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Compass Media Networks Announce Big Ten Basketball Tournament Broadcast Schedule

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Compass Media Networks will deliver full, exclusive national radio coverage of the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, with play-by-play beginning Tuesday, March 10 at 4:45 p.m. ET and continuing through the championship matchup Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m. ET from the United Center in Chicago.

The six-day event stands as one of the most anticipated stretches on the college basketball calendar. Compass Media Networks executives believe the expanded tournament format will heighten that anticipation. They expect a more compelling lineup of games for affiliates nationwide. The added inventory should also deliver stronger engagement for listeners across the country.

With more programs entering the bracket, the stakes rise immediately. Compass Media Networks expects that urgency to drive tune-in. NCAA Tournament positioning will add further intrigue. Executives anticipate stronger interest from core fan bases. They also project increased sampling from casual listeners during championship week.

“We cannot wait for tip-off,” said Robert Blum, General Manager of Compass Media Networks/Sports. He noted that the tournament’s growth should translate into meaningful ratings opportunities for partner stations while delivering marquee matchups throughout the week.

“With the expansion of the Big Ten Tournament. The six days will be packed with extremely compelling games that will help power the ratings of our affiliates and dazzle our audience,” said Blum.

Compass has assembled a deep broadcast roster to anchor the coverage, blending veteran voices with high-profile basketball insight. Play-by-play duties will rotate among Gregg Daniels, Matt Smith, Jason Ross Jr., and Andy Masur. Analysis responsibilities will be shared by seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry, Mike Wozniak, Evan Turner, and Tre Demps.

Tim Cates will serve as studio host, guiding pregame, halftime and postgame coverage throughout the tournament’s run.

“The Big Ten Conference has talent as at least 8 schools will earn NCAA Tournament bids. We are looking forward to broadcasting these marquee matchups courtside from the United Center in Chicago,” said Horry.

From a business perspective, Compass Media Networks views the tournament as a valuable national platform for sponsors seeking engaged audiences during a peak listening window on the sports calendar. Paul Gregrey, President of Sales and Marketing, said the passion associated with the Big Ten fan base consistently delivers strong returns for advertisers and strategic partners, reinforcing the importance of the company’s ongoing relationship with the conference’s championship event.

“We are so appreciative of this special partnership and cannot wait for tip off,” said Gregrey.

All tournament broadcasts will air across more than 150 terrestrial sports radio affiliates nationwide, while also streaming through digital audio platforms, including the Varsity app and SiriusXM, expanding access for fans who prefer to listen on mobile devices or satellite radio.

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.

Miami Marlins Broadcaster Tommy Hutton Announces Retirement Following 2026 Season

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Longtime Miami Marlins television analyst Tommy Hutton, whose unfiltered commentary and occasional on-air rants made him one of the franchise’s most recognizable voices, announced Monday that he plans to retire following the 2026 season, bringing to a close nearly three decades of involvement with the club both in the booth and around the broadcast set.

Hutton, who turns 80 on April 20, will enter his 28th season covering Marlins baseball in 2026, including 23 years as a primary television analyst, a run that spans multiple ownership changes, ballparks and eras of the organization’s on-field development.

“I like to round things off and get to even numbers. In April, I’m going to turn 80. So I figured you know what, this is a good time. Let’s just shut it down,” said Hutton.

During four seasons, he also contributed to Marlins Live, serving as an analyst on the pregame and postgame shows while maintaining his presence as one of the most opinionated and recognizable personalities on the network’s baseball coverage.

An Emmy Award winner, Hutton first joined the Marlins’ broadcast team in 1997, the same year the expansion franchise captured its first World Series title, a championship run that cemented both the team’s early identity and Hutton’s place as a steady on-air presence during a formative chapter in club history.

Although the organization parted ways with him following the 2015 season, a move that drew vocal reaction from fans who appreciated his candor and deep baseball insight, Hutton returned in 2022 as part of a rotating group of in-game analysts, restoring a familiar voice to the television broadcast.

Before his broadcasting career, Hutton compiled a 12-year Major League playing resume that stretched from 1966 through 1981, suiting up for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos, and establishing himself as a versatile corner infielder and outfielder whose understanding of situational baseball later informed his analytical approach in the booth.

