Barrett Media's Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows of 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
Unveiling the Top Radio Shows: A Journey Through the AC/Hot AC Landscape
Welcome to the seventh day of Barrett Media's Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio, where we explore the most influential and engaging radio shows in the AC/Hot AC genre. Today, we delve into the top 20 AC/Hot AC radio shows, as determined by a panel of industry experts. But here's where it gets controversial... Are the results truly representative of the entire radio landscape? And this is the part most people miss... The voting process is not without its complexities, and we'll explore the nuances in the following sections.
The Voting Process: A Collaborative Effort
A record-breaking 192 program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants participated in this year's voting, a significant increase from last year's 173. This diverse group represents companies such as iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, and many more. The goal is to ensure that the results are not biased towards any single company, but rather reflect the collective feedback from various regions across the country.
The AC/Hot AC Shows: A Diverse Lineup
This year, 239 AC/Hot AC radio shows earned votes. The voting system awards points based on the ranking of the shows, with 1st place receiving 20 points and subsequent positions earning two points less. This method aims to highlight the industry's best, but it's not without its imperfections. For instance, Karson & Kennedy of Mix 104.1 in Boston secured the top spot, but they tied with Ellen K and The KVJ Show for the most first-place votes, indicating a close competition.
The Top 20 Shows: A Celebration of Excellence
The top 20 AC/Hot AC radio shows of 2025 are a testament to the creativity and dedication of radio programmers and hosts. Karson & Kennedy's victory is a well-deserved recognition of their exceptional work. However, the voting process is not without its challenges, as some shows appear on multiple lists, and changes occur without proper updates. This makes it difficult to give proper credit to deserving individuals and brands.
Controversy and Counterpoints: A Call for Discussion
One of the key points of contention is the focus on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders from streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon, as well as podcasts and programming outside the US, are not included. This exclusion raises questions about the representation of diverse radio formats and the potential impact on the voting results. It's a topic that invites discussion and encourages readers to share their thoughts in the comments.
The Voting Process: A Detailed Look
The voting process involves a point system where 1st place votes earn 20 points, and subsequent positions earn two points less. This system aims to showcase the industry's best, but it's not without its flaws. For instance, the tightest race featured Bret Mega edging out Sean Copeland by just one point for 19th place, indicating a close competition. Additionally, 27 shows earned at least one 1st place vote, highlighting the diversity of the AC/Hot AC genre.
The Remaining Schedule: A Glimpse into the Future
Barrett Media's Top 20 series continues with the CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors on Wednesday, March 4. The company produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries, providing valuable insights for professionals in the field. Jason Barrett, the founder and CEO of Barrett Media, has a wealth of experience in radio programming and consulting, having built and programmed several successful radio stations.
Engage with Barrett Media: Stay Updated and Share Your Thoughts
To stay updated with Barrett Media's latest content, sign up for their newsletters. Jason Barrett can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com. The company's website, BarrettMedia.com, is a daily destination for media professionals, offering a wealth of information and insights. Engage with Barrett Media, share your thoughts, and contribute to the ongoing discussion about the AC/Hot AC radio shows and the voting process.
