After losing Danny Parkins to Chicago’s 670 The Score in January, program director John Hanson was determined to find the right fit for 610 Sports alongside remaining afternoon show host Carrington Harrison. Luckily for Hanson, he didn’t have to look far at all.
The process led Hanson to Brad Fanning, who had appeared as a guest and contributor on the radio station during the past few years. After a handful of test shows, which reflected excellent chemistry between Fanning, Harrison, and producer Ben Heisler, 610 made the decision to offer the job on a permanent basis to the former Channel 5 (KCTV) sports anchor.
Fanning’s arrival was officially announced this afternoon. To hear the show and learn more visit 610’s website by clicking here.
The cat is out of the bag. SportsRadio 94WIP has confirmed they’re adding Jon Marks to their on-air lineup.
The former member of 97.5 The Fanatic will host weeknights 6p-10p ET starting Tuesday, February 7th. He’ll also anchor week-day Phillies pre-game and post-game coverage, provide content for CBSPhilly.com and contribute to WIP’s daytime lineup.
“Jon’s talent, relationship to Philadelphia sports fans, and history in the marketplace will be a huge addition to WIP. We’re thrilled to have him aboard,” said Spike Eskin, Program Director of WIP.
Marks added, “It’s an exciting time in Philadelphia sports and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be in charge of the airwaves every night on WIP. I’d like to thank Spike and David [Market Manager David Yadgaroff] for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”
Marks was with The Fanatic from 2006-2016. He had served in multiple roles, including producing Mike Missanelli, hosting middays with Sean Brace, and working as an on-air contributor to Anthony Gargano’s morning show.
With Marks signing on, WIP has announced that Brian “Sludge” Haddad will stay with the radio station in the role of Creative Services Director.
The morning after the New England Patriots pulled off an improbable comeback to become Super Bowl champions, the sports radio industry does the same by recognizing the brands who performed best in 2016. This is our final category of our BSM 2016 Top 20 series and I hope you’ve enjoyed the last week of activity.
Initially I was hesitant on continuing with this project because in many ways it can be a thankless job and create a lot of tension with friends and industry partners and associates. I’m glad though that I stuck with it. The traffic and feedback have been largely supportive and as great as those things are, I think it’s even more important to allow the radio industry to tell its own story and weigh in on the performance of its top brands rather than leave it to be decided by others who aren’t as informed or who are influenced by compensation and professional relationships.
If you haven’t read any of the previous Top 20 pieces, let me bring you up to speed on the way the voting works. Our executive panel uses the criteria below, and BSM does not vote. We simply present the group’s findings so that people inside and outside of the industry have a better idea of how the format views its top stations.
Station has a great reputation both locally and nationally
Station must have delivered strong ratings success in their local market
Station employs dynamic talent and presents compelling content and a unique sound
Points are to be given to each brand for a ranking (EX: 20 points for 1st place, 1 point for 20th place)
Be advised that these results are a reflection of the group’s collective opinions, and they are subjective. That said, few can argue that each of these brands have produced strong results during the past year. I want to extend my appreciation to everyone who took part in the voting process, and now for the final time, Barrett Sports Media presents “BSM’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Stations of 2016”!
Additional Notes:
104.5 The Zone received the most 1st place votes (8) and finished 14 points ahead of 93.7 The Fan
7 of the Top 20 stations each received at least one (1) 1st place vote, 101 ESPN was 2nd best with five (5)
92.3 The Fan finished one (1) point in front of 97.1 The Fan to claim 4th place
1620 The Zone finished in 21st place, 11 points behind 1010XL
22-25 belonged to 107.7 The Franchise, 104.9 The Horn, 107.3 WBBL, and 97.9 ESPN
The morning after the New England Patriots pulled off an improbable comeback to become Super Bowl champions, the city of Boston celebrates yet again by owning prime real estate among sports radio’s elite radio stations. Over the past twelve months, the battle between 98.5 The Sports Hub and WEEI has been intense, resulting in dominant ratings for both brands. Their collective performance was recognized, respected and supported by our executive panel.
This is our final category of our BSM 2016 Top 20 series. I was conflicted on whether or not to continue with this project but I’m glad I stuck with it because the traffic and feedback have been largely supportive, and I think it’s better to have the radio industry tell its story and weigh in on its own performance rather than leaving it to be decided by others who aren’t as informed about the successes of each brand.
