Lava for Good and iHeartPodcasts Announce Multi-Year Renewal, Expanding Lava’s Award-Winning Podcast Slate

NEW YORK — April 3, 2025 — Today, Lava for Good, ADWEEKs 2024 Podcast Network of the Year, and iHeartPodcasts, the largest podcast publisher globally, announced the multi-year renewal of their partnership. The renewed partnership follows a banner year for Lava for Good, with CEO and co-founder Jason Flom and Pulitzer Prize-winning host Maggie Freleng receiving the 2024 iHeartPodcast Social Impact Icon Award for the transformative impact of Lava’s “Wrongful Conviction” series in actual exonerations and in criminal legal reform, including inspiring legislative change in three states.

With more than 70 million downloads and a roster of top-charting shows, Lava for Good is launching new seasons of its award-winning “Bone Valley” and “The War on Drugs” series, releasing weekly new “Wrongful Conviction” episodes, and expanding its lineup with several new series launching in 2025, including a new docuseries from Maggie Freleng and a deep dive into the history and impact of the Taser, bodycams and increasingly tech-driven policing.

“At Lava for Good, we believe in the power of bold storytelling to captivate audiences and provide new perspectives on provocative issues,” said Jason Flom, Lava for Good co-founder and CEO. “Our partnerships with iHeart and our stellar hosts allow us to  expand our slate with new shows that will keep audiences hooked and take them deeper into stories they won’t hear anywhere else.”

“Lava for Good has built a remarkable track record of delivering stories that not only engage but resonate long after the episode ends,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Their ability to blend sharp true crime analysis with deep investigative work makes them a standout in the podcasting space. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership and bring even more compelling narratives to listeners in 2025 and beyond.”

New Shows in the First Half of 2025 Include:

  • The War on Drugs: Season 2: Back with a brand-new season, “The War on Drugs” delivers candid, firsthand stories from Grammy-nominated artist Marcus King, hip-hop icon B-Real, MMA champion Liz Carmouche, and more. This season goes beyond exposing the failures of punitive drug policies—it spotlights real solutions led by the people who have lived them. Recognized by the 2024 ADWEEK Audio Awards for its innovative audience engagement, “The War on Drugs” blends history, insight, and entertainment to bring the complexities of American drug policy to life.
     
  • Bone Valley: Season 2 – Jeremy: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gilbert King returns with the most shocking chapter yet in this gripping, award-winning investigative series. Season one of “Bone Valley” was hailed as one of the best podcasts of the year by Vulture, The New Yorker, Newsweek, The Guardian, Slate, and Lifehacker, and was the subject of a special episode of ABC’s 20/20.

    In the first season of “Bone Valley,” a man was fighting to prove he didn’t murder his wife. This season, the man who confessed to that murder is fighting to prove the truth. The state doesn’t believe either of them. This is the story of the people who do. “Bone Valley: Season 2 – Jeremy” premieres on April 9, 2025. Listen to the trailer for “Bone Valley: Season 2 – Jeremy” here.
     

  • Wrongful Conviction with Ben Bowlin: The celebrated host of “Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know” joins the flagship “Wrongful Conviction” podcast for a new 10-episode series, turning his investigative lens to some of the most shocking wrongful conviction cases in America.

A Growing Partnership

Since first teaming up with iHeart in 2022, Lava for Good has expanded its slate of acclaimed podcasts, renowned for their distinctly immersive, human-centered approach to investigation, narrative, and real-world impact. Lava’s podcasts challenge what we think we know with stories, characters and explosive revelations that keep listeners on the edge of their seats.

All Lava For Good podcasts will be available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast listening platforms. The iHeartPodcast Network, which sees more than 174 million U.S. downloads each month, spans every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, lifestyle, family, comedy and true crime—and everything in between—making iHeartPodcasts the largest publisher of podcast content in the world.

