Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into Barrett Media's Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows of 2025! This series is a celebration of the music radio industry, and we're thrilled to share the results with you. But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, where some interesting discussions might arise!
The Power of Music Radio: Unveiling the Top 20
Barrett Media, in collaboration with Strategic Solutions Research, has embarked on a mission to showcase the best of music radio. With a focus on the United States, this series highlights the incredible talent and programming that defines the industry. But let's be honest, in such a vast landscape, there are bound to be differing opinions and some unexpected twists!
A Collective Effort
The results you're about to see are not just the opinion of one person or a small group. An impressive 192 program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants came together to vote on this year's Top 20. That's a significant increase from last year's 173, indicating a growing interest and involvement in this initiative. However, it's important to note that while we strive for perfection, human error can creep in. So, if you spot any mistakes, feel free to reach out to Jason@BarrettMedia.com, and we'll make the necessary corrections.
The Voting Process: A Strategic Approach
Our voting process is designed with expertise in mind. While 192 voters are involved, the number of experts voting on each format is tailored to their knowledge and role. For the AC/Hot AC category, a dedicated group of 51 programmers, consultants, and executives cast their votes. We use a point system, with first-place votes carrying the most weight, to determine the winners. It's not a flawless system, but it's a fair and thoughtful approach to recognizing the industry's finest.
And the Winners Are...
Drumroll, please! The top spot for AC/Hot AC Radio Shows goes to Karson & Kennedy of Mix 104.1 in Boston. This dynamic duo has claimed victory in this category for two years running, a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication. Congratulations to Karson, Kennedy, and the entire Mix 104.1 team!
A Close Race and Some Surprises
The battle for 19th place was a nail-biter, with Bret edging out Sean by a single point. And did you know that 27 radio shows received at least one first-place vote? It just goes to show the depth of talent and the tight competition within the industry.
Stay Tuned for More!
This is just the beginning! Barrett Media has an exciting schedule lined up, with more Top 20 categories to be revealed. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 4th, when we unveil the CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors.
Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! Do you agree with the results? Are there any shows or programmers you think deserve a mention? Feel free to share your thoughts and engage in a friendly debate in the comments. Remember, music radio is a diverse and passionate community, and we welcome all perspectives.
Stay tuned, and don't forget to subscribe to Barrett Media's newsletters for more insights and updates on the music, news, and sports media industries.
