iHeartMedia

The Program, In Partnership With McDonald’s USA, Pepsi and Ulta Beauty, Celebrated The Rich Histories and Cultural Impact Of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Virtually Connected HBCU Students and Alumni With Their Favorite Musical Artists, Influencers and Entertainment With Performances From Khalid and H.E.R.

Pepsi and iHeartMedia United Four Top Legendary HBCU Marching Bands To Feature a Cross-Generational Musical Arrangement of the Curtis Mayfield Classic “Move on Up” and Megan Thee Stallion’s Chart-Topping Hit “Savage”

New York – November 13, 2020 – iHeartMedia celebrated the “HBCU Homecoming Celebration on iHeartRadio” on Thursday, November 12, with a number of events designed to shine a light on student excellence through an uplifting, high-energy celebration across multiple iHeartRadio platforms, showcasing HBCU pride, Black excellence and achievement. The event streamed on iHeartRadio’s YouTube, and partially broadcasted across iHeartMedia’s Hip Hop and R&B radio stations on November 12.

The special events included an inspiring artist panel, iHeartRadio Beautiful Possibilities presented by Ulta Beauty, that featured a discussion and performance from singer and songwriter H.E.R. The panel hosted by iHeartRadio's Angela Yee, co-host of the The Breakfast Club, covered female empowerment, entrepreneurship and beauty. Special guest panelists including actress and producer, La La Anthony as well as CEO and Founder of Kreyol Essence, Yve-Car Momperousse explored female entrepreneurship and the art of brand building as the modern-day self-CEO. During the discussion, panel participants shared their personal stories of success to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of Black women leaders. 

The program also featured a tailgate party, iHeartRadio HBCU Homecoming Party on the Yard, presented by McDonald’s, through its Black & Positively Golden Movement, which featured a virtual Homecoming performance from global superstar Khalid. The virtual event, hosted by iHeartRadio’s DJ Envy, co-host of the hit morning show, The Breakfast Club and Hampton University Alumni, included special celebrity guest appearances from Lil Baby
Saweetie and Big Sean as well as McDonald’s owner/operator interviews, legendary HBCU Homecoming highlights and several special surprise moments. 

iHeartRadio Presents The Pepsi HBCU Marching Band Experience, voiced by Award Winning entertainer, philanthropist, entrepreneur and current HBCU student, Megan Thee Stallion and Charlamagne tha God, brought together legendary marching bands – some even rivals – from four of the top HBCUs in the nation including Florida A&M, Hampton University, Prairie View A&M and North Carolina A&T for a first-of-its-kind, tour-de-force musical experience. In partnership with each band director and iHeartMedia, Pepsi created a special collaborative experience featuring a cross-generational musical arrangement of the Curtis Mayfield classic “Move on Up” and Megan Thee Stallion’s chart-topping hit “Savage.”

In addition, the month-long celebration included HBCU-inspired iHeartRadio Playlists and a 24-hour iHeartRadio HBCU station with anthems to celebrate homecoming and other special surprise moments that captured and paid homage to HBCUs and the spirit of the season.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of HBCUs and their students and alumni will not be able to attend in-person homecoming celebrations to honor their institutions’ rich histories, cultural impact and notable alumni. To help fill that void, the “HBCU Homecoming Celebration on iHeartRadio” launched on October 19 featuring podcast episodes and vignettes highlighting former HBCU students and alumni throughout the month.  Participating talent included singer and songwriter Bobby Valentino; singer and songwriter Brian McKnight; recording artist, songwriter, actor and activist Killer Mike; actress and personality La La Anthony; actor Lance Gross; singer, songwriter and actor Lionel Richie; producer, songwriter and DJ Metro Boomin; comedian, actor, and television and on-air personality Steve Harvey; actor and entertainment reporter Terrence J; singer and songwriter Toni Braxton; recording artist Wale; film producer Will Packer; and iHeartRadio on-air personalities Bev Johnson, Bushman, media mogul and cultural architect Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, Kendra G, Kyle Santillian, Mike Evans, Monica Barnes, Queen B and Zach Boog, most of whom are also HBCU alumni.

All-star vets Darrell Taylor and Theresa Gonzalez make epic return to season shot entirely in Iceland

First-ever MTV’s Official Challenge Podcast set to launch through the iHeartPodcast Network with fan favorites Tori Deal and Aneesa Ferreira as hosts

NEW YORK, NY - November 12, 2020 — MTV today announced that the highly-anticipated new season of The Challenge: Double Agents will premiere on Wednesday, December 9th at 8:00pm ET/PT.  

