iHeartMedia World Premieres New Singles from Ariana Grande, Three Days Grace, Jack Harlow; iHeartRadio Stations Flip to Holiday Music
NEW YORK, N.Y. – November 22, 2024 – iHeartMedia recently celebrated new music and artists alike with special programming, including World Premiere debuts and live events.
On November 22, iHeartMedia World Premiered new music from several artists, including Ariana Grande’s rendition of “Popular” from the “Wicked” soundtrack across all iHeartRadio CHR stations; Jack Harlow’s “Hello Miss Johnson” across all iHeartRadio Rhythm CHR and Hip Hop stations; and Three Days Grace’s “Mayday” across all iHeartRadio Rock stations and optional Alternative stations.
iHeartRadio’s annual station flip to holiday music kicked off November 15 with more than 85 stations across the country broadcasting the season’s festive music from today’s biggest artists as well as Christmas classics from Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and more 24/7.
Continuing the celebration of the holiday season, the “iHeartRadio Holiday Special” returns this year, broadcasting across iHeartMedia stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app on November 27 at 7 p.m. local time. Hosted by Mario Lopez, the event will feature interviews with Dan + Shay, Jennifer Hudson, Jimmy Fallon, Kelly Clarkson and more discussing their favorite holiday songs and traditions.
For the latest news, music fans can follow iHeartRadio on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, and visit iHeartRadio.com
iHeartMedia and Empire State Building to Host “iHeartRadio Holiday Pop Up Party with Meghan Trainor” For Special Music-to-Light Show
The event hosted by iHeartRadio Z100’s Crystal Rosas will broadcast across iHeartRadio stations nationwide on Dec. 20
NEW YORK – Dec. 11, 2024 – iHeartMedia and the Empire State Building today announced the “iHeartRadio Holiday Pop Up Party with Meghan Trainor” in celebration of the holiday season in New York City with a special event and music-to-light show at the landmark tower, whose iconic Observatory Experience was recently named the #1 attraction in the World in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do. The event hosted by iHeartRadio New York Z100’s Crystal Rosas will broadcast across iHeartRadio stations nationwide on Dec. 20.
The Holiday Pop Up Party and broadcast will feature GRAMMY Award-winning hitmaker Meghan Trainor’s flip of the famous switch to kick off a special show of lights atop the Empire State Building synchronized to her song “Jingle Bells.” The intimate event also features an interview with Z100’s Crystal Rosas and a fan Q&A, all on the 80th floor of the iconic tower in the heart of New York City. The 10-minute special will broadcast on iHeartRadio AC, Hot AC and CHR stations nationwide on Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. local time (6:50 p.m. ET in New York City) and on the iHeartChristmas Pop digital station at 9 p.m. ET.
Additionally, New York iHeartRadio stations Z100, 103.5 KTU and 106.7 Lite FM will play “Jingle Bells” synced to the light show atop the Empire State Building every night from Dec. 20- 25 at 7 p.m. ET.
“The holidays are my favorite time of the year and I’m so excited to be celebrating with iHeartRadio this season,” said Meghan Trainor. “Seeing the lights on one of the most iconic buildings in the world synced to my song “Jingle Bells” is the perfect way to ring in the holidays with my fans!"
The annual holiday music-to-light show kicks off the holiday events in NYC with thousands of LED lights atop the landmark tower, choreographed by world-renowned lighting designer Marc Brickman and his Tactical Manoeuvre team. Fans from outside the New York City area can watch the show live via EarthCam on ESB’s website, and a video of the entire show will be posted on the building’s YouTube channel upon its Dec. 20 debut. Beyond the annual music-to-light show, the Empire State Building’s fan-favorite holiday festivities in NYC include over-the-top decorations, Santa visits, Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows by Ghirardelli Chocolate, a Starbucks Reserve® Empire State Building store Winter Wonderland pop-up experience, classic movie screenings, and special tower lightings. More information about the Empire State Building’s tower lights can be found online, or text CONNECT to 274-16 for real time updates.
