iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia’s 850+ Leading Digital Stations Nationwide Will Now be Available on TuneIn

iHeartMedia Will Become TuneIn’s Premier Local Ad Sales Representation Partner

TuneIn Taps Triton Digital to Monetize TuneIn’s Local Inventory, Helping Advertisers Reach New Audiences at Scale

NEW YORK – July 29, 2021 – TuneIn, the world’s leading live streaming audio service, and iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in America and the No. 1 podcast publisher, today announced a partnership that will enable TuneIn to distribute iHeartMedia’s more than 850 leading digital stations. TuneIn will also gain access to local advertising demand from iHeartMedia’s unique monetization assets, including its massive sales force of nearly 2,000 sellers in every major market nationwide, and Triton Digital’s best-in-class advertising technology.

To further iHeartMedia’s distribution strategy to be everywhere their listeners are, iHeart has selected TuneIn’s open platform to distribute its more than 850 leading radio stations in the US including stations such as New York’s Z100 and POWER 105.1, Los Angeles’ KISS FM and KFI FM, and Nashville’s BIG 98 WSIX. These stations will be available digitally on TuneIn’s mobile apps and website beginning today.

As part of this partnership, TuneIn will leverage Triton Digital’s (recently acquired by iHeartMedia) industry-leading audio Supply Side Platform (SSP) that will seamlessly enable both the direct sale, through iHeart’s sophisticated local salesforce, as well as the programmatic sale, through TuneIn’s salesforce reaching audio publishers’ inventory across TuneIn‘s 200+ consumer platform touchpoints, offering brands even more audience reach and targetability.

“The TuneIn and iHeart partnership is a great marriage of content and technology enabled by Triton’s cutting edge and comprehensive suite of audio advertising technology to support streaming audio and podcasts businesses with both direct and programmatic sales. With Triton’s SSP, local advertisers will now have the ability to reach additional iHeart and TuneIn listeners through both direct and programmatic sales,” said Brian Kaminsky, Chief Data Officer and President of Revenue Strategies for iHeartMedia. “We are also excited that TuneIn’s open radio platform allows us to share our content and programming with even more streaming radio fans. Triton’s Audio Ad Tech delivers targeted audio advertising across the entire spectrum of listening platforms -- web, mobile apps, smart speakers and across other distribution platforms like TuneIn.”

“The relationship with iHeart demonstrates the power of TuneIn’s open platform to flexibly align with the content, distribution and monetization assets of our partners to jointly create new and previously unrecognized value,” said Rob Deichert, Chief Revenue Officer for TuneIn. “We’re incredibly pleased to partner with iHeartMedia and Triton as we continue our mission to delight listeners and reinvent radio for a connected world.”

About TuneIn

TuneIn, the world’s leading live streaming service, brings together live sports, news, music, podcasts and radio from around the globe. With more than 80 million monthly active users, TuneIn is one of the most widely used streaming audio platforms in the world. TuneIn broadcasts over 100,000 owned & operated and partner radio stations, and boasts more than 5.7 million podcasts. With premiere distribution across 200 platforms and connected devices, TuneIn empowers listeners to ‘hear’ what they love wherever ‘here’ might be. TuneIn Premium subscribers also unlock exclusive access to commercial-free news from top networks like CNN, Fox News Radio, MSNBC, CNBC, and Bloomberg Media, as well as commercial-free music channels for every mood and activity. For more information, please visit us at www.tunein.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

NEW YORK – July 28, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and the National Basketball Association (NBA), today announced a multi-year podcast partnership, which will feature the launch of more than 20 new iHeartRadio-NBA co-produced podcasts. The new slate of NBA podcasts will be distributed widely by the iHeartPodcast Network with the first show set to debut this Fall.

The new shows will be produced using a wide variety of content from the NBA archives to tell the backstories of some of the greatest moments in sports history, along with a mix of the latest league news, player commentary, insider analysis, and much more – available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are found.

“We are excited to expand the league’s audio offerings to fans by teaming up with iHeartMedia to deliver NBA content and storytelling to the iHeartPodcast Network,” said David Denenberg, Senior Vice President, National & Local Network Partnerships. “We look forward to reaching more fans with content about our teams, players and history through this partnership.”

“The NBA is one of the toughest leagues in the world. These are relentless athletes, with a grueling schedule, at the absolute height of their game,” said Kevin LeGrett, President of iHeartMedia Sports. “Their stories are the stuff of legend and deserve mass-reach audiences and top-tier brand partners. iHeart alone can deliver that.”

