iHeartMedia

New Statistics Reveal that More Americans are Listening to Podcasts Focused on Business, Finance, Entertainment and their Go-To iHeartRadio Radio Personalities and iHeartPodcast Network Shows 

NEW YORK – March 31, 2020 – iHeartMedia today announced new statistics that provide insight into how Americans are consuming a vast array of podcasts as they stay home and practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to seeing increased podcast listenership, especially in markets with stay-at-home orders, Americans are specifically turning to podcasts covering business, finance, education and entertainment, including shows from several leading iHeartRadio personalities - versus true crime podcast listening, which has seen a slight decline.

In addition, as news consumption grows across podcasting, the iHeartPodcast Network’s recently launched “Daily Coronavirus Update” has become one of iHeartRadio’s most listened to podcasts. The daily show hosted by Oscar Ramirez from the “Daily Dive” podcast provides stories on what to know about COVID-19 and how health and government officials are acting to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Across its more than 350 podcasts, listenership for the iHeartPodcast Network is up six percent month- over-month (month to date) as more Americans began staying at home.  That number is even higher in markets where governors announced shelter-in-place orders, with listening up 13 percent in California and eight percent in New York state in just one week.

During a time of economic uncertainty, Americans are listening to more business and finance podcasts – for which downloads and streams are up 78 percent week-over-week among the iHeartRadio Original podcasts. Listeners are also turning to music, entertainment and comedy during this time, where iHeartPodcasts have shown an increase in listening as well. In addition, listeners are staying connected with the personalities and shows they know and trust, finding human connection and conversation in the on-demand podcasts from iHeartMedia’s leading radio personalities like Elvis Duran and The Breakfast Club, all now seeing a growth in listens -- with Top 5 on-demand shows being up 9 percent month to date. Listenership of the iHeartPodcast Network’s leading educational podcasts, like “Stuff You Should Know” and “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” is also showing big growth: These popular “Stuff” podcasts are up 21 percent week-over-week. Interestingly, the true crime genre, one of the longstanding dominant genres in podcasting, is now flattening and even showing a slight decline month to date, as listeners seem to be moving away from these shows during these uncertain and stressful times.

“Broadcast radio has long served as a trusted voice in local communities during times of crisis and uncertainty, and now podcasts are also playing an integral role as a much-needed companion for millions of Americans,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “During this pandemic, we’re actually seeing listener interest shift on our iHeartPodcast network to genres like business, entertainment, education and news, and the seemingly unstoppable true crime format is seeing a slight dip at the moment as we move through this new, challenging territory together as a country.”

The iHeartPodcast Network is home to more than 750 original podcasts with 170 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. iHeartRadio is home to one of the most successful podcasts of all time, “Stuff You Should Know,” and creator of hits like “The Ron Burgundy Podcast,” “Disgraceland” 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.

The Scrubs co-stars share behind-the-scene stories about the beloved TV show, its lasting cultural impact and their own friendship in new comedic re-watch podcast debuting today on the iHeartPodcast Network

NEW YORK – March 31, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, announced today the launch of “Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach + Donald” a weekly comedy Scrubs re-watch podcast hosted by Scrubs co-stars and real-life best friends Zach Braff and Donald Faison. Episode one of the new podcast is available now on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. New episodes of “Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach + Donald” will post Tuesdays each week.

“We’re beyond excited to bring ‘Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach + Donald’ to the iHeartPodcast Network and to have two of the funniest friends out there take a nostalgic look back into a show that so many people love,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “Scrubs meant so much to its fans over its nine-season run, and Zach and Donald are allowing us to bring it all back to life with this podcast. Listening to the podcast feels like hanging out with old friends — something everyone needs, especially right now.”

