iHeartMedia

First podcasts to launch include “Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang,” “Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Podcast,” “My Momma Told Me with Langston Kerman,” “POOG with Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak,” “Bald Talk” and “True Romance with Carolina Barlow and Devin Leary”

New York – July 23, 2020 -- iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell today announced the first six co-produced shows set to join the Big Money Players Network of comedy podcasts. “Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang”; “Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Podcast” in collaboration with The Lonely Island and Comedy Bang Bang; “My Momma Told Me with Langston Kerman”; “POOG with Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak”; “Bald Talk” hosted by Brian Huskey and Charlie Sanders; and “True Romance with Carolina Barlow and Devin Leary” will be available on iHeartRadio and everywhere else podcasts are heard later this year.

“The iHeartPodcast Network really knows how to make a podcast.” said Will Ferrell. “In addition to the creative minds working behind the scenes, the network has an unprecedented ability to reach millions of new podcast listeners. These first few shows for Big Money Players Network will set the standard for the type of high-quality comedy podcasts we’re striving to produce with this collaboration. Matt and Bowen; Carolina and Devin; Langston; Brian and Charlie; Kate and Jacqueline; and Michael Bolton!? Now that’s a can’t miss comedy lineup.”

“Since we started working with Will Ferrell, we’ve been extremely inspired by the comedic audio content we’ve been able to produce together,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “Will is deeply dedicated to exploring the podcast medium. These initial shows demonstrate that the Big Money Players Network will create extremely fresh and captivating content.”

The Big Money Players Network lineup includes: (listed by debut order)

• “Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang”: The premier pop culture weekly fete from the minds of Rogers and Yang, now joins the Big Money Players Network. The duo are your guides through the hottest pop culture moments of the day and the formative experiences of yore that gave way to their titular roles as “Las Culturistas.” Listen to the podcast now, here.
  Matt Rogers is the co-creator, executive producer and co-host of Quibi's hit “Gayme Show.” He has written on shows such as “Q-Force” and “The Other Two,” and has acted most recently in “Shrill,” “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens,” “Search Party” and more. Bowen Yang is currently a featured “Saturday Night Live” player and has appeared in TV shows such as “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens” and “Broad City.”

• “True Romance with Carolina Barlow and Devin Leary”: The “Modern Love” section of the Times meets a 14-year-old girl’s Tumblr. The show dives into the trials and tribulations of love stories personal to hosts Carolina Barlow and Devin Leary, fictionalized and historic. They’re covering every topic, from how to make a guy fall in love with you while pretending to be chill to the ins and outs of successful famous love stories. Barlow and Leary will also speak with love gurus and discuss age old questions such as: how to handle long distance, how to win an argument completely under your breath in a Denny’s and why are we so attracted to Pete Davidson? Listeners can hear all the juicy details now, here. Carolina Barlow is currently the producer, writer and co-host of “The Ron Burgundy Podcast” and has worked with Will Ferrell for over six years. Devin Leary was previously a segment producer for “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.”

• “My Momma Told Me with Langston Kerman": Comedian Langston Kerman and his guests take a deep dive into the most exciting, groundbreaking and sometimes problematic Black conspiracy theories. They’ll cover silly conspiracies, scary conspiracies and conspiracies they learned from that uncle who used to wear jeans when he went swimming in the public pool. “My Momma Told Me with Langston Kerman” will debut August 2020. Langton Kerman can be seen in ABC’s “Bless this Mess” and his other credits include roles in “Insecure” (HBO), “South Side” (Comedy Central), “The Boys” (Amazon), “Sherman’s Showcase” (IFC), and “High Maintenance” (HBO). Langston’s Comedy Central Half-Hour Special aired in September 2018 along with the release of his debut comedy album “Lightskinned Feelings.” He was part of Chris Rock's writing staff for the 2016 Academy Awards.

• “Bald Talk” – Comedians Brian Huskey and Charlie Sanders interview bald performers, bald celebrities and anyone bald about being bald (and sometimes a hairy person might be in the mix.) The show gets into honest and hilarious conversations about vulnerability, vanity, insecurity and self-image. “Bald Talk” will launch September 2020. Brian Huskey is an actor, producer and Emmy-nominated writer known for his work on “Veep” and “Bob's Burgers.” He also won a Streamy, but rarely mentions that because it’s a gross-sounding award. Charlie Sanders is an actor, producer, director, and Emmy-nominated, WGA Award-winning and Peabody Award-winning writer of “Weird City” and “Key & Peele.” Charlie was nominated for a Streamy but lost to a ghost hunting show hosted by two kids.

