iHeartMedia

NEW YORK- March 23, 2026 - In a move that could reshape how albums are introduced in the streaming era, iHeartMedia and TikTok debuted a next-generation release format that merges the scale of broadcast radio with the interactivity of a community-driven platform, delivering record-breaking results and outlining a new blueprint for artist launches moving forward. Building on the excitement around Bruno Mars’ first solo album in 10 years, the two companies partnered with Atlantic Records to launch “Romantic Radio with Bruno Mars: An iHeartRadio Album Preview,” which streamed LIVE on @brunomars, @iheartradio, and @tiktok, was promoted on more than 270 iHeartRadio stations, and broadcasted on more than 145 iHeartRadio stations nationwide on February 26.

How it worked:

For the early release of his new album, The Romantic, Bruno Mars invited fans to submit their love stories via the iHeartRadio app’s Talkback feature and on TikTok LIVE for a chance to receive song dedications and advice directly from Bruno. Surprise callers, including Victoria Monét, Anderson .Paak and ROSÉ further amplified the event’s cultural impact. During the program, Bruno debuted all nine songs from The Romantic, sharing the music directly with fans ahead of the album’s worldwide launch, and announced the video for “Risk It All” would be released alongside the album later that evening. iHeartMedia extended the debut into a multiweek celebration across 270+ iHeart stations, driving continuous storytelling, fan engagement, and on-air promotion, building momentum leading up to and following the album preview event.

The collaboration demonstrated how album release strategies are evolving. By integrating fan interaction, live broadcast distribution, and platform-native amplification, the event created a synchronized launch moment across platforms and delivered measurable engagement— bridging radio, social, and streaming in one unified moment and offering artists, labels, and brand partners a new framework for future launches.

“Bruno wanted the release of The Romantic to feel personal, and ‘Romantic Radio’ did exactly that. This was the first time he sat down to discuss the album, and it gave him the chance to share that moment directly with his fans,” said Aaron Elharar, Mars’ manager (Gorilla Management). “Partnering with iHeartMedia and TikTok enabled us to make that connection truly count, turning one live conversation into a global event.”

The result:

iHeartMedia drove over 3 billion impressions during this campaign across its full range of assets, which included broadcast radio promotion, social media, and digital promotion to the “Romantic Radio with Bruno Mars: An iHeartRadio Album Preview” event, which streamed live on TikTok and on iHeart stations nationwide. As a result, the event saw unprecedented engagement—reaching 36 million likes within the hour and a record-breaking number of unique viewers—the highest number for a LIVE new album release in the past 12 months. The Romantic became Bruno Mars’ first album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with every song on the album among the top 100 streaming songs in the US and Global, and “Risk It All” became the No. 1 streaming song in the US for the week.

“Bruno poured his heart into The Romantic, and the fan response has been incredible. Through the power of both of these massive platforms, iHeartMedia and TikTok together created a bespoke event that helped debut the album,” said Brady Bedard, EVP of Promotion at Atlantic Music Group. “This was promotion at the speed of culture—real-time fan and artist connectivity, massive broadcast exposure, and immediate interactive engagement. That synergy helped drive the album week of release and with this new success, set a new bar for how albums can break through.”

“The iHeartMedia–TikTok album release format signals a broader shift: from passive distribution to an interactive cultural moment that delivered deeper engagement and set record-breaking results,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “By pairing iHeartMedia’s scale and listener engagement with TikTok’s cultural momentum, we’ve created a new kind of album launch—one that turns a release into an event. This is more than a partnership; it’s a model for how artists can debut music, tours, even a new single in a more immersive, measurable, and impactful way.”

“We’re thrilled to have joined forces with Bruno Mars and iHeartMedia to bring fans together for this special album preview on TikTok LIVE,” said Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations, Americas at TikTok. “The experience created a space where Bruno’s community could discover his new music together in real time — reacting, celebrating, and joining the conversation as it unfolded. Moments like this transform a release into a shared cultural experience where fans are actively participating. TikTok LIVE gives artists like Bruno Mars a powerful way to reach their community and connect with fans on a more personal level.”

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

About Bruno Mars:

Bruno Mars is a 16x GRAMMY®-winning global superstar, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and one of the most-streamed artists in the world. Known for his showmanship and chart-toppers, Bruno has set a number of records throughout his career, including becoming the first artist ever to hit 150 million monthly listeners on Spotify, appearing on two of the fastest songs to reach one billion streams (for “Die with a Smile” with Lady Gaga and “APT.” with ROSÉ, and achieving the highest-certified song in RIAA history with 2010’s “Just the Way You Are”). Since launching a string of hits beginning in 2009, Bruno has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Beyond his work as a soloist, Bruno is a member of the duo Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak. In addition to his 35 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including ten number one singles, Bruno is the recipient of 16 GRAMMY® Awards (including “Album of the Year” for 24K Magic), 14 American Music Awards, and seven MTV Video Music Awards. His 24K Magic World Tour was among the highest-grossing tours in history, and within the top ten highest-grossing of the 2010s. He recently released his 10th No. 1 single, “I Just Might,” which is the first song from his long-awaited fourth solo album, The Romantic, and inaugural No. 1 debut. Marking his first solo album in a decade, and first album to debut at No.1 on the Billboard 200, The Romantic is available everywhere now.