If you haven’t read any of the previous Top 20 pieces, let me bring you up to speed on the way the voting works. Our executive panel uses the criteria below, and BSM does not vote. We simply present the group’s findings so that people inside and outside of the industry have a better idea of how the format views its top stations.
Station has a great reputation both locally and nationally
Station must have delivered strong ratings success in their local market
Station employs dynamic talent and presents compelling content and a unique sound
Points are to be given to each brand for a ranking (EX: 20 points for 1st place, 1 point for 20th place)
Be advised that these results are a reflection of the group’s collective opinions, and they are subjective. That said, few can argue that each of these brands have produced strong results during the past year. I want to extend my appreciation to everyone who took part in the voting process, and now for the final time, Barrett Sports Media presents “BSM’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Stations of 2016”!
Additional Notes:
98.5 The Sports Hub received the most 1st place votes (14), WFAN and 1310 The Ticket tied for 2nd with (5)
6 of the Top 20 stations received at least one (1) 1st place vote
WEEI edged WFAN for 2nd place by three (3) points, 97.1 The Ticket had the same advantage over KFAN
ESPN LA 710 finished in 21st place, 2 points behind 104.3 The Fan
22-25 belonged to LA Sports AM 570, 92.9 The Game, 790 The Ticket and WQAM
Chris Rongey is going home. After 14 years at 670 The Score in Chicago, the St. Louis native is returning to join 101 ESPN’s afternoon show “The Fast Lane”. Rongey will work with Randy Karraker and Brad Thompson starting Wednesday, February 8th.
During his stay in the Windy City, Rongey served as pregame and postgame host for White Sox games, as well as an update anchor, occasional play-by-play analyst and Chicago’s Daily Herald columnist.
Rongey was born and raised in Granite City, Illinois and graduated from Granite City High School. He then attended Illinois State University, and following college and graduate school, Rongey spent one year as a marketing assistant for a National Sports Agency in St. Louis, before moving to Chicago in October 2002 to work as an anchor at WSCR The Score 670 AM, as well as taking on a Total Traffic Chicago reporter job.
Chris became the studio host for the White Sox in 2006, and held that role until 2015 when the team’s contract ended with the station.
According to Rongey, “As you can imagine, I can’t wait to work with Randy, Brad, and the rest of the crew. It’s a solid group of people at 101 and this is a great opportunity to be a part of the premier sports station in St. Louis while also being able to live closer to my family.”
Commenting on the addition of Rongey to the 101ESPN team, Program Director Chris “Hoss” Neupert notes, “We are excited to welcome Chris Rongey home. He is a tremendous talent and will be a great addition to the 101 ESPN team.”
This week the on-air talent have enjoyed their fifteen minutes of fame, but now it’s time to give some attention to the brand leaders who are responsible for guiding and designing some of America’s best sports radio stations. They may not be known beyond an email address or social media account, but make no mistake about it, these folks play a vital role in developing top notch programming, identifying talent, and making sure the audience and the station’s advertisers and business partners have reason to remain loyal to their brands.
To determine the Top 20 Sports Radio Program Directors, our panel uses the criteria below. I do not vote in this process. I simply present the group’s findings so that people inside and outside of the industry have a better idea of the collective view of sports radio’s top executives.
Ratings success in their local market
An established track record of success in the format
Spent more than six months managing a Top 20 market sports radio station
Finished 2016 employed and in the same executive role at the same radio station
Points are given for each ranking (EX: 20 points for 1st place, 1 point for 20th place)
The results are a reflection of the group’s collective opinions, and I remind you that they are subjective. That said, few can argue that each of these individuals have earned the industry’s respect and are known for having done excellent work on a consistent basis.
I extend my congratulations to each person who made this list, and am now proud to present “BSM’s Top 20 Mid-Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2016”!
Additional Notes:
Andy Roth finished 25 points ahead of Jay Taylor to secure 1st place
Brad Willis gained the most 1st place votes (4), Roth was second with 3
Chadd Scott finished 21st, just 2 points behind Erin Hogan
Spots 22-25 belonged to Chris Hoffman, Jake Scott, Jimmy Clark & Dave Jaconnette
For the past four days, the on-air talent have been the focus of conversation. But now it’s time to recognize the brand leaders who guide and design some of America’s top sports radio stations. They may not be known beyond an email address or social media account, but make no mistake about it, these folks play a vital role in developing top notch programming, identifying talent, and making sure the audience and the station’s advertisers and business partners have reasons to remain loyal to their brands.