Following The Challenge: Total Madness, which scored the highest-rated season in eight years, The Challenge: Double Agents returns to a partner format with 19 action-packed episodes. Filmed entirely in Iceland, the frigid Arctic Island sets the scene for this espionage thriller featuring 30 of the strongest reality titans from around the globe, who are forced to outsmart each other in a game of secrets, spies and lies for their share of one million dollars. 

Leading up to premiere, fans will get an exclusive sneak peek and meet the cast during MTV’s The Challenge: Double Agents Declassified launch special airing on Monday, December 7th at 8:00pm ET/PT.

Coinciding with the new season, MTV’s Official Challenge Podcast will kick off on Thursday, December 10 through the iHeartPodcast Network. Hosted by fan favorite vets Tori Deal and Aneesa Ferreira, the audio show will recap each episode of the current season, reliving the drama of the series’ biggest alliances, frenemies and feuds. New podcast episodes drop the day after and are available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard, offering The Challenge fanatics exclusive behind-the-scenes scoop, from how stunts are created to the food the cast eats and more.  

Meet the cast:

 
VETERANS: 

Aneesa Ferreira - 14th Challenge
Twitter: @Aneesamtv, Instagram: @Aneesamtv

Ashley Mitchell - 8th Challenge
Twitter: @mtvashleybrooke, Instagram: @mtvashleybrooke

Big T - 3rd Challenge
Twitter: theogbig_t Instagram: @BigTFaz

Cory Wharton - 8th Challenge
Twitter: @CoryWharton, Instagram: @CoryWharton_ig

CT - 18th Challenge
Twitter: @TheOfficial_CT, Instagram: @_famous4nothing

Devin Walker - 5th Challenge
Twitter: @MTVDevinWalker Instagram: @mtv_devin 

Darrell Taylor - 9th Challenge
Twitter:  @mtvrrdarrell Instagram: @darrell_taylor_lb4lb

Fessy Shafaat - 2nd Challenge
Twitter: @fessyfitness, Instagram: @fessyfitness

Jay Starrett - 2nd Challenge
Twitter: @Jay__Qs, Instagram: @jqskim

Josh Martinez - 4th Challenge
Twitter: @JOSHMBB19, Instagram: @josh_martinez_

Kam Williams - 5th Challenge
Twitter: @iamkamiam_, Instagram: @iamkamiam_

Kaycee Clark - 2nd Challenge
Twitter: @ThatStudMuffin, Instagram: @kcsince1987

Kyle Christie - 6th Challenge
Twitter: @KyleCGShore, Instagram: @kylecgshore

Leroy Garrett - 12th Challenge
Twitter: @bruce_lee85, Instagram: @royleethebarber

Nany Gonzalez - 10th Challenge
Instagram: @nanycarmen

Nelson Thomas - 7th Challenge
Twitter: @_nelsonthomas, Instagram: @_NelsonThomas

Nicole Zanatta - 3rd Challenge
Twitter: @n_zanattaMTV, Instagram: @n_zanattamtv 

Theresa Gonzalez - 7th Challenge
Twitter: @theresa_m_jones, Instagram: @theresa_m_jones

Tori Deal - 5th Challenge
Twitter: @tori_deal, Instagram: @tori_deal

Wes Bergmann - 14th Challenge
Twitter: @westonbergmann, Instagram: @westonbergmann

ROOKIES

Amber Borzotra - Big Brother
Twitter: @amberborzotra, Instagram: @amberborzotra

Amber Martinez - Are You The One?
Twitter: @amba1210, Instagram: @ambaaa_

Gabby Allen - Love Island/Celebrity Big Brother UK
Twitter: @gabbydawnallen, Instagram: @gabbydawnallen

Joseph Allen - America’s Got Talent
Twitter: @itsjosephallen, Instagram: @itsjosephallen 

Lio Rush - Former WWE Wrestler
Twitter: @TheLionelGreen , Instagram: @thelionelgreen

Lolo Jones – U.S. Olympian/ Celebrity Big Brother
Twitter: @lolojones, Instagram: @lolojones 

Mechie Harris - Musician/ Ex on the Beach
Twitter: @mechiesocrazyy, Instagram: @mechiesocrazy

Nam Vo - Ultimate Beastmaster
Instagram: @nam.vo.official

Natalie Anderson - Survivor/Amazing Race
Twitter: @NatalieeAnd, Instagram: @natalieeand

Olivia “Liv” Jawando - Shipwrecked
Instagram: @livleilani

Additionally, The Challenge: Double Agents is set to roll out globally across MTV’s international networks in early 2021.

Follow The Challenge on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, subscribe to The Challenge on YouTube, and use #TheChallenge36 to join the conversation!