About the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, the “World's Most Famous Building," owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT: NYSE), soars 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan from base to antenna. The $165 million reimagination of the Empire State Building Observatory Experience created an all-new experience with a dedicated guest entrance, an interactive museum with nine galleries, and a redesigned 102nd Floor Observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows. The journey to the world-famous 86th Floor Observatory, the only 360-degree, open-air observatory with views of New York and beyond, orients visitors for their entire New York City experience and covers everything from the building's iconic history to its current place in pop culture. The Empire State Building Observatory Experience welcomes millions of visitors each year and was declared the #1 Attraction in the World – and #1 Attraction in the U.S. for the third consecutive year – in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, "America's Favorite Building" by the American Institute of Architects, the world's most popular travel destination by Uber, and the #1 New York City attraction in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List.
Since 2011, the building has been fully powered by renewable wind electricity, and its many floors house a diverse array of office tenants such as LinkedIn and Shutterstock, as well as retail options like STATE Grill and Bar, Tacombi, and Starbucks. For more information and Observatory Experience tickets visit esbnyc.com or follow the building's Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Weibo, YouTube, or TikTok.
iHeartMedia Announces Adoption of Unified ID 2.0 Through Integration with The Trade Desk to Enhance Audio Advertising
New integration boosts targeting, measurement, and attribution for iHeartMedia’s audio platforms
December 11, 2024 – New York, NY – iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in the United States, today announced its adoption of Unified ID 2.0 (UID2), a privacy-focused, open-source identity framework pioneered by The Trade Desk. Designed to meet the evolving needs of audio advertising, UID2 empowers iHeartMedia’s advertising partners with advanced tools for more effective targeting, precise measurement, and accurate attribution.
With its unparalleled reach including 860 live broadcast and streaming radio stations, its all-in-one free digital platform iHeartRadio and the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac–iHeartMedia connects brands with a quarter of a billion monthly listeners across the United States – more than anyone else. The integration of UID2 into iHeartMedia’s platforms will allow advertisers to connect more effectively with addressable, privacy-compliant audiences across iHeartMedia’s extensive range of media channels and allow advertisers to take full advantage of the marketing opportunities from iHeartMedia.
“iHeartMedia is setting a new standard in digital audio by combining our robust, first-party data with Unified ID 2.0’s scalable identity framework,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeart Digital Audio Group at iHeartMedia. “Our listeners are at the heart of everything we do, and with UID2, we’re taking another leap forward to ensure that brands can reach them in more relevant, personalized, and privacy-safe ways.”
As audio continues to capture a significant share of consumer media time, the importance of effective and scalable identity solutions has grown. By integrating UID2, iHeartMedia reaffirms its commitment to an open, addressable audio ecosystem that respects consumer privacy while enabling advertisers to achieve their campaign objectives. UID2 allows advertisers to leverage authenticated user data, enhancing addressability across iHeartMedia’s platforms, including its podcasting business and iHeartRadio’s digital streaming services.
Through UID2, iHeartMedia continues to refine its analytics, providing advertisers with greater transparency and actionable insights to enhance campaign effectiveness in digital media. This adoption also facilitates cross-platform measurement, making it easier for advertisers to understand and optimize the impact of their investments across multiple platforms – all part of the company’s overall goal to make broadcast listening, nearly 70 percent of all ad-enabled audio consumption, fully programmatic and addressable.
“As audio becomes a central part of digital advertising, iHeartMedia’s move to Unified ID 2.0 provides advertisers with the precision and scale they need to connect with key audiences,” said Verna De Jesus, Vice President of Inventory Development, The Trade Desk. “This collaboration reinforces the growing commitment to privacy-conscious identity solutions that still enable impactful targeting and measurement.”
With UID2’s integration, iHeartMedia continues to empower its advertising partners in the evolving digital landscape, positioning itself as the leader in identity innovation in audio.
iHeartMedia and National Hockey League Team Up To Develop Two New Podcasts Over The Next Year
“NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers” to Premiere with iHeartPodcasts Today
Listen to the trailer HERE
NEW YORK – December 5, 2024 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and the National Hockey League (NHL) today announced a partnership to produce and distribute two new shows with iHeartPodcasts over the next year. The first show -- NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers -- launching today, will feature Prime Monday Night Hockey co-host Adnan Virk and former NHL player Jason Demers in a weekly discussion about all things hockey, on and off the ice. Fans can hear the official trailer now, here.
“Our listeners crave sports content and iHeart continues to be the audio sports destination for fans, delivering top sports talent and programming from insider access and interviews to play-by-play coverage and live reports across all our platforms,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Partnering with the NHL to develop, co-produce and distribute new podcasts amplifies our continued commitment to providing the very best audio sports content to audiences everywhere.”
