iHeartMedia

Emmy-winning actor tells the story of America’s top NFL prospects as they prepare for Draft Day and for their lives to be forever changed

NEW YORK – September 15, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and Treefort Media today announced “DRAFTED,” a new docuseries podcast in association with Klutch Sports Group and narrated by Emmy-winning actor Keegan-Michael Key that follows top college football players as they prepare to enter the NFL Draft. The first two episodes will launch Monday, September 21, with two new episodes releasing each week. Listen to the official “DRAFTED” trailer now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Through exclusive audio footage, “DRAFTED” will tell captivating, entertaining and emotionally moving stories of eight draft picks from Klutch Sports Group including three of the top 15 picks Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, Mekhi Becton and more as they prepare to have their lives changed forever. The podcast will take listeners behind-the-scenes with these NFL prospects as they live their lifelong dreams of playing football at the highest level of competition, giving a glimpse into their lives before, during and after NFL Draft Day.

“I'm excited to be part of this series because it gives mega fans like myself intimate access and insight into the world of these incredible athletes,” said Key. “It’s really special to be able to hear everything they’re going through, and experience their nerves, excitement and tension leading up to one of the biggest events of their lives. I look forward to every moment.”

“Dreams become a reality on Draft day,” said Rich Paul, Founder of Klutch Sports Group and Head of UTA Sports. “We couldn’t be more excited that listeners and fans will be able to come along on this journey with our players every step of the way through their Draft week.”

“We are thrilled to have iHeartRadio as a partner for our new show ‘DRAFTED.’ It is a privilege to bring ‘DRAFTED’ to football fans everywhere and share these uniquely raw and compelling first-person accounts as the athletes approach a pivotal milestone in their lives,” said Kelly Garner, Founder and Executive Producer of Treefort Media. “We are incredibly proud of this podcast and look forward to sharing these 12 episodes with iHeart’s massive audience.”

“iHeart couldn't be more excited to partner with the talented storytellers at Treefort Media on ‘DRAFTED’ which will provide football fans an exclusive, intimate and highly entertaining look into these young players' lives as they take a massive step forward in their professional careers,” said Sean Titone, Lead Executive Producer of Sports for the iHeartPodcast Network.

The series is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 225 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.

About Treefort Media

Treefort Media is an award-winning podcast company dedicated to immersive audio storytelling. The Treefort team creates and produces original premium audio series across all genres, as well as branded content for a variety of top-tier brands and partners.

The Virtual Event Will Feature Remote Performances from Ozuna, Prince Royce, Anitta, Manuel Turizo, Myke Towers, Camilo and Nicky Jam, Hosted By Enrique Santos

Watch On Hulu: A One-Hour Special of The 2020 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina

The Event Will Also Video Stream on LiveXLive.com and Be Broadcast Across iHeartMedia’s Spanish Mainstream Hits, Tropical, Regional Mexican, Tejano, Hot AC and Oldies Radio Stations Nationwide

Nicky Jam Will Be Honored With the 2020 iHeartRadio Corazón Latino Award Presented by Ally

New York, N.Y. – September 15, 2020 – iHeartMedia today announced that the 2020 “iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina” will celebrate the best in Latin culture and music during Hispanic Heritage Month featuring performances from Ozuna, Prince Royce, Anitta, Myke Towers, Manuel Turizo, Camilo and Nicky Jam streamed and broadcasted October 8. Hosted by Enrique Santos, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino and on-air personality for iHeartRadio, this year’s virtual event will feature remote performances from artists’ homes and studios around the world, as well as stories from members of the Latin community who have changed the world of art, television, cinema, radio and politics. Hulu subscribers can watch the 2020 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina as a one-hour special beginning October 8 at 8pm ET/5pm PT through October 15. The seventh annual event will also stream in its entirety on LiveXLive (NASDAQ: LIVX) and broadcast across iHeartMedia’s Spanish Mainstream Hits, Tropical, Regional Mexican, Tejano, Hot AC and Oldies radio stations nationwide.

