Partnerships

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

across MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT and others

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

including Yo! MTV Raps

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

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

 Comedy Central

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

MTV

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

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

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

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

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

iHeartRadio, FlynnPictureCo., Psychopia Pictures and UpperRoom Productions break new ground to produce the original narrative sci-fi thriller podcast amid the pandemic, pushing the envelope in creative audio content production

NEW YORK – August 3, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, FlynnPictureCo., Psychopia Pictures and UpperRoom Productions today announced “There Be Monsters,” an original ten-part narrative sci-fi thriller podcast starring John Boyega (Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker, Detroit) and Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG award winner Darren Criss (American Crime Story: The Assassination Of Gianni Versace, Hollywood, Royalties). “There Be Monsters,” which is produced by Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo., Dan Bush of Psychopia Pictures and John Boyega of UpperRoom Productions, will be available later this year on the iHeartPodcast Network.

In this new scripted thriller, Boyega plays Jack Locke, the mysterious hero with a vendetta who infiltrates a Silicon Valley body-hacking startup run by an enigmatic CEO Max Fuller, played by Criss, whose highly secretive creations promise to enhance human biology in incredible ways - but every drug has a side effect.

iHeartRadio, FlynnPictureCo., Psychopia Pictures and UpperRoom Productions began developing “There Be Monsters” in November 2019 as part of an expanding slate of immersive “PodFiction” (PodFi) audio dramas. As the creative team was getting ready to fly to London, Atlanta and LA to record the actors in early 2020, the pandemic hit and they were shut down. Despite the challenges of executing a scripted fictional podcast thriller with a full cast of actors remotely, the creative team was eager to move forward and broke new ground in podcast production in June 2020. The podcast creators and the iHeart team created a completely remote technological process and each cast member was sent a “Studio in a Box,” which included important materials from a professional studio microphone to tutorial videos. These materials enabled the cast to record studio quality “scripted” audio from the safety of their own homes, while still performing together as they connected virtually via teleconference across multiple continents and time zones. The director, producers and actors would connect virtually daily for six hours to record – and over the course of two weeks the production captured over four hundred pages of material with twenty different actors.

“The process to develop this scripted show and the ability to capture the connection, emotions and overall dynamic between the cast members while recording remotely, from across the globe, was unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “It’s an unbelievable feat, and I’m so impressed with Beau Flynn, Psychopia Pictures and UpperRoom Productions for rising to the occasion to create such a spectacular podcast.”

John Boyega was the first to attach and is on-board as a producer via his UpperRoom Productions. “Getting to explore this format of storytelling whilst also adjusting to new methods of recording with the cast members made it an exciting process,” said Boyega. “I’m thrilled it all came together and hope audiences are just as drawn in as I was to this sci-fi thriller series.”

The PodFi also stars Marley Shelton (Rampage, “Rise”), Clark Gregg (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain Marvel) and Tony Award nominee Sahr Ngaujah (Fela!, Patti Cake$, Luke Cage).

The series was created and directed by Dan Bush (The Vault, The Signal), who co-wrote along with tyro-writer Nicholas Tecosky.

“’There Be Monsters’ is a psychological thriller that chronicles the rise of humankind 2.0, and the disruptions to society that come with it,” said Bush. “We chose to format this story as a scripted podcast because it is an immersive, storytelling playground, and I am beyond excited to partner with this powerhouse team and talent to bring this singular show to life.”

“From the start, our goal for “There Be Monsters,” our first PodFiction series, has always been to break down traditional storytelling barriers and create a completely unique and immersive narrative audio experience that takes listeners beyond conventional podcasting,” said Flynn. “When the pandemic hit this year and the world collectively turned to storytellers and artists to help get through this challenging time, we knew we had to find a way to keep production on track and deliver this story. We couldn’t have conceived of better partners than iHeartRadio, Dan Bush and our exemplary cast and crew to step into the unknown with. What we were able to achieve together despite endless challenges and limitations is truly the first of its kind, and we can’t wait to share this incredible story and unique experience with the world.”

FlynnPictureCo.’s Scott Sheldon and Shelby Thomas will also serve as producers.

FlynnPictureCo. is currently in post-production on Disney’s Jungle Cruise starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, releasing July 30, 2021. Fresh on the heels of the latest Star Wars trilogy, Boyega via his UpperRoom Productions recently inked a multiyear producing deal with Netflix with a specific focus on non-English language films from West and East Africa.