The first show of the series, “NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers,” debuts today, December 5, with subsequent episodes airing each Thursday. Virk and Demers will provide the latest NHL news and discussion from what’s happening around the world of hockey and beyond. The spirited talk will occasionally stray from the game and venture into topics ranging from food to movies, comedy to wrestling and more. An array of guests will also drop in to join the soiree as hosts Virk and Demers offer up their gloves-off approach to the NHL each week.
Comedian, actor, writer and producer The Kid Mero will be featured in the first episode. The multi-platform entertainment powerhouse has garnered acclaim across various mediums and has been honored by The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute for his authentic representation of Latinos in television through his work and his contributions have also earned him multiple nominations from the NAACP Image Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards.
The relationship between the NHL and iHeartMedia will provide access to iHeartMedia’s massive reach across multiple audio platforms including podcasts, streaming and broadcast radio. All shows in the slate will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listeners can also visit iHeartSports online to check out the leading broadcast sports radio stations across the country, top sports podcasts and the latest sports news from top teams in major sports on both the professional and college level.
The second show is expected to debut early in the new year.
“I love podcasts, and I love hockey. I hosted a movie podcast called Cinephile for 8 years and 333 episodes and co-hosted GM Shuffle, an NFL podcast with Michael Lombardi for 3 years. I can’t wait to share my thoughts on all facets of the game and I’m confident my past experience will benefit me to keep the conversation fresh and fun. I am, however, less confident in my ability to wrangle in the free stylings of my co-host Jason Demers, because he strikes me as slightly unhinged… but in a good way.”
In September, Virk was named co-host of Prime Monday Night Hockey bringing the skill and expertise he honed at ESPN, MLB Network, DAZN, and WWE to the desk on the NHL’s new Canadian Monday night program. Aside from his work with MLB Network which garnered him a Sports Emmy for MLB Tonight, Virk has also been a frequent host on NHL Network for a variety of its studio programming.
Virk’s parents immigrated to Canada from Punjab, Pakistan in 1984 where the family relocated in Kingston, Ontario. The family owned and operated a gas station and convenience store called Zak’s Variety. Virk’s appetite for sports blossomed as a young child when his morning routine was watching the sportscast on CTV’s “Canada AM” before running to the newspaper rack to check out the latest sports news. He was also very passionate about trading cards and all the information they provided, even going as far as setting up his own retail area in his parents’ store.
Virk continued his foray into the sports world when he studied Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University, and the rest is history.
Demers played in exactly 700 career regular-season games from 2009-10 to 2022-23 between the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers. He recorded 20+ points in seven seasons, with his best campaign coming in 2013-14 as a member the Sharks (5-29—34 in 75 GP). He is one of nine defensemen in NHL history to appear in 700 contests after being selected in the seventh round of an NHL Draft. Demers last wore the red and white as part of Team Canada’s National team at the Beijing Olympics in 2022, where he tied for second in the tournament with a +7 while recording two assists.
In 2013, Demers wore a pink suit during Hockey Fights Cancer month for breast cancer awareness and has supported Patrice Bergeron’s foundation for kids with leukemia.
About the National Hockey League (NHL)
The National Hockey League (NHL®), founded in 1917, consists of 32 Member Clubs. Each team roster reflects the League’s international makeup with players from more than 20 countries represented, all vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup®. Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 191 million followers - league, team and player accounts combined - across Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com. The League broadcasts games in more than 160 countries and territories through its rightsholders including ESPN, TNT Sports and NHL Network in the U.S.; Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada; Viaplay in the Nordics, Baltics, and Poland; YLE in Finland; Nova in Czech Republic and Slovakia; Sky Sports and ProSieben in Germany; MySports in Switzerland; and CCTV5+ in China; and reaches fans worldwide with games available to stream in every country. Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL® App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™; and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring unprecedented access to player and team statistics as well as every regular-season and playoff game box score dating back to the League’s inception, powered by SAP. NHL Original Productions and NHL Studios produce compelling original programming featuring unprecedented access to players, coaches and League and team personnel for distribution across the NHL’s social and digital platforms.
The NHL is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey to celebrate fans of every race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. The NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone™ initiative reinforces that the official policy of the sport is one of inclusion on the ice, in locker rooms, boardrooms and stands. The NHL is expanding access and opportunity for people of all backgrounds and abilities to play hockey, fostering more inclusive environments and growing the game through a greater diversity of participants. To date, the NHL has invested more than $100 million in youth hockey and grassroots programs, with a commitment to invest an additional $5 million for diversity and inclusion programs over the next year.