The partnership provides the NBA and its teams access to iHeartMedia’s massive reach across multiple audio platforms including podcasts, streaming and broadcast radio, as well as the opportunity to develop a new slate of groundbreaking shows each year.

More details around the upcoming slate of NBA podcasts will be announced at a later date.

About the NBA

The NBA is a global sports and media business built around four professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the NBA G League and the NBA 2K League. The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2020-21 season featured 107 international players from 41 countries. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 1.9 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.

The agreement includes eight new co-produced Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated Studios and iHeartRadio original podcasts as well as the distribution of Sports Illustrated’s existing podcasts through the iHeartPodcast Network

NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to podtrac, today announced a multi-year exclusive agreement to co-produce eight original podcasts with award-winning sports media brand Sports Illustrated and newly formed joint venture Sports Illustrated Studios. The iHeartPodcast Network will distribute all eight original titles as well as distribute Sports Illustrated’s existing podcasts across iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. Additionally, mutual marketing and promotion commitments will apply to all joint projects. Two of the eight original podcasts are scheduled to launch by Q1 2022.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sports Illustrated to introduce a brand-new slate of sports podcasts - limited series and ongoing shows alike, distributed to listeners everywhere,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “It’s an iconic brand that sports fans instantly trust, knowing that they will get the most credible and in-depth industry coverage, and we look forward to expanding that footprint into the audio space through the iHeartPodcast Network, where we uniquely have the reach and scale to bring Sports Illustrated the audience and monetization they deserve.”

The audio partnership will build upon Sports Illustrated’s deep bench of world-renowned journalists and continue its legacy of unique storytelling that unites athletes, teams and fans worldwide. The Sports Illustrated label will include editorial-focused content and analysis from the storied media franchise while the Sports Illustrated Studios label will provide scripted and limited series content.

Set to debut later this year, “Sports Illustrated Weekly” is a weekly podcast that will feature the best of Sports Illustrated’s unrivaled journalism in a premium audio magazine. Each 45-minute episode will feature deep-dive segments on the biggest news of the week and the most compelling personalities, trends and themes in sports, on and off the field. More details including its host will be announced at a later date.

“Storytelling is at the core of what SI stands for, and the opportunity to partner with iHeartMedia to create and distribute dynamic stories and shows featuring our incredible voices further expands our footprint,” said Ross Levinsohn, CEO of Sports Illustrated & Maven. Today, Sports Illustrated reaches more than 50M monthly visitors across all integrated site channels.

Developed by SI Studios, “Lateral Damage” will offer an innovative take on the true-crime genre. Publishing early next year, the podcast tells the story of University of California, Berkeley college football player Mariet Ford, who was an instrumental part of “The Play,” one of the most electrifying plays in sports history. He was later convicted of viciously murdering his young son and pregnant wife. Maintaining his innocence for almost 25 years, the podcast will explore the indelible effect the murder has had on the core group of people in Ford’s sphere.

“While traditionally sports are very visually focused, this venture allows us to introduce audiences to the most memorable events in sports history in unexpected ways, which is precisely the foundation of SI Studios. With this new partnership, Sports Illustrated, the most trusted brand in sports, and iHeartMedia, the industry’s leading podcast publisher and distributor, we have the unique opportunity to tell these historic, remarkable stories to audiences globally,” said David Hutkin, COO of 101 Studios, who in partnership with Authentic Brands Group (ABG), owner of the Sports Illustrated brand, formed Sports Illustrated Studios in 2020.

The Sports Illustrated podcast slate 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. These shows are distributed on all major podcast platforms including the iHeartRadio app, which additionally distributes hundreds of thousands third-party shows.

About Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated (SI) is an unparalleled and influential leader recognized for shaping modern culture and uniting athletes, teams and fans worldwide. SI’s award-winning media enterprise brings powerful storytelling to life across platforms ranging from Emmy-winning video to the monthly print magazine with a 67-year heritage. Get in-depth features, probing profiles, and iconic and beloved photography from the best writers and photojournalists in the game at SI.com. Sports Illustrated also shares its unique and authentic perspective through marquee events, immersive brand activations, long-form television, film and audio content, as well as select lifestyle products. Sports Illustrated’s digital and print publications are operated by Maven (OTC: MVEN) under a license agreement with Authentic Brands Group (ABG).

