iHeartMedia

LOS ANGELES – December 1, 2021 – iHeartMedia announced today that John Ivey has been named President of CHR (Contemporary Hits Radio) Content Development and Strategy, effective immediately. 

In his new role as President of CHR Content Development and Strategy, Ivey will focus on the recruitment, training, deployment and career growth of talent across all of iHeart’s CHR stations. Ivey will work closely with Dennis Clark, the Executive Vice President of Talent Development to coach and develop talent.  He will continue to report to Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer and President of the National Programming Group for iHeartMedia.

“For over 20 years, John has been a key part of our successful Los Angeles market and our CHR stations across the country,” said Poleman. “Now he will step into another integral role within iHeart – a role which represents that iHeart is a talent-first company dedicated to building the skills, capacity and drive of our nationally-recognized on-air personalities. John’s extensive experience in programming and his credibility within the industry are perfect for leading and elevating this initiative.”

Ivey has served as President of CHR Programming Strategy since 2017.  Additionally, Ivey has held the role of Program Director for iHeartMedia’s iconic CHR powerhouse station KIIS FM in Los Angeles for the past 20 years and will pass the torch to his successor, which will be announced tomorrow. Since Ivey joined KIIS FM as its Program Director, the station has been consistently one of the nation’s highest cuming station in key demos, features some of the most popular programming lineups including the hit morning show On Air with Ryan Seacrest, has won multiple Marconi Awards for station of the year, and is home to nationally-recognized events including iHeartRadio’s KIIS FM Jingle Ball and Wango Tango.  Ivey will remain a strong presence and supporter for the KIIS FM team to ensure a smooth transition.

“My mother took me to a radio station for the first time on my 6th Birthday. The PD of that station, Mrs. Potter was my first mentor.  Next was my first PD, Steve Hagen and later the legendary Steve Rivers. Now it’s my turn to focus on TALENT FIRST at iHeart,” said Ivey. “Thanks to Bob Pittman for always supporting me and allowing me to pitch a dream and turn it into a job. I love supporting talent, watching them grow and achieve their goals. Let’s GO!”

Ivey, a 40-plus year radio veteran and the longest running Program Director for KIIS FM, began his radio career as an on-air personality and Music Director in his hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky and later led programming efforts for stations in Rochester, New York; Nashville, Tennessee; and Boston. He joined iHeartMedia Los Angeles in 2001 and throughout his tenure has served as Vice President of Programming for the market, Program Director of KYSR FM and KHHT FM, Senior Vice President of Programming and CHR Brand Manager for iHeartMedia, and has co-produced marque events and television specials including iHeartRadio’s KIIS FM Jingle Ball and Wango Tango.  Additionally Ivey was named on Billboard Magazine’s Inaugural Power List. 

GEDI partners with iHeartMedia, the number one podcast publisher in the world, to translate and distribute hit podcasts for Italian audiences. 

A larger selection of podcasts created by La Repubblica and La Stampa will be made available, in addition to new original entertainment series featuring the personalities most loved by Italian listeners, produced under the artistic direction of Linus.

November 29, 2021 --- GEDI is progressing rapidly in the digital audio market,  now aiming for the podcasting segment. There are over 120 million podcast listeners every month in the USA alone, with more than one billion downloads. Interest is also growing in Italy for this rapidly expanding market, which already reaches 10 million users each month, skewing toward younger demographics. 

To take advantage of these new opportunities, GEDI announces the launch of  One Podcast, the GEDI digital audio initiative dedicated to creating original entertainment series and news, offering daily programming live and via streaming, which can be accessed at any time of the day from all devices.  

Maurizio Scanavino, GEDI Chief Executive Officer, said: “GEDI’s digital development is forging ahead and embracing new market segments in response to an international phenomenon around audio that presents great potential: In addition to news and videos, we want to create an important offering of digital audio products in Italy. The production of news and in-depth podcasts by La Repubblica and La Stampa will be increased, and will combine with an extensive range of original audio entertainment series, created under the leadership of Linus.” 

In reaffirming its commitment to the sector, GEDI has signed an agreement for Italy with iHeartMedia, the number one podcast publisher in the world, home to more than 750 iHeartRadio Original Podcasts which see more than 320 million downloads each month globally. The agreement includes the translation and distribution of thousands of popular titles across multiple genres to Italian listeners, which will also be available in their original languages. 