When his playing career concluded, he transitioned quickly into broadcasting, taking on roles with the Expos, the New York Yankees and the Blue Jays, while also appearing on national telecasts for ESPN, ABC and NBC before settling into his long tenure with Miami.

Over time, Hutton developed a reputation for calling out sloppy play, questioning managerial decisions and openly challenging trends he believed strayed from fundamental baseball principles, a style that resonated with traditionalists and often sparked debate among viewers who valued his willingness to speak plainly rather than default to generic commentary.

His distinctive catchphrases and emotional investment in the outcome of games helped shape the Marlins’ broadcast identity, particularly during rebuilding stretches when the team’s performance fluctuated but his voice remained a constant.

A resident of Palm Beach Gardens, Hutton also earned recognition off the field as a Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame inductee, underscoring the regional impact of a career that bridged generations of baseball fans in South Florida and beyond.

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.

NBC News to Expand Steve Kornacki Cam During Midterm Election Primaries

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NBC News has announced its coverage plans for the first primary elections of the 2026 midterm elections set to begin on Tuesday.

Voters will go to the polls in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas on Tuesday, March 3rd. The network will feature coverage on its NBC News NOW streaming platform throughout the evening.

Beginning at 8 PM ET, Kristen Welker and Hallie Jackson will lead the network’s coverage. Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki will operate the NBC News “big board”, while senior White House correspondent Garrett Haake and chief Capitol Hill correspondent Ryan Nobles will provide reporting throughout the evening.

In the lead-up to the 8 PM ET special program, Kornacki will provide real-time data analysis on the Kornacki Cam beginning at 7:30 PM ET. He’ll stay live through races being called, with the stream being provided on YouTube, NBCNews.com, the NBC News app, and the network’s social media accounts. Multiple camera angles will be dedicated to Kornacki, as well as a new podium perspective to give audiences a real-time look at vote analysis as results come in.

Additionally, Capitol Hill correspondent Melanie Zanona will be at the election headquarters for Texas state Attorney General Ken Paxton in Dallas, while also covering Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Wesley Hunt’s election evening. Correspondent Ryan Chandler will be in Austin at the headquarters of Rep. James Talarico, and correspondent Priscilla Thompson will be at the headquarters of Rep. Jasmine Crockett in Dallas.

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.

PGA Announces Media Rights Extension With NBC Sports, USA Sports

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The PGA of America has secured a long-term extension with NBC Sports and USA Sports, keeping one of golf’s most significant media partnerships intact through 2033 and reinforcing a relationship that continues to anchor some of the sport’s most visible championships across broadcast and cable platforms.

The renewed agreement, which builds on a deal previously set to run through 2031, ensures that the Ryder Cup, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship and the PGA Professional Championship will remain prominent fixtures across NBC, Peacock, USA Network and Golf Channel, offering fans consistent access to live competition and shoulder programming during a period in which sports rights stability has become increasingly rare.

A centerpiece of the extension centers on the 2033 Ryder Cup at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, marking the event’s first competition in the Bay Area and providing NBC and USA with a signature international property that historically delivers some of golf’s strongest television audiences.

NBC and Peacock will continue to present live tournament coverage, while USA Network and Golf Channel will complement that coverage with additional windows and expanded analysis.

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship remains a priority within the deal, with NBC and Peacock maintaining primary coverage responsibilities through 2033 as the network group continues to invest in women’s sports properties that have shown measurable audience growth across both linear and streaming platforms.

Golf Channel, meanwhile, retains its role as a key destination for supplemental coverage of the women’s major and exclusive presentations of both the Senior PGA Championship and the PGA Professional Championship, strengthening its year-round golf portfolio.

PGA of America CEO Terry Clark framed the extension as a reflection of strategic alignment rather than simple rights continuity.

“Together, we will deliver comprehensive coverage of the Ryder Cup, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship and PGA Professional Championship, presenting each at the highest level while elevating our major championships and marquee events as defining stages for the game, our partners and the communities we serve,” said Clark. “We will continue showcasing the exceptional talent of PGA of America Golf Professionals and celebrating the very best in championship golf.”

