iHeartMedia

Washington, D.C. – January 19, 2021 – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with the AmerisourceBergen Foundation and iHeartMedia, today launched Sharing Solutions: A Virtual Nationwide Tour to drive business-led solutions to the opioid epidemic as more than 40 states report increases in opioid-related mortality amid COVID-19. As part of the campaign, the Foundation and its partners will convene 50 virtual events in 50 states to showcase innovative workforce solutions and support employers as they tackle growing substance misuse in their communities and in the post-COVID workplace.

“Today, the fight against the opioid epidemic collides with our battle against COVID-19, exacerbating the devastation already felt by communities across the nation,” said Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “By launching this virtual national tour and tapping into the reach and expertise of our partner iHeartMedia, we hope to arm employers – and communities in every corner of the country – with the right tools and resources so they are prepared and empowered to address the double impact of COVID-19 and a resurgent opioid crisis.”

Kicking off in Louisiana on January 19, the virtual nationwide tour will feature townhall-style conversations with leading health experts including 20th U.S. Surgeon General VADM Jerome Adams. Leidos CEO Roger Krone and Nationwide Foundation President Chad Jester will also be featured in each program, followed by a live panel of local guests. Moderating these livestreamed events will be key public figures such as Randy Grimes, former NFL Player in long-term recovery and Founder of Pro Athletes in Recovery. Grimes will moderate the Florida program on February 11, with other moderators to include musical artists and iHeartMedia personalities. All events will be open to public at no charge to help reduce stigma and heighten dialogue among impacted communities.

“As a co-founder of the National Opioid Action Coalition, iHeart has been committed to combating the opioid crisis affecting communities across America,” said Alexandra Cameron, vice president of strategic partnerships & government initiatives for iHeartMedia. “By collaborating closely with the U.S. Chamber Foundation, we are bringing public and private sectors together in this mission, and including pop culture influencers who can bring attention to this important issue.”

“The combined health and economic crisis linked to the coronavirus creates major challenges for employers and employees already struggling with the opioid epidemic,” said Gina Clark, president of the AmerisourceBergen Foundation. “We know this is a problem that requires localized solutions, and we’re proud to work with the U.S. Chamber Foundation and its new partners this year as they bring renewed attention to this important issue, in addition to the deep expertise and network needed to make a real impact at the local level.”

The Sharing Solutions initiative was launched in March 2019 with the support of the AmerisourceBergen Foundation as an online resource hub to bring together expertise from multiple sectors, and aggregate workforce resources and case studies in an accessible way to help employers and employees cultivate a drug-free workplace. The 2019 initiative also featured a 10-city tour in communities hard hit by the epidemic, including Abingdon, VA; Lexington, KY; and Columbus, OH; among others.

For additional information on Sharing Solutions, visit www.sharingsolutions.us. To register for the 2021 nationwide tour, visit this link.

About U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.

The podcast partnership will merge social media and podcasting, delivering a series of original “PodPosts” including Hilton’s exclusive show “This is Paris,” featuring candid conversations with influential guests across beauty, fashion, wellness, entrepreneurialism and more.

NEW YORK – February 4, 2021 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced a new partnership with Paris Hilton to produce an innovative slate of iHeartRadio Original Podcasts as well as a series of PodPosts, a new format that merges social media into voice, and podcasting into a social environment. The short form audio clips known as “PodPosts” will publish in podcast feeds, offering listeners an audio experience that feels more like social media in its tone and delivery.

The new series will launch February 22 with the “This is Paris” podcast hosted by Hilton herself, which puts her own creative spin on the podcast format—releasing a blend of both playful, emotional and authentic scripted, scheduled episodes as well as spontaneous, shorter “social” audio episodes each week between segments. This unique audio format will entertain audiences with content that includes candid interviews with influential and inspiring guests around the globe, discussing topics such as beauty, wellness, fashion, pop culture, travel, entrepreneurship, relationships and more.

In between those longer episodes, social audio episodes will be posted multiple times each week, and will include Paris interacting with fans, sharing beauty advice, offering motivational and lifestyle tips and answering voicemails – experimenting with the podcast medium by using it more like a social media platform.

“Audio is a medium that has no boundaries, and I am excited to partner with iHeartMedia to bring my series and many others to such a diverse audience,” said Paris Hilton. “They bring the creative platform and scale to help me further connect with millions of fans across the world.

In addition to "This is Paris" series, and in collaboration with iHeartMedia and Paris's newly launched audio company, London Audio, Paris Hilton and Bruce Gersh will produce six additional podcasts for the iHeartRadio Podcast Network over the next three years.

“Paris is one of the original innovators in what has come to be called ‘influencer content,’ and has genuinely new, edgy ideas on how to bring that style and perspective to the podcast medium,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “That starts with treating her own soon-to-launch podcast more like a social media feed – with lots of short-form audio ‘posts,’ along with regularly scheduled interviews, too. This is going to be a different kind of podcast – the next evolution of both social media and podcasting, and we’re thrilled to be able to partner with her on it.”

“This is Paris” will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 253 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime—and everything in between—making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world.