“In response to the ever-growing global demand for audio entertainment, iHeart is proud to partner with GEDI, Italy’s premiere media company,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia’s Digital Audio Group.  “One Podcast is poised to be the leading digital content and programming offering in Italy, and as the leader in the audio space iHeart can offer GEDI’s audience access to wildly successful podcasts, all featuring stories that transcend borders.”

“This agreement brings together the world audio leader iHeart, with our journalists’ commitment to news – to provide a unique and widely distributed offering, accessible to all,” continued Scanavino. “To reach a broader audience, our podcasts will be distributed via all GEDI publications and digital brands, and everywhere podcasts are heard including the new dedicated app, One Podcast.”

The One Podcast app will distribute all of GEDI’s audio content, including live broadcasts from Radio Deejay, Radio Capital and m2o, in addition to 25 themed music channels with regularly updated playlists, from the latest hits to Italian music, to the hits of the past, to ’90s dance music, from pop to rock, from classics to jazz. The new One Podcast App will be available on Apple Store/Google Play Store in January 2022.

An end-to-end dedicated production team will be created to develop the initiative: “We are setting up a dedicated podcast Production Studio, which will support communications for the main brands, each of which will launch its own branded podcasts,” added Scanavino.

GEDI 

GEDI Gruppo Editoriale is the first media company in Italy, leader in both the hard-copy and digital formats, with publications including La Repubblica, La Stampa, ten local newspapers, l’Espresso and other periodicals. GEDI is also one of the primary national radio hubs, with the top-level brand Radio Deejay, as well as Radio Capital and m2o. GEDI operates further in the multi-platform advertising segment, through the concessionaire A. Manzoni & C. Spa.

Weekly Series Provides an Insider’s Look at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park as well as Global Conservation Efforts

Listen to the official trailer, here

NEW YORK AND SAN DIEGO (Nov. 16, 2021) – iHeartMedia, the number one podcast publisher globally according to podtrac, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA), an international nonprofit conservation organization that oversees the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, today announced the debut of a weekly podcast series, “Amazing Wildlife.” The 52-episode podcast series, hosted by SDZWA staff, highlights unique wildlife stories from around the world, as well as the conservation efforts happening on site at the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park. Listeners can hear the official trailer now on iHeartRadio, and everywhere podcasts are heard. New 15-minute episodes will post each Friday, beginning Nov. 19.

The podcast is hosted by Rick Schwartz, an experienced wildlife care specialist and ambassador for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and Ebone Monet, a senior editor at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Together, they will take listeners around the world as they discuss and explore animals from across the globe—from elephants on the African savanna to polar bears in the Arctic tundra and koalas in Australia.

“I’ve dedicated my life to conservation and professional wildlife care, and my hope with this podcast is to inspire the younger generations to be active in conservation efforts,” said Rick Schwartz, ambassador, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “I’m honored to be hosting the ‘Amazing Wildlife’ podcast alongside Ebone Monet, and to share my passion and what I have learned throughout my years working at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. And we’re fortunate to work with iHeartMedia on this podcast.”

The “Amazing Wildlife” podcast encourages group listening for family members as it explores fascinating animal facts and shares recommendations on how best to help save precious wildlife. The show will bring families together as they learn about conservation efforts, and will inspire future generations to protect our planet. Additionally, the “Amazing Wildlife” series will answer questions from inquisitive young people—and lend advice about how we can live in harmony with wildlife, including animals big and small.

“We are excited to expand iHeart’s educational and entertaining podcast offerings for families and kids of all ages with ‘Amazing Wildlife,’” said Will Pearson, chief operating officer for the iHeartPodcast Network. “We have so much to learn around wildlife and conservation efforts, especially when it comes to how we can all be helpful in ways big and small. We’re excited to work alongside the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to continue to provide these educational resources.”

“San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has been doing amazing conservation work for decades, and this podcast is the latest opportunity for us to share the impact this organization has had on conserving wildlife and wild spaces,” said David Miller, chief marketing officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “The family friendly nature of the show is yet another way we’re working to inspire the next generation of conservationists.”

“Amazing Wildlife” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network. Listeners can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen on their favorite device, anywhere.