In addition to performances, Nicky Jam will be honored with the annual iHeartRadio Corazón Latino Award Presented by Ally at the 2020 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina. Enrique Santos will present Nicky Jam with this year’s award, which honors an individual that exemplifies their big heart through their selfless work in enhancing the lives, heritage and future of the Latin community. In addition to his work in music, the Puerto Rican star gave back to the Hispanic community through his relief efforts following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and has helped less fortunate families in Colombia. Nicky Jam represents the ultimate story of rising to fame, falling and overcoming – following his triumph over drug use, he has become a pioneer for those struggling in the industry and Latin Community – ultimately becoming one of the top influencers in the music industry.

Additionally, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 through October 15 iHeartRadio will recognize achievements and contributions from some of today’s biggest artists, personalities, politicians and more from the Latin community with a series of audio vignettes. Listeners can hear about the life achievements of Pope Francis, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Dolores Huerta, Jorge Ramos, Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, Sofia Vergara, Jaime Camil, Eugenio Derbez, Chef Andres, Rosario Dawson, America Ferrera, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Jessica Alba, Ricky Martin, Walter Mercado, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ronda Rousey, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Ellen Ochoa, Sylvia Rivera, Celia Cruz, Selena, Don Francisco, John Leguizamo, Edward James Olmos, Eva Longoria, Shakira, María Celeste Arrarás and more. iHeartRadio’s national network of broadcast radio stations, as well as the iHeartRadio app and iHeartLatino social media channels will drive awareness to this month-long celebration and will also honor Hispanic Heritage Month during the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina event.

“At a time when COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting the Latin community and people of color, we hope the 2020 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina and our month-long Hispanic Heritage Month spotlight of the inspiring thought leaders impacting today’s culture will be a reminder of our resilience and achievements,” said Santos. “Now more than ever, this year’s Fiesta Latina will be a celebration of our community. Although music fans will not be able to physically attend the event in person given the limitations on live events during the pandemic, they can still experience the energy and excitement of this mega-concert via the stream and broadcast.”

Every November since 2014, iHeartRadio’s Fiesta Latina has brought together the biggest names in Latin music to perform live on one stage on one night. The inaugural event included performances from Ricky Martin, Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, Prince Royce, Roberto Tapia, Alejandra Guzmán, La Original Banda el Limón feat. Voz a Voz, Jesse & Joy, J Balvin and Becky G. Over the last several years, the event has featured all-star performances from Jennifer Lopez, Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Camila Cabello, Luis Fonsi, Gente De Zona and more.

Proud partners of the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina include Goya and OGX Beauty, with more to be announced.

For more information, visit iHeartRadio.com/fiesta.

Artists and/or event are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Pact calls for dozens of new podcasts that build on E&Y’s hit series’ and IP from 

across MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT and others

Slate leverages success of existing The Daily Show podcasts with reimagined iconic shows 

including Yo! MTV Raps

New York, NY - September 9, 2020 @ 2:45pm ET – ViacomCBS’ Entertainment & Youth Group today announced a three-year pact with iHeartMedia. The deal calls for the biggest global commercial podcast publisher to create dozens of original podcasts, both new and those that leverage iconic IP and extend powerhouse franchises from the biggest and most beloved brands.

The breadth of the portfolio – comprised of MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Smithsonian Channel, Pop TV, CMT, VH1, TV Land and Logo – will enable diverse and inclusive audio offerings that cater to every demographic and age group – from the coasts to the heartland – and across genres including music, comedy, pop culture and history. The initial slate includes:

 Comedy Central

• The Daily Show with Trevor Noah will be expanding its library of content by producing additional, original podcasts from the Correspondents and more.

MTV

• Yo! MTV Raps, the seminal music and interview series that introduced hip hop to a general audience.

These upcoming series’ join two from Comedy Central - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition, launched in 2018 and featuring episode highlights and extended interviews and has delivered more than 170M+ downloads to date,  and The Daily Show: Podcast Universe, launched in 2019 and is an original, five-episode mini-series where each episode parodies a popular podcast or podcast genre.