Each week, Braff and Faison will discuss an episode of Scrubs, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and reminiscing on some of their favorite memories from filming. They’ll also connect with Scrubs super fans and feature beloved show cast members for exclusive interviews. Created by Bill Lawrence, Scrubs was set at a fictional teaching hospital called Sacred Heart Hospital and followed intern John "J.D." Dorian as he learned the ways of medicine, friendship, and life. The main cast included Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Neil Flynn, Ken Jenkins, John C. McGinley, and Judy Reyes. The critically acclaimed show ran for nine years from 2001-2010 on NBC with the final season on ABC. During its run, it earned numerous awards and 17 Emmy Nominations including “Outstanding Comedy Series. The show was known for its profound use of music – from the theme song to its musical episode (season 6) – and the podcast will feature a theme song with music created by Charlie Puth and lyrics written and performed by Braff and Faison themselves.

“Donald and I are thrilled to be teaming with iHeartRadio to produce ‘Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach + Donald,’” said Braff. “The idea of gathering our fans all around the world together and revisiting the series episode by episode sounds like so much fun to us. Each week we’ll tell behind the scenes stories, share experiences from our friendship and have lots of special guests. We’ll also be taking live fan questions over the phone. We can’t wait to laugh with our Scrubs family.”

“I am really excited about this. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to talk you all about such an important and amazing time in our lives. Get ready and tune in,” said Faison.

“Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach + Donald” premieres today on the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with more than 170 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,” “Disgraceland” 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 to “Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach + Donald” on all their favorite devices — including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions, gaming consoles and more.

Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, Dave Grohl, H.E.R., Mariah Carey, Sam Smith, Tim McGraw and More Among All Star Performances

Featuring Special Appearances from Ciara, Demi Lovato Ellen DeGeneres, Ken Jeong, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Melissa McCarthy, Russell Wilson, Ryan Seacrest and More

Fans Can Now Stream the Benefit Special on YouTube

New York, NY – March 30, 2020 – iHeartMedia and FOX brought the biggest names in music together for the benefit special FOX PRESENTS THE IHEART LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA, a music event to provide entertainment relief and support for Americans to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to celebrate the resilience and strength of the nation during this pandemic, live on FOX; on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app. Hosted by Elton John, the benefit special featured performances from Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, Dave Grohl, H.E.R., Mariah Carey, Sam Smith, Tim McGraw and more, from their own homes.

In addition to music, the hour-long concert also featured inspirational messages from guests and special appearances from Ciara and Russell Wilson, Demi Lovato Ellen DeGeneres, Ken Jeong, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone as well as Ryan Seacrest and more as the benefit special paid tribute to the front line health professionals, first responders and local heroes who are putting their lives in harm’s way to help their neighbors and fight the spread of the virus. The music event also encouraged viewers to support two of the many charitable organizations helping victims and first responders during the panfdemic: Feeding America^® and First Responders Children’s Foundation.

YouTube will stream the “FOX PRESENTS THE IHEART LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA” available NOW through Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on iHeartRadio’s YouTube Channel.  Fans can set up a reminder to #StayHome and #TuneIn to the YouTube stream by visiting: https://youtu.be/7I4ekM6t2XU

The benefit special also included these special moments:

• Elton John hosted the benefit special from his house in Los Angeles and greeted viewers at home with a warm welcome, letting everyone know that “We’re taking care of each other, looking out for each other, doing what we can during this crisis. There’s a lot of grief out there, uncertainty and fear, but let me tell you what’s going to keep us together – all the goodness that’s still happening in the world. Those doctors, nurses and scientists on the front lines – they’re living proof that most superheroes don’t wear capes.” He later closed the show by performing a snippet of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.”
• In Los Angeles, Alicia Keys opened the benefit special with a performance of “Underdog,” saying, “This song is like a prayer. I hope that we remember how resilient we are, and how we defy the odds.” She dedicated the song “To all first responders and medical professionals that are risking their life to keep us safe. We’re so grateful.”
• Backstreet Boys performed “I Want It That Way” from five different locations across the country. Kevin Richardson’s kids even made a cameo appearance to perform alongside their dad.
• Ken Jeong made a special appearance to thank Proctor & Gamble for their $500,000 donation to support the communities and families of the people on the frontlines – with FOX agreeing to match the donation.
• Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters performed “My Hero” from Hawaii, and told fans “If you love someone, let them know. If you’re thankful for someone, tell them.”
• Before introducing Billie Eilish, Elton John lightheartedly assured all the parents concerned about homeschooling their kids that Eilish was homeschooled and “…homeschooled kids can grow up to win a bunch of Grammys.” Eilish then performed her hit single, “Bad Guy,” as her brother Finneas played the guitar and sang along.
• At home in Miami, Shawn Mendes made a special appearance and played the guitar during Camila Cabello’s performance of “My Oh My.” Before their acoustic set Camila advised, “The best thing we can do right now is stay at home – in order to protect our loved ones, in order to protect each other, in order to protect the people that are most vulnerable.” Shawn chimed in to say “Thank you so much to all the incredible brave nurses and doctors out there working so hard everyday. We’re thinking about you so much – thank you for everything you’re doing.”
• Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day told fans “…it’s an honor to be playing for everybody right now,” before he performed “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in West Contra Costa, California, while his dogs crashed his set.
• Lady Gaga made a special appearance to check in and make sure everyone is “Finding the time to be kind to yourself and doing whatever you can to maintain your mental health – social distancing isn’t easy, but try to chat with your friends remotely.” She continued, “Move your body, meditate when you can and otherwise find joy however you can. For me I try to find joy every day in a moment of gratitude.”
• Elton John placed a video call to Lizzo in Palm Springs as they both spread messages of positivity during these trying times.
• Tim McGraw performed “Something Like That” poolside in Nashville as his daughter filmed the performance. His band also made appearances from their remote locations to play their guitars and piano.
• Sam Smith performed their single, “How Do You Sleep,” from his bedroom in London and told fans at home, “Music is making me feel a lot better right now.”
• Demi Lovato encouraged fans to support Feeding America^® and First Responders Children’s Foundation. She also shared a message of hope and resilience before performing a snippet of her triumphant song, “Skyscraper.”
• Ellen DeGeneres shared a message of thanks before introducing H.E.R, who performed “Keep Holding On” from her living room in New York and told everyone that “…it’s amazing how I think music can bring us all together, even though we’re all at home.”
• Mariah Carey performed “Always Be My Baby” from her own home studio in New York while accompanied by her pianist and background singers.

Executive producers for FOX PRESENTS THE IHEART LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA are John Sykes and Tom Poleman, for iHeartMedia and Joel Gallen, For Tenth Planet Productions -- who produced the multi-network telethons immediately following 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti Earthquake.

About FOX Entertainment

A division of Fox Corporation, FOX Entertainment’s 30-year legacy of innovative, hit programming includes 9-1-1, 9-1-1: LONE STAR, THE MASKED SINGER, LEGO MASTERS, PRODIGAL SON, EMPIRE, LAST MAN STANDING, “24,” “The X-Files” and “American Idol.” Delivering high-quality scripted, non-scripted and live content, FOX Entertainment’s broadcast network airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as major sports; and is the only major network to post year-over-year growth among viewers during the 2018-2019 broadcast season.

Hosted by Elton John, Event Includes Previously Announced Performances by Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Mariah Carey and Tim McGraw

Other Special Appearances include Ciara, Demi Lovato, Lizzo, Russell Wilson and more During Commercial-Free Airing of One-Hour Special to Pay Tribute to Front Line Medical Professionals Working to Treat Patients; Special also to Seek Donations for Charities from Viewers and Listeners

NEW YORK, N.Y. – March 27, 2020 – iHeartMedia and FOX announced today that Camila Cabello, Dave Grohl, H.E.R. and Sam Smith will perform during the all-new benefit special FOX PRESENTS THE IHEART LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA, a music event to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to celebrate the resilience and strength of the nation during this pandemic. Previously announced performers include Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Mariah Carey and Tim McGraw. Hosted by Elton John, the one-hour benefit special will air on Sunday, March 29, from 9:00-10:00 PM ET/6:00-7:00 PM PT on FOX, on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and via the iHeartRadio app. The benefit special will be broadcast commercial-free.