About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. The Alliance empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports cutting-edge conservation and brings the stories of their work back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park—giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends from San Diego to strategic and regional conservation “hubs” across the globe, where their strengths—via their “Conservation Toolbox,” including the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bank—are able to effectively align with hundreds of regional partners to improve outcomes for wildlife in more coordinated efforts. By leveraging these tools in wildlife care and conservation science, and through collaboration with hundreds of partners, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to native habitats. Each year, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s work reaches over 1 billion people in 150 countries via news media, social media, their websites, educational resources and the San Diego Zoo Kids channel, which is in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Success is made possible by the support of members, donors and guests to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, who are Wildlife Allies committed to ensuring All Life Thrives.

From Emmy®-Nominated Executive Producers Robert and Michelle King and Written and Executive Produced by Jennifer Cacicio

The Series Is Inspired by the “Happy Face” Podcast by iHeartMedia and Melissa Jesperson-Moore and Produced by CBS Studios, in Association with King Size Productions and iHeartMedia

Nov. 10, 2021 – Paramount+, the streaming service from ViacomCBS, today announced a new series order for HAPPY FACE, written and executive produced by Jennifer Cacicio (“Your Honor”) and executive produced by Emmy®-nominated Robert and Michelle King. King Size Productions’ Liz Glotzer, Melissa Jesperson-Moore, and iHeartMedia’s Bob Pittman and Conal Byrne will also serve as executive producers.

The series is inspired by the highly rated and critically acclaimed podcast “HAPPY FACE” from iHeartMedia and Melissa Jesperson-Moore, the book Shattered Silence written by Melissa with M. Bridget Cook, and Melissa’s true-life story At age 15, Melissa discovered her father, whom she loved dearly, was the prolific serial killer known as “HAPPY FACE.” As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret, and cut off all ties to her father, who is currently serving life in prison.

Jumping off from Melissa’s true-life story, in the series for Paramount+, her father contacts her to take credit for another victim, and Melissa gets pulled into an extraordinary investigation of her father and his crimes. The series follows her as she discovers the impact her father’s crimes had on the families of his victims, which ultimately leads to a reckoning of her own identity.

“We’re obsessed with true-crime podcasts, and ‘HAPPY FACE’ is the best we’ve heard,” said Robert and Michelle King. “Melissa’s story screams out to be dramatized, and Jen is exactly the showrunner to do it.”

“Melissa’s unique, deeply personal and utterly shocking story has captivated listeners around the world. We couldn’t be more excited to have Jennifer at the helm of this project for Paramount+ alongside the incomparable Robert and Michelle King,” said Nicole Clemens, President, Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “THE GOOD FIGHT and more recently EVIL are two of the most successful series on our service, and we look forward to bringing our subscribers yet another series for fans to love.”

“Melissa’s experience – and her bravery in sharing it with world – was one of the most remarkable partnerships we’ve been able to support here at iHeart,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia’s Digital Audio Group. “And we know that audiences will be just as moved by the on-screen adaptation of ‘HAPPY FACE’ as they were with the hugely successful podcast. Paramount+ has quickly built a fantastic reputation, with some of today’s most exciting content. It’s the perfect home for this incredible story.”

“It’s been an incredible journey that I couldn’t have ever foreseen – how I’ve transcended being raised by a serial killer and now am helping survivors tell their stories,” said Melissa Jesperson-Moore, Executive Producer and CEO of Redletter Media. “HAPPY FACE gives me the chance to share the intense internal conflict, fear and peril felt by those affected by true crime. It also inspires me to share the strength that has allowed me to step up in front of the camera so that other survivors will not feel alone in their experience.”

HAPPY FACE, produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions and iHeartMedia, is the third series from Robert and Michelle King to land at Paramount+.

HAPPY FACE joins Paramount+’s growing lineup of prestige dramas, which includes Robert and Michelle King’s current hit series THE GOOD FIGHT and EVIL, as well STAR TREK: DISCOVERY and STAR TREK: PICARD, plus the upcoming revival of THE GAME and the highly anticipated Taylor Sheridan series MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN and 1883.

