iHeartMedia

Golden Globe and BAFTA-nominated actor and the podcast’s Executive Producer Sienna Miller brings Daphne's writing to life in this 10-part series, which debuts on September 25 in advance of the 7th anniversary of the Maltese journalist’s death

Listen to the official trailer now here

NEW YORK — September 18, 2024 — iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, Topic Studios, and Vespucci today announced Crooks Everywhere, a new true crime podcast that delves into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist who spent her life fighting for truth, justice and decency in a country overrun by corruption.

A 10-part series, Crooks Everywhere will be released weekly starting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Listeners can follow the podcast and listen to the trailer now on the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcasts, and the show will also be available one week early and ad free on the iHeart True Crime + Channel, exclusively on Apple podcasts. The show is hosted by John Sweeney and Manuel Delia, and executive produced by Johnny Galvin and Daniel Turcan at Vespucci; Christy Gressman at Topic Studios; Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore at iHeartPodcasts; and Sienna Miller.

During her lifetime, Daphne fought for democracy and the rule of law through her blog, Running Commentary, which was read not only on her home island but around the world. In Crooks Everywhere, this blog is used as a throughline and commentary to provide insight into Daphne’s life and the corruption occurring all around her.

“Daphne was a brilliant journalist whose writing was at times shocking, moving, and hilarious,” said Sienna Miller, who voices Daphne on Crooks Everywhere. “But while she was a prolific writer, she sadly left behind few audio or video interviews. This is why I am honored to bring her story to life through her sensational writing and proud to be part of a show that amplifies a voice that so many in power wanted to be silenced.”

While Crooks Everywhere is a crime podcast at its core, in true investigative journalist fashion, the show goes much deeper than solving a murder. Co-hosts Sweeney and Delia also expose the dangerous intermingling of politics, dark money, and organized crime in Malta.

“When a proper journalist like Daphne is rubbed out, the killers are betting that everyone will be too afraid to do something about it.” said Sweeney, an award-winning former BBC journalist, host of the podcast Hunting Ghislaine, and author of 14 books.

Delia, a former political operative turned writer and civil society activist who won the 2019 Prize for Courage in Journalism, said, “Daphne’s killing was a loss of innocence for my country. We now live and work in a place where a journalist has been killed for doing her job. You don’t have to be a journalist to be worried by that. I want to tell Daphne’s story because that’s the only way I can fight back. Crooks never rest. Neither should we.”

The project began several weeks after Daphne’s death in the fall of 2017 when Vespucci commissioned a book from Sweeney, Delia, and Carlo Bonini that would become Murder on the Malta Express: Who killed Daphne Caruana Galizia? (2019). The book was subsequently optioned by Topic Studios. In addition to the podcast, Topic Studios and Vespucci are developing a screen adaptation of Daphne’s story, with Sienna Miller to executive produce. “We are grateful to Manuel and John for never giving up on this story, and continuously bearing the torch that Daphne so fearlessly lit,” said Vespucci and Topic Studios in a joint statement. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Topic Studios and Vespucci to bring ‘Crooks Everywhere’ to life,” said Will Pearson, President, iHeartPodcasts. “This new captivating true crime series will dive deep into the complexities of corruption and injustice, engaging our listeners like never before.”  

“Crooks Everywhere” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. 

About Topic Studios 

Topic Studios is an award-winning entertainment studio that develops, finances, and produces critically-acclaimed films, television series, and podcasts for demanding audiences. A trusted partner in the industry and home for creators to do their most ambitious work, Topic Studios delivers quality, compelling storytelling with an uncompromising commitment to creativity. 

Upcoming film projects include Searchlight Pictures’ A Real Pain from Jesse Eisenberg, starring Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, and A24’s David Lowery-directed Mother Mary, starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel.

Topic Studios has produced over 35 film and television projects earning 8 Academy Award® nominations (2 wins), 6 Golden Globe nominations (1 win), and 9 Emmy nominations (2 wins). Recent projects include Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool (NEON) starring Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth, musical comedy Theatre Camp (Searchlight) directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, and the Emmy® Award-winning big wave surfing series 100 Foot Wave (HBO). Past notable projects include Lizzie Gottlieb’s Turn Every Page (Sony Pictures Classics), about literary legends Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb; Nikyatu Jusu’s Nanny (Blumhouse/Amazon), winner of the 2022 Sundance U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize;  Film Independent Spirit Award-nominated, three-part series documentary Nuclear Family (HBO); Stanley Nelson and Traci A. Curry’s Attica (Showtime), Academy Award®-nominee for Best Documentary; Pablo Larraìn’s Spencer (NEON), starring Kristen Stewart, an Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee for her performance; four-part docuseries Love Fraud (Showtime); The Mauritanian (STX Films), starring Jodie Foster, winner of the Golden Globe® for her performance and Tahar Rahim, Golden Globe®-nominated for his performance; Michael Angelo Covino’s Cannes-winning The Climb (Sony Pictures Classics); and Spotlight (Open Road Films), starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams, winner of the 2015 Academy Award for Best Picture.