In order to determine the Top 20 Sports Radio Program Directors, our panel uses the criteria below. I do not vote in this process. I simply present the group’s findings so that people inside and outside of the industry have a better idea of how the format views its top people.
Ratings success in their local market
An established track record of success in the format
Spent more than six months managing a Top 20 market sports radio station
Finished 2016 employed and in the same executive role at the same radio station
Points are given for each ranking (EX: 20 points for 1st place, 1 point for 20th place)
Due to that criteria, someone for example like Joe Zarbano who took over as PD for WEEI on December 1st, isn’t eligible for consideration. If we do this again in 2018, and Joe remains in his current position and his brand continues to performs strongly, the committee would have an opportunity to vote for him then.
These results are a reflection of the group’s collective opinions, and I remind you that they are subjective. That said, few can argue that each of these individuals have earned the industry’s respect, and are known for having done excellent work on a consistent basis.
I extend my congratulations to each person who made this list, and am now proud to present “BSM’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2016”!
Additional Notes:
Mike Thomas edged Mark Chernoff by 2 points to take the top spot
Chernoff had the most 1st place votes (11), Thomas produced the second most (9)
Armen Williams finished in 21st place, only 6 points behind Mike Salk for 20th
22-25 belonged to Terry Foxx, Len Weiner, Mike Shepard and Brad Lane
12 of the 30 Program Directors eligible for consideration received a 1st place vote
Today we depart from featuring the local scene to turn our attention to those hosts who perform across the country on a national sports radio brand. Many of these talents are have huge loyal followings and receive lots of mainstream media attention due to their show’s extended reach, and in some instances, a strong presence on sports television.
Although these results are presented by Barrett Sports Media, I refrain from voting in order to keep a neutral position while presenting the group’s findings. The goal is to acknowledge those hosts who performed at a high level in 2016, while allowing people inside and outside of the industry to get a better idea of the collective view of sports radio’s top executives. As we do with each category, our executive panel uses the criteria below to help determine who they feel deserves to be on the Top 20 list.
Strong local ratings success in 2016
An established track record in the format
Quality content delivered on a consistent basis
Finished 2016 employed at the station
Spent more than six months with the radio station
Points are given for each ranking (EX: 20 points for 1st place, 1 point for 20th place)
*** If a host or show was changed or cancelled in January 2017, it has no effect on our voting. These results are based solely on 2016.
Please remember that these results are very subjective. That said, few can argue that each of these individuals and shows have earned the industry’s respect, and are known for delivering excellent on-air content on a regular basis.
I extend my congratulations to each host and network that earned a spot on the list, and am pleased to now bring you “BSM’s Top 20 National Sports Radio Shows of 2016”!
Additional Notes:
Colin Cowherd recorded the most 1st place votes (17) and was 27 points ahead of Dan Patrick
Mike and Mike finished 21 points behind Dan Patrick but had the 2nd most 1st place votes (14)
Morning Men and Chris Mannix were tied, the first time we’ve had that happen in the voting
Scott Ferrall finished 21st, just 5 points behind Chris Mannix and the Morning Men
Spots 22-25 belonged to Gio & Jones, Jalen & Jacoby, Freddie & Fitz and Jason Smith
Stephen A. Smith left Mad Dog Sports Radio for ESPN Radio in January
Jay Mohr and FOX Sports Radio recently agreed to part ways
A total of 47 national shows were eligible for consideration and received at least 1 vote
9 of the 47 national shows received a 1st place vote
We’re halfway through the 2016 BSM Top 20 in Sports Radio, and today the afternoon shows gain our undivided attention. Before you scroll down to see who made the list, here’s how the process works.
First, these results are subjective. The members of our executive committee who participate in the voting have different insights and preferences. They also work for different companies, which may or may not factor into their thinking. We do our best to keep the process fair and balanced by involving 53 members from multiple companies and different cities, and utilize different panels for our Major Market, Mid-Market, and National Show categories.
Although the results are presented on this website, BSM does not vote. Our role is to present the findings of the sports radio industry from a neutral position. The identities of our voters are kept private on purpose, as it’s a big reason why they feel comfortable participating. To violate their trust would affect future participation, and damage our relationships in the industry, which is something we will not do.
As it applies to each category, the following criteria is considered by our executive panel.