The hour-long concert will also feature inspirational messages from guests as well as special appearances from Ciara, Demi Lovato, Lizzo, Russell Wilson and more as the benefit special will pay tribute to the front line health professionals, first responders and local heroes who are putting their lives in harm’s way to help their neighbors and fight the spread of the virus. It also will encourage viewers to support two of the many charitable organizations helping victims and first responders during the pandemic: Feeding America^® and First Responders Children’s Foundation.

To extend the reach of the commercial-free special’s charitable component, FOX will offer the event across all of its linear and digital platforms.

For more information, visit iHeart.com/LivingRoomConcert.

Executive producers for FOX PRESENTS THE IHEART LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA are John Sykes and Tom Poleman, for iHeartMedia and Joel Gallen, For Tenth Planet Productions -- who produced the multi-network telethons immediately following 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti Earthquake.

About FOX Entertainment

A division of Fox Corporation, FOX Entertainment’s 30-year legacy of innovative, hit programming includes 9-1-1, 9-1-1: LONE STAR, THE MASKED SINGER, LEGO MASTERS, PRODIGAL SON, EMPIRE, LAST MAN STANDING, “24,” “The X-Files” and “American Idol.” Delivering high-quality scripted, non-scripted and live content, FOX Entertainment’s broadcast network airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as major sports; and is the only major network to post year-over-year growth among viewers during the 2018-2019 broadcast season.

Including Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Mariah Carey, Tim Mcgraw and More 

Commercial-Free Airing of One-Hour Special to Pay Tribute to Front Line Medical Professionals Working to Treat Patients, and Will Seek Donations from Viewers and Listeners 

NEW YORK, N.Y. – March 25, 2020 – iHeartMedia and FOX announced today FOX PRESENTS THE IHEART LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA, a music event to provide entertainment relief and support for Americans to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to celebrate the resilience and strength of the nation during this pandemic. Hosted by Elton John, the event will feature performances by Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mariah Carey, Tim McGraw and more, from their own homes, filmed with their personal cell phones, cameras and audio equipment, to ensure the health and safety of all involved. The concert will air in the iHeartRadio Music Awards’ original broadcast timeslot -- Sunday, March 29, from 9:00-10:00 PM ET/6:00-7:00 PM PT on FOX -- and on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide, as well as via the iHeartRadio app. The benefit special will be broadcast commercial-free.

In addition to featuring music, the hour-long concert will pay tribute to the front line health professionals, first responders and local heroes who are putting their lives in harm’s way to help their neighbors and fight the spread of the virus. It also will encourage viewers to support two of the many charitable organizations helping victims and first responders during the pandemic: Feeding America^® and First Responders Children’s Foundation.

To extend the reach of the commercial-free special’s charitable component, FOX will offer the event across all of its linear and digital platforms. 

Additional details and performers to be announced soon. For more information, visit iHeart.com/LivingRoomConcert. 

Executive producers for FOX PRESENTS THE IHEART LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA are John Sykes and Tom Poleman, for iHeartMedia and Joel Gallen, For Tenth Planet Productions -- who produced the multi-network telethons immediately following 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti Earthquake.

About FOX Entertainment

A division of Fox Corporation, FOX Entertainment’s 30-year legacy of innovative, hit programming includes 9-1-1, 9-1-1: LONE STAR, THE MASKED SINGER, LEGO MASTERS, PRODIGAL SON, EMPIRE, LAST MAN STANDING, “24,” “The X-Files” and “American Idol.” Delivering high-quality scripted, non-scripted and live content, FOX Entertainment’s broadcast network airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as major sports; and is the only major network to post year-over-year growth among viewers during the 2018-2019 broadcast season.  