A Bold New Era: iHeartMedia, Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Effect Podcast Network, Mandii B and Weezy WTF Announce “Decisions, Decisions,” Exploring Life, Love and Connections in Today’s Modern World
Blending humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, Mandii B and WeezyWTF will share their personal journeys navigating their 30s while tackling the complexities of modern relationships
New Episodes Available Starting 12/11
WHAT: Today, iHeartPodcasts, Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Effect Podcast Network, Mandii B and WeezyWTF announced “Decisions, Decisions,” a podcast that will dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love in today’s modern world. “Decisions, Decisions” will replace the hit series “WHOREible Decisions” which joined the Black Effect Podcast Network in 2020.
“As a network, we are committed to bringing bold, forward-thinking content to our audience,” said Dollie S. Bishop, President, The Black Effect Podcast Network. “Decisions, Decisions,” reflects not only the growth of the hosts, but the growing appetite for richer, more mature explorations of life. We are proud to be part of its continued expansion and success.”
Every Monday and Wednesday, Mandii B and Weezy WTF will invite listeners to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. The new season will heavily lean into the ever-evolving lives of both co-hosts while also featuring some of their closest friends and your favorite celebrities and podcasters. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation.
WHO: Weezy WTF and Mandii B are co-hosts of “Decisions, Decisions.” This dynamic duo has been featured on HBO, BET, Showtime, Refinery29, Quibi, Fuse, and Viceland. Weezy WTF is a sexpert, comedy writer, and podcaster living in New York. From the desk to the stage, Weezy has gone from ex-tech executive to a public figure hosting her very own show, “Sex Sells” on Fuse. Mandii B blends experience from her gritty grind in her early 20s and her career as a tax accountant to continue building out her multimedia dreams. Mandii B is a force in front of the camera, on the microphone and behind the scenes as a producer across multiple podcast projects and digital content with MTV.
WHEN: “Decisions, Decisions” trailer is available today, December 4 with new episodes available on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning December 11. Listen now HERE.
WHERE: “Decisions, Decisions” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
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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 most important Black culture-shapers on the planet—in education, politics, entertainment, sports and pop culture. The Black Effect Podcast Network gives rise to emerging and established content creators and storytellers whose perspective and creative vision 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.
iHeartMedia Names Damiano David as First-Ever ‘On The Verge’ Artist Across Three Genres
Damiano David’s solo single "Born With a Broken Heart" will be promoted across iHeartRadio Contemporary Hit Radio, Hot Adult Contemporary and Alternative Rock stations
New York, N.Y. – November 26, 2024 – iHeartMedia today announces Damiano David as its latest ‘On The Verge’ artist with his new solo single "Born With a Broken Heart." In a first for iHeart, the Måneskin frontman will be featured across three formats with all iHeartRadio CHR, Hot AC and Alt stations participating in the promotion.
“Part of Damiano’s brilliance is that he creates music that defies genres,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “When our iHeart programmers first heard ‘Born With a Broken Heart’ we knew it didn’t fit into just one format, so we decided to do something we’ve never done before; our first multiple format ‘On The Verge’ across three genres.”
“It’s an honor to have ‘Born With a Broken Heart’ featured on so many radio stations across the country, and I’m so grateful to iHeart for all the continued support in promoting my new music and helping it reach new fans,” said Damiano David.
“We are appreciative and inspired by iHeart’s commitment to rising star Damiano David through their ‘On the Verge’ program. Being chosen as the first across three formats speaks to his potential and our collective belief in him,” said David Massey, President and CEO, Arista Records.
iHeartMedia’s ‘On The Verge’ program helps build awareness for up-and-coming artists through its radio airplay reach 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. Success stories of ‘On The Verge’ CHR, Hot AC and Alt artists who have reached No. 1 include Chappell Roan with “Good Luck, Babe,” Teddy Swims with “Lose Control,” Benson Boone with “Beautiful Things,” Olivia Rodrigo with “Driver’s License,” Doja Cat with “Say So” and more.