From the network perspective, executives pointed to both tradition and opportunity. NBC Sports leadership highlighted the Ryder Cup’s intensity and global resonance, particularly with the 2033 competition heading to one of the country’s most historic venues.

USA Sports underscored its long-standing association with the Ryder Cup, which dates back to USA Network’s exclusive live coverage of the 1989 event at The Belfry.

“We’re proud to extend our partnership with the PGA of America and NBC Sports, continuing USA Network’s legacy with the Ryder Cup and showcasing the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship, and the PGA Professional Championship on Golf Channel to viewers across the United States,” said Matt Hong, President of USA Sports.

Beyond tournament telecasts, Golf Channel’s studio programming, including Live From and Golf Central, will continue to frame each event with on-site analysis and comprehensive news coverage, providing the kind of shoulder content that increasingly drives engagement across television and streaming ecosystems.

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.

61st Annual ACM Awards Nominees For Country Radio Announced

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The nominees for the 61st annual ACM Awards for country radio have been announced, with several stations earning multiple nominations.

Winners of the ACM Awards in the radio portion will be announced at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) on March 18th through 20th in Nashville.

The 61st annual ACM Awards ceremony is scheduled for May 17th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The complete list of radio nominees is below.

NATIONAL DAILY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
B-Dub, B-Dub Radio
Cody Alan, Highway Mornings with Cody Alan
Katie Neal, Katie & Company
Rob Stone and Holly Hutton, The Rob + Holly Show
Steve Harmon, Steve Harmon Show

NATIONAL WEEKLY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
B-Dub B-Dub Radio Saturday Night
Big D, Bubba, Shaffer – Honky Tonkin’ with Big D & Bubba
Heather Froglear – 90’s Country with Heather
Kelleigh Bannen – Today’s Country Radio
Ryan Fox – American Country Countdown with Ryan Fox                 

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
Angie Ward – Angie Ward, WUBL-FM, Atlanta, GA
Chris Carr & Company – Chris Carr, Sam Sansevere, Dubs, KEEY-FM, Minneapolis, MN
The Coop Show – Coop, WKIS-FM, Miami, FL
Erik & Jenny –Erik Scott Smith & Jenny Lee, KCYY-FM, San Antonio, TX
Frito & Katy – Frito and Katy, KILT-FM, Houston, TX
Niko + Cheyenne – Niko + Cheyenne, KMLE-FM, Phoenix, AZ
Rachel Ryan – Rachel Ryan, KSCS-FM, Dallas, TX

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET                               
Heather Froglear – Heather Froglear, KFRG-FM, Riverside, CA
Jesse & Anna– Jesse Tack, Anna Marie, Jake Thomson, WUBE-FM, Cincinnati, OH
Kelli and Anthony  – Kelli Green and Anthony Donatelli, KFRG-FM, Riverside, CA
Mad Dawg in the Afternoon – Big Dave, Stattman, WQDR-FM, Raleigh, NC
Maria D’Antonio – Maria D’Antonio, WDSY-FM, Pittsburgh, PA

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
The Bee Morning Coffee Club – Billy Kidd, TJ Sharp, Hope Breen, WBEE-FM, Rochester, NY
The Doc Show with Chewy – Doc Medek, Chewy Mede. WGGY-FM, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Julie and DJ in the Morning – Julie K and DJ Thee Trucker. WPCV-FM, Lakeland, FL
Mo & StyckMan – Mo & StyckMan     WUSY-FM, Chattanooga, TN
Steve & Gina in the Morning – Steve Lundy and Gina Melton, KXKT-FM, Omaha, NE
Tug Cowart Show –  Tug Cowartm WCKN-FM, Charleston, SC 

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET                                                       
Ben & Arnie – Ben Butler, Arnie Andrews, WCOW-FM Sparta, WI
B-MO in the MO’rning – Brian “B-MO” Montgomery, WCKK-FM, Walnut Grove, MS
Dan Austin – Dan Austin, WQHK-FM, Fort Wayne, IN
The Dr. Shane and Tess Show –Dr. Shane and Tess, WPAP-FM, Panama City, FL
The Eddie Foxx Show – Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx, WKSF-FM, Asheville, NC

