Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of rock radio as we unveil Barrett Media's Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Shows of 2025! This exclusive series, brought to you by Strategic Solutions Research, celebrates its 20th anniversary of providing invaluable insights to the music industry.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Barrett Media doesn't vote, they assemble an impressive panel of industry experts, including 192 program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants, to determine the winners. These voters represent a diverse range of companies, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation.
And this is the part most people miss... The voting process is meticulous, with a point system that rewards first-place votes and gradually decreases points for subsequent choices. It's a system that showcases the industry's best, but it's not without its flaws.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the winners!
The prestigious top spot goes to Preston and Steve of 93.3 WMMR in Philadelphia. This dynamic duo has repeated as the top choice, making history as the first in any format to achieve back-to-back wins in the music radio Top 20 series. A well-deserved recognition for Preston, Steve, and their entire WMMR crew!
However, it's important to note that Pierre Robert, who passed away in October 2025, received a significant number of votes for his outstanding work in 2025. A true testament to his impact on the industry.
Now, let's explore some additional insights:
- Preston & Steve finished a remarkable 66 points ahead of Free Beer & Hot Wings, solidifying their reign as the category's champion.
- WMMR's morning show also secured an impressive five first-place votes, a category best.
- Spots 21-25 were claimed by Mel Taylor, Kidd Chris, The Woody Show, Ashley O, and Alice's Attic with Alice Cooper.
- Two races were decided by a single point! Dave and Chuck the Freak narrowly beat Chaz & AJ for 4th place, and The 95 Rock WILL Morning Show slipped past Pablo for 16th.
- Out of the 179 Rock radio shows that received votes, an impressive sixteen shows earned at least one first-place vote.
Stay tuned for the remaining categories in Barrett Media's Music Radio - Top 20 of 2025 series:
- Wednesday, February 25: BM Top 20 Classic Rock Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Thursday, February 26: BM Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Friday, February 27: BM Top 20 Urban/Hip-Hop Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Monday, March 2: BM Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Tuesday, March 3: BM Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows and Program Directors
- Wednesday, March 4: BM Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors
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Jason Barrett, the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media, has an impressive background in the media industry. With a passion for audio and video brands, he's built and programmed some of America's top radio stations. From San Francisco to St. Louis and Philadelphia, Jason's expertise and dedication have made him a trusted voice in the industry.
Reach out to Jason on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or via email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com for any inquiries or to learn more about his work.
