iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio’s Second Annual Major Live Podcast Awards Ceremony Will Return to the iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles on January 17, 2020

NEW YORK – September 30, 2019– In celebration of International Podcast Day, iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, today announced the return of the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards to the iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 8 p.m. PT. The second annual live awards event, which will broadcast and stream live across iHeartMedia stations nationwide, will honor the most entertaining and innovative podcasts of 2019 and will span 30 categories, celebrating the incredible talent and wide variety of leaders across the booming podcasting industry.

Last year’s winners at the inaugural iHeartRadio Podcast Awards included Slate’s “Slow Burn” for Podcast of the Year; “Up and Vanished” for Best Crime Podcast; “The Joe Rogan Experience” for Best Comedy Podcast; Marc Smerling, host of “Crimetown” and “The RFK Tapes,” for Podcast Innovator; “Fantasy Footballers” for Best Sports Podcast; and Dax Shepard and Monica Padman of “Armchair Expert” for Breakout Podcast of the Year, among many other categories and winners. The event featured appearances by award nominees, celebrity presenters and other special guests including Mike Tyson, Dax Shepard, Jillian Michaels, Jana Kramer, Topher Grace, Dr. Drew, Becca Tilley, Scheana Shay, Dean Unglert, Vanessa Grimaldi, Jake Brennan, Charlamagne Tha God, Holly Frey and more. NPR was also honored with the first-ever iHeartRadio Podcast Pioneer Award.

“The podcasting landscape has truly grown and is now reaching a mainstream audience,” said Anya Grundmann, Senior Vice President for Programming and Audience Development at NPR. “As a ‘Podcast Pioneer’ we are thrilled to see the range of terrific new programs out there and excited that iHeart has created such a powerful platform to showcase standout shows.”

International Podcast Day celebrates the power of podcasts, which continues to see tremendous growth into mainstream audiences with millions of new listeners. Podcast listenership in the United States alone has grown exponentially with an estimated 17 million more monthly podcast listeners in 2019 than in 2018. Today podcasts reach 90 million active listeners in America, exceeding the listenership of both satellite radio and all major streaming music services. iHeartMedia, which reaches a quarter of billion monthly listeners in the U.S. with just its broadcast radio stations and on-air personalities alone, will celebrate the best in podcasts with existing fans, while also continuing to introduce millions of new listeners to this incredible medium every single day.

“When we introduced the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards last year, we knew we wanted to celebrate the most talented podcast creators out there – the key reason that podcasting continues to grow exponentially,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “The response to last year’s awards was amazing. This is the one time of the year that all the most popular podcasters come together to celebrate the community of podcasting truly as colleagues, not competitors. The iHeartRadio Podcast Awards bring everyone into one room – the biggest hosts, producers and distributors – all committed to this amazing podcast medium and to seeing its incredible growth continue.”

Podcast fans themselves will once again decide the winner of the “Podcast of the Year” award through online and social voting across Twitter and Instagram. Nominees will include podcasts from all creators, distributors and platforms, and a panel of blue-ribbon podcast industry leaders, creatives and visionaries will determine the winner across remaining categories including entertainment, comedy, crime, news, sports, food, LGBTQ+, business and more. In addition, this year’s awards will include three Icon Awards -- The Innovator Award, The Social Impact Award and The Pioneer Award. Select category winners will be announced during the live show and stream filled with unique celebrations at the iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles. More details will be shared soon.

The 2020 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards is part of iHeartMedia’s roster of incredibly successful, nationally-recognized events, including the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the nationwide iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Concert Tour, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, iHeartCountry Festival, iHeartRadio ALTer Ego and iHeartRadio Wango Tango. For more information visit iHeartPodcastAwards.com.

Award-winning journalist and American icon leverages iHeartMedia’s mass reach to bring insightful and timely conversations to audiences nationwide

NEW YORK - September 26, 2019 - iHeartMedia, the No.1 podcast publisher globally, today announced the official launch of “Next Question with Katie Couric,” an iHeartRadio Original Podcast hosted by Katie Couric, an award-winning journalist, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Katie Couric Media. The show will join the iHeartPodcast Network and will explore some of today’s most important issues and transformative trends through insightful and engaging conversations that span news, politics, and pop culture. The second of 12 weekly episodes will be available October 10 on iHeartRadio and wherever you find podcasts. The first, on how pornography is impacting sexual relationships, was released as a sneak preview of the new podcast series and can be heard HERE. 