About Sports Illustrated Studios

Established in 2020, Sports Illustrated Studios is a media production company that develops, produces, and distributes long-form film, television, and audio content based on the stories of world-class Sports Illustrated journalists from today, tomorrow, and the past 65 years of the brand’s history. Sports Illustrated Studios seeks to reimagine and recreate the most memorable moments in sports history in cutting edge and unexpected ways for audiences worldwide. Upcoming projects include Paradise Found based on the true story of high school football coach Rick Prinz; an untitled docuseries about the sexual abuse and cover-up at Ohio State University, co-produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures; the feature film Red Rose Crew based on the riveting true story of the US international women’s crew team and the docuseries Covers, a behind-the-scenes look at Sports Illustrated’s top cover stories of all time.

For more information, visit SI.com.

Follow Sports Illustrated on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Chilling, Dark-Mystery Podcast Marks First-Ever Adapted Podcast Of Stephen King’s Original Short Story, From His Classic 1978 Collection Of Short Stories Night Shift

Garrett Hedlund, Milo Ventimiglia, Herizen F. Gaurdiola, Sydney Sweeney, Ken Marino, Al Madrigal, And Brec Bassinger Set To Star

Los Angeles - July 20, 2021 - Based on the short story by Stephen King, Strawberry Spring, will get its first ever adaptation as a chilling, new scripted podcast. Produced by critically acclaimed podcast production studio giant, Audio Up Media, iHeartMedia, the No. 1 global podcast publisher, and Emmy Award-winning television producer Lee Metzger (NBC’s The Voice), the riveting eight episode series is set to premiere later this summer. Metzger is also setto write and direct the limited series, with an all-star cast that includes actor Garrett Hedlund, Milo Ventimiglia, Herizen F. Gaurdiola, Sydney Sweeney, Ken Marino, and Al Madrigal with more to-be-announced. EMMY Award winner Philip Alberstat is set to produce.

“Strawberry Spring” follows a journalist who hears the name "Springheel Jack" while listening to the radio, rekindling memories of a time when he was a student at New Sharon College and reminding him of when he first heard of the serial killer. The dark mystery quickly unfolds in a hunt for a killer, as our hero will stop at nothing to track down the vicious murderer even If it threatens his own survival.

Jared Gutstadt, Audio Up Media’s Founder and CEO, has a longstanding relationship with Metzger, and the two were searching for a project to work on together. “When Lee mentioned ‘Strawberry Spring,’ I knew immediately it was a winner,” said Gutstadt. “Audio Up prides itself on continually raising the bar within audio entertainment, from working with top Hollywood actors to script creation, all the way to how we approach sound design and music composition. We hope this will be a breakout podcast this fall. I am so beyond excited for Stephen King fans to experience his work in the Audio Up podcast universe."

“Having the opportunity to take this classic story thriller written by the most recognized horror author of all time, Stephen King, and turn it into a scripted podcast for listeners is pretty special,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “And partnering with Audio Up is the perfect way to do it, given their unique ability to tell complex, great stories in this medium.” “Strawberry Spring” marks the third “audio-blockbuster” collaboration between Audio Up and iHeartMedia.

Added Metzger, “as a lifelong fan of Stephen King, I couldn’t be more excited to work with Jared, Audio Up, and iHeart Media to bring this story to life. I couldn’t ask for a better project for my first scripted podcast.”

Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Carly Pearce, Cole Swindell and Chase Rice Lead Lineup on October 30 at Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas hosted by Bobby Bones

LiveXLive Will Exclusively Live Stream the iHeartCountry Festival Nationwide

New York, NY – July 20, 2021 – iHeartMedia announced today the return of the iHeartCountry Festival Presented by Capital One on Saturday, October 30. Now in its eighth year, the 2021 lineup will feature Country music’s hottest artists including Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Carly Pearce, Cole Swindell and Chase Rice performing live at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin hosted once again by iHeartMedia's nationally-syndicated top on-air Country personality, Bobby Bones.

“The iHeartCountry Festival is one of Country music’s most-anticipated nights, and this year is especially exciting,” said Rod Phillips, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartCountry. “Live music is back, and we can’t wait to return to the Frank Erwin Center with this iconic lineup.”