About Paris Hilton

One of today’s most recognizable entrepreneurs and international influencers, Paris Hilton is a pioneer in reality television and an innovator in social media and celebrity branding.

Since starring in “The Simple Life,” Hilton has built a global empire as an influencer, DJ, designer, recording artist, philanthropist, host, actress, model and author. In 2006, she created Paris Hilton Entertainment, a multi-billion-dollar company consisting of 45 branded stores and 19 product lines, which have surpassed over $4 billion in revenue. In 2001, Variety declared Paris Hilton as a “Billion Dollar Entrepreneur” in recognition of her successful business and global brand, and she has launched 27 fragrances globally and has won numerous accolades including, the 2019 Best Mass Fragrance Award from WWD for her perfume fragrance “Electrify”.

Hilton recently debuted “This Is Paris,” her critically acclaimed YouTube Originals documentary on her life, which has garnered nearly 20 million views to date. The documentary follows her success as a business woman, but takes an unexpected and highly personal turn as she reveals, for the first time, the abuses she suffered as a teenager at schools in the Troubled Teen Industry. Since it debuted, Paris has used her voice and dedicated her platform and resources to supporting Breaking Code Silence, the organization created to affect change in the industry, and eradicate the abuse of children in systemically abusive institutions.

Recently, she was accepted to RISE Justice Labs, the world’s first civil rights accelerator to continue her advocacy work around the Troubled Teen Industry. Her documentary served as the catalyst for organizing events to generate awareness and support, from the peaceful protest she organized in Provo, Utah attended by hundreds of survivors to her Change.org petition with 185,000 signatures to widespread national media coverage.

Always attuned to emerging trends and opportunities, Hilton continues to expand Paris Hilton Entertainment into a leading global integrated media and product company, leveraging digital, audio, television, and social, while using her platform to inspire, empower and create lasting positive impact. As an investor, Hilton is committed to supporting and investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs positively impacting the world at companies such as Daily Harvest, R3SET, Good Catch, Zen Water, Podz, and many more.

Philanthropy is an important part of Hilton’s life and she frequently works with the Children’s Hospital in LA, as well as various orphanages and hospitals overseas. She has been passionately involved with numerous philanthropic organizations, including Starlight Children’s Foundation, American Humane Association, the Nancy Davis Foundation and the Race to Erase MS, and most recently The Sasha Project LA, among others.

“Why Am I Telling You This? with Bill Clinton” will showcase the former president’s wide range of interests, experiences and belief in the power of stories to break down barriers; Show will support the work of the Clinton Foundation

NEW YORK – February 4, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, and the Clinton Foundation announced today that President Bill Clinton’s new podcast will launch February 4th on iHeartRadio and will be available across all major podcast platforms. Listen to the first episode, “How Jazz Explains Democracy” with Wynton Marsalis now.

“Why Am I Telling You This? with Bill Clinton” will showcase the president’s gift for storytelling, and ability to explain complex issues in a relatable way. Each episode will feature his wide range of interests and well-known intellectual curiosity through conversations and stories with some of the most interesting people he knows about the ideas and issues that shape our interconnected world. In the premier episode of the podcast, President Clinton will sit down with one of the world’s most influential jazz artists, Wynton Marsalis, to hear powerful stories about Wynton’s life, how his recent works “The Ever Fonky Lowdown” and “The Democracy! Suite” are blueprints to help us decode and overcome the forces that divide us, and what he learned from his father, who he lost to COVID-19 early in the pandemic.

“Growing up in Arkansas just after World War II in a family that didn't have a lot of money, most of our entertainment revolved around storytelling. Listening to my relatives and neighbors tell stories showed me that everyone has a story, and that everyone's story has value,” said President Clinton. “I always thought that the main point of my work was to give people a chance to have better stories. Once you’ve heard a person’s hopes and fears, where they’ve been and where they want to go, your differences slip away—you become people first. Now more than ever, we need those kinds of connections.”

“We are excited and honored to partner with President Bill Clinton on his new podcastlaunch. He has the rare gift of having both a deep intellect and an innate ability to relate to people from all walks of life,” said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises for iHeartMedia. “He is a born storyteller and his curiosity about the people and ideas that make up our world is contagious.”

President Clinton, who has won multiple Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word Album and resurrected the weekly presidential radio address, has long been at the forefront of using new platforms to engage audiences. This includes being the first presidential candidate to participate in televised town halls with MTV and interactive internet forums, partnering with the entertainment industry to advance the Clinton Foundation’s early childhood literacy efforts, and creating an Emmy-nominated virtual reality film to take audiences inside the Foundation’s rural development work in Africa. Additionally, President Clinton is a bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction, including the No. 1 bestselling novel “The President is Missing” with James Patterson.

The collaboration with iHeartMedia benefits the Clinton Foundation’s work to improve public health, create economic opportunity and empower the next generation of leaders, and builds on President Clinton’s history of bringing compelling, diverse voices together through the Clinton Global Initiative, which transformed the landscape of modern philanthropy.

