The PM Team with Poni and Mueller from Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan has once again secured the top spot in the 2025 Mid-Market Sports Radio Afternoon Show rankings. This marks their fifth time at number one, including the last three consecutive years, a testament to their consistent performance and listener engagement.
The annual rankings evaluate sports radio programs based on a comprehensive set of criteria, reflecting industry consensus on what defines excellence in the competitive mid-market segment. This year's results highlight the enduring popularity and influence of the Pittsburgh-based duo.
Key Takeaways
- The PM Team with Poni and Mueller ranked number one for 2025.
- This is their fifth overall win and third consecutive top finish.
- A panel of 31 program directors and corporate executives voted.
- 54 shows were eligible for consideration in the mid-market category.
- Voting criteria included originality, multi-platform impact, and ratings success.
Dominance in Mid-Market Sports Radio
Chris Mueller and Andrew Filliponi, the hosts of The PM Team, have established a significant presence in sports radio. Their latest achievement solidifies their position as leading voices in the mid-market category. The show's ability to consistently resonate with audiences is a key factor in its repeated success.
The 2025 rankings are based on performance from the previous year. This means that any changes in programming or personnel in the current year did not influence these specific results. The focus remains strictly on the 2025 calendar year's output.
Quick Fact
The PM Team secured seven first-place votes, significantly contributing to their overall lead in the rankings.
The Voting Process Explained
The evaluation process for these rankings is robust. A panel of 31 program directors and corporate executives from major broadcasting companies participated. These companies include Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Good Karma Brands, Bonneville, SiriusXM, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, and Radio One, alongside several independent stations.
This diverse voting group ensures a broad perspective, reflecting feedback from various regions across the country. The aim is to prevent any single media group from dominating the results and to provide a balanced industry assessment.
Criteria for Excellence
Voters considered several key factors when assessing each show. These criteria are designed to capture a holistic view of a program's impact and quality within the sports radio landscape.
- The Ear Test: This refers to the overall listenability and appeal of the show.
- Originality: How unique and fresh the content and presentation are.
- Multi-Platform Impact: The show's reach and influence across various digital and social media platforms.
- Ratings Success: The program's performance in audience measurement.
- Clearance (National Shows): For syndicated programs, the number of markets they air in.
- Industry Buzz: The general positive talk and reputation within the broadcasting community.
These diverse criteria acknowledge that different voters may prioritize certain aspects more than others. This approach creates a comprehensive, albeit subjective, ranking system that reflects industry sentiment.
The Competitive Landscape
A total of 54 shows were eligible for voting in the Mid-Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows category. This highlights the competitive nature of the field. The PM Team's victory with a 32-point lead over the second-place finisher, Afternoon Sports Beat with Jim Traber, demonstrates a clear margin of excellence.
The competition was tight in other areas of the rankings. For example, Unnecessary Roughness narrowly beat Common Man & Timmy by just one point, showing how close the margins can be among top performers.
Mid-Market Importance
Mid-market sports radio stations often serve as crucial community hubs, providing local sports coverage and analysis that deeply resonates with regional fan bases. Their afternoon shows are particularly important for daily commutes and post-work listening.
Other Notable Contenders
While The PM Team claimed the top spot, several other shows received recognition. Spots 21-25 included Cofield & Company, The Drive Guys, Rob Dibble Show, DMase, Vignan & Daunic, and The Drive with Tim Donnelly. These programs represent strong contenders in a vibrant and dynamic sector.
Significantly, ten of the 54 eligible shows received at least one first-place vote. This indicates a wide appreciation for quality programming across the mid-market spectrum, even if one show ultimately stands out.
Looking Ahead
The release of these rankings is part of a broader series that will also recognize program directors and sports radio stations. These lists offer valuable insights into the performance and trends shaping the sports media industry. For professionals and enthusiasts alike, these rankings serve as a benchmark for success and innovation in broadcasting.
The consistent success of shows like The PM Team underscores the importance of engaging content, strong host chemistry, and a deep understanding of the local sports scene. As the media landscape evolves, these core elements remain vital for connecting with listeners.
"The collective feedback from our industry voters is crucial. It helps showcase the best talent and programming in sports radio," a representative close to the ranking process stated.
The ongoing discussions and analyses generated by these rankings contribute to a vibrant industry dialogue, fostering growth and recognizing dedication within sports broadcasting.