The studio’s pioneering podcasts include The Space Within (Audible), a thrilling sci-fi mystery starring Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Bobby Cannavale, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Stuhlbarg, Shea Whigham, and Carmen Ejogo, which debuted at #1 on Audible’s charts and is an Audible Best of 2023; the Webby-award nominated Not Lost (Pushkin Industries, iHeartRadio), from former Dinner Party Download host Brendan Francis Newnam, which was included as one of The New York Times and Vulture’s Best Podcasts of 2022; Anthem: Homunculus (Luminary), a revolutionary musical dark comedy, written and composed by John Cameron Mitchell and Bryan Weller, starring Cynthia Erivo, Glenn Close, Nakhane and Patti LuPone; and the cultural phenomenon Missing Richard Simmons (Stitcher/Pineapple Street Media), which investigates the fitness guru’s mysterious disappearance from the public eye.

About Vespucci 

Vespucci is an award-winning Film, TV, and Podcast production company that develops stories from across the globe via a consortium of journalists. This year the company has released a wide slate of podcasts, including Exposed: The Ashley Madison Hack for Audible, The Spy Who for Wondery, Una Vida Por Otra for Spotify LatAm, The Bachelor of Buckingham Palace for Wondery+, and Kid Nation for CBC. Vespucci is also preparing to debut two documentary projects this year for Amazon and Paramount+. Vespucci is repped by CAA.

Hulu will be the Official Streaming Destination of the festival, with performances livestreamed on September 20 and 21

WHAT:            On Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21, iHeartMedia celebrates the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival presented by Capital One with an iconic two-day line-up of performances. Today, iHeartMedia reveals its list of presenters and attendees at the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

WHO:           Celebrity presenters for the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival presented by Capital One include AJ McLean, Flavor Flav, Hugh Evans, Jacoby Shaddix, Joe Gatto, Lance Bass, Paris Hilton, Tara and Hunter Woodhall, and Tiffany Haddish. Celebrity attendees include Andrea Barber, Anna Aya, Ekin-Su and James Kennedy.

The two-day main stage event, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, will feature performances by A$AP Rocky, Big Sean, Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Gwen Stefani, Halsey, Hozier, Keith Urban, New Kids on the Block, Paramore, Shaboozey, The Black Crowes, The Weeknd, Thomas Rhett, Victoria Monét and a special appearance by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

The House of Music at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival is an immersive experience inspired by the artists performing at the festival main stage. This free event is open to the public and invites guests to explore over 12 interactive rooms, engaging with the lives, music, and passions of their favorite artists and brands to create memories to share. On Friday, September 20, James Kennedy will DJ at the House of Music, following the festival main stage show. For more information on the House of Music visit iheartmedia.com.

Each night, the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival presented by Capital One will broadcast live for fans via iHeartMedia radio stations throughout the country across more than 150 markets. Hulu will be the Official Streaming Destination of the festival, with performances livestreamed each night beginning at 7:30 p.m. PT and available via replay throughout the weekend exclusively to all Hulu subscribers at no additional cost. Visit www.hulu.com/iheartfestival for additional information about the livestream. Plus, an iHeartRadio Music Festival special including highlights from the event will be available to stream on Hulu on October 7.

The iHeartRadio Music Festival live video stream on Hulu will be executive produced by John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Bart Peters from iHeartMedia along with Michael D. Ratner, Scott Ratner, Kfir Goldberg, Simone Spira, and Glenn Stickley from OBB LiVE, the live event and specials division of OBB Media. iHeartMedia and OBB Media are expanding their production partnership after producing last year’s iHeartRadio Jingle Ball TV Special, which aired on ABC and Hulu.

Proud partners include Presenting Partner Capital One, Ad Council, Audible, Bounce, Deloitte, The Hartford Small Business Insurance, Health-Ade Kombucha, Hyundai, M&M'S®, Ray-Ban Meta, Valentino Beauty, [ yellow tail ], and more.

WHEN:            iHeartRadio Music Festival Presented by Capital One (Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21)

House of Music (Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21 from 4 p.m.- 1 a.m.)