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET           
KILT-FM, Houston, TX
KSCS-FM, Dallas, TX
KSON-FM, San Diego, CA
WPOC-FM, Towson, MD
WXTU-FM, Philadelphia, PA

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
KFRG-FM, Riverside, CA
WLHK-FM, Indianapolis, IN
WMIL-FM, Milwaukee, WI
WSIX-FM, Nashville, TN
WUBE-FM , Cincinnati, OH

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
KUZZ-FM, Bakersfield, CA
WBEE-FM, Rochester, NY
WHKO-FM, Dayton, OH
WLFP-FM  , Memphis, TN
WQMX-FM, Akron, OH

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET                                                                     
KCLR-FM, Columbia, MO
KFGE-FM, Lincoln, NE
WCKK-FM, Walnut Grove, MS
WXFL-FM, Florence, AL
WYCT-FM, Pensacola, FL
WYOT-FM, Rochelle, IL

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.

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Announces Formation Of Detroit SportsNet For Tigers, Red Wings Broadcasts

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Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is entering the regional sports network space with a move designed to consolidate local Detroit television rights for two cornerstone franchises under one banner, announcing the launch of Detroit SportsNet.

A year-round platform that will carry locally televised games for the Detroit Tigers beginning this season and the Detroit Red Wings starting in 2026-27.

The new venture positions Detroit SportsNet as both a traditional linear channel and a direct-to-consumer streaming service. Fans can still watch games through cable and satellite providers. They may also subscribe to an in-market streaming package. That option eliminates the need for a full television bundle.

“Given recent uncertainty throughout the regional sports broadcasting industry, we recognize the importance of providing fans with a consistent, year-round outlet to watch Tigers baseball and Red Wings hockey,” Ryan Gustafson, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, said in a statement.

Ilitch Sports & Entertainment announced last month the Tigers and Red Wings would officially be leaving FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, and both teams’ games will be distributed by Major League Baseball.

Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson will continue on play-by-play for the Detroit Tigers. They will work alongside analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry. Industry observers widely regard the group as one of the more polished and insightful broadcast teams in Major League Baseball.

Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings telecasts will remain on FanDuel Sports Network through the end of the 2025-26 season. The move to Detroit SportsNet will follow. The franchise enters that transition with strong audience performance. At the Olympic break, it ranked near the top among U.S.-based NHL teams in household rating and total viewership.

Subscribers can purchase monthly access for $19.99 or opt for an annual plan priced at $189.99. A discount that equates to more than 20% savings over 12 months. Early adopters who enroll through March 22 will receive a promotional window that includes complimentary access to Tigers games through April 1, covering Opening Day in San Diego as part of the introductory offer.

Fans who choose the annual plan at launch can stack the built-in discount with the limited-time trial. That approach locks in access to the entire 2026 Detroit Tigers season. It also covers a significant portion of the 2026-27 Detroit Red Wings schedule. Renewal is scheduled for April 1, 2027. The structure clearly encourages longer-term commitments from the outset.

For baseball viewers, the streaming home shifts to the MLB App. Which is available across web browsers, mobile devices and connected television platforms. Integrating live games with highlights, statistical tools and league-wide news, while additional information about how hockey subscribers will access Red Wings telecasts through the same year-round package is expected later this summer.

As is typical with the rollout of a new channel, distribution agreements with cable and satellite providers remain under negotiation. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment indicates it will release carriage details and channel positions once contracts are completed.

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.

Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Radio Shows of 2025

Welcome to day six and week two 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. Please reach out and give a special thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.

Today, we shift our focus to the Top 20 Country radio shows. All results from this series are available on our website. The Nooner newsletter also has the information each day in your inbox at 12pm ET. We promote results across social media too. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X to stay updated.

The remaining schedule of releases is down below the images. Once this series ends, 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. Voting is based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the final results. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.

#2 – Music radio is a massive space. Some 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 – This series features 320 images of radio shows and program directors. 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, 53 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors.

Two hundred and thirty three (233) Country radio shows appeared on ballots submitted by our voters this year. We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection between #2-#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…

The Bobby Bones Show. Premiere Networks’ widely popular show repeats as the winner in this category. Congrats to Bobby, his crew and all involved with iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks on the well earned recognition.

I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Country radio voter who participated in the voting process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Radio Shows of 2025.