About Paramount+

Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service from ViacomCBS, combines live sports, breaking news, and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. The service is also the streaming home to unmatched sports programming, including every CBS Sports event, from golf to football to basketball and more, plus exclusive streaming rights for major sports properties, including some of the world’s biggest and most popular soccer leagues. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream ViacomCBS Streaming’s other live channels: CBSN for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis, and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

About CBS Studios

CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading suppliers of entertainment programming, with more than 70 series currently in production for broadcast and cable networks, streaming services and other emerging platforms. The Studio’s expansive portfolio spans a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted programming, which includes genre-defining franchises such as “NCIS,” “CSI” and the ever-growing “Star Trek” universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, as well as an extensive library of iconic intellectual property. The Studio also develops and produces local language and international content originating outside of the U.S. with series in the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia.

Journalist and Author Mike Sielski will host the podcast series

featuring interviews from people who knew young Kobe best

Episodes 1 & 2 will premiere on November 16, 2021

Listen to the I AM KOBE Trailer HERE

NEW YORK, NY (November 9, 2021) -- Diversion Podcasts, a division of Diversion Media, and iHeartRadio, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announce the launch of I AM KOBE distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network. This remarkable 12-episode series reveals intimate, never-before-heard tapes of Kobe Bryant as a teenager, exploring his thoughts, his dreams, and his goals. Hosted by Philadelphia journalist and author Mike Sielski, I AM KOBE tells the story of Kobe Bryant’s early years, weaving together these lost audio tapes with interviews from Kobe's high school coaches, friends, family, and the figures who knew him in his youth, to paint an enthralling documentary portrait of the making of an icon.

Before he was a 5-time NBA champion, an 18-time All-Star, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, a children’s book author, a husband, and a father, Kobe Bryant was a kid from Philadelphia. With the goal of writing a book together, teenage Kobe sat with family friend and high school basketball coach Jeremy Treatman between 1995-1996 to record interviews about his life at the time. The tapes would eventually be lost, only to be found in a crawl space nearly 30 years later. Treatman, who is a featured insider on the podcast, connected with Sielski to help bring these tapes to life in I AM KOBE, and through hearing them, listeners will find a rare, first-hand view on how the seeds of greatness were sown.

In conjunction with the podcast release, Sielski also drew from the tapes for the basis of his upcoming book, The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality, which traces Kobe’s career and life at Lower Merion to the run-up to the 1996 NBA draft, where Kobe’s dream of playing pro basketball culminated in his acquisition by the Los Angeles Lakers. The book goes on sale January 11, 2022 from St. Martin's Press.

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to present this rare inside look into Kobe Bryant's formative years and tell his story through these never-before-heard tapes," Sielski says. "I AM KOBE gives fans the chance to hear Kobe's voice in a way they never have before, as we explore the making of an icon."

“I AM KOBE is a truly compelling portrait of one of our most dynamic and fascinating sports icons,” says Diversion CEO Scott Waxman. “Diversion is incredibly excited to be collaborating with iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast network, to bring this show to the world."

"We are thrilled to team up with Diversion again to bring listeners this untold story of Kobe Bryant's formative years,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer, iHeartPodcast Network. “To have access to this rare audio from Kobe himself makes this podcast unlike anything else out there, and we are excited to share ‘I AM KOBE’ with millions of fans across the iHeartPodcast Network."

Episodes 1 and 2 of I AM KOBE from Diversion Podcasts and iHeartMedia will be available on iHeartRadio and all major podcasts platforms on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

ASSETS: High-resolution artwork is available HERE  

PODCAST EMBED PLAYER: <iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-i-am-kobe-88866948/?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe>

About Mike Sielski | Headshot:                                                   

Mike Sielski is a journalist at the Philadelphia Inquirer and was named the top sports columnist in America by the Associated Press Sports Editors. He is the author of The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality (Jan 2022, St. Martin’s Press) and the co-author of How to Be Like Jackie Robinson: Life Lessons from Baseball's Greatest Hero. Mike holds degrees from La Salle University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

About Diversion Podcasts                                                                   

Diversion Podcasts creates immersive non-fiction audio stories that engage and amaze listeners. Through rare primary source interviews, elegant sound design, and author perspectives unavailable anywhere else, Diversion’s informative and entertaining productions take you deep into worlds and introduce you to characters you’ll never forget. From sports to spies, from true crime to true adventure, across history, music, and even war, Diversion brings real stories to life. For more information visit DiversionPodcasts.com

Hosted by Mario Lopez, The Virtual Special Will Broadcast on iHeartMedia’s AC, Hot AC and Classic Hits Stations Nationwide and Video Stream on Meta Quest and iHeartRadio’s YouTube and Facebook Pages on November 24

