we do by following us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and signing up for our newsletters. Dave Greene and I will be recording a video later today recapping this year’s results. Keep an eye out for it.
As you review the 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. For those who are unaware, Major Markets are defined as those operating in markets #1-#20. Mid Markets consist of those performing in markets #21 and up.
Important Information
#1 – These results are based on 2024’s performance. 2025 changes to local stations have no effect on the voting.
#2 – 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.
#3 – 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 51 sports stations were eligible for voting consideration in the Mid Market Sports Radio Stations category.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for his help 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 Stations of 2024.
Additional Notes:
- WJOX 94.5 landed a twelve (12) point victory over 97.1 The Fan. JOX tied for the most first-place votes with 97.1 The Fan and 104.5 The Zone with three (3)
- Spots 21-25 belonged to ESPN 850 Cleveland, 97.3 The Game, 1010 The Fan, 99.9 The Fan, and ESPN 94.5 Milwaukee.
- The closest contests saw 104.5 The Zone and 92.9 ESPN hold off their closest competitors, 101 ESPN and 105.7 The Fan by one (1) point.
- Of the 51 Sports Stations to appear on submitted ballots, thirteen (13) received at least one 1st place vote.
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.