• “POOG with Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak”: Wellness is a trillion-dollar industry full of scams and snake oil salesmen, and yet, comedians and best friends Berlant and Novak simply can’t get enough. Meditating naked in salt caves and shopping for overpriced Ghee is the glue that holds their friendship together, and now for the first time, they’re doing it in public. Join them on their obsessive quest through the highs and the lows of the healing world where they will test products and practices, consult healers and experts, and ask the ultimate question: is it truly wellness they’re after...or just the thrill of the chase? “POOG with Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak” will debut this fall. Jacqueline Novak is a comedian whose Off-Broadway, one-woman stand-up show, “Get on Your Knees” is a New York Times Critic’s Pick. Recognized by the Times on “Best Theater of 2019” and “Best Comedy of 2019” lists, the show has been extended four times in New York City and earned Jacqueline a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance. Jacqueline is a regular on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” She has appeared on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” HBO’s “2 Dope Queens,” “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, and in her own half-hour stand-up special on Comedy Central’s “The Half Hour.” Jacqueline’s memoir “How to Weep in Public: Feeble Offerings on Depression from One Who Knows” was published by Crown in 2016 and will be available as an audiobook this year. Kate Berlant is a successful comedian and actress with appearances in Quentin Tarantino's “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Boots Riley's “Sorry to Bother You,” and television series including “Search Party,” “Transparent,” and “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.” She was named a Just for Laughs "New Face of Comedy," a Variety "Ten to Watch" and has filmed a one-hour stand-up special directed by Bo Burnham.

• “Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Podcast”: Hailing from the Emmy-winning team that conjured up the hilarious hit Netflix musical comedy “Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Valentine’s Day Special”, Scott Aukerman (Comedy Bang Bang, Between Two Ferns, U Talkin' U2 To Me) and Akiva Schaffer (The Lonely Island, I Think You Should Leave, SNL) reunite with Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Michael Bolton to deliver more big sexy hooks and jokes in an unexpected spoof on the podcast talk show format. This scripted comedy features Michael as a sincerely self-obsessed show host serving up outlandish questions and requests to his wide range of unsuspecting celebrity guests. Set to debut fall 2020. Scott Aukerman is a multi-Emmy award-winning writer, director, producer and comic who created the hugely successful podcast, TV and touring series “Comedy Bang Bang” as well as the award winning short-format show “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis.” He is the writer, director, and producer of the recent Netflix film “Between Two Ferns: The Movie.” Akiva Schaffer is an Emmy-winning comedian who, along with Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone, launched the SNLdigital shorts which led to numerous Grammy-winning viral videos and over a billion online views. He has written, directed, produced and starred in films and TV programs including the recent HULU sci-fi comedy “Palm Springs.” Michael Bolton is an Emmy-nominated performer and multiple Grammy award winner for Best Pop Male Vocal who’s sold over 65 million records with nine No. 1 singles. He became a viral video sensation with his rendition of Jack Sparrow in The Lonely Island’s SNL digital video short.

All podcasts on the Big Money Players Network are executive produced by Will Ferrell and iHeartMedia and will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network.

NEW YORK AND REDWOOD CITY, CA (JULY 22, 2020) -- Because, an online destination for direct-to-consumer personal care products specially designed for older adults 65+, today announced a multi-year, multi-million dollar strategic marketing partnership with iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in America with the largest reach of any radio or television outlet. 

For an audience that is largely underserved by other retailers, Because is a game changer, particularly now, when those 65+ are most at risk to leave their homes for the everyday products they need. With its mission of enabling older adults to live vibrant, independent lives coupled with leading edge product development and unparalleled customer service and support, Because has never been more relevant as the U.S. continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Partnering with iHeartMedia’s multiplatform audio network will allow Because to take advantage of iHeart’s enormous reach across the U.S. to build awareness of its personal care products with a targeted audience in a strategic, effective and meaningful way.

“Broadcast radio advertising has a powerful, high-volume reach that is perfectly suited for the audience we serve, and we are proud to partner with the largest, most innovative network in the business with iHeartMedia,” said Alexi Suvacioglu, CEO and Co-Founder of Because. “Tens of thousands of older adults rely on Because products every day and we take that very seriously. iHeartMedia believes in our products and services and we're thrilled to reach millions more through this partnership.”

“We are proud to partner with a company that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults, offering a seamless way to access essential products and services that provide comfort, while also improving their quality of life,” said Peter Volynsky, iHeartMedia’s Executive Vice President of Corporate Development & Ventures. “With our massive reach, iHeartMedia will help build awareness of these valuable personal care products and the convenience proposition that Because offers to millions of seniors and their families across the country.” 

Founded by Silicon Valley technology and retail executives in 2017, Because was built from the ground up to help older adults continue to live their best lives by delivering high-quality personal care products specially designed for today’s aging population and their unique needs. For more information or to purchase Because products, visit www.becausemarket.com.

About Because

Because is an online destination for personal care products dedicated to the often-overlooked senior market. The site is a curated, convenient one-stop-shop designed to educate customers and direct them to the right products that allow them to live vibrant, independent lives. Because offers the highest quality, scientifically formulated personal care products to address conditions that often accompany aging including incontinence, personal hygiene, skincare, oral care, and pain and anxiety. Sold direct-to-consumer, Because products include adult protective underwear, pads, cleansers, creams, denture adhesive, mouthwash, vitamins, supplements, CBD products, and more. All products are discreetly shipped directly to a customer’s home in easy-to-handle soft packages with large fonts that are easy to read. For more information, visit www.becausemarket.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

New York, N.Y. – July 21, 2020 – iHeartMedia announced today that the 2020 “iHeartRadio Music Festival” will celebrate its 10th anniversary this Fall featuring performances by music’s biggest artists including BTS, Coldplay, Kane Brown with Special Guests Khalid, Keith Urban, Migos, Miley Cyrus, Thomas Rhett, Usher and more. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, this year’s virtual two-day mega-concert 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. The two-day 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).