The Challenge: Double Agents was created for MTV by Bunim/Murray Productions. Gil Goldschein, Julie Pizzi, Emer Harkin, and Danny Wascou serve as Executive Producers 

About MTV

MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.

About Bunim/Murray Productions

Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP) is the leading producer of innovative entertainment content. The Emmy Award-winning company is widely credited with creating the reality television genre with its hit series The Real World, which aired for 32 seasons on MTV. BMP continued to innovate with the first reality game show, Road Rules (MTV), in 1995; the first reality sitcom, The Simple Life (E!), in 2003; and the first reality soap opera, Starting Over, in 2003. BMP’s current programming includes Keeping up with the Kardashians, Total Divas and Total Bellas (E!),The Challenge (MTV), Born This Way (A&E), Kim Kardashian West:  The Justice Project (Oxygen), The Real World and Ball in the Family (Facebook Watch), Endless, Stranded with Sam and Colby (Snapchat), Miz and Mrs. (USA Network), Family or Fiance (OWN), Iyanla Fix My Life and Fear Not (OWN), Crystal Maze(Nickelodeon) and Emily’s Wonder Lab (Netflix). BMP has also produced Transhood (HBO), They Call Us Monsters (PBS), Valentine Road (HBO), Pedro (MTV) and the Emmy Award-winning Autism: The Musical (HBO) for BMP Films. Based in Glendale, CA, the company was founded in 1987 by Jonathan Murray and the late Mary-Ellis Bunim, who were inducted into the Television Academy’s Hall of Fame in 2012. The company joined Banijay Group in 2010.

The multimedia entrepreneur and entertainment icon presents a new podcast featuring unfiltered conversations about relationships, culture, health, art, and more

NEW YORK – November 11, 2020 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Jill Scott, a music and entertainment icon and multimedia entrepreneur, today announced “Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast.” The intimate talk show-style podcast will feature no-holds-barred conversations on topics around relationships, culture, health, art and everything else that comes with surviving and thriving as a Black woman in today’s world. The iHeartRadio Original Podcast will premiere November 18, with new episodes airing every Wednesday. Listeners can hear the official audio trailer now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Joining Scott on the show will be her sister friends, fellow singer-songwriter Aja Graydon-Dantzler and leading radio personality Laiya St. Clair, who bring their diverse perspectives to spark unique discussions about today’s most important issues. The three women will engage in thought-provoking conversations about a variety of topics – from where they would go if they ever left the U.S. to addressing rumors that have been spread about them to their thoughts on the grind and productivity culture.  As we continue to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds, Vol. 1, the podcast is Scott’s latest multimedia endeavor, connecting her more personally to her devoted fan base and the next generation of Black culture consumers. Scott, a trusted voice named by TIME Magazine as a "cultural icon of healing power and serenity," is a Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, New York Times bestselling poet, and NAACP award-winning actress.

“J.ill the Podcast will spark unfiltered conversations by and for Black women who influence culture and uplift sisterhood,” said Scott. “2020 has been a challenging year for our community, and our hope is that this show will continue to keep our love village connected, entertained and empowered. These are valuable discussions about how we’re feeling and what’s happening in the world today.”

This honest, powerful, and moving show will address everything from friendships between Black women to motherhood, politics, film, and television, and much more. Listeners can expect to hear expert commentary from guests, such as Dr. Yaba Blay and Kier Gaines, as well as illuminating discussions between the hosts analyzing the impact of significant cultural moments.

“We’re honored to partner with Jill in bringing this important project to life,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer, iHeartPodcast Network. “The topics that the podcast broaches are critical to today’s cultural dialogue and we look forward to helping deliver these important perspectives to our listeners.”

Fans and podcast lovers can enter to win an invitation to an exclusive listening preview with Scott on November 17. Enter here.

“Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast” will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 250 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.

Fans can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to “Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast” on their favorite device.

Follow the “Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast” on social media:

Facebook: Jill Scott Presents: J.Ill

Instagram: @jillscottpodcast

Twitter: @jillscottpod

YouTube: Jill Scott

About Jill Scott

Jill Scott is a three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, New York Times best-selling poet, and critically acclaimed actor. Before having the No. 1 album in the country with "The Light of The Sun" and performing at The White House, the triple threat began her career collaborating with musical icons, such as The Roots, Will Smith, and Common in the late ‘90s. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, Jill released her much-anticipated debut record, "Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds, Vol. 1," in July 2000, which became a double platinum album that earned Scott several Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. Never limited to music, Scott is a true multimedia brand across audio, books, TV and film. She currently plays the role of "Hazel" in the BET+ remake of the 1996 romantic comedy, The First Wives Club. A consummate writer at heart, she penned “The Moments, The Minutes, The Hours,” a compilation of poems that instantly became a New York Times bestseller. She is the lead investor in True Voice, a digital wellness platform catered to women of color, and she is the founder of Blues Babe, a registered 501(c)3 foundation that supports minority students pursuing college degrees.