WHERE:                     iHeartRadio Music Festival Presented by Capital One (T-Mobile Arena, 3780 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89158)

House of Music (Toshiba Plaza, 3780 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89158)

MORE:           Tickets for the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival Presented by Capital One are on sale now at AXS.com.

                       For the first time ever, Capital One cardholders will have the opportunity to enjoy the show from the exclusive Capital One VIP Platform equipped with unparalleled views, an expeditated entry and open bar.

For more details about the iHeartRadio Music Festival visit iHeartRadio.com/festival.

Artists and/or event are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Special guests include sex experts and celebrities including Taylor Tomlinson, Katya Zamolodchikova, Lena Waithe and Dr. Emily Nagoski, among others

Listen Now HERE 

WHAT: Launching today from iHeartMedia’s Outspoken Podcast Network is “Tell Me Something Messy,” a new sex-positive comedy and educational podcast hosted by writer, actor and advocate Brandon Kyle Goodman (Big Mouth) (they/he). The Outspoken Podcast Network aims to amplify, elevate and reflect the diversity, richness and humanity of the voices throughout the LGBTQ+ community.

Each week, messy patrons are invited to let their freak flags fly as they share stories about queer love, the importance of preparation and clean up, or even the sexual escapades happening in Ding Dong, Texas (yes, that’s the real name of a town). Brandon Kyle Goodman’s messy guests and callers are invited to a safe space with no judgment to help listeners develop better sex lives. 

Special guests include sex experts and celebrities including Taylor Tomlinson, drag star Katya Zamolodchikova, Lena Waithe and Dr. Emily Nagoski, to cover topics like ethical non-monogamy, kinks and more. 

WHEN: “Tell Me Something Messy” premieres today, September 12, 2024, with new episodes weekly on Thursdays. 

WHERE: “Tell Me Something Messy” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available now on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

WHO: Brandon Kyle Goodman (he/they) is a writer, actor, and sexual wellness advocate. He’s best known for his work on Netflix’s smash hit and Emmy nominated animated comedy series Big Mouth and its spin-off Human Resources; Amazon’s Modern Love, Hulu’s Plus One, and Netflix’s Feel the Beat. Brandon has established himself as a leading voice for Black and Queer communities and continues to make a name for himself, using his candid and comedic approach to tackle the day’s controversial, cultural, and political happenings. His Instagram videos addressing systemic racism and how to be effective allies were viral during the ongoing protests against police brutality and racial inequality in the US. Brandon continues to use his platform to encourage openness with his Instagram series; Every Monday, Brandon asks their 175,000 Instagram followers to tell them something good or messy. People who tune into the Instagram Stories series, called “Messy Mondays” send in submissions that are indeed good, messy or both.

Goodman shares an inspiring and uplifting message of self-love and acceptance with his first book, “You Gotta Be You” released in 2022. Written in the same refreshingly honest voice as his viral Instagram posts, he explores the intersection of race, sexuality and gender, and the lessons that would guide him to his most authentic self. As a nonbinary queer person of color, Brandon knows the pain of hiding one’s true self, the work of learning to love that true self, and the freedom of finally being your true self. While most inspiring narratives from queer authors take the form of memoirs, Brandon is one of few LGBTQ+ writers writing in the self-help space to offer the readers life lessons. Goodman has been featured in The New York Times, Esquire, Well+Good, OUT, Bustle, Buzzfeed, and many more. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Brandon lives in Los Angeles with his husband, Matthew, and their dog, Korey.

Hosted by Jessica Acevedo and Kailea Gray, the weekly podcast will uncover shocking new details behind 7M Films and Shekinah Church, expanding upon Acevedo’s recent TV docu-series

Listen to episode one HERE

NEW YORK – September 12, 2024 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher according to Podtrac, today announced the debut of “Forgive Me For I Have Followed,” a new podcast that will explore the harrowing world of 7M Films and the Los Angeles based Shekinah Church. Hosted by Jessica Acevedo, executive producer of Netflix’s hit docu-series “Dancing For The Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” and Kailea Gray, former member of 7M Films, the series will offer an unprecedented look into the practices of these organizations through the experiences of those who have been affected. “Forgive Me For I Have Followed” is the latest series from actor, producer, entrepreneur and activist Wilmer Valderrama’s exclusive slate with iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network, a network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories and of which Valderrama is a stakeholder. The weekly podcast, produced by iHeartPodcasts, Dirty Robber and Valderrama’s production company WV Sound, will join previously released podcasts from iHeart and Valderrama including “More Better,” “Date My Abuelita, First!,” and “Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama.''

