Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of radio! Today, we're diving into Barrett Media's Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows of 2025, a celebration of the industry's finest. But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, a little complex!
The Power of Music Radio
Music radio is a vast landscape, and sometimes, shows cross over into multiple formats. It's like a radio version of a chameleon, adapting to different cities and tastes. But with so many changes happening under the radar, it can be tough to give credit where it's due. We're doing our best to showcase the talent, but mistakes can happen, and we're only human!
A Global Perspective
This series focuses on the United States, celebrating terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. We're talking about the folks who bring you your favorite tunes on Apple Music, Spotify, and beyond, but only within the US borders. It's a celebration of local talent and the brands that support them.
The Voting Process Unveiled
A record-breaking 192 program directors, executives, and format consultants weighed in on this year's voting, an increase from last year's 173. These experts represent a diverse range of companies, ensuring a fair and comprehensive overview of the industry. The voting process is designed to showcase the best, with a point system that rewards top picks.
And the Winner Is...
Drumroll, please! Karson & Kennedy from Mix 104.1 in Boston take the top spot for the second year running! A huge congratulations to the Boston duo and their team for this well-deserved victory.
A Closer Look at the Results
Karson & Kennedy's win was a close call, with just 17 points separating them from Ellen K. Both shows tied for the most first-place votes, along with The KVJ Show. The race for 19th place was equally tight, with Bret edging out Sean by a single point. Out of the 239 radio shows that received votes, an impressive 27 notched at least one first-place vote.
Stay Tuned for More
This is just the beginning! The Barrett Media Top 20 series has more categories to explore, so be sure to follow along. We'll be discussing the entire process in detail, so you can get an insider's view of how these rankings are determined.
A Note from the Founder
Jason Barrett, the founder and CEO of Barrett Media, invites you to join the daily conversation about the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay in the loop and get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.
So, what do you think? Are you a fan of these radio shows? Do you have a favorite that didn't make the cut? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Let's spark a discussion about the power of music radio and the talent behind the scenes.