The duo’s hit show “Las Culturistas” celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a special episode featuring guest Nicole Kidman

NEW YORK – March 23, 2026 – iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Podcast Network today announced a multiyear renewal of the exclusive podcast partnership with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. The deal comes as the podcasting power duo’s award-winning pop culture show “Las Culturistas” celebrates its 10-year anniversary, marking the milestone with an extra special episode featuring screen icon Nicole Kidman.

Launched in March 2016, “Las Culturistas” has become a podcasting mainstay and must-stop destination for a star-studded list of actors, musicians, comedians and anyone who is defining what culture is now. The duo joined iHeart and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Podcast Network in 2020 and have since won Podcast of the Year at the 2023 and 2025 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards; comedy podcast wins from the GLAAD Media Awards in 2024 and the Ambies in 2025; and a Special Achievement Award in 2024 from the Signal Awards. This year, the duo was honored by GLAAD with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award for their efforts to significantly raise visibility for members of the LGBTQ community and promote acceptance of queer issues.

“We couldn’t be happier to continue ‘Las Culturistas’ alongside our friends at iHeart and Big Money Players. Hopefully people start spreading the word about podcasts, a medium with a lot of potential,” said Rogers and Yang.

“I don’t think so Honey? Well I DO think so! To say we are honored to have this partnership renewed is an understatement. Bowen and Matt have created through hard work and their brilliance, a podcast that continues to entertain, through humor and inclusion, a massive, ever growing audience. They are two of the funniest people ever and dare I say it…great Americans!,” said Will Ferrell.

The weekly show takes listeners on unforgettable journeys into the beating heart of culture with regular hit segments including the often-viral “I Don’t Think So, Honey” and the quintessential question of the podcast: “What is the culture that made you say culture was for you?” Armed with their dedicated fanbase of readers, publicists, Kayteighs, finalists and Kyles, Matt and Bowen serve as the official arbiters of culture alongside sizzling special guests -- including Mariah Carey, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Reese Witherspoon, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Aniston, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan and many more – as they get into the hottest moments everyone can’t stop talking about and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas.

“It’s been an incredible decade for Matt and Bowen as they grew ‘Las Culturistas’ into a cultural powerhouse as influential as the ‘Rules of Culture’ they set for us every week, and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership as they keep defining and ranting about culture with the biggest names in the business,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts.

In 2025, Las Culturistas brought their annual “Las Culturistas Culture Awards” to audiences nationwide with the hit awards show airing on Bravo and Peacock – and the Awards will return again this year. The duo also hosts the iHeartPodcasts original series in partnership with NBC Universal, “Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & the Olympics,” covering the biggest moments in culture to come out the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris and the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan Cortino.

Listen to “Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang” on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. See the full catalog of Big Money Players podcasts here.

Yang and Rogers are represented by UTA, 3 Arts and SRDA.

About Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is an Emmy®-nominated comedian, actor and writer who has captivated audiences with his distinct wit and comedic style while breaking barriers across film, television and podcasting. He currently co-hosts the critically acclaimed podcast, Las Culturistas, alongside Matt Rogers. Yang and Rogers recently brought their Las Culturistas Culture Awards to television for the first time, which aired on Bravo and Peacock in 2025 and will be returning in 2026. Las Culturistas was named Podcast of the Year at the iHeart Radio Podcast Awards in 2023 and 2025.  He was recently honored with the Vantage Award at the 2025 Academy Museum Gala and more recently, he and Matt received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards.

Yang starred in THE WEDDING BANQUET, Andrew Ahn’s remake of the 1993 comedy, opposite Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran and Han Gi-chan. Yang also starred in Universal Pictures’ Academy® award-nominated film WICKED as “Pfannee” and reprised his role in WICKED: FOR GOOD, released on November 21, 2025. In 2026, Yang will lend his vocal talents as a voice in Warner Brothers’ animated film THE CAT IN THE HAT.

As he celebrated his seventh season as part of the main cast of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, Yang created memorable moments and characters throughout his time on the show. Joining the show as a writer in 2018 and becoming an on-air cast member in 2019, he has gone on to receive four Emmy® Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, making him the most-nominated Asian male performer in Emmy® history. He also received an Emmy® nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 2019, on behalf of SNL. Yang’s last SNL show was on December 22, 2025 with a poetic send off from Ariana Grande and Cher.