"At WV Sound and My Cultura we pride ourselves in telling compelling stories that go beyond what you think you know and give you a true insider's look. 'Forgive Me For I Have Followed' is exactly that," said Wilmer Valderrama. "We’re proud to offer a platform for those who lived this journey to tell their stories.”

Launching today, “Forgive Me For I Have Followed” will embark on a gripping journey that will go beyond what was revealed in the docu-series. Through in-depth interviews with former members and chilling first-hand accounts, the podcast will illuminate untold stories and perspectives that are crucial for understanding the true impact and manipulation of high-control groups. The podcast will also feature individuals whose lives have been affected by other groups, broadening the conversation to expose and serve as a critical warning to the widespread nature of such abuses.

“In the docu-series we were able to share a few experiences and explore only pieces of a much larger story,” said Acevedo. “Continuing this exploration through our new podcast 'Forgive Me For I Have Followed’ with My Cultura and WV Sound allows us to do a deeper dive as well as provide a comfortable space for others to share their experiences in hopes of healing.”

Fans can listen now HERE.

The My Cultura Podcast Network was announced in May 2021. In addition to Valderrama’s slate of shows, the network is home to hit podcasts including “Connections with Eva Longoria,” “Princess of South Beach'' starring Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) and Sheryl Rubio (Casa de las Flores), “Wrestling with Freddie” with Freddie Prinze, Jr., “Sisters of the Underground” executive produced by Eva Longoria and Dania Ramirez, “Chiquis and Chill,” “Escuela Secreta,” “Sacred Scandal,” “Overcomfort with Jenicka Lopez,” “Ay Por Favor,” “Enrique Santos Podcast” and many more.

The My Cultura Podcast Network is distributed by iHeartPodcasts, with all shows available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Editor’s Notes:

Podcast cover art is available for download HERE.

Use the below embed code to include the podcast audio player in your article:

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About Jessica Acevedo

Jessica Acevedo has worked alongside Wilmer Valderrama since 2009, launching The Ricardo Laguna Project at MTV Tr3s in 2012 and selling numerous projects, straight to series, including The Hollywood Puppet Show for Fuse, Douglas Family Gold for Oxygen, and King of the Floor for YouTube's Nuevon. Additionally, Jessica produced and cast the Netflix animated films Charming and Dog Gone Trouble. Her work spans networks such as CBS, A&E, TNT, Sundance, Disney, and Nickelodeon through WV Entertainment. In 2023, Jessica was promoted to SVP of Production & Development. Most recently, she executive produced the three-part documentary series Dancing for the Devil: The 7M Tik Tok Cult for Netflix and became a partner in WV Entertainment’s new venture, WV Alternative.

About Kailea Gray

Kailea Gray is a versatile Social Media Marketer, Videographer, and Content Strategist, known for her work with major brands like Nike, Lululemon, and Adidas on campaigns that feature some of the world’s most celebrated dancers. Surrounded by a community of artists, she identified a need for strategic content curation, helping artists showcase their work purposefully and reach wider audiences. Featured in the documentary "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult," Kailea has sparked important public conversations about the dark side of social media and other major influences on our psyche. Passionate about fostering connections and inspired by her community, she enjoys exploring spirituality, hosting joyful events, and aims to create platforms for stories that challenge societal norms to build a better world.

About Wilmer Valderrama

Actor, producer, and activist Wilmer Valderrama has been making audiences laugh, listen, and think for nearly two decades. Perhaps most recognized for his role as exchange student ‘Fez’ on the Emmy-nominated series That 70s Show, Valderrama currently stars in the #1 TV drama NCIS on CBS. He is also developing a live-action “Zorro” series at Disney Branded Television in which he will star and executive produce. On the big screen, he most recently lent his voice to the hit Academy Award-winning Disney animated film Encanto. Behind the camera, Valderrama partnered with John Pollack to launch Allied Management Group, which focuses on partnering with, collaborating, and representing new and existing Latino voices across traditional and digital media. He has also expanded his role with the My Cultura Podcast Network from iHeartMedia by becoming a shareholder. Following the success of ‘Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama’ and ‘Date My Abuelita, First!’, Valderrama is helping curate the network’s slate of Latinx-focused podcasts via WV Sound, led by Leo Klemm, Head of Podcasts, and has committed to a robust slate of new programing that will be executive produced by and/or star him. He and his production company, WV Entertainment, along with CBS TV Studios have multiple projects in development. Moreover, WV Entertainment is set to produce “The Chonga Girls” which follows two dangerously confident childhood friends, Mimi and Laura, who move from Miami to Hollywood to realize their dream of becoming famous. Outside of acting and producing, Valderrama is active in several philanthropic agencies including HARNESS, which he co-founded with America Ferrara and Ryan Piers William to connect communities through conversation to inspire action and power change. He also serves on the board of Voto Latino, a spokesperson for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), and a USO Global Ambassador.