Each Year Audiences Double on Holiday Music Radio Stations 

Compared to Non-Holiday Programming – Making iHeartMedia Stations 

Across the Country the No. 1 Most Listened to Holiday Music Destination

 NEW YORK – November 5, 2021 – To celebrate its annual switch to festive music of the Christmas season across its stations nationwide, iHeartMedia today announced the second annual iHeartRadio Holiday Special, a virtual concert hosted by Mario Lopez. This special event will feature Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bublé, Train and Pentatonix performing some of the most popular holiday classics, and will broadcast across iHeartMedia’s AC, Hot AC and Classic Hits stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app, and video stream on iHeartRadio’s YouTube and Facebook pages on November 24 at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Watch the exclusive VR performance in the Horizon Venues app on Meta Quest. 

Every holiday season, iHeartMedia converts music radio stations in its key markets to all Christmas music through Christmas Day. Each year, these stations continue to have the largest audiences of all radio stations in each market – often doubling the audience size from non-holiday programming – making iHeartMedia the No. 1 holiday music listening destination. 

This season, iHeartMedia’s annual station flip to Christmas music kicks off today, November 5 at 5 p.m. local time, with more than 80 stations across the country broadcasting and streaming the season’s festive music from today’s biggest artists as well as holiday classics from Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and more around-the-clock. 

“Our listeners always anxiously await the day our stations flip to Christmas music,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bublé, Train and Pentatonix have some of the best songs of the holiday season, and we’re excited to have them perform on our show.” 

Additionally, listeners can hear even more holiday cheer anywhere they are across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices with the iHeartRadio app with iHeartRadio Original stations like “iHeartChristmas,” playing all the holiday favorites; “North Pole Radio,” hosted by Santa Claus and featuring a message line where kids can leave Christmas wishes for the big man himself; “iHeartChristmas Classics,” the place to hear all the timeless holiday classics; or for listeners who like to jam out, they can check out iHeartChristmas R&B, iHeartChristmas Country, iHeartChristmas Rock and more. iHeartRadio has a holiday station for every musical taste and listeners can check them out on the dedicated iHeartRadio Holiday page.

Proud sponsors of the iHeartRadio Holiday Special include Meta Quest and State Farm®, with more to be announced.

“iHeartRadio’s Black and Inspired HBCU Celebration” to feature conversations from Rick Ross, Daymond John, Angel Rich, Gizelle Bryant, Will Lucas, Nick Cannon and more

Listen to the first episode HERE

NEW YORK – November 3, 2021 -- iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, announced today the launch of “iHeartRadio’s Black and Inspired HBCU Celebration,” presented by Hyundai. The special four-episode podcast series will celebrate Black culture and the passionate alumni community of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The first episode of the podcast series launches today with new episodes dropping every other Wednesday on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listeners can hear the first episode HERE.

“iHeartRadio’s Black and Inspired HBCU Celebration” will feature conversations that educate, inspire and celebrate the HBCU experience through intimate conversations with iHeartRadio’s most popular and prolific Black personalities, experts and celebrity guests covering topics important to the Black community as well as distinguished HBCU alumni. The debut episode, titled Black & Tech, will discuss the need for more Black representation in the tech industry, how to bring overall awareness of tech implications to HBCUs and the Black community as well as advice to HBCU students that aspire to work in tech one day. The episode will feature insightful discussions from business experts and entrepreneurs Will Lucas, Brand Manager for AfroTech and host of “Black Tech Green Money,” and Morgan Debuan, Founder & CEO of Blavity Inc. This fireside chat will be moderated by social influencer, digital media veteran and iHeartRadio’s very own marketing project manager, Jasmine Sweet.

“As an HBCU graduate, I know first-hand Historically Black Colleges and Universities have an unparalleled impact on our community and play a vital role in Black students’ success across the country,” said Thea Mitchem, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia. “These intimate conversations will help to educate, uplift and amplify the Black community and its aspiring young leaders, and we’re thrilled that these important voices will be able to reach millions of listeners through iHeart’s massive digital and broadcast reach.”