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.

“We worked closely with the artist community to create a safe way for them to step back on stage and perform for millions of their fans on the radio and television,” said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises for iHeartMedia. “It’s our commitment to help the artists whose music we play here at iHeart stay connected to their fans.”

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.

“It’s hard to believe that this September will be the 10th iHeartRadio Music Festival,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “The 2011 Festival was iHeart’s first national marquee event and became the model for our hugely successful series of iHeart-branded music events broadcast and streamed across the country on radio, television and online. More than 200 superstar artists have made our iHeartRadio Music Festival the biggest in the world, and this year’s lineup, even amidst a global pandemic, will be one for the history books.”

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.

The inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival took place in Las Vegas in September 2011 to celebrate the official launch of the iHeartRadio App, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service which now has more than 2 billion app downloads and more than 135 million registered users. The initial lineup included all-star performances from Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Coldplay, Kenny Chesney, Black Eyed Peas, Steven Tyler, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Jane's Addiction, Nicki Minaj, David Guetta, Rascal Flatts, Bruno Mars, Sublime with Rome, Kelly Clarkson and special performances from Usher, Sting and Jeff Beck.

Over the last decade, the iHeartRadio Music Festival has continued to bring together the biggest artists across all genres on one stage over two nights in Las Vegas including U2, Bon Jovi, Childish Gambino, Drake, Fleetwood Mac, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Luke Bryan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mary J Blige, Prince, Shawn Mendes, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, The Killers, The Weeknd, and more.

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 The CW

THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Entertainment, launched in 2006. The CW is a multiplatform network that broadcasts a six-night 12-hour primetime lineup, Sunday through Friday and streams its ad-supported content, free, without login or authentication on CWTV.com and The CW app which is available on every major OTT platform. In daytime, The CW broadcasts a Monday through Friday afternoon block, and a three-hour Saturday morning kids block. The CW’s digital network, CW Seed, launched in 2013, and offers beloved limited-run series, as well as past seasons of recent fan-favorite television shows. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtvpr.com.

Slate includes “The MLK Tapes,” next installment in the Monster series and first foray into weekly podcasts, including new project from host Payne Lindsey

“Sworn” returned with two-episode premiere, covering topics including racial bias in the justice system, featuring the case of Georgia's first exoneree, Calvin Johnson

(ATLANTA and NEW YORK -- July 20, 2020) -- Award-winning content creation company Tenderfoot TV, and iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, will deepen their relationship and create a slate of nine new iHeartRadio Original Podcasts to air beginning today through 2022. The upcoming podcast slate will focus on limited series as well as several weekly shows, a new strategy for Tenderfoot TV, who has garnered over 500 million downloads for its true crime hits since the company’s launch in 2016.

“iHeart has been an essential partner for Tenderfoot TV over the last several years. It was important to both of us that our next projects together explored important issues and brought new formats to the table, while still providing the storytelling experience our listeners expect,” said Donald Albright, president of Tenderfoot TV. “With the addition of real time, weekly formats, we’re able to amplify more stories than ever before, while sticking to our commitment of bringing forth real change in cases that have either been ignored or forgotten.”

The new collaboration will kick off with the second season of “Sworn,” Tenderfoot TV’s popular criminal justice system podcast that exposes the untold stories and hard truths behind major cases. The newest episode will focus on racial bias in the criminal justice system and explore the case of Georgia's first exoneree, Calvin Johnson, who served 16 years in federal prison for a crime he did not commit. “Sworn” season two is available today on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. Fans can listen here now.

Additionally, new investigative series podcasts for the slate will include “The MLK Tapes,” produced in partnership with author Bill Klaber, co-creator of “The RFK Tapes,” set to premiere January 2021; and the next Installment of the Monster podcast series, which has over 100 million downloads with the success of “Atlanta Monster” followed by “Monster: The Zodiac Killer,” “Monster Presents: Insomniac” and “Monster: D.C. Sniper,” set to debut early next year.

As part of the slate, Tenderfoot TV will also release their first set of weekly podcasts co-produced by iHeartRadio. Tenderfoot TV co-founder and popular host of “Up and Vanished,” “Atlanta Monster” and “Radio Rental,” Payne Lindsey, will host and executive produce a new series that will cover a different case each episode. The slate will also include an additional weekly series in 2021, with details forthcoming.

“In Tenderfoot TV, Donald Albright and Payne Lindsey have built one of the most innovative podcast studios out there – especially in the true crime space,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “iHeart and Tenderfoot have been in partnership for a long time together – from ‘Atlanta Monster’ to ‘Zodiac Killer’ to ‘DC Sniper.’ We here at iHeart want to support creators like Tenderfoot however we can – and that means doubling down on a collaborative slate of incredible, new, groundbreaking shows, to redefine the true crime genre yet again.”

The slate will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 215 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 more than 320,000 shows.