The ‘Ignored Consumer’ Audience Spans Generations, Regions and Cultures, and is More Likely to Prioritize Religion, Law and Order and Family Values 

 Report released to marketers at iHeartMedia’s AudioCon 2024 in NYC 

NEW YORK – September 10, 2024 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 audio company in the United States with 9 out of 10 Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio every month, in partnership with bestselling author and podcaster Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries, today released the findings from its second annual study, “The New American Consumer 2.0.” The study, which found that nearly half of Americans (44 percent) feel ignored by advertisers, highlights the stark differences between a large group of Americans and the personal beliefs and values of the marketers that are trying to reach them with products and services – and provides insights to help marketers avoid the pitfalls of their own biases to understand and better serve these key audience segments.

According to the Fortune Global 500, the world's 500 largest companies posted near flat aggregated revenues in 2024. The research, conducted by Morning Consult, Advertiser Perceptions and Critical Mass Media, highlights how a disconnect between the average marketer’s life and that of the average consumer can sometimes impact marketers’ efforts to effectively connect to and reach all important consumer segments in ways that help all consumers feel seen and heard. For example, in one finding, the research showed that consumers are much more likely to enjoy hunting, fishing and buying lottery tickets, while in contrast, pickleball and tennis top the list of activities marketers find cool.  

“We marketers have more data at our fingertips than ever before, yet almost half of American consumers are feeling ignored,” said Gayle Troberman, CMO, iHeartMedia. “As marketers, we have to be careful not to let our personal perception guide our marketing decisions. This study lays out where our perception matches the marketplace and where there are major differences -- so we can use that information to make new and better decisions about maximizing the appeal of our products to all consumers, not just those who align with our own perceptions and values.”

The study found 72 percent of consumers don’t want to buy products from brands that are ignoring them, and 75 percent would even be willing to pay a little more to support a brand that shares their values. “As marketers, we need to be reminded that we are not the target for most of our marketing campaigns,” added Troberman. “There’s a big opportunity to improve marketing results with a more conscious focus on the real-life influences that the majority of consumers rely on -- and by more accurately reflecting our customers’ real values, passions and priorities.”

In another key finding, the study revealed that consumers are increasingly feeling “creeped out” by marketers’ reliance on hyper-targeting, data and AI -- with 68 percent saying they hate being “targeted” by ads. Moreover, the study reveals that this level of ad targeting may not be working as intended: 7 out of 10 consumers claim digital ads are irrelevant despite targeting -- even as, according to Statista, marketers plan to spend 9.5 billion on personalization and hypertargeting campaigns in 2024.

“Today’s consumers are acutely aware of their social and economic environment and hold higher expectations for the brands that target them, sometimes relentlessly, based on the very traits that define their individuality,” said Gladwell. “This study is crucial in revealing the underlying biases that often inadvertently shape marketing strategies.

Key findings from the report include:

• 44 Percent of Americans Feel Ignored by Media and Most Advertisers; Consumers will Pay More for Brands that Support Their Values: It’s not one demographic of consumers who feel this way: they span geographies (urban, suburban and rural), races and ethnicities.  Additionally, 72 percent of consumers state that they don’t want to buy products from advertisers that are ignoring them, and 75 percent are willing to pay more for brands that share their values. 

• American Vs. Marketers Purchasing Thresholds are Starkly Different, with Americans Consulting Family and Friends and Saving Up for Purchases of $100. The path to purchase is much longer for consumers vs. marketers. Consumers make purchase decisions after seeking approval, researching and saving, over weeks or even months, for purchases of $100. Marketers can make purchases - even those exceeding $1,000 - without permission from others, in a matter of hours or days. 

• Marketers Love Personalization, but Consumers are Creeped Out: 67 percent of consumers hate being trailed by targeted ads. Moreover, this hyper-targeting may not be working as intended: 7 out of 10 of these consumers say that these digital ads are irrelevant to them despite marketers’ targeting efforts. Instead, 82 percent of consumers say they are influenced by their communities, friends, family and religious leaders – notably not by professional influencers – potentially revealing a new way to target audiences by messaging those around them who play important roles in their lives.  

• Cool for One, Cringe for Another: The Polarizing Preferences: While consumers love to try their luck at lotto, purchasing lottery tickets is something marketers find cringe-worthy. Conversely, while marketers enjoy many health and diet trends, consumers find cold plunges and vegan/vegetarian diets cringeworthy.  

