iHeartMedia

The Third and Final Season Investigates the Shocking Murders of Four University of Idaho Students and the Criminology Student who Confessed to the Crime

Listen to Season Three Now HERE

WHAT:  iHeartMedia, the No. 1 global podcast publisher according to Podtrac, and KT Studios, a Los Angeles-based documentary, scripted and podcast production company and leader in true-crime storytelling, today announced the launch of Season Three of “The Idaho Massacre.”

The latest and final season of the hit true-crime podcast delves into the chilling November 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students—brutally stabbed in an off-campus home—and unpacks the shocking developments that followed. After a months-long investigation and a nationwide manhunt, authorities charged a neighboring university’s Ph.D. student—studying criminology—with the crimes. Now, following a guilty plea, the case has taken a dramatic turn.

Season Three explores what led up to the attack, the national obsession with the case, and how a student of criminal behavior became a confessed killer. With new reporting and exclusive insights, the series examines the impact on the victims’ families, the justice system, and a community forever changed. Listen to “The Idaho Massacre” now, HERE.

WHO:  KT Studios’ Stephanie Lydecker serves as executive producer, alongside producers Alison Bengtson and Gabriel Castillo. The series spotlights both fresh and familiar voices, including Baudi Moovan, Joseph Scott Morgan, Jarrett Ferentino, Angenette Levy, and Courtney Armstrong — who also narrates the podcast.

WHEN:  Listen to Season Three of “The Idaho Massacre” today August 20, 2025. New episodes available weekly on Wednesdays.  

WHERE: “The Idaho Massacre” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

IMAGE: Download the official podcast cover art HERE.

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About KT Studios

Founded by production executive Stephanie Lydecker, KT Studios has emerged as a true-crime powerhouse, transforming compelling intellectual property into hit podcasts, documentaries, and scripted content. Under Lydecker’s leadership, the studio has produced #1 chart-topping podcasts including The Piketon Massacre — adapted into Peacock and Oxygen’s most-streamed documentary The Pike County Murders: A Family Massacre — Murder 101, now in development as a feature film for Amazon Studios, and The Idaho Massacre, which inspired the hit Peacock documentary The Idaho Student Murders, debuting at #1 on the platform.

Collectively, these three podcasts have amassed more than 75 million listeners. KT Studios is also the creative force behind iHeart’s groundbreaking live format True Crime Tonight, broadcasting to more than 20 stations nationwide every Sunday through Thursday and co-hosted by Stephanie Lydecker, Courtney Armstrong, and Baudi Moovan. Since its debut, the show has held the #1 position in iHeart’s crime category. Additional hits from the KT Studios slate include Death Island, Crazy in Love, and True Crimes with John and Deanna. The studio also has unannounced projects slated for release this year.

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with 90% of Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

Produced by iHeartPodcasts, Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment, the new season explores the rise of terrorism in the U.S.—and how law enforcement evolved to confront it.

Listen to the official trailer now HERE

NEW YORK – AUGUST 14, 2025 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, Universal Television (UTV) and Wolf Entertainment today announced the return of their unscripted true-crime podcast series “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System.” The first two episodes of the 10-episode season will premiere on Thursday, August 21, 2025, with subsequent episodes available weekly. 

Listeners can follow “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” and listen to the second season trailer now on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are available. Listeners can tune in to the complete first season here.

“We’re thrilled to continue building the Law & Order brand in audio with another season of ‘Law & Order: Criminal Justice System’, telling the stories that have shaped our criminal justice system today,” said Executive Producer Elliot Wolf. “It’s been a pleasure working with iHeart, UTV, and Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi who share our vision of delivering an exceptional storytelling experience with audio, which is exactly what this series does.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to continue our partnership with Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television to bring listeners season two of ‘Law & Order: Criminal Justice System,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “This podcast series is a fan favorite and we look forward to diving deeper into more cases that have shaped our criminal justice system.”

Hosted by former Brooklyn homicide prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi, the second season of “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” will dive into the creation of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF.) In December of 1975, a massive explosion tore through the TWA baggage claim area at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, killing eleven and injuring more than seventy. As the smoke cleared, survivors desperately searched for loved ones. It was at that moment America realized the threat of terrorism on its own soil was real.