About Lava for Good

Lava for Good, Adweek’s 2024 Podcast Network of the Year, creates standout original content, podcasts, and experiences that deliver unparalleled access and insights into the heart of social justice in America, and inspire action towards a more informed, empathic, and just society.

Founded and led by renowned music executive, children's book author, and philanthropist Jason Flom with Lava Media COO Jeff Kempler, Lava for Good’s #1-charting lineup of podcasts, produced in association with Signal Co. No1, has been downloaded over 70 million times and is credited with influencing exonerations, clemencies, pardons, legislation and reforms nationwide. The lineup, which has been hailed as including some of the best true crime podcasts of all time, is hosted by leading experts, attorneys, activists, formerly incarcerated persons, and journalists on the frontlines of human rights and justice movements. It currently includes Bone Valley, Earwitness, Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands (with Allison Williams and Tony Goldwyn), The War on Drugs, Wrongful Conviction, and more, and is available on all popular podcast platforms.

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New Daily Pop Culture Podcast “The Latest with Loren LoRosa” To Launch on iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Effect Podcast Network on March 31 

Loren LoRosa will break down the hottest trends, latest viral moments, Hollywood drama, music releases and must watch-TV in short episodes perfect for your daily listen

Listen to the trailer HERE

WHAT: Rising media star Loren LoRosa is bringing her signature wit and insider perspective to “The Latest with Loren LoRosa,” a brand-new daily podcast covering the biggest trending topics in entertainment, social media and celebrity news. Launching March 31, the show promises to keep listeners up to speed on everything buzzing in the world of pop culture.

“Pop culture moves fast and I want to give listeners a smart, fun, straight-forward and most importantly an informed take on what's happening every single day,” said LoRosa. “Whether you're a pop culture junkie or just trying to keep up, this podcast is your front row seat to the conversation and what’s happening.”

WHO: Loren LoRosa is an entertainment news correspondent, producer, actress and lifestyle vlogger. Loren currently works as the Sr. News Producer at the hall of fame radio show The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1, and worked with TMZ, FOX, and BET. “The Latest with Loren LoRosa” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts.

WHEN: The first episode of “The Latest with Loren LoRosa” will be released on Monday, March 31 with new episodes available daily. Listen to the official trailer HERE.

WHERE: Presented by The Black Effect, “The Latest with Loren LoRosa” will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

TRAILER: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1248-the-latest-with-loren-lor-270135233/

PODCAST PLAYER EMBED CODE: <iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1248-the-latest-with-loren-lor-270135233/?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe>

About The Black Effect Podcast Network

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

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iHeartPodcasts and Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media Announce New True Crime Limited Series “My Friend Daisy”

Executive Produced by Paris Hilton, the Investigative Podcast Chronicles the Murder of Daisy De La O and the Viral TikTok Manhunt That Helped Catch a Killer

Listen to the “My Friend Daisy” trailer now, HERE

NEW YORK – March 19, 2025 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and London Audio, the audio division of Paris Hilton’s next-gen media company 11:11 Media, today announced the launch of “My Friend Daisy,” the latest show as part of their ongoing partnership with iHeartMedia. This gripping new true-crime limited-series investigates the murder of 19-year-old Daisy De La O and the extraordinary role TikTok played in tracking down her killer.

Executive produced by Paris Hilton, the ten-part series is written and hosted by award-winning journalist Jenn Swann. The first episodes will debut on March 26, with new episodes released weekly on Wednesdays. Fans can listen to the official podcast trailer now, HERE.

“My Friend Daisy” delves deep into the 2021 murder of De La O outside her Compton apartment. When authorities had yet to make an arrest, Daisy’s friends and family took matters into their own hands, turning to social media to raise awareness. Their efforts ultimately ignited an international manhunt, rallying amateur detectives to do something radical: help catch a killer. “My Friend Daisy” dives deep into the investigation and its fallout, exposing what went wrong, how it went viral and why communities are increasingly turning to social media to find justice.