“We are excited to partner with iHeartMedia, the leading global commercial podcast publisher to expand our hit shows and IP into hit franchises,” said Keyes Hill-Edgar, Chief Operating Officer, Entertainment & Youth Group, ViacomCBS. “iHeart’s wide distribution and availability across a number of leading platforms align well with our global reach and audiences.”

“These are some of the most iconic brands in the world.  First and foremost – as fans of these brands – we wanted to see them have a really strong presence in podcasting,” said Conal Byrne, President, the iHeartPodcast Network. “So our plan is simple: We will swing all of our resources behind these incredible brands – with support from our production teams, our huge distribution and marketing muscle, and the biggest and best audio sales team in the country – to make sure they get the audience they deserve in this incredible new medium.”

All of the audio series will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network and available on iHeartRadio in addition to wherever fans find their favorite podcasts.

A historic first-of-its-kind joint venture partnership developed to amplify Black voices, celebrate Black creators and invest in the Black community, with culturally relevant content across a variety of genres

New York – September 9, 2020 - iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Charlamagne Tha God,one of the most influential and authoritative voices in media, announced today a historic joint venture partnership to launch The Black Effect Podcast Network.

The Black Effect Podcast Network is positioned to become the world’s largest podcast publisher dedicated to Black listeners, bringing together the most influential and trusted voices in black culture for stimulating conversations around social justice, pop culture, sports, mental health, news, comedy and more.

The multi-genre venture will feature a luminous roster of marquee talent and culture-shifting voices committed to enlightening, educating and entertaining audiences curated by Charlamagne himself. The programming will provide a bridge to understanding information and interaction rooted in diverse perspectives.

"Blackness has an immediate, culture shifting effect on everything,” said Charlamagne. “Blackness controls the cool. Blackness is the culture, but Black Voices are not monolithic. The only way to appreciate the diversity of thought and experiences in Black culture is to build a platform for those voices to be heard. Unapologetically Black experiences, unapologetically Black thought, unapologetically Black ideas. Black, Black, Blackity Black, Black, Black, Black. Everything Black. Black Everything. The vision for The Black Effect is to amplify, elevate, and empower emerging and established talent. Our goal is to shift the narrative from Black creators signing transactional deals, to instead forming legacy partnerships that build generational wealth while allowing each creative to have an equitable stake in their future. As a long-time partner of iHeart, it’s an honor to make history with them."

The Black Effect Podcast Network creatives will include comedian/actress Jess Hilarious, Social Justice Activist Tamika Mallory, American attorney and TV Host Eboni K. Williams and many more. The Black Effect Podcast Network has also partnered with other widely successful podcasts like “All The Smoke,” "Drink Champs" and “The 85 South Show,” and will debut with 18 podcasts this fall on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are available.

Additionally, Charlamagne’s wildly popular, co-anchored, nationally syndicated radio show, “The Breakfast Club,” will bring its replay podcast to The Black Effect Podcast Network as its flagship show, effective immediately. With over 4.5 million weekly listeners, “The Breakfast Club” has become the most sought after media destination for A-list talent and influential thought leaders.

“As our country’s number one audio company and podcaster, we have both the responsibility and the opportunity to give new voices a massive audience platform for creativity and innovation—and for important ideas that need to be heard,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. “Charlamagne Tha God is an unparalleled multi-platform creator whose impact extends across radio, digital, social, TV, events and podcasts. He is uniquely qualified to bring The Black Effect Podcast Network to life, and we are lucky and honored to be his chosen partner and to continue our successful partnership of over a decade in this exciting and fast-growing arena.”

The Black Effect Podcast Network will also produce exciting limited series podcasts in conjunction with various high wattage creators and talent, musical artists, actors, actresses, sports and literary superstars to support their upcoming films, music releases and related projects.

All shows on The Black Effect Podcast Network will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts. With over 225 million downloads each month, iHeartRadio is the leading podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with a substantial lead over the next largest commercial podcaster. iHeartPodcasts 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. iHeartPodcasts are distributed on all major podcast platforms, including the iHeartRadio app.

