Welcome to day three of Barrett Media’s Top 20 series for 2025. This series is well regarded across sports radio, news/talk radio and music radio, and for 2026, we’re expanding it into other areas. Each month, we’ll feature different categories voted on by leaders in those respective areas. Stay tuned to this website, our newsletters or X, Facebook, LinkedIn and other social channels to learn what’s coming next. We will also provide commentaries on the Barrett Media YouTube page so be sure to subscribe.
Today’s focus is on the Top 20 Sports Television Talent as recognized by industry decision makers. 39 media executives took part in the voting process. Our voters represent numerous companies such as ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports Regional Networks, Paramount Skydance, Nexstar Media, Sinclair Communications, TEGNA, Warner Bros., Omaha Productions, NFL Network, MLB Network, Yahoo Sports, Red Seat Ventures, The Volume, Bleav, and Blue Duck Media. Executives from a few other groups were asked to share input too but did not provide feedback by our deadline.
Important Information
470 on-air sports broadcasters were listed for our industry voters to vote on. The focus was on identifying the best on sports television, period. By going this route, hosts, analysts, insiders, play-by-play announcers, etc. were all eligible for votes. We knew some executives would place a higher premium on personality. Others might value game broadcasters more. This gives you an idea of how the industry collectively views the best of the best on camera.
Our voting process for this series is similar to how writers cast votes for awards in pro sports. A first-place vote equals twenty (20) points. A 20th place vote equals one (1) point. We do this to try and keep things balanced and from becoming too lopsided should one company be more active than others.
Keep in mind that our voters live in different areas, work for different companies, have different tastes, and value certain factors higher than others. This is not a perfect system. However, it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.
Closing Comments
As you review the results, please remember that these results represent the collective feedback shared by our industry voters. Barrett Media does not vote in this process. We simply ask folks to participate, collect their votes, and present the information.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each voter who participated in the process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Sports Television Talent of 2025. Congrats to all who appeared on this year’s list.
Additional Notes:
- Charles Barkley edged Stephen A. Smith by five (5) points to earn the top spot in the category. Barkley also led all talent in first-place votes with five (5).
- Spots 21-25 belonged to Charissa Thompson, Tom Brady, Dan Orlovsky, Kirk Herbstreit, and Kevin Burkhardt.
- The closest contests saw Cris Collinsworth slip by Greg Olsen, and Laura Rutledge nip Mike Greenberg by two (2) points each.
- Of the 470 talent names to appear on submitted ballots, eleven (11) received at least one 1st place vote.
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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.
Where’s Adam Schefter?
Wasn’t voted in the top 20-25 by execs.