NEW YORK, MARCH 19, 2020 -- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ad Council is working in collaboration with the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and major media networks to launch a series of national public service ads (PSAs) and multi-channel content to provide critical and urgent messages to the American public. The creative assets focus on reaching high-risk populations and the general public with messages around social distancing, personal hygiene and mental health. The PSAs direct audiences to visit www.coronavirus.gov, a centralized resource that includes up-to-date information on the crisis.

The country’s largest media companies have committed to use their channels to support consistent messaging across TV, radio, social media, outdoor and digital media. These include ABC/Walt Disney Television, Charter Communications, Comcast, Fox Corporation, National Association of Broadcasters, NBCUniversal, Verizon Media, ViacomCBS and WarnerMedia.

“The COVID-19 virus has impacted our lives in every possible way,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “Our hope is that these new PSAs will provide the critical and urgent messaging that will allow us to educate, protect and support our communities across the country as we navigate this uncharted territory together. These efforts are the result of an amazing coalition of leaders across the communications and marketing industries who have offered their talent, services, channels and platforms. The business community’s generosity, compassion, and commitment to do good is both inspiring and essential in this critical time of need.”

The following creative assets were developed in partnership with the Ad Council and the White House:

• NBCUniversal is creating a series of videos (TV and digital) and social graphics, available in both English and Spanish, to inform high-risk populations and the general public about the steps they can take to protect themselves and how they can help slow of the spread of coronavirus.

• National broadcast PSAs featuring the Surgeon General will communicate the most important ways Americans can protect themselves and those most at risk. That script, developed by Group SJR, will also be available as a template for media companies to create assets with their own public health officials.

The following creative assets were developed in partnership with the Ad Council and media companies and platforms:

• ViacomCBS is leveraging its portfolio of brands to deliver multi-platform PSA campaigns that educate audiences around public health imperatives related to COVID-19. In partnership with the Ad Council, ViacomCBS’ Entertainment & Youth Brands led by MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, CMT and VH1, launched #AloneTogether, a national social and talent led campaign that educates audiences on the importance of social distancing and drives unity through entertainment. Available in English and Spanish, the campaign will also be tailored and supported by Nickelodeon, BET, CBS and CBS All Access, Awesomeness, Pluto TV and Showtime. CBS is rolling out a “We’re In This Together” campaign that will include essential public health messages. Additionally, Nickelodeon is preparing a prosocial campaign featuring characters like SpongeBob SquarePants offering kids and families tips on staying informed and engaged through PSAs and suggestions for at-home activities. 

• The Atlantic’s internal creative studio is developing customized digital creative that provides access to relevant information.

• iHeartMedia will support messaging around social distancing and high-risk populations, among other important COVID-19-related topics, across their network of stations.

• ABC/Walt Disney Television is working on priority messaging for parents and families for distribution across their channels and platforms.

All PSAs and content will air and run in time and space that will be donated by the media. For media assets, visit http://coronavirus.adcouncilkit.org/ or PSACentral.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council is where creativity and causes converge. The non-profit organization brings together the most creative minds in advertising, media, technology and marketing to address many of the nation’s most important causes. The Ad Council has created many of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history. Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Smokey Bear. Love Has No Labels.

The Ad Council has a long history of creating life-saving public service communications in times of national crisis, starting in the organization’s earliest days during World War II to September 11th and natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy. Its deep relationships with media outlets, the creative community, issue experts and government leaders make the organization uniquely poised to quickly distribute life-saving information to millions of Americans.

The Ad Council’s innovative social good campaigns raise awareness, inspire action and save lives. To learn more,visit AdCouncil.org,follow the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook and Twitter,and view the creative on YouTube.

“Stuff You Should Read: An iHeartBook” becomes first-ever imprint deal to establish a line of podcast-based books between a major book publisher and leading podcast network

New York – February 20, 2020 – Today Bob Miller, President of Flatiron Books, announced a new imprint, Stuff You Should Read: An iHeartBook, in partnership with iHeartMedia’s iHeartPodcast Network. The imprint deal will start with four books based on iHeartRadio’s popular slate of curiosity podcasts, with an adult and young reader edition for each. The first book is set to hit shelves September 29, 2020. 