About Damiano David
Damiano David is an Italian singer and songwriter known for his charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals. He gained widespread recognition as the lead vocalist of Måneskin. In September, he debuted his solo project with “Silverlines,” a powerful collaboration with Labrinth. His latest single “Born With A Broken Heart” is an effervescent gem that became the #1 most added record at US Top 40 radio in its first week. With Måneskin, Damiano was nominated for a 2023 Grammy Award and 2022 MTV VMA Award. Maneskin won Best Alternative Video at the VMAs 2022, Best Rock Video at the VMAs 2023, and Best Rock at the MTV EMAs 2021 and 2023, Top Rock Song at the Billboard Music Awards, and Best New Alternative Artist at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
iHeartMedia Launches “Khalid in iHeartLand” Featuring a Performance and Mini Game in State Farm Park in iHeartLand in Fortnite on December 19
Fans can view Khalid’s performance featuring his hit songs and songs from his new album ‘Sincere’ and play the Only Up with Khalid mini game inspired by Khalid’s music video of his new single ‘Heatstroke’
Khalid’s performance will also broadcast across iHeartRadio CHR and select RCHR stations on December 19 at 7 p.m. local time
WHAT: iHeartMedia announced today “Khalid in iHeartLand” where fans can immerse themselves in Khalid’s new music with his exclusive performance and interview in State Farm Park in iHeartLand in Fortnite and an “Only Up with Khalid” mini game launching December 19. Khalid’s performance will also broadcast across iHeartRadio CHR and select RCHR stations on December 19 at 7 p.m. local time.
Khalid’s performance will feature his hits and songs from his new album Sincere as well as his exclusive interview with iHeartRadio personality Gabby Diaz, where Khalid speaks to the inspiration behind his new album.
Allowing fans to connect with Khalid’s new music on a deeper level, “Only Up with Khalid” mini game is inspired by the music video of his new single Heatstroke. An NPC of Khalid will be part of the game guiding players at various stages as they make their journey upwards. Khalid’s iHeartLand performance will be playing on screens that are visible as the player climbs the Only Up. When a player reaches the top, they will be rewarded with exclusive Khalid interview content.”
WHO: Multi-platinum selling global superstar Khalid, who was named one of TIME’s Most Influential People of 2019, has taken the world by storm since his first single, the RIAA-certified diamond “Location” (released right before his high school graduation) exploded onto the scene leading to a major label deal with Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records followed by the release of his debut album, the certified 4x platinum, American Teen. Khalid, who has been called a “pop prodigy” by Rolling Stone has been streamed globally over 32 billion times across all partners, has been nominated for seven GRAMMYS, and has won numerous awards including six Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards, two iHeartRadio Music Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award, among others.
Khalid’s highly anticipated third album Sincere is out now. Through a collection of 16 tracks, Sincere showcases Khalid’s evolution as an artist and person and explores the all-too-relatable feelings of growing up. His irresistible soulful vocals and unfiltered lyricism are on full display.
WHEN: Khalid in iHeartLand: December 19-22, 2024
Khalid iHeartRadio Broadcast: 7 p.m. local time on December 19, 2024
WHERE: Khalid in iHeartLand: State Farm Park in iHeartLand in Fortnite
Khalid iHeartRadio Broadcast: Across iHeartRadio CHR and select RCHR stations
QUOTE: “Bringing my new album to life in a way gaming fans and music fans can come together to experience it is really exciting and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner than iHeart,” said Khalid. “I hope fans enjoy jumping into this collaborative world of gaming and music in iHeartLand.”
MORE: State Farm Park, in the heart of iHeartLand, is a premiere entertainment venue in Fortnite Creative since 2022 that has hosted over 50 music and podcast events, allowing a unique opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite artists and giving artists the ability to bring their albums to life in an experiential, unique way.
For more information, fans can visit iHeartRadio.com/fortnite.
This is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Epic Games, Inc.
About State Farm®
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 39 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.
MeatEater, Inc. and iHeartMedia Extend Multi-Year Podcast Partnership
MeatEater Kids Debuts Special Holiday-Themed Series Ahead of 2025 Return
Listen to the trailer now, HERE
BOZEMAN, MT AND NEW YORK, NY - Leading outdoors media and consumer products company MeatEater, Inc. and iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, announced today they have extended their distribution and production partnership across The MeatEater Podcast Network. Following a highly successful initial collaboration that began in 2021, this new multi-year commitment with iHeart positions the growth of MeatEater's podcast portfolio of 11 weekly podcasts across six channels for further acceleration from iHeart’s expansive distribution and sales platform. This renewal reflects a shared vision for creating compelling, thought-provoking discussion and narratives about hunting, fishing, the outdoors, conservation, and American history for rapt audiences worldwide.