About Tenderfoot TV

Founded by Atlanta director and independent filmmaker, Payne Lindsey, and music industry veteran, Donald Albright, Tenderfoot TV is a hub for creators and storytellers. The company launched in August 2016 with the release of the viral true crime podcast, “Up and Vanished.” It has since created additional breakthrough podcasts including the critically acclaimed “Atlanta Monster” as well as the true crime hits “To Live and Die in LA”, and “Culpable.” Tenderfoot is also developing multiple projects for TV and film, but podcasts remain the company’s primary focus, having amassed over 500 million total downloads in just 3 years. Tenderfoot strives to tell compelling and important stories. No rules. No restrictions.

Founding Partners Include Bank of America, CVS Health, GEICO, Lowe’s, McDonald’s USA, Sony, 23andMe and Verizon 

BIN Will Be Distributed Nationally Through the iHeartRadio App; Accessible via Multiple Connected Platforms; and Available Locally Over Dedicated All-News AM/FM Broadcast Stations, As Well As Providing the News Service for iHeartMedia’s 91 Hip Hop, R&B and Gospel Music Stations Across the Country. 

Tony Coles Named President of BIN: Black Information Network

NEW YORK, N.Y. – June 30, 2020 – Today marks the launch of BIN: Black Information Network, 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 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 will leverage the resources, assets and financial support of iHeartMedia, and fills the void for a 24/7 well-distributed all-news audio service for the Black community. A study of Black listeners found that 86% believe a service like BIN is necessary and are likely to use it as an important news source, and 83% think BIN provides a key service and important information they can’t get on radio or TV today.  The study also shows that the BIN concept is equally strong among both the 18-34 year old and 35-54 year old segments of the Black community. 

Instead of traditional ad supported media, BIN is enabled by the support of National Founding Partners who share and support the mission of BIN: Black Information Network.  These partners are Bank of America, CVS Health, GEICO, Lowe’s, McDonald’s USA, Sony, 23andMe and Verizon.  

BIN will be distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app and accessible via mobile, smart speakers, smart TVs and other connected platforms, and on dedicated all-news local AM/FM broadcast radio stations providing local news, weather traffic and sports in addition to national news -- all focused on the Black community and from the Black perspective -- in markets including Atlanta, Augusta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus, GA, Detroit, Greenville, Macon, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Riverside, San Francisco and Seattle, with additional local markets being added over the next 60 days. 

BIN will also provide the news service for iHeartMedia’s 91 Hip Hop, R&B and Gospel stations across the country, including Power 105.1 in New York, Real 92.3 in Los Angeles, WDAS and Power 99 in Philadelphia, WGCI and WVAZ in Chicago, WJLB in Detroit, The Beat in Houston, The Beat in Miami, WQUE in New Orleans, KMEL in San Francisco and more.  

BIN will be a standalone business unit within iHeartMedia, and its executives and talent will reflect the community they serve. The business will be enabled and supported by the full resources of iHeartMedia, including shared use of technology; data and insights; marketing; digital services; monetization; and corporate resources, including Legal, HR and Finance.  

Because iHeartMedia’s broadcast assets alone currently reach 93% of Black Americans – more than any other media outlet, including local and national TV -- BIN’s news service will gain immediate brand awareness and audience credibility through respected and successful Black audience-targeted music stations.  BIN will also be amplified through iHeartMedia’s 200 million-plus social footprint. 

iHeartMedia has a unique news infrastructure that can be utilized by BIN to provide support as needed.  iHeartMedia has more news reporters located in more places than any other audio news organization, and each year its local news operations are the recipients of some of the most prestigious awards in broadcasting. In addition to its local news operations, iHeartMedia’s 24/7 News Source newswire service provides text, audio and breaking news to over 1,000 stations in the United States and Canada.

BIN’s unique partner supported business model is tailored to its mission of providing comprehensive, accurate and trusted information and news. The national Founding Partners of BIN: Black Information Network will support building this new platform for Black journalism and trusted news, and this partnership support will enable BIN’s focus to be on providing a reliable, responsible and responsive news service to the Black community without the daily pressure of ratings.  

Founding Partners will be able to deliver important messages to BIN’s audiences and serve as a platform for philanthropic and community outreach to build brand connection and support the Black community, as well as use it for advertising messages as needed.   

Tony Coles will be President of BIN: Black Information Network.  Coles, who also serves as Division President of the iHeartMedia Markets Group, has more than 35 years’ experience in the radio industry, from on-air to programming and management, with a strong record of success and team-building.  He began his career in Ft. Wayne, IN, as a programmer and in Zanesville, OH as an on-air personality, and has since served as National Hot AC Brand Manager; Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Chicago; and most recently as Executive Vice President of Programming for the company’s West Region.  As Division President, Coles oversees the complete P&L for 21 iHeart markets across America. 

Tanita Myers will be Director of News Operations for BIN:  Black Information Network.  Myers is a seasoned network and local Producer, Broadcaster and News Anchor with 15 years’ experience at Reach Media. She was formerly Director of Operations for The Tom Joyner Morning Show; Executive Producer of Rickey Smiley Morning Show; and a reporter in News, Traffic and Weather for various major market stations.

BIN: Black Information Network will also have an Advisory Board consisting of leaders of the community from both inside the company and externally who will bring their unique and important perspectives as an ongoing resource to the business.

In addition, Clear Channel Outdoor Americas (CCOA) will be a national marketing partner.  