The LaGuardia Airport bombing marked a turning point. It triggered a fundamental shift in how New York City and the nation approached terrorism—leading to the creation of the JTTF and transforming counter-terrorism efforts in the U.S. This season will explore the JTTF’s formation amid a city grappling with rising crime and the lingering shadow of organized crime. Nicolazzi will dive into the task force’s early days, its growing pains, and the landmark cases that defined its mission—from investigating LaGuardia to confronting international and domestic threats.

Executive Producer Elliot Wolf has served as an executive producer for the award-winning audio fiction series "Dark Woods”, which is now being developed into a scripted television series by Universal Television. He also executive produced the chart-topping hit podcast series' “Eavesdropper”, “Hunted,” and "Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer". He also serves as EVP of Digital for Wolf Entertainment, where he spearheads the company’s digital initiatives including podcasting, social media, e-commerce and licensing and co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Wolf Games, a generative gaming startup.

The “Law & Order” branded television shows have been produced by Universal Television for NBC for over 25 years, with “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” currently in Season 27 and “Law & Order” in Season 25.

“Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts. It is available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Editor’s Note:

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About Universal Television 

Universal Television (UTV), a division of Universal Studio Group, is one of the largest and most successful television studios in the world. Led by President Erin Underhill, the studio is known for programming with broad appeal and cultural relevance. UTV currently produces over 40 primetime comedies and dramas across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Home to commercial hits such as Dick Wolf's enormously successful “Law & Order,” “One Chicago” and “FBI”-branded series, UTV also produces celebrated premium series including the Emmy® Award-winning “Hacks” and “The Gilded Age,” fan favorites “St. Denis Medical,” “Loot,” “A Man on the Inside” and “The Four Seasons,” as well as cultural phenomena “Bel-Air,” “Never Have I Ever” and “The Best Man: The Final Chapters.” UTV’s library comprises some of the greatest contemporary shows in television history, including “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation,” “The Good Place,” “Will & Grace,” “Friday Night Lights,” “New Amsterdam” and more.

ABOUT WOLF ENTERTAINMENT  

Wolf Entertainment, led by Emmy Award-winning television producer Dick Wolf, produces scripted and non-scripted content for all platforms. In conjunction with Universal Television (UTV), Wolf Entertainment produces NBC’s award-winning “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” the longest-running primetime scripted series on television, which is currently in its 27th season. The company also produces “Law & Order” (S25), “Law & Order: Organized Crime” (S5), “Chicago Fire” (S14), “Chicago PD” (S13) and “Chicago Med” (S11); CBS’ “FBI” (S8), along with new drama series "CIA." Wolf Entertainment’s half-hour drama “On Call” for Prime Video hit #1 in over 40 countries and marks the company’s first streaming original. In the non-scripted space, Wolf Entertainment produces Netflix’s “Homicide: Los Angeles” and “Homicide: New York,” CNBC’s “Blood and Money,” ID’s “The Serial Killer's Apprentice,”  Oxygen’s  “Nightwatch,” “Cold Justice,” “Criminal Confessions” and “Murder for Hire.” The company also produced the Academy Award-winning documentary “Twin Towers” and the Grammy Award-winning documentary about the Doors’ “When You’re Strange.”  Wolf Entertainment has also released three scripted drama podcasts, "Eavesdropper," “Hunted” and “Dark Woods,” the latter is being developed as a scripted series with Universal Television.  Their non-scripted podcasts include “Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer,” “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” and “One Chicago Podcast.”
Over the past few years, Wolf Entertainment has accumulated over 1.2 million followers on TikTok and 1.3 billion social video views across platforms. You can find the latest news from Wolf Entertainment at https://wolfentertainment.com/.  

Listen to the premiere episode now available here

LOS ANGELES – August 13, 2025 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher according to Podtrac, today announced “Between Us” with hosts Heather and Terry Dubrow. After nearly 30 years of marriage, four children, and countless memorable reality television moments, the Dubrows have perfected the art of making it all look effortless. The couple is now inviting listeners behind closed doors with their new weekly podcast. Tune into the premiere episode now available here. 

Each week on “Between Us,” Heather Dubrow will bring her unapologetic take on the headlines, trends and cultural moments everyone is talking about. Joining the conversation, Dr. Terry Dubrow will share expert beauty, health and wellness advice that goes beyond what fans find on TikTok. Together, they’ll tell the stories, spill the secrets, and share the tips that keep life, marriage and everything in between feeling fresh and fun.