Since inking the initial deal, MeatEater’s flagship weekly podcast The MeatEater Podcast with Steven Rinella continues to set the standard for outdoor podcasts, ranking No. 1 on the podcast charts in the Wilderness category and frequently ranking in the top 10 in the entire Sports category, per Chartable, with more than 37k listener reviews and an average score of 4.9/5 stars on Apple. The MeatEater Podcast is distributed broadly every Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever audio podcasts are found as well as in a video format on the recently launched MeatEater Podcast Network YouTube channel.
In addition to Steven Rinella’s The MeatEater Podcast, The MeatEater Podcast feed now also includes the weekly MeatEater Trivia hosted by Spencer Neuharth (which also debuts on YouTube every Wednesday) as well as a new live program, MeatEater Radio Live, airing every Thursday at 1 ET, live on the MeatEater Podcast Network YouTube channel. Clay Newcomb’s Bear Grease franchise has expanded to include This Country Life, hosted by Brent Reaves. Other MeatEater Podcast Network shows have also had continued success under the partnership, including Wired to Hunt with Mark Kenyon, Cal Of The Wild with Ryan Callaghan, and Bear Grease with Clay Newcomb, which all regularly rank in the top 5 podcasts in the Wilderness category. All video podcast episodes, plus episodes from Bear Grease Render and Wired to Hunt, are also available in video format on the MeatEater Podcast Network YouTube channel. As a part of the new deal, iHeartMedia and MeatEater will continue collaborating to create new co-produced podcasts in the outdoor, conservation and wild foods space.
Kicking off this renewed partnership, MeatEater will return its MeatEater Kids series for a 5-episode run starting November 25th and concluding December 27th. Airing just in time for the holiday travel season, this new run will serve as the perfect family audio companion during the busiest travel season of the year. The first season of MeatEater Kids, an educational series featuring trivia and other outdoor-focused features designed for parents’ and kids’ co-listening, was released in July 2024. In addition to the limited holiday run, new MeatEater Kids seasons will return in 2025.
“We’re thrilled to call iHeartMedia our partner on the MeatEater Podcast Network over the coming years. The best partners are the ones who both support you and push you beyond your comfort zone. iHeart has been that partner for us since 2021, and we look forward to serving MeatEater fans and advertisers alike with continued investment and growth in our portfolio,” said Andrew Barge, Chief Content Officer at MeatEater. “MeatEater and iHeart look forward to more outdoor storytelling that fosters a deeper understanding of wild spaces and inspires Americans to live closer to nature.”
“We are excited to extend our partnership with the MeatEater team and continue to bring these shows to listeners everywhere,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “The MeatEater Podcast Network is an unmatched resource for connecting with the outdoors, providing educational and entertaining shows for the entire family, like our upcoming special holiday edition of the MeatEater Kids series. The past few years really served as a springboard for listeners to get back to nature and we are proud to continue to help share resources that make it easier for the whole family.”
All new co-produced and existing MeatEater podcasts will be available on iHeartRadio and all major podcast listening platforms. The iHeartPodcast Network, which sees more than 174 million U.S. downloads each month, spans every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, lifestyle, family, comedy and true crime—and everything in between—making iHeartPodcasts the largest publisher of podcast content in the world.
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About MeatEater, Inc.
MeatEater, Inc. is an outdoor lifestyle media and consumer products company founded by renowned writer and TV/podcast personality Steven Rinella. Host of the long-running TV series MeatEater and The MeatEater Podcast (among the top ten sports podcasts), Rinella has gained wide popularity with hunters, anglers, and others through his passion for outdoor adventure and wild foods, as well as his strong commitment to conservation. With the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, MeatEater brings together leading influencers in the categories of hunting, fishing, wild foods, and conservation to provide a community of fans with premium content, apparel, equipment, and experiences. MeatEater, Inc. is the parent company of First Lite (technical hunting apparel), FHF Gear (outdoor accessories), Phelps Game Calls, and Dave Smith Decoys. MeatEater’s video content is distributed via Netflix, Outdoor Sportsman Group cable networks, YouTube, its website www.themeateater.com, its own free ad-supported TV (FAST) channel, and numerous ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) platforms including Roku, PlutoTV, Tubi, and Amazon FreeVee. The company is based in Bozeman, MT; First Lite is based in Hailey, ID.