Topics include the ABC’s of CBD, Jennifer Garner’s foray into entrepreneurship, whether ageism is the last socially acceptable “ism,” the eSports universe, and a conversation with a former white supremacist who now works to deradicalize others. Known as one of the best interviewers in the business, Couric knows how to ask the tough questions and how not to take “no” or “no comment” for an answer. “Next Question with Katie Couric” is yet another example of Couric’s exceptional storytelling, perspicacious interviewing style, and engaging personality.

”I’m insatiably curious about the world and at this moment in time, things are changing at breakneck speed. In the face of seismic cultural shifts and information overload, I often try to connect the dots and I’m excited to take listeners along for the ride,” Couric said. “With the help of an incredible line-up of guests and the unmatched reach of iHeartMedia, I’m excited to have listeners around the world examine these fascinating and urgent topics so they can come to a better understanding of what’s happening and where we’re going.”  

In addition to digital availability, full episodes and vignettes of “Next Question with Katie Couric” will air on broadcast radio, bringing Katie Couric’s voice to the more than 250 million monthly iHeartMedia broadcast listeners. 

“The iHeartPodcast Network is committed to growing its vast podcast library with culturally significant content every day,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “With the addition of ‘Next Question with Katie Couric,’ we aim to give listeners a nuanced and expert perspective on topics affecting our daily lives from one of the industry’s all-time best. At this point in our country’s history, and amidst the nonstop daily news cycle, we need an experienced and incisive perspective on the issues that matter – and that’s Katie Couric.”

iHeartRadio is available on more than 250 platforms and 2,000 different connected devices — including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles. Visit iHeart.com/apps to download the iHeartRadio app and listen to “Next Question with Katie Couric” on your favorite device now. 

About Katie Couric

At Katie Couric Media, we are creating high-quality content in collaboration with purpose-driven brands, highlighting the important issues impacting people globally. Through a newsletter, podcast, and premium video, Katie will inform, educate, and entertain her 100 million fans, all in partnership with brands that care about changing the world as much as she does.

It’s a new model—an iconic journalist partnering with the world’s leading brands to drive meaningful conversation on the issues that matter most now.

New enhancement will allow Hilton guests to stream music, local radio stations and podcasts straight from their Connected Room
 

(MCLEAN, Va., September 17, 2019) — Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced a new integration with iHeartRadio to allow guests to stream live radio stations, thousands of music playlists and podcasts directly from their TVs through Hilton’s high-tech Connected Room guest technology platform. This marks yet another Connected Room feature that allows guests even more ways to personalize their travel experience. 

With iHeartRadio, guests who stay in Hilton Connected Rooms will be able to play exclusive audio content and have instant access to thousands of live radio stations from across the country, customized music stations based on their favorite artists, and top podcasts across all categories including travel, business, sports, entertainment, comedy and more. Travelers can use either their Hilton Honors app or the in-room remote to access the content on their guestroom TV.

“We heard our guests loud and clear when they said they wanted the ability to stream music in their guestrooms, so we’re excited to bring this to life in collaboration with iHeartRadio,” said Noelle Eder, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer for Hilton. “This addition to Connected Room is just another way we’re making travelers feel at home by giving them access to their favorite content and enjoying custom, curated playlists for any occasion or mood.”

As a special benefit to Hilton guests, iHeartRadio is free and no signup is required. Guests need only to open the app on their TV and press play.

“We are excited to join forces with Hilton, a leader in the hospitality industry, to provide a superior music experience for travelers,” said Michele Laven, president of strategic partnerships for iHeartMedia. “We look forward to helping enhance the guest’s stay by giving them the companionship of our live radio stations as well as quick and easy access to iHeartRadio’s massive catalog of music playlists, podcasts and more.”

iHeartRadio joins Netflix and SHOWTIME in Hilton’s Connected Room technology, which also allows guests to access on-demand content and also control the temperature, lights and TV from their mobile device or in-room remote.