"I'm always looking for ways to shine a light on important stories, and when I first read Daisy De La O’s story by Jenn Swann on The Cut, I was heartbroken by what she endured—but also deeply moved by the way her community came together using digital activism to demand justice. Partnering with iHeart and Jenn, who already knows Daisy’s story, was important to me, because together we can reach even more people, raise awareness and continue to stand against domestic violence,” said Paris Hilton. “Women’s voices too often go unheard and I remain committed to advocating for a world where every woman’s story matters.”

“After I came across the TikToks about Daisy, I couldn’t stop thinking about them. I immediately wanted to know more about who she was, how her community had rallied around her, and what had compelled them to take justice into their own hands,” said Jenn Swann, writer and host of ‘My Friend Daisy.’ “At a time when social media platforms like TikTok have come under fire, this story shows how the app has, in some cases, become a lifeline for friends and families of crime victims — for better or worse. Making this podcast gave me an incredible opportunity to examine this phenomenon from all angles, chronicling Daisy’s personal story and the people directly impacted by it.”

Produced by Paris Hilton, Bruce Gersh, Bruce Robertson and Joanna Studebaker for London Audio, with Jenn Swann, Jonathan Hirsh from Sony Music Entertainment, and Danielle Romo and Amy Sugarman for iHeartPodcasts, “My Friend Daisy” is the latest addition to Hilton’s growing slate of compelling audio projects, joining “I am Paris,” “Trapped in Treatment” and “The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs.”

“My Friend Daisy” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse in any form, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support and resources 24/7/365. Support is a call or chat away at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), chat online at thehotline.org, or text “Start” to 88788. You are not alone.

Editor’s Note

Include the “My Friend Daisy” podcast audio player directly into your article using the embed code below:

<iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1248-my-friend-daisy-270223430/?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Download the show cover art HERE.

About Jenn Swann

Jenn Swann is a journalist and producer based in Los Angeles, where she writes about culture, gender, and the Internet. Her reporting has garnered awards from the L.A. Press Club and has appeared in print in the L.A. Times, the Washington Post, and Rolling Stone; online at The Cut, The New Republic, and Vanity Fair; and on the radio at KCRW.

About 11:11 Media

11:11 Media is a global, next-gen entertainment company at the center of pop culture – connecting content, community and commerce – founded by Paris Hilton and entertainment industry veteran Bruce Gersh in 2021. The company spans a broad array of businesses, including film, TV, audio, music, books, consumer products, and digital, with passion points around lifestyle, fashion, beauty, wellness, art, travel and more. Elevating brands, building communities, and driving social impact through the power of storytelling, experience, and products is the core mission of 11:11 Media.

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iHeartMedia Elevates Nicky Sparrow to Executive Vice President of Multicultural Sales

Dee Dee Faison Promoted to Vice President of Multicultural Partnerships and Alliances

NEW YORK – January 6, 2025 — iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in America, announced today that Nicky Sparrow has been elevated to Executive Vice President of Multicultural Sales and Dee Dee Faison has been elevated to Vice President of Multicultural Partnerships and Alliances effective immediately. Sparrow and Faison will report to Tony Coles, President of Multicultural Business and Development.

In her new role, Sparrow will continue to focus on driving results for advertising partners by leveraging iHeartMedia’s unparalleled assets including broadcast radio, podcast, digital, data and events platforms as well as The Black Effect Podcast Network and My Cultura Podcast Network serving multicultural audiences across the country.

In her new position as Vice President of Multicultural Partnerships and Alliances, Faison will play a pivotal role in building and driving best-in-class comprehensive partner programs, including the development and execution strategy to further expand and scale iHeartMedia’s strategic multicultural initiatives.

“We’re excited to officially elevate Nicky and Dee Dee to our executive team,” said Coles. “These talented leaders bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that will be instrumental in driving our mission forward of connecting our clients and partners with iHeartMedia’s multicultural audiences.” 