iHeartMedia Celebrates the Holiday Season with Annual Holiday Music Flip Across Broadcast Stations Nationwide and the Return of the “iHeartRadio Holiday Special”
More than 85 stations across the country flip the switch to holiday music making iHeartRadio the holiday music destination
Hosted by Mario Lopez, the Holiday Special will feature interviews with Dan + Shay, Jennifer Hudson, Jimmy Fallon, Kelly Clarkson and more, broadcasting on iHeartMedia stations nationwide on November 27
New York – November 15, 2024 – iHeartMedia announced that the annual station flip to holiday music kicks off today with more than 85 stations across the country broadcasting the season’s festive music from today’s biggest artists as well as Christmas classics from Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and more 24/7. Continuing the celebration of the holiday season, the iHeartRadio Holiday Special returns this year hosted by Mario Lopez, the event will feature interviews with Dan + Shay, Jennifer Hudson, Jimmy Fallon, Kelly Clarkson and more discussing their favorite holiday songs and traditions. The special will broadcast across iHeartMedia stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app on November 27 at 7 p.m. local time.
Every holiday season, iHeartMedia converts music radio stations in its key markets to all holiday music through Christmas Day- making iHeartMedia the No. 1 holiday music listening destination.
Listeners can hear even more holiday cheer anywhere they are across more than 500 platforms and 2,000 devices with the iHeartRadio app with original stations like “iHeart Christmas,” playing all the holiday favorites; “North Pole Radio,” hosted by Santa Claus himself; “iHeart Christmas Classics,” the place to hear all the timeless holiday classics; or holiday channels playing all kinds of music, including iHeartCountry Christmas, iHeart Christmas Jazz, iHeart Christmas Rock, iHeart Christmas R&B, and more. To find all iHeartRadio’s extensive holiday offerings, listeners can visit the iHeartRadio app and search “iHeart Holiday.”
“Year after year, as the Christmas season approaches, listeners look to our stations as the holiday music destination, anticipating the return of their favorite songs, from the timeless classics like Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree to Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer. “Listeners around the country have really come to rely on our stations to kick off the season, these songs ignite their spirits and evoke memories, hearing the music is nostalgic. That’s what also makes this Holiday Special, well, so special because it’s their favorite artists sharing their personal holiday memories with their fans. Afterall, it is the most wonderful time of the year!”
Proud partners of the iHeartRadio Holiday Special include Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King and State Farm®.
Kate Mackz Teams Up With iHeartPodcasts To Bring “Post Run High” – A Companion Podcast to the Viral Digital Show “The Running Interview Show” – To Listeners Everywhere
Weekly episodes will feature a deeper dive into Mackz’s conversations with the guests on “The Running Interview Show,” revealing more in-depth insights and stories
Listen to the season’s first episode featuring model and influencer Olivia Ponton now, HERE.
WHAT: iHeartPodcasts today launches “Post Run High” hosted by Kate Mackz. “Post Run High” captures the exhilarating rush that follows a great run. Each episode features a deeper dive into the conversations started on Kate's “The Running Interview Show” series, where she chats with an incredible lineup of guests—ranging from entrepreneurs to beloved public figures. Join Kate as she explores the insights, stories and experiences of these inspiring personalities right after they hit the pavement. Listeners can expect to hear from guests including Rebecca Minkoff, Hannah Meloche, Benton McClintock, Kylie Cantrall, Matt James, Delaney Rowe, Jackie Tohn and more. Tune in for conversations that get real when the endorphins kick in.
WHO: Kate Mackz is not only becoming the “Jimmy Fallon” of running, but is also a leading voice in the running and fitness community. Kate’s popular digital series, where she runs with celebrity talent including Tim Walz, Jason Derulo, Jenn Tran as well as friends and locals, showcasing her passion for the sport and humility alongside her guests. This, coupled with her platform's media wheelhouse for discussing current and upcoming projects, has solidified her as a sought-after talent, attracting talent eager to connect with her organic and fun approach. Today’s episode will feature model and influencer, Olivia Ponton and is available now, HERE.
WHEN: “Post Run High” is available today, November 13, 2024, with new episodes weekly on Wednesdays.
WHERE: “Post Run High” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listen to the first episode now, here.
