BSM Top 20
The Top 20 Mid-Market Morning Shows of 2016 Are…
The wait is over. It’s time to reveal the sports radio format’s best of 2016. Before we get started though, if you’re wondering what the term mid-market represents, it simply means all radio markets ranked 21 and higher.
One big difference this year compared to the 2015 results, we’re separating the larger and medium sized markets and doing an even deeper dive to showcase the best from all regions. When smaller cities get lumped in with larger ones they almost always get ignored and many don’t deserve to.
As far as the process is concerned, here’s a few things to be aware of.
First, this is an inexact science. We involve 53 radio industry members in our panel, and they each have different insights and preferences, and may or may not favor members of their own company or programs they’re most familiar with. We aim to keep things fair and balanced by involving executives from multiple companies and different cities across the United States, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
You should know that I do not vote on the awards. My role is to present the findings of the sports radio industry, and present them from a neutral point of view. Once the project is completed, I will write a column and offer my analysis and takeaways on what stood out.
There is also discretion promised to our executive panel. That’s necessary in gathering honest feedback and receiving strong participation. Revealing their identities would harm my relationships in the business and risk future participation, so please understand that this is non-negotiable.
In order to measure the collective view of the sports radio industry, we use a point system. Each 1st place vote is worth 20 points, and we deduct a point for each lower position, with a 20th place vote being the lowest at 1 point. Each voter uses their own judgment in determining where to rank each show but operates by considering the following criteria.
- 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 determining the initial list of 25-35 shows. If a show didn’t generate ratings or spend the majority of the year on the air, they probably didn’t make the final cut. In some cases, a show may have done both, but didn’t perform as high as the others. The goal is to feature the best performing shows of 2016, not who we’d hire if they were available.
For example, Braden and Fitz occupy mornings on 102.5 The Game in Nashville, but because they didn’t hit the air until late August they weren’t eligible. If this project continues in 2018, and they remain in their current timeslot and perform strongly in 2017, they’d be up for consideration then.
There will be plenty of debate over these selections, but I hope that you remember that the purpose of this project is to highlight those in our format who perform at a high level. Each of these shows are deserving of the recognition they’ve been given, and I congratulate each of them on earning a place on our Top 20.
Now that we’ve taken care of that business, let’s reveal the Barrett Sports Media Top 20 Mid-Market Sports Radio Morning Shows of 2016!
Additional Notes:
- Bernie Miklasz finished 15 points ahead of The Fan Morning Show. Both were tied for the most 1st place votes (4)
- The Fan Morning Show finished 2 points ahead of the Wake Up Zone, and 3 points ahead of Carman & Lima
- Sacramento’s Dave, Kayte & Nate finished 21st, seven points out of 20th place
- The Morning Rush, The Show with No Name, Cole Cubelic & The Deener Show finished 22-25
- Eight of the 30 shows that were eligible for consideration received at least one (1) 1st place vote
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at JBarrett@sportsradiopd.com.
Barrett Blogs
Barrett Sports Media’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Stations of 2022
“A total of 37 sports stations were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Stations category.”
We’ve reached the final day of our 8th annual BSM Top 20 series. The Monday following the Super Bowl has always been reserved for the Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Stations and as you review this year’s list, please remember that the results are a collective snapshot of how forty-six (46) industry executives view the best in this category. A special thanks to Alex Reynolds, Stephanie Eads, and Dylan Barrett for their help with the Top 20 process, and Steve Kamer Voiceovers for being our exclusive sponsor for this year’s Top 20 series. Steve’s voice is heard across the nation on many top shows, stations, and networks, and if you’re not familiar with his work, take a second to learn what makes him stellar at his craft by clicking here.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few key things to be aware of.
– These results are based on 2022’s performance. 2023 changes have no effect on the voting.
– Our executive panel consists of forty-six (46) program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Spotify, and independently owned and operated radio stations. We involve a large number of people in this process in order to include feedback from all parts of the country, as well as to prevent the results from heavily favoring one company.
– A total of 37 sports stations were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Stations category.
– Voters choose their Top 20 in this category based on a few key factor’s including ratings performance, brand awareness, on-air talent, multiplatform impact, etc.. Keep in mind that voters live in different cities, have different tastes, and value certain qualities more than others. This isn’t a perfect science, but it’s the best system we’ve been able to come up with to showcase how sports radio’s brain trust view the best in the format.
And that brings us to the rankings for this year’s top Major Market Sports Stations. The winner in this category for the fifth straight year and sixth time in seven years is 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. The Hub finished seventeen points in front of runner up WFAN. BSM congratulates Mary Menna, Rick Radzik and the entire Sports Hub staff on a well deserved honor, as well as every other station that earned a spot on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Stations of 2022!”
Additional Notes:
- 98.5 The Sports Hub earned the most 1st place votes with seven (7). Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket and 94WIP tied for second most first place votes with three (3).
- Spots 21-25 belonged to Sports Radio 610 in Houston, Sports Radio 950 KJR in Seattle, Seattle Sports 710 in Seattle, AM 570 LA Sports in Los Angeles, and WQAM in Miami.
- The tightest race saw Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan nip 98.7 ESPN NY by one (1) point.
