Barrett Media's Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows of 2025 is here, and it's a celebration of the best in the industry! But wait, before we dive into the rankings, let's set the stage.
The Journey to the Top:
Barrett Media, in collaboration with Strategic Solutions Research, is proud to present this prestigious list, marking the research company's 20th anniversary. A big shoutout to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for their invaluable support! You can find all the results on our website and in The Nooner newsletter, delivered daily to your inbox.
Stay connected on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and X to catch the latest updates. And once this series concludes, don't miss the exclusive videos on the Barrett Media YouTube page, where the entire process will be revealed!
The Fine Print:
These rankings are a democratic process, with votes cast by industry professionals. Barrett Media remains impartial, facilitating the voting and presenting the results.
The world of music radio is vast, and keeping track of every show and format change is a challenge. We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. If you spot a mistake, let us know!
This series shines a spotlight on U.S. terrestrial music radio, excluding Apple Music, Spotify, and other digital platforms.
With 320 images of radio shows and program directors, we've got a visual feast, but no photo editing magic—what you see is what you get!
The Voting Process Unveiled:
A record-breaking 192 industry experts, including program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants, participated in this year's voting, surpassing last year's 173. These voters represent a diverse range of companies, ensuring a fair and comprehensive process.
The voting system is designed to capture expertise, with 51 professionals casting votes for the Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows and Program Directors. A point system is used, with first-place votes worth 20 points, creating a competitive and engaging ranking.
Drumroll, Please...
And the winners are Karson & Kennedy of Mix 104.1 in Boston, claiming their second consecutive category victory! Congratulations to the entire team on this well-deserved recognition.
Special thanks to Dylan Barrett for the stunning artwork and all the AC/Hot AC radio voters. Here's a sneak peek at the top spots:
- Karson & Kennedy secured the top spot with a 17-point lead over Ellen K, both tying for the most first-place votes.
- Mercedes in the Morning, Kramer & Jess, John Tesh, Wendy Wilde, and Miguel & Holly just missed the top 20, landing in spots 21-25.
- Bret Mega and Sean Copeland battled it out for 19th place, with Bret edging ahead by a single point.
- Out of 239 radio shows, 27 received at least one first-place vote, making it a highly competitive race.
Stay Tuned for More:
Barrett Media's Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors will be revealed on Wednesday, March 4. Subscribe to our newsletters to stay in the loop!
Jason Barrett, the visionary behind Barrett Media, has a rich history in the media industry, having founded the company in 2015 and previously working with top audio and video brands. His expertise and passion drive the creation of these insightful lists.
But here's where it gets controversial: Are these rankings truly reflective of the best in the industry, or are they influenced by popularity and personal preferences? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree with the top spot, or do you have a different favorite? Let's spark a conversation and explore the diverse opinions in the world of radio.