PepsiCo Beverages, in collaboration with its agency partner OMD, has signed on as an inaugural partner of The Black Effect Podcast Network with others to be announced. “We knew we wanted to support this groundbreaking partnership as soon as Charlamagne and iHeart shared their vision for the network. This opportunity connects our brands to consumers through the newer trusted medium of podcasting, and more importantly, supports the overall PepsiCo strategic initiative to invest in Black communities and support diverse voices,” said Katie Haniffy, PepsiCo Beverages Head of Media. “We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Charlamagne in the past and look forward to our continued partnership with him and iHeartMedia on this incredibly exciting venture.”

The Black Effect Podcast Network launch lineup will include:

"Drink Champs" with N.O.R.E and DJ EFN

"All The Smoke" with Matt Barnes

“The 85 South Show” with Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean

"Whoreible Decisions" with Mandii B and Weezy

"Dropping Gems" with Devi Brown

"Holding Court" with Eboni K. Williams

"Carefully Reckless" with Jess Hilarious

"Street Politicians" with Tamika Mallory and Mysonne

"Hot Happy Mess" with Zuri Hall

"Untitled" with Bonang Matheba

"Hello Somebody" with Senator Nina Turner

"P.O.D." with Ashley and Tammy

"Straight Shot No Chaser" with Tezlyn Figaro

"Laugh and Learn" with Flame Monroe (executive produced by Tiffany Haddish)

"Checking In" with Michelle Williams

"Cut To It" with Steve Smith Sr.

"No Ceilings" with Glasses Malone

"Gangster Chronicles" with MC Eiht, Norman Steele and James McDonald

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 Charlamagne Tha God

Charlamagne Tha God is one of the most potent, influential, and authoritative voices in media today. He is the widely coveted, outspoken, thought-provoking co-host of the hottest nationally-syndicated radio show in the U.S., ‘The Breakfast Club,’ heard by over 4.5 million listeners each week. Charlamagne’s production company, CTHAGOD World Productions, discovers and advocates for original content and emerging talent who resonate with popular culture long before they are recognized mainstream. A cultural architect and executive producer, Charlamagne is the co-host of the popular podcast, ‘Brilliant Idiots,’. He is a New York Times bestselling author of the book, ‘Black Privilege’ and global bestseller ‘Shook One,’ which propelled him to become one of the world’s leading voices in the mental health discussion. Charlamagne will be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in October.

About The Black Effect Podcast Network

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

The On-Air and Social Media Special Featured Acceptance Speeches from Winners Including Lizzo for Song of the Year, Billie Eilish for Female Artist of the Year, Jonas Brothers for Best Duo/Group of the Year, Taylor Swift for Album of the Year, Elton John for Tour of the Year and More

NEW YORK, N.Y. – September 8, 2020 – iHeartMedia celebrated the winners of the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards with an on-air and social media special throughout Labor Day weekend on iHeartRadio stations nationwide, and the iHeartRadio App, the all-in-one digital music, podcast, on demand and live-streaming radio service. The exclusive weekend-long special concluded on Monday, September 7 and unveiled winners in each category including Lizzo for Song of the Year, Billie Eilish for Female Artist of the Year, Jonas Brothers for Best Duo/Group of the Year, Taylor Swift for Album of the Year and more. The 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards also honored Elton John with the Tour of the Year Award. In addition, the on-air and social media reveal featured acceptance speeches from this year’s biggest artists on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on iHeartMedia’s social platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.

The annual iHeartRadio Music Awards is a star-studded music event celebrating the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2019. Given the new limitations on events during the pandemic, this year’s “live event” portion of the iHeartRadio Music Awards, originally scheduled to air from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Sunday, March 29 on FOX, was cancelled, but winners were officially announced on-air across the country and via social media over Labor Day weekend. The show is set to return to FOX in 2021.

iHeartRadio listeners had the opportunity to decide winners in several new and established categories. Fan voting determined this year’s Best Fan Army, Best Lyrics, Best Cover Song, Best Music Video, Best Remix, the Social Star Award, Favorite Tour Photographer and the first-ever Favorite Music Video Choreography Award.