“Between Us” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Follow @betweenusthepodcast on Instagram and TikTok for podcast clips and updates.

Download cover art here // credit: iHeartPodcasts

New York, NY -- iHeartMedia, the #1 audio company in America, announced today that Lisa Coffey, who has deep expertise in ad tech and digital and mobile advertising, has joined the company in the newly-created role of Chief Business Officer. 

In this new role Coffey will oversee the development, implementation and revenue from iHeart’s new Advanced Advertising Products and platforms, including programmatic solutions for broadcast radio, and lead iHeart’s effort to digitize and scale an addressable audio ecosystem.  She will report directly to Bob Pittman, iHeart’s Chairman and CEO, and Rich Bressler, iHeart’s President, COO and CFO.  

Coffey has a proven record of leading successful transformations across both traditional and digital media, and brings extensive experience as a business strategist, commercial leader and operating executive.  She joins iHeart from her position as Global Chief Revenue Officer at LoopMe, where she directed global revenue, partnerships and growth strategies. Prior to LoopMe, Lisa held key leadership positions at Amazon, including Head of Business Development for Amazon Hub and Head of Agency Development, where she founded and led the agency team that introduced Amazon Advertising to the U.S. marketplace.

“We’ve been working to transform our broadcast advertising media to a more digital-like product, including strong data, attribution and targeting capabilities as well as creating new marketing and advertising products. Lisa’s unique skills and experience will enable us to take the critical next step in bringing this to market,” said Pittman.  “We’re thrilled that Lisa has joined our team, and we’re confident that Lisa is exceptionally well-suited to lead this critical growth initiative for iHeartMedia, helping us unlock the full potential of our scale, platforms and content.”

“I’m excited to join iHeartMedia, a premier brand in the advertising industry. The opportunity to drive innovation that modernizes audio and integrates live audiences into the digital ecosystem, aligned with how brands buy and transact today, is incredibly compelling,” said Coffey. “And because broadcast radio has 3 to 4 times the reach of any streaming audio service, and is over two thirds of the total daily audio usage by consumers, I look forward to launching a platform that makes those audiences addressable and scalable for the advertising and marketing community.”

Coffey continued, “With its expansive reach, strong brand equity, and rich content portfolio, iHeartMedia is uniquely positioned to build a centralized advertising platform for both broadcast and streaming, efficiently matching supply with demand. With unparalleled assets and the ability to scale its offerings by productizing data across unified inventory we can advance the modernization of broadcast within the ad tech ecosystem. In addition, iHeart’s local presence and community influence offer a powerful advantage for brands in creating national impact through authentic, localized engagement.”

In the first episode, Azzi Fudd introduces her podcast co-host – sideline reporter and former NCAA Division I and professional athlete – Ashanti Plummer and talk All-Star weekend stories, ESPYs mishaps, and more

Listen Now HERE 

WHAT: iHeart Women’s Sports, the first-ever audio platform dedicated exclusively to women's sports, and Stephen Curry and Erick Peyton’s Unanimous Media debut “Fudd Around And Find Out” hosted by 2025 NCAA Champion and Most Outstanding Player Azzi Fudd and her co-host, former NCAA Division I and professional basketball player, Ashanti Plummer. 

The weekly podcast will take fans along for the ride as Fudd spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Listeners will hear what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family – all in real time.

In the premiere episode of Fudd Around and Find Out, Azzi Fudd and Ashanti Plummer come in hot off WNBA All-Star Weekend with stories, laughs, and zero filter. The duo kicks things off with a deep dive into the origins of their friendship and the ‘why’ behind launching this podcast — a space where they finally get to call the shots.

From Azzi’s whirlwind trip to the ESPYs (where she technically wore a dress the wrong way and still served), to the behind-the-scenes mayhem of All-Star Weekend parties, gifting suites, and celeb sightings, no moment is off limits – not even Azzi ditching her own party to grub with the kitchen staff! Azzi and Ashanti spill the tea on favorite fits, run-ins with the iconic StudBudz, and the truth behind Azzi's viral first pitch at a Nationals game. Tune in to find out which moment made our What the Fudd moment of the week.

Plus, Azzi shares exciting news about joining the Unrivaled NIL class, and the two draft their ultimate Celebrity All-Star basketball teams Spoiler: Zendaya and Adam Sandler may or may not make the cut.