New 8-Episode Podcast Series Launches Today, November 9th

The Recession 2, The Sequel To Jeezy’s Classic 2008 Album The Recession, To Explore The Pandemic, Economic Crisis & More

November 9, 2020 – NEW YORK - Jay ‘JEEZY’ Jenkins, the Grammy®-nominated multi-platinum rap superstar, entrepreneur and philanthropist has partnered with media mogul and radio hall of famer Charlamagne Tha GOD and iHeartMedia’s The Black Effect Podcast Network for “The (Re)Session Podcast by Jeezy a new weekly 8-episode limited podcast series launching today, November 9th.  The podcast takes its title from THE RECESSION 2, JEEZY’s upcoming new album via Def Jam Recordings. Fans can listen to “The (Re)Session Podcast by Jeezy” now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.
 
Episodes of “The (Re)Session Podcast by Jeezy” will take their cues from song titles with subjects such as mental health, economics, prison reform, police brutality, grief, systemic racism, community, and spirituality.  Confirmed guests include Tony Robbins, who will be featured on the premiere episode, with others to be announced in the weeks ahead. More information available HERE.  
 
“I’m excited to partner with my trusted friend Charlamagne and the Black Effect Podcast Network/iHeart media team,” said JEEZY. “As I make the next moves in my career, I can think of no better partner to help amplify my voice and expand my reach than my brother Charlamagne, who has built an incredible, groundbreaking brand in the media space.”
 
"Jeezy has been a motivator with his words for years,” said Charlamagne Tha God. “His life experiences have inspired so many through music and now he will do the same with his podcast. It feels great to have him as a partner and hopefully we can make the list of extraordinary plugs that he's had throughout his many lives!"
 
JEEZY – who will ‘battle’ T.I. in the next episode on VERZUZ on November 19th - recently issued the aptly titled new single + video “Back” featuring Yo Gotti.  The track is the first advance music from the eagerly awaited THE RECESSION 2, JEEZY’s tenth studio album.  Its 2008 predecessor, The Recession, also dealt forcefully with the economic upheaval of a memorably tumultuous year.
 
The podcast news follows the premiere earlier this month of “Worth A Conversation,” JEEZY’s new weekly talk show airing Wednesday nights at 10:00 p.m. (EST) / 7:00 p.m. (PST) on the new live, interactive streaming channel FOX Soul.  “Worth A Conversation” was praised by REVOLT for presenting “the businessman, who has been vocal about his thoughts on President Donald Trump… [JEEZY] and his guests will chat about various topics ranging from politics to entertainment.”
 
With more than a dozen RIAA gold, platinum, and multi-platinum hits to his credit, JEEZY has amassed over 6.5 billion catalog streams, and over 960 million YouTube channel views.
 
Entrepreneurial business ventures for JEEZY include his fitness water Defiance Fuel, which is launching a new sports drink in addition to their ultra-hydration water; his partnership in the Atlanta location of American Cut Steakhouse; and his ongoing incentivized partnership with  Avion Tequila. 
 
JEEZY’s social profile includes over 4.4 million Instagram followers, over 1.29 million Twitter followers, over 1.31 million YouTube channel subscribers, and over 6.8 million Facebook likes.

 About The Black Effect Podcast Network

The Black Effect Podcast Network is a transformative network founded by renowned cultural architect, radio hall of famer, bestselling author, and media mogul Charlamagne Tha God. In a historic joint venture with the world’s number one commercial podcast publisher, iHeartMedia, Charlamagne and iHeartMedia created the groundbreaking first-ever Black Effect Podcast Network, celebrating the most important Black culture-shapers on the planet—in education, politics, entertainment, sports and pop culture. The Black Effect Podcast Network gives rise to emerging and established content creators and storytellers whose distinctive perspective and creative vision have been marginalized and overlooked while serving an audience that has been underserved. The Black Effect Podcast Network helps its partners amplify their voice in culture through influence, ideas, and experiences that engage, inspire, educate and empower.

iHeartMedia will serve as the exclusive sales representative for all Pushkin shows and the companies will also co-produce a slate of new, original podcasts over the next two years

NEW YORK – November 9, 2020 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, today announced a co-production and distribution agreement partnership with Pushkin Industries, the audio production company co-founded by Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg, that will make iHeartMedia Pushkin’s exclusive sales partner for its catalog of premium podcasts including “Revisionist History,” “Broken Record,” “The Happiness Lab with Laurie Santos” and many others. As part of this deal, iHeartMedia and Pushkin Industries will also co-produce a slate of new, original podcasts over the next two years.