“BIN: Black Information Network will fill a void by providing continual news and objective information with full focus on the Black community,” said Coles. “We began developing our 24/7 Black news source last year, and events of the last few weeks, especially the senseless and tragic death of George Floyd, highlighted the need for this network. Now is the time for our voice to be heard, and I could not be more proud of our work and the team we are assembling at BIN.”

“We are pleased and proud to support the launch of BIN: Black Information Network by contributing resources that will have the greatest impact – our reach, our multiple platforms, our technology infrastructure and our broad, in-depth relationships with consumers,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia.  “The commitment to service, and the immediate need we saw for a news and information destination for the Black community, accelerated the launch of BIN: Black Information Network to serve this community in an important new way.  We are honored to be joined by some of the most important companies in the world that are also committed to this mission.” 

Selections of BIN’s broadcast radio content will also be distributed every day as podcasts across iHeartRadio’s podcast network, now the largest in the world. A selection of iHeartRadio’s Black culture podcasts will also be distributed and amplified on BIN’s broadcast radio programming, and a new daily BIN podcast will launch shortly, providing 10-20 minutes of on-demand daily news and culture analysis uniquely for the Black community.

BIN is actively hiring for various positions.  For information on these positions, candidates can visit www.iHeartMediaCareers.com.  For more information about BIN: Black Information Network, please visit www.BINNews.com.

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.

Adam Lambert, Ben Platt, Big Freedia, Katy Perry, Kim Petras, Melissa Etheridge, Sia, Ricky Martin, Carla Morrison and More Among All-Star Performances

John Cameron Mitchell, Neil Patrick Harris, Darren Criss and Andrew Rannells Unite for a Special Rendition of “Wig in a Box” to Mark the 20^th Anniversary of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” 

With Notable Appearances by Billy Porter, Bebe Rexha, Cara Delevingne, Ciara, Hayley Kiyoko, Matt Bomer, Nico Tortorella, Peppermint, Tituss Burgess and More

P&G and iHeartMedia invited people everywhere to join “Can’t Cancel Pride: A COVID-19 Relief Benefit for the LGBTQ+ Community,” a virtual relief benefit designed to help raise visibility and funds for LGBTQ+ communities most impacted by COVID-19. Hosted by Elvis Duran and Laverne Cox, the one-hour benefit special brought together today’s biggest names in culture and entertainment and included performances from Adam Lambert, Ben Platt, Big Freedia with Tank and the Bangas, Katy Perry, Kim Petras, Melissa Etheridge, Sia, Ricky Martin and Carla Morrison, as well as John Cameron Mitchell, Neil Patrick Harris, Darren Criss, Andrew Rannells and more – demonstrating that while in-person Pride events were interrupted around the world, nothing can cancel the heart of Pride and the spirit the LGBTQ+ equality movement embodies.

In addition to music, Can’t Cancel Pride included special appearances from Billy Porter, Bebe Rexha, Cara Delevingne, Ciara, Dan Levy, Hayley Kiyoko, Kermit The Frog, Lena Waithe, Matt Bomer, Nico Tortorella, Peppermint, Tituss Burgess and more, with support from brands including Bounty®, Charmin®, Dawn®, Downy®, Jared®, Pantene® and Tide® to drive LGBTQ+ visibility, and build support for the millions of Americans unable to take part in live Pride events across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Produced by iHeartMedia and P&G, the benefit streamed on Hulu, iHeartRadio’s Facebook and Instagram pages and iHeartRadio’s PrideRadio.com; and broadcasted on iHeartMedia stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app on June 25.

Can’t Cancel Pride partnered with The Greater Cincinnati Foundation to administer and distribute financial support raised by the event to LGBTQ+ organizations with a track record of positive impact and support of the LGBTQ+ community, including GLAAD, SAGE, The Trevor Project, the National Black Justice Coalition, CenterLink and OutRight Action International.

The benefit special included these special moments:

• Sia opened “Can’t Cancel Pride” with a special performance of her single, “Together,” featuring notable drag queens Jaida Essence Hall (winner, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 12), Jackie Cox (top 3, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 12), Crystal Methyd (top 3, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 12), and Lady Bunny (legendary drag queen). 
• Billy Porter introduced Adam Lambert’s performance of “Roses.” Lambert performed poolside with his dog Pharaoh on his lap before heading to a disco-themed stage. 
• The benefit featured the trending “Wipe it Down Challenge,” which included notable appearances from celebs such as Dan Levy, Lena Waithe, and iHeartMedia’s Skeery Jones. 
• Ciara introduced the queen of bounce, Big Freedia, and Tank and the Bangas band who performed “Louder” from a Pride float in New Orleans.
• Prior to introducing Melissa Etheridge’s passionate rendition of “Come to My Window,” Bebe Rexha discussed the significance of the color orange, saying: “Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag in the ‘70s and orange symbolized healing, just like music heals us all.“ After belting out the iconic song, Melissa Etheridge thanked everyone, saying: “Love you. Be strong. Speak truth. Spread the peace. Choose only love.”
• Before introducing Katy Perry’s performance of her hit single, “Daisies,” Tituss Burgess discussed the yellow stripe on the rainbow flag, saying: “It stands for sunlight and joy. Yes, I said it: joy. And joy can be hard to find right now especially when you got racism and coronavirus co-pandemic’ing out in these streets.”
• Ricky Martin and Carla Morrison performed their duet, “Recuerdo,” which was introduced by Kermit the Frog. Prior to their performance, Martin said: “The love I feel as a father. The love I feel as a husband, as a son. The love for Puerto Rico. The love for my community. And the love for all those incredible, incredibly strong men and women who fought for us, way before us. Who fought for our fights. Today my music, my thoughts, is only for them. Wherever you are, I love you.”
• Matt Bomer introduced Ben Platt who performed “So Will I,” during the benefit special. Prior to his performance, Platt said: “I’m so honored to be part of this celebration today. We would have no queer liberation to speak of, were it not for the queer people of color that came before us, particularly trans women of color. So mostly I am excited to sing to honor them, and everybody on this Pride day.” 
• Kim Petras, who was introduced by Cara Delevingne, performed her latest single, “Malibu,” with her three poodles dyed in colors of the rainbow. 
• The show concluded with a special finale in honor of 50 years of Pride, and in celebration of 20 years of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Stephen Trask and John Cameron Mitchell performed a rendition of “Wig in a Box” alongside Andrew Rannells, Darren Criss, Neil Patrick Harris and more. 

