Attention all sports radio enthusiasts! The results are in, and Barrett Media’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows of 2025 have been crowned. But here's where it gets exciting: this year’s rankings are not just about the winners—they’re a reflection of the industry’s pulse, voted on by a diverse panel of experts. And this is the part most people miss: the process behind these rankings is as fascinating as the results themselves. Let’s dive in!
First, a quick heads-up: Program Directors will be recognized on Friday, and Sports Radio stations will take the spotlight on Monday. To stay in the loop with all the Top 20 lists for Major and Mid Market Sports Radio, as well as updates on News/Talk Radio, News TV, and Music Radio, make sure to follow Barrett Media on our website, newsletters, and social media platforms like X, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram. Once the Top 20 series wraps up, I’ll be recording a video to break down the key insights from this year’s results, which will be available on the Barrett Media YouTube page. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Important Notes to Keep in Mind:
2025 Performance Only: These rankings are based solely on 2025’s performance. Any changes in 2026 have zero impact on the voting. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Should rankings consider long-term consistency, or is it fair to judge solely on a single year’s performance?
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Diverse Voting Panel: Our Major Market executive panel includes 36 program directors and corporate executives from top broadcasting companies like Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Good Karma Brands, Bonneville, SiriusXM, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, Radio One, and several independently owned stations. This broad representation ensures the results aren’t biased toward any single media group. But is a larger panel always better, or can it dilute the expertise of individual voters?
Voting Criteria: Voters considered factors like the ear test, originality, multi-platform impact, ratings success, clearance (for national shows), and industry buzz. Keep in mind, our voters come from different cities, work for different companies, and have varying tastes. This system isn’t perfect, but it’s one we’re proud of for showcasing the industry’s best. What criteria do you think should weigh more heavily in these rankings?
Eligible Shows: A total of 34 shows were eligible for voting in the Major Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows category.
And the Winner Is…
98.5 The Sports Hub’s *Felger & Mazz* takes the top spot for the fifth time overall and the third consecutive year. Congratulations to Mike, Tony, Big Jim, James, and the entire team for once again earning the industry’s support! But is dominance a sign of greatness, or does it stifle competition?
Additional Highlights:
- Felger & Mazz finished 19 points ahead of The Valenti Show with Rico, with both shows tying for the most first-place votes at eight each.
- Spots 21-25 went to The Drive with Stoerner & Hughley, WEEI Afternoons, Chris & Gwynn, Dirty Work with Copes & D Pop, and Chuck & Chernoff.
- The closest race saw D’Marco & Travis edge out Hoch & Crowder by just one point.
- Nine shows out of the 34 on the ballots received at least one first-place vote.
Upcoming Schedule:
- Friday, February 6: BM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2025
- Monday, February 9: BSM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Stations of 2025
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About Jason Barrett:
Jason Barrett, Founder and CEO of Barrett Media, launched the company in September 2015. Since then, Barrett Media has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands while becoming a daily destination for media professionals through BarrettMedia.com. With a rich background in programming and on-air roles at stations like 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, 101 ESPN in St. Louis, and ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT, Jason brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Connect with him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or via email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
Now, over to you: What do you think of this year’s rankings? Are there any shows you feel were overlooked? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