Pushkin Industries has quickly become a highly esteemed startup, creating a host of award-winning audio content since its founding in 2018. Notable shows such as Gladwell’s “Revisionist History,” Michael Lewis’s “Against the Rules” and Tim Harford’s “Cautionary Tales” have built sizable audiences, garnered widespread media attention and driven cultural conversation. Partnering with iHeartMedia will enable these unique and singular shows to reach even more listeners.

“We started Pushkin to share the joy Jacob and I have found in creating and producing podcasts,” said Malcolm Gladwell. “Working with the team at iHeart will allow us to spread this joy at an even bigger scale.”

“Conal Byrne and the team at iHeart have been instrumental in popularizing podcasts,” said Jacob Weisberg. “We’re looking forward to working with them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in audio even further.”

In addition to the expansive slate of podcasts that will join the iHeartPodcast Network, the companies today also announced two new Pushkin shows releasing in March 2021:

“Double Date” is an interview show hosted by American icons Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue, who have been married for 40 years. The two will sit down with other celebrated power couples for fun, sexy, poignant conversations about what really makes a marriage last. Guests will include Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, and Sting and Trudie Styler. The first season will include 10 episodes.

“Lost Hills” is an investigative true crime series from The New Yorker’s staff writer Dana Goodyear. It tells the story of the 2018 murder of scientist Tristan Beaudette, who was shot in the head in front of his two young daughters while camping in Malibu Creek State Park. “Lost Hills” is a tragic true crime story played out against the sometimes ridiculous backdrop of Malibu. The first of three planned seasons will include 8 episodes.

“This content partnership brings some of the most highly-regarded titles in podcasting to our network, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to help Pushkin elevate their successful podcasts even further,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “In addition to adopting and supporting their existing award-winning shows, we’re eager to collaborate with the brilliant minds at Pushkin to create new originals as well. We’re honored to join forces with some of the best in the business as we bring these esteemed podcasts to listeners everywhere.”

Fans can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to all of Pushkin’s podcasts on their favorite devices.

About Pushkin Industries

Pushkin Industries is the audio production company co-founded by Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg in 2018. In its first year, Pushkin launched four new shows into the top 10 on the Apple Podcast charts: Against the Rules, hosted by bestselling author and journalist Michael Lewis; Cautionary Tales from Financial Times columnist Tim Harford; The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos; and Solvable. Pushkin is also home to Gladwell’s Revisionist History and produced the bestselling audiobook version of Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers (Hachette Audio, 2019). Other hosts include Jill Lepore, Rick Rubin, Bruce Headlam, Justin Richmond, Ashley Ford, Hari Kunzru, Noah Feldman, Eric Lander, Tali Farhadian Weinstein, Niala Boodhoo and many more. Pushkin's audiobook “Fauci,” by Michael Specter, recently reached #1 on the Audible nonfiction books chart. Learn more at pushkin.fm or follow us on Twitter @pushkinpods.

Hosted by Mario Lopez, The Virtual Special Will Broadcast on iHeartMedia’s AC, Hot AC and Classic Hits Stations Nationwide and Video Stream on Oculus Quest and iHeartRadio’s YouTube and Facebook Pages on November 25

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 6, 2020 – To celebrate its annual switch to festive music of the Christmas season across its stations nationwide, iHeartMedia today announced the new iHeartRadio Holiday Special, a virtual concert hosted by Mario Lopez. This 30-minute special event will feature Carrie Underwood, who released her first-ever Christmas album, My Gift, this year, and Josh Groban 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 iHeartRadio’s YouTube and Facebook pages on November 25 at 7pm local time. The event will also be available to watch in VR on the Venues app for Oculus 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 6 at 5pm local time, with more than 80 stations across the country broadcasting the season’s festive music from today’s biggest artists including Carrie Underwood, Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, Mannheim Steamroller as well as Holiday classics from Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and more around-the-clock. 

“The anticipation and excitement surrounding our stations’ flip to Christmas music is a staple of the holiday season for our listeners across the country, and we are thrilled to celebrate this festive occasion with our first ‘iHeartRadio Holiday Special,’” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “Given all the country is going through, we know everyone needs the uplifting spirit of holiday music. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the sounds of the holiday season for our music fans than with an intimate performance from Carrie Underwood and Josh Groban across our stations and on Oculus and iHeartRadio’s Facebook and YouTube pages.”