“There Be Monsters” production just wrapped and is now in post production. The PodFiction 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.

John Boyega is repped by Identity Agency Company and Sloane Offer, Weber & Dern.. CAA and Ricky Rollins of Hyphenate Creative Management rep Criss, and his attorney is Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman. iHeartMedia was assisted and represented by Oren Rosenbaum of UTA during the deal.

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. 

Uno Radio Stations Join iHeartRadio, Offering

Puerto Rico’s Leading Broadcast Programming and Content to Digital Listeners Everywhere 

NEW YORK and Puerto Rico (April 22, 2020) – Uno Radio Group, the broadcast leader in Puerto Rico for more than 30 years, and iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in America, today announced an exclusive partnership that will further extend the iHeartRadio brand into Puerto Rico.

Under the new agreement, Uno Radio Group’s listeners will have exclusive access to iHeartMedia’s leading content and programming including promotions and national contests for its nationally-recognized marquee events such as the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina in Miami and the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. In addition, iHeartMedia’s advertising partners will have the opportunity to partner with Uno Radio Group’s stations on programs and advertising.

The partnership is part of iHeartMedia’s longstanding commitment to its multicultural listeners and communities including Puerto Rico, which is a top 20 Nielsen market. Reaching 92 percent of the Hispanic population on a monthly basis through its English and Spanish language programming, iHeartMedia reaches more Hispanics in the U.S. than any other media company. iHeartMedia is also at the digital forefront in connecting with the Hispanic audience through iHeartRadio, reaching nearly 10 million Hispanic adults monthly, while Uno Radio Group is the largest radio group in Puerto Rico with 14 stations operating in four different formats around the island.

“We are thrilled to partner with Uno to further expand the iHeartRadio brand to listeners in Puerto Rico,” said Hartley Adkins, COO of iHeartMedia Markets Group. “Uno Radio Group owns the largest footprint of radio stations in Puerto Rico and this partnership will allow us to build further awareness of the iHeartRadio brand to millions of new listeners across Puerto Rico and offer even more diverse content on our platform.”

“iHeartMedia is the number one audio company in the United States and this partnership allows us to further connect with listeners and consumers on a massive, national scale,” said Luis A. Soto, President of Uno Radio Group. “We are excited to team up with iHeartRadio, giving our listeners access to iHeartRadio’s exclusive content, while partnering on programming, advertising and one-of-kind branded events.”

In addition, beginning today, the Uno Radio Group’s 14 AM and FM stations will join iHeartRadio, the all-in-one digital music, podcast and live streaming radio service, bringing Puerto Rico’s most beloved brands and personalities to hundreds of millions of new listeners through the iHeartRadio app. In addition to iHeartRadio’s current offerings including thousands of live and digital radio stations, hundreds of thousands of podcasts, music playlists, custom Artist Radio stations and on demand, listeners on the iHeartRadio app will now have access to Uno’s leading content and programming including the legendary entertainment-focused salsa station, Salsoul; the reputable news network, Noti Uno; Adult Contemporary station, Fidelity; and Top 40 station, Hot.

iHeartRadio is currently available across the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Canada and México. The all-in-one digital service has more than 135 million registered users, has been downloaded more than two billion times and is available on more than 250 devices spanning digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables and smartphones, on virtual assistants, smart speakers, TVs, gaming consoles and more. Listeners can download the app via Apple App Store or Google Play Store and listen online at iHeart.com.

 About Uno Radio Group

Uno Radio Group (URG) is the largest, locally O&O group of radio stations in Puerto Rico with a total of 14 stations in both the AM and FM bands, serving all demographics through its four formats of tropical, news talk, Spanish hot AC and an English Top 40 format, all of these offering live 24/7 programming with top local celebrities’ shows. URG also produces outdoor events and promotions, such as concerts and fairs.

Established in 1972, Uno Radio Group has been setting the pace as groundbreakers in the Puerto Rico market, holding top positions in local ratings and a steady presence within the industry’s main billing positions. In Puerto Rico, three out of ten listeners are tuning one of Uno Radio Group stations during the day. Besides being an industry leader, URG is also the largest radio employer on the island. With a strong digital and social media presence to complement each of their formats, this makes Uno Radio Group the largest radio group on the island.