About Matt Rogers

Featured on Variety’s 2025 Comedy Impact Report, Matt Rogers is an actor, comedian, writer, and recording artist with undeniable talent and charm. On screen, he starred in the Netflix dark comedy No Good Deed alongside Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano, and broke out with I Love That For You and the acclaimed queer rom-com Fire Island. He has also appeared in Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune, Apple TV’s Palm Royale, and Prime Video’s Overcompensating. Behind the scenes, he wrote for The Other Two and Q-Force—voicing Twink—and co-created and co-hosted the short-form competition series Gayme Show with Dave Mizzoni.

He co-hosts the hit podcast Las Culturistas alongside Bowen Yang—named one of TIME’s “100 Best Podcasts of All Time” and winner of Podcast of the Year at the 2023 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards—and the duo’s sold-out Las Culturistas Culture Awards, which aired on Bravo and Peacock in 2025 and will return for 2026. Dubbed the “Prince of Christmas,” Rogers released his holiday dance-pop album Have You Heard of Christmas? in 2023 with Capitol Records and tours annually with his festive live show. His work has earned an iHeartPodcast Award and Ambie for Las Culturistas, a Gotham Award as part of the ensemble of Fire Island, and the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards.

NEW YORK – March 20, 2026 – iHeartMedia recently highlighted new music and artists alike with special programming, including new World Premiere debuts and more. 

This week, BTS’s new single “Swim” had a World Premiere debut on March 20 across all iHeartRadio CHR and Hot AC stations, and Muse’s new single “Be With You” had a World Premiere debut on March 19 across all iHeartRadio Alt stations. 

Additionally, iHeartRadio launched “Bob Kingsley’s Countdown Classics” this week, a new streaming station dedicated to the legendary countdown show hosted by one of country radio’s most beloved voices, Bob Kingsley. Fans can listen to classic episodes of the Bob Kingsley Country Top 40 countdown show anytime by opening the iHeartRadio app and searching “Bob Kingsley.”

For the latest news, music fans can download the iHeartRadio app; follow iHeartRadio on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, Facebook and YouTube; and visit iHeartRadio.com.

NEW YORK, NY — March 19, 2026 -- iHeartRadio announced today the launch of Bob Kingsley’s Countdown Classics, a new streaming station dedicated to the legendary countdown show hosted by one of country radio’s most beloved voices, Bob Kingsley.

Kingsley, a member of both the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Country Radio Hall of Fame, passed away in 2019, and the station launches today in celebration of what would have been the legend’s 86th birthday.

The station features the original Bob Kingsley Country Top 40 countdown shows, giving listeners the chance to relive the biggest country hits exactly as fans heard them on the radio. Each episode captures the songs, stories and artist insights that made Kingsley a trusted voice in country music for decades. Fans can listen anytime by opening the iHeartRadio app and searching “Bob Kingsley.”

“I am so pleased that Bob’s Country Top 40 programs will be available to a generation of listeners with the help of our friends at iHeartRadio. What a wonderful birthday present to honor him,” said Nan Kingsley. “Bob wanted the countdown show to represent the best of Country music, and he worked tirelessly with his team to ensure the highest quality content was produced. I know you’ll hear that dedication when you rediscover these shows.”

The channel – a partnership with iHeartRadio, The Kingsley Estate and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where the Kingsley audio archives are housed – will also feature specials including Bob Kingsley’s Christmas In America during the holidays.

“Bob Kingsley was one of the most recognizable and respected voices in country radio history,” said Jon Zellner, President of Programming Operations and Digital Music for iHeartMedia. “His countdowns didn’t just play the biggest country songs of the week -- he told the stories behind them and helped deepen the connection between the music and the fans. With this new iHeartRadio station, fans can once again experience the magic of those shows and reconnect with the music and artists and songwriters that shaped country radio.”

Bob Kingsley’s Classic Country Top 40 joins iHeartRadio’s lineup of hundreds of digital stations and thousands of live broadcast stations available on the iHeartRadio app, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service –  available across more than 500 platforms and over 2,000 devices including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles.

About Bob Kingsley

Bob Kingsley’s voice has been heard on radio across eight decades. At 18, Kingsley joined the Air Force and served in Keflavik, Iceland, where he jumped at a chance to become an announcer on Armed Forces Radio. That experience and his love of Country music would carry him to legendary stations like KFOX, KGBS, KFI, and KLAC in Los Angeles, and to his role as the voice of Drake-Chenault’s Great American Country format, used by hundreds of Country radio stations. In 1974 Bob Kingsley signed on as producer of American Country Countdown with Don Bowman (1974-1978), taking over as host and executive producer of American Country Countdown with Bob Kingsley from 1978-2005. Daily short-form features—America’s Music Makers with Bob Kingsley and Country’s Hit Makers with Bob Kingsley—aired from 1988-2006, with a collection of more than 75 specials airing from 1978-2019. Between 2006-2019 Kingsley hosted and produced his own syndicated Country Top 40 with Bob Kingsley countdown, which continues today, hosted by Fitz. The Bob Kingsley Estate’s multi-year partnership with Nashville Songwriters Association International features Bob Kingsley’s NSAI Top 40 quarterly spotlights of the best songs from unsigned songwriters. The Estate’s partnership with The Bluebird Cafe includes a series of Bob Kingsley Presents performances spotlighting hitmaking songwriters alongside audio snippets from Bob’s archives. Country Radio Seminar annually salutes Bob’s impact on the genre, with Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley event. Bob’s impact on Country music and Country radio was documented in a 2021 print and audio book Bob Kingsley’s Book Of Records, available here. Bob’s widow and business partner, Nan Kingsley, donated Bluestem Studios in Texas, where Kingsley recorded his shows, to Weatherford College in 2021 as part of a larger gift under the banner of The Nan & Bob Kingsley Center. Her philanthropic efforts on behalf of the Estate have also included The Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award benefiting the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, which has raised more than $400,000 since its inception. In 2019 and 2021, selections from Bob’s audio archives were gifted to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, preserving Kingsley’s legacy for future generations. .