Additional notable quotes include: 

• Laverne Cox: “Our hearts should be filled with joy right now, especially with the recent ruling that protects LGBTQI people from workplace discrimination. And while I'm inspired by the support of the last few weeks, I cannot stand to see one more black or brown cis or trans life lost to brutality, racism, transphobia or homophobia. Black Lives Matter. Black Trans Lives Matter. That’s the spirit of Stonewall that lives ‘til this day.”
• Billy Porter: “It is summertime. Police treat a person of color with force and brutality, leading to protests that change the course of American history. This is the story of 2020. But it’s also the story of 1969, when patrons at the Stonewall Inn, many of them young LGBTQ people of color, refused to accept police brutality as a way of life. Pride began with protest.” 
  • Porter continued: “For fifty years, we’ve fought to end racism and homophobia, and affirm our rights… To health and safety, equal employment, access to education. To marry the one’s we love. We’ve made our mark in pop culture and found our place in the history books. Some of us have even scored Tonys, Grammys and Emmys. You’re welcome! But LGBTQ people are still fighting for equality, safety and acceptance in the middle of a global pandemic that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.  But nothing can cancel Pride henny!”
  • Porter concluded: “Tonight we lift our rainbow flag high, and the values it represents –
• life, unity, healing, joy, nature, harmony and spirit. Don’t worry children, we’re still gonna dance. And while we do, we affirm our solidarity with our black and brown family fighting for their rights and lives right now, and we ask them to support us. Because no one is free to live the lives we love until all of us are free.”
• Ciara: “A change is gonna come, my friends. It is up to us to be good in the world. Today we include black and brown on the rainbow flag to signify the intersectionality between LGBTQ rights and the fight for racial justice.”
• Cara Delevingne: “Here's to loving who you love and embracing your true self. I wish I learned how to do that when I was 16. I’m so excited to introduce a performer who captures the energy of youth, Pride, creativity, and progress.” 
• Hayley Kiyoko: “Purple is all about spirit and during these challenging times if anything captures the spirit of a bright and unified future, it’s LGBTQ youth. LGBTQ youth and allies are fighting back on all fronts for LGBTQ rights, racial justice, accessibility, gender equity, climate change, and more. They are creating a community on social media, rallying Americans to vote and fighting against discrimination. And they’re not letting COVID stop them. Online, schools and colleges, in the city streets and living rooms across America, they are redefining Pride and reaffirming their commitment to fight for acceptance, equality and justice.” 
• Javier Muñoz: “As we recognize Pride this year during this time of profound pain, I also want to recognize our community for strength and perseverance throughout our fight for equality. And more specifically throughout the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which is very much still not over. Let’s stay committed to compassion and action as we work together to effect the change that we need to create the world we deserve.”
• Peppermint (actress, singer, television personality, drag queen, and activist): “Reflecting on the light blue, light pink and white on the flag representing our trans brothers, sisters and siblings. Please hold in your hearts that many of the LGBTQ folks who fought back at Stonewall were young, trans people of color. Their refusal to go quietly turbo-charged the LGBTQ rights movement for decades. We honor them by persevering today.” 
• Matt Bomer: “That activism was full of fire in the 80s when Larry Kramer and ACT UP forcefully demanded action to fight HIV/AIDS. In losing Larry this year, we lost a warrior, a hero and a friend. His words saved lives. Thank you, Larry.” He continued: “Whether it’s rebelling in the streets, peaceful protests, creative collaborations or the hard work that leads to legislation that protects LGBTQ people, our community works together to gain equality. In the spirit of that harmonious blue nature, we bring you a special song and a tribute to a community working so hard during Pride and this pandemic to support each other...” 
• Elvis Duran: “This is really what Pride’s all about: unity, energy, visibility and of course, love. Moving us all forward. It’s going to be a minute before LGBTQ organizations and services can get back to normal, so we thank you for being so generous tonight.”

Can’t Cancel Pride encouraged viewers to share their special Pride moments on social media using the hashtag #CantCancelPride throughout the month of June.