Hilton currently has more than 3,500 Connected Rooms across 15 hotels and plans to roll out the technology to the majority of its portfolio of nearly 5,900 hotels over the coming years.

Event Will Also Feature Performances by Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Cage The Elephant, Camila Cabello, Chance The Rapper, Def Leppard, French Montana, Halsey, Heart, H.E.R., Hootie & The Blowfish, Marshmello with Special Guest Kane Brown, Miley Cyrus, Mumford & Sons, Steve Aoki with special guests Darren Criss and Monsta X, Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band and More

Hosted By Ryan Seacrest on September 20 and 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

New York, New York – September 12, 2019 – iHeartMedia announced today that Green Day will join the iconic lineup for the 2019 iHeartRadioMusic Festival, the annual legendary concert event on Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21 at Las Vegas’ hottest entertainment venue, T-Mobile Arena.

This year, the epic two-day event will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest and will feature performances by Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Cage The Elephant, Camila Cabello, Chance The Rapper, Def Leppard, French Montana, Green Day, Halsey, Heart, H.E.R., Hootie & The Blowfish, Marshmello with Special Guest Kane Brown, Miley Cyrus, Mumford & Sons, Steve Aoki with special guests Darren Criss and Monsta X, Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band and more.

Each night, the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Festival will broadcast live for fans via iHeartMedia radio stations throughout the country across more than 150 markets. The CW Network will broadcast a two-night television special on Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3 from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. EST/PST. Leading up to the official television special, The CW will also air an hour-long iHeartRadio Music Festival Greatest Moments on Sunday, September 29 at 8 p.m. EST/PST. In addition, The CW will exclusively livestream both nights of the festival via The CW App and CWTV.com.

Tickets are on sale now to the general public via AXS.com. Tickets for the Daytime Stage are also on sale and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com.

In addition, throughout a summer-long on-air and online promotion, iHeartMedia station listeners across the country will have the chance to win a one-of-a-kind dream trip to Las Vegas where they will join thousands of other dedicated music fans to experience the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena.

Proud partners of this year's event include: 100 Coconuts, Capital One®, The CW Network, JBL®, Macy's, Outback Steakhouse, Progressive® Insurance, REIGN Total Body Fuel, T-Mobile, Taco Bell® and Tic Tac with more to be announced.

The 2019 iHeartRadio Music Festival is co-produced by John Sykes, and Tom Poleman. For more details about the iHeartRadio Music Festival visit iHeartRadio.com/festival.

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

Partnership Kicks-Off with “The Outcast” an iHeartRadio Original Podcast

Co-produced by Out Magazine

New York, NY — July 18, 2019 — iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and Pride Media, the premier LGBTQ+ media company and home to publications including Out, The Advocate, and Pride, today announced a partnership to co-produce a slate of LGBTQ+ podcasts in 2019-2020 that will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are available.

The partnership will kick off with the launch of “The Outcast,” a brand new iHeartRadio Original podcast co-produced with Out Magazine. Hosted by Fran Tirado, Deputy Editor of Out Magazine, this weekly podcast will explore queer and queer-adjacent topics as they pertain to politics, pop culture, fashion, relationships, money, and more. Each episode takes a deep dive into one theme or story — some tied to timely news topics, others evergreen — expanding on Out magazine's brand of thought-provoking coverage using a combination of interviews, reporting, and roundtable discussions. The first episode of the series will launch on July 18.

“A podcast by the world’s premiere queer media brand is long overdue, and I am more than honored to help it along the way,” said Tirado. “Podcasting and audio storytelling, particularly in the LGBTQ+ space, needs more voices in it. I can’t wait to help elevate and uplift those voices.”