WHEN: “Fudd Around And Find Out” premieres today, August 7, 2025, with new episodes weekly on Thursdays. 

WHERE: “Fudd Around And Find Out” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available now on the iHeartRadio app, YouTube and everywhere podcasts are heard.

WHO: Azzi Fudd is a standout guard for the UConn Huskies and one of the most electrifying talents in women’s college basketball. A native of Arlington, Virginia, she was ranked the No. 1 recruit in the nation by ESPN and earned numerous accolades, including the Gatorade National Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American honors in 2021.Throughout her collegiate career, Fudd has demonstrated resilience and excellence on the court. After overcoming significant injuries, she returned to lead UConn to the 2025 NCAA Championship, earning the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. Off the court, Fudd is a rising voice in sports media, business, and culture, and is currently finishing up her time at UConn by earning her MBA. Through candid conversations and storytelling, Fudd aims to inspire listeners and provide a platform for underrepresented voices in sports.

Ashanti Plummer is a former NCAA Division I and professional basketball player turned powerhouse host, sideline reporter, and content specialist. Drawing from her experience as a pro and her active connection to today’s culture, Ashanti brings unmatched credibility and on-camera charisma to every mic she touches. She has energized top-tier events like the Throne Tournament on NBA TV, NBA All-Star Weekend’s Battle of the Platforms, and Rose Classics x Snipes USA—always blending insight with storytelling that resonates. Ashanti has collaborated with major brands including WNBA, Jordan Brand, Google Pixel, Nike, and Red Bull, delivering live commentary, player interviews, and social-first content that connects deeply with audiences. Whether she’s hosting elite showcases, mentoring youth, or celebrating culture through events like Battle of Jollof and organizations like Grow Our Game or PeacePlayers, Ashanti knows how to move the crowd and make it matter.

SHOW PAGE: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-fudd-around-and-find-out-286260281/ 

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HI-RES COVER ART: HERE 

About iHeart Women’s Sports

Founded in 2024 by iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment, iHeart Women’s Sports has already made a significant impact in the women’s sports media landscape. In just one year, iHeart has raised women's sports coverage from less than one percent in 2024 to more than 34 percent in 2025, reaching 89 million monthly listeners across nearly 500 broadcast radio stations. As women’s sports viewership continues to rise, iHeartMedia has remained dedicated to ensuring fair representation in media, with 50 percent of all newly produced sports podcasts focusing on women's sports coverage. Since launch, iHeart Women’s Sports has achieved 99 percent positive sentiment across social media, released more than 4,100 weekly women’s sports radio reports and launched more than 15 podcasts. To find all of iHeart Women’s Sports coverage, visit iHeart Women's Sports Podcasts. All shows on the network are distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. 

About Unanimous Media

Founded by four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP Stephen Curry and multi-creative Erick Peyton in 2018, Unanimous Media is a multimedia company rooted in the mission to produce content that challenges, inspires and elevates. Driven by purpose, Unanimous amplifies compelling family, faith and sports narratives across a range of mediums — from film to podcasts and publishing. The company has a multi-year, Global Talent Partnerships agreement with Comcast NBCUniversal – the first deal of its kind for the media giant. Most recently, Unanimous Media released Mr. Throwback for Peacock, marking Curry’s acting debut and reaching #1 on the platform. Previous projects include Stephen Curry: Underrated, Apple TV+’s documentary about Curry’s rise to prominence, Good Times, an animated reimagination of the classic sitcom on Netflix, the Academy Award-winning The Queen of Basketball, Holey Moley on ABC and more. In 2025, Unanimous Media and iHeartMedia launched the Unanimous Podcast Slate with their debut show G.O.T.E., hosted by Seth Curry and Travonne Edwards. Upcoming, Unanimous Media will release GOAT, the animated feature with Sony Pictures Animation which will release in theaters during NBA All-Star Weekend in February 2026. On September 9, the company will also release the book SHOT READY, a powerful distillation of Curry’s transformative philosophy of success. 

New series will bring stories of pranks and grifts throughout history so big and bold they make you question why and what you believe in the first place

Listen to the first episode now here

WHAT: iHeartPodcasts, the No.1 podcast publisher globally today announced a new iHeart original podcast “Hoax!,” a half-comedy, half-history deep dive into the wildest pranks, cons and scams in history.                