• Consumers Double Down on Religion and Law and Order, Marketers Focus Elsewhere: Consumers place twice the emphasis marketers do on religion and law and order, despite both groups agreeing on the primary values of family, health and safety.  

• Marketers' Luxuries vs. Consumers' Realities: The Great Divide: While marketers define luxury items as designer labels and accessories, consumers are more focused on luxury as practical indulgences like buying brand name paper towels and premium-grade meat.  

“The key here is for us as marketers to check our own biases at the door. We see this all the time - for example, when marketers who live in big cities and don’t commute as often as the average American don’t necessarily understand the huge role that broadcast radio and podcasts play in people’s lives, particularly in the car,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeart Digital Audio Group. “Consumers spend about one-third of their media time with audio, but marketers lag in matching that time with media spend -- and often underestimate the real usage of broadcast radio, which makes up over two-thirds of all audio listening.”

The findings were presented by Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia’s Digital Audio Group, and Malcom Gladwell at iHeartMedia’s AudioCon 2024 today, September 10 at 4 p.m. ET in New York City at iHeartMedia’s HQ.

Consumer Methodology:

This poll was conducted between May 3 and May 5, 2024 among a national sample of 2,202 U.S. adults. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, educational attainment, age, race, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/-2 percentage points.

Marketer Methodology:

This poll was conducted between May 7 to May 13, 2024 among a national sample of 237 Marketer and Agency contacts from The Advertiser Perceptions Ad Pros Community and trusted third-party partners as needed. Our Ad Pros Community represents the brands and agencies that are spending the most on advertising and marketing in the U.S. We continuously update, supplement, and refine the community based on movement in the market. With qualifications of, employed in the U.S., involved in media brand selection decisions, $1 million minimum ad spend next 12 months.

Ignored Consumer Methodology:

This poll was conducted May 30 to June 2, 2024, among a national sample of 1,651 U.S. adults between the ages of 18-64.  The interviews were conducted online and data was weighted to a target sample reflective of the gender, age, race and regional make-up of the U.S. according to the last Census.

About Pushkin Industries

Pushkin Industries is dedicated to producing audio in any format that challenges listeners, encourages their curiosity, and inspires joy. Or, in other words: Good, Smart, Fun. Founded in 2018, Pushkin is home to chart-topping podcasts such: Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History; Against the Rules, hosted by bestselling author and journalist Michael Lewis; Cautionary Tales from Financial Times columnist Tim Harford; The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos, and McCartney: A Life in Lyrics hosted by Paul McCartney and Paul Muldoon, which is a co-production with iHeartMedia and MPL. Pushkin publishes and sells audiobooks including So Many Steves by Steve Martin and Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon.  Learn more at pushkin.fm or follow us on X @pushkinpods.

Plus, Champion today debuts special limited series “The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese” on iHeart’s Women’s Sports Audio Network

Listen to the trailer HERE

WHAT: The Black Effect Podcast Network and Cari Champion announce “Naked Sports,” a new series that will span sports, culture and politics. “Naked Sports” will launch as the fourth season of Champion’s “Naked” podcast series debuting with a captivating limited special, “The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese.” 

The six-part limited series, which will join the iHeart Women’s Sports Audio Network, will explore what ignited the fire between two of the most promising stars in women’s basketball. During the series, Champion will search for answers from those who know Clark and Reese best.

“The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese” is not just about two of the brightest flames women's basketball has ever seen, but it also asks an essential question – in a time of such divisiveness, is it possible to let greatness unite us?

WHO: Cari Champion is the host of “Naked Sports,” a distinguished broadcast journalist and television personality who has significantly impacted and advanced the sports media industry for women today. She will bring her expertise and unique viewpoint on the industry to “The Making of a Rivalry,” where Champion will sit down with the coaches and journalists who trained and covered these athletes as well as Angel Reese herself.

WHY: It all started when LSU’s Angel Reese, shortly before beating Iowa megastar Catilin Clark to claim the 2023 NCAA Women’s March Madness Championship trophy, copied Clark’s then-signature “you can’t see me” celebration. The fierce debate over their perceived rivalry has only intensified as they’ve become the two hottest prospects in the 2024 WNBA rookie class. 

For sports fans, few storylines are more exciting than a true rivalry between exceptional players and WNBA viewership has appropriately soared thanks in large part to Clark and Reese. But the media’s fixation on their so-called rivalry has been fueled by the same gender and racial bias that has haunted society. This podcast will show how sports are a microcosm of the world we live in and how sports meet at the intersection of culture and politics.

Where will this all lead, and what makes it so appealing? “The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese” will explore all this and more. 