The imprint will make its debut with STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW: An Incomplete Compendium of Mostly Interesting Things, by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, hosts of the iHeartPodcast Network’s award-winning and hugely successful podcast “Stuff You Should Know” (SYSK), one of the first podcasts to reach one billion downloads. With this book, Josh and Chuck have taken their near-boundless curiosity from earbuds to the printed page to answer all the questions readers didn’t know they wanted to ask, from the origin of Murphy beds, to the history of facial hair, to the psychology of being lost.

“Podcasting is exploding right now, with some of the best and brightest minds launching shows in this medium,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “We wanted to take a lot of that creativity and extend it into another amazing medium, serving it up in a whole new way and potentially to a whole new audience – readers. We found the perfect partner in Flatiron to launch our first four titles, with more to come.”

“We are extraordinarily excited to be working on a book with Flatiron,” said Clark. “It’s been a long time coming since we first wanted to create a SYSK book – since basically the beginning of the podcast 12 years ago – so this is a bit of a dream come true for us.”

Bryant continued, “Our listeners have been clamoring for a book as well, but the time never seemed right until now. With so much experience under our belts and a wealth of information we know people crave, we’re finally ready to dive into this book project the right way with Flatiron. We can’t wait to finally see the finished book in our hands and the hands of our listeners everywhere.”

The imprint will be headed by Sarah Murphy, Executive Editor at Flatiron, and willpublish a minimum of one book per year. To start, it will feature titles based on other popular long-running iHeartPodcast Network curiosity shows including “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” “Stuff They Don't Want You to Know,” and “Stuff Mom Never Told You.” Additionally, Imprint, a part of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, will publish young reader editions of the books. 

“STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW is as addictive as Cheese Doodles, full of the kind of fascinating details that book-lovers will love,” said Miller. “Who doesn't want to know how water treatment plants work? Or the history of the donut? We're thrilled to be partnering with the SYSK team and iHeartRadio to bring this delightful information to bookstores this fall."

Pre-order STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW: An Incomplete Compendium of Mostly Interesting Things, by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, online now wherever books are sold.

About Macmillan

Macmillan Publishers is a global trade book publishing company with prominent imprints around the world. Macmillan publishes a broad range of award-winning books for children and adults in all categories and formats.

U.S. publishers include Celadon Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, St. Martin's Publishing Group and Tor Books. In the UK, Australia, India, and South Africa, Macmillan publishes under the Pan Macmillan name. The German company, Holtzbrinck Deutsche Buchverlage, includes among its imprints S. Fischer, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Rowohlt, and Droemer Knaur.

Macmillan Publishers is a division of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned media company headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. 

Partnership includes promotion of the Anthem properties across iHeartMedia’s multi-platform audio network; and collaboration on original programming 

Los Angeles - (March 9, 2020) - Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc., a globally integrated multi-platform media company, and iHeartMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: IHRT), America’s leading audio company, announced today that they have entered into a multi-year agreement to establish a strategic partnership under which the parties will collaborate on the co-production of original programming and on the marketing of Anthem’s properties across iHeartMedia’s multi-platform audio network.

The partnership comes at a time of expansion for Anthem, which acquired a majority interest in AXS TV in 2019, becoming partners with remaining shareholders Mark Cuban and Anschutz Entertainment Group while bringing Steve Harvey Global into the company as an investor and advisor on content development. Anthem also recently announced that it had become an investor and strategic partner in PlayersTV, the sports lifestyle digital network being launched by Players Media Group.

“We continue to build key strategic partnerships that expand our reach,” said Len Asper, Anthem CEO. “Our new partnership with iHeartMedia gives us unprecedented access to its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, reaching 9 out of 10 Americans each month through its national network of local radio stations and its ubiquitous digital app, live events, podcasts and other properties. Joining forces with iHeartMedia provides an invaluable opportunity to extend the reach of our brands, and to create unique and original content that serves our passionate communities.”