John Mellencamp to Perform and Receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Icon Award

Kehlani Joins the Lineup of Performers for This Year’s Award Show

The Event Will Feature Additional Special Appearances by Alysa Liu, Ne-Yo, Nicole Scherzinger, Nikki Glaser, sombr, Weezer and More

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards Air Thursday, March 26, on FOX Live From Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles

NEW YORK—March 19, 2026— iHeartMedia and FOX Entertainment today announced that Taylor Swift, this year’s most-nominated artist with nine nominations, will make a special appearance at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, her first award show appearance this year. The show will also honor John Mellencamp with the 2026 iHeartRadio Icon Award, who will perform at the event. Additionally, Kehlani joins previously announced performers Alex Warren, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, RAYE, and performing for the first time together, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue.

Hosted by Ludacris, the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will also feature special appearances by Alysa Liu, Ne-Yo, Nicole Scherzinger, Nikki Glaser, sombr, Weezer and more. The annual award show will air live from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Thursday, March 26 (8-10 p.m. ET live / PT tape-delayed) on FOX and will also be heard on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.

This year’s iHeartRadio Icon Award recipient is John Mellencamp. Few artists embody the spirit of the American storyteller as completely as John Mellencamp. For more than five decades, his songwriting has captured the hearts of millions of fans. From defining an era with “Jack & Diane,” “Pink Houses” and “Small Town” to continuing to influence generations of musicians with his unmistakable voice and point of view, Mellencamp’s work is woven deeply into the cultural fabric of the United States.

This summer, Mellencamp will embark on his highly anticipated Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits, performing the songs that have defined his career, many of which he hasn’t played live in decades. Equally important to Mellencamp’s artistry is his longstanding dedication to activism and advocacy. Throughout his career, he has championed causes close to America’s heartland, including co‑founding Farm Aid to support family farmers, a commitment that has spanned nearly 40 years. His voice has always stood for compassion, community and integrity, reflecting the very values the Icon Award seeks to honor.

Additionally, as previously announced, Ludacris will receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award, Miley Cyrus will be honored with the 2026 iHeartRadio Innovator Award and Alex Warren will receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award.

The 13th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards will celebrate the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2025, while also offering a preview of the upcoming hits of 2026. The show will feature award presentations in multiple categories, live performances from the biggest artists in music, surprise guests and collaborations, and will showcase the stories of the winning artists’ road to No. 1.

Artists receiving several nominations include Alex Warren, Bad Bunny, Benson Boone, BLACKPINK, Chris Brown, Ed Sheeran, Ella Langley, GloRilla, Grupo Frontera, HUNTR/X: EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, Jelly Roll, JENNIE, j-hope, KATSEYE, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, Linkin Park, LISA, Mariah the Scientist, MOLIY, Morgan Wallen, Myles Smith, RAYE, ROSÉ, Sabrina Carpenter, Shinedown, sombr, SZA, Tate McRae, Taylor Swift, Twenty One Pilots and Zara Larsson. 

For a full list of categories, visit iHeartRadio.com/awards.

Executive producers for the iHeartRadio Music Awards are Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Jeannaé Rouzan-Clay for Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE); John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Bart Peters for iHeartMedia; and FOX Entertainment Studios.

Proud partners of this year’s event on iHeart’s platforms include H&R Block, She Rises Studios, and Trashie with more to be announced.

Artists and/or events subject to change or cancellation without notice. 

About FOX Entertainment

With a legacy spanning nearly 40 years, FOX Entertainment is one of the world’s most recognizable media brands and a prolific content producer across its iconic broadcast network and both owned and third-party platforms worldwide. Known for its independent, innovative spirit and provocative, groundbreaking storytelling, the company includes three key business units: FOX Television Network, FOX Entertainment Studios and worldwide content sales and licensing unit FOX Entertainment Global.

While maintaining its leadership in linear television with an exceptional slate of original series – including Doc, Extracted, Memory of a Killer, The Masked Singer, The Floor, The Simpsons, Animal Control, Going Dutch, Murder in a Small Town, Hell’s Kitchen and LEGO Masters – FOX Entertainment is growing its portfolio of studio engines, business operations and library of owned original content. 