The biweekly limited series will also include:

Show Me The Money – (November 17) Moderated by Rashad Bilal, a skilled financial advisor and co-host of the hit podcast “Earn Your Leisure,” this episode will cover the basic principles of personal and business finance and will feature in-depth discussions with Founder, CEO of CreditRich and Hampton University alumni Angel Rich; respected educator and co-host of “Earn Your Leisure,” Troy Millings; and founder of FUBU and reoccurring Shark Tank investor Daymond John. The fireside chat will also explore ways that HBCUs can inspire and empower students with greater knowledge about digital currency, cryptocurrency, NFTs, the stock market, and more. In addition, they will share which college disciplines provide the best long term investment on post-graduation salary.

We Do This For The Culture – (December 1) This episode will recognize established and new Black culture creators that are dedicated to amplifying creative voices in the culture as well as building and growing platforms to connect and shape the overall view of Black culture. The discussion will include an array of topics, such as why it is vital to ensure that inclusivity and representation are displayed in all forms of media and the importance of having a strong Black lead. Listeners will hear insightful discussions on the topic from cultural game-changers including actor, comedian, television personality and Howard University alumni Nick Cannon (The Masked Singer, The Nick Cannon Show, Wild N’ Out); and rapper, songwriter, record executive and Albany State University alumni Rick Ross.

Black Girl Magic – (December 15) Moderated by on-air personality Angela Yee of the nationally syndicated morning show, “The Breakfast Club,” this special episode will be recorded as a virtual panel celebrating the beauty, power and resilience of Black women and honoring their many achievements. Fans can learn the pathway for young aspiring women of color to attend HBCUs and why Black women must lead the charge in politics, culture and society. Fans will also be able to video stream the virtual panel on iHeartRadio’s YouTube page beginning December 1. The panel will include Gizelle Bryant from The Real Housewives of Potomac, with more guests to be announced at a later date.

“iHeartRadio’s Black and Inspired HBCU Celebration” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network.

DraftKings Becomes Official Odds Supplier for iHeartMedia Stations in More than 160 Markets Nation-Wide 

NEW YORK – November 3, 2021 – iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] and DraftKings Inc. [Nasdaq: DKNG] announced today a multi-year strategic relationship, making DraftKings the official odds supplier for iHeartMedia’s broadcast, digital, podcast and social platforms. Additionally, as part of the agreement DraftKings is now able to co-create and distribute long-form content with iHeartMedia and will receive preferred access to iHeartMedia’s full roster of diverse personalities. Furthermore, DraftKings and iHeartMedia will collaborate around a wide range of possible content development opportunities, including the distribution of shows and segments across the media giant’s radio and digital properties and integrations within iHeartMedia’s live sports broadcasts.  DraftKings and iHeartMedia will also collaborate on a number of possible experiential opportunities for listeners and fans including providing cross platform interactive games.

“Even though we are number one in audio sports programming, we continue to build new sports content and DraftKings is an ideal partner as we expand and innovate,” said Greg Ashlock, CEO of iHeartMedia’s Multiplatform Group. “DraftKings is a premier sports technology and entertainment company that provides millions of customers with the best in real-money gaming products along with exceptional safety and security through various responsible gaming measures. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership everywhere sports betting is permissible.”  

DraftKings has the opportunity to leverage iHeartMedia’s SmartAudio suite of data-driven advertising products. The data integration would enable fact-based audience planning and targeting optimizations across iHeartMedia’s broadcast and digital platform, including its more than 270 million monthly consumers on its broadcast platform alone providing DraftKings with national exposure and at the same time reaching local audiences with a tailored approach.

“Customer engagement remains a primary focus for DraftKings, and this latest agreement with iHeartMedia amplifies our reach immensely to a dedicated audience that spans more than 160 markets across the country with the largest audio company in the U.S.,” said Matt Kalish, Co-founder and President, DraftKings North America. “Analytically tapping into iHeart’s coveted listenership while powering authentic betting content is a landmark moment for both organizations and precursor to new possibilities in media innovation.”

iHeartMedia hosts the largest sports audio network in the U.S., with products across broadcast, streaming, digital, podcast and experiential. iHeartMedia is the number one podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac with more than 280 million monthly downloads, with the iHeartPodcast Sports Network alone featuring more than 50 million downloads a month, making it the largest for sports podcast listening.