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

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

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

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

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

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

iHeartMedia’s iHeartPodcast Network is home to more than 750 original podcasts that span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between – making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world. 

iHeartMedia has continued to invest heavily in podcasting producing an ongoing slate of new iHeartRadio Original shows like “The Ron Burgundy Podcast,” “Disgraceland,” “Chelsea Handler: Life will be the Death of Me,” “Noble Blood” and “Committed,” as well as fostering over a hundred shows from its on-air talent like the popular “Bobbycast” and “The Breakfast Club” radio show podcasts. These shows are distributed on all major podcast platforms, including the iHeartRadio app, which additionally distributes more than 280,000 shows.

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

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

About Universal Content Productions (UCP)

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

Partnership will provide brands with access to a new suite of audience cohorts developed from proprietary cultural intelligence 

Brooklyn, NY (February 26, 2020) — Translation Enterprises today announced a strategic partnership with iHeartMedia, the no.1 audio company in America, that will expand Translation’s suite of Brand-to-Culture solutions. This partnership will combine iHeartMedia’s SmartAudio Platform listener data with trend signals from Translation Enterprises’ artist services platform, UnitedMasters, creating the first solution that enables audience segmentation and targeting based on shared cultural affinities and experiences. iHeartMedia’s SmartAudio Platform will enable brands to leverage these new important culture-based audiences. 

According to a September 2019 ANA study, consumers who perceive ads as culturally relevant, compared to those who do not, are 2.7 times more likely to purchase the brand for the first time. The new partnership empowers brands to go beyond demography-based targeting by enabling audience planning and activation based on the way people drive and participate in culture - their networks, discourses, and affinities for trends. 

“Music is always at the bleeding edge of culture, influencing how we speak, dress, interact and live,” said Translation Enterprises President Damian Garbaccio. “If brands want to be relevant, they need to have access to and comprehend this cultural currency. We're incredibly excited to partner with iHeartMedia, making access to this information reality and allowing brands to reach their desired audience in a sophisticated way.”

This partnership presents a new opportunity for brands to extend their buys across iHeartMedia’s digital radio properties and its 850 broadcast stations via iHeartMedia’s SmartAudio Platform, providing access to iHeartMedia’s massive reach. 

“At iHeartMedia our mission is to connect fans, brands and content at the moments that matter most, at scale. This partnership provides another tool to connect brands with cultural insights and connections to drive growth through audio,” said Gayle Troberman EVP and CMO iHeartMedia. 

Today’s announcement with iHeartMedia represents the first major partnership to emerge under the newly unified Translation Enterprises business, which combines the award-winning creative firm Translation and the independent artist services company UnitedMasters. The unified business will see the creation of multiple products that leverage cultural insights, constantly evolving to help brands gain a deep understanding of cultural trends before they emerge and activate campaigns with stronger cultural relevance. 

About Translation Enterprises 
Translation is an award-winning brand development and marketing company built to help ambitious brands harness the power of culture to solve their biggest challenges. As a unique mix of experts in culture, technology, and storytelling, we are united by a passion to grow brands in ways that advertising alone can never do. Translation is behind some of the most iconic and culturally impactful executions of the past decade, including the Budweiser Made in America festival and HBO's influencer and experiential campaign for The Defiant Ones, one of the most-watched documentaries in the network’s history. To connect with us or learn more, visit www.translationllc.com. 

First Sports Betting Audio Rights Deal of its Kind will Deliver Unique BetCasts to Increase Fan Engagement During XFL Games 

Las Vegas, February 6, 2020 – As one professional football league winds down for the season, football fans across the country gear up to transition their attention to the premiere of the new XFL on Saturday, February, 8. As part of the launch of the XFL’s inaugural season, VSiN is announcing today a new partnership with the league and iHeartRadio to bring sports betting audio content directly to fans.

In this first-of-its-kind rights deal, the XFL, iHeartRadio and VSiN entered into a three-way partnership to create audio BetCasts for two games each week during the 2020 XFL 10-week regular season and two-week post-season. The BetCasts will feature VSiN sports betting experts covering XFL games live from VSiN’s studios in Las Vegas through a wagering lens. These unique digital audio broadcasts, available on the iHeartRadio app, will deliver real-time odds, as well as in-depth analysis of the events behind those changing lines to inform fans during the live action of the games. 

“Football is America’s favorite sport for wagering and we’re committed to providing football fans XFL content that aligns with their betting interests,” said Jeffrey Pollack, President and COO of the XFL. “A core part of our strategy is to embrace the spread, and with great partners like VSiN and iHeartRadio, we are uniquely positioned to do just that and provide fans with industry-leading wagering analysis that will strengthen their engagement with our games.”