“It’s an exciting time for Anthem as they continue to expand their reach” said Peter Volynsky, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Ventures for iHeartMedia.   “We are looking forward to collaborating with the Anthem team, offering even more unique and compelling content to our audiences, while also helping them build further awareness and grow their brand through our massive scale and national reach across our powerful multi-platform assets.” 

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a globally integrated multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Toronto, London and Istanbul. Anthem's portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel; Fight Network, the world's premier combat sports channel; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world's leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events; Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S. 

Seneca Women Podcast Network, with support of founding partner P&G, and iHeartMedia kick off partnership and celebrate Women’s History Month

iHeartMedia to air featured episodes of the “Seneca Women Conversations on Power and Purpose” podcast weekly in March across broadcast stations nationwide kicking off on Sunday evening — International Women’s Day

NEW YORK, MARCH 9, 2020 -- Seneca Women Podcast Network and iHeartMedia announced today the launch of a new multi-year partnership to co-produce and distribute a slate of high-quality, women-focused podcasts in the areas of women in business, leadership, current events, health and more, providing inspiring, purpose-driven and actionable content from a diverse range of women’s voices. As part of the partnership, new and existing podcasts on the Seneca Women Podcast Network—which recently launched with support of Founding Partner P&G— will join the iHeartPodcast Network.  iHeartMedia will now co-produce the hit podcast series “Seneca Women Conversations on Power and Purpose” hosted by Ambassador Melanne Verveer and Kim Azzarelli.  “Seneca Women Conversations on Power and Purpose” will debut March 9 on iHeartRadio with 19 episodes in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

“Seneca Women Conversations on Power and Purpose,” which features fascinating conversations with leaders who are using their power for purpose to accelerate women while building a better world, includes conversations with luminaries such as Tory Burch, Arianna Huffington, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Katie Couric, UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Grameen America CEO Andrea Jung, among others.  Kicking off on International Women’s Day, special episodes will air as part of the Sunday Night Podcast series across iHeartMedia broadcast stations nationwide throughout March honoring Women’s History Month, exposing these powerful stories to millions of listeners across the country.

The Seneca Women Podcast Network launched earlier this year by Seneca Women, a global women’s leadership platform. The new podcast network builds on Seneca Women’s thought leadership and its founders’ decades of experience in advancing women around the globe. It focuses on a diverse range of topics that showcase positive role models, practical insights and shared learnings, while providing a platform for the voices of established and emerging women leaders as well as organizations making a difference for women and girls.

“There has never been a more important time for women’s voices to be heard—especially in a year that is marking the 100th anniversary of American women’s suffrage,” said Kim Azzarelli, co-founder and CEO of Seneca Women. “Through this new partnership with iHeartMedia, we can amplify the voices of established and emerging women leaders and connect millions of women and men around the world with positive, purpose-driven and actionable content.”

“Podcasting is a relatively new medium and, as such, we have a chance to build it the right way, with a fair balance of creators and voices, from the beginning,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “Through our massive network and national reach, we’re thrilled to partner with the SenecaWomen Podcast Network to help amplify the voices of women in podcasting and around the world – and we can’t wait to bring to our listeners the remarkable stories that this team has assembled.” 

“Media can be a powerful force for good, and the Seneca Women Podcast Network and this partnership with iHeartMedia offers the opportunity to reinvent media with innovative, positive and quality content. It’s time to ensure that the voices of women are finally and fully heard and amplified to help make the world a better and more inclusive place for all,” said Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer at P&G.

“Since the Seneca Falls convention of 1848, women in the U.S. have been on a journey to equal rights. That journey continues here and for women around the world,” said Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Chair and Co-Founder of Seneca Women. “The recent Global Gender Gap Report from the World Economic Forum predicts it will take another 99 years for us to get to equality. The launch of the Seneca Women Podcast Network and this new partnership with iHeartMedia, will help accelerate women’s progress, as we believe progress for women is progress for all.”