About DraftKings

DraftKings Inc. is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company created to fuel the competitive spirit of sports fans with products that range across daily fantasy, regulated gaming and digital media. Headquartered in Boston, and launched in 2012 by Jason Robins, Matt Kalish and Paul Liberman, DraftKings is the only U.S.-based vertically integrated sports betting operator. DraftKings is a multi-channel provider of sports betting and gaming technologies, powering sports and gaming entertainment for operators in 17 countries. DraftKings’ Sportsbook is live with mobile and/or retail betting operations in the United States pursuant to regulations in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. DraftKings’ daily fantasy sports product is available in 7 countries internationally with 15 distinct sports categories. DraftKings is the official daily fantasy partner of the NFL, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, PGA TOUR and UFC as well as an authorized gaming operator of the NBA, an official sports betting partner of the NFL, MLB and NHL an official betting operator of PGA TOUR and the official betting operator of UFC. Launched in August 2021, DraftKings Marketplace is a digital collectibles ecosystem designed for mainstream accessibility that offers curated NFT drops and supports secondary-market transactions. DraftKings also owns Vegas Sports Information Network, Inc. (VSiN), a multi-platform broadcast and content company.

DraftKings Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this release are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside DraftKings’ control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see DraftKings’ Securities and Exchange Commission filings. DraftKings does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

The new season starring Kathy Najimy and Bethany Anne Lind explores a mysterious coastal town where not everything is as it seems

WHAT: iHeartRadio and Blumhouse Television today launched the second season of Aaron Mahnke’s “13 Days of Halloween,” an original scripted horror podcast. The show was produced in 3-D audio, an innovative approach to audio entertainment that reproduces the effect of surround sound to immerse listeners in the podcast’s environment.  

Season one starred renowned actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key as the caretaker of the Hawthorne Manor, where every room contained a new secret or mystery. Now, the second season of “13 Days of Halloween” transports listeners to the eerie New England village of Direbrook. When a mysterious stranger awakens on the town’s rocky shore, residents pitch in to restore her past — but not everything in town is what it seems.

Season two stars Kathy Najimy — a fan-favorite known for roles in classic movies like Hocus Pocus and Sister Act, as well as the television series Younger — and Bethany Anne Lind, who recently appeared as Grace Young in Netflix’s Ozark. Between its all-star cast and the breathtaking sounds of 3-D audio, the show offers a thrilling spooky story just in time for Halloween.

WHEN: Today, October 19 with new episodes dropping daily through October 31.

WHERE: “13 Days of Halloween” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and is available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

COVER ART: Download official show logo + cover art HERE.

About Blumhouse

Blumhouse is known for pioneering a new model of studio filmmaking: producing high-quality micro-budget films and provocative television series. Regarded as the driving force in the horror renaissance, Blumhouse has produced over 150 movies and television series with theatrical grosses amounting to over $4.8 billion. The company has produced iconic, genre, film franchises like Halloween, Paranormal Activity, The Purge, and prolific films like Leigh Whannell’s The Invisible Man; Glass, The Visit and Split from M. NIght Shyamalan; Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman; Get Out from Jordan Peele; among several others. Blum’s television company operates in horror programming - with streaming anthology series like Welcome to the Blumhouse for Amazon and a slate of horror/thriller films for Epix - and has also expanded beyond genre with provocative and acclaimed scripted and unscripted series and documentaries, such as The Good Lord Bird, starring Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke, for Showtime; The Loudest Voice, starring Golden Globe winner Russell Crowe for Showtime; A Wilderness of Error (FX); The Jinx for HBO; A Secret Love, from executive producer Ryan Murphy, for Netflix; and lauded HBO series Sharp Objects, starring Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson, among others.

About Aaron Mahnke

One of the most successful podcast producers in the world, Aaron began his career in 2015 with the launch of Lore, which went on to become a breakout hit. Aside from racking up over 325-million downloads to date, Lore was adapted for two seasons of television on Amazon Prime, and as a three-book set from Penguin Random House / Del Rey. Aaron has also toured extensively, taking the Lore storytelling experience to tens of thousands of people across the country.

These days, as founder and president of Grim & Mild Entertainment, Aaron stays busy writing, voicing, and producing a number of wildly popular shows, including the 2021 breakout hit Bridgewater. In 2019, Aaron also published his first comic book series, Wellington, through IDW.