The new podcast builds on the success of the original version of “Why Am I Telling You This?” distributed by the Clinton Foundation with episodes hosted by President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton featuring conversations with President George W. Bush from the 2019 Presidential Leadership Scholars Graduation, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Nina Totenberg, humanitarian and co-founder of World Central Kitchen José Andrés, Pulitzer Prize winning author David Blight, Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship coach Dawn Staley and others.

“Why Am I Telling You This? with Bill Clinton” is a co-production of iHeartRadio, the ClintonFoundation and At Will Media and is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network.

About iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT) is the number one audio company in the United States, reaching nine out of 10 Americans every month – and with its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, has a greater reach than any other media company in the U.S. The company’s leadership position in audio extends across multiple platforms, including more than 850 live broadcast stations in over 160 markets nationwide; through its iHeartRadio digital service available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices; through its influencers; social; branded iconic live music events; other digital products and newsletters; and podcasts as the #1 podcast publisher. iHeartMedia also leads the audio industry in analytics, targeting and attribution for its marketing partners with its SmartAudio product, using data from its massive consumer base. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

About the Clinton Foundation

Building on a lifetime of public service, President Clinton established the Clinton Foundation on the simple belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, everyone has a responsibility to act, and we all do better when we work together. For nearly two decades, that premise has energized the work of the Foundation in overcoming complex challenges and improving the lives of people across the United States and around the world.

As an operating foundation, we work on issues directly or with strategic partners from the business, government, and nonprofit sectors to create economic opportunity, improve public health, and inspire civic engagement and service. Our programs are designed to make a real difference today while serving as proven models for tomorrow. The goal of every effort is to use available resources to get better results faster – at the lowest possible cost.

We firmly believe that when diverse groups of people bring resources together in the spirit of true cooperation, transformative ideas will emerge to drive life-changing action.

About AT WILL MEDIA

One of the fastest growing independent audio production companies in the U.S., AT WILL MEDIA is an award-winning, full-service media production company with offices in Manhattan and Los Angeles, founded in 2016 by CEO Will Malnati. With decades of combined experience in storytelling and sound design, they set the pace for the podcast industry as a partner for production services and hub for successful and critically acclaimed originals.

In addition to co-creating and producing Season 1 of The Clinton Foundation's Why Am I Telling You This, some of their partners and clients include The New York Times, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Marriott, Verizon, Entertainment Weekly, GQ, Morgan Stanley, Bleacher Report, and Viacom/CBS. They received a nomination for “Best Branded Podcast” at the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards for The Atlantic Magazine’s podcast The Future According to Now, Season 2.

Their originals include the webby-award nominated scripted series 14 Days with Felicitystarring Jordan Klepper and Helene York, and the highly anticipated Sorry Charlie Miller in February 2021.

Co-Produced by Propagate Content, “The Office Deep Dive with Brian Baumgartner” will feature full-length interviews with Steve Carell, John Krasinski and more from behind-the-scenes of the hit TV show

NEW YORK – February 2, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced a partnership with Propagate Content and Brian Baumgartner, the renowned actor behind The Office’s Kevin Malone, to co-produce a new podcast, “The Office DeepDive with Brian Baumgartner.” Episode one will debut February 9 and will be available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listen to the official trailer here.

Each week, Baumgartner will be joined by his former coworkers and pals for more in-depth conversations. They’ll laugh, cry and crack jokes while reminiscing on their time with The Office. Listeners will hear never-before-told stories from iconic cast members – such as Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey, and writer, director & creator Greg Daniels.

“I am BEYOND excited to be partnering with iHeartMedia to bring these full length interviews with my favorite people on the planet to audiences around the globe,” said Baumgartner. “I had a blast reconnecting with many of my old friends and now audiences will have a front row seat to all of our intimate conversations regarding our time on The Office.”

“We’re thrilled to introduce ‘The Office Deep Dive with Brian Baumgartner’ to listeners,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “The Office was a true phenomenon in TV comedy, and this podcast gives listeners the chance to revisit this legendary show with a fresh perspective. They’ll come for the nostalgia, and stick around for the hilarious new context and rapport.”

“The Office Deep Dive with Brian Baumgartner” will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 243 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime—and everything in between—making iHeartRadio thelargest publisher of podcast content in the world. Listeners can visit iheart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to the podcast on their favorite devices.

“The Office Deep Dive with Brian Baumgartner” is co-produced by Propagate Content and iHeartRadio. Brian Baumgartner is Executive Producer. Ben Silverman and Linh Le are Executive Producers for Propagate. Episodes are produced by Tessa Kramer, Emily Carr and Diego Tapia withtheme music by Creed Bratton.

About Brian Baumgartner

Brian Baumgartner became a household name as 'Kevin Malone,' on NBC's Emmy-winning series TheOffice. He also appeared on The Goldbergs, Arrested Development and Criminal Minds. His film credits include License to Wed, Four Christmases, The Last Push and the upcoming hair metal comedy Electric Jesus.

In addition to acting, Baumgartner launched a production company, 3 Bees Entertainment, which is responsible for NBC Sports Specials leading up to The American Century Championship. Brian serves as Executive Producer, Creator and Host.