Sparrow, a seasoned media industry leader, has built an impressive 25-year career at iHeartMedia, excelling in high-level management and sales roles across major markets. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Multicultural Sales. Committed to giving back, Sparrow serves on the board of directors for the Radio Advertising Bureau, Florida Association of Broadcasting, The First Tee of North Florida and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In recognition of her philanthropic efforts, she was named St. Jude’s 2024 Partner of the Year.

Dee Dee Faison, a 24-year veteran of the media and entertainment industry, joined iHeartMedia in 2020 as the Director of Client Success after leading event strategy and marketing for WBLS in New York. Her career includes roles at Sony Music and Initiative Media, as well as work with high-profile clients such as the Food and Drug Administration, Toyota, McDonald’s and Wells Fargo. Faison is a graduate of Howard University.

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BIN: Black Information Network Names Terry Foxx Vice President of News and Content

In his new role, Foxx will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of BIN: Black Information Network’s newsroom and its team of journalists

CHICAGO – January 6, 2025 — BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 comprehensive national audio news network dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news with a Black voice and perspective, today announced Terry Foxx will join as Vice President of News and Content effective immediately.

In his new role, Foxx will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of BIN: Black Information Network’s newsroom and its team of journalists, with a focus on development of news content and original programming.

“I am excited to have Terry join BIN: Black Information Network,” said Tony Coles, President, BIN: Black Information Network. “In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, the role of news in shaping public discourse has never been more important. We’re confident his contributions will strengthen our position as a leader in delivering inclusive and impactful news and content to our audiences.”

Prior to his new role with BIN, Foxx served as Regional Director of Talk Programming for iHeartMedia Austin/San Antonio. His career includes roles at KUT-FM, University of Texas and major stations such as WPLJ-FM New York, B96 Chicago, KKDA-FM Dallas, and WZGC-FM Atlanta. Foxx has earned numerous accolades for his programming expertise and on-air talent, including recognition as one of Radio Ink’s Top African American Leaders in 2024.

“I am thrilled to contribute to the growth and success of BIN: Black Information Network,” said Foxx. “BIN is a vital platform for amplifying diverse voices and delivering trusted, relevant news to our communities. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact and further strengthen the connection between BIN and the audiences we serve.”

BIN reaches over 19 million monthly listeners and is distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app, available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices, as well as on local AM/FM broadcast radio stations across America, including Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.

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 and Lowe’s. BIN is focused on service to the Black community to help foster communication, accountability and deeper understanding.

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Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia Announce The 2024 Black Effect Podcast Festival on April 27 at Pullman Yards in Atlanta

Hosted by Comedians Pretty Vee and B-Daht, the Event will Feature Live Tapings of Popular Shows with Guests including Wallo267 and Gillie Da King, "Deeply Well with Devi Brown,” “Carefully Reckless with Jess Hilarious,” “WHOREible Decisions,” and “Black Tech, Green Money” as well as Panel Discussions Featuring Daymond John, John Hope Bryant and More

Tickets on sale Tomorrow, February 28 at 12 p.m. EST

ATLANTA – February 27, 2023 – iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God today announced the return of the Black Effect Podcast Festival to celebrate, uplift and amplify Black voices in the podcast industry. The event will take place Saturday, April 27 from noon to 8 p.m. ET at Pullman Yards in Atlanta, GA. Charlamagne Tha God will join the festival alongside some of the Black Effect’s most popular personalities for a day full of live podcast tapings and informative discussions aimed at aspiring podcasters in the Black community. The festival will be hosted by Comedians Pretty Vee and B-Daht. Tickets will go on sale February 28 at 12 p.m. EST. For more information on ticket pricing and this year’s festival lineup, visit blackeffect.com/podcastfestival.