Hosted by bestselling author and “Noble Blood” creator Dana Schwartz and journalist Lizzie Logan, “Hoax!” will explore the most bizarre and unbelievable pranks and hoaxes throughout history – from the Victorian age to modern day stunts. In the premiere episode “Cottingley Fairies,” Schwartz and Logan dig into the 1920 story behind two young girls who believed they photographed fairies at a creek behind their England home. Many were skeptical, but when the photos were circulated, they found an unlikely champion in renowned author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who believed the photo was proof of supernatural phenomena. The hosts investigate the story and how the man who invented literature’s most prolific detective “Sherlock Holmes,” fell for what was later discovered to be nothing more than a photographic fairy tale made up by two young girls.

Future episodes will cover famous pranks including the fake Shakespeare, Balloon Boy hoax, major cons, grifts and the cultural chaos they caused.

“Hoax!” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts.               

WHO: Dana Schwartz hosts the chart-topping podcast Noble Blood. She’s the author of several books, including the New York Times best-seller Anatomy: A Love Story. Her writing appears in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, GQ, Bustle, and more. Lizzie Logan graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Dramatic Writing. Her work has appeared in Vulture, Flood, McSweeney's and The New Yorker. Logan lives in Los Angeles with her cat.

WHEN: Listen to the first episode here. New episodes will be released every other week on Mondays.

WHERE: “Hoax!” is available for listeners on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

COVER ART: Artwork for “Hoax!” is available here.

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Listen to the premiere episode now available here

LOS ANGELES – August 4, 2025 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher according to Podtrac, today announced “Dirty Rush: The Truth about Sorority Life,” a brand-new weekly podcast hosted by Daisy Kent (The Bachelor), Gia Giudice (Casual Chaos, Next Gen NYC), and Jennifer Fessler (The Real Housewives of New Jersey). The three women dive deep into the hidden world of Greek life, exposing the secrets, power plays, and unspoken rules that outsiders were never meant to know. Tune into the premiere episode now available here.

“Dirty Rush: The Truth about Sorority Life” peels back the layers of the sisterhood with unfiltered interviews from college women and insiders who’ve held powerful, behind-the-scenes roles in Greek sorority life. Listeners will hear stories no one’s dared to tell, going beyond curated Instagram moments to reveal what really happens behind closed doors. From Rush to Rituals, Initiation to Alumni Status, this podcast series exposes a rite of passage that’s remained largely untouched since the 1800s.

On the debut episode, the hosts share personal stories from their own sorority experiences, touching on how Jenn felt out of place at The University of Texas at Austin, Gia choosing ZTA at Rutgers University for comfort and reputation, and Daisy reluctantly joining Alpha Phi at San Diego State University. They reflect on how fame, their GPA, and social media shaped their recruitment journeys, how their experiences differed from their moms’, and how sorority life can be both isolating and empowering.

“Dirty Rush: The Truth about Sorority Life” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Follow @dirtyrushpodcast on Instagram and TikTok for podcast clips and updates.

Download cover art here // credit: iHeartPodcasts

Eight-part series launches globally on 6th August

LINK TO DOWNLOAD ARTWORK HERE

LISTEN NOW HERE

LONDON AND NEW YORK – August 4, 2025 – BBC Studios and iHeartPodcasts announced today that they have partnered for the first time on a new original true-crime podcast - Hands Tied.

The eight-episode series is presented by the award-winning journalist Maggie Robinson Katz (Scamtown, Mafia Tapes) and co-produced by BBC Studios and iHeartPodcasts. Launching on August 6th, episodes will be released weekly and will be available globally on iHeartRadio and wherever you get your podcasts.

In "Hands Tied," listeners will be introduced to Lizz Melgar Rose who went from being interested in true crime to living it. In 2012 relatives found Lizz’s mother Sandy Melgar shut in a closet, her hands bound behind her back, and her father Jim Melgar murdered. This awful tragedy was also a mystery and one Lizz was determined to solve using her lifelong interest in true crime as a guide.

Podcast host Maggie Robinson Katz delves deep inside the police investigation, the courtroom where the drama unfolded as the jury wrestled with this truly shocking crime, and inside Lizz’s own subsequent battle for answers – and for justice. Because there is one thing Lizz is convinced of, the wrong person is in prison for her father’s murder.