“Pride Media has long been committed to providing relevant and engaging content for the LGBTQ+ community – whether we’re creating a podcast on dating and relationships, or sharing accurate, comprehensive health information,” added Orlando Reece Interim CEO at Pride Media. “We’ve seen the power of podcasting firsthand, and we’re looking forward to collaborating with the leading podcast platform to create shows that we know our audience will love. By combining our established brand with iHeart’s massive scale, we’ll be able to reach even more LGBTQ+ individuals across the country through audio.”

iHeartMedia will also welcome “Food 4 Thot”, a podcast hosted by four queer men who discuss sex, relationships, race and identity, to the iHeartPodcast Network this month. In addition, iHeartMedia and Pride Media will co-create and launch a slate of new podcasts in 2019-2020 with more to be announced.

“At iHeartMedia, our goal is to connect exceptional content with diverse audiences,” said Conal Byrne, President of iHeartMedia Podcast Network. “Pride Media has been an authentic voice for the LGBTQ+ community for years, and this partnership would not be possible without their unique expertise. We are proud to partner with them to create and distribute exciting new podcasts for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.”

“I’m so thrilled that Fran is blessing us with his unique talents in the podcasting space,” said Phillip Picardi, Editor-in-Chief of Out. “Under his vision and direction, I’m hopeful that the stories we’re so proud to tell at Out will be given new dimension and texture.”

iHeartRadio featuring more than 250,000 podcasts, with more than 750 iHeartRadio Originals and is available on over 250 platforms and over 2,000 different connected devices — including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles. Visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to “The Outcast” on your favorite device now.

Listen to “Everywhere” Now on iHeartRadio

New York – July 11, 2019 – Daniel Scheffler, a New York Times and Conde Nast published travel writer, and iHeartMedia, the No.1 commercial podcast publisher globally, today launched “Everywhere,” the first-ever iHeartRadio Original travel podcast that will take listeners on an adventure across the globe. The 26-episode podcast has a mission to support travelers in their quest to overcome fears and ditch preconceptions about travel. Subsequent episodes will air each Thursday on the iHeartRadio app.

“Everywhere” will take a care-free and open approach to travel, encouraging listeners to explore the world freely in a meaningful way, regardless of wealth or mode of travel. Covering a variety of purposeful topics, each episode will focus on a specific theme framed as a travel commandment to guide listeners when traveling. Episode topics include Thou Shalt Talk to Strangers, Thou Shalt Just Go With It and Thou Shalt Know Your Starting Point.

“Everywhere” will feature different places and magical experiences alongside interviews from travel connoisseurs including Kevin Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks; Kelly Wearstler, American Designer; Richard Stengel, On-Air Analyst for MSNBC; Stephanie Stebich, Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum; and many more.

“In my new iHeartRadio podcast, I want to help travelers fully engage with the world, and its humanity, in a deeply meaningful way,” said Scheffler. “It will make you cry and laugh in every single episode!”

iHeartRadio is available on more than 250 platforms and over 2,000 different connected devices — including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles. Visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to “Everywhere” on your favorite device and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Study Finds Radio Continues to Reach More People on a Daily and Weekly Basis Than Any Other Media and Dominates Consumer Listening Across All Dayparts

Podcast Listening Experiences Fast Growth, Especially Among Gen Z and Younger Millennials, as More People Use Podcasts as a Daily Escape

Rise of Smart Speakers Adds To Radio Listening in the Home with Continued Listening Late into the Night

New York, NY – June 20, 2019 – The audio landscape is exploding and over the last two years there has been huge growth across various audio categories including a 2500 percent growth in smart speaker ownership and more than 48 percent increase in podcast listening, according to the Edison Infinite Dial 2019 study.  And today Ipsos released a new research study commissioned by iHeartMedia  -- “Day in the life Audio Journey” -- demonstrating that consumer interest in audio is now at an all-time high, with listeners enjoying more audio content across a vast array of platforms including broadcast radio, digital streaming, podcasts and smart speakers. The in-depth multi-platform study explores daily audio usage and habits of Americans ranging from 13 to 64 years old and captures when, where and how these various generations are consuming their favorite audio.

The study highlights that radio continues to reach more people than any other media both daily and weekly. On a weekly basis, broadcast radio reaches 85 percent of consumers, surpassing all other audio channels including social media (68 percent) and live television (56 percent). The research also showed that radio has two times the daily listening of streaming services, reaching 69 percent of consumers compared to streaming music’s 34 percent.