WHAT: UCP, a division of NBCUniversal Content Studios, has inked a multiyear first-look deal with iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher, to have a first right at adapting iHeartRadio Original podcasts for television. As part of the deal, the studio’s new podcast platform, UCP Audio, will also have the option to develop and co-produce original podcast series with the iHeartPodcast Network. 

iHeartRadio joins UCP’s roster of first-look deals, which include recently announced deals with Gary Dauberman, as well as John Carpenter, Emmy Rossum (“Angelyne”), and Steve Piet and Erik Crary, among others. UCP also has overall deals with Sera Gamble (“The Magicians”), Nick Antosca (“The Act,” “Brand New Cherry Flavor”), Sam Esmail (“Mr. Robot,” “Homecoming”) and Patrick Macmanus (“Dr. Death”).

WHO: UCP, a division of NBCUniversal Content Studios, is the award-winning studio behind scripted fare including “Dr. Death” (Peacock), “Mr. Robot” (USA Network), “The Umbrella Academy” (Netflix), “The Act” (Hulu), “Homecoming” (Amazon), “Dirty John” (USA Network), “Battlestar Galactica” (Peacock), “The Sinner” (USA Network), “Brand New Cherry Flavor” (Netflix), and “Chucky” (Syfy) to name a few. On the unscripted side, UCP produces “DNA of Murder” (Oxygen) and the upcoming “A Wilderness of Error” (FX). 

Later this year, the studio will unveil their new podcast network, UCP Audio. The new platform’s initial offerings include “The End Up,” a scripted podcast from Sam Esmail’s (“Mr. Robot,” “Homecoming”) Esmail Corp banner and two unscripted podcasts that delve into two gripping true-crime investigations, “House of Prayer” and the untitled TROUBLED TEEN INDUSTRY project.

iHeartMedia’s iHeartPodcast Network is home to more than 750 original podcasts that 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. 

iHeartMedia has continued to invest heavily in podcasting producing an ongoing slate of new iHeartRadio Original shows like “The Ron Burgundy Podcast,” “Disgraceland,” “Chelsea Handler: Life will be the Death of Me,” “Noble Blood” and “Committed,” as well as fostering 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 280,000 shows.

QUOTES: “UCP was among the first studios to recognize that podcasting was a goldmine of new IP for the TV and film industry,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “What’s really special about this deal is that you have the biggest podcast network, with our team of expert podcast developers and producers who have been working in this medium for over 10 years honing the craft of audio storytelling, partnering with LA’s powerhouse production studio to now create and develop premium TV and film properties out of podcast IP.”    

“Partnering with iHeart to not only adapt some of their enviable and extensive podcast library to television but also expand the production and reach of UCP Audio originals is a giant leap in our platform building strategy,” said Dawn Olmstead, President of UCP. “We look forward to making waves in the podcast space this year and we are very excited to have iHeart joining us on our endeavor.”  

About Universal Content Productions (UCP)

UCP, a division of NBCUniversal Content Studios, is a premium content studio that operates with a highly curated indie sensibility, while simultaneously leveraging the power and scale of NBCU. As fierce advocates for creators with an eclectic point of view, the UCP team develops pioneering and award-winning scripted programming with partners such as Amazon (“Homecoming”), Netflix (“The Umbrella Academy,” “Brand New Cherry Flavor”), and Hulu (“The Act”), as well as NBCUniversal’s Peacock (“Dr. Death,” “Brave New World,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Angelyne,” “Punky Brewster”), USA (“Mr. Robot,” “The Sinner,” “The Purge,” “Dirty John,” “Briarpatch,” “Treadstone,” “Dare Me”) and SYFY (“Resident Alien,” “The Magicians”). UCP’s content library also features more than 800 hours of award-winning and critically-acclaimed content, including “Monk,” “Battlestar Galactica” and “Psych.” The studio will be launching UCP Audio in 2020 with original scripted and unscripted podcasts.