Bob Pitman Tops Radio Power List

Radio Ink released its highly anticipated annual list of the 40 Most Powerful People in Radio this week.

Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman heads the list at number one, marking the fourth consecutive year he’s topped the chart; he first appeared in 2011, when he became the first executive to debut on the list in the number one spot.

“Over the past 19 years, Radio Ink’s 40 Most Powerful People in Radio Issue has become the industry bible for who wields the most power and influence in radio,” Radio Ink Publisher B. Eric Rhoads said.

“While Bob Pittman continues to hold the number one slot, this year’s issue includes a few surprises, some interesting changes in the ranks, and quite a few new faces. Our review board takes the responsibility of ‘getting it right’ very seriously, and we think that is reflected in the 2014 Top 40 Most Powerful People in Radio list.”

The 2014 list reflects a tumultuous time in the radio industry, with 10 executives appearing on the list for the first time, including Clear Channel President/CFO Richard Bressler, Westwood One President Steve Shaw, and Bonneville International President Darrell Brown. Additionally, Alpha Media CEO Larry Wilson returns to the “Top 40” after a 12-year absence.

The process of determining who wields the most power in radio begins several months in advance of the list’s publication. The editors and writers at Radio Ink conduct research into the companies and individuals being considered, looking at annual sales, the number of stations, the number of employees, and power ratios of billing per station. High-level industry insiders and respected observers are also queried for analyses and perspective on those they believe are influencing, leading, and shaping the industry today. The list is drafted and redrafted numerous times, right up until press time.

Radio Ink EVP/GM Deborah Parenti said, “In a year marked by so much movement and change, determining this year’s ‘Top 40’ was an especially challenging task. Accurately reflecting industry power brokers and influentials is always the objective of this list — one we hope we achieved once again this year.”