Baumgartner won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2007 and is a two-time SAG Award Winner. He currently resides in Southern California and remains one of Hollywood’s top-ranked golfers.

The Virtual Event Featured Performances and Stories From Billie Eilish and Foo Fighters, Plus Previous Iconic ALTer EGO Performances From Beck, The Black Keys, blink-182, Cage The Elephant, Coldplay, The Killers, Mumford & Sons, Muse, twenty one pilots and Weezer

New York, NY – January 29, 2021 – The fourth annual iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Presented by Capital One celebrated Alternative music’s biggest artists on January 28. The virtual event, hosted by Woody of iHeartRadio ALT 98.7’s Nationally-Syndicated The Woody Show, featured performances and stories from Billie Eilish and Foo Fighters plus previous iconic ALTer EGO performances from Beck, The Black Keys, blink-182, Cage The Elephant, Coldplay, The Killers, Mumford & Sons, Muse, twenty one pilots and Weezer. The star-studded event streamed exclusively on LiveXLive.com (NASDAQ: LIVX) and broadcasted across more than 80 Alternative and Rock iHeartRadio stations.

Capital One cardholders had the exclusive opportunity to enter a sweepstakes for the chance to virtually play in the ALTer EGO Capital One Trivia Challenge with Weezer, hosted by Woody from The Woody Show. The Trivia Challenge winner announced Weezer virtually during ALTer EGO. All players also got the opportunity to participate in an intimate virtual roundtable discussion with Weezer.

The music of iHeartRadio’s Alternative and Rock stations and the iHeartRadio App came to life with an extraordinary lineup that included these special moments:

• Foo Fighters kicked off the 2021 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO with an all-new performance of Rock favorite, “Everlong.” Following an introduction from host Woody, the band continued their hit-stacked set with “Shame Shame,” “Waiting On A War” and “The Pretender,” which concluded with a long jam session.
• Fans were reminded of twenty one pilots’ iconic 2019 performance during iHeartRadio’s ALTer EGO. The Ohio-based duo opened the sold-out show with “Ride,” wowing fans with their energy and talent.
• Cage The Elephant took fans back to 2018 with a wild and unforgettable performance of mega-hit “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked.”
• The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney gave fans a taste of their 2020 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO performance of “Howlin’ For You,” a song that’s synonymous with the beloved band.
• Weezer participated in the iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Capital One Trivia Challenge, where 25 Capital One cardholders had the opportunity to meet the band and battle each other in a trivia challenge. One lucky winner introduced the band’s 2019 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO performance of their timeless hit, “Buddy Holly.”
• blink-182 rocked the iHeartRadio ALTer EGO stage in January 2020. Fans were able to relive the SoCal-based trio’s performance of the ubiquitous hit, “What’s My Age Again?”
• Muse showed off their skills during their animated ALTer EGO set in 2019. The English band gave an unforgettable performance of their anthem, “Uprising,” with fans singing along throughout the entire song.
• Mumford & Sons’ performance of “Little Lion Man” wowed audiences in 2018 and again during this year’s virtual iHeartRadio ALTer EGO. Fans sang along and clapped to the infectious beat as the band delivered a roaring set.
• The Killers took fans back to 2019 with a performance of the song that put them on the map, “Mr. Brightside.” Singer Brandon Flowers gave an electric performance that brought the show to life.
• Last year, Coldplay gave one of their only live performances of 2020 at iHeartRadio’s ALTer EGO. With a full orchestra, the beloved band gave an exhilarating performance of one of their biggest hits, “Viva La Vida.”
• Beck, a Rock and Alternative music staple, reminded fans why he’s an icon at the 2018 show. Fans danced along as the singer rocked out during “Loser,” delivering an unforgettable performance.
• Billie Eilish closed out the 2021 virtual event with a performance of her biggest hits. Alongside her brother Finneas, she kicked off her riveting set with her newest single “Therefore I Am,” followed by haunting renditions of “Everything I Wanted” and “My Future.”

iHeartRadio ALTer EGO is an iHeartMedia Production. Additional proud partners of this year’s event include Heineken 0.0, Progressive® Insurance and Straight Talk Wireless with more to be announced. For more information, visit iHeartRadio.com/alterego.

iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Presented by Capital One is part of iHeartMedia’s roster of incredibly successful, nationally recognized concert events, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio Music Awards, the nationwide iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, the iHeartCountry Festival, iHeartRadio Wango Tango and the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.

NEW YORK – January 27, 2021 – iHeartMedia announced today that Yesenia Bello has been named iHeartMedia’s first Senior Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, effective immediately. Bello will report to Michele Laven, iHeart’s Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer.

In this new role, Bello will work closely with Laven and iHeartMedia’s executive leadership and Human Resources divisions to drive comprehensive long-term and measurable diversity and Inclusion strategies across iHeartMedia, as well as develop and implement specific Diversity and Inclusion goals and solutions for employee, community, client and agency engagement that drive inclusive behaviors and business practices.