To date, the FOX Entertainment Studios division includes its in-house unscripted studio with hits The Masked Singer, I Can See Your Voice and Name That Tune, and scripted content studio featuring comedies Animal Control and Going Dutch and signature drama series Best Medicine, The Faithful, The Way Home and The Chicken Sisters. The unit also oversees the award-winning animation studio Bento Box Entertainment with animated comedies including Krapopolis, Grimsburg, Hazbin Hotel and Universal Basic Guys; entertainment platform TMZ with its tentpole primetime series TMZ Investigates; its new independent film label Tideline Entertainment with inaugural releases including First Time Female Director, Ponyboi and Slanted; and the culinary and lifestyle content venture Studio Ramsay Global in partnership with iconic chef Gordon Ramsay, featuring food-themed original series on FOX such as Next Level Chef, Kitchen Nightmares and Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, as well as the new next-gen global food brand and entertainment platform Bite, No Taste Like Home on Disney+, Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars on Apple+ and a new untitled Gordon Ramsay documentary series on Netflix in early 2026.

As a global content creator and production partner, FOX Entertainment Studios collaborates with studios and platforms worldwide, including Disney, Hulu, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Pictures Television, Prime Video, Netflix, Apple+, Hallmark, Lifetime, TelevisaUnivision, UK’s Channel 4, France’s TF1, German’s ProSieben, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia’s Foxtel and FOX-owned streamer Tubi, among others.

About Jesse Collins Entertainment

Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service Emmy winning production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television's most memorable moments in music entertainment.  JCE's award-winning and critically acclaimed television includes programming from its four divisions—specials, sports, scripted and unscripted.  From the specials division: award shows—The Emmy Awards, The 2021 and 2022 American Music Awards, The 2022 Golden Globes, BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Black Girls Rock!, BET Honors, UNCF's An Evening of Stars and ABFF Honors; specials—Jimmy Fallon's Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama & Oprah Winfrey (Primetime Emmy Award nominee), A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, Lil Rel Howery: I said it. Y'all thinking it., CNN's Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom, Martin: The Reunion, John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration, Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today, A GRAMMY Salute to the Sounds of Change, Stand Up for Heroes, Dear Mama, Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin', Def Comedy Jam 25, Leslie Jones: Time Machine, The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular and Rip the Runway.  From the sports division: Beyoncé Bowl at the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans NFL 2024 Christmas Game (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The Super Bowl Halftime Show (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The 95th Major League Baseball All-Star Game Pre-Game Show, The 2025 World Series Game 1 Anthem, NFL Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show starring Jack White and Netflix’s Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party.  From the scripted division: scripted series—Real Husbands of Hollywood, American Soul and miniseries—The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story.  From the unscripted division: unscripted series – Heart & Hustle: Houston, Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Gabrielle Union: My Journey to 50, Oh Hell No! With Marlon Wayans, Cardi Tries, My Killer Body with K. Michelle, DJ Cassidy's Pass the Mic and Forward: The Future of Black Music, competition series—Hollywood Squares, Rhythm + Flow, Celebrity Squares, Becoming A Popstar, Sunday Best, Hip Hop Squares and Nashville Squares, talk shows – We Got Time Today, Yara Shahidi's Day Off and Face to Face with Becky G, and children's series—Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices (Daytime Emmy Award winner).  Emmy Award winner Jesse Collins is the Founder & CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment and executive producer of all JCE programming.  He is also an executive producer for the annual GRAMMY Awards and produced the 2021 Oscars.  Emmy winner Dionne Harmon is President.  Emmy nominee Jeannae Rouzan-Clay is Senior Vice President of Specials.

“Giggly Squad” with hosts Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo takes home coveted Podcast of the Year Award

Hosted by Ego Nwodim, the event also included Will Ferrell and special guest presenters Eric Andre, Jennie Garth, Lele Pons, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, Iliza Shlesinger, Rider Strong and more

Jay Shetty, Terry Gross and Hrishikesh Hirway honored with Icon Awards

NEW YORK AND AUSTIN – March 16, 2026 – Monday night, the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards Live at SXSW brought together the most influential names in podcasting to honor the most entertaining and innovative podcasts of 2025, celebrating the incredible talent and wide variety of leaders across the podcasting industry live in Austin, Texas at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. The show was hosted by comedian Ego Nwodim and streamed live exclusively on VEEPS. The event also broadcasted on select iHeartMedia radio stations at 11p.m. local time and was available live on the iHeartRadio app.

The night featured a variety of appearances by award nominees, celebrity presenters and special guests including Podcast of the Year winners Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, presenters Clayton Echard, Eric Andre, Iliza Shlesinger, Jennie Garth, Jonathan Goldstein, Juju Green, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, Lele Pons, Rider Strong among others, as well as TikTok creators Caroline Vazzana, Clifford Taylor IV and Timothy Martin. Special guests included Andrea Gunning, Chris Wylde, DJ Dramos, Elyse Myers, Laurie Santos and many nominees.