The second annual festival will feature live appearances from some of the Black Effect’s most popular shows including “Carefully Reckless with Jess Hilarious,” “WHOREible Decisions,” “Black Tech, Green Money,” and “Deeply Well with Devi Brown,” with special guests Michelle Williams (Checking In) and Dr. Joy Harden-Bradford (Therapy for Black Girls). The festival will also feature special live recordings of hit shows with guests including “Pour Minds,” “The Baller Alert Show," and Wallo267 and Gillie Da King. Additionally, ticket holders will hear thought-provoking and informative panel discussions during the event including “How To Make Money in Podcasting and Build Brands” and “Shifting Podcast Content and Brand Partner Norms.” The panels will feature special guests including Will Lucas (“Black Tech, Green Money”), John Hope Bryant (“Money and Wealth with John Hope Bryant”), Glasses Malone (“No Ceilings”), Mandii B (“WHOREible Decisions”) and others.

“We are proud to return to Atlanta for the second year in a row to showcase the talent across our network, and some of the biggest shows in podcasting,” said Charlamagne Tha God. “Through culture-defining storytelling, unique brand partnerships, compelling panel discussions, special live podcast recordings and more, we are inviting everyone to experience the power of The Black Effect and the many ways Black creators are driving the culture forward.”

Last year’s sold-out show brought together thousands of podcast fans with the Black Effect Podcast Network’s top talent for a day of live podcast recordings from the network’s most popular shows including “The 85 South Show,” WHOREible Decisions,” “Big Facts,” and a special joint taping with “Reasonably Shady,” and “Checking In with Michelle Williams.”

The Black Effect Podcast Network is the leading platform for Black creators to raise their voices and be heard in the podcast space. It brings together the most influential and trusted voices in black culture for stimulating conversations around social justice, pop culture, sports, mental health, news, comedy and more. Launched in September 2020, the Black Effect Podcast Network has since debuted 37 shows, featuring a luminous roster of marquee talent and culture-shifting voices committed to enlightening, educating and entertaining audiences, curated by Charlamagne Tha God himself.

Festival sponsors will be on-site at the event with engaging activations for attendees including the Pitch Your Podcast booth. In addition, the festival will also feature a variety of other activities such as a pop-up marketplace showcasing merchandise from Black-owned businesses, a photo booth, and Office Hours, with 1:1 mentoring sessions with iHeartMedia executives.

Black Effect Podcast Festival partners include AT&T, Nissan and State Farm. Fans can visit blackeffect.com/podcastfestival beginning Wednesday, February 28 at 12 p.m. EST to purchase tickets.

Download the festival logo and images from the 2023 event HERE.

About The Black Effect Podcast Network

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

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Legendary Music Exec Jerry Clark Collaborates with iHeartPodcasts for the "Storytime with Legendary Jerry" Podcast – A Journey into Southern Rap Music

ATLANTA – August 22, 2023 – Jerry Clark, a highly acclaimed and visionary music executive, has joined forces with iHeartPodcasts to launch "Storytime with Legendary Jerry." This groundbreaking podcast will offer a varied glimpse into the world of Southern rap music, featuring exclusive interviews and compelling discussions with industry icons and executives.

Jerry Clark, renowned for his unparalleled expertise and contributions to the music industry, brings decades of experience to "Storytime with Legendary Jerry." Having played a pivotal role in the careers of numerous renowned artists, Clark has an unrivaled understanding of the Southern rap scene and its evolution over the years.

"Storytime with Legendary Jerry" aims to provide listeners with an authentic and captivating exploration of Southern rap, delving deep into its rich history, influential figures, and groundbreaking moments. Aiming to obtain intimate interviews with seasoned executives such as Jermaine Dupri and Polow Da Don, as well as icons from the genre, such as Killer Mike, TI, Jeezy, Big Boi, and more, the podcast offers a unique opportunity to gain unparalleled insights into the creative process, industry dynamics, and the challenges faced by artists striving for success.

Clark's partnership with iHeartPodcasts, the leading podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, ensures that "Storytime with Legendary Jerry" will reach a vast audience of music enthusiasts and industry professionals, leaving listeners both informed and entertained.

Commenting on the collaboration, Jerry Clark stated, "I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with iHeartMedia. This podcast is about celebrating the vibrant landscape of Southern rap and paying homage to the artists, executives, and visionaries who have shaped it. We will delve into the stories behind the scenes, offering listeners a front-row seat to the birth and evolution of this influential genre."

