Get ready for an exciting journey through the world of music radio as we unveil Barrett Media's Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows of 2025!
The Ultimate Radio Showdown
Barrett Media, in collaboration with Strategic Solutions Research, is proud to present this exclusive series, celebrating the best in music radio. With a rich history spanning two decades, Strategic Solutions Research has been a trusted partner for radio stations across the globe. We extend our gratitude to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for their unwavering support, making this series possible.
AC/Hot AC: A Diverse Landscape
Today, we delve into the vibrant world of AC/Hot AC radio shows. These formats offer a unique blend of music, catering to a wide range of listeners. Our comprehensive results, covering all 20 shows, are available on our website and delivered straight to your inbox via The Nooner newsletter. Stay connected on our social media platforms to ensure you don't miss a beat!
Behind the Scenes
Once this series concludes, Jason Barrett, the founder and CEO of Barrett Media, will share insightful videos, providing an in-depth look at the entire process. From music to sports and news, these videos will offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of this prestigious list. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch these exclusive insights!
The Voting Process Unveiled
This year's voting process was a record-breaker, with an impressive 192 program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants participating. That's an increase from last year's 173! While we aimed for a diverse and inclusive group, there were a few notable absences. However, the overall support was exceptional, and we are grateful for the expertise and insights shared.
Our voters represent a diverse range of companies, including iHeartMedia, Audacy, and many more. By involving a large and varied group, we ensure that the results are unbiased and reflective of the entire industry. The voting process is designed to be format-specific, with experts casting their votes for the categories they know best. For this AC/Hot AC category, 51 programmers, consultants, and executives weighed in, resulting in a robust and reliable list.
And the Winner Is...
Drumroll, please! The top spot goes to Karson & Kennedy of Mix 104.1 in Boston! This dynamic duo has claimed victory in this category for the second year in a row. Congratulations to Karson, Kennedy, and the entire Mix 104.1 team for this well-deserved recognition.
We extend our gratitude to Dylan Barrett for the stunning artwork and to all the AC/Hot AC radio voters who made this process possible. Now, let's dive into Barrett Media's Top 20 AC/Hot AC radio shows of 2025!
Additional Insights
- Karson & Kennedy's victory was a close call, with a 17-point lead over Ellen K. Both tied with The KVJ Show for the most first-place votes, an impressive feat!
- Spots 21 to 25 were occupied by Mercedes in the Morning, Kramer & Jess, John Tesh, Wendy Wilde, and Miguel & Holly, showcasing the depth of talent in this category.
- The race for 19th place was a nail-biter, with Bret edging out Sean Copeland by a single point!
- Out of the 239 radio shows that received votes, an impressive 27 shows earned at least one first-place vote, highlighting the competitive nature of this category.
Upcoming Highlights
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 4th, as we reveal Barrett Media's Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors. Stay tuned for more exciting revelations!
Join the Barrett Media Community
To stay updated with the latest news and insights from the music, news, and sports media industries, sign up for our newsletters. You'll receive the most current information directly in your inbox. Barrett Media is your daily destination for all things media-related, offering consulting services and industry coverage. With a rich history dating back to 2015, we've established ourselves as a trusted source for media professionals.
Connect with Jason Barrett
Jason Barrett, the founder and CEO, has an impressive background in radio programming and consulting. You can reach him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or via email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com. Feel free to connect and share your thoughts on this exciting series!
And Here's Where It Gets Controversial...
While we strive for perfection, the vastness of music radio can present challenges. Some shows appear on multiple format lists, and changes can occur without stations updating their information. This makes it difficult to give proper credit where it's due. We aim to get it right, but as humans, mistakes can happen. If you spot an error, please reach out to Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can rectify it promptly.
A Note on Exclusions
This series focuses specifically on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brands associated with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts, and those outside the US are not included. We understand this may spark differing opinions, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
Image Policy
This series features an extensive collection of 320 images, showcasing radio shows and program directors. Unless there's a mistake, we won't be making any photo changes. We appreciate your understanding and hope you enjoy the visual journey!
The Bottom Line
Barrett Media's Top 20 series is a celebration of the best in music radio. We hope you've enjoyed this insightful journey and look forward to your engagement in the comments! Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more exciting revelations!
