Welcome to Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 for Music Radio presented by Strategic Solutions Research. Strategic Solutions Research is celebrating its 20th year providing strategic research, music testing and personality content testing for clients in the US and in 22 countries. Visit their website to learn how they can help your brand. We appreciate Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.
Our Music Radio Top 20 series begins with a look at the Top 20 Alternative Shows of 2025. You can see all results from this series on our website but I highly encourage you to subscribe to The Nooner newsletter. Each day at 12pm ET our newsletter will be delivered so professionals can enjoy the results. We will also support the series across our social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X.
The full schedule of releases is down below the images. Once the series is done, I’ll record videos discussing the key takeaways and process for music, sports and news. Those videos will be posted on the Barrett Media YouTube page. Make sure you subscribe so you’re notified once the video goes live.
Important Information
#1 – These results represent the collective feedback provided by our industry voters. Barrett Media does not vote in this process. Our role is to assemble the group, collect the votes, and present the information. Results are based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the voting. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.
#2 – Music radio is a massive space. Shows appear on lists in multiple formats. Programmers run stations in different cities and formats. Changes occur under the radar and without stations updating key information. That makes it difficult when trying to issue proper credit to deserving programmers, hosts and/or brands. We try to get it perfect, but we’re human, and mistakes do happen. If you notice an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can fix it.
#3 – This series specifically focuses on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts and programming outside the United States are not included.
#4 – A total of 320 show images featuring shows and program directors are presented during this series. There are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. We understand you may not like the way your left shoulder looks in a photo but such is life. Thanks in advance for understanding.
The Voting Process
A record One Hundred and Ninety Two (192) program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants were involved in this year’s voting. That beat last year’s mark of 173. Like always, there were a few who didn’t weigh in who I’d have loved to include but overall, the support was outstanding. THANK YOU!
Be advised that our voters represent the following companies: iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Beasley Media, Cox Media Group, Townsquare Media, Hubbard Radio, Bonneville, Radio One, Connoisseur Media, SummitMedia, Saga Communications, MediaCo., Buck Owens Production Company, Pamal Broadcasting, Times-Shamrock Media, Stephens Media Group, Guaranty Media, Lotus Communications, Cromwell Media Group, Midwest Communications, One Putt Broadcasting, Griffin Media, plus numerous consultancies. We involve a large group to assure input is received from all areas of the country and to prevent the results from favoring any one company.
Though 192 voters are involved, the number of people voting on each format is lower. This is by design. We want experts from each format voting on what they know best. Depending on their role and expertise, some vote on all eight formats, others vote on as little as one. For this category, 26 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Alternative Shows and Program Directors.
One Hundred and Eleven (111) Alternative radio shows appeared on ballots turned in by our voters. Executives were asked to consider the following criteria when voting: Quality of Shows (ear test), Ability to Entertain-Inform-Connect Across Multiple Platforms, Ratings Success, Originality, Industry Buzz and Clearance (national shows). We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection after 1 and up to 10 earning two points less. It’s not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.
And the Winner Is…
Elliot in the Morning of DC 101 in Washington D.C.. This is Elliot’s first category win after finishing fourth last year. Congratulations to Elliot, the morning crew and the entire DC 101 team on the well deserved recognition.
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 Alternative Shows of 2025.
Additional Notes:
- Elliot in the Morning narrowly edged Klein & Ally by five (5) points to score the category win. The two shows tied for the most first place votes with four (4).
- Spots 21-25 went to Sluggo, Julia, Dallas Osborn, The Mo! Show, and Kenzie.
- The closest battle saw Ian Camfield nip Andy Hawk by two (2) points for 11th place.
- Of the One Hundred and Eleven (111) shows to earn votes, thirteen (13) received at least one 1st place vote.
Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:
- Tuesday February 24 = BM Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Wednesday February 25 = BM Top 20 Classic Rock Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Thursday February 26 = BM Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Friday February 27 = BM Top 20 Urban/Hip-Hop Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Monday March 2 = BM Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Tuesday March 3 = BMM Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Wednesday March 4 = BM Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
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.