Proud Sponsors of the iHeartRadio Holiday Special include TLC, with more to be announced.

Horizon’s Identity Framework blu. Combined with iHeartMedia’s SmartAudio Will Deliver More Audience Targeting for Brands

NEW YORK —  November  4, 2020 — Horizon Media, a leader in delivering data-driven business outcomes for some of the most innovative and ambitious brands, today announced a data partnership with iHeartMedia, the No. 1 audio platform in America, to integrate their respective data platforms for audio targeting to provide greater visibility into total audience impressions for Horizon clients and to be able offer brands data-based audience planning optimizationacross iHeartMedia’s broadcast and digital platform, including its more than 270 million monthly consumers on its broadcast platform alone.

This level of data integration will provide Horizon Media and their clients with unique insight into audience targeting and propensity and have a significant impact on campaign effectiveness and the ability to drive better business outcomes for Horizon clients.

“Leveraging data to inform and enhance our negotiations will contribute to growth in the audio sector and more importantly increase ROI while providing attribution solutions for our clients,” said Lauren Russo, EVP Managing Partner, Audio Investment.

“Horizon continues to be ahead of the curve with their programmatic audio offerings and we are excited to partner with them on this innovative integration,” said Justin Nesci, Executive Vice President of Advanced Audio & Data Revenue for iHeartMedia. “This partnership allows them to continue to advance their capabilities for data-driven planning, activation and measurement for broadcast campaigns – and this data integration will be the first time iHeart has mapped an agency’s full identity graph within our SmartAudio platform.”

The integration partnership combines iHeartMedia’s SmartAudio platform that has mapped first-party listening data across its more than 270 million listeners by market, station and daypart, with

Horizon’s identity framework blu. that is used to identify high-value targets at an individual level and where to best reach them. blu. (branded with a lower case ‘b’ and period) has access to 283MM+ individuals in the U.S., a 90% household penetration, which are licensed directly from TransUnion™. Horizon uses blu. to build audiences and pinpoint those individuals (BluIDs) that present the highest potential value for clients. The combined data from these two platforms will provide Horizon Media with greater visibility into total audience impressions for audiences built within the blu. platform. and the opportunity to optimize broadcast radio plans with those audiences. 

This is another in a long list of industry firsts for Horizon Media and their audio teams. In 2015, Horizon Media made history with a pilot test of the first-ever live programmatic transaction for spot radio with Jelli, the largest technology platform for the global radio market. Horizon Media then partnered with Jelli’s demand-side platform SpotPlan® as the first media agency to power all of its programmatic radio ad buying operations for several of its clients agency-wide.The blu. SmartAudio Audiences will be available for buyers within Jelli’s demand-side platform for planning purposes.  Continuing as a pioneer in the audio marketplace, Horizon Media also extended its use of SpotPlan to activate audio upfronts on behalf of clients.

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About Horizon Media

Horizon Media, Inc. is a leader in delivering data-driven business outcomes for some of the most innovative and ambitious brands. The company was founded in 1989, is headquartered in New York, and has offices in Los Angeles and Toronto. With estimated billings of approximately $9 billion and over 2,400 employees, Horizon is the second largest U.S. media agency according to the AdAge Datacenter.

Recognized as one of the world’s ten most innovative marketing and advertising companies by Fast Company, Horizon Media has been named Media Agency of the Year by MediaPost, Adweek and AdAge and is known for its highly personal approach to client service. Renowned for its culture, Horizon is also consistently named to all the prestigious annual Best Places to Work lists published by AdAge, Crain’s New York Business and Los Angeles Business Journal, and was named by Fortune as a best place to work for Diversity, Women and Millennials.

Bill Koenigsberg, President, CEO and Founder of Horizon Media, has earned a host of industry accolades and, in 2019, garnered the industry’s highest honor when he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Hall of Fame.

The esteemed actor, author and producer will move his star-studded interview podcast from its current home to the iHeartPodcast Network in January 2021 

NEW YORK – November 5, 2020 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher, and Alec Baldwin announced today that Baldwin’s successful podcast “Here’s The Thing” will join the iHeartPodcast Network. Celebrating his tenth season of “Here’s The Thing,” Baldwin will continue his relentless pursuit of great conversations when the podcast moves to the iHeartPodcast Network in January 2021.

Since debuting the series in 2011, Baldwin has interviewed countless distinguished guests including Chris Rock, Barbara Streisand, Billy Joel, Questlove and many more. “Here’s The Thing” invites listeners to peek behind the curtain into the lives of notable individuals including artists, policy makers and performers as they dig deep to uncover what motivates them, what inspires them and what keeps them up at night.