Bello will also spearhead the development and implementation of inclusion strategies for iHeart that focus on employee retention and development, including identifying and showcasing existing high potential talent across iHeartMedia and promoting internal mobility; collaborating on ongoing Diversity and Inclusion training and education for employees and leadership; and attracting dynamic, diverse and multi-generational talent across the company’s spectrum of audio brands and platforms.

In addition, Bello will create opportunities to engage and collaborate with iHeartMedia’s advertising and business partners on Diversity and Inclusion initiatives; support the advertising sales and marketing teams on Diversity and Inclusion client and agency conversations; work closely with iHeartMedia’s sales and marketing teams on sales and marketing materials; and partner on Diversity and Inclusion events and projects supporting various iHeartMedia businesses across the country.

“At iHeart, we know that supporting our company’s diverse voices while continuing to bring in new ones is essential to our company’s success,” said Laven. “Throughout her career, Yesenia has made it a priority to understand the needs and goals of multicultural communities. This, combined with her deep knowledge of our company, makes her the right person to take on this newly created role.”

“I’m excited to move into this critical new role at iHeart at such an important time for our company and our country,” said Bello. “I’ve seen iHeart’s commitment to diversity and inclusion up close since joining the company in 2019, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our entire company on new, exciting initiatives to continue to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion at iHeart.”

Bello joined iHeartMedia in October 2019 as Senior Vice President of Multicultural Sales, where she was responsible for developing sales opportunities with key multicultural advertisers and their agencies across iHeartMedia broadcast stations, digital, podcast, events and Premiere Networks. Bello’s background also includes working at Telemundo Network, Hulu’s Latino division and Google, where she focused on Multicultural strategy and sales for YouTube advertisers. She immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic at the age of 11 and received her B.S. in Communications from CUNY College of Staten Island.

Roddy Ricch, 21 Savage, Jhené Aiko and Kirk Franklin Will Perform on the “iHeartRadio’s Living Black!” Special Event Airing Saturday, February 20 on iHeartMedia Hip-Hop, Gospel and R&B Broadcast Stations, iHeartRadio’s YouTube and Facebook Pages and the iHeartRadio App Nationwide

Black History Month Celebration Will Also Feature Audio Tributes to Black Trailblazers from Today’s Biggest Artists and Listeners Across 580 iHeartMedia Broadcast Stations

NEW YORK – January 27, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the number one audio company in the United States, announced today the launch of “iHeartRadio’s Living Black!” spotlighting the power of Black culture yesterday, today and tomorrow throughout Black History Month in February. The nationwide on-air celebration will feature the first-ever “iHeartRadio’s Living Black!” special event with performances by Roddy Ricch, 21 Savage, Jhené Aiko, Kirk Franklin and more of today’s biggest Hip-Hop, R&B and Gospel music artists. The special will air on Saturday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT on iHeartRadio’s YouTube and Facebook pages; iHeartMedia Hip-Hop, Gospel and R&B stations; and the iHeartRadio app. In addition, the month-long “iHeartRadio’s Living Black!” celebration will highlight hundreds of Black artists, influencers and thought leaders through audio vignettes and tributes on 580 iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations in every format.

Produced by Emmy and Grammy award-winning producer Rikki Hughes of Magic Lemonade, “iHeartRadio’s Living Black!” special event on February 20 will pay homage to the culture that sets the trends, creates the moments and moves the world. The show will weave once-in-a-lifetime performances into a powerful audio and visual celebration of the Black experience featuring artists, actors, creators and Black leaders who have shaped culture.

“Black culture is American culture and this past year especially has resulted in much needed and long overdue conversations about the role of race in America,” said Doc Wynter, Executive Vice President of Urban/Hip-Hop Programming Strategy for iHeartMedia. “‘iHeartRadio’s Living Black!’ will use iHeartMedia’s unparalleled reach to help shape these conversations and celebrate Black culture at scale – reaching hundreds of millions of listeners on iHeartMedia stations across all of our formats.”

In addition to the first-ever special event, “iHeartRadio’s Living Black!” will feature conversations that educate, inspire and celebrate the Black experience through a mix of custom tributes from artists and listeners across the nation. Throughout February, today’s biggest artists from Country, Pop, Rock and more will honor the impact and influence that Black people and Black culture has had on their lives and community; iHeartMedia national and on-air personalities including The Breakfast Club – Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee and DJ Envy, Steve Harvey and Big Boy will honor trailblazers, modern history makers and future change-makers of Black culture; and hundreds of iHeartMedia stations and shows will invite listeners to call in, post and share their experiences and inspirations each week.

Proud partners of this year's “iHeartRadio’s Living Black!” include Facebook Groups and Rémy Martin, with more to be announced.

NEW YORK and ROCK HILL, S.C. – January 25, 2021 - iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, and McClatchy, a leading local media company with 30 newsrooms across the country, today announced "Return Man," a new narrative podcast investigating the mysterious death of former pro-football player Jim Duncan. The first episode of the eight-part series will be available January 26, distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network and available on iHeartRadio and wherever listeners get their favorite podcasts. The remaining seven episodes will post weekly each Tuesday beginning February 2. Listen to the trailer now.