Maggie Robinson Katz said: “Though 'Hands Tied' is an examination into the shocking murder of Jim Melgar, my hope is that it transcends the typical true crime tropes and listeners connect with the human story at its core. The story of a daughter, and her tireless quest for answers and justice. I am grateful to Lizz for trusting us with her story - and her strength to continue her pursuit of justice.  I am also grateful to BBC Studios and iHeart for joining forces with me to explore this case."

Rich Knight, Director of Audio at BBC Studios, said: “At the heart of this extraordinary series is a violent crime and a search for answers. I’m grateful to our colleagues at iHeart for working with us to realise this story. And of course, I’m grateful to Lizz for letting us into her life. I hope listeners will be as moved by her fortitude as we were.”

Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, said: “We are excited to debut 'Hands Tied' with BBC Studios and help amplify the unbelievable details of a case that led to Sandy Melgar’s conviction. Listeners everywhere will instantly become invested in Lizz’s search for answers and feel her frustration as she comes up against a system she believes has failed her and her family, again and again.” 

Hands Tied is a BBC Studios production which is co-produced and distributed by iHeartPodcasts. The eight-episode series (plus two bonuses) is hosted by Maggie Robinson Katz and was produced by Maggie Latham and Executive Produced by Joe Kent for BBC Studios, and Cristina Everett for iHeartPodcasts. The trailer for the original true-crime podcast is available to listen to now and the series launches on Wednesday, August 6 globally and can be listened to wherever you access your podcasts.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Embed the Hands Tied podcast player directly into your article or website using the below code.

<iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-hands-tied-287782037/?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe>

For more information, please contact amy.dawson@bbc.com or jennpowers@iheartmedia.com.

About BBC Studios Audio

Our work includes impactful investigative serials such as Stalked, To Catch A Scorpion and Things Fell Apart; long-running prestige series such as Desert Island Discs and In Our Time; much-loved podcasts such as You’re Dead To Me and Evil Genius; and an extensive slate of award-winning Comedy, Entertainment and Drama output.  The Audio team has a mission to create and deliver compelling, premium audio to a wide-ranging global audience.  

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios is the main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd and generated revenues of £1.8 billion in the last year and profits of over £200 million for a third consecutive year. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the Content Studio, which produces, invests and distributes TV and audio globally and Media & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including UKTV, bbc.com and BritBox International and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made more than 2,800 hours of award-winning British programmes last year for a wide range of UK and global broadcasters and platforms. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who.

The new TikTok LIVE singing competition gives emerging artists the chance to perform LIVE, build their fanbase, and own the spotlight at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles

NEW YORK- July 28, 2025- TikTok, in partnership with iHeartRadio, is launching Next up: Live Music, a new singing competition powered by TikTok LIVE. Kicking off July 28 and running through September, the program invites the TikTok community to discover and elevate emerging talent through a dynamic, multi-stage journey. Fans can follow rising artists in real time, engage directly with their performances, and help shape their path to the spotlight — culminating in an epic live finale at the iconic iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles on September 26.

This competition highlights the power of TikTok LIVE and iHeartRadio by turning music discovery into an interactive, community-driven journey. For artists, it's a launchpad to break through. For fans, it's a front-row seat to discover and support the next generation of stars — and a direct role in deciding who advances.

Contestants will move through each phase of the competition based on a combination of engagement from the TikTok community and judges' scores. The artists who receive the highest number of likes, views, comments, shares, and overall support during their live performances, along with strong feedback from the judges, will advance to the next round. Every view, interaction, and score counts, putting the power to elevate new talent into the hands of both fans and experts.

"TikTok LIVE gives fans the power to engage directly, support their favorite performers, and truly shape their journey to success," said Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations, Americas at TikTok. "TikTok has long been a launchpad for musical talent, helping undiscovered artists break through and reach global audiences. Together with iHeartRadio, Next Up: LIVE Music is building on that legacy by turning discovery into a shared, real-time experience.”

"TikTok and iHeartRadio are powerful engines for artist discovery and showcasing new talent,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer at iHeartMedia. "Together, we’re creating a pipeline that turns emerging voices into tomorrow’s headliners and with iHeartRadio we have the reach and influence to bring those artists to the masses."