Strong local ratings success in 2016
An established track record in the format
Quality content delivered on a consistent basis
Finished 2016 employed at the station
Spent more than six months with the radio station
*** If a host or show was changed or cancelled in January 2017, it has no effect on our voting. These results are based solely on 2016.
We place an emphasis on ratings, stability and impact when deciding who belongs on the initial list of 25-35. If a show didn’t generate ratings or spend the majority of the year on the air, they’re not likely to appear on the list. We’re aiming to highlight the best performers of 2016, not who we feel possesses the most talent.
For example, Jared Stillman and Floyd Reese took over afternoons on 102.5 The Game in Nashville, but because their show didn’t start until late August, they weren’t eligible for consideration. If we do this again in 2018, and they remain in their current timeslot and perform strongly, the committee would have an opportunity to vote for them.
I anticipate there will be plenty of debate over the selections, but I hope that you take into account that the purpose of this project is to highlight those in the sports format who performed at a high level in 2016. Each of these shows deserves to be recognized for a job well done, and I extend my congratulations to each of them for earning the respect of our executive committee and a spot on the Top 20.
Now without further delay, here are the Barrett Sports Media Top 20 Mid-Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows of 2016!
Additional Notes:
3HL finished 2 points ahead of TheFast Lane, who were 1 point ahead of Mark Madden, who was 1 point ahead of Bull & Fox
A grand total of 5 points separated the top 4 shows, the tightest finish of any mid-market category
3HL gained the most 1st place votes (4), and a total of 11 shows received at least (1) 1st place vote
Unsportsmanlike Conduct occupied 21st place, and was only 1 point away from tying for 20th place
Spots 22-25 belonged to Bo Mattingly, Monson & Checketts, Bill Simonson and The Rise Guys
Danny Parkins left the afternoon show on 610 Sports in KC in January to join 670 The Score in Chicago
We’re halfway through the 2016 BSM Top 20 in Sports Radio, and today the afternoon shows gain our undivided attention. Before you scroll down to see who made the list, here’s how our process works.
First, these results are subjective. The members of our executive committee who participate in the voting have different insights and preferences. They also work for different companies, which may or may not factor into their thinking. We do our best to keep the process fair and balanced by involving 53 members from multiple companies and different cities, and utilize different panels for our Major Market, Mid-Market, and National Show categories.
Although the results are presented on this website, BSM does not vote. Our role is to present the findings of the sports radio industry from a neutral position. The identities of our voters are kept private on purpose, as it’s a big reason why they feel comfortable participating. To violate their trust would affect future participation, and damage our relationships in the industry, which is something we will not do.
As it applies to each category, the following criteria is considered by our executive panel.
Strong local ratings success in 2016
An established track record in the format
Quality content delivered on a consistent basis
Finished 2016 employed at the station
Spent more than six months with the radio station
*** If a host or show was changed or cancelled in January 2017, it has no effect on our voting. These results are based solely on 2016.
We place an emphasis on ratings, stability and impact when deciding who belongs on the initial list of 25-35. If a show didn’t generate ratings or spend the majority of the year on the air, they’re not likely to appear on the list. We’re aiming to highlight the best performers of 2016, not who we feel possesses the most talent.
For example, Josh Innes took over afternoons on Sports Talk 790 in Houston, but because his show didn’t start until October, he wasn’t eligible for consideration. If we do this again in 2018, and Josh remains in his current timeslot and performs strongly, the committee would have an opportunity to vote for him.
I anticipate there will be plenty of debate over the selections, but I hope that you take into account that the purpose of this project is to highlight those in the sports format who performed at a high level in 2016. Each of these shows deserves to be recognized for a job well done, and I extend my congratulations to them for earning the respect of our executive committee and a spot on the Top 20.
Now without further delay, here are the Barrett Sports Media Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows of 2016!
Additional Notes:
Mike Francesa received (9) 1st place votes, Felger & Massarotti had 8, The Hardline had 5
Felger & Massarotti were 12 points behind Francesa; last year 67 points separated the two shows
The Triple Threat on Sports Radio 610 in Houston was 21st, finishing 4 points out of 20th place
The Loose Cannons, Dukes & Bell, Chuck and Chernoff and Danny, Dave & Moore finished 22-25
Terry Boers of 670 The Score and Andy Pollin of ESPN 980 both left their stations in January 2017
Nine of the Top 20 shows on the ballot received at least (1) 1st place vote