Duncan was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1968, nearly two decades before the team moved to Indianapolis. According to the official account of his death, he entered the Lancaster, S.C., police station on the morning of October 20, 1972. Police said the 26-year-old Duncan walked up behind a lieutenant, and without saying a word ripped the officer's revolver from his holster, stepped back, and shot himself in the head. For half a century, his family and an entire community have searched for answers.

Duncan was an NFL star as a kickoff return man and defensive back for the Baltimore Colts. He led the league in kickoff return yards in 1970, and that same season helped lead the Colts to the Super Bowl title. Two years later, authorities say, Duncan died by suicide inside the police station of his small hometown of Lancaster, S.C. "Return Man" is based on the reporting of Bret McCormick, former sports editor for McClatchy's Rock Hill, S.C. news outlet, The Herald. In addition to the podcast, The Herald has created a seven-part text series and short documentary video about the case.

"Even though he died nearly 50 years ago, Duncan's death and the events that followed remain relevant in light of current events," said McCormick, who also narrates all eight half-hour episodes. "Officials seemed to wall off any hope of finding out exactly what happened on that day. And for decades, the remarkable life and perplexing death of Lancaster's only Super Bowl champion has been almost completely erased from the town's history."

And, there was never any charge of wrongdoing.

"This investigation represents a significant investment for our small but ambitious newsroom, while also demonstrating the power and importance of local journalism," said Cliff Harrington, Executive Editor of The Herald. "Bret's dogged determination and perseverance are emblematic of the way The Herald has proudly served our community for almost 150 years."

"The depth of reporting presented in 'Return Man' is what makes this podcast and 'Longshot' series so powerful," said Kristin Roberts, McClatchy's Senior Vice President, News. "The listener hears directly from Mr. Duncan's family, his coaches and his neighbors. We hear their voices tell the stories of his life. And through them, we take a journey that grapples with the great unanswered questions surrounding the death of a man who was both local hero and a national athlete. We look forward to working with iHeartMedia to bring this important local story to listeners nationwide."

"This is an exciting collaboration with one of the country's premier local media companies that has a rich history of outstanding narrative journalism," said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. "This is one of the things that podcasting does best: longform storytelling around layered, complex subject matters that may have fallen off our collective radar. We are so excited to collaborate with McClatchy to bring 'Return Man' and the 'Longshot' anthology to podcast listeners across the country."

"Return Man" is the first season in a new anthology of character-driven audio documentaries co-produced by iHeartRadio and McClatchy, called "Longshot." The series focuses exclusively on the intersection of sports and social change.

Listeners can visit iHeart.com/apps to download the iHeartRadio app and listen to "Return Man" on their favorite devices. Plus, fans can follow "Return Man" to be alerted when new episodes post.

About McClatchy

e help people and communities thrive. Through our deeply-rooted commitment to the role of local journalism, McClatchy is a catalyst for informed engagement, greater understanding, and deeper community connections. We ensure delivery of news and information essential to enhancing individual lives and improving the 30 distinct communities that are home to our journalists and iconic brands, including the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh) News and Observer, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. We extend our unique local and regional reach, relevance and resources to our advertising partners through fully-integrated marketing solutions. Let's rise together.

About The Herald

The Herald is the leading source of local news for York, Lancaster and Chester counties in South Carolina. The Herald dates back more than 100 years and has been based in Rock Hill all that time. It started in 1872 as a weekly newspaper called The Lantern. The Herald became part of McClatchy in 1990. The consistent focus of the publication has been local news as it serves the fast-growing city of Rock Hill and surrounding cities of Fort Mill, Indian Land, Lancaster and Chester. Subscribers today can support The Herald's six-day-a-week print edition, or its online publication at heraldonline.com

Will Ferrell makes his return to the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards with hilarious opening

Obama’s Other Daughters and hosts of “Las Culturistas” keep viewers laughing out loud all night with original comedy skits

“Office Ladies” takes home highly coveted “Podcast of the Year” award

Gwen Stefani presents the all-new “Seneca Women Podcast Award in partnership with P&G” to Amena Brown, which honors a woman who is using her voice to amplify the voices of other women

NEW YORK – January 22, 2021 – Last night, the third annual iHeartRadio Podcast Awards brought together the most influential names in podcasting to honor the most entertaining and innovative podcasts of 2020, celebrating the incredible talent and wide variety of leaders across the booming podcasting industry. The virtual awards event was recorded from multiple locations and exclusively video streamed on iHeartRadio’s YouTube and Facebook pages and broadcasted across iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio App.

The virtual event kicked off with a hilarious opening from renowned actor, comedian and producer, Will Ferrell. The comedian, who is behind iHeartRadio’s “The Ron Burgundy Podcast,” broke the ice in true Ron Burgundy form, making up his own stats on both the awards show and podcasts. The upbeat tone of the virtual event continued throughout the night with comedic skits from the ladies of Obama’s Other Daughters, made up of Maame-Yaa Aforo, Ashley Holston, Shakira Ja'nai Paye and Yazmin Monet Watkins, hosts of “You Down?” as well as Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, hosts of “Las Culturistas.”

