Benztown Releases 2024 Benztown 50 List of Top VO Professionals

23 October 2024

Benztown Releases 2024 Benztown 50 List of Top VO Professionals

Also Honored for the First Time Ever Are “Best of Format” Award Recipients Across 12 Formats

VO Artist Ann DeWig Recognized With the Chris Corley Lifetime Achievement Award

LOS ANGELES, CA- October 23, 2024 — Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting and jingles, today released its 10th annual Benztown 50 List of Radio’s Biggest Imaging Voices, the radio industry’s exclusive listing of the top 50 voiceover artists in the U.S. and Canada. Benztown enlisted P1 Media Group to compile and analyze industry data that was the foundation for the list.

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The Benztown 50 list for 2024 reflects increased industry participation and interest, with more than 300 U.S. and Canadian radio groups providing information for this prestigious annual list. The Benztown 50 was analyzed and evaluated by P1 Media Group’s proprietary algorithm, and is based on several criteria, including number of radio station affiliates, station size and market.

A special highlight of this year’s Benztown 50 is the presentation of the voiceover industry’s highest honor, the Chris Corley Lifetime Achievement Award, to Ann DeWig. Heard in advertisements, promos, and industrials around the world, DeWig is known industry-wide for her range, versatility, and for super-serving her clients. She has more than 25 years of experience voicing for television, radio, and film. She specializes in CHR, Hot AC, AC, Adult Hits, Classic Rock, Rock, Country, Sports, and News radio as well as commercial, narration, promo, affiliate, political, industrial, and live announcement voiceover. DeWig’s voice has been heard on NBC, ABC, ESPN, the Super Bowl, and the Olympics, and on over 100 radio stations. DeWig was previously honored with the 2020 WWRS Voiceover Of The Year Award.

Dave “Chachi” Denes, President, Benztown, said: “We are thrilled to recognize the top 50 VO artists in the U.S. and Canada for 2024, along with the peer-voted ‘Best of Format’ honorees and the great Ann DeWig, recipient of the Chris Corley Lifetime Achievement Award. These individuals represent the pinnacle of audio branding and are synonymous with many major brands in our industry.

Fifteen years ago, when we began working with VO talent, I never imagined we would collaborate with the best in North America. I am incredibly grateful for their support; without it, Benztown would not be where it is today. As we celebrate these honorees, we also honor all world-class VO talent and the emerging voices that shape the future of the industry.”

The following voiceover professionals comprise this year’s Benztown 50.

2024 Benztown 50 (in alphabetical order by first name):

Amanda Madi
Ann DeWig
Ben Blankenship
Blaze Berdahl
Brian Christopher
Brian Lee
Cayman Kell
Chad Erickson
Corri English
Cousin Deke
Damon Oaks
Dan Kelly
Dave Steele
David Kaye
Donna Frank
Dr Dave Ferguson
Erin Setch
Harry Legg
Heather Walters
Jeff Berlin
Jen Sweeney
Jim Cutler
Jim Merkel
JJ Surma
Joanna Stadwiser
Joe Cipriano
John Reilly
John Willyard
Josh Goodman
Kaija Matīss
Kelly Doherty
Lisa Keys
Malcolm Ryker
Melody Sharp
Miles Hlivko
Milk Styles
Pat Garrett
Pete Gustin
Rachel McGrath
Rena-Marie Villano
Rich Van Slyke
Rider
Sammi Morelli
Scott Fisher
Scott Matthews
Sean Caldwell
Steve Kamer
Steve Stone
Vanessa James
Victor Lisle

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In addition, for the first time ever, Benztown has recognized “Best of Format” Awards across 12 format categories. The “Best of Format” Awards honor the best voices in each category, as determined by the votes of professionals across the audio industry and voiceover peers.

The 2024 Benztown 50 Best of Format Awards honorees are:

AC/Hot AC: Ann DeWig
CHR: Rachel McGrath
Classic Hits: Joe Cipriano
Classic Rock: Mark Peeples
Contemporary Christian: Joe Szymanski
Country: John Willyard
News/Talk: Steve Stone
Rock: Jeff Berlin
Spanish: Issa Lopez
Sports: Jim Cutler
Urban: Dr Dave Ferguson
Urban AC: Vanessa James

Dave “Chachi” Denes, Benztown President, said: “What an honor and a thrill to recognize radio’s biggest imaging voices in the U.S. and Canada through the Benztown 50, now in its incredible 9th year. More than ever, outstanding VO talent differentiates and elevates audio brands across a crowded audio landscape, building vibrant brands and attracting and holding listeners. As a company dedicated to creating the highest quality audio content in the world, we are proud to recognize and highlight the important work of our industry’s superstars.”

For more information, visit benztown.com/bz50, or contact Masa Patterson at mp@benztown.com and at (818) 842-4600.