- Of the 37 sports stations eligible for voting consideration, seven (7) received at least one (1) first place vote.
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at JBarrett@sportsradiopd.com.
Barrett Blogs
Barrett Sports Media’s Top 20 Mid Market Sports Radio Stations of 2022
“A total of 63 sports stations were eligible for voting consideration in the Mid Market Sports Radio Stations category.”
We’ve reached the final day of our 8th annual BSM Top 20 series. The Monday following the Super Bowl has always been reserved for the Top 20 Sports Radio Stations in both Major and Mid Market categories. As you review this year’s list, please remember that the results are a collective snapshot of how forty-six (46) industry executives view the best in this category. A special thanks to Alex Reynolds, Stephanie Eads, and Dylan Barrett for their help with the Top 20 process, and Steve Kamer Voiceovers for being our exclusive sponsor for this year’s Top 20 series. Steve’s voice is heard across the nation on many top shows, stations, and networks, and if you’re not familiar with his work, take a second to learn what makes him stellar at his craft by clicking here.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few key things to be aware of.
– These results are based on 2022’s performance. 2023 changes have no effect on the voting.
– Our executive panel consists of forty-six (46) program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Spotify, and independently owned and operated radio stations. We involve a large number of people in this process in order to include feedback from all parts of the country, as well as to prevent the results from heavily favoring one company.
– A total of 63 sports stations were eligible for voting consideration in the Mid Market Sports Radio Stations category.
– Voters choose their Top 20 in this category based on a few key factor’s including ratings performance, brand awareness, on-air talent, multiplatform impact, etc.. Keep in mind that voters live in different cities, have different tastes, and value certain qualities more than others. This isn’t a perfect science, but it’s the best system we’ve been able to come up with to showcase how sports radio’s brain trust view the best in the format.
And that brings us to the rankings for this year’s top Mid Market Sports Stations. The winner in this category for the first time is Columbus’ 97.1 The Fan. The Fan received fourteen (14) points more than runner up WGR in Buffalo, and eighteen (1) more than third place finisher 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. BSM congratulates Todd Markiewicz, Mike Ricordati, Matt Erhard, and the entire 97.1 The Fan staff on their victory, as well as every other station that appeared on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Mid Market Sports Stations of 2022!”
Additional Notes:
- 97.1 The Fan, WJOX and WGR tied for the most 1st place votes with three (3).
- Spots 21-25 were occupied by ESPN 1100/100.9 in Las Vegas, Sactown Sports 1140 in Sacramento, 102.5 The Game in Nashville, Sports Radio WNML in Knoxille, and 99.9 The Fan in Raleigh.
- The tightest race saw 101 ESPN edge 98.1 The Sports Animal WWLS by one (1) point.
- Of the 63 sports stations eligible for voting consideration, twelve (12) received at least one (1) first place vote.
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at JBarrett@sportsradiopd.com.
Barrett Blogs
Barrett Sports Media’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022
“A total of 29 programmers were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors category.”
We’ve reached the end of the first week of our 8th annual BSM Top 20 series. Today we place the spotlight on the Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022. As you review this year’s list, please remember that the results are a collective snapshot of how forty-six (46) industry executives view the best in this category. My thanks to Alex Reynolds, Stephanie Eads, and Dylan Barrett for their help with the Top 20 process, and Steve Kamer Voiceovers for being our exclusive sponsor for this year’s Top 20 series. Steve’s voice is heard across the nation on many top shows, stations, and networks, and if you’re not familiar with his work, take a second to learn what makes him stellar at his craft by clicking here.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few key things to be aware of.
– These results are based on 2022’s performance. 2023 changes have no effect on the voting.
– Our executive panel consists of forty-six (46) program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Spotify, and independently owned and operated radio stations. We involve a large number of people in this process in order to include feedback from all parts of the country, as well as to prevent the results from heavily favoring one company.
– A total of 29 programmers were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors category.
– Voters choose their Top 20 in this category based on a few key factor’s including leadership, brand success, ratings, multiplatform impact, etc.. Keep in mind that voters live in different cities, have different tastes, and value certain qualities more than others. This isn’t a perfect science, but it’s the best system we’ve been able to come up with to showcase how sports radio’s brain trust view the best in the format.
And that brings us to the rankings for this year’s Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors. Spike Eskin of WFAN is your category winner for 2022. This is Spike’s second category win, and his first since taking over at WFAN. He prevailed by thirty (30) points over runner up Jimmy Powers. BSM congratulates Spike and the WFAN team on earning this year’s top honor, as well as every programmer who gained a spot on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022!”
Additional Notes:
- Rick Radzik received a category best five (5) first place votes. Jimmy Powers was second with four (4).
- 21-25 belonged to Brian Long, Len Weiner, Adam Klug, Parker Hillis, and Mike Conti.
- The closest contest saw Rick Radzik finish ahead of Mitch Rosen by 3 points.
- Of the 29 programmers eligible for consideration this year, 10 received at least one 1st place vote.
Here is the remaining schedule for the BSM Top 20 of 2022.
- Monday February 13 = The Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Stations of 2022
To view prior years of BSM’s Top 20 results, click here.
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at JBarrett@sportsradiopd.com.