Proud partners of the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards include Bonobos, Geico and Taco Bell.

For audio and video of winner acceptance speeches, please visit HERE. 

Category Winners were:

Song of the Year
“Truth Hurts” - Lizzo

Female Artist of the Year 
Billie Eilish

Male Artist of the Year
Post Malone

Best Duo/Group of the Year
Jonas Brothers

Best Collaboration
“Señorita” - Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello

Pop Album of the Year:

Lover - Taylor Swift

Best New Pop Artist:
Lizzo

Alternative Rock Song of the Year
“bad guy” - Billie Eilish

Alternative Rock Artist of the Year
Billie Eilish

Alternative Rock Album of the Year

when we all fall asleep, where do we go? - Billie Eilish

Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist
SHAED

Rock Song of the Year
“Ghost” - Badflower

Rock Artist of the Year
Disturbed

Rock Album of the Year

Fear Inoculum - Tool

Country Song of the Year
“Beautiful Crazy” - Luke Combs

Country Artist of the Year
Luke Combs

Country Album of the Year

What You See Is What You Get - Luke Combs

Best New Country Artist
Morgan Wallen​

Dance Song of the Year
“Close To Me” - Ellie Goulding, Diplo featuring Swae Lee 

Dance Artist of the Year
Marshmello 

Dance Album of the Year

World War Joy - The Chainsmokers

Hip-Hop Song of the Year
“Suge” - DaBaby

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
Drake

Hip-Hop Album of the Year

Death Race for Love - Juice WRLD 

Best New Hip-Hop Artist
DaBaby

R&B Song of the Year
“No Guidance” - Chris Brown featuring Drake

R&B Artist of the Year
H.E.R.

R&B Album of the Year

Free Spirit- Khalid

Best New R&B Artist
Summer Walker

Latin Pop/Reggaeton Song of the Year:  

“Con Calma” - Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry featuring Snow

Latin Pop/Reggaeton Artist of the Year: 

Ozuna 

Best New Latin Pop/Reggaeton Artist: 

Rosalía 

Regional Mexican Song of the Year
“A Través Del Vaso” - Banda Los Sebastianes

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year
Christian Nodal

Latin Album of the Year

X 100PRE - Bad Bunny

Best New Regional Mexican Artist

Banda Los Sebastianes​

Label of the Year

Republic Records

Most Thumbed Up Artist of the Year

Post Malone

Most Thumbed Up Song of the Year

“Sunflower” by Post Malone & Swae Lee

Producer of the Year
Finneas

Songwriter of the Year
Louis Bell 

Tour of the Year

Elton John

Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category
“10,000 Hours” - Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber

Best Cover Song: *Socially Voted Category
Sam Smith & Normani - “Dancing With A Stranger” - 5SOS cover 

Best Fan Army: *Socially Voted Category
BTSArmy - BTS  

Best Music Video: *Socially Voted Category
“Boy With Luv” - BTS featuring Halsey

Social Star Award: *Socially Voted Category
Asher Angel

Best Remix: *Socially Voted Category
“Trampoline” - SHAED featuring Zayn

Favorite Tour Photographer: *Socially Voted Category           
Zack Caspary (Why Don’t We)

Favorite Music Video Choreography: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category
“Kill This Love” (BLACKPINK) - Kyle Hanagami & Kiel Tutin

Hosted by Pete Buttigieg, the original 20-episode podcast tackles today’s most important political issues and how the next 10 years will confront our country’s greatest challenges

NEW YORK – September 2, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, and Pete Buttigieg announced today the launch of “The Deciding Decade with Pete Buttigieg,” an original 20-episode podcast series on the issues and choices that will define America’s next chapter. Hosted by the former presidential candidate and Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, episodes for the new podcast will be released weekly each Wednesday beginning September 9. Listeners can hear the official audio trailer now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

This year has opened with chaos: a global pandemic, accelerating climate change, and national and global anguish over racial and economic inequality. However, Pete Buttigieg—the first openly gay presidential candidate to win the Iowa Caucuses, former mayor, Harvard graduate and Afghanistan War veteran—believes this moment holds the potential of leading to a new and much better chapter. On “The Deciding Decade,” Pete is joined by leading activists, politicians, authors, scholars, entertainers and more to discuss and confront America’s greatest challenges and the key to unlocking the potential of the next decade. 