LiveXLive Media (Nasdaq: LIVX) (“LiveXLive”) will exclusively stream the main stage celebration for fans globally on livexlive.com and iHeartMedia’s Country music radio stations will broadcast the event live in their local markets and on iHeartRadio.com.

iHeartCountry has more than 150 Country stations across the U.S. reaching more than 110 million Country music listeners per month on broadcast alone, making it the largest Country broadcast radio group in America. The iHeartCountry Festival Presented by Capital One is part of iHeartMedia’s roster of nationally-recognized events including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the nationwide iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capital One, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, iHeartRadio ALTer Ego Presented by Capital One, iHeartRadio Wango Tango and the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.

The iHeartCountry Festival Presented by Capital One is an iHeartMedia Production. Proud partners of this year’s event include Capital One, Progressive® Insurance, Ram Trucks, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Twisted Tea® Hard Iced Tea with more to be announced. For more information visit iHeartRadio.com/countryfestival.

Capital One Cardholders have exclusive access to special pre-sale tickets before the general public for 48 hours only beginning Tuesday, July 27 at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT through Thursday, July 29 at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT. Pre-sale information and tickets can be found at iHeartRadio.com/CapitalOne. Additionally, Capital One Cardholders can add a Capital One Access Pass to their purchase to enjoy a VIP cardholder event at iHeartCountry Festival featuring an intimate performance by Lee Brice, complimentary food and beverage, and more. Supplies are limited.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 30 at 1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT via TexasBoxOffice.com.

About LiveXLive Media, Inc.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, LiveXLive Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIVX) (the "Company") (pronounced Live "by ''Live) is a global talent-first, interactive music, sports, and entertainment subscription platform delivering premium content and livestreams from the world's top artists. The Company has streamed over 1,800 artists since January 2020, a library featuring close to 30 million songs, 500 expertly curated radio stations, 235 podcasts/vodcasts, hundreds of pay-per-views, personalized merchandise, an NFT business, and has created a valuable connection between brands, fans, and bands. LiveXLive Media's other major wholly-owned subsidiaries are LiveXLive, Slacker Radio, React Presents, Custom Personalization Solutions, and PodcastOne, which generates more than 2.27 billion downloads per year and 300+ episodes distributed per week across a stable of hundreds of top podcasts. The combination of acquisitions and the expansion of products and franchises have secured LiveXLive as a top-rated music, entertainment and media services company. LiveXLive is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire, and through OTT, STIRR, Sling, and XUMO, in addition to its app, online website, and social channels. For more information, visit www.livexlive.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter at @livexlive.

About the Frank Erwin Center:

Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the Frank Erwin Center has served Central Texans with the best in live entertainment, including concerts, theatrical performances, family shows and sporting events since 1977. The multi-purpose facility is owned and operated by The University of Texas at Austin and serves as the home court for the Texas Longhorns Men’s and Women’s basketball teams.

About Capital One

At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them great products, rewards, service, and access to unique and unforgettable experiences they are passionate about. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation and interaction to provide customers with products and services to meet their needs. Learn more at capitalone.com/access.

INSPIRATIONAL GUEST TEACHERS & HEALERS INCLUDE JEFFREY MARSH, DR. ETHAN KROSS, BETHANY WEBSTER AND MORE; LISTEN TO SEASON 2 TRAILER HERE

Download Artwork HERE

 PR Photos HERE (Photo Credit: Norman Seeff)

Los Angeles, CA - July 19 2021 - Today, GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter, actress, and mental health advocate LeAnn Rimes continues her wellness journey with the second season premiere of her mental health and wholeness podcast, Wholly Human, produced in partnership with iHeartRadio. Listen to the season two trailer here: LINK

In the first season of Wholly Human, which reached #2 on iTunes Health & Fitness chart and in the Top 35 overall for podcasts worldwide, Rimes turned her attention and intention to helping others overcome the fragmentation that keeps us from feeling more complete and connected in today’s world. Featured guests included GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc, journalist and best-selling author Dan Harris, life coach Ryan Weiss, breathwork teaser Ashley Neese, and more.  

In the second season, Rimes will continue her wellness exploration with guests such as experimental psychologist Dr. Ethan Kross who specializes in emotion regulation, bestselling author Danielle LaPorte who specializes in heart-centered conscious, TikTok & Instagram star Jeffrey Marsh described as "the internet's most beloved anti-bully," bestselling author Steven Kotler who is one of the world’s leading experts on human performance, Bethany Webster considered the global expert on healing the “Mother Wound,” among others.