“At iHeart, we are passionate about music.  It’s the lifeblood of so many of our stations, so we are excited to launch a podcast that takes listeners on a journey into the history of Southern rap,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts.” Southern rappers have had a strong influence on the genre and this podcast will deliver a range of informative insights and never-before-heard stories from the experts and icons for our passionate music fans who are immersed in the culture.” 

The "Storytime with Legendary Jerry" podcast is slated to launch in Fall 2023. Listeners can anticipate an exciting lineup of guests, including influential artists, producers, managers, and record label executives who have left an indelible mark on Southern rap.

For more information about "Storytime with Legendary Jerry" and to stay updated on its release, visit iheartmedia.com/podcasts.

About Jerry Clark:

Jerry Clark has assisted in propelling some of the biggest names in urban music helping to make Atlanta a hotbed in the culture.  Jerry is one of the industry’s most respected leaders, having worked with artists such as Killer Mike, Jeezy, Bone Thugs and Harmony, 8Ball & MJG, Three 6 Mafia and more.  Having served as the VP of Promotions for Steve Rifkind’s SRC/Universal Music label and having been hand-picked by Jermaine Dupri and the late Shakur Stewart as the VP of Promotions for So So Def/Def Jam, Jerry’s name and reputation is forever stamped in Atlanta’s music history. 

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The Black Effect Podcast Network Names John Hope Bryant to Its Board of Directors

Bryant Will Also Host a New Podcast for The Black Effect Focusing on His Compelling Vision of Building Capital and Bringing Financial Literacy Directly to the Black Community

NEW YORK – June 15, 2023 - The Black Effect Podcast Network, the historic joint media venture partnership between iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God, today announced that John Hope Bryant, American entrepreneur, author, philanthropist and prominent thought leader has been named to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Bryant is the Founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Operation HOPE, Inc., the largest non-profit provider of financial literacy and economic empowerment tools and services in the United States for youth and adults. He is also chairman and chief executive officer of John Hope Bryant Holdings, Bryant Group Ventures and The Promise Homes Company, the largest for-profit minority-controlled owner of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S.

“We are pleased to welcome John Hope Bryant to The Black Effect Podcast Network’s Board of Directors,” said Charlamagne Tha God. “John brings a strong track record of business success, broad leadership experience in philanthropy, education, public engagement and innovation, and a deep appreciation for black culture that makes him the perfect choice to help steer and shape the future of the network.”

“I am honored to join the Board of The Black Effect Podcast Network, supporting the groundbreaking vision of Charlamagne tha God,” said John Hope Bryant. “Black voices have been underrepresented and overlooked for far too long, and I applaud the leadership of Charlamagne, iHeart Radio’s Bob Pittman and the entire Black Effect team in standing up this platform for Black voices to inspire and inform each other. I’m with them 100%. They have every opportunity to be best-in-class and transformational platform for the culture - and for business."

Bryant is also a founding member of Clinton Global Initiative and a member of the World Economic Forum’s “The Forum of Young Global Leaders.” He has served as an advisor to three U.S. presidents from both political parties. Additionally, he hosts a podcast series “BUILDING The Good Life,” on the iHeartPodcast Network and serves as guest host and contributor on CNBC, Huffington Post and Black Enterprise. Bryant has received hundreds of awards and citations for his work, including Oprah Winfrey’s Use Your Life Award, and the John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education from the U.S. Department of Treasury.

In addition to joining the board, Bryant will also host a new show for The Black Effect Podcast Network focusing on building wealth in the Black community. Launching this summer, the new podcast will feature Bryant’s unique brand of “Straight Talk” and offer listeners insight into his compelling vision of building capital – in the mental, physical, relationship and, ultimately, financial spaces of life. More details about the podcast and the launch date coming soon.