“The choices we make in the months and years ahead will define America for decades to come. I’m eager to have honest, intimate conversations about the challenges facing us and the ways we can respond with so many individuals I admire,” said former Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “I’m thrilled to join the impressive and diverse voices that make up the iHeartPodcast Network.”

On the premiere episode of the “The Deciding Decade,” Buttigieg speaks with former federal prosecutor Preet Bharara about his life and work as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the dangerous long-term impact of the Trump Administration's politicization of the Justice Department, and what justice can and should look like in a post-Trump era.

Additional episodes will feature conversations and interviews that pave the way for enduring and positive change, including dialogue from influential leaders such as Congresswoman Barbara Lee; New York Times bestselling author Glennon Doyle; economist and racial disparity expert Professor Darrick Hamilton; Award-winning actor and activist Billy Porter; Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost and many more. This singular podcast engages voices of all ages, races and creeds about the work they are doing to shape this era.

“Pete created a groundswell of excitement during his presidential campaign run, and he is one of the most admirable and energetic young leaders of our time,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodast Network. “We’re excited to bring Pete’s sharp intellect and remarkable eloquence to The iHeartPodcast Network.” 

“The Deciding Decade with Pete Buttigieg” will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 225 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between – making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world.

About Pete Buttigieg 

Pete Buttigieg served as two-term mayor of South Bend, Indiana and was a Democratic candidate for president of the United States in 2020. A graduate of Harvard University and an Oxford Rhodes Scholar, Buttigieg enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and became a lieutenant when he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014. In April 2019 he announced his candidacy for president and in February 2020 won the Iowa Caucuses, becoming the first openly gay person to ever win a presidential primary or caucus.

New Survey Reveals Radio Continues To Be The Most Trusted Medium In America, Helping Listeners Improve Their Mood And Feel Less Alone

Survey Shares Insight Into Why Listeners View Radio as Two Times More Trustworthy than Social Media

New York, NY – September 1, 2020 – iHeartMedia, the number one audio company in the United States, released today key findings about the benefits of radio’s role as a trusted companion during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new survey found that listeners’ trust in radio and its on-air personalities continues to grow as social media has become far less trustworthy over the past year. 

The new survey revealed that radio is number one in trust and is two times more trustworthy than social media. The survey of radio listeners found radio to be 79% percent more or just as trustworthy versus a year ago while social media is 50 percent less trustworthy during the same time period.  In particular, sentiment for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter has plummeted in recent months, with Facebook down 56 percent, Instagram down 38 percent and Twitter down 140 percent.

The survey also discovered that radio delivers tangible benefits to listeners, with an overwhelming majority of respondents citing that it improves their mood, helps them feel less isolated and more connected to their community. Listener connection with radio personalities is strong, with 77 percent trusting the information they receive from their favorite on-air hosts.

Furthermore, heavy radio listeners were found to wield tremendous word of mouth power for advertisers, having more brand conversations and more influence than heavy internet users and TV viewers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more important than ever for Americans to get information they trust and to find ways to connect with people – and these findings show that radio continues to deliver a much needed and sought out trusted companionship during this historic and uncertain time,” said Gayle Troberman, Chief Marketing Officer for iHeartMedia “At iHeart, it’s not only important that we reach nine of out of 10 Americans, but that we continue to deliver a human-first approach to programming on our more than 850 stations in over 160 markets that gives our listeners the information and listening experience they want and trust, especially during these uncertain times we are in.”

Some key findings:

Radio is the most trusted media, two times more trustworthy than social media. The survey found that for radio listeners 18-69:

75% trust radio

66% trust television

57% trust websites

38% trust Twitter

37% trust Facebook

Radio is +79% more/same trustworthy versus a year ago while social media is 50% less trustworthy versus a year ago.