In addition to the fan-voted and category awards, iHeartMedia presented three Icon Awards – the Social Impact Award to Jay Shetty, the Audible Audio Pioneer Award to Terry Gross and the Innovator Award to Hrishikesh Hirway – honoring individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions to the podcasting medium.

The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards event highlights include:

• Will Ferrell kicked off the show in full Team USA speed skating gear as he joked to the crowd full of a “few of his peers and many of his admirers” that he almost made the team for the 2026 Winter Olympics. He then introduced host Ego Nwodim.
• Host Ego Nwodim, who was also nominated in the Best Emerging category for her podcast “Thanks Dad,” welcomed the audience and talked about the importance of podcasts while reminding the audio-savvy audience not to peak the mics.
• “My Favorite Murder” hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark presented the Best Travel Award to “Women Who Travel.” Host Lale Arikoglu thanked the women who shared their stories.
• Lele Pons, host of the upcoming “Suite 305” podcast, presented the Best Emerging podcast to “Smart Girl Dumb Questions with Nayeema Raza.”
• “Broken Record” host Justin Richmond presented the 2026 Social Impact Award to Jay Shetty and his “On Purpose” podcast. Shetty accepted the award via video message.
• Jennie Garth, host of “I Choose Me,” celebrated the shows nominated for Best TV & Film for keeping us all engaged before presenting the award to “Watch What Crappens.” Hosts Ronnie Karam and Ben Mandelker accepted the award by first being excited to talk to Garth and thanking Bravo for providing plenty of TV to escape into.
• Host Ego Nwodim pitched her own True Crime podcast to uncover the missing person sitting in an empty chair, delighting the audience with her on-the-spot trailer for the show.
• Rider Strong presented Best Crime to the “Wisecrack” team who recounted the six-episode show’s 10-year journey to being made and celebrated the balance between light and darkness.
• Eric Andre joked about SXSW hangover and the founding of podcasting before presenting Best Comedy Award to “Good Hang with Amy Poehler.” Poehler accepted via video message and thanked her listeners, teasing her next episode with Viola Davis.
• Juju Green presented the Innovator Award to Hrishikesh Hirway who recounted the beginnings of “Song Exploder” and his want to dive into every beat of creating the music we hear.
• “Love Trapped” hosts Clayton Echard and Stephani Young presented Best Advice/Inspirational Award to “Thanks For Asking with Nora McInerny,” who offered some advice to her fellow nominees Michelle Obama, Chrissy Teigen and Jay Shetty to “stick to it.”
• TikTok creators and podcast hosts Clifford Taylor IV and Timothy Martin presented Best Business & Finance to “The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett.”
• Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo took the stage to award the Best Ensemble Award presented by Gatorade Lower Sugar to “The Basement Yard.” Hosts Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez accepted the award by shouting out how they’ve been friends since they were four and get to live their comedy dreams together.
• Jonathan Goldstein presented the Audible Audio Pioneer Icon Award to “Fresh Air” host Terry Gross, who accepted her award via video message. She recounted her beginnings as a volunteer at her college radio station and gaining her skills by broadcasting in front of nearly no audience.
• TikTok creator Caroline Vazzana presented Best News to “The MeidasTouch Podcast.” Hosts and brothers Ben, Brett and Jordy Meiselas thanked their wives and shouted out podcasts with the courage to call out injustice.
• Iliza Shlesinger presented Podcast of the Year to Giggly Squad hosts Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo. Hannah joked how Paige first said no to their podcast because she “has a face for television” before Paige thanked their listeners for always tuning in.

The full list of 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards winners are:

PODCAST OF THE YEAR:

Giggly Squad

Best Business & Finance:

The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett

Best Comedy:

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Best Crime:

Wisecrack

Best Wellness & Fitness:

The Mel Robbins Podcast

Best News:

The MeidasTouch Podcast

Best Overall Ensemble Presented by Gatorade Lower Sugar:

The Basement Yard

Best TV & Film:

Watch What Crappens 

Best Travel:

Women Who Travel

Best Emerging:

Smart Girl Dumb Questions with Nayeema Raza

Best Pop Culture:

Call Her Daddy

Best Food:

Eating While Broke

Best History:

The Rest Is History

Best Kids & Family:

Circle Round

Best Music

All Songs Considered

Best Fiction:

Murder at the Patel Motel

Best Sports:

Pardon My Take

Best Science:

Hidden Brain

Best Technology:

Acquired

Best Ad Read:

My Brother, My Brother and Me

Best Overall Host:

Caleb Hearon

Best Political:

Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Best Spanish Language:

Chente Ydrach

Best Advice / Inspirational Presented by She Rises Studios

Thanks For Asking

Best Beauty & Fashion:

Naked Beauty

Best Spirituality & Religion:

Elevation with Steven Furtick

Best Branded Podcast:

The Unshakeables (Chase for Business)

Best International:

Shameless (Australia)

Proud partners of this year’s iHeartPodcast Awards include Audible, Avocados from Mexico, Gatorade Lower Sugar and She Rises Studios. 