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

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iHeartMedia Names Jay C. Lowe Area President Across the Tulsa and Oklahoma City Markets

OKLAHOMA CITY – January 10, 2022 – iHeartMedia announced today that Jay C. Lowe has been named Area President – Oklahoma, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Oklahoma has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than 14 stations comprised of music, talk and news formats.

iHeartMedia leads consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As the newly appointed Area President, Lowe will oversee operations at 14 stations including Top 40 KJYO, Country KTST Oklahoma City, the legendary KMOD in Tulsa and The Oklahoma AG Network. Lowe will report to Tony Coles, Division President for iHeartMedia.  

“JC is an impactful leader who has a strong track record of building and developing great teams, serving the community and delivering results,” said Tony Coles, Division President. “We look forward to growing our brands in Tulsa and Oklahoma City under JC’s leadership.”

Lowe is a 30-year broadcast industry veteran who has led radio and television operations across several markets including Austin, TX, Birmingham, AL, and Oklahoma City. He most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of WEAR-TV in Pensacola, FL and WPMI-TV in Mobile, AL. Lowe is a graduate of The American Broadcasting School of Oklahoma.

“It is an honor to be named Area President and I look forward to working alongside Division President Tony Coles and the talented leadership team at iHeartMedia,” said Lowe. “I’m excited to lead the team, leverage new and existing resources to sustain iHeartMedia Oklahoma’s momentum and create new opportunities for growth across the Tulsa and Oklahoma City markets.”

iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with 3 billion app downloads and more than 160 million registered users.

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iHeartMedia Names Uta Knablein as New Chief Product Officer for iHeartRadio

As the Former EVP of iHeartRadio Products and User Experience, Knablein Brings Over Two Decades of Experience to the Role

NEW YORK – September 9, 2022 – Today, iHeartMedia announced Uta Knablein as the company’s new Chief Product Officer for iHeartRadio. Knablein steps into the position with more than two decades of work in user experience and product innovation, most recently as iHeartMedia’s Executive Vice President of iHeartRadio’s Flagship Products and User Experience. In her new role, Knablein will report directly to Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group.

“At iHeartMedia, we’re committed to innovation and being on the forefront of this fast paced industry,” said Byrne. “Since joining the team, Uta has played a critical role in elevating the user experience through groundbreaking products and features. With her decades of experience and shared values, there is no doubt she is the right leader for our product team. As we look toward the future, we’re thrilled to have Uta’s depth of industry knowledge to keep us on the cutting edge.”

Prior to joining iHeartMedia in 2018, Knablein worked for Nickelodeon Digital, Outbrain, JPMorgan and CNBC. She brings a deep expertise in leading teams to create behavior-driven and data-informed products that drive audience growth, user engagement, increased loyalty and revenue. In her role as iHeartRadio's EVP of Flagship Products, Knablein led user experience, customer experience and research across more than 250 platforms. Knablein steps into this role following former Chief Product Officer, Chris Williams’ 17-year tenure at iHeartMedia.

“My time at iHeartMedia, working alongside Chris Williams, has been impactful and inspirational – to say the very least. We have built an incredibly talented team that continuously strives to deliver a best-in-class experience and industry-leading products, and I am elated to step into this new role,” said Knablein. “Looking ahead, we have an ambitious roadmap of new innovations that will continue to build on our robust offering, increase market share and drive growth for the iHeartRadio platform.”

iHeartRadio, the free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service, offers users thousands of Live Radio stations from across the country, personalized custom Artist Radio stations and the top podcasts and on-air personalities available everywhere listeners are. This news follows an extraordinary year of product innovation for iHeartRadio, with the introduction of new offerings such as PodGuides, an interactive platform that encourages travel and exploration through destination-specific podcast episodes; Talk Back, a tool that enables listeners to engage in on-air conversations with their favorite iHeartRadio stations and podcasts; as well as the company's foray into the Metaverse with iHeartLand. Under Knablein’s guidance, iHeartRadio will continue to revolutionize the audio industry.

Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

 

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