“Audio is hot right now and a must for marketers looking to reach increasingly elusive and fractured audiences. If you look at the data, it’s undeniable that consumers are listening more and watching less and this study outlines when, where and why,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. “Contrary to some misperceptions, it shows we are living in an audio-first world by drilling down a more granular overview of audio listenership and showing what a day-in-the-life of the average listener is like when it comes to media consumption.”

 Although all ages enjoy listening to audio and spend an average of 17.2 hours a week with their favorite broadcast radio stations, streaming music service, podcasts and more, the study found that Millennials and Gen Z listen the most, spending more than 18 hours each week and 2.6 hours or more each day listening to audio. These numbers, along with social media’s continued popularity, reflect consumers’ need for live, human connections.

 “Radio has long been a trusted companion for people of all ages so it’s no surprise that it continues to be the premier destination when people want to connect with others and their community,” said Gayle Troberman, CMO of iHeartMedia. “The only difference now versus decades ago is that today people can enjoy that connection anywhere they are across a variety of platforms.”

The study also explores where and when people listen and shows that audio listening is most often done on-the-go, with 65 percent done outside the home and most often in the car, with radio accounting for 65 percent of in-vehicle audio listening. Radio also serves as a companion throughout the day; it leads media use 70 percent of waking hours and is the most used audio platform all day, and at all hours. The research additionally shows that the rise of smart speakers has made radio more prominent than ever in the home, uncovering that homes with smart speakers have spent 47 percent more time listening to radio during prime hours (8-10pm) than those listeners without.

Consumers are also embracing podcasts, with listening growing tremendously especially among younger Millennials and Gen Z. Compared to just two years ago, podcast listening is up 48 percent with people aged 12–24, according to a separate Edison Infinite Dial 2019 study. iHeartMedia’s study further found that podcasts now represent almost 10 percent of audio listening among Millennials and that podcast listeners are also radio listeners, with 82 percent also listening to radio on a weekly basis. In addition, radio continues to be the #1 audio choice for Gen Z. and podcasts are replacing online video as a daytime escape for many during work and school.

The study, conducted by Ipsos for iHeartMedia in March 2019, surveyed a nationally representative sample of 6,016 consumers aged 13–64 who listen to 1+ audio platform at least once a week.

New York – April 16, 2018 – iHeartMedia is proud to congratulate its exceptional women and women-led programming which will be honored with a 2019 Gracie Award. Recipients of The Gracies® will include four of iHeartMedia’s world-class talent including Lynda McLaughlin, Producer of “The Sean Hannity Show,” Angela Yee, Co-Host of Power 105.1’s “The Breakfast Club,” LaDona Harvey, Host of “I am NOT grateful, I am qualified,” Kaelin Roberts, Producer of “Fred + Angi Mornings” as well as three of iHeartMedia’s industry-leading programs KOST 103.5’s “The Ellen K Morning show,”Power 105.1’s “Power on The Block,”and The iHeartPodcast Network’s “Anna Faris is Unqualified.” 

Developed by The Alliance for Women in Media, The Gracies recognize exemplary programming created by, for and about women in radio, television, cable and interactive media. Honorees are selected in national, local and student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets. The Gracies will honor seven of iHeartMedia’s incredible talent and programming spanning several national and local categories.

Category and winners include: 

Angela Yee (“The Breakfast Club”)
Radio Host/Personality - National

Lynda McLaughlin (“The Sean Hannity Show”)
Radio Producer - Talk - National

“Anna Faris is Unqualified”
Interactive Media - Podcast – Entertainment - National

Kaelin Roberts (“Fred + Angi Mornings” on Chicago’s 103.5 KISS FM)
Radio Producer - Local

LaDona Harvey (“I am NOT grateful, I am qualified!”)
Radio Interview Feature - Local

“Power on the Block” (New York’s Power 105.1 - WWPR)
Public Affairs Radio Program - Local

“The Ellen K Morning Show” (Los Angeles’ KOST 103.5)
Radio Crisis Coverage/Breaking News - Music Network - Local

The winners in the National Television, Radio and Interactive Media categories will be honored during the 2019 Gracies Gala on Tuesday, May 21 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Additionally, all winners in the Local and Student Television, Radio and Interactive Media Award categories will receive their awards during the 2019 Gracies Luncheon on Wednesday, June 26 at Cipriani, located at 42ndstreet in Manhattan, New York. Details about The Gracies® and the full list of winners across all categories can be found at allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/.  