“This is a unique and compelling audio experience for listeners,” said Darren Davis, President of iHeartRadio and the iHeartMedia Networks Group. “We are looking forward to partnering with XFL and VSiN to offer this exclusive sports betting content and programming to diehard sports fans across the country, right at their fingertips through iHeartRadio.”

“It’s great to see a league like the XFL embrace sports betting as a way to drive fan engagement and interest,” said Brian Musburger, Founder and CEO of VSiN. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the forward-thinking executives at both the XFL and iHeart to deliver the most credible and actionable sports betting content to football fans around the country on the number one audio platform.”

For more information about the XFL, visit XFL.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

About VSiN

VSiN (Vegas Stats & Information Network) is the first sports media company dedicated to providing news, analysis and proprietary data to the millions of Americans who bet on sports and make gambling a multibillion-dollar industry.

Fueled by award-winning broadcasters and legendary oddsmakers, VSiN informs and entertains these consumers whenever and wherever they want. Fans can access VSiN content through a dedicated SiriusXM Radio channel (204), fuboTV, Sling TV, Cox, NESN, MSG networks, TuneIn, VSiN.com, mobile and social.

VSiN’s newsroom studio is located in the sports book at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas.

The Auto Leasing App That Redefined The Leasing Experience Expands into New Markets and Rolls Out Its First Major Multiplatform Marketing Campaign With The Nation’s Leading Audio Company

New York, NY – December 17, 2019 – Rodo (Rodo.com) the only App that empowers consumers to lease a car in minutes announced today a multi-platform marketing partnership with iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in America. The new marketing campaign will empower Rodo to present its value proposition to more than 90 percent of the US market and kicks off today in 10 states on 48 iHeartRadio stations and 700 podcasts across the country. Rodo will also expand its innovative auto leasing product into three new major markets including Chicago, Columbus, and Atlanta.

“iHeartMedia has a unique understanding of their on-the-go audience especially with relation to automotive sales and branding. We believe that iHeartRadio listeners will enjoy shopping for and leasing their next vehicle in minutes rather than spending days going from dealership to dealership,” said Nathan Hecht, CEO and Founder of Rodo. “We recently introduced auto insurance to the marketplace and we are now excited to announce our first major audio marketing campaign which will help us build further awareness of our product and services as we launch into new markets.” Rodo auto insurance is a significant product expansion to bring the entire new vehicle transaction online. Consumers can choose from three leading insurance carriers and get real time quotes for the vehicle they are leasing and bind a policy at the point of sale in the app. 

“We recently commissioned an intensive automotive industry study that uncovered several best practices in how to plan an effective automotive radio campaign and we are excited to leverage these new findings in this marketing partnership with Rodo, introducing our listeners to this innovative and convenient new way to lease a car online,” said Peter Volynsky, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Ventures for iHeartMedia. 

How Rodo Works

Rodo lets a perspective leasee view vehicles bydisplaying live inventory from local dealers with actual monthly lease payments. With its proprietary technology Rodo shows the best price available and automaticallyapplies all available rebates, incentives, taxes, and discounts. The app lets the user filter through inventoryby make, model, monthly payment, or by specific vehicle features and the orderingexperience is quick, easy, and secure with free home delivery. Additionally, in an industry-first, Rodo now makes it incredibly easy to shop for auto insurance from major carriers at the point of purchase all online. 

About Rodo

Rodo is the fastest and easiest way to lease a new car without ever stepping foot in a dealership. Leveraging proprietary technology and the inventory from thousands of dealer partnerships nationwide, in real-time, Rodo puts hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the hands of consumers.  Rodo offers a simple, mobile-first, three-step leasing process and free delivery. Founded in 2016 as Honcker by CEO Nathan Hecht along with co-founders Amir Lahav and Zorah Anapolsky, Rodo is backed by IAC, Evolution VC Partners and Lead Edge Capital. Rodo is based in New York City with operations in every major U.S. market. For more information, please visit Rodo.com.

Fast-growing mobile-banking service kicks off national media campaign

in cities across the country.

Mobile banking company Varo Money, Inc. today announced a multimillion dollar marketing partnership with iHeartMedia, the number one audio company in America. Under the agreement, Varo will launch an extensive three-year campaign across iHeartMedia’s multi-platform audio network, including its broadcast radio, digital, podcast, social, and live events platforms. The deal helps build further awareness of Varo as one of the most-loved challenger banking companies in the United States and will kick off with a seven-week campaign that spans the largest radio metros in the country, including radio talent out of Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York.