“With the shift over to iHeartRadio, we’re breathing new life into a project I’ve been passionate about for nearly a decade,” Baldwin said. “Hosting this show and speaking to so many remarkable people over the years has been such a joy, and I’m eager to see where we go from here.” 

The iHeartPodcast Network has grown rapidly in the last several years, partnering with some of the most influential names in entertainment and media. “Here’s The Thing” will add Baldwin’s distinct voice to the iHeartPodcast Network, joining the ranks of titles including “Stuff You Should Know,” “Next Question with Katie Couric,” “The Ron Burgundy Podcast” “You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton” and “Atlanta Monster,” as well as extensive co-produced audio and TV/film partnerships with Shonda Rhimes’ production company Shondaland Audio, Will Ferrell, Charlamagne Tha God, Blumhouse and others.

“Alec is an unmistakable talent and he navigates the fascinating, oftentimes surprising conversations on ‘Here’s The Thing’ with remarkable intuition,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “He’s a natural conversationalist, which explains why his show is so well-loved by listeners. We’re excited to grow the listenership of the series by putting the resources of the iHeartPodcast Network behind the show.”

Executive produced by Kathleen Russo and co-produced by Cavalry Media, all episodes of “Here’s The Thing” will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Fans can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to “Here’s The Thing” on their favorite device.

About Alec Baldwin

Since 1980, Alec Baldwin has appeared in numerous productions on stage, in films and on television. He has received a Tony nomination (A Streetcar Named Desire, 1992) an Oscar nomination (The Cooler, 2004) and has won three Emmy awards, three Golden Globes and seven consecutive Screen Actors Guild Awards as Best Actor in a Comedy Series for his role on NBC-TV's 30 Rock. His films include THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, MALICE, THE EDGE, IT'S COMPLICATED, BLUE JASMINE, STILL ALICE, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, and THE BOSS BABY among many others.

Baldwin earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1994 and has received honorary doctorates from NYU (2010) and Manhattan School of Music (2012). He serves on numerous boards related to the arts, the environment and progressive politics including the Hamptons International Film Festival and the New York Philharmonic. He is also the radio announcer for the New York Philharmonic. 

He has authored three books: A PROMISE TO OURSELVES, his memoir entitled NEVERTHELESS and, with Kurt Andersen, the Donald Trump parody YOU CAN’T SPELL AMERICA WITHOUT ME.

Baldwin is married to author and wellness expert Hilaria Thomas Baldwin. They have five children: Carmen, Rafael, Leonardo, Romeo and Eduardo as well as his eldest, Ireland Baldwin. Baldwin hosts ABC’s Match Game, the classic television game show; a portion of his fees are donated to charity through The Hilaria and Alec Baldwin Foundation.

Premiering November 6, the iHeartRadio Original podcast series invites listeners to experience the best acceptance speeches from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame vault

New York / CLE – November 5, 2020 - iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, today announced an exclusive podcast partnership with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The first episode of the iHeartRadio Original series “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Vault” will debut Friday, November 6, the day before the 35th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony airing on November 7 on HBO. Fans can listen now on the iHeartRadio App and everywhere podcasts are heard.

The series, which covers iconic induction speeches, from artists ranging from Rock, Hip Hop, Country and Pop, will launch with The Beatles inducted by Mick Jagger, N.W.A inducted by Kendrick Lamar, The Eagles inducted by Jimmy Buffet, and Stevie Nicks inducted by Harry Styles. New episodes will premiere every Friday through the end of the year. A 2nd season will premiere in early 2021.

“Each year, rock’s highest honor, Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, is bestowed upon a handful of artists, cementing their legacy for eternity. That night, they are celebrated by their peers and the contemporary artists they have influenced. All share mutual admiration for these legends who have dedicated their lives to rock & roll,” said Greg Harris, President & CEO, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

“Over the past 35 years, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies have become renowned for their impassioned and sometimes outrageous acceptance speeches,” said Conal Byrne President of the iHeartPodcast Network for iHeartMedia. “We’re thrilled to bring the most iconic moments of past and present music infamy to fans around the world and continue to share what’s made the event special in the past and for years to come.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Vault podcast series will include speeches from the following presenters and inductees:

• Stevie Nicks & Harry Styles
• The Beatles & Mick Jagger
• N.W.A. & Kendrick Lamar
• The Eagles & Jimmy Buffett
• Queen & Dave Grohl & Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters
• Prince & Alicia Keys & Outkast
• Stevie Wonder & Paul Simon
• Joan Jett & The Blackhearts & Miley Cyrus
• Janet Jackson & Janelle Monae
• Bruce Springsteen & Bono
• Tupac Shakur & Snoop Dogg
• Jackson 5 & Diana Ross
• The Cure & Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails
• Bonnie Raitt & Melissa Etheridge
• The Staple Singers & Lauryn Hill
• Pearl Jam & David Letterman
• Joan Baez & Jackson Browne
• Metallica & Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Gladys Knight & The Pips & Mariah Carey
• The Moody Blues & Ann Wilson of Heart

All episodes of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Vault podcast series will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network. The iHeartPodcast Network is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 251 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. The platform is also home to the most successful podcast of all time, “Stuff You Should Know,” and creator of hits like “The Ron Burgundy Podcast” and the “Atlanta Monster” series as well as fosters over a hundred shows from its on-air talent like the popular “Bobbycast” and “The Breakfast Club” radio show podcasts. These shows are distributed on all major podcast platforms including the iHeartRadio app, which additionally distributes more than 320,000 shows.

Fans can go to iHeart.com/apps to download and listen on all their favorite devices – including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions, gaming consoles and more.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, and engaging programs. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall) and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock!

Empire State Building to Celebrate Station Launch with a Special Lighting

The Black Information Network Will Present "Election 2020 - Black Votes Matter" On November 3 –

A Live Election Night Broadcast Hosted by Roland Martin

NEW YORK – November 2, 2020 – BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 comprehensive national audio news service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective, launches today at 12 p.m. ET on New York City’s legendary station WWRL AM 1600.

In New York, listeners can tune in to WWRL for 24/7 national and local news focused on serving the Black community and providing an information window for those outside the community to help foster communication, accountability and a deeper understanding. The station, which features top national on-air anchors and correspondents, kicked off this a.m. with a series of important speeches in Black history, including those from Barack and Michelle Obama, Al Sharpton, Maya Angelou, and Malcom X, leading up to the official noon ET launch. Then at sunset, the Empire State Building will illuminate its world-famous tower lights and turn red, white, and green in celebration of BIN: Black Information Network’s official launch on WWRL.

The launch of BIN - WWRL comes just in time for Election Day 2020. Renowned journalist and BIN commentator Roland Martin will anchor live news coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET on election night 2020 and provide updates as the polls close and election tallies are reported nationwide on the race between President/Vice President incumbents Donald Trump/Mike Pence and Democratic challengers Joseph Biden/Kamala Harris. Roland Martin, who will be joined by special guests and noted political experts during the broadcast, will also provide updates and analysis on important state and local elections around the country.

“The 2020 Election is one of the most consequential we've seen in American history, and Black voters will play a crucial role. Our goal at #RolandMartinUnfiltered is to provide unparalleled coverage of not only the presidential and U.S. Senate races, but the many local races that impact our people,” said Martin, who serves as Host and Managing Editor. “From top scholars to civil rights lawyers to health and economic experts and politically-minded celebrities, there will be no other place -- digital, cable or broadcast -- that will match the plans we have for our collaboration with BIN on election night.”

“The 2020 Presidential election will be one of the most important elections of our time and decisions made during this election will impact the lives of Black Americans for decades to come,” said Tanita Myers, Director of News Operations for BIN: Black Information Network. “We’re pleased to be launching BIN in the No. 1 market in the country just in time for this critical election night and to provide millions of New York City listeners with national and local authentic and unique perspectives on the news and issues that will have a critical impact on the lives of members of the Black community.”

WWRL AM 1600 joins many other BIN: Black Information Network AM/FM broadcast radio stations across the country including Atlanta, Augusta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus – GA, Columbus – Ohio, Dayton – Ohio, Detroit, Greenville, Macon, Miami, Minneapolis, Montgomery – AL, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Riverside, San Francisco, St. Louis, Seattle and Washington, D.C. markets. BIN is also distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app, available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices.

About BIN: Black Information Network

BIN: Black Information Network is the first and only 24/7 national and local all-news audio service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective. BIN is enabled by the resources, assets and financial support of iHeartMedia and the support of its Founding Partners: Bank of America, CVS Health, GEICO, Lowe’s, McDonald’s USA, Sony, 23andMe and Verizon. BIN is focused on service to the Black community and providing an information window for those outside the community to help foster communication, accountability and deeper understanding.

BIN: Black Information Network is distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app and accessible via mobile, smart speakers, smart TVs and other connected platforms, and on dedicated all-news local broadcast AM/FM radio stations. BIN also provides the news service for iHeartMedia’s 91 Hip Hop, R&B and Gospel stations across the country. Please visit www.BINNews.com for more information.