Welcome to day three of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 in 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. Our thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.
Today, the Top 20 series highlights the Top 20 Classic Rock Radio Shows of 2025. All results from this series are available on our website, in The Nooner newsletter, and are promoted across Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, X and Instagram. Be sure to visit, subscribe and/or follow to stay informed.
The full schedule of releases is listed down below the images. After this series is done, I will record videos discussing the entire process for music, sports and news. Those videos will be posted to 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, 32 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Classic Rock Shows and Program Directors.
Two hundred (200) Classic Rock radio shows were eligible for voting consideration this year. We determine the results by using a point system for this process. A 1st place vote is worth 20 points, and each selection after number one earns 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…
Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show of Q104.3 in New York City. This is Jim’s second category win in a row. In January 2026, Jim’s longtime radio partner Shelli Sonstein announced her retirement after a near five decade partnership. With the win, Jim and Shelli can feel good knowing they went out on top. Congrats to Jim, Shelli, Trevor, Eric and the entire Q104.3 team on the well deserved recognition.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Classic Rock voter who participated in the process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Classic Rock Shows of 2025.
Additional Notes:
- Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show earned the top spot with a fifty (50) point victory. Kerr’s morning show also scored a category best, five (5) first place votes.
- Spots 21-25 belonged to Janda Lane, Gunner, The Lamont Show, Carol Miller and Dave & Dorene.
- The tightest race saw Chuck Nowlin slip by Big Jim’s House for 10th place by one (1) point.
- Of the 200 Classic Rock shows eligible for votes, sixteen (16) earned at least one 1st place vote.
Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:
- 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.