The eventful night also featured appearances by award nominees, an array of celebrity presenters and other special guests including Aaron Mahnke, Adam Devine, Anders Holm, Baratunde Thurston, Blake Anderson, Charlamagne Tha God, Dan Patrick, Gwen Stefani, Hillary Clinton, Holly Frey, Jill Scott, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, Kyle Newacheck, Laverne Cox, Nikki Glaser, Questlove, Roy Wood Jr., Tenderfoot TV (Donald Albright and Payne Lindsey) and more.

The 2021 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards event highlights include:

• “Office Ladies” scored the big win of the night with Podcast of the Year, a socially voted category.
• Gwen Stefani presented the first Seneca Women Podcast Award in partnership with P&G to spoken word poet Amena Brown of “HER with Amena Brown.” This award honors women who use their voices to amplify those of other women.
• Hosts of “Las Culturistas” kickstarted the show reflecting on the year 2020 and podcasting, hilariously sharing that the best part about podcasting now is that you can do it naked and from home.
• Obama’s Other Daughters reminisced throughout the show on the top viral moments in awards show history and even attempted to do a virtual four-way kiss, inspired by Britney Spears, Madonna and Christina Aguilera’s three-way kiss at the MTV Video Music Awards.
• Hilary Clinton warm-heartedly presented the Icon Audible Pioneer Award to Neil Drumming, Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder from Serial Productions.
• The iHeartRadio Podcast Awards honored Baratunde Thurston with the Icon Social Impact Award (presented by Questlove)and QCODE with the Icon Innovator Award (presented by Tenderfoot TV co-founders Donald Albright and Payne Lindsey).
• Conan O’Brien accepted the award for Best Overall Host – Male. He playfully told viewers that what separates his podcast from others is his “lack of professionalism.” He even shared his advice for those interested in hosting a podcast and more.
• Laverne Cox presented the Best Overall Host – Female award to Nicole Byer, host of “Why Won’t You Date Me.” While presenting the award, Cox inspired viewers, telling the virtual audience that everyone should have the opportunity to define who they are on their own terms. She also spoke about her first podcast launching in February 2021.
• Dan Patrick presented the winner of The Next Great Podcast award, a months-long competition from iHeartRadio in partnership with content creation platform Tongal. Siena Jeakle and Lianna Holston won the competition with “Frankly, My Dear,” a new podcast tackling movie reviews from two friends who don't really like movies.

Full list of category winners below:

Podcast of the Year:

● “Office Ladies” (Earwolf, Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey)

Icon Award - Innovator Award

● QCODE

Icon Award - Audible Audio Pioneer Award:

● Serial Productions (Sarah Koenig, Julie Snyder and Neil Drumming)

Icon Award - Social Impact Award:

● Baratunde Thurston

Best Crime Podcast:

● “Crime Junkie” (AudioChuck)

Best Pop Culture Podcast:

● “Pop Culture Happy Hour” (NPR)

Best Music Podcast:

● “Dolly Parton’s America” (WNYC & OSM Audio)

Best News Podcast:

● “Pod Save America” (Crooked)

Best Sports Podcast:

● “All The Smoke” (The Black Effect Podcast Network)

Best Comedy Podcast:

● “The Read” (Loud Speakers Network)

Best Political Podcast:

● “NPR Politics” (NPR)

Best Branded Podcast:

● “Humans Growing Stuff” (ScottsMiracle-Gro)

Best Kids & Family Podcast:

● “Wow In The World” (NPR)

Best Food Podcast:

● “Home Cooking” (Samin Nosrat / Hrishikesh Hirway )

Best Fiction Podcast:

● “Blood Ties” (Wondery)

Best Beauty & Fashion Podcast:

● “Articles of Interest” (Avery Trufelman / 99% Invisible)

Best Overall Host - Female:

● Nicole Byer (“Why Don’t You Date Me?”)

Best Overall Host - Male:

● Conan O’Brien (“Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend”)

Best Business & Finance Podcast:

● “Pivot” (NY Mag)

Best Green Podcast:

● “How To Save A Planet” (Gimlet)

Best Travel Podcast:

● “Travel with Rick Steves” (Rick Steves)

Best Spirituality & Religion Podcast:

● “Elevation with Steven Furtick” (Independent)

Best Advice / Inspirational Podcast:

● “Unlocking Us with Brene Brown” (Parcast)

Best TV & Film Podcast:

● “You Must Remember This?” (Karina Longworth)

Best Spanish-Language Podcast:

● “Leyendas Legendarias” (Sonoro / All Things Comedy)

Best Ad Read Podcast:

● “Office Ladies” (Earwolf / Stitcher)

Best Science Podcast:

● “Radiolab” (WNYC Studios)

Best Technology Podcast:

● “Rabbit Hole” (The New York Times)

Best Wellness & Fitness Podcast:

● “Therapy For Black Girls” (Joy Harden Bradford / iHeartRadio)

Best History Podcast:

● “Revisionist History” (Pushkin Industries)

The 2021 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards is part of iHeartMedia’s roster of incredibly successful, nationally-recognized events, including the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the nationwide iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Concert Tour, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, iHeartCountry Festival, iHeartRadio ALTer Ego and iHeartRadio Wango Tango.