Following the release of the first season, Wholly Human quickly drew five-star ratings and praise from listeners worldwide: 

• “I am on quite a journey right now and without this podcast and your guidance I don’t know where I would be. Love this podcast and look forward to it every week.”
• “Most podcasts seem very self-absorbed, but I feel very aligned with her journey and it feels like we are on it together. Her vulnerability is so refreshing and honest.”
• “It has changed the way I react to difficult situations… Thanks for being vulnerable, honest and totally yourself. Happy to have found this.”
• “Rimes makes you feel like you’re just listening to a good friend while having a glass of wine! From someone who has had all the highs and all the lows, when she speaks of healing you can trust that it comes from experience and hard self work.”
• “LeAnn has a point of view unlike any other. That’s a fact. And she’s providing discourse on an important topic, the human experience in all its complexities, and adding insight to the discussion.”

Today, the GRAMMY Award-winning artist stands stronger than ever and remains dedicated to using her singular voice to uplift others. As she celebrates her 25th anniversary, Rimes will continue her country-wide tour, and in early fall, will release her next studio album, God’s Work. To find out more, visit: https://leannrimes.com/

Wholly Human is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and is available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

About LeAnn Rimes:

LeAnn Rimes is an international multi-platinum selling acclaimed singer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter who has sold more than 44 million units globally, won 2 Grammy® Awards; 12 Billboard Music Awards; 2 World Music Awards; 3 Academy of Country Music Awards; one Country Music Association Award and one Dove Award. At 14, Rimes won "Best New Artist” making her the youngest recipient to take home a Grammy® Award. LeAnn has been honored with the Ally of Equality Award by the Human Rights Campaign for over 20 years of equal rights support, the 2019 HOPE Award for Depression Advocacy, and 2009 ACM Humanitarian Award, among other recognitions, solidifying her dedication to making the world a better place.

The powerhouse vocalist lit up television screens throughout the 2018 holiday season as she starred and served as an Executive Producer in Hallmark’s “It’s Christmas, Eve,” which earned the highest TV original movie debut to-date for the channel premiering to over 4.3 million viewers. In 2020, Rimes shined the brightest and won season four of FOX’s The Masked Singer, with Entertainment Weekly stating that she delivered “... the most beautiful performance in the history of The Masked Singer.”

Passionate about using her voice to help heal the world, LeAnn released a chant record in November of 2020 called CHANT: The Human and The Holy (Soul of EverLe / Thirty Tigers). Rimes continued her wellness journey with the launch of an iHeartRadio podcast, Wholly Human, which brings her lifestyle blog, Soul of EverLe, to life and introduces fans to the teachers and wise souls that have made a positive impact on her life. Next up, LeAnn will celebrate her 25th anniversary as a recording artist in 2021 with the release of her next studio album, God’s Work.

Hosted by drug policy pioneer Ethan Nadelmann, the new podcast tackles all things drugs. Listen to the trailer here.

WHAT:

iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Protozoa Pictures, the production company of Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, announced today a partnership to launch a new original podcast “PSYCHOACTIVE,” making this Aronofsky and Protozoa Pictures’ first entry into the podcasting space. The podcast is hosted by Ethan Nadelmann, founder of the Drug Policy Alliance and known as “The Godfather of Drug Policy Reform,” who will get to the bottom of our nation’s strange relationship to drugs by talking with scientists, politicians, activists and celebrities.

“PSYCHOACTIVE” is more timely than ever, with psychedelic research and start-ups booming, new synthetic drugs being created weekly, overdose fatalities reaching unprecedented levels, an awakening to racial inequity and mass incarceration, new marijuana policy reform around the country, illicit drug markets moving rapidly online, disruptive technologies transforming the tobacco industry and the federal government at last beginning to support harm reduction programs. “PSYCHOACTIVE” will be the first of its kind—a home for honest and informed conversations about drugs.

Ethan will sit down with former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Juan Manuel Santos on the international drug war and crafting drug diplomacy with President Obama; Dan Savage on how psychoactive drugs can benefit relationships...including his own; bestseller Dr. Andrew Weil on the health benefits of psychoactive substances; legal scholar and Pulitzer winner James Forman Jr. on the impact of the Drug War on the Black community; Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at National Institutes of Health on crafting government drug research policy under the last four presidents; lifestyle writer Tim Ferriss on mental health and the future of psychedelics; writer Michael Pollan on his new book This Is Your Mind on Plants; investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe on his investigations into Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family; and many more.