Additional Notes:

  • The Bobby Bones Show won this category for the second straight year but the race was much closer. Only fourteen (14) points separated Bones and B-Dub Radio. Bobby Bones received a category best thirteen (13) first place votes to secure the win.
  • Spots 21-25 went to Rachel Ryan, Josh, Rachael & Gunwald, Riggs, Katelyn & Erica, Joey & Nancy and a tie for 25th place between Kelly Ford and Marty Brooks.
  • The closest contest saw Jesse & Anna hold off Andie Summers by two (2) points for 15th place.
  • Of the Two Hundred and Thirty Three (233) shows to earn votes, twenty three (23) received at least one 1st place vote.

Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:

  • 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.

Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Radio Program Directors of 2025

Welcome to day six and week two 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. Please reach out and give a special thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.

Today, we shift our focus to the Top 20 Country Program Directors. All results from this series are available on our website. The Nooner newsletter also has the information each day in your inbox at 12pm ET. We promote results across social media too. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X to stay updated.

The remaining schedule of releases is down below the images. Once this series ends, 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. Voting is based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the final results. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.

#2 – Music radio is a massive space. Some 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 – This series features 320 images of radio shows and program directors. 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, 53 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors.

Eighty eight (88) Country program directors appeared on ballots submitted by our voters this year. We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection between #2-#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…

Tim Roberts of 99.5 WYCD in Detroit. Audacy’s Country Format Captain earns his first category win after finishing 4th last year. Congrats to Tim and his staff on the well deserved recognition.

I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Country radio voter who participated in the voting process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Program Directors of 2025.

Additional Notes:

  • Tim Roberts won a tight race to secure the category win. Roberts finished two (2) points ahead of Mike Preston, who finished one (1) point ahead of last year’s winner Marci Braun. The top three spots were separated by a mere three (3) points. Tim Roberts scored the most first-place votes this year with five (5).
  • Spots 21-25 went to Gregg Swedberg, Ashley Wilson, Steve Stewart, JoJo Turnbeaugh, and Dawn Santolucito.
  • The closest contest saw Mike Preston edge Marci Braun by one (1) point for 2nd place.
  • Of the Eighty Eight (88) programmers to earn votes, twenty one (21) received at least one 1st place vote.

Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:

  • 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.

HBO Max, Paramount+ to Merge Into One Platform, Says David Ellison

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Many questions have abounded following the news that Paramount Skydance has become the winning bidder for Warner Bros. Discovery. But one question has already been answered about the future of HBO Max and Paramount+.

While there are still regulatory issues needing to be ironed out before an acquisition becomes official, Paramount Skydance leaders have started sharing their vision for how the company will operate.

During an investor call on Monday morning, it was revealed that the HBO Max and Paramount+ streaming platforms are expected to become one under Paramount Skydance ownership.

“We do plan to put the two services together, which today gives us a little over 200 million direct-to-consumer subscribers,” Paramount CEO David Ellison said. “We think that really positions us to compete with the leaders in the space.”

During the call, Ellison said that HBO will continue to “operate with independence,” and will continue creating premium content for the company.

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.

560 KBLU Ceases Operations Nearly 90 Years

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After nearly 90 years in Yuma, Arizona, 560 KBLU has ceased operations and gone silent.

At 6:30 PM on Saturday evening, the station went silent as El Dorado Broadcasters ended the news/talk format.

560 KBLU can trace its roots back to KYUM, which began on March 3, 1940, before later merging with daytime-only 1320 AM KBLU in 1967. That merger was officially approved in 1969 by the FCC.

The station aired a mostly nationally syndicated lineup. Its morning show, however, was helmed by Russ Clark.

Clark has revealed he’ll continue to host a daily morning show. He’ll continue to helm the program on Facebook Live. The first edition of his live digital video show debuted on Monday morning.

The end of 560 KBLU comes as El Dorado Broadcasters struck a deal to sell its Yuma cluster in November for $375,000 to K-Love Inc. Country 95.1 KTTI and Classic Hits 100.9 The River were included in the deal, but the news/talk station was not.

El Dorado Broadcasters purchased the cluster, including 560 KBLU, in 2007. It had previously been owned by Clear Channel.

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.