Varo, whose mission is to help every person feel better about their money and improve their financial health, has nearly one million bank account customers and has seen double-digit growth since the launch of its No Fee Overdraft initiative in August 2019. The first service of its kind, Varo customers can overdraft their bank account balance up to $50 with no fee and no interest when they meet certain eligibility requirements,* offering greater flexibility for paying bills in between paychecks. Incumbent financial institutions charged $34.5 billion in overdraft fees in 2018, and the vast majority of overdraft fee revenue came from customers who could least afford it.

“Building community through our customers who live in great American cities and towns—and who connect to the trusted local radio personalities they hear every day—is central to our mission to not just improve financial standing but also empower communities that may feel underserved and overcharged by the existing traditional banking system,” said Colin Walsh, CEO and co-founder of Varo Money.  “We are thrilled to work with iHeartMedia and use their unparalleled range of audio platforms to increase our local presence in cities that have the ‘Varo love.’ Varo’s trusted banking services are flexible enough to meet the diverse needs in every city, from helping transportation workers get paid early** with direct deposit to supporting teachers to save for a rainy day with automated saving tools.”

The multi-year deal with iHeartMedia, which has more than 850 radio stations and reaches a quarter of a billion consumers every month through its broadcast radio assets alone, adds momentum to Varo’s hyper-growth around the country.

“iHeartMedia reaches more than 91 percent of Americans monthly, and Varo’s important mission of financial inclusion and education is a natural fit for our audiences nationwide,” said Peter Volynsky, iHeartMedia’s Executive Vice President of Corporate Development & Ventures. “We are delighted to work with Varo to bring valuable lifetime banking services to tens of millions of Americans.”

Varo customers can save up to hundreds of dollars in bank and overdraft fees. Customers are also eligible to get paid two days faster** with direct deposit through the bank account’s Early Direct Deposit feature. They can also set up auto-savings features to build savings and earn up to 2.80% Annual Percentage Yield*** with no minimum balance requirement with a Varo Savings Account.

Varo is the first fintech company to receive preliminary approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to open as the first mobile-first national bank.

Varo bank account services are provided by The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC.

About Varo Money

Varo Money, Inc. (“Varo”) is on a mission to help people make progress with their financial lives. In one mobile app, Varo offers customers no-cost† premium bank accounts, high-interest savings accounts, and tech-first features to help people save and manage their money more easily. Bank account services are provided by The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC. As a fintech leader, Varo has been granted preliminary approval for a de novo national bank charter by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and is working to become the first mobile-centric national bank in U.S. history. Varo Personal Loans are offered by Varo Money, Inc., under state licenses, subject to application approval. For more information, visit www.nofeeoverdraft.com or www.varomoney.com, like Varo on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter@varomoney.

*To be eligible for No Fee Overdraft, customers must make at least 5 qualifying debit card purchases each calendar month; receive payroll or government direct deposits of at least $1,000 each calendar month into their Varo Bank Account or Savings Account; and opt-in to the program via the app on their mobile device.

**Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct Deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to payer's support of the feature and timing of payer's funding.

***To earn 2.80% APY, the Savings Account balance must be $50,000 or less and the customer must meet both of the following requirements.  If the Savings Account balance is above $50,000, or both of the following conditions are not met, the APY will be 2.02% on the entire Savings Account balance:

1. Receive payroll or government direct deposits totaling at least $1,000 each month into the Varo Bank Account
2. Use the Varo debit card to authorize at least 5 purchases each month (excluding ATM or Over-the-Counter Cash Withdrawals and P2P transfers)

New customers seeking to qualify for 2.80% APY will first need to set up direct deposit and receive their debit card in the mail and activate it.  Until the qualifying direct deposit(s) are posted and debit card purchase transactions made, they will earn 2.02% APY.

The APYs are accurate as of November 1, 2019; rates are variable and may change. There is no minimum balance required to open the account. Balance in Savings Account must be at least $0.01 to earn interest.

†Varo charges no fees for banking services. While Varo does not charge fees for ATM withdrawals, some third-party ATM operators may charge a fee. To avoid ATM fees altogether, customers can use an Allpoint^® Network ATM. There are more than 55,000 Allpoint locations worldwide.