WHEN:

New episodes will debut every Thursday on iHeartRadio and all major platforms.

WHERE:

“PSYCHOACTIVE” is co-produced by Protozoa Pictures and is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network. Listen to new episodes on iHeartRadio and everywhere else podcasts are heard.

EMBED WIDGET:

About Protozoa Pictures

Protozoa Pictures is Academy Award®-nominated director Darren Aronofsky's production company. Founded in 1996, the company’s work includes the critically-acclaimed films Some Kind of Heaven, mother!, Jackie, Noah, Black Swan, The Wrestler, The Fountain, Requiem for a Dream, and π; and the television series One Strange Rock for Nat Geo. PSYCHOACTIVE is Protozoa’s first podcast.

Kelsey Grammer narrates the neo-noir-esque mystery, which kicks off iHeartMedia and Will Packer Media’s production and content partnership

Listen to the official trailer here 

NEW YORK – July 13, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to podtrac, and Will Packer Media, a first-of-its-kind production and branded content company led by record-breaking Hollywood producer Will Packer, today debuted “The Lower Bottoms,” a new scripted and shadowy podcast series told through the voices that make-up a quickly gentrifying neighborhood in West Oakland, California. The ten-episode series is the first production from the recently-announced partnership between the two companies, which will introduce a slate of original scripted and unscripted podcasts to the iHeartPodcast Network. The official trailer for “The Lower Bottoms” is available today, with the first episode launching July 20 on iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms.

Narrated by legendary actor Kelsey Grammer (Cheers, Frasier), the new series centers on intensifying tensions in the Bay Area’s Lower Bottoms, where newcomers and natives clash amid a troubling rise of vandalism and arson. Each episode of the narrative podcast inches closer to revealing the perpetrator of these crimes, though discovering their identity turns out to be anything but simple. Along the way, listeners will be enveloped by the sounds that define West Oakland: the call of train horns and ships arriving at the port, iconic jazz music and the words of outspoken activists. The show was created and written by Dominique Mouton, and produced by Will Packer, James Lopez, Joelle Monique for iHeartRadio and Jack Levy, who also directed the series.

The iHeartMedia and Will Packer Media partnership builds on the success of the true crime podcast “Fight Night,” which launched October 2020. Now, with “The Lower Bottoms,” the two companies are bringing listeners into a whole new world of conspiracies, mystery and intrigue.

"When writer/creator Dominique Mouton and director/producer Jack Levy sent me the pitch materials and proof of concept audio for ‘The Lower Bottoms’ I was hooked,” said James Lopez, President of Will Packer Productions. “Dominique's writing is vivid and colorful and easily translated to the audio format. The amazing cast we were able to put together was a testament to the material. We are fortunate to have found this great piece as our first narrative podcast and are excited to partner with iHeartMedia to introduce it to listeners everywhere."

“I can’t think of a better show to kick off our partnership with Will Packer Media than ‘The Lower Bottoms,’” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer for the iHeartPodcast Network. “The series offers a little bit of everything: compelling characters, surprising twists, dark comedy and, of course, the legendary talents of Kelsey Grammer guiding us through the unmistakable atmosphere of the Bay Area. We’re excited for listeners to experience this richly-realized world and hear the stories its characters have to tell.”

In addition to Grammer’s narration, the cast of “The Lower Bottoms” includes a number of other well-known Hollywood performers. Ryan Destiny (Star, Flint Strong, Oracle) plays Rebecca, an outspoken social justice activist with a secret backstory; Theo Rossi (Army of the Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Luke Cage) is Lenny, a boisterous cafe owner with a chip on his shoulder; Annie Ilonzeh (Peppermint, Person of Interest, Chicago Fire) lends her voice to Beulah, a confident but reserved young woman looking to find her way; and Omar Dorsey (Queen Sugar, Genius) is Pastor Green, a Baptist minister with connections across the community. These characters — and more — cross paths in sudden and unexpected ways as the story of “The Lower Bottoms'' unfolds.

“The Lower Bottoms” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network. Listeners can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to the official trailer today on their favorite device.

About Will Packer Media

Led by Hollywood producer Will Packer, Will Packer Media is a first-of-its-kind production and branded content company focused on the New American Mainstream audience. In partnership with Discovery, Inc. and Universal Pictures, the company produces episodic scripted and unscripted series across television and digital platforms, compelling content for brand clients, and short-form digital content for millennial audiences. Will Packer’s films have earned more than $1 billion, with ten opening at number one at the box office.