Radio is the conversation medium with heavy radio listeners having an average of 88 weekly brand conversations per person.

Heavy radio listeners are 19% more likely to talk about brands than heavy TV viewers.

Source: Engagement Labs Trustworthiness Survey July 27 - 29, 2020; Engagement Labs TotalSocial, July 2019 - July 2020

Initial slate includes new podcasts from top political analysts John Heilemann, Jennifer Palmieri, David Plouffe and Steve Schmidt

New York - September 1, 2020 - Today, iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and The Recount, a groundbreaking new media platform at the intersection of politics and culture, announced a new partnership to co-produce a series of podcasts ahead of the historic 2020 election. The first three weekly shows — “Hell and High Water with John Heilemann,” “Just Something About Her with Jennifer Palmieri,” and “Battleground with David Plouffe and Steve Schmidt” — will debut this month, and continue into 2021, on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

“The 2020 election is, without question, the most important election of our lifetime, and this exciting trio of podcasts from hosts who've operated at the highest level of politics will help listeners cut through the bullshit and understand the big picture of what's happening ahead of Election Day and beyond," said John Heilemann, co-founder and Executive Editor of The Recount. “Our content is resonating on our platform and across social media and we are excited to bring it to podcasting with iHeartMedia.”

“Getting smart on politics is no longer optional,” stated EVP of Programming and Development for The Recount, Nomi Ernst Leidner. “Partnering with iHeartMedia enables us to venture into podcasts and continue producing high quality content that educates people on politics in a digestible and engaging way.”

“Hell and High Water with John Heliemann” focuses on the turmoil and upheaval roiling America in 2020. Best-selling author and TV host John Heilemann will have a series of conversations with the people shaping our culture in politics, entertainment, business, technology and beyond. Heilemann will explore how the country is grappling with this tumultuous moment and attempting to pull through and rise above it. Trailer available now, here. Episode one debuts September 8. 

“Battleground with David Plouffe and Steve Schmidt” features two of America's storied political strategists — Barack Obama's 2008 campaign manager and John McCain's 2008 chief strategist. Opponents then and co-hosts now — Plouffe and Schmidt will dissect America's most consequential political battles, from the current presidential campaign to the hurdles facing the next administration to the key issues, beyond the election, impacting voters around the country. Listeners can hear the trailer now, here. Podcast will launch September 14.

“Just Something About Her with Jennifer Palmieri” is hosted by the former communications director for the Obama White House and Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Palmieri explores why — after decades of making steady progress — women find themselves banging up against the same glass ceilings. The show features interviews with powerful women from business, politics, the arts and journalism to learn how they found a way to break through and create their own path to success. The weekly podcast will be available beginning September 24.

“iHeartMedia is the perfect partner for The Recount. Matching our talented programming team with the largest commercial podcast publisher will deliver our high value content to the largest audience possible,” said President and COO for The Recount, Kenny Miller. “On the heels of our programming partnership with Twitter, this ambitious podcast slate is our next step in developing a unique news brand natively on industry leading audience platforms.”

“The Recount is an expert in understanding how to reach audiences on social media in today’s digital world. People are checking the news more frequently and want access to the easiest format possible,” said President of the iHeartPodcast Network, Conal Byrne. “Pairing our network with The Recount’s focus on accessible content creates a powerhouse slate of political podcasts that will help our listeners better understand politics as we approach the 2020 election.” 

The slate will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 225 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between – making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world.

About The Recount

The Recount is a leading media platform at the intersection of politics, business and culture solving two central problems: information overload and the time famine. The Recount produces high quality content across a suite of digital, social and experiential products and currently features more than a dozen short-form programs, including The Daily Recount, Recap 2020, and Rewind. Co-founders John Heilemann and John Battelle launched the media venture in 2019. For more information, visit www.therecount.com.