SANTA MONICA, CA – March 5, 2019 – Entravision Communications Corporation (NYSE: EVC), a diversified global media and advertising technology company serving Latino consumers, today announced that that it has entered a steaming audio distribution agreement with iHeartMedia to bring its broadcast stations to iHeartRadio, the free all-in-one digital music, on demand, podcasting and live streaming radio app.

Under the agreement, Entravision’s 49 owned and operated radio stations will be available on the iHeartRadio app beginning today across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices spanning in-car, in-home, on wearables, on gaming consoles and more – making listeners’ favorite audio content available everywhere they are, on the devices they use most.

“iHeartRadio has built a leading streaming platform and this agreement will broaden the distribution of our radio and audio content. This will allow our listeners to truly enjoy our content, how and when they want - across all devices and at any time,” said Jeffery Liberman, President and Chief Operating Officer, Entravision.

Entravision’s line-up of syndicated personalities now available on iHeartRadio include:

• El Genio Lucas: Alex "El Genio" Lucas inspires and motivates listeners through stories of self-reflection and achievement. Lucas believes in positive self-esteem and channels this through thought-provoking parables in his popular segment, "Reflexiones."
• Piolin: As the first Mexican to be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo is an icon in the community and one of the strongest influencers on radio today. With close to 3 million Facebook followers, Piolin's connection with fans is unmatched. His most popular segment, "La Formula de Truinfar," celebrates Latino success and achievement.
• Erazno y La Chokolata: A parody-based comedy program that entertains audiences with bold humor, outlandish stunts, and signature "nacadas.” Oswaldo Diaz is the voice behind three very different personalities: Erazno (a modern-day Dennis the Menace obsessed with soccer), Chokolata (diva extraordinaire and real “boss” of the show) and El Doggy (outspoken bachelor). The three battle to always be right and more importantly, have the last word.
• Mayra Berenice: Mayra Berenice hosts a nostalgic music driven nightly program. Her specialty show, "Misterios Ocultos" explores the mysteries of the paranormal and unexplained phenomena.

Fans can visit iHeart.com/apps to download and start listening to Entravision stations and personalities across all their favorite devices today.

About Entravision Communications Corporation

Entravision is a diversified global media, advertising technology and data analytics company that reaches and engages Latino consumers in the U.S. and other markets primarily including Mexico, Latin America and Spain. Entravision’s portfolio includes digital media properties and advertising technology platforms that deliver performance-based solutions and data insights, along with 55 television stations and 49 radio stations. Entravision’s digital and technology businesses include Headway, a leading global provider of mobile, programmatic, data and performance digital marketing solutions, as well as Pulpo Media, the top-ranked online advertising platform in connecting businesses with U.S. Latinos. Entravision is the largest affiliate group of both the Univision and UniMás television networks, and its Spanish-language radio stations feature its nationally recognized talent. Entravision also operates Entravision Solutions, a national sales and marketing organization representing over 300 owned and affiliated radio stations, radio networks and digital media platforms, and Headway’s audio advertising platform, AudioEngage. Entravision shares of Class A Common Stock are traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: EVC. Learn more at: www.entravision.com.

Exclusive Half-Hour Radio Special Hosted by Ryan Seacrest to Air Ahead of Season Premiere of Renowned Singing Competition on Sunday, March 3 on The ABC Television Network 

New York, NY – February 28, 2019 – iHeartMedia announced today it will celebrate the highly anticipated March 3 season premiere of The ABC Television Network’s beloved singing competition series “American Idol” with a radio special hosted by Ryan Seacrest and broadcast across more than 90 iHeartMedia AC and Hot AC radio stations nationwide.

The thirty-minute special will air Sunday, March 3 (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time depending the station and market) and will feature songs from current “American Idol” judges and past contestants, exclusive content and information about the iconic series, providing unparalleled access ahead of the show’s two-hour season premiere that night at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC. 

