The Battle for Airwaves: Unveiling the Top AC/Hot AC Radio Shows of 2025
Welcome to the seventh installment of Barrett Media's highly anticipated 'Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio,' proudly presented by Strategic Solutions Research. As they celebrate two decades of providing invaluable strategic research, music testing, and personality content testing to clients across the US and 22 countries, we invite you to join us in thanking Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for their unwavering support of this series and the entire music radio industry. But here's where it gets exciting: today, we're diving into the world of Adult Contemporary (AC) and Hot AC radio, a realm where the competition is fierce, and the talent is unparalleled.
A Labor of Love and Expertise
Before we reveal the winners, let's address the elephant in the room: how did we get here? Our results are the culmination of collective feedback from industry voters, with Barrett Media acting as the impartial conductor of this orchestra. We don't vote; we assemble the group, collect the votes, and present the findings. And this is the part most people miss: our voting process is akin to an MVP race in sports, where voters evaluate the previous year's performance, ensuring that 2026 changes don't influence the 2025 results.
Navigating the Complexities of Music Radio
Music radio is a vast landscape, and we're well aware that some shows transcend formats, making it challenging to give credit where it's due. Programmers manage stations across different cities and formats, and changes often fly under the radar. We strive for perfection, but as humans, we're prone to errors. If you spot a mistake, please reach out to Jason@BarrettMedia.com, and we'll promptly rectify it. And here's a controversial thought: with so many moving parts, is it even possible to create a definitive ranking? We believe our approach is fair, but we welcome your thoughts in the comments.
A Focused Approach
This series exclusively highlights United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers, excluding platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and SiriusXM, as well as international programming. Our scope is intentionally narrow to provide a comprehensive overview of the US market. But what about the global impact of these shows? Should we expand our focus in future editions? Let us know what you think.
The Faces Behind the Voices
Featuring 320 images of radio shows and program directors, our series is a visual feast. While we understand that not everyone will be thrilled with their photo, we assure you that no changes will be made unless it's a mistake. After all, it's the talent and expertise behind the microphone that truly matter.
A Record-Breaking Voting Process
This year, a staggering 192 program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants participated in the voting process, surpassing last year's record of 173. Our voters represent a diverse range of companies, including iHeartMedia, Audacy, and Cumulus Media, to ensure a well-rounded perspective. However, we intentionally limit the number of voters per format, relying on experts to evaluate what they know best. For the AC/Hot AC category, 51 programmers, consultants, and executives cast their votes, considering 239 shows in total. Our point system, while not perfect, provides a fair framework for recognizing the industry's best.
And the Winner Is...
Karson & Kennedy of Mix 104.1 in Boston claim the top spot for the second consecutive year, edging out Ellen K by a mere 17 points. This dynamic duo tied with Ellen K and The KVJ Show for the most first-place votes, showcasing the fierce competition in this category. But what sets Karson & Kennedy apart? Is it their chemistry, their content, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts below.
The Numbers Behind the Wins
Of the 239 shows that received votes, 27 earned at least one first-place vote, highlighting the diversity and talent within the AC/Hot AC format. The race for 19th place was particularly tight, with Bret Megadge edging out Sean Copeland by just one point. As we celebrate the winners, let's also acknowledge the shows that narrowly missed the top 20, including Mercedes in the Morning, Kramer & Jess, and John Tesh.
What's Next?
As we wrap up this series, we'll be releasing videos discussing the entire process for music, sports, and news on the Barrett Media YouTube page. Subscribe now to stay updated. In the meantime, mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 4, when we'll unveil the Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors. With daily content on music, news, and sports media industries, Barrett Media is your go-to source for industry insights. Sign up for our newsletters to stay informed and join the conversation.
A Final Thought
As we reflect on the Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows of 2025, we're reminded of the power of radio to connect, inspire, and entertain. But with the rise of digital platforms, what does the future hold for traditional radio? Will it adapt and thrive, or will it fade into obscurity? We'd love to hear your predictions and opinions in the comments. And remember, at Barrett Media, we're not just reporting on the industry – we're part of it, thanks to the vision and leadership of our Founder and CEO, Jason Barrett, a seasoned media professional with a wealth of experience in programming, producing, and on-air talent.