Executive producers for the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards are John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Conal Byrne for iHeartMedia and Deviants Media Studio founders Ivan Dudynsky and Buzz Chatman. Proud sponsors of this year’s event include Audible, P&G and Progressive® Insurance.More information can be found at iHeartPodcastAwards.com.

Gwen Stefani To Present The All-New “Seneca Women Podcast Award in partnership with P&G” To Amena Brown, Which Honors A Woman Who Is Using Her Voice To Amplify The Voices Of Other Women

The Annual Event Celebrating the Best in Podcasting Will Video Stream On iHeartRadio’s YouTube and Facebook Pages and Broadcast Across iHeartMedia Stations Nationwide and on the iHeartRadio App on January 21

The Virtual Ceremony Will Honor the Very Best in Podcasting in 30 Categories; Baratunde Thurston, Serial Productions’ Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder and QCODE Will Receive This Year’s Icon Awards

WHAT: iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced special guest appearances from Aaron Mahnke, Hillary Clinton, Holly Frey, Laverne Cox, Questlove, Roy Wood Jr., Will Ferrell and more during the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards, taking place on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 9 p.m. local time. The virtual ceremony will present spoken word poet, performer and host Amena Brown of “HER with Amena Brown” with the all-new “Seneca Women Podcast Award in partnership with P&G,” which honors a woman who is using her voice to amplify the voices of other women. The award will be presented by Gwen Stefani as well as Seneca Women’s Kim Azzarelli and P&G Chief Brand Officer Marc Pritchard.

Since nominees will be unable to attend the third annual iHeartRadio Podcast Awards in person given the limitations on live events during the pandemic, this year’s virtual event will be recorded from multiple locations, span 30 categories and honor the most entertaining and innovative podcasts of 2020, celebrating the incredible talent and wide variety of leaders across the booming podcasting industry.

WHO: The 2021 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards will feature special guest appearances from Aaron Mahnke, Adam Devine, Anders Holm, Baratunde Thurston, Blake Anderson, Bowen Yang & Matt Rogers from Las Culturistas, Charlamagne Tha God, Dan Patrick, Gwen Stefani, Hillary Clinton, Holly Frey, Jill Scott, Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant, Kyle Newacheck, Laverne Cox, Nikki Glaser, Obamas Other Daughters (Maame-Yaa Aforo, Ashley Holston, Yazmin Monet Watkins and Shakira Ja’nai Paye), Questlove, Roy Wood Jr., Tenderfoot TV (Donald Albright and Payne Lindsey), Will Ferrell and more.

Podcast fans themselves once again decided the winner of the Podcast of the Year award by voting on Twitter through December 31, 2020. This year’s Podcast of the Year nominees include “Bunga Bunga,” “Dolly Parton’s America,” “Nice White Parents,” “Office Ladies,” “Reply All,” “Stuff You Should Know,” “The Breakfast Club,” “The Daily,” “The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos” and “Wind of Change.” Nominees in other categories include podcasts from all creators, distributors and platforms with a judging panel composed of blue-ribbon podcast industry leaders, creatives and visionaries who will determine the winners across categories including entertainment, comedy, crime, news, sports, food, business and more. More information can be found at iHeartPodcastAwards.com.

In addition, the 2021 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards will present three Icon Awards to pay tribute to the creators, organizations and podcasts that have made groundbreaking contributions to podcasting’s expanding role in today’s popular culture. Baratunde Thurston will be honored with the 2021 Social Impact Award, Serial Productions’ Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder will receive the 2021 Audible Audio Pioneer Award and QCODE will be honored with the 2021 Innovator Award.

Select category winners will be announced during the virtual show, including the winner of the Next Great Podcast Award, a months-long competition from iHeartRadio in partnership with Tongal, which will be announced by Dan Patrick. For a full list of category finalists, visit iHeartPodcastAwards.com.

WHEN: The virtual awards event will exclusively video stream on iHeartRadio’s YouTube and Facebook pages on Thursday, January 21 at 9 p.m. ET (available for 24 hours) and will broadcast across iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio App at 9:00 p.m. local time.

MORE: Podcast listenership in the United States alone has grown exponentially with listening now exceeding 50 percent of the population. iHeartMedia, which reaches a quarter of a billion monthly listeners in the U.S. with just its broadcast radio stations and on-air personalities alone, will celebrate the best in podcasts with existing fans, while also continuing to introduce millions of new listeners to this incredible medium every single day.

The 2021 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards is part of iHeartMedia’s roster of incredibly successful, nationally-recognized events, including the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the nationwide iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Concert Tour, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, iHeartCountry Festival, iHeartRadio ALTer Ego and iHeartRadio Wango Tango.

Executive producers for the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards are John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Conal Byrne for iHeartMedia and Deviants Media Studio founder Ivan Dudynsky and Buzz Chatman. Proud sponsors of this year’s event include Audible, P&G and Progressive® Insurance.