WHEN: “The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese” will premiere today, September 9, 2024 with new episodes on Mondays. Listen now HERE. 

WHERE: “Naked Sports” and “The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese” are distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

COVER ART: Download the official podcast cover art HERE.

EMBED CODE: Include the podcast audio player directly into your article or website by using the embed code here: 

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NEW YORK, N.Y. – September 6, 2024 – iHeartMedia recently celebrated new music and artists, including the latest World Premiere debuts, new music spotlights and live events. 

On September 6, Halsey’s new single “Ego” was featured in “New Music Friday” slots across all iHeartRadio CHR and Hot AC stations; LL Cool J’s new album “THE FORCE” was celebrated in “Feature 5” slots, with five songs from the album played across all iHeartRadio R&B and Classic Hip Hop stations; and Jon Pardi’s “Friday Night Heartbreaker” was featured in “New Music Friday” slots on all iHeartCountry stations.

Last month, iHeartMedia World Premiered Yolanda Adams’ new single “Church Doors” on August 29 across all iHeartRadio Gospel stations and highlighted Muni Long’s new album “Revenge” in “Feature 5” slots on August 30, with five songs from the album played across all iHeartRadio R&B stations and optional Hip Hop stations. 

For the latest news, music fans can follow iHeartRadio on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, and visit iHeartRadio.com.

Listen to episode one now here

WHAT: Today, iHeartPodcasts announced the debut of “Rip Current,” a new podcast series about the only two times in nearly 250 years of U.S. history that a woman has tried to assassinate the sitting president – and the attempts happened 17 days apart in September 1975. The first attempt was by Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a protégé of infamous cult leader Charles Manson. She pulled a gun on Ford as he walked to the state capital building in Sacramento, CA, but hadn’t chambered a bullet and the gun did not fire. 17 days later, Sara Jane Moore, a middle-aged housewife, aspiring radical and undercover FBI informant, shot at Ford as he emerged from the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, but missed and was wrestled to the ground by a bystander. Fromme and Moore had never met.

This season of “Rip Current” examines how these two women were caught up in the furthest reaches of the radical movements that had emerged from the ‘60s. It asks: What caused them to take to try to kill the president? Why President Gerald Ford? Why California? Why 1975? Why this time and these places? The new series will provide a nuanced look at the tumultuous political climate at the time, their motives and the impact of these random acts of violence.

In telling their stories, the season will also explore:

• The Manson cult and what happened after Charles Manson was imprisoned for life;

• California’s radical prison movement;

• The violent radical underground in San Francisco and the Bay Area;

• The kidnapping of Patty Hearst by the Symbionese Liberation Army.

WHO: “Rip Current” is hosted by Toby Ball, the creator and host of iHeartPodcasts’ “Strange Arrivals,” a look at the psychological, social and scientific issues UFOs and exterritorial lore. He is also a panelist on “Crime Writers On...The Original True Crime Review,” and the author of the critically acclaimed crime novels “The Vaults,” “Scorch City” and “Invisible Streets.”

WHEN: The first episode of “Rip Current” is available today with new episodes every Thursday.

COVER ART: Artwork for “Rip Current” is available here.

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Listen to the trailer now HERE

WHAT: iHeartMedia and LinkedIn today announced, “Let’s Talk Offline,” the first podcast to launch in their co-produced slate of shows on the LinkedIn Podcast Network powered by iHeartPodcasts. “Let’s Talk Offline” will help Gen Z job hunters navigate the job market and feel comfortable in their new careers. This podcast comes at a time when Gen Z is seeking guidance – according to a recent LinkedIn survey, 46 percent of Gen Z wish they knew who to reach out to for career advice.

The weekly podcast will launch with two episodes. Episode one will discuss ways to break the "not enough job experience" barrier, featuring Gen Z resume specialist Morgan Sanner — better known to her 83,000 TikTok followers as "Resume Official." The second episode will navigate how to negotiate pay with negotiation expert and Wharton professor Mori Taheripour, who will share tips on what (not) to say when talking about salary and benefits with a prospective employer.

WHO: LinkedIn early career development editor Gianna Prudente and community manager Jamé Jackson Gadsden will guide listeners through the crazy, confusing and occasionally wonderful world of work. The hosts will cover everything from negotiating pay and setting boundaries to crafting a personal brand and forming office friendships. They’ll discuss how employees can advocate for themselves (without alienating their boss), stand out (without losing their job), fit in (without betraying their values) and change things (without rocking the boat… too much).

WHEN: “Let’s Talk Offline” will debut with two episodes on September 10, 2024. New episodes will be available each Tuesday.