Executive producers for the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards are John Sykes, Tom Poleman, Conal Byrne and Bart Peters for iHeartMedia. 

The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards is part of iHeartMedia’s roster of nationally recognized events including the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the nationwide iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Concert Tour, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, iHeartCountry Festival and iHeartRadio ALTer Ego.

For more information on the iHeartPodcast Awards, visit the website here.

To access photos and b-roll from the event, please use the links below:

• Red Carpet/Winners Walk photos: HERE (Credit Mat Hayward for iHeartMedia)
• Show photos: HERE (Credit Ismael Quintanilla III for iHeartMedia)
• B-roll: HERE

About SXSW

SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music, and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of opportunities to meet and connect with people. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and individuals come together. SXSW 2025 will take place March 7–15 in Austin. Learn more at sxsw.com.

TNA Wrestling and iHeartMedia today announced a new multi-platform collaboration that will integrate iHeartMedia across TNA’s premium live events, weekly television programming, digital platforms and fan experiences, while tapping into iHeartMedia’s expansive nationwide audio network to engage fans across broadcast, live events, and digital media in new and dynamic ways..

As part of the agreement, iHeartMedia will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the TNA Wrestling Pay-Per-View Pre-Show for all remaining 2026 premium live events. The integration will feature prominent brand visibility across broadcast graphics, in-arena announcements and event marketing tied to TNA’s major premium live events throughout the year.

iHeartMedia will also be the Presenting Sponsor of the TNA Wrestling Dream Seats, the premium front-row seating program at TNA live events. The sponsorship will include branded seating elements, digital ticket integrations, in-arena announcements and exclusive fan engagement opportunities throughout the year.

On TNA’s flagship weekly television program, Thursday Night iMPACT!, airing nationally on AMC, and streaming on AMC+ in the U.S., and worldwide on TNA+, iHeartMedia will receive premium broadcast integration including sponsorship of the LED Walkout Ramp, one of the most visually recognizable elements of TNA’s live events and television presentations.

Additional elements of the collaboration include:

• In-venue commercial inventory and guardrail branding at TNA live events
• Digital integrations across TNA’s website and streaming platforms
• Social media collaboration and digital storytelling
• Hospitality and VIP fan experience opportunities tied to major events throughout 2026

Through its national network of radio stations, podcasts and streaming platforms, iHeartMedia will collaborate with TNA Wrestling to amplify key events, premium live broadcasts and major moments throughout the year, connecting fans with the action both inside and outside the ring.

“We are excited to welcome iHeartMedia as a national partner for TNA Wrestling,” said Carlos Silva, President of TNA Wrestling. “Their ability to connect with audiences across radio, podcasts and digital platforms makes them an ideal partner as we continue to expand our reach and bring the energy of TNA to fans across the country.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with TNA Wrestling and help bring the excitement of the brand to listeners nationwide,” said Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. “Through the power of iHeartMedia’s audio platforms and personalities, we look forward to connecting fans with TNA’s athletes, events and stories in new and engaging ways.”

The partnership will launch April 11 at Rebellion, TNA Wrestling’s major pay-per-view event at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, and will continue with expanded activations throughout the year, including the long-running Slammiversary event this summer and additional premium live events.

Select events may also feature appearances from iHeartRadio personalities and musical guests as part of live fan activations.

About TNA Wrestling:

A subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. and a division of Anthem Sports Group, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling® is one of the world's top wrestling brands, producing over 200 hours of original content annually and televised in 200 countries including AMC in the United States. Founded in 2002, TNA Wrestling’s deep library of premium content is streamed across the world on key OTT platforms including Pluto TV, Roku SamsungTV Plus and its own on-demand subscription service TNA+©. TNA Wrestling has a powerful social media presence with over 10 million engaged followers across all major services. Ancillary businesses include live events, merchandise, licensing, and sponsorship.

NEW YORK – March 13, 2026 – iHeartMedia recently highlighted new music and artists alike with special programming, including new ‘On The Verge’ artists and World Premiere debuts. 

Earlier this year, iHeartMedia named Freya Skye the latest ‘On The Verge’ CHR artist with her single “Silent Treatment.” iHeartMedia’s ‘On The Verge’ program helps build awareness for up-and-coming artists through its radio airplay and historically, all ‘On The Verge’ artists have charted in the top 30, with more than half landing in the top 10 and over a third claiming the No. 1 chart slot. 

This week, legendary rock band Eagles’ “Carol” had a World Premiere debut on March 10 across all iHeartRadio Classic Hits stations; Carly Pearce and Riley Green’s “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay” had a World Premiere debut on March 12 across all iHeartCountry stations; and Kane Brown’s “Woman” had a World Premiere debut on March 13 across all iHeartCountry stations. 

For the latest news, music fans can download the iHeartRadio app; follow iHeartRadio on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, Facebook and YouTube; and visit iHeartRadio.com.