Virtual Mega-Concert Will Be Recorded Live On Stages In Los Angeles And Nashville and Feature Performances from BTS, Coldplay, Kane Brown with Special Guest Khalid, Keith Urban, Migos, Miley Cyrus, Thomas Rhett, Usher and More

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, The 2020 iHeartRadio Music Festival Will Stream on The CW App and CWTV.com and Air on iHeartMedia Radio Stations Nationwide September 18 and September 19

The CW Network Will Broadcast the Two-Night Televised iHeartRadio Music Festival on September 27 and September 28

WHAT:

iHeartMedia announced today that Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Bon Jovi has been added to the iconic lineup for the 10^th anniversary of its legendary “iHeartRadio Music Festival”. The 2020 iHeartRadio Music Festival will feature live performances recorded on stages in Los Angeles and Nashville in front of a virtual audience that will include a Capital One Fan Wall of iHeartRadio station winners.

WHO:

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, this year’s virtual two-day mega-concert will feature already announced performances from BTS, Coldplay, Kane Brown with Special Guest Khalid, Keith Urban, Migos, Miley Cyrus, Thomas Rhett, Usher and more.

WHEN:

The 2020 iHeartRadio Music Festival will be streamed on The CW App and CWTV.com, and broadcasted on iHeartMedia stations nationwide Sept. 18 and 19 at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. The CW Network will broadcast the two-night televised iHeartRadio Music Festival on Sunday, September 27 (8:00-10:00pm ET) and Monday, September 28 (8:00-10:00pm ET).

MORE:

Music fans won’t be able to attend the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Festival in person given the new limitations on live events during the pandemic, but in true festival fashion millions of iHeartRadio listeners will still be able to experience the Festival’s traditional one-of-a-kind collaborations and surprise performances as many bands reunite to perform on a stage together again for the first time in months. The 10th anniversary will also feature special remote performances and include intimate backstage moments with artists sharing compelling and inspiring stories about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their lives and their families, given the disruption in society and touring this year.

This year’s Festival will also pay special tribute to the connection between fans and artists. Fans will have the opportunity to introduce artists and participate in virtual meet and greets. In addition, fans watching live will have the opportunity to appear in a special Capital One Fan Video Wall and be serenaded by their favorite artists.

The weekend-long event will feature a nationwide pre-show broadcast on iHeartRadio stations that will feature backstage artist moments hosted by Elvis Duran. In addition, all summer long, iHeartRadio stations, the iHeartRadio app and iHeartPodcasts will revisit the greatest moments from the past 10 years of the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

Proud partners of the iHeartRadio Music Festival include Capital One and The CW. Additional proud partners across iHeartRadio platforms include, T-Mobile and Taco Bell®, with more to be announced.

The 2020 iHeartRadio Music Festival is co-produced by John Sykes and Tom Poleman for iHeartMedia and Michael Dempsey for Dempsey Productions. For more details about the iHeartRadio Music Festival visit iHeartRadio.com/festival.

Artists and/or event are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

About iHeartMedia

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

New York, NY – August 31, 2020 – BIN: Black Information Network, the recently launched 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, announced today that it will now be available on air at broadcast radio stations in Baltimore, Montgomery – AL, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. These four stations join other BIN markets across the country including stations in Atlanta, Augusta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus - GA, Dayton - OH, Detroit, Greenville, Macon, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Riverside, San Francisco, St. Louis and Seattle markets, bringing the total to 21 with more to be announced.

iHeartMedia has entered into a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) and an Asset Purchase Agreement for WUST 1120 AM in Washington, D.C. and LMAs for WQLL 1370 AM in Baltimore, BIN 99.3 in Montgomeryand WTEL 610 AM in Philadelphia.

“BIN’s goal has always been to be the most trusted source for news in the Black community, and part of that strategy is of course to be available on both broadcast and digital stations across America,” said Tony Coles, President of BIN: Black Information Network. “We’re thrilled to bring BIN, a full-time news service by and for the Black community, to Baltimore, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. and provide millions of listeners there with both the national and local news that impacts their lives.”

Starting August 31 (with Montgomery starting Sept. 2) listeners in these new markets will be able to tune in to the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service focused on service to the Black community and providing an information window for those outside the community to help foster communication, accountability and a deeper understanding. 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.