WHERE: “Let’s Talk Offline” and all podcasts on the LinkedIn Podcast Network will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available through the iHeartRadio app, LinkedIn Newsletters and all major podcast platforms. Listen to the trailer now HERE.

The Mixed-Reality Experience of Rooms is Inspired by This Year’s Festival Main Stage Performing Artists Including Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Gwen Stefani, Shaboozey and Thomas Rhett

On Friday, September 20, James Kennedy will DJ at the House of Music Following the Festival Main Stage Show

This Free Event is Open to the Public September 20 and 21 from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. at Toshiba Plaza Outside T-Mobile Arena

New York, N.Y. – August 29, 2024– iHeartMedia today announced the return of the House of Music at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival, a mixed-reality immersive experience inspired by the artists performing at the festival main stage including Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Gwen Stefani, Shaboozey and Thomas Rhett. Fans are invited to make themselves at home as they explore over 12 interactive rooms, immersing themselves in the lives, music and passions of their favorite artists and brands. Additionally, on Friday, September 20, James Kennedy will DJ at the House of Music, following the festival main stage show until 1 a.m. PT.

The House of Music will be open September 20 and 21 at Toshiba Plaza outside T-Mobile Arena, where the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival presented by Capital One will host performances from this year’s star-studded lineup. The experience is free and open to the public before, during and after the arena show starting at 4 p.m. PT and closing at 1 a.m. PT.

Upon entering, guests are directed to scan a QR code to unlock their key to the House of Music, the House Pass. This simple, digital guide showcases a map and details all of the things to explore, play and win at the House of Music. A choose-your-own adventure-style experience, guests can explore rooms inspired by the artists and content they love including:

• Gritty, sexy, even voyeuristic- fans can step inside the Camila Cabello room as she introduces them to a side of Miami that she knows and loves. Guests can also leave a digital note on the C, XOXO mural, but not before taking a dip in the pool experience.
• On the forward edge of music and fashion, guests will witness Doja Cat's famous looks. Guests get a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with her “Scarlet” figure and use the virtual dressing rooms to try on her avant garde styles using AR.
• Gwen Stefani invites fans to immerse themselves into her world. They can create their own personalized moments and walk away with their own bouquet.
• Guests can get “Tipsy” with Shaboozey through a modern funhouse, where fans are encouraged to bring their best moves to see how they stack up against others dancing to Shaboozey’s multi-platinum, #1 hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” With furniture coming at fans from every angle, this room is pure fun.
• In the Thomas Rhett room, fans enter the great outdoors to capture their own candid from the video, “After All The Bars Are Closed.” After they’ve explored the campsite, they can view a massive zoetrope inspired by his About A Woman limited edition vinyl.

Guests will get the chance to experience their favorite brands in new ways and walk away with prizes and limited-edition swag. Some of the brands in the installation include Bounce, The Hartford Small Business Insurance, Hyundai, M&M'S®, Ray-Ban Meta, Valentino Beauty and [ yellow tail ], with more to be announced. The entire House is powered by a mixed-reality platform where fans earn digital points by visiting rooms. The more rooms they visit, the more opportunities they are entered in to win prizes like autographed merch, iHeartRadio Music Festival artist and concert experiences and cash prizes.

“We’re excited to bring back the House of Music this year, the ultimate mixed-reality experience for fans to immerse themselves in the lives and music of artists playing at this year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia and John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises for iHeartMedia.

This year, the epic two-day lineup for the iHeartRadio Music Festival presented by Capital One, hosted by Ryan Seacrest will feature performances by A$AP Rocky, Big Sean, Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Gwen Stefani, Halsey, Hozier, Keith Urban, New Kids on the Block, Paramore, Shaboozey, The Black Crowes, The Weeknd, Thomas Rhett, Victoria Monét and a special appearance by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Tickets for the iHeartRadio Music Festival presented by Capital One are available now at AXS.com.

Each night, the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival presented by Capital One will broadcast live for fans via iHeartMedia radio stations throughout the country across more than 150 markets. Hulu will be the Official Streaming Destination of the festival, with performances livestreamed each night exclusively to all Hulu subscribers at no additional cost. Additional information about the livestream will be posted across Hulu’s platform and social media channels.

Proud partners include Presenting Partner Capital One, Audible, Bounce, Deloitte, The Hartford Small Business Insurance, Health-Ade Kombucha, Hyundai, M&M'S®, Ray-Ban Meta, Valentino Beauty, [ yellow tail ], and more.

For more details about the House of Music and the iHeartRadio Music Festival visit iHeartRadio.com/festival.

Artists and/or event are subject to change or cancellation without notice.