Star-Studded Concert Featured Wisin & Yandel, Prince Royce, Luis Fonsi, Natti Natasha, Zion & Lennox, Lunay, Mariah Angeliq, and a Special Performance by J Balvin

Luis Fonsi Honored with the iHeartRadio Corazón Latino Award

NEW YORK – October 18, 2021 – The eighth annual iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina celebrated the best in Latin music on Saturday evening with performances by Wisin & Yandel, Prince Royce, Luis Fonsi, Natti Natasha, Zion & Lennox, Lunay, Mariah Angeliq, and a special performance by J Balvin at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The event, hosted by Enrique Santos brought the power of the iHeartRadio Music Festival to Latin music. The event was live streamed exclusively by LiveOne, Inc’s subsidiary LiveXLive and broadcasted live nationwide across iHeartMedia’s Spanish Contemporary hits, Tropical, Regional Mexican, Tejano, and Spanish Oldies stations.

This year, iHeartMedia and Enrique Santos presented Luis Fonsi with the iHeartRadio Corazón Latino Award (Please see b-roll link HERE). The award honors an individual that exemplifies their big heart through their selfless work in enhancing the lives, heritage and future of the Latin community. A five-time Grammy nominee and five-time Latin Grammy winner, Fonsi broke seven Guinness World Records with his wildly popular song “Despacito,” which topped the charts in 47 countries and later continued to dominate the #1 spot with multiple hits including “Échame La Culpa,” “Calypso,” “Imposible,” and “Date La Vuelta,” among others. Fonsi has been supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for nearly 16 years and was heavily involved in recovery efforts after Hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted much of Puerto Rico and Mexico, which inspired him to create his 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, the Luis Fonsi Foundation.

Straight from the Amway Center in Orlando, the magic of iHeartRadio came to Latin music with an extraordinary lineup that included the following highlights:

• Mariah Angeliq kicked off the show with some of her biggest hits. Not only did Angeliq bring the vocals, but she also served major fashion inspiration and showed off her killer dance moves throughout her set.
• Lunay had everyone in the crowd on their feet from the first moment he stepped out on stage. His high energy performance is one to remember
• Zion & Lennox teased their Fiesta Latina performance was going to be the “party of the year” and they delivered. They brought the reggaeton heat with “Otra Vez,” “Pierdo La Cabeza” and more. Signing off, they told the crowd: “It feels so good to be Latino! ¡Que Viva!”
• Natti Natasha got in the Halloween spirit for her performance. The “Ram Pam Pam” singer dressed up as the Red Light, Green Light robot from the first episode of Squid Game, while her dancers dressed as the mysterious captors.
• Prince Royce performed his cover of “Stand By Me” to the delight of the crowd. While performing his recent single “Lao’ a Lao,” he adorably stumbled over the opening words. “It’s my new song, of course I don’t know it yet!” he told the crowd. At one point, he even jumped into the crowd to greet fans.
• Luis Fonsi, recipient of this year’s iHeartRadio Corazón Latino Award Presented by Ally, took the time to shout out a few Latin American countries, including Cuba, Panama, and Puerto Rico. He closed out his set with “Despacito,” wearing a Puerto Rican flag around his neck that was given to him by a fan in the crowd.
• Wisin & Yandel took the stage in matching sparkly, silver ensembles, which were just the tip of the iceberg of their exciting performance. They kept the crowd jumping and dancing throughout their set.
• J Balvin closed out the show in style. In his grand finale, Balvin performed “Mi Gente,” “Reggaeton,” “I Like It” and a few more of his biggest hits. He brought out Zion & Lennox to help him close the show!

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

Proud partners of this year’s event include Ally, Corona, Goya Foods and Pepsi Stronger Together.

To access photos from the event please visit:

Photo Credit: Please see photo credits here.

Password: iHRFL_2021!

Best Of 2021 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina:

https://iheartradio.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000xoxz2OirWZE/G0000yC2U6Og17Qk/Fiesta-21-Best-Of

2021 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina – Broadcast Room:

https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/2021-iheartradio-fiesta-latina-broadcast

iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina - Red Carpet
https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/2021-iheartradio-fiesta-latina-red-carpet

iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina - Show
https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/2021-iheartradio-fiesta-latina-show

To access b-roll from this event please visit:

iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina:

https://we.tl/t-A9l6iXUwsy

Luis Fonsi and HeartRadio Corazón Latino Award

b-roll: https://we.tl/t-A9l6iXUwsy

images: https://iheartradio.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000xoxz2OirWZE/G0000hcCGFv__1U0/Luis-Fonsi