I like to say that much of Chicago media is still living in the past. And why not? Everything was better then.

Despite smaller audiences across the board and newer means for news consumption, our TV and radio broadcasters are still important. They’re recognizable and influential. We make them part of our viewing and listening habits.

So when a radio station fires its longest-tenured host and a TV anchor switches networks, we notice. And that’s especially true in sports media.

Those two happenings in the last 12 months shook up my annual Chicago sports-media power rankings, which are in their sixth – SIXTH! – year. I can’t believe it, either.

I ranked the market’s talent exclusively on TV, radio and podcasts based on appeal, quality, longevity and personal preference. Well over 100 people were considered, and the top 20 follow, with last year’s rank in parentheses. I also list five up-and-comers.

1. Jon Sciambi (3): The Cubs’ TV voice on Marquee Sports Network said he joined the club’s booth in 2021 because he wanted to be “where baseball matters.” It took a few years, but baseball matters again on the North Side, and “Boog” has met the moment. Last season was his best with the Cubs. He and analyst Jim Deshaies are a perfect match, and their banter with reporter Taylor McGregor is fun. Sciambi also rose to the occasion calling the greatest World Series ever for ESPN Radio.

2. Adam Amin (1): He can take a breath after flying all over the country calling the NFL for Fox and the Bulls for Chicago Sports Network. His NFL work has earned national acclaim, and he reached another level by having to quickly adapt to Drew Brees after Mark Sanchez’s departure. Amin’s exciting calls and thorough preparation make for outstanding broadcasts.

3. Pat Hughes (2): What more can be said about the Baseball and Cubs Hall of Famer that hasn’t been said? He’s the soundtrack to Cubs fans’ summer, providing exceptional detail, humor and knowledge on The Score’s broadcasts. He and Ron Coomer are a delight.

4. David Kaplan (6): Kap, our inaugural No. 1 broadcaster in 2021, has worked his way back up the rankings with his and Ryan McGuffey’s YouTube channel, “The REKAP,” which is just shy of a quarter of a million subscribers. He continues to entertain on ESPN 1000’s morning show.

5. Marc Silverman (4): After holding Matt Eberflus’ feet to the fire, Silvy is bowing before Ben Johnson’s feet. But his evisceration of Chuck Swirsky, who criticized Johnson for his “F— the Packers” remark, went too far. Silvy could’ve ripped him without making it personal.

6. Ozzie Guillen (7): He’s among the best local studio analysts in the country. Guillen calls it as he sees it. His criticism can be biting or hilarious – or both. The leeway he’s granted on Jerry Reinsdorf’s network is stunning. Rip the chairman all you want, but he lets Guillen gab.

7. Steve Stone (10): He’s among the best local game analysts in the country. Stone is still sharp and prescient, and he’s still teaching the game to all you youngsters out there. He gets bonus points for putting up with play-by-play voice John Schriffen the last two years.

8. Chuck Garfien (14): He’s among the best local studio hosts in the country. When he says at the start of a postgame show, “We have a lot to get to tonight,” he’s not blowing smoke. No one works harder at producing content. He gives Sox fans everything they could want.

9. Leila Rahimi (16): Rahimi shoots back up the rankings as the host of The Score’s midday show – and by far the best of the three-person crew. She’s more prepared, sharper and tougher than her partners. She’s not afraid to push back on opinions. That’s what sports radio is all about.

10. Lou Canellis (NR): In the biggest move by a Chicago sports anchor since Mark Giangreco left NBC 5 for ABC 7 in 1994, Canellis left Fox 32 for NBC 5 this week and will debut Sunday. Who says sports anchors don’t matter anymore?

11. Taylor McGregor (17): The Cubs’ field reporter has raised her national profile as an ESPN sideline reporter on some big college football games.

12. Stacey King (13): He breaks down the game and cracks me up. I used to watch “Sanford and Son,” so his Redd Foxx impersonation makes me smile.

13. Tom Waddle (12): He’s proof that a former Bear can succeed in media without having played for the 1985 team. He also appears on Marquee and “The REKAP.”

14. Dan Bernstein (5): After being fired by The Score in March, he has resurfaced hosting a podcast with Matt Abbatacola. It’s great to hear them together again.

15. Laurence Holmes (8): He’s still doing fine work, but his “House of L” podcast hasn’t delivered what he initially hoped. It has shifted from being guest-centric to Holmes-centric.

16. Jonathan Hood (NR): I’ve underrated Hoodie for too long. He and Kaplan make a great team on ESPN 1000, and he’s finally calling winning basketball at UIC.

17. Cassie Carlson (NR): There will be competition to replace Canellis at Fox, but Carlson has to be the leader in the clubhouse. She earned it.

18. Dionne Miller (9): She’s now the only woman in town with regular TV and radio gigs as an ABC 7 anchor and ESPN 1000 co-host with Peggy Kusinski.

19. Darren Pang (19): The Blackhawks TV analyst brings excitement to games that are finally exciting again, and he maintains a national profile with TNT.

20. Dave Wannstedt (NR): Outside of Mike Ditka, he’s the most prominent former Bears coach, having appeared on Big Ten Network, Marquee, NBC 5 and The Score.

Dropping out: Jason Goff (11), Zach Zaidman (15), Adam Hoge (18), Herb Howard (20).

Up and comers

Alex Cohen: Cubs fans have taken to him quickly as Jon Sciambi’s backup on Marquee.

Kylen Mills: She filled in on a Bulls broadcast Jan. 3 and sounded like she’d been there all along.

Shea Norling: The ESPN 1000 morning show producer has an enjoyable gruffness to him.

Pat The Designer: He brings energy and opinions to his appearances on ESPN 1000, Fox 32, etc.

Cam Smith: He’s doing great as the first-year host of Bulls studio shows on CHSN.