The event will also broadcast on select iHeartMedia radio stations across the country at 11 p.m. local time

WHAT: The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards will take place on Monday, March 16 at ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin, TX and air live and free-to-view on streaming platform, VEEPS. The event will span all genres of podcasts including Comedy, Crime, Sports, News, Business, Pop Culture, Food and more, with winners in each category determined by a panel of industry leaders, creatives and visionaries. Today, iHeartMedia reveals its list of presenters.

WHO: Actress, comedian and host of the “Thanks Dad” podcast, Ego Nwodim, will emcee this year’s iHeartPodcast Awards, actor and comedian Will Ferrell will open the show and Holly Frey, host of “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” will be the winners correspondent. The event will also feature in-show music from DJ Obscene. 

Presenters for the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards will include Clayton Echard, Eric Andre, Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, Iliza Schlesinger, Jennie Garth, Jonathan Goldstein, Juju Green, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, Lele Pons, Rider Strong and others as well as TikTok creators Caroline Vazzana, Clifford Taylor IV and Tim Martin.

Special guests will include Andrea Gunning, Chris Wylde, DJ Dramos, Elyse Myers, Laurie Santos and an array of nominees.

The event will once again be open to select SXSW badge holders. A full list of the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards categories and nominees can be found here.

WHEN: Monday, March 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. CT                          

WHERE: ACL Live at the Moody Theater (310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701)

Streaming live exclusively on VEEPS at veeps.events/iheartpodcastawards.

The event will also broadcast on select iHeartMedia radio stations at 11p.m. local time and available on the iHeartRadio app.

MORE: Executive producers for the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards are John Sykes, Tom Poleman, Conal Byrne and Bart Peters for iHeartMedia.

Proud sponsors of the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards include Audible, Avocados from Mexico, Gatorade Lower Sugar and She Rises Studios. For more information visit here.

The festival’s highly anticipated and thought-provoking panel discussions will feature today’s top voices in tech, finance and entertainment including Tika Sumpter, KevOnStage, Cliff Worley, Carla Wilmaris, Bridget Todd, Carlos King, Ian Dunlap and more

Tickets are available now at blackeffect.com/podcastfestival

WHAT: iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Effect Podcast Network today announced that hit shows “Drink Champs,” “Keep it Positive, Sweetie,” hosted by Crystal Renee Hayslett from Tyler Perry’s Sistas and “Reality with the King” will join the lineup for the Fourth Annual Black Effect Podcast Festival Presented by State Farm at Pullman Yards in Atlanta on April 25. 

WHO: Hosted by Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy of The Breakfast Club with Loren LoRosa, the fourth annual festival will feature live podcast tapings from “The Don't Call Me White Girl Show,” “Club 520 Podcast,”“Grits and Eggs Podcast,” “Reality With The King,” “Keep It Positive, Sweetie,” hosted by Crystal Renee Hayslett from Tyler Perry’s Sistas and “Drink Champs.” The day-long event will also feature thought-provoking and informative panel discussions including “AI: The Evolution and The Future,” “Audio and Media Development,” featuring top voices in tech, finance and entertainment including Tika Sumpter, KevOnStage, Cliff Worley, Carla Wilmaris, Bridget Todd, Carlos King and more and more.

WHEN: Saturday, April 25 at 11am

WHERE: Pullman Yards - 225 Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317

MORE: Tickets are now available at blackeffect.com/podcastfestival

The event will also feature engaging activities for attendees including the wildly popular Pitch Your Podcast Booth and The Black Effect Marketplace, powered by Shopify, showcasing merchandise from Black-owned businesses, local food trucks and more. 

The Black Effect Podcast Festival is presented by State Farm.

The Black Effect Podcast Network is the leading platform for Black creators to raise their voices and be heard in the podcast space. It brings together the most influential and trusted voices in black culture for stimulating conversations around social justice, pop culture, sports, mental health, news, comedy and more. Launched in September 2020, The Black Effect Podcast Network has since debuted 60+ shows, with 47 live shows featuring a luminous roster of marquee talent and culture-shifting voices committed to enlightening, educating and entertaining audiences, curated by Charlamagne Tha God himself.

About The Black Effect Podcast Network

The Black Effect Podcast Network is a transformative network founded by renowned cultural architect, executive producer, bestselling author, and media mogul Charlamagne Tha God in a historic joint venture with the world’s number one commercial podcast publisher, iHeartMedia. Charlamagne and iHeartMedia created the groundbreaking first-ever Black Effect Podcast Network, celebrating the essential Black culture-shapers on the planet—in education, entertainment, politics, pop culture, and sports. The Black Effect Podcast Network gives rise to emerging and established content creators and storytellers whose perspectives and creative visions have been marginalized and overlooked while serving an audience that has been underserved. The Black Effect Podcast Network helps its partners define their place in podcast culture through influence, ideas, and experiences that engage, inspire, inform, and empower.