Additional proud partners of Can’t Cancel Pride included Cadillac, Crest®, Giant Food, Herbal Essences®, Mattel, Mercedes-Benz, Olay®, Pampers®, P&G Shopper Team, Puffs®, Splat Hair Color and This is L.

Executive producers for Can’t Cancel Pride are John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Elvis Duran of iHeartMedia; Casey Patterson for Casey Patterson Entertainment; Alex Coletti for Alex Coletti Productions and Can’t Cancel Pride Co-founder Brent Miller of Procter & Gamble.

The event is supported by a Can’t Cancel Pride advisory committee including Rob Smith, CEO/Founder of The Phluid Project, Robyn Streisand - Luppino, Founder and President of THE MIXX and TITANIUM WORLDWIDE and Olympia Lambert, Client Services Director of THE MIXX.

New weekly podcast to launch this fall from the award-winning producers and correspondents of VICE News

JUNE 24, 2020 - BROOKLYN, NY –  iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and VICE Media Group, the world’s largest independent youth media company,  announced today at the VICE Media Group NewFront presentation “VICE News Reports,” a new weekly investigative series covering critical news subjects from around the world. “VICE News Reports” will be co-produced by iHeartRadio and VICE News. As part of the new partnership, iHeartMedia will have a first-look option to co-produce additional podcasts based on VICE Media Group content. “VICE News Reports” will debut this fall on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are available.

The year-round weekly series will feature in-depth, on-the-ground reportage, tapping into VICE’s extensive global network of diverse, award-winning journalists, offering rare access audio that brings the listener directly into the story unlike any other program. With an immersive, vérité, in the field approach, the half-hour episodes will provide unique reporting on the biggest news stories in the world and delve into underreported events beyond the 24-hour news cycle. 

The series will include a mix of long and short form reports, feature stories, multiple episode series and more, all told in the signature VICE News style. Topics to be covered include exclusive reporting from the frontlines of global conflicts and civil uprisings; a deep dive into the rise of the alt-right in the states and abroad; and a multi-part investigation into the debate about arming teachers in America’s schools. 

“At VICE News we provide a comprehensive look at complex news issues by reporting where others do not, and amplifying voices that are going unheard,” said Jesse Angelo, President, Global News and Entertainment, VICE Media Group. “Audio allows us to go further; the medium lets us dive into the nuance and involve the audience in intimate ways that cannot be achieved with video. We are excited to explore this even more with ‘VICE News Reports’ and iHeartRadio.” 

“With today’s busy schedules, listeners are always looking for engaging content, especially on global critical topics of interest,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network.  “We are excited to launch this new investigative series with VICE, keeping listeners up-to-date on the latest current events, while also uncovering untold truths in today’s tumultuous climate.”

In 2019, VICE expanded its audio operation under the leadership of Kate Osborn, longtime audio veteran and former producer for NPR, BBC, and Rachel Maddow. Replicating its unconventional approach to video storytelling with audio, VICE has produced award-wining and critically acclaimed audio series such as Chapo: Kingpin on Trial, Uncommitted: Iowa 2020, and The Distance: Coronavirus Dispatches. 

“VICE News Reports” is a weekly VICE News and iHeartRadio Original Podcast set to debut this fall. The series will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 215 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 more than 320,000 shows. 

About VICE Media Group

VICE Media Group is the world’s largest independent youth media company.  Launched in 1994, VICE has offices in 35 cities across the globe with a focus on five key businesses: VICE.com, an award-winning international network of digital content; VICE STUDIOS, a feature film and television production studio; VICE TV, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody award-winning NEWS division with the most Emmy-awarded nightly news broadcast; and VIRTUE, a global, full-service creative agency with 25 offices around the world.  VICE Media Group’s portfolio includes Refinery29, the leading global media and entertainment company focused on women;  PULSE Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Berlin;  i-D, a global digital and bimonthly magazine defining fashion and contemporary culture; and Garage, a digital platform and biannual publication converging the worlds of art and design.

The iHeartPodcast Network will produce companion podcasts for

HBO Max original and legacy show content

NEW YORK, NY – June 23, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and WarnerMedia Entertainment, the WarnerMedia business unit that includes HBO, HBO Max, TNT, TBS, truTV, Rooster Teeth and Crunchyroll, today announced a partnership to co-produce a slate of companion podcasts for HBO Max’s upcoming catalog of original and legacy shows.

The first podcasts to debut will include companion podcasts for the comedy thriller series “Search Party,” created by Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers and Michael Showalter, and sci-fi drama “Raised by Wolves,” directed and executive produced by Ridley Scott. These podcasts, along with the entire slate of co-produced companion podcasts, will be available on HBO Max, iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

The new slate of companion podcasts will play as standalone productions in their own right, but will often center around and help promote HBO Max programming. As part of the deal, iHeartMedia will also get a first-look priority to produce HBO Max companion podcasts during the term of the agreement. Additionally, iHeartMedia and WarnerMedia Entertainment will both commit marketing resources to promote the podcasts and other HBOMax content across the iHeartPodcast Network and other iHeartMedia broadcast and digital platforms. Together, WarnerMedia Entertainment and iHeartMedia may also produce podcasts for WarnerMedia Entertainment’s television networks, TNT, TBS and truTV.