Los Angeles, CA – July 12, 2021 – iHeartMedia announced today that Kevin LeGrett will take on the role of President of iHeartMedia Sports, effective immediately.

iHeartMedia Sports is the largest sports audio network in the U.S., with products across broadcast, streaming, digital, podcast and experiential. In his new role, LeGrett will work closely with all groups within the company to coordinate its sports assets across all iHeart audio platforms to maximize the impact for its listeners, partners and clients.

The portfolio includes the iHeartSports Network, which provides customized local, regional and national sports content and updates across 500+ stations, reaching more than 75 million people monthly; the Fox Sports Network which features the largest nationally syndicated shows on more than 600 stations with the biggest names in the industry like Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd; and 80 dedicated sports stations nationwide with 100+ NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA teams. Additionally, it features the iHeartPodcast Network, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, with more than 40 national and 100 local sports podcasts and 14 of the top 30 most listened to sports podcasts -- plus a recently announced exclusive podcast agreement with the NFL.

“We have assembled a one-of-a-kind, cross-platform sports portfolio that is best-in-class. We have scale. We have targetability. We have first party data. We have the best on-air talent in the business, and we have the right leader,” said Greg Ashlock, CEO of the Multi-Platform Group for iHeartMedia. “Kevin’s experience in broadcast, digital, experiential, podcast and sports in both national and local roles have prepared him to excel in this position and build on the momentum and unique scale and assets of iHeart.”

“I am excited to harness the power of iHeartMedia Sports for clients, partners, and our local markets while expanding our offerings and leading position throughout the sports industry, building on our unique position in both audio and sports,” said LeGrett.

Prior to his current role as Division President and President of the L.A. Region for iHeartMedia, LeGrett served as Division President and Executive Vice President of Operations for the iHeartMedia Markets Group overseeing Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Washington, D.C., and with responsibility for the political strategy for the company as well. He is a 20+ year media veteran who joined iHeartMedia in 2010.

Also announced today, Alexis Ginas has been named President of the iHeartMedia Los Angeles Region. LeGrett is transitioning his duties as head of the Los Angeles Region to Ginas, but will continue as Division President for the iHeartMedia Markets Group and adds the new responsibilities as the President of iHeartMedia Sports.

Curtis delves into the many phases of friendship through unscripted conversations with new and old friends

Fans can listen to the official trailer now

NEW YORK – July 8, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, today announced “Good Friend,” a new weekly iHeartRadio Original Podcast hosted by award-winning actress and New York Times best-selling children's book author, Jamie Lee Curtis. “Good Friend”, which premieres July 15 will talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of friendships through both intimate and candid unscripted conversations. Listeners can hear the official audio trailer now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Throughout the 15-episode season, Curtis has unscripted, relatable conversations with celebrity friends and public figures such as Senator Amy Klobuchar, Michelle Williams, Robin Wright, Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts, Michelle Yeoh and Maria Shriver, among others, about conflict resolution, making new friends and keeping friendships alive during difficult times like the pandemic.  On the premiere episode of Good Friend, Jamie will sit down with her new friend Lena Dunham. They will talk about the intense friendships that inspired the show Girls, how to know when it’s time to move on from a friend group and how knowing yourself better can help you become a good friend.

“During this incredible time, friendships have been tested and while many have withstood this forced time apart and even became stronger, others have fallen away. I’m thrilled to launch ‘Good Friend’ and share candid conversations that will dive into the truth behind friendships and relationships,” said Curtis. “Through this podcast, iHeartRadio has given me the opportunity, with humor, pathos, tears and spilled secrets, to explore dialogues with friends, new and old, and discover what it means to be a truly good friend, as well as how to let them go and how to keep them close.”

“We’re delighted to welcome ‘Good Friend’ to iHeartRadio and to help listeners navigate the sometimes-challenging world of friendships,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer for the iHeartPodcast Network. “Jamie brings a fantastic energy, intellect and sense of humor to these conversations with such a remarkable lineup of guests. They definitely make you think about the many incredible aspects of real friendship. It’s a beautiful podcast and we’re thrilled to call Jamie our friend and newest member of the iHeartPodcast family.”

“Good Friend” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network. Listeners can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to the official trailer today on their favorite device. New episodes post each Thursday with episode one set to debut July 15.