The Road to the iHeartRadio Theater

The competition will stream live on TikTok in three distinct phases, giving fans a front-row seat to follow, engage with, and support their favorite emerging artists:

• Auditions (July 28 to August 11): Open to all eligible creators. Top 50 selected
• Semi-Finals (August 25 to 29): The Top 50 compete for a spot in the Top 12
• Finale (September 26): The Top 12 perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in Burbank, California

Who Can Enter

Next Up: LIVE Music is open to emerging artists across every genre — Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Indie, and even classical crossover. Artists ready to share their voice and connect with fans in real time must meet the following criteria:

• U.S. resident, age 18 or older
• Own rights to at least one original song
• 50,000+ followers on TikTok with consistent engagement
• LIVE-ready and comfortable performing in real time
• Ability to attend the in-person finale (if selected)
• Unsigned by a major label or have label clearance to compete

What’s in it for Artists

This isn’t just a contest, it’s a launchpad. Up-and-coming artists will gain access to tools, exposure, and experiences that support long-term success:

• Livestream training and support to help creators develop confidence and presence on TikTok LIVE
• Audience growth opportunities through a highly visible, creator-first competition
• A chance to perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater in front of a national audience
• Community and connection with fellow music creators across the TikTok platform

TikTok: The Future of Music Discovery

TikTok continues to lead in music discovery and artist promotion. From viral sensations to global headliners, TikTok is where music careers are built, sustained, and celebrated. Artists use TikTok to connect with fans, promote releases, and turn songs into cultural moments.

With Next Up: LIVE Music, TikTok LIVE is offering artists a new path to grow their audience, build their brand, and step into the spotlight through real-time performance and community connection.

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In the new original podcast, 13-year-old Knowa will spotlight Gen-Z perspectives on politics, culture and community through weekly interviews and commentary

Listen to the trailer now HERE

NEW YORK – July 23, 2025 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac and Reasoned Choice Media today announced “Now You Know with Knowa De Baraso” the debut podcast from Knowa De Baraso, the 13-year-old political commentator on the rise who made waves with his direct, sharp and witty commentary throughout the 2024 presidential election cycle. The first episode will be available on Wednesday, July 30 on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

“Im excited to launch ‘Now You Know’ in partnership with iHeartPodcasts and Reasoned Choice Media. As many of you know, I’m usually on the other side of the mic, and I’ve built my presence on knowing when to speak up — and now, I’m bringing that same energy to my side of the mic,” said De Baraso. ”This show is where culture, politics, and real conversations meet, and I’m excited to use my voice in a way that’s honest, elevated, and unapologetically me. You know my name — now let’s talk about what really matters.”

De Baraso gained national attention last year after a viral exchange with a Fortune 500 CEO at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. His quick-witted responses resonated widely, leading to numerous appearances on national platforms and television shows.

In the new original series, De Baraso will explore some of today’s most pressing topics. With a fearless approach to tough questions, he will invite prominent politics, celebrities, influencers, and policy experts to discuss solutions for a more just and equitable future. The first episode will feature a special conversation with Mia Thornton and Incognito about school vouchers, entrepreneurship, and how De Baraso got his start as a prominent political influencer.

“Now You Know with Knowa De Baraso” is the newest show from iHeartMedia’s political podcast network, Reasoned Choice Media, founded by Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Rye and Chris Morrow. The network provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives across today's most important social and political conversations.

“Knowa is a breath of fresh air that's critically needed in today's toxic political environment," says RCM's Angela Rye. “We're excited to partner with Knowa in ushering in a new era in how young and old alike talk about the issues that impact us all."

The first episode of “Now You Know with Knowa De Baraso” will be available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms beginning Wednesday, July 30.

“Now You Know with Knowa De Baraso” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts.

Assets: Podcast cover art is available for download HERE.

Show Page: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-now-you-know-with-knowa-d-286740446/

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About Knowa De Baraso

Knowa De Baraso is a 13-year-old political influencer and host of Now You Know with Knowa De Baraso. With a bold media presence, undeniable charisma, and a natural command of the spotlight, Knowa has quickly captured national attention. Blending pop culture appeal with a sharp sense of purpose, he’s become one of the most talked-about young voices in the country. His influence extends far beyond politics. Drawing fans from all walks of life and earning him constant features in major outlets like Newsweek, MSNBC, Variety, and countless others. Whether on television, on stage, or behind the mic, Knowa De Baraso exemplifies how the next generation is actively engaging in political discourse and striving to shape a more equitable future.