“We look forward to working with iHeartMedia as we continue to find new ways to break ground and create opportunities for our storytellers to do what they do best,” said Kevin Reilly, President, TBS, TNT, and truTV and Chief Content Officer, HBO Max. “Today’s streaming fans are hungry for more content the second they finish an episode of their favorite shows, and podcasts are a great way to keep those fans engaged while also giving our roster of creative talent additional tools to extend the worlds of their shows and stories.”

“We’re beyond thrilled to forge this new partnership with WarnerMedia Entertainment to create an exciting slate of companion podcasts based on the incredible content coming to HBO Max,” said Conal Byrne, President, iHeartPodcast Network. “WarnerMedia Entertainment’s networks and brands have long been a marvel in the entertainment industry, and we’re ecstatic for the opportunity to be a part of their legendary storytelling and to bring this trove of new content to the iHeartPodcast Network.”

About “Search Party”

Primarily set in New York City, “Search Party” follows a group of privileged, self-absorbed twenty-somethings whose search for a long-lost missing friend leads them down a dark and shocking path of no return. The first two seasons of the show are currently available on HBO Max and all episodes of Season 3 will debut on the streamer on June 25.

Click HERE for press assets and additional information on the series.

About “Raised by Wolves”

“Raised by Wolves” centers around two androids, Father and Mother, tasked with raising human children on a mysterious new planet. As the burgeoning colony of humans threatens to be torn apart by religious differences, the androids learn that controlling the beliefs of humans is a treacherous and difficult task.

About HBO Max

HBO Max is WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer offering, which debuted May 27, 2020. With 10,000 hours of curated premium content, HBO Max offers powerhouse programming for everyone in the home, bringing together HBO, a robust slate of new original series, key third-party licensed programs and movies, and fan favorites from WarnerMedia’s rich library including motion picture and TV series from Warner Bros., highlights from New Line, and catalog titles from DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, Looney Tunes and more.
Website: HBOMax.com

Hosted by Bobby Bones, the backyard music celebration will feature performances from Kane Brown, Lauren Alaina and Old Dominion on July 3

NEW YORK – June 23, 2020 – To celebrate Independence Day, iHeartMedia today announced its all-new television and radio special, “iHeartCountry 4th of July BBQ” and featuring country music artists Kane Brown, Lauren Alaina and Old Dominion performing live from the backyards of their homes. Hosted by Bobby Bones, the celebration invites Americans to tune-in for of an evening of music and storytelling.

The “iHeartCountry 4th of July BBQ” will be broadcast as a television event on Friday, July 3 at 8 p.m. EST/PST (7 p.m. CST) on The CW Network and ​audio broadcast on iHeartCountry stations nationwide and will replay throughout the holiday weekend on CWTV.com and on iHeartCountry stations across America.

Executive producers for “iHeartCountry 4th of July BBQ” are John Sykes and Tom Poleman for iHeartMedia and Joel Gallen for Tenth Planet Productions.

About The CW

THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK launched in 2006 as America’s fifth broadcast network, with programming targeting younger viewers, a demographic highly sought after by advertisers. The CW, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation, broadcasts a six-night, 12-hour primetime lineup, Sunday through Friday. The CW’s primetime programming is also available to stream for free, without authentication, on the ad-supported cwtv.com and The CW app, now available on every major OTT platform. In daytime, The CW broadcasts a Monday through Friday afternoon block, and a three-hour Saturday morning kids block. The CW’s digital network, CW Seed, launched in 2013, and offers original short-form digital content as well as past seasons of fan-favorite television series. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtvpr.com.

NEW YORK – June 16, 2020 – VladTV, the world leader in hard-hitting interviews with rappers, athletes, actors, politicians and comedians, today announced the launch of “The VladTV Podcast,” a weekly Hip Hop culture show on iHeartRadio. New episodes will be available each Wednesday and are distributed by The iHeartPodcast Network. Listen now here.

“The VladTV Podcast” is hosted by DJ Vlad (Vlad Lyubovny), former DJ and CEO of video and news website VladTV.com, and will feature new hard-hitting interviews with celebrities as well as classic content from VladTV’s archives. The podcast’s first episode features an in-depth interview with legendary comedian DL Hughley. 

“When I launched VladTV 12 years ago, I had one goal: to document the lives of important figures of this era,” said DJ Vlad. “Hundreds of interviews later, that goal is still the same. When I sit down with someone, I’m there to create that person’s greatest and most-watched interview of all time. Not everyone gets a major documentary about their life, but many famous (and infamous) characters have told their life story on VladTV. With our new iHeart partnership, we are thrilled to finally give our millions of fans the ability to experience VladTV interviews on streaming audio platforms.” 

Since VladTV’s initial launch in 2008, it has been regarded as one of the biggest interview platforms in Hip Hop—known for DJ Vlad’s fearless approach to interviewing. Throughout the last few years, DJ Vlad and his team have interviewed top celebrities including Cardi B, DaBaby, Warren Sapp, 21 Savage, Jalen Rose, Lil Baby and many more. Past interviews have gone viral, reaching a total of 3.5 billion views across YouTube and Facebook.

Listen to “The VladTV Podcast” now and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio to be alerted when new episodes are available.