As part of the promotion, local iHeartMedia stations in key markets will feature a commercial free “American Idol” PM drive takeover on March 6 to build excitement for the show’s second premiere week episode, airing that night at 8:00 p.m. EST. In addition to playing today’s biggest hits, the hour-long broadcast will include special audio content from the show. The “American Idol” promotion will also feature content from the hit show on iHeartMedia’s array of national and local brand social platforms.

“‘American Idol’ continues to be one of America’s favorite singing competition shows,” Adrienne Pabst EVP, Connections & Agency Partnerships. “We can’t wait to help ABC celebrate its return with a week of amazing content across iHeartMedia’s extensive network of media platforms that will make music fans across the country even more excited for the premiere.”

“Fans of ‘American Idol’ are always in search of more access to music and personal stories, and we are thrilled to work with iHeartMedia to give our audiences what they want via this exclusive show airing across America,” said Gary Shanas, Vice President, Media Strategy & Planning, Disney-ABC Television.

“American Idol” returns to The ABC Television Network on Sunday, March 3 (8:00–10:01 p.m. EST), streaming and on demand, after first making its return to the airwaves as the No. 1 reality show launch for its inaugural season on the network during the 2017-2018 season. Returning this season to discover an all-new crop of inspiring singers are music industry legends and all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as well as Emmy^® Award-winning host and producer Seacrest as host. Famed iHeartMedia multimedia personality Bobby Bones will take on the role of in-house mentor.

In the highly anticipated premiere episode, viewers will embark on a nation-wide journey starting with the shows’ famed judge auditions in Louisville, Kentucky; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; and Denver, Colorado, where aspiring singers will see if they have what it takes to earn a coveted golden ticket to Hollywood.

“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Fremantle’s Trish Kinane, also serving as showrunner, Jennifer Mullin, Megan Wolflick and Industrial Media’s Chris Anokute. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide. 

About ABC Entertainment

ABC Entertainment airs compelling programming across all day parts, including the new dramas “A Million Little Things” and “The Rookie,” starring Nathan Fillion; and new comedies “The Conners,” “The Kids Are Alright” and “Single Parents.” The ABC Television Network is also home to the groundbreaking dramas “The Good Doctor,” “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Grey’s Anatomy”; the Emmy® Award-winning “Modern Family” and trailblazing comedy favorites “black-ish,” “American Housewife,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “The Goldbergs,” “Speechless” and “Splitting Up Together”; hit game shows “The $100,000 Pyramid,” “Celebrity Family Feud,” “Match Game” and “To Tell the Truth”; star-making sensation “American Idol”; reality phenomenon “Shark Tank,” iconic “The Bachelor” franchise, long-running hits “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos”; “General Hospital,” which has aired for over 50 years on the network; and late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The network also boasts some of television’s most prestigious awards shows, including “The Oscars®,” “The CMA Awards” and “The American Music Awards.”

ABC’s multiplatform business initiative also allows viewers to watch current episodes of their favorite ABC shows anytime, anywhere on ABC.com and the ABC app for desktop, smartphone, tablet or connected TV devices.

About Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest is a creative entrepreneur and holds preeminent positions in broadcast and cable television, as well as nationally syndicated and local radio. Seacrest is host of the iconic music competitions series “American Idol” on ABC and executive producer of the annual live ABC broadcast of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” He is co-host and executive producer of the Disney/ABC nationally syndicated entertainment talk show “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” Seacrest also serves as host and executive producer of “E! Live from the Red Carpet” award season shows. On radio, Seacrest is host of "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," his market-topping #1 nationally syndicated LA morning drive-time show for iHeartMedia's 102.7 KIIS-FM, as well as a nationally-syndicated Top 40 radio show. Seacrest helms Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP) an Emmy-winning entertainment production company. RSP produces the E! hit cable series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and its spin-offs, “E! Live from the Red Carpet” award shows, as well as Bravo’s “Shahs of Sunset.” Additionally, RSP produces “Insatiable” for Netflix. The company also produced the